A retired Chocowinity man has an offer for local kayakers: launch from his property on Bay Lake Drive off of Whichards Beach Road for free.

Warren Whichard, who currently allows the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation Youth Kayaking Program to use his property, now invites the community to do the same. All he asks for in return is a smile and a wave.

His property has access to Crawford Creek, Taylor Creek, Chocowinity Creek, Sidney Creek and Chocowinity Bay.

“I just got through developing my kayak park or my community park, and I just want to get the word out kayakers are welcome,” Whichard said. “It’s private land and anybody who owns a kayak is welcome to use it at no charge.”

His launch is on Taylor Creek, and from there kayaks can maneuver their way around Chocowinity Bay or one of the many other creeks in the area.

“I did this last year when I met with the Greenville Outing Club and they have a good reputation,” Whichard said. “They came over and used it, but I just enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves on the water.”

Whichard, whose home is located on the property, likes to sit in his recliner and watch people on the water. He also gets enjoyment from watching the kids participating in PTRF Youth Kayaking Program learn how to kayak.

“PTRF turns them loose and they go around and around and around in a circle until they get a little organized and then they go out onto Chocowinity Bay,” Whichard said.

Whichard said he doesn’t want to open his land up for swimmers or anglers, just to kayakers in the community. Because he owns the land, he said he wants to control what happens at his launch.

If his idea becomes too popular, Whichard said he may begin registering the boats that come on to his property.

“I have two boat ramps and that is for the community,” Whichard said. “It’s free to kayakers.”