Q&A with creator of Wandering Waters program – Sammy Zambon
After years of preparation, Wandering Waters (Paddle Quest) finally launches during the 2023 paddling season! The creator behind this program, Visitor Experience Specialist Sammy Zambon, has been passionately working behind the scenes to make this program possible.
Let’s get to know Sammy and find out more about this new program with a Q&A. See the questions in bold and his answers below.
Meet Sammy Zambon, creator of Wandering Waters
How long have you been paddling for? And specifically, how long have you been guiding/working for Virginia State Parks?
I’ve been paddling canoes recreationally for 40 years. I’ve been a canoe and kayak guide and instructor with state parks for more than 20 years. It’s an experience I love to share.
Taken by Sammy Zambon while he was leading the group Black Girls Adventure on a kayak tour.
What is the Wandering Waters program? And what was your inspiration for creating it?
Wandering Waters is our water-based counterpart to the Trail Quest program. Visitors can explore 31 Virginia State Parks through a mixture of ranger guided programs and self-led exploration either with park rental equipment or personal gear. As they experience more paddling adventures, they can log those trips and earn prizes. Wandering Waters was inspired by our Trail Quest program and my love of paddling.
What are your personal top three favorite Virginia State Parks to paddle at and why?
I still have a few parks to explore by water, but for now my top three are:
🛶 Caledon State Park: I’ve experienced so many beautiful sunsets while paddling here. Hardly a trip goes by without seeing an eagle and rarely in the fall I’ve seen bioluminescent jellyfish on moonlit trips.
Kayakers take a break during a moonlit kayak trip at Caledon State Park.
🛶 Kiptopeke State Park: I’ve only paddled here a few times, but each has been memorable. The concrete ships that form the breakwater provide nesting areas for birds including pelicans and are an excellent area to fish from a kayak. The sunset are gorgeous.
View from a boat at Kiptopeke State Park, looking at a concrete ship in the water.
🛶 New River Trail State Park: I have paddled a couple of stretches of river here. The ledges and rocks make it more of a technical river, but the scenery is well worth it. Make sure you know how to read a river before going.
Taken by Sammy Zambon while paddling on the New River, from New River Trail State Park.
What do you love about being on the water?
Harmony. There is a connection between water, boat, paddle, and paddler that is very soothing. I can move a boat far more gracefully than I can walk about on a trail.
Taken by Sammy Zambon while paddling at Bear Creek Lake State Park.
What are the benefits for a visitor of going on a ranger led guided paddling tour versus going paddling on their own?
Experience. Our rangers have knowledge and experience to share, creating an experience you can’t get on your own. Having a ranger guide a group also provides a level of comfort for a new paddler.
A group of park staff (including Sammy Zambon on the far left) at Hungry Mother State Park during a training.
What tips do you have for new paddlers?
- Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD or life jacket).
- Be prepared to get wet, even the best paddler goes for an unintended swim occasionally.
- Ask a ranger about what to expect before you launch.
- Have fun! Every paddle trip is a new experience, soak it all in.
What do you hope people get out of participating in Wandering Waters?
My hope is for people to see our parks from a new perspective. Things look and feel different from the water. Most of all I hope they discover yet another way to enjoy exploring our fabulous state parks.
Taken by Sammy Zambon while paddling through a tunnel at James River State Park.
We hope to see you paddling on the water at a Virginia State Park soon!
Please refer to the Wandering Waters webpage for directions on how to join our Paddle Quest and to see what rewards you can earn along the way.
