Canoeing & Kayaking
About the 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. 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 with parent)
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. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Pre-registration required.
$20 per person
Activity Number: 50350
Canoe-60
Sunday, June 28
2:00pm-4:00pm
Canoe-61
Sunday, July 12
2:00pm-4:00pm
Canoe-62
Sunday, August 2
10:00am-Noon
KAN-U-KAYAK??
(All Ages, 10 and older with parent)
This introductory kayak class will teach you the basic paddling techniques, safety aspects of kayaking, and handling a kayak in and out of the water. During this session, you will learn how to successfully wet exit your kayak, practice getting in and out of the kayak, and control your kayak with proper paddling technique. Please wear a bathing suit, bring a towel, and be prepared to get completely wet. Participants will use solo kayaks. All required equipment will be provided. Participants will meet at Warrenbrook Pool, Warrenville Road, Warren, NJ for the pool class and at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, NJ for the pond class. Pre-registration is required.
$50 per person
Activity Number: 50448
Kayak-50
Monday, June 22
10:00am-Noon Pool
1:30pm-3:30pm Pond
Kayak-51
Thursday, July 23
10:00am-Noon Pool
1:30pm-3:30pm Pond
Kayak-52
Tuesday, August 4
10:00am-Noon Pool
1:30pm-3:30pm Pond
CANOEING AND KAYAKING TRIPS
Trips will be for both canoes and kayaks together (Canyak). 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, 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 destination 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. Pre-registration required.
$20 per person
Activity Number: 51489
Canyak-75
Sunday, June 21
2:00pm-4:00pm
Canyak-76
Thursday, July 30
3:00pm-5:00pm
Canyak-77
Sunday, August 16
2:00pm-4:00pm
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 on Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Pre-registration required.
$24 per person
Activity Number: 51491
Canyak-92
Thursday, June 4
6:00am-8:00am
Canyak-93
Monday, July 27
6:30am-8:30am
Canyak-94
Wednesday, August 19
6:30am-8:30am
Great Piece Meadows Meander
(All Ages, 10 years and older with parent)
4 miles Rating: A, B, C, D, F, J, N
Peace out and spend the afternoon paddling one of the most pristine sections of the Passaic River called Great Piece Meadows. Bring a snack, water, and money for ice cream. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Van transportation provided. Pre-registration required. This program has a two-week cancellation policy.
$72 per person
Activity Number: 50408
Canyak-04
Wednesday, June 24
1:00pm-7:00pm
A Paddling Afternoon
(All Ages, 10 years and older with parent)
4 miles Rating: A, B, D, F, J, 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 dinner or ice cream. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Van transportation provided. Pre-registration required. This program has a two-week cancellation policy.
Activity Number: 50761
$72 per person
Canyak-18
Tuesday, July 28 White Lake
1:00pm-7:00pm
Canyak-19
Monday, August 17 Lake Aeroflex
1:00pm-7:00pm
Pine Barrens Paddle
(All Ages, 10 years and older with parent)
4 miles Rating: B, C, D, E, K, L, M
The NJ Pine Barrens offers some of the best paddling in the state! Enjoy pristine, tea-colored water with old cranberry bogs, rich wetland meadows, and pitch pine forest. Our day will consist of paddling a lake or pond and enjoying lunch. Please bring lunch, water, and money for ice cream. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Van transportation provided. Pre-registration required. This program has a two-week cancellation policy.
$110 per person
Activity Number: 50765
Canyak-24
Sunday, June 7
7:30am-7:00pm
Canyak-25
Monday, July 20
7:30am-7:00pm
Canyak-26
Tuesday, August 11
7:30am-7:00pm
Canyak-27
Sunday, August 30
7:30am-7:00pm
Sedge Island Getaway
(All Ages, 12 years and older with parent)
1-5+ miles Rating: D, F, L, M
Enjoy a fun day trip to Barnegat Bay’s undiscovered Sedge Island off Island Beach State Park. Enjoy safe kayaking around the bay, seining for marsh creatures, snorkeling, clamming, crabbing, fishing or just relax by birdwatching, reading, or watching the sights & surf at the Sedge House! All equipment, transportation, and interpretation included. Bring lunch, snacks, binoculars, and money for dinner & ice cream on our way back. Participants will meet at the Environmental Education Center,190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ. Pre-registration required. This program has a two-week cancellation policy.
$225 per person
Activity Number: 50704
Kayak Only-24
Thursday, July 16
7:00am-9:00pm
Kayak Only-25
Tuesday, August 25
7:00am-9:00pm