Anyone looking to paddle through Delaware’s scenic waterways, earn prizes and discover new places to explore can check out two new programs coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Delaware State Parks. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Parks and Recreation has launched Paddle Quest, a statewide paddling challenge, along with new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Paddle Quest encourages participants to explore Delaware State Parks by kayak, canoe or paddleboard while promoting safe boating practices. Participants must submit a picture of themselves wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device at a qualifying boat launch or boat rental area and visit a minimum of two locations to qualify for prizes. All entries must be submitted to Paddle Quest by Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Among the qualifying locations are:

• Delaware Seashore State Park at Savages Ditch or Burton Island kayak launch to discover the Inland Bays

• Killens Pond State Park Boat Rental and boat ramp to paddle in a freshwater millpond

• Lums Pond State Park Boat Rental and boat ramp in Bear to tour the largest freshwater pond in the state

• Trap Pond State Park Boat Rental and boat ramp to explore unique environments in a bald cypress swamp.

This summer, there are also new ways to rent kayaks at some beach-area state parks:

• At Tower Road Bayside and Town Road along the Assawoman Recreation Area – both in Delaware Seashore State Park – self-service kayak rentals are available for use on the Inland Bays through the Whenever Watersports app. Visitors can access boats, paddles and personal floatation devices with Whenever Watersports, with an onsite kiosk available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during the summer season.

• On the bayside of Fenwick Island State Park, a new rental business, Kayak Kiosk, is providing kayak and paddleboard rentals with personal flotation devices. Visit tinyurl.com/4yee3y5m to learn more.

“As we celebrate 75 years, it is a great time to get out on the water this summer, whether to swim at the beach or at the recently expanded Killens Pond Waterpark, or paddle your way across bays and inland ponds,” said Matt Ritter, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation director. “There is so much to do in Delaware State Parks, whether you like to fish, camp, boat, hike, view wildlife, enjoy playgrounds, play sports or dine outdoors. We welcome you to enjoy all we have to offer.”

For more information on things to do in Delaware State Parks and upcoming events, visit destateparks.com.