All About the Water

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The story below is from our May/June 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you! 

The opportunities for adventure at Smith Mountain Lake are all but endless.

“There is nothing better than getting on the water, filling sails, and quietly sailing down the Roanoke arm of Smith Mountain Lake to the confluence of the Roanoke and Blackwater, seeing the seasons change on Smith Mountain and around the lake. Viewing the mountain through all seasons and turning around and seeing the Peaks of Otter in the distance is wonderful. Spotting great blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, and even loons that often call adds to the pleasure. Nature through the seasons is a special treat at the lake.” –Bob Pohlad, sailor

Since its creation in March of 1966 in order to generate electricity, Smith Mountain Lake has taken on its modern image as a recreation Mecca. The water in the lake draws thousands of boaters, swimmers, skiers, kayakers, luxury cruisers, sailors and those seeking to land a giant striped bass each summer.

Those who live on the banks of what is simply known in the region as The Lake, indulge in its waters in one way or another daily, whether it’s a sunset or sunrise, coffee on the deck, a multitude of festivals in all seasons, boating, swimming and a tight-knit community that loves water-based activities.

Former nurse and popular local musician Sherry Butler Payne and her musician husband Jim Canody, who live on the lake, enjoy “fishing, the view and many restaurants available lakefront. We like to anchor at one of the many out-of-the-way beaches and play or camp. Everyone enjoys being pulled behind the boat from my four-year-old grandson to my 80-year-old sister.”

Among the activities growing almost exponentially in popularity is sailing. There are several sailing clubs and one of their regular activities is racing. For example, the Virginia Inland Sailing Association is located on 32 acres next to Bernard’s Landing.  It is a self-help club run by nearly 160 families.

Says David Chapin of the Blackwater Racing Association, “We believe sailing and racing are more than just sports — they’re a way to build community. Our sailors range from novices to national champions. Many of us learned to sail when we were young, and we welcome the chance to reconnect with the sport and compete amongst friends. We have multiple race days during the spring and fall racing seasons, and each includes some social activities.

“We believe in supporting each other, whether we’re out on the water or socializing on land. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about sailing, racing or is just curious about getting out on the water. Our experienced members are here to help less experienced sailors build confidence on the water while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. For those who already have sailing experience, there’s no better way to sharpen your skills than racing with friends.

Dawn Pierce says, “Virginia Inland Sailing Association’s (VISA) mission is to further the sport of sailing. We have several camps during the year for anyone who wants to experience sailing and decide if it is a sport you would want to incorporate in your daily life. This sport can be a gamechanger for many.”

Bob Boone says of The Blackwater Yacht Racing Association, “It is an active sailing club with spring and fall racing for keel boats from 20 feet and up.”

Pohlad, a retired Ferrum College professor, says, “The beauty of the area, the size of the lake and the quality of the water year-round make it a special place. Our group at Ferrum [where he taught for 41 years] has been doing water quality monitoring at the lake for 38 years. The water quality at the lake is great. Swimming and watersports should be enjoyed.

“The only caution would be when there is the sign of green in the water, which only occurs at isolated times during the summer in some coves and often not at all. Last year we didn’t have any instances, just like most years. In 2023 there were a number of blooms (high blue-green algae) that should be avoided.

“There is a group through the Smith Mountain Lake Association and Ferrum College that monitors regularly from May to August when those issues occur, if at all. I never hesitate to enjoy the water, the winds and the views of the mountains that make for an excellent day to sail or any water sport and try to get out on the lake most weeks in my boat or a friends from VISA. I am out there every Tuesday during the summer also sampling the water and analyzing at the lab at Ferrum College.” 

Sailing with its visual appeal is probably the sexiest of the lake’s offerings, but there is plenty of water fun available if sailing isn’t your sport.

You can even cruise on the riverboat Virginia Dare with no responsibility other than to enjoy the view and the hum of the engine, all with refreshments. It is a relative bargain at $25 for two hours.

You can make that cruise more personal with a smaller rental houseboat. Says entrepreneur Lucy Buckner Tkachenko of Roanoke, “My brother in law, Ron Oliver, along with his brother David built houseboats at Parrot Cove. When I moved to Roanoke, I lived at Ron’s house for six months while I renovated my cabin. If no one rented all the boats by Friday afternoon, we’d get to go. Our bags were packed and ready. 

“There have been many happy times at Smith Mountain Lake with family, grilling out, jumping off the top deck, canoeing, playing games, making memories. If David’s family came along, we’d have two houseboats and we’d anchor in the same cove and were able to go from one houseboat to another.

“My brother-in-law named the boats after women in our family. Summer before last, I drove to SML just to see the boats all together. My brother-in-law has been gone over 20 years, but the last boat Ron built he named after my first grandchild Ella. Imagine my surprise when I saw my granddaughter Ella Grace’s namesake parked right next to mine.”

The individual water opportunities have universal appeal, and the group gatherings help form a tight-knit community. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is the center for public swimming. The park is 1,240 acres, the second largest park of its kind in Virginia and it is open from 8:15 a.m. until dusk. Water activities include swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Picnicking is encouraged and there is a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.

The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford County, approximately 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke.

The Lake is home to a number of festivals, many sponsored by the SML Chamber of Commerce. Among the most appealing is Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days, July 19-20. Events take place at participating businesses around the lake, and most are free or low cost. The Pirate’s Ball opens the events on Friday at Mango’s with live music and a costume contest. Pancakes with Pirates, a kid-friendly breakfast hosted by the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce, is Saturday. There are also pirate-themed cruises on the Virginia Dare (complete with water battles) throughout the weekend.

Others include: 

  • The East Coast Water Festival (Sept. 28-29)
  • Lake Cleanup (TBA)
  • 4th of July Fireworks, including Parkway and Mitchell Point shows
  • Downtown Moneta Festival (TBA)
  • Pirate Days (July 18-20)
  • Antique and Classic Boat Show (Sept. 13)
  • Lighted Boat Parade (TBA)
  • Portside BBQ Battle at Virginia Dare Marina (April 26)
  • SML Triathlon (May 3)
  • Tom Maynard Memorial Poker Run (May 17)
  • Labor Day Weekend Concert and Fireworks (TBA)
  • SML Lighted Boat Parade (Nov. 1)
  • SML Open Water Festival (TBA)

The opportunities for family recreation at The Lake abound. All you have to do is show up.

We believe in supporting each other, whether we’re out on the water or socializing on land. We welcome anyone interested in learning more about sailing, racing or is just curious about getting out on the water.

—David Chapin

The story above is from our May/June 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!