Hackensack River Canoe & Kayak Club
canoe • kayak • hike • bike • ski • swim • camp • eat
www.hrckc.org

Click here for the Members Area
(password required)

Trip participation is limited to club members only.
Non-members wishing to participate must submit a completed membership application


Saturday, July 31: Delaware River - Sparrowbush to Milford
A very pretty, quiet section of river.
The trip is 12.4 miles long.
Must have moving water experience to sign up. Must wear PFD's, have painters and a USGC approved safety whistle. I will check for all these safety items before the waiver is signed. Trip size is limited.
There will be a parking fee for a few of the cars which we will all share equally.

Sunday, August 1: Throw Rope Tossin' Seminar - Green Turtle Pond, West Milford
          Come and learn the fine art of "Throw Rope" tossing. Understanding the basics of and getting practice with the "Rescue Throw Rope" can potentially save someone's life (maybe yours or mine) and if you are paddling on any kind of moving water trip it is really something worth knowing. Beginning paddlers on any moving water are especially in need of understanding and having some practice with throw ropes even though they may not actually do a rescue themselves, they will know what is going on and just as importantly...what NOT to do.
          No need to bring a boat unless you wish to paddle around. If you have a throw rope please bring it - if not we will have some there to practice with. Also bring a lifevest - if you want to be one of the "rescue dummies". A limited selection of throw ropes are available locally from Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) and CampMor. One of the best mail order sources is from Northwest River Supplies (NRS) www.nrsweb.com with all different sizes, types and prices available. You can also make your own from some decent floating rope, some foam and a nylon bag.
          At our July 17th session we had another 12 folks tossin' an' a'catchin' throw ropes with much glee, fanfare and amusement. People are always surprised how something that looks so easy do ain't all that easy unless you actually do it and more importantly - practice it... and practice... and practice...
          A reminder that a basic knowledge of throw rope rescue (either by attending one of these sessions or having previously demonstrated that you have the basic knowledge) will be a prerequisite for attending any of the "moving" water trips that I "coordinate" in the future such as the Wallkill River, so please keep this in mind.

Tue, August 3: Membership Meeting
When: 7 PM
Where: Paramus, NJ Elks Club
• 200 Route 17 North • Click here for a map & driving directions.
Topic:

Saturday, August 7: Delaware River - Rieglesville to Frenchtown, NJ
Very scenic, easy section of the Delaware. Just some riffles but lots of tall cliffs and solitude.

Saturday, August 7: Sea Kayak Day Paddle
Raritan Bay - Keyport to Staten Island to Perth Amboy and back

This is a 15+ mile loop around the Raritan Bay starting at Keyport then over to Staten Island then to Perth Amboy and back. It's a 6+hour paddle that's best suited for sea kayaks. After an open crossing of Raritan Bay we'll briefly stop at a unique rock sculpture garden on the beach on Staten Island. We'll then head west for a lunch stop at the historic 1700's Conference House. Then cross back to Jersey and follow the shore back to Keyport. You could expect strong winds and currents, large wakes and both recreational and shipping traffic.
Proper safety gear, self and assisted rescue experience and some rough water paddling experience is needed.

Sunday, August 15: Swim With Your Boat Day # 2
Place - Green Turtle Pond, West Milford
Do you know what it's like to fall out of your boat? Get back in?
Float around in your lifevest? Swim with your beloved paddlecraft?
Well, if you don't, you're just not having fun. Look, everyone will end up in the water sooner or later, so why not just get it over with while you're having fun in a controlled environment. A lot of new paddlers are a bit apprehensive about falling in so having the opportunity to get over those initial fears and learning how to get back into your boat while in calm water may relieve some of those concerns.
Come join the HRCKC at it's seventh annual "Swim With Your Boat Day" at Green Turtle Pond in West Milford. While this informational session is not meant to be a replacement for "formal instruction" in moving water,  some of our more experienced paddlers will show you various techniques and methods of getting back into your boat, emptying your dampened craft, throw rope practice, proper fitting of your lifevest (pfd) and other safety issues.
Please Be Prepared To Get Wet!
You will! That's the point of all this – to get comfortable in the water in your lifevest. HRCKC members - new and experienced, canoeists and kayakers are invited to join us for a day of fun and plenty of laughs.

