The Somerset County Park Commission offers a variety of canoeing and kayaking opportunities to stimulate awareness and understanding of the environment, build an appreciation of New Jersey waterways, and promote interest in canoeing and kayaking. Trips will run unless dangerous or threatening weather occurs. All canoeing and kayaking programs are designed for adults and families. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, at their own risk; however, there is no reduction in price. Attendance at introductory programs is required prior to participating in canoe or kayak trips. A person may register for his/her own household only.

CAN-U-CANNU??
After a “splashing” time at this introductory canoe class, you will learn the basic paddling techniques, safety aspects of canoeing, and handling of a canoe in and out of the water. We require attendance at this class prior to participation in our river trips. These programs offer an opportunity for adults and children, ages seven and older, to learn to canoe. An adult must accompany children under the age of 15. Each canoe can accommodate two paddlers and a child passenger. Classes will take place on Branta Pond at the Environmental Education Center.
$10 per adult/$8 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50350

KAN-U-KAYAK??
This introductory kayaking class will teach you the basic paddling techniques, safety aspects of kayaking, and handling a kayak in and out of the water. Programs are designed for adults and children ten and older. An adult must accompany children under the age of 15. You must attend this class and a pool training class prior to participating in a river trip. Classes will take place on Branta Pond at the Environmental Education Center.
$18 per adult/$15 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50448

Kayak Pool Training Session
During this required session, you will learn how to successfully wet exit your kayak. You will also practice getting in and out of the kayak from the pool deck, as well as the water. Please wear a bathing suit, bring a towel, and be prepared to get completely wet. All equipment will be provided.
Price included with Kan-U-Kayak Program
Course Code: 59002
EEC-Lord Stirling School Pool

Games on the Pond
Improve your paddling skills by playing games on the water. Captain-Captain, tag, and tail pull will be some of the games. This will be a fun session to get on the pond and have a little competition. These games are for all ages to help you prepare for the paddling season. You will be amazed at how much better you will paddle after these two hours! Prepare to possibly get wet.
$18 per adult/$15 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51489

Canoe and Kayak Trips

All trips will be for both canoes and kayaks together (Canyak) or just kayak or canoes. Our trips are intended for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Prior participation in one of our CAN-U-CANNU or KAN-U-KAYAK classes is required. Boats, equipment, transportation, and leadership are provided. A review of basic canoeing and/or kayaking techniques starts each trip, then onto the water for an exciting educational experience. All return times are approximate. Duration and degree of difficulty listed in ascending order. Due to possible low water conditions, there may be changes in destinations or cancellations.

Kids on the Water
(Ages 7-15 with parent)
Become pirates and explore the Passaic River. We will launch out of Fisherman’s Parking Lot and venture upstream. Along the way we will look for animals that depend on the Passaic in order to survive. So get your parents on board to help you paddle and so they do not miss out on the fun.
$10 per person
Course Code: 51490

Early Birds’ Paddle
Rise and shine! Start your day with a quiet paddle on the Passaic. Bring your binoculars to look for some birds. Beaver, muskrats, and other mammals might be washing their faces before starting their day. See swamp sights before the summer day gets busy. This two-hour paddle will help you get centered and start your day!
$18 per adult/$15 per youth/senior
Course Code: 51491

Passaic Paddle
The Passaic River winds through the Great Swamp basin, flowing through floodplain forest, and many unique wetland habitats. We will paddle this gentle river, home to turtles, herons, frogs, and fish. Please bring a snack and water. All classes will meet at the Environmental Education Center.
$23 per adult/$20 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50756

Delaware & Raritan Canal Paddle
Quiet, peaceful, and still, the Delaware & Raritan Canal is an ideal place for an evening paddle. Cruising along as the sun sets, we will enjoy the sights and sounds that the waterway has to offer. Please bring a bag dinner and money for ice cream.
$45 per adult/$35 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50757

Millstone Meander
“Matawong”, the Native American name for the Millstone River, means “hard to travel”, however, this broad stream is anything but, with a valley so flat that the river has actually changed its direction since the ice age. Our trip will offer us the chance to glimpse herons, red-tailed hawks, and more – never more than a stone’s throw from the Delaware & Raritan Canal. Please bring a bag lunch and money for an ice cream stop!
$50 per adult /$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50753

Raritan River Ramble
“This is the handsomest and pleasantest country that man can behold,” so wrote Cornelius Van Tienhoven in 1650, and this is still true today. Our trip on the South Branch will take us through floodplain forest, wet meadows, and historic farm and mill remains. Please bring a bag lunch and money for an ice cream stop!
$50 per adult/$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50762

Trenton Marsh Meander
Barely one mile away from our state capital’s golden dome sits a beaver lodge in the quiet wetlands of the Trenton-Hamilton Marsh. This large expanse of woodlands, tidal marsh, and streams has a rich history of human habitation. We will paddle into the marsh with the incoming tide, take a walk at Roebling Park, and catch the outgoing tide back to Bordentown Beach. Afterward we will stop for dinner. Bring a bag lunch and money for dinner. Return time is approximate.
$50 per adult/$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50769

All Day on a River
Join us for an “all day on the river” trip where the paddling location becomes the Naturalists’ best-kept secret! Due to possible low water conditions, the Naturalists will choose a river with an appropriate water level. We will try to make these rivers new additions to our paddling repertoire! Please bring a bag lunch, water, and money for ice cream.
$50 per adult/$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50763

Pine Barrens Paddle
Pine Barrens streams offer some of the best canoeing and kayaking in the state. Enjoy paddling pristine, tea-colored streams through old cranberry bogs, rich wetland meadows, and pitch pine forest. The river will be determined by water level, but may include the Cedar Creek or Batsto River. Please bring a bag lunch and money for an ice cream stop.
$50 per adult/$40 per youth/senior
Course Code: 50765

Sedge Island Getaway Weekend
(Family and Friends with children 12 years and older)
Take a weekend trip to Barnegat’s undiscovered Sedge Island off Island Beach State Park. Enjoy safe bayshore kayaking, seining to capture marsh creatures, and birding for shorebirds, osprey, and herons from the observation deck of the Sedge House. Relax by reading, snorkeling or fishing during your secluded island getaway! We will stay overnight in a lodge with twin bunkroom accommodations. A yummy seafood sampler and spaghetti dinner are included! All equipment, transportation, interpretation, and meals are included.
$275 per person
Course Code: 50704

Whitewater Challenge
(Adults only)
This summer we are offering a special trip to qualified kayak paddlers. We are heading to the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts for two days of camping and beginner whitewater kayaking. This beautiful and exciting Class II river is located near the town of Charlemont. In order to join this trip, you must successfully complete our basic whitewater paddling requirements in a solo kayak. The trip includes campsite costs, transportation, leadership, and most kayaking equipment. Participants are responsible for their own tent and camping gear, kayaking helmet, and food.
$225 per person
Course Code: 50403