About Us

Penguin Paddling was started with about a dozen boats and a kayak trailer in 2013 by a career firefighter/paramedic. The first question people always have for us is “What do Penguins have to do with kayaking?”. The founder of Penguin Paddling, Danny, is a short stout guy who loves the water and has been called “The Penguin” ever since Danny Devito was the Penguin in “Bat Man”. Thus, Penguin Paddling found its name. 

Danny quit drinking in January of 2013 and needed something positive to focus his energy on to keep from going back to that way of life. He reasoned that the happiest part of his life to that point was when he spent 70-80 days per year in a kayak, he liked to work, and so he should turn paddling into “work” as a way to get himself right and focus his energy on the goal of spreading the joy of kayaking to our customers. Before even becoming profitable, Penguin Paddling was a resounding success. Through AA, Penguin Paddling, and ton of excellent people, Danny was able to kick the sauce and not go back to a way of life that was emotionally exhausting.

Penguin Paddling was started in March 2013 with a Subaru, kayak trailer, and some kayaks. Initially, we did tours of the Occoquan River and Washington, D.C. We started our first kayak/paddleboard rental operation in Woodbridge, Virginia in 2014. In 2015 we opened the location we are currently operating out of in Historic Occoquan. We are open from the weekend closest to April 15 every year through the end of September.

At Penguin Paddling, our focus is on providing great service, smiles, and facilitating the making of good memories. While a business does have to make economical sense in order to continue functioning, our business is underpinned by an overarching desire to share the joys of paddling with others. We strive to be a good member of the community. We happily assist with river clean-ups, outings for disadvantaged youths, and veterans’ events. Life is about much more than money and we love to help out when we can through our actions and equipment.

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