Waterman’s Rodeo - Hoopers Island Boat Docking Contest

Don't miss this chance to see boat captains show off their skills and battle for prizes by maneuvering their boats in reverse at breakneck speeds in very tight quarters to get their boats docked.

At the Hoopers Island Volunteer Fire Company, 2756 Hoopers Island Rd., Fishing Creek, MD. 

Gate opens at 11am.  Plenty of tent-covered bleachers for viewing. Food available – hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and more. Budweiser Beer wagon and a crush table. 

Boat docking competitions have drawn thousands of spectators to Eastern Shore communities and marinas for nearly 50 years. The timed contests are the ultimate challenge for Chesapeake workboat and charter captains. Beginning from a standstill, the helmsmen rev their engines in reverse and back into slips at high speeds. As the boats quickly come to a full stop, mates must lasso four poles with dock lines.