Watermen's Way Boots "The Stingray Pair"

In a poignant homage to the watermen and women of Middlesex County, this final pair of boots stands untouched in its original white—the traditional color of the boots worn daily by those who work the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Stripped of embellishment, these boots serve as a powerful symbol of the hard work, dedication, and resilience inherent to the watermen’s lifestyle. This unadorned pair reflects the purity of their commitment and the pride of their community, offering a silent yet profound tribute to the men and women who are the backbone of the local seafood industry. It’s a reminder that sometimes simplicity speaks loudest, honoring every oyster, crab, and fish brought to shore through their labor.

About Watermen’s Way

Watermen’s Way is a public art project honoring the Watermen and Waterwomen of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Sponsored by Virginia’s River Realm in conjunction with Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, this project benefits the Virginia Watermen’s Association, Steamboat Era Museum, and the RAL Art Center.

These oversized, fiberglass boots are iconic items for the men and women who make their living on the water. Used by the seafood industry across the world, here in the Chesapeake Bay, they have nicknames like “Guinea Slippers,” “Tangier Tennis Shoes,” “Red Balls,” or “Bubba Boots.” Each sculpture is personalized by a local artist, drawing from themes that reflect the lives of the people who work the water, harvesting crabs, oysters, and fish from the Bay, rivers, and creeks.

Explore

Nearby Places

Amazing Views of the Chesapeake Bay

Deltaville

Miss Diane Fishing Charters

Deltaville

Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club

Deltaville

Restin’ Easy Fishing Charters

Deltaville

Progressive Healing Massage

Deltaville

Safe Harbor Marinas at Stingray Point

Deltaville

J&W Seafood

Deltaville

WC Sport Fishing Charters

Deltaville

Holly Point Nature Park

Deltaville

Philippi Christian Church

Deltaville

Lower United Methodist Church

Deltaville

Cafe By the Bay

Deltaville

Jackson Creek Outfitters

Deltaville

Deltaville Dockside Inn

Deltaville

Deltaville Boatyard

Deltaville

Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park

Deltaville

Deltaville LOVE Sign

Deltaville

Deltaville Marina

Deltaville

Watermen’s Way Boots “In the Wake”

Deltaville

West Marine

Deltaville

Return to the Main Directory