Downunder Kayaking

PROGRAMS AND PARTIES

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New in 2009, Downunder will be holding parties on Sheffield Island, in addition to our water based parties on Five Mile River and the Fish Islands.  Take the Seaport Express out, pack a picnic or have the Rowayton Market provide catering (sandwiches through clambakes!)  Treasure hunts, Survivor, Pirates, Marine Biologists - all manner of party themes with or without kayaking.

“We had a great time with Down Under Kayaking for my daughter Bridgette's  10th birthday.  The guides kept the girl's laughing and Kim led the party with a wonderful balance of safety, education and terrific storytelling!  The girl's came off the water with huge smiles on their faces!”   J. Lamando, Westport, CT. 

“It was the best party ever” said Sarah Elliman.

Ages 6 through adult. 

PROGRAMS 

Scroll down on the right for info on Scouts, School, Youth Groups. 

NEW GUIDED PADDLES 2008   view the calendar for the schedule

Not everyone wants to go out on their own, nor can afford/want to pay for a private guide.  Scroll down to read about guided paddles we're offering this year that allow you to enjoy the local area with a small group of paddlers, sharing the costs and enjoyment.  They're listed in order of skills/experience levels.  If you find you'd like to go off on your own, just let your guide know.  We have professional naturalists and historians that accompany us on some of them.  More info will be on the calendar.

Frequent Paddler Club: 

If you really like to kayak... or would like to get out more often, this is a program for you.

Basically the way it works is you prepay.  Package minimum is $200.  When you come in we calculate the time you're out and deduct from your prepay - based on the above rates.    

Why do it?  It's cheaper ( your rates are based on last years ) AND you can go out by the hour instead of having a minimum of two.  We put frequent paddlers in touch with one another (optional) for paddling buddies.  We hold FP parties!  Special benefits like being able to go out before we open (prior notice required) and stay out a little longer. 

Paddling Rules: 

Most of the beaches and islands in this area are private.  Paddlers are allowed to disembark up to the high tide line.  We ask that if it's clearly private property and owners are outside enjoying themselves, that you select somewhere else - should you need/wish to stop. 

GUIDED PADDLES

2 hours, guide fee $15/adult, $10 senior citizens, 16-21 yrs, $5/under 16yrs.  Rental fees $38 single, $48 double.  3 hours - add on $5. 

1. Five Mile River:  great novice paddle!  When it's high tide on the river you can go up as far as the White Bridge (deli and gas station), into inlets such as Indian Creek and Tokeneke Creek. 

2. Round the Bays: we paddle a little further, into Long Island Sound and nose around the bays - east or west depending on the wind. 

3. Fish Islands: A delight grouping of islands that are home to some endangered bird species.  Paddlers may wander around the perimeter, but not enter the middle of the islands.  These are private islands, and we make it a practice of cleaning up trash whilst there, and being respectful of the land and wildlife. 

4. Scott & Ziegler Coves:  Paddle a little further than Fish Island, and these delightful coves.  High tide is best. 

5. Farm Creek: At high tide, paddlers with a bit of stamina paddle around the eastern bays to Wilson Point and the entrance to the wildlife sanctuary of Farm Creek.  A stop at the Hart Estate, allows us to stretch our legs, and go to the toilet if necessary.  2.5-3 hours, intermediate paddler.  $5 pp goes to the Farm Creek Preservation Fund.

6. Sheffield Island Light House: This paddle involves crossing a major boat channel, with freighters, speed boats and yachts to contend with.  We don't recommend it unless you have a guide or an experienced paddler.  Once we get to Sheffield, we go on a tour of the lighthouse (toilet stop available here). Up to 4 hours, intermediate-advanced paddlers, $25pp adults only, $20 snr citizens.

GUIDED HISTORIC PADDLE

Five Mile River boasts a rich and vibrant history, including gallant ship captains, Revolutionary skirmishes and even a ghost or two. Join a member of the Rowayton Historical Society for some colorful stories of days gone by, at the historic Pinkney House overlooking the River.  Then take to the water for a paddle to put it in perspective.  $45 single/ $65 double including rental and guided tour.  $15 from single goes to RHS and $25 from doubles.  $5 discount for seniors, students, and RHS members.  Bring your own kayak - $15 donation.

Click here to learn more about Sherry White, our own private yoga instructor, certified in hatha and pilates.  Sherry has been leading this program for 2 years, and loves bringing her passion for kayaking and yoga together in this program. 

Find out how we earnt the 'Best of the Gold Coast' award for offshore Yoga! Learn some stretching poses that help with kayaking, do them on the boat!  Then kayak to local beaches for yoga on the rocks, or sand (we like to call this one ‘bikram’s exfoliating yoga’!)  To cool down or clean up, try some more challenging poses on your kayak - like 'Tree' - falling in won't be so bad!  No experience is necessary - program is hatha based, learn as you go, or focus on your technique.  Saturday morning classes 9-11:30am + guide $63 in single kayaks and $49pp in a double.  4 person minimum.  Less than 4 at instructor's discretion (24 hour notice), byo kayak surcharge of $10pp.  Contact us for more info. 

