Downunder Kayaking

Five Mile River - Saturdays - High Tide

July 25th; August 8th, 22nd; September 5th, 19th; October 3rd

Paddle the Five Mile River and explore Indian Creek, Tokeneke Creek and the far north under the historical bridges - maybe you'll even see the waterfall (all two feet of it!)  Did you know that the Five Mile River was actually named for the Five Mills that were on it?  Paddle out to the mouth of the river and check out Long Island Sound - no need to venture any further unless you want to.  This is a beautiful paddle of marshes and waterways not accessible outside of high tide, and a wonderful experience for newcomers to kayaking, or those that just want to take it easy.  Suitable for children and adults.  Rentals + $10 adults, $5 children under 16 yrs.

Farm Creek - Sundays - High Tide

July 26th, August 9th, 23rd; September 6th; October 4th 

Join our guides on a paddle of this beautiful tidal estuary and support the Norwalk Land Trust's effort to preserve the area.  The paddle takes about 2.5 hours as we depart Five Mile River and paddle around the bays to Wilson Pt and head into Farm Creek.  At high tide, which it is, you can paddle all around the creek in very still waters, and be treated to a variety of wildlife - even deer have been seen to swim across it (not whilst kayakers are in the water though).  $10 donation to Norwalk Land Trust.  Kayak rentals $45/single $55/double for this 2.5 hour outing.  Not suitable for first time paddlers or younger children in single kayaks.

Fish Islands - any tide

July 18th; August 1st, 15th, 29th; September 12th, 26th

Enjoy a coastal tour of Darien, past the Tokeneke club and around to Scott's cove opposite which lie the Fish Islands.  The island are privately owned and a natural wildlife sanctuary.  They are also a popular destination for boaters.  Whilst being private, guests are welcome up to the high tide line, and asked to respect that birds are nesting in the interior (amongst the poison ivy).  Horseshoecrabs, herons, oyster catchers, egrets, pipers, plovers, opsrey and cormorants are just some of the wildlife you can expect to see.  Nearby are Ziegler's and Scott's Coves, the latter is home to St. Birgitta's convent, a favorite paddle of ours for lunch with the Nuns.  The Fish Islands are formed of bedrock rather than the more malleable glacial deposits that formed the nearby Norwalk Islands, and are startlingly unchanged from the 1850's.  Their distinctive form is featured in amy of artist John Kensett's scenes of the Connecticut Coast.  This outing is suitable for all ages, younger children should be in double kayaks with an adult.  Up to two children can join an adult in a double kayak, or one child and two adults.  Rentals + $10 adults, $5 children under 16 yrs.

Exploring the Bays of Rowayton, from the water - Sundays - any tide

July 19th; August 2nd, 16th, 30th; September 13th, 27th

Guides will lead you on a paddle of the eastern coves - Roton Point, Bell Island, and Wilson Point - maybe even Tavern Island depending on time, conditions and experience level of group.  Learn the history of Roton Point, the historical amusement park that drew thousands of people from Long Island daily in the late 1900s.  View Osprey from their nest at the old pier, and all manner of shoreline birds including egrets, herons, and cormorants.  Enjoy spectacular views of beautiful homes and islands, not possible from the shore.  Those with their own kayaks may join from the public dock in Rowayton - participation fee of $20.  Lifejackets, paddle and kayak are provided as well as instruction.  Rentals + $15 guide fee, byo boat $35.      

Sunset Paddling - Thursday Nights

Twilight - it's the best time of day to go out, and particularly good for seeing the local wildlife and taking photos - the light is gorgeous.  Go on your own, or join our guide - 5:30-7:30pm, $15pp, kayak rentals additional.  There is a min. of 3 people so reservations are necessary.  BYO kayak $25. 

Evening Paddles - anytime 

You can go out any evening by appointment - if staff are available.  There is a surcharge of $25/hour after 6pm per group.

Sundays Solitude - bi-weekly - High Tide

July 19th;  August 2nd, 16th, 30th; September 13th, 27th

9-11am Slow down, breathe and just focus on the paddle, the water, the breeze, the birds... de-stress with this easy going high tide paddle on the Five Mile River.  Check out the nooks and crannies.  Led by Steven Freedman, avid kayaker and meditation instruction.  Meditation optional!  No experience necessary.  $15pp + rentals.

