Downunder Kayaking

Who can do it:  3 yrs through seniors

Do I need experience:  Nope.  Instruction is provided by our seasoned staff, as well as life jackets and paddles.   

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:  Rentals are for a minimum of 2 hours - you don't have to stay out that long!  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 bring/know:  (Items in bold we sell)

• a bathing suit, towel and change of clothes
• suntan lotion
• hat and sunglass with straps recommended
• beverages – keep hydrated
• snacks – you will develop an appetite!
• water shoes/something you don’t mind getting wet or losing!
• Waterproof cameras are great, or small camera’s in waterproof bags.  Items in bold we sell

What not to bring:

• cotton clothing – when wet, it’s horrible (hard to dry, clammy and cold)
• cell phones – do you REALLY need it?  If yes – bring/use a waterproof bag.  We have them for rent.

Weather: if as long as it’s not blowing a gale (well let's say 15mph+) and there are no bolts of lightning – 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.

Kayak types:  We rent sit on top ocean kayaks.  We have singles and doubles.  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.  You'll see some of these on our dock, they're mainly for use by the Kayak for a Cause participants - in training for the crossing.  However, instruction is available in them, and once certified by Kim you may rent them IF you are paddling with another person. 

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.  Want a career in kayaking / summer job?  Sign up for the Trip Leader ACA certification held each spring, and join our team as a guide. Classes are listed on the calendar - Sunday's and Thursday evenings.

Paddle with Others:  Fancy getting out with a group, or meeting some new people?  Join us for our Thursday sunset paddles 6-8pm, Saturday afternoon paddles 3-6pm, Saturday Yoga and Kayaking paddles 9:30-12:30pm, fishing, art...some programs not on calendar yet.  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, from elegant to simple, we can cater it.  Let us plan a magical birthday celebration for your child, friend, 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, & Friday

10am - 6pm

Thursday

10am-8pm - for sunset paddlers and kayaking classes

Saturday, Sunday, Major Holidays

8am - 6pm

Cancellation policies below.

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:  May 10-18th weekends 10-6, thereafter full hours through Columbus Day.

Kayaking: as soon as the water's warm!  Expect May 17th - come prepared though, bit chilly.

New 1 Hour Deal:  paddle from 5-6 for $25 (based on kayak availability - no reservations).

Want to Paddle Outside These Hours?  Join the Frequent Paddler club (programs page), and you can come early and stay out late. 

Cancellation Policies

Kayak Rentals:  24 hours - if you don't show, we will charge you.  If you call within 24 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.  Less than 48 and more than 24 - credit towards rentals or future outing offered.  Within 24 hours, no refund. 

Training: 1 week notice, credit towards future training offered if cancellation up until 48 hours before event.  Within 48 hours no refund.

Yoga: 48 hours, no refund.

Children's Program: cancellation 2 weeks out from camp, refund.  Later than 2 weeks, credit towards another date/program or kayak rentals.  

Parties: Two weeks, after which deposit 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.

Directions

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