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

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

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

Rescue Rodeo
Wanna learn some basic kayaking rescue skills in a safe environment? Well, come on down to the pool and get a workout practicing some of the following skills: boat and person towing, paddle and throw bag tossing, wet exiting and, don't forget, the Hand of God. Remember practice makes perfect!!
$20 per person
Course Code: 59003
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 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.

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

Early Birds' Paddle
Rise and shine! Start your day with a quiet paddle on the Passaic. Bring your binoculars to look for some early birds that will be around. 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!
$20 per person
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. All classes will meet at the Environmental Education Center.
$30 per person
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.
$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 Lake Hopatcong or the Rockaway River or the Black River or Split Rock Reservoir. The destination depends on water levels. Bring money along for a dinner stop on the way home at a local restaurant. Return time is approximate.
$60 per person
Course Code: 50761

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. Bring a bag lunch and money for dinner. Return time is approximate.
$75 per person
Course Code: 50769

All Day on the River
Join us for a great day of paddling, either canoe or kayak, for five miles or more. The river location will be the Naturalists' best-kept secret! Due to possible low or high water conditions, the Naturalists will choose a river with an appropriate water level. We may head to the Pine Barrens, the Delaware, the Lehigh, the PaulinsKill or someplace close to home. Please bring a bag lunch and money for ice cream!
$75 per person
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 ice cream.
$75 per person
Course Code: 50765

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

Whitewater Beginnings
(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 surfing, eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, and wet exits. You will also learn how to read the river and negotiate your way through rapids and around rocks. All participants must have successfully completed a pool session with a skirt – no exceptions! Depending on water levels, we will travel to the Upper Delaware, the Lower Lehigh or elsewhere. Please bring a bag lunch and money for an ice cream stop.
$75 per person
Course Code: 50406

Sedge Island Getaway Weekend
(Adults and 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 – must be willing to share rooms with participants of the same gender. 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)
This summer we are offering a special trip for 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 I-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