Full Moon Paddling

Wednesday August 5th, Friday September 4th

7:30-9:30pm.  Downunder Kayaking will be leading a twilight paddle of the Fish Islands.  This is an ideal time of day to enjoy the wildlife these islands are home to, as well as superb photography opportunities.  Those with their own kayaks may join from the public dock in Rowayton – participation fee of $25.  Renters from Downunder are provided lifejackets, paddle and kayak, as well as instruction.  Guides and boats will be fully equipped with appropriate night-time lighting.  Rentals for this event include guides and are $53 for singles and $39pp doubles.  This event is not suitable for children.

Yoga and Kayaking - Saturdays weekly

Every Saturday morning from 9am to 11.30am a local yoga instructor leads a 45 minute class on a local beach or island.   Recipients of a Best Offshore Yoga award, Downunder Kayaking has been offering this program since 2007.  Simple stretches are offered on the dock and on the kayak, followed by a 45 minute class.  The class is modified to the experience level of the participants.  Experienced ‘yoginis’ focus on perfecting their poses and others enjoy trying something new.  The cost is $63/single kayaker and $49pp in a double, and includes a 45 min class, kayak rentals and guide for 2.5 hours. 10% discounts for purchasing 2 or more sessions.  BYO kayak $45 fee. 

Kayaking / Survival Tour

Saturday August 1st, Sunday August 16th 10-3pm. 

Survival specialist Steve Lancia from Northcamp Survival Tours is offering a program in collaboration with Downunder Kayaking that will teach kayaking skills, group management, and responsible paddling along with skills to help you survive should you end up stranded on a local island/shore.  Paddling from the Five Mile River to the Fish Islands, the group will be crossing the Norwalk Harbor boat channel, requiring that they be alert and visible.  The channel is impacted by currents and winds that could make the crossing challenging and thus a good learning experience.  Once at Sheffield island they will paddle around to Shea Island camping area where Lancia will lead them through survival skills.  Program includes kayak and equipment, guides, instruction and related materials.  There is a maximum of 10 people.  For more information email steve@northcampsurvival.com or call Kimat (203) 247-4579.

Personal Training by Kayak - Bikini Boat Camp

This program is designed to get you in shape for the summer, using kayaking as a form of training and resistance as well as a mode of transport to locations that add that something special to your exercise regime.  Weekday evening and morning programs are being offered, for 3 week sessions, 2/week, now through September with makeup days in September.  The programs will be held at Downunder Kayaking 157 Rowayton Ave Rowayton CT 06853,(203) 642-3660.  For more information contact Robin@totalvitality.net 203-644-4887.

St. Birgitta’s luncheon paddle

Wednesday August 19th, 11-2:30pm kayakers will depart from Downunder Kayaking, below the Rowayton Market in Rowayton, for a paddle to the Convent of St. Birgitta, a Bridgettine order of Nuns that run a guest house/retreat center in Darien.  The sisters recently celebrated the 52^nd anniversary of their location in Tokeneke.  Ideally situated on the water at Scotts Cove, the property has a dock for the kayakers to tie up to.  Rentals are $52/single and $64/double.  Lunch is $25.  Guide fee of $15 is donated by Downunder.  Equals - $77/single and $57pp in a double.  Own kayak $15 participation fee $25 lunch.

Fishing By Kayak

August 25th, 6-8pm

Twilight is when they bite, according to Nunz (Steve Annunziato - a teacher at Brien McMahon - he probably taught you!) and Bob Kline (also a teacher!)  These guys know what they're doing.  Bob paddles a sit on top ocean kayak that's rigged for fishing, and Nunz paddles a sit inside sea kayak, where he stores all the magical gear that makes the fish run.  We have two pedal boats, that are perfect for fishing (hands free) and as you're with guides you can take a sit on top or a sit inside.  BYO fishing gear (or plead with us, and Nunz will scrounge some up).  Bait provided.  Rentals + $15 guide fee.  

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Regularly Scheduled Events

 Guided Paddles

Arrive 15 mins beforehand

Saturdays 12-2

Sundays 1:30-4pm

Sunset Paddling

Thursday we're open til 8pm.  Go out on your own or join our guide from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Yoga by Kayak

Saturdays 9-11:30am

Meditation by Kayak

Sundays 9-11 bi weekly

July 5, 19, August 2, 16, 30

September 13

Sea Kayaking Classes

Sundays 2:30-5:30 and

Tuesdays 5:30-8:30

Sit on Top Kayaking Classes

Saturdays 10-12pm

Full Moon Paddles

Tuesday July 7th

Wednesday August 5th

Friday September 4th