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.
$14 per person
Course Code: 50350

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)
**These dates will not be available until summer registration in May 2012.

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.
$25 per person
Course Code: 50448

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 us out on the pond and have a little competition. You will be amazed at how much better you will paddle after these two hours! Prior participation in Can-u-Cannu or Kan-u-Kayak required.
$20 per person
Course Code: 51489

Canoe and Kayak Trips

All trips will be for both canoes and kayaks together (Canyak) or just kayaks. 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.

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.
$60 per person
Course Code: 50757

A Paddling Afternoon
Join us on some of the best local backwaters of New Jersey for a relaxing afternoon paddle. We will start our journey at the Environmental Education Center and possibly head to the Black River, Lake Hopatcong, the Rockaway River, Raritan River or the Passaic River (depending on water levels). These are some of the more beautiful areas of the state that are untouched by the rush of powerboats. Bring a snack, water, and money for dinner! Return time is approximate.
$60 per person
Course Code: 50761

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!
$75 per person
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!
$75 per person
Course Code: 50762

Reservoir Dogs
Check out this series for exploration of the different reservoirs that 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.
$75 per person
Course Code: 50764

Great Piece Meadows Paddle
Spend the day paddling one of the most pristine sections of the Passaic River called Great Piece Meadows. This area encompasses almost 3,000 acres and was once harvested for hay. Today it is mostly a swamp forest and you will forget that you are on the Passaic and in New Jersey. Please bring a bag lunch and money for ice cream.
$75 per person
Course Code: 50408

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.
$75 per person
Course Code: 50765