GUIDED SUNSET PADDLE - 2 HOURS

Every Thursday 5:30-7:30pm, reservations required.  2 hours $20. Kayak rentals additional.  Min. of 3 people.

Twilight AND Yoga by Kayak

Michelle Elliman, photos by Jamie Fee

WINE TASTING AND SUNSET PADDLE

Not in that order!  First Thursday of the month, 5:30-8:30pm.  Hosted at Downunder, wines by Rowayton Wine.  2 hour paddle, 1 hour tasting $20 - 6 person minimum, 12 max, reservations required.  Kayak rentals additional. 

PADDLE, PICNIC AND PROSE: take a spin around the river before you head over to a Shakespeare play being performed by the Shakespeare on the Sound actors, and held annually at Pinkney Park – a 1 minute walk down the road.  Your package comes complete with a picnic dinner, reserved seating.  Contact us for pricing.

PADDLE AND FISH: our guides take paddlers to prime spots for fishing from the kayak or a beach.  Bring your own rod and we'll supply the bait!  Call for a private appointment.  Get some friends together!  Take a picnic and call it a day!!!

PADDLE AND PRAY?

Parties

children, teens, adults

For Children: We pride ourselves on offering something truly special and different in the way of a birthday party.  Children learn about the gear, what's involved, and the basic skills before they go out.  They learn about the environment and the conditions they'll be paddling in (wind, tides, weather).  And then... they get out on the water and have some fun!  Kayaking skills are learnt through playing games - finding the treasure bottles, pinning the tail on the kayak, dock ducking, sponge fights, and swimming (optional - but always come prepared to get wet!)

 ... whatever your age, we know how to make it fun!

Additional options:  Put a party favor in the treasure bottle!  We offer a variety of small gifts that will make the outing more memorable and offer 25% off retail.  We also sell Downunder Kayaking water bottles, and fill them with our own Poland Springs water.  Located below the Rowayton Market makes it possible for us to take care of all the details - from cake and pizza, to catered events upstairs, with a beverages and entertainment.   We take out waterproof cameras and try to get some great shots of the paddlers, and encourage you to take pictures from the dock.  If you'd like something more professional, we can arrange The Photoboat.  Other options for older clients:

• Ice-cream at Brenden's 101 (yes we can paddle there - 12 years+)
• Picnic lunch - Rowayton Market can pack something to go.
• Parties on the deck - plan your own, or have them do it.  There is a deck rental fee, and Downunder clients get a discount.

Pricing:  Varied based on number - call the office for a quote (203) 247-0578.

Reservations and Cancellations:

To reserve we just need a credit card #.  The number is not charged until the day of the event, and you can choose a different form of payment at that time if you wish.  The cancellation policy is two weeks notice.  Less than two weeks 50% is non refundable.  Cancellation within 48 hours, there is no refund.  In poor weather a credit will be issued towards another date or kayak rentals for that year, or a 75% refund given.

Testimonials:

Pam & Olivia Negri:  Olivia had never been in a kayak before, but thanks to your knowledable staff she quickly got the hang of it and Loved it! Liv liked the message in the bottles, treasure hunts and especially the sponge fights - also when Michael tipped them over!

Beth and Michael Colonna:  Michael loved the Mom and me program.  He was so proud of his accomplishments over the 2 weeks and loved the excursions around the local shoreline.

Deb Goll:  They (3 siblings) enjoyed learning how to kayak and to gain confindence on the water.  It was great fun to see them off and greet them upon their return.

Crista Bazoian:  Both girls loved the program, and came home happy, even when the jellies stung!

For Adults:

PARTY BY BOAT:  Sunset and weekend parties are our specialty. Stay local or hop over to Long Island.  You come up with the idea, we'll execute it.  The Seaport Express carries up to 27 passengers and is available for charter from Downunder. 

 ADULT AND CORPORATE PARTIES:

Put Yourself in this picture …

you’re sitting on a beautiful deck overlooking a river as the sun sets before you.  Waiters are serving cocktails and hors d’oeuvres straight from the oven.  Live music plays in the background, and candlelit tables are set for an elegant dinner with friends.  Or maybe you’d rather a rowdy lobster bake!  Whatever your fancy, we can arrange it.  With or without kayaking, Downunder can create a very special experience for whatever your occasion/event.  Rent an island, tour them by power boat, maybe a tall ship... Let us know what you’re looking for – we’ll design it and make it happen!  Contact us for a quote.  

Darien Girl Scouts working as a team
 

SCOUTS, SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUPS