Aquapalooza at Hart-Miller Island?

[EricW]

Anyone going to this? Has anyone been to the event before? Its on July 10, 10am-4pm. I'm thinking about going. This will be my first one ---- I was always out of town during past events.

I've been going to Hart-Miller regularly for the past 12 years for swimming day trips, but I wonder what its like for Aquapalooza. Is it kid-friendly for a 7 year old? How early do you have to get there? Do they organize large raft-ups? If you get there early, are you stuck there until most of the boats leave?

 

[Mfortune]

We didn't go last year, but after looking at some of our friends pics and hearing other reports, I would say that it is not kid friendly and there is a good chance something of yours may get damaged b/c everyone gets packed in so tight. I'm sure that you don't have to get right in the middle, but we are planing on doing big circles around Hart-Miller that weekend. Just remember...that is just my take after seeing pics and hearing stories which can be like that old telephone game where the message is backwards by the time it comes full circle.....

 

[Alegria]

Hopefully some of the folks that stayed last year will chime in. Hack4Alivin can fill you in on what went on. We went last year for about an hour. We had a slip at Rock Hall and another couple on board with us, but I wanted to stop by as it was my first one.

All I can say is. Yes it is tight. If you raft up in the heart of it you are there until it's over, there is no way you will get out under power, someone might be able to walk you out.. But I doubt it. Last year it was a bit un-organized as far as the rafting goes and some of the raft-ups were broken up. It was not like the clean neat raft ups you see for the main poolza event on the sea ray site.

Overall MarineMax did an honorable job with the crowd. It is tough to lasso in the large large number of folks that were there. I heard that there was some out of hand folks arranged right around the barge where they had the band. Not suitable for a 7 year old that is for sure! Well at least not our 6-8 year olds. We left before that all happened. Also heard of some minor damage to folks boats bumping into each other, it was a very windy day that day if I remember right which is just the right mix for something to happen... We anchored outside the main pack on the south side of the island and I walked back. It is shallow all around there so there is no need to be in the thick of it at all.

We registered but I am reluctant of going this year. That weekend will be our third straight on the boat and well the wife may not be feelin it!! If I do by some chance I will not be rafting up with the groups but will be on the southern side hopefully. If you go look for us and feel free to raft up. We have a 6, 8, and 15 year old. You can always walk over to the beach for the free stuff...

Take Care!!

 

[EricW]

Thanks for the info. We often anchor on the south wooded end too, because its less crowded. I'll probably do the same thing for Aquapalooza. Like you mentioned, I can always walk up to the main beach area.

 

[madgrit]

Anyone know if this thing has been postponed or not? 50 to 60% chance of rain.

 

[Alegria]

If you registered for the event you should get an email from MM if it is canceled or postponed.. When that would come I don't know... I am on call tommorow so I will not be going... Will be down on the bay on Sunday hopefully, Sunday looks great!

 

[skibum]

Aquapalooza will be in the red area. If you want to take a ride by there and then anchor somewhere away from the crowd in a more family friendly area, I'd recommend the area near Drum Point. It has a nice, sandy bottom, a decent beach area, and some wooded areas for hanging out in the shade. I outlined the general area in green.

 

[madgrit]

Thanks for the info. Looks like this thing is a go. I have decided to just go out tomorrow. Do not want to risk getting caught in a thunder boomer with the family. Bummer the weather is not better. Although we do need the rain. For those of you going I hope everyone has a great time! Maybe it will be nice for the one on the Chester river on the 31 of July.

 

[Alegria]

I never saw email on a postpone so I guess it's one right now. Actually this weather might be more of a blessing... Less crowds. And if you have camper canvas it's no problem!!!

Well like you I am headed out tommorrow, Sunday looks outstanding on the bay!!!

Post up if you went and let us know how it was...

 

[skibum]

Did anyone make it? I spent the whole day at the dock just hanging out and cleaning up the cabin after having kids on board for the past 3 weeks. One of the kids (15) from the marina took a small Carolina Skiff over there and said that it was happening. He looked a little red faced. Apparently, there were tatas akimbo...

Either way, I just didn't go. Sunday was a kick butt day out there, though!