FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2023
Park Commission Offering Canoeing and Kayaking Programs
Registration Opens June, 14
BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Enjoy the summer weather while paddling across a pond or kayaking on a river with experienced Naturalists from the Somerset County Park Commission’s Environmental Education Center (EEC). Families and individuals can pre-register for these fun and exciting canoeing and kayaking programs on Wednesday, June 14 at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is required for all programs. All equipment will be provided.
Programs, Dates, Times & Costs
Participants can choose from a variety of relaxing flat-water trips. The programs will help stimulate awareness and understanding of the environment, help develop an appreciation for New Jersey’s waterways, and promote interest in outdoor activities.
Can-U-Cannu?
This introductory class teaches participants basic paddling techniques, canoeing safety, and how to handle a canoe in and out of the water. Canoes can accommodate two paddlers and a child passenger.
Classes take place at the EEC on Branta Pond. The cost is $20 per person. Pre-registration opens on June 14 for the following classes:
Activity Number is 50350
- Sunday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, Canoe-41
- Monday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m., Canoe-42
- Sunday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, Canoe-43
- Thursday, Aug. 24, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Canoe-44
Kan-U-Kayak?
Participants will use a solo kayak during this introductory class and learn basic paddling techniques, kayaking safety, how to handle a kayak in and out of the water, and how to exit the kayak from the water and the shoreline.
Participants must wear a bathing suit, bring a towel and prepare to get completely wet. The meeting place for participants will be at Green Turtle Pond in Ringwood State Park, Hewitt, NJ (Passaic County). The cost is $40 per person. Pre-registration opens on June 14 for the following classes:
Activity Number: 50448
- Monday, July10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kayak-40
- Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kayak-41
- Wednesday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kayak-42
Program Guidelines, Registration
Children must be at least seven years of age to participate in canoe programs and at least ten years of age to participate in kayak programs. An adult must accompany children under the age of 15.
Participants must attend introductory programs before taking canoe or kayak trips. Participants must attend at least one river trip per season/calendar year to avoid retaking introductory classes.
Online registration ends 24 hours before the beginning of a program. If there is room in the class, enrollment may still be possible by calling 908-722-1200, ext. 5002.
About the Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The EEC at Lord Stirling Park offers approximately nine miles of hiking trails, Naturalist-led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature-themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, science and conservation research, and more. The EEC strives to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.
To stay up-to-date with Somerset County events and information, sign up for free email alerts at www.co.somerset.nj.us/
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