Wednesday - Sunday, August 25 - 29: Adirondack Paddle & Camp - Fish Creek Ponds Campground, Saranac Lake, NY
The campsites at Fish Creek Ponds are right on the water, so we have the convenience of a fully equipped campground (flush toilets and showers) and very easy access to excellent paddling. We are planning some day paddles – loops right from the campsites, through a series of lakes with a few short portages.
I am organizing this trip for paddlers who are more comfortable with car camping (drive right up to the campsite) than wilderness camping. But even wilderness campers who are feeling a little lazy are invited!
Here are some links that will give you more information about the campground and the general area:
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NY&parkId=574
http://www.fishcreekpond.com
 

Wednesday, September 1: Annual HRCKC BBQ and Swap Meet
When:
6 pm - Rain or Shine
Where: Paramus, NJ Elks Club
• 200 Route 17 North • Click here for a map & driving directions
This year, the HRCKC BBQ and Swap Meet (aka Feast of Gluttony and/or Tarp-o-Rama) will take place on Wednesday, September 1 at 6:00 PM at the grassy field behind the Paramus Elks Club. The Club will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. The event is free for club members and $5.00 for guests.
Note: THE BBQ IS IN LIEU OF OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED SEPTEMBER MEETING. THERE WILL BE NO MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7.

CANCELLED Tue, September 7: Membership Meeting
When: 7 PM
Where: Paramus, NJ Elks Club
• 200 Route 17 North •
Click here for a map & driving directions.
Topic:

Saturday, September 11: Wallkill River - Sussex County, NJ
This is a relatively easy (but somewhat long trip which does require some moving water experience) through the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge.
There is a possibility of blowdowns to pull over along the way. There also is a slight drop (easy rapid - takes 2 seconds to shoot through) depending on water level near the end.
The trip will be from the RT. 565 put-in to Oil City Road - about 8 miles or so. Figure on 4-5 hours with a lunch stop.
This trip is suitable for canoes and kayaks, but again depending on water level there may be places that might be a little scratchy.
Participants must be comfortable paddling for this length of time and must WEAR their lifevests at all times while on the water. TWO changes of clothes in a drybag must be brought and painters (short lengths of rope attached to both ends of your boat) are required. Dress accordingly for the water temperature.
As a prerequisite to attending this moving water trip - all participants must have a basic understanding of the "rescue throw rope" either by having attended one of the Throw Rope Tossin' 101 sessions offered throughout the summer or by having previously demonstrated that you have the basic skills. Please keep this in mind before you sign up for this trip.

Fri, Sat, Sun, September 17,18,19: Assateague Island National Seashore Camp & Kayak
Our annual trip to Maryland is scheduled for the above dates. Campsites are $20.00 per night. We will be on the Oceanside Drivein side as in previous years. Each site has room for 2 tents with 6 people. A picnic table and grill are on each site. Drinking water, cold water showers and chemical toilets are conveniently located. An entrance pass is required for any vehicle entering the park. A 7 day pass is $15.00. Campers using the Interagency Senior or Access Pass (or the golden Age or Access Pass) are not charged the entrance fee. This pass allows anyone 62 or older to enter any National Park FREE.

In addition to boating on the bay, other activities include viewing the famous wild ponies and other wildlife, biking, fishing, hiking, educational displays at the ranger station, swimming, bird watching, nature walks, kite flying, relaxing on the beach and just hanging out. Come join us for a fantastic weekend.

If you have the opportunity, please review the Trip Report written by Laurie Cochran for the September 18-20 2009 trip. Laurie provides the reader with an in depth review of the weekend.
- September 18-20, 2009 - Assateague Island National Seashore (with 57 photos) - by Laurie Cochran
- September 19-21, 2008 - Assateague Island National Seashore (with 63 photos) - by Laurie Cochran
- September 14-16, 2007 - Assateague Island National Seashore - by Lee McQuade
- September 26-28, 2003 - Assateague Island - by Betty Wiest
- September 6-8, 2002 - Endless Summer in Assateague, MD - by Anita Berson

For additional information regarding Assateague go to their website at: www.assateagueisland.com

Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19: Sea Kayak Camping
Long Island Sound - Norwalk Islands, CT

Saturday is about a 10 mile paddle around this group of island in Long Island Sound for sea kayaks, not rec kayaks or canoes. This is a pretty area of sandy islands and three lighthouses. Lunch stop on a sandy island. We'll then camp on one of the islands. Then another day paddle on Sunday. You could expect strong winds and currents, large wakes, swells, power boats and commercial shipping and pleasure boat traffic.
Proper safety gear, self and assisted rescue experience and some rough water paddling experience is required.
There will be a limit on the number of participants.

Sunday, September 19: Delaware River - Pond Eddy to Port Jervis

Sunday, September 26: Meander around the Meadowlands

Friday-Monday, October 1-4: Saranac Lake Paddle and Camp
Paddle on a beautiful Adirondack Lake and camp there.

We're hoping for warm sunny days, bright fall foliage, and cool clear nights. What we’re likely to get is anybody’s guess.

