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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.
CAN-U-CANNU??
(All Ages, 7 and older)
After a “splashing” time at this introductory canoe class, you will learn the basic paddling techniques, safety aspects of canoeing, and handling a canoe in and out of the water. Each canoe can accommodate two paddlers and a child passenger. Classes take place on Branta Pond at the Environmental Education Center.
$20 per person
Activity Number: 50350
Canoe-34 Thursday, July 14
3:00pm-5:00pm
Canoe-35 Sunday, July 24
10:00am-Noon
Canoe-36 Thursday, August 4
5:00pm-7:00pm
Canoe-37 Sunday, August 21
1:00pm-3:00pm
KAN-U-KAYAK??
(All Ages, 10 and older)
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. During the pool session, you will learn how to successfully wet exit your kayak and 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 at the pool. An adult must accompany children under the age of 15. Participants will use solo kayaks. Participants will meet at Warrenbrook Pool, 500 Warrenville Road, Warren, NJ for pool sessions and at the EEC, Lord Stirling Park, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ for pond classes.
$40 per person
Activity Number: 50448
Kayak-34 Sunday, July 10
8:00am-10:00am Pool session @ WBP
Noon-2:00pm Pond session @ EEC
Kayak-35 Saturday, July 16
8:00am-10:00am Pool session @ WBP
Noon-2:00pm Pond session @ EEC
Kayak-36 Sunday, August 14
8:00am-10:00am Pool session @ WBP
Noon-2:00pm Pond session @ EEC
Kayak-37 Saturday, August 20
8:00am-10:00am Pool session @ WBP
Noon-2:00pm Pond session @ EEC
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, F, J, N
Improve your paddling skills by practicing on Branta Pond – 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 the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$20 per person
Activity Number: 51489
Canyak-32 Sunday, June 19
9:30am-11:30am
Canyak-33 Sunday, July 3
1:00pm-3:00pm
Canyak-34 Sunday, July 17
2:00pm-4:00pm
Canyak-35 Sunday, July 31
1:00pm-3:00pm
Canyak-36 Sunday, August 7
10:00am-Noon
Canyak-37 Sunday, August 28
1:00pm-3:00pm
Canyak-38 Thursday, September 15
5:00pm-7:00pm
Canyak-39 Saturday, September 24
10:00am-Noon
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-48 Thursday, June 16
6:00am-8:00am
Canyak-50 Monday, July 11
6:00am-8:00am
Canyak-51 Friday, July 29
6:00am-8:00am
Canyak-52 Tuesday, August 9
6:30am-8:30am
Canyak-53 Wednesday, August 24
6:30am-8:30am
Canyak-54 Thursday, September 8
7:00am-9:00am
Canyak-55 Thursday, September 29
7:00am-9:00am
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-20 Friday, September 9
6:00pm-8:00pm
Passaic Paddle
3 miles Rating: A, B, C, J, N
The Passaic River winds through the Great Swamp basin, flowing through floodplain forest, and many unique wetland habitats. Paddle this gentle river, home to turtles, herons, frogs, and fish. Participants will meet at Fisherman’s Parking Lot in Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$36 per person
Activity Number: 50756
Canyak-28 Sunday, September 11
3:00pm-6:00pm
Canyak-29 Tuesday, September 27
3:00pm-6:00pm
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-95 Saturday, July 30
10:00am-3:00pm
Canyak-96 Monday, August 22
2:00pm-7:00pm
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, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$72 per person
Course Code: 50761
Canyak-92 Tuesday, July 5 Cranberry Lake
12:30pm-6:30pm
Canyak-93 Thursday, August 18 Saxton Lake
2:00pm-8:00pm
Canyak-94 Friday, September 23 Lake Musconetcong
12:30pm-6:30pm
Reservoir Dogs
4 miles Rating: D, F, K, L, M, N
Check out this series for exploration of the different reservoirs the tri-state area has to offer! We will spend half the day paddling our boats in the reservoir. Then after lunch, strap on your boots for an afternoon of hiking and birding. Please bring a bag lunch, binoculars, and money for ice cream. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$110 per person
Course Code: 50764
Canyak-19 Monday, August 29 Monksville Reservoir
7:30am-7:00pm
All Day on the Water
4-10 miles Rating: B, C, D, E, K, L, M
Join us for a great day of paddling on a reservoir or lake. Pack up your stuff and get ready for an adventurous day on the water! Please bring lunch and money for an ice cream. Participants will meet at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$110 per person
Course Code: 50775
Canyak-03 Tuesday, September 13 Blue Marsh Lake
7:30am-7:00pm
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-06 Friday, July 8
7:30am-7:00pm
Canyak-07 Monday, August 1
7:30am-7:00pm
Canyak-08 Thursday, August 25
7:30am-7:00pm
Canyak-09 Sunday, September 25
7:30am-7:00pm
Whitewater Beginnings
5-10 miles Rating: B, D, E, G, H, I, K, M
(Adults and children 15 years and older)
Are you ready to take your kayaking skills to the next level? Then join us for some fun Class I-II whitewater and be prepared to work the river! We will practice eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, wet exits, and surfing. You will learn how to read the river and negotiate your way through rapids and around rocks. Participants will meet at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.
$110 per person
Activity Number: 50406
Kayak-32 Friday, July 22 Lackawaxen River
7:30am-8:30pm
Kayak-33 Saturday, August 13 Lehigh River
7:30am-7:30pm
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