Downunder Kayaking

• Downloadable FAQ
• Downloadable Parent Info PDF 

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Who can do it:  3 yrs through seniors - there is no age limit.  Swimmers or not.  Many disabilities can be accommodated. 

Do I need experience:  Basic instruction is provided by our seasoned staff.

Is it safe?  Absolutely... you’ll be wearing a life jacket complete with a whistle and your kayak is also a flotation device.  You don't even need to know how to swim!

Rules:  DON'T PADDLE IN THE BOAT CHANNEL - it's for boat traffic and dangerous for paddlers.  It's also very annoying for boaters, who can't go outside of the channel and have to wait for paddlers to get out of their way.  Upon leaving our dock look carefully both ways before crossing to the far (west - where all the nice houses are!) side of the river.  At low tide you don't have much room, just keep on the west side of boats.

Duration:  Kayak rentals are for a minimum of 2 hours - you don't have to stay out that long!  (1 hour if a paddle board).  However, it is a set cost - unless you're a member of the Frequent Paddler Club, who can go out by the hour.  Additional hours are charged at hourly rates.  1/2 day and whole day rates available.

What to expect:  When you arrive, you'll sign a waiver (under 18 yrs must have a parent signature).  Our staff will outfit you and take you down to the dock for instruction.  The kayaks are right there, so you'll be on the water in no time. 

Where to go: We'll make suggestions based on tides and weather.  There's about 1 mile of navigable river that you can explore with several inlets, a small waterfall, bridges, docks and pilings to paddle between and around.  3/4 mile downriver is Long Island Sound and the local islands (Fish, Bell, Tavern, Scotts and Zieglers Coves).  Experienced paddlers can venture out to the Norwalk Islands - such as Shea (campgrounds) and Sheffield (historic lighthouse). 

What to bring/know:  (Items in bold we sell)

• a bathing suit, towel and change of clothes

• suntan lotion

• hat and sunglasses with straps recommended

• beverages – keep hydrated

• snacks – you will develop an appetite!

• water shoes/something you don’t mind getting wet or loosing!

• Waterproof cameras are great, or small camera’s in waterproof bags.  Items in bold we sell

• Cell phone -  in a waterproof bag – well sell these.  We recommend that you turn the cell phone off, just bring it in case you need it.

What not to bring:  try not to wear cotton – when wet, it’s horrible (hard to dry, clammy and cold)

Weather:as long as it’s not blowing a gale (well let's say 15mph+) and there’s no thunder, you can paddle. It all depends on your experience and comfort level.  Paddling in the rain is very soothing!  And some people LIKE to paddle in waves.  If you’re not sure – give us a call and we’ll let you know what's going on.  The river is very protected, a very different experience to the Sound – so you can paddle there in most conditions.  Note: unless it’s heavy rain, strong winds, or thunder – you are charged regardless of whether you choose to come – however, if less than optimal conditions we will issue a credit towards another paddling day.

Kayak types:  We rent single and double sit-on-top ocean kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.  The singles are recommended for adults/children over 8 - paddling your own is more fun, and the most effective way to learn.  Doubles are great if one person has an injury/sore back etc., or with younger children.  Two adults and a child can fit in most of our double kayaks.  Some people fit more than one child in!  Sea Kayaks are the ones that have a cockpit you sit down into.  We offer instruction in these and training for Kayak for a Cause participants. 

Guides:You don’t have to go it alone – hire one of our guides to go with you.  Ideal for groups and families - our guides really know kids, so they take the pressure off parents!  Guides are available by the hour allowing you to customize your experience.  Enjoy a bit of personalized hands on instruction, have them escort you out of the river and point you in the best direction for the conditions, or go the whole gamut and take them along for a fun and educational experience.

Instruction:  Want a little more?  Hire an instructor by the hour or sign up for the ACA Quickstart Kayaking Course. 

Paddle with Others:  Fancy getting out with a group, or meeting some new people?  Join us for our Friday sunset paddles 6-8pm, and our regularly scheduled weekend tours.  Join the Frequent Paddler Club - follow this link for info on this program.

Gifts:  Graduation, Birthday, Anniversary, new to the area, fundraisers … purchase a gift certificate, just for kayaking or with a picnic lunch or in conjunction with one of the local restaurants.

Parties/Renting the Deck:  Downunder has an incredible view and atmosphere, and 'fun' is our motto!  Imagine enjoying cocktails watching the sun set over the river, a meal to suit any taste from generous hors d’oeuvres to rowdy clambakes, or a burger bar.  Let us plan a magical birthday celebration for your child, friend, or partner.  You don’t have to kayak to enjoy Downunder - tell us what you’re looking for and relax as we create something truly special.  Email for info.

Hours 

Monday - Wednesday, & Thursday

9am - 6pm

Friday

9am - 8pm - for sunset paddlers and kayaking classes. 

Saturday, Sunday, Major Holidays

8am - 6pm

Cancellation policies below.

LATE NIGHT - STAY OUT PAST 6, $35 LATE FEE, APPT REQUIRED (DEPENDENT ON STAFF AVAILABILITY)

Reservations Recommended, and credit card needed for security deposit*

*If you don't show, we have to charge you (see cancellation policy below).

WHEN DO WE OPEN FOR THE SEASON

Store:  Mothers Day weekend through September.

Kayaking: as soon as the water's warm!  Mid to late May - sign up for the newsletter and we'll let you know.

Cancellation Policies

Kayak Rentals:  24 hours - if you don't show, we will charge you.  If you call within 12 hours, you are still charged, however we will file a credit for you to use at another time.  If the weather is not great (high winds, rain, lightning) we will NOT charge you.  Weather is based on what is going on in Norwalk - check www.weather.com zip code 06853. 

Guides: 48 hours notice, credit.  Less than 48 hours no refund. 

Yoga/Meditation: 48 hours notice, credit.  Less than 48 hours no refund. 

Training: 1 week notice, credit towards future training/kayak rentals.  Cancellation later than one week no refund.

Children's Program: cancellation prior to 2 weeks from camp, credit towards another program or equivalent in kayak rentals.  1 week no refund.  

Parties: Two weeks notice.  Less than two weeks 50% is non refundable.  Cancellation within 48 hours, no refund.  In poor weather a credit will be issued towards another date or kayak rentals, or a 75% refund given.

Wildlife Pictures...

Every year a family of swans join us

They get really close...

Oyster Catchers - beautiful!

Ducks - they think they're hilarious

Our favorite - the Cormorant