The lake itself is varied and interesting to paddle around, and there are several attractive day paddle opportunities upstream and downstream on the Saranac River. Most of the paddling can be classified as flat water with no obstructions, suitable even for motor boats. However, there are open stretches of the lake that are exposed to any winds, and provide ample fetch for small waves if the winds are strong, and larger waves if the winds are stronger. First-time paddle-campers or those with no cold weather camping experience are not ideal candidates for this trip. The weather can get pretty wintry even in early October in the Adirondacks, so we should not be surprised if we see a little snow or some thin ice on the lake. It is important to bring suitable gear and clothing. This means a stove and kitchen set-up that you can depend on, a warm sleeping bag and insulating pad, and for all but the hardiest souls, a good tent. It is STRONGLY recommended that you read the Trip Report of the 2008 Saranac Lake Trip on the Club website.

If you are thinking of waiting to see a weather report for the target weekend before you sign up for this trip, you probably should hone your skills and test your gear on a less ambitious trip first.

Tue, October 5: Membership Meeting
When: 7 PM
Where: Paramus, NJ Elks Club
• 200 Route 17 North • Click here for a map & driving directions.
Topic:

Sunday, October 10: Tootle around the Tappan Zee

Saturday October 16: Sea Kayak Day Paddle
Long Island Sound - Western End
This is about a 15 mile loop around the western end of Long Island Sound. Launching from Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park we'll paddle out past City Island and Hart Island and over to the Throgs Neck Bridge. Then past the lighthouses on the way back. Cooler air and water temps may require a drysuit or wetsuit. You could expect strong winds and currents, large wakes, swells, power boats and commercial shipping and pleasure boat traffic.
Proper safety gear, self and assisted rescue experience and some rough water paddling experience is required.

Sunday, October 17: Cedar Creek, NJ

Sat & Sun, Oct. 30-31: 17th Annual Halloween Pine Barrens Canoe & Kayak Camping Trip on the mighty Mullica River
Always a fun trip with plenty of beautiful fall foliage - bring an "All Hallows' Even" costume if you wish. The Jersey Devil will almost definitely be seen. Participants should be comfortable paddling on narrow, tight and twisty Pine Barrens rivers. (Long sea kayaks are not real great here). Cool weather camping equipment is recommended since it may be chilly at night. Camping fee is $2.00 per person.

Tue, November 2: Membership Meeting & Halloween Party
When: 7 PM
Where: Paramus, NJ Elks Club
• 200 Route 17 North • Click here for a map & driving directions.
Topic:

Saturday, November 6: Upper Tohickon Creek, PA
Whitewater release weekend but we will paddle upper part, from Dam to Ralph Stover State Park. Lots of water in confined creek and about a mile of some good rapids near end.

Saturday, November 13: Sea Kayak Day Paddle
Hudson River - Cold Spring to Bear Mountain and back
This is a 15+ mile paddle on the Hudson River from Cold Spring to Bear Mountain and back. It's a 6+hour that's best suited for sea kayaks. This is one of the prettier parts of the river, passing West Point with the steep mountains on each side. We'll have lunch in Popolopen Creek You could expect strong winds and currents, large wakes and both recreational and shipping traffic. The water temperature is now around 50 degrees so proper cold water immersion gear (drysuit or wetsuit) is needed.
Proper safety gear, self and assisted rescue experience and some rough water paddling experience is needed.

Saturday, November 13: Musconetcong River - Hackettstown to Penwell, NJ
NJ Water Authority should begin Lake Hopatcong drawdown. Quick moving stream, Class I plus. Pretty countryside and fall colors. Dress for the cold water.

Sunday, November 14: Wallkill River - Sussex County, NJ
This is a relatively easy (but somewhat long trip which does require some moving water experience) through the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge.
There is a possibility of blowdowns to pull over along the way. There also is a slight drop (easy rapid - takes 2 seconds to shoot through) depending on water level near the end.
The trip will be from the RT. 565 put-in to Oil City Road - about 8 miles or so. Figure on 4-5 hours with a lunch stop.
This trip is suitable for canoes and kayaks, but again depending on water level there may be places that might be a little scratchy.
Participants must be comfortable paddling for this length of time and must WEAR their lifevests at all times while on the water.
Wet suits, dry suits or TWO changes of clothes in a drybag must be brought and painters (short lengths of rope attached to both ends of your boat) are required. The water will be cold so dress accordingly for the water temperature. Please - NO COTTON CLOTHING!
As a prerequisite to attending this moving water trip - all participants must have a basic understanding of the "rescue throw rope" either by having attended one of the Throw Rope Tossin' 101 sessions offered throughout the summer or by having previously demonstrated that you have the basic skills. Please keep this in mind before you sign up for this trip.