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Pre-registration is required for all programs. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the start of a program. Pending availability, enrollment may still be possible by calling 908-722-1200 Ext. 5002.
Do not attend a program if you are not feeling well, are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact of a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or have traveled internationally in the last 14 days. Participants disregarding Park Commission protocols will be asked to leave the program immediately.
CANOEING AND KAYAKING PROGRAMS
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.
Come enjoy fantastic times on the river with our enthusiastic, experienced Naturalist as your guide. Our dedicated and professional guide is sure to provide you with a super river experience! We offer everything from easy, relaxing flat water to more adventurous beginner whitewater. No matter what you choose, your paddling memories will be sure to last a lifetime!
All canoeing and kayaking programs are designed for adults and families. Children must be at least seven years old to participate in canoe programs and at least ten years old to participate in kayak programs. An adult must accompany children under the age of 15. Attendance of introductory programs is mandatory and required prior to participating in canoe or kayak trips. Participants must attend at least one river trip per season/calendar year to avoid retaking the introductory classes. All equipment will be provided.
CANOEING AND KAYAKING TRIPS
Trips will be for both canoes and kayaks together (Canyak) or just kayaks. 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. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, at their own risk; however, there is no reduction in price. A review of basic canoeing and/or kayaking techniques and river safety begins each trip, then onto the water for an exciting educational experience. All return times are approximate. Duration and degree of difficulty of the trips are listed in ascending order and river trips are also rated using our system below. Due to possible low water conditions, there may be changes in destinations or cancellations. Trips will run unless dangerous or threatening weather occurs, in which participants will be notified in a timely manner.
Please read and review the following considerations PRIOR to registering for a river trip:
• Please wear appropriate paddling clothing that can get wet and/or dirty - non-cotton, synthetic, quick-drying fabrics are best. Please also wear proper foot attire – closed-toed shoes that are attached to your foot. Flip flops, clogs, slides, and slip-ons are NOT allowed!
• We reserve the right to deny a participant entry into a program if we deem the participant is not physically fit, does not match the skill level of the program or is ill-prepared. A participant will be turned away the day of the trip if the criteria listed here are not met.
• It is the participant’s responsibility to consult the ratings listed below for each trip and match their skills accordingly. Come expecting to get wet on all trips!
CANOE AND KAYAK RIVER TRIP RATINGS
A. Good for beginners and families
B. Must negotiate some easy river turns
C. A few portages
D. Continual paddling for several hours
E. Must negotiate many quick river turns
F. Must paddle in open water & be able to handle wind, waves, tide
G. Prior wet exit with a skirt required
H. Must handle easy whitewater rapids and negotiate rocks
I. Danger – cold water! Please bring a full change of clothes in a waterproof bag.
J. Half day or less trip – please bring snack, drink, towel, and full change of clothes (including underwear, socks, shoes)
K. Full day trip - please bring lunch, snacks, drink, towel, and full change of clothes (including underwear, socks, shoes)
L. Will stop for ice cream on our return to the EEC
M. Prior participation in at least two, 4-miles or less river trips
N. Prior participation in CAN-U-CANNU? or KAN-U-KAYAK? class
Paddle Practice
1 mile Rating: A, B, J, N
Improve your paddling skills by practicing on the Passaic River – remember; practice makes perfect or at least progress! This will be a super fun session and you will be amazed at how much better and more comfortable you will feel after these two hours. Participants will meet at Fisherman’s Parking Lot in Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$20 per person
Activity Number: 51489
Canyak-40 Sunday, October 9
11:00am-1:00pm
Canyak-41 Thursday, October 27
5:00pm-7:00pm
Moonlight Paddle
1 mile Rating: A, F, J, N
Enjoy the EEC and Branta Pond after dark as we paddle our canoes or kayaks by the light of the full moon! Find out what the Great Swamp sounds and feels like once the sun has set. Perhaps we will hear owls or see bats. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you have one. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$24 per person
Activity Number: 50407
Canyak-21 Sunday, October 9 9
5:30pm-7:30pm
Sunrise Paddle
2 miles Rating: A, B, C, J, N
Rise and shine! Start your day with a quiet paddle on the Passaic River. See swamp sights before the day gets busy. This paddle will help you get centered for beginning your day! Participants will meet at Fisherman’s Parking Lot in Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$24 per person
Activity Number: 51491
Canyak-56 Wednesday, October 12
7:15am-9:15am
Canyak-57 Saturday, October 29
7:30am-9:30am
Delaware & Raritan Canal Paddle
4 miles Rating: A, D, J, N
Quiet, peaceful, and still, the D & R Canal is an ideal place for a relaxing paddle. Cruising along, we will enjoy the sights and sounds the waterway has to offer. Participants will meet in parking lot F at Colonial Park, 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset, NJ.
$60 per person
Activity Number: 50757
Canyak-97 Tuesday, October 4
1:00pm-6:00pm
A Paddling Afternoon
4 miles Rating: A, B, D, F, J, L, N
Join us for a relaxing afternoon of some of the prettiest paddling in the state. We will explore quiet coves, discover tranquil hideaways, enjoy scenic vistas, and savor the solitude of the water! Bring a snack, water, and money for ice cream! Return time is approximate. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center or choose the self-drive option.
$72 per person
Course Code: 50761
Canyak-92 Wednesday, October 19 Cranberry Lake or Saxton Lake
12:30pm-6:30pm
Spooky Scary Paddle
4 miles Rating: A, D, J, N
Celebrate and enjoy this Halloween by boat! We will paddle along the quiet and lazy D&R Canal and enjoy the fall scenery. Choose your time of day and get ready for a chilling experience! Bring some Halloween goodies to “trick-or-treat” with and dress up yourself or your boat if you dare! Participants will meet in Parking Lot F at Colonial Park, 156 Mettlers Road, Somerset, NJ.
$24 per person
Course Code: 50746
Canyak-11 Sunday, October 30
10:30am-12:30pm
Canyak-12 Sunday, October 30
2:00pm-4:00pm
Pine Barrens Paddle
4-10 miles Rating: B, C, D, E, K, L, M
Pine Barrens streams offer some of the best paddling in the state! Enjoy pristine, tea-colored streams through old cranberry bogs, rich wetland meadows, and pitch pine forest. The river destination will be determined by water level. Participants will meet at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$110 per person
Activity Number: 50765
Canyak-14 Thursday, October 13
7:30am-8:00pm
Haunted Paddle in the Pines
4-10 miles Rating: B, C, D, E, I, K, L, M
Join us for a Halloween paddle filled with phantasmal foray into the Pine Barrens. The Jersey Devil may even make an appearance – it may be a chilling experience! Bring some Halloween treats and dress up if you dare! The river destination will be determined by water level. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$110 per person
Activity Number: 50751
Canyak-17 Monday, October 31
7:30am-8:00pm
Abbott Marshlands Meander
5 miles Rating: A, B, D, F, K, M
(Adults and children 15 years and older)
Barely one mile away from our state capital’s golden dome sits a beaver lodge in the quiet wetlands of the Abbott Marshlands. 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. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$110 per person
Activity Number: 50769
Canyak-25 Thursday, October 6
8:00am-7:30pm
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