Established 2000

New Jersey Kayak's mission is to introduce young men & women to the joys and the adventure of coastal sea kayak touring.  The two hour Introduction to Coastal Kayak Touring Youth Program will develop skills and spark interest in kayaking as a lifelong sport.  The instruction is given in true expedition quality touring kayaks…not recreational kayaks.  Professional tandems are available if preferred or in some cases necessary because of weather & ability issues.

American Canoe Assoc., (ACA) certified professional staff will instruct and guide you trough you’re paddling adventure assuring personal attention & safety.   Instruction is given at our beautiful waterfront Barnegat Bay location and the surrounding Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge where we will kayak through protected waterways.
The following are the kayak skills taught:

• Fitting Out...How to fit a Kayak & PFD
  We take great care to personally fit each participant to a kayak for their size from our extensive fleet of kayaks.  Each kayak is equipped with a rudder & usage is demonstrated.  Most people find a rudder a great aide in kayak control when the water & wind conditions dictate.
  Quality kayak PFDs (lifejackets) are personally sized for comfort & safety.
  A properly sized quality fiberglass shaft paddle is given to all participants.

• Basic paddle strokes:
  Forward Stroke, Reverse Stroke, Turning Strokes (forward Sweep / reverse sweep)
  Before leaving on our adventure, there is demonstration of the basic paddling strokes.

• How to use Rudder: 
  All of our kayaks are rudder equipped.  The rudder is demonstrated & used when wind & tides dictate.

• Review Terminology of a Kayak, Navigation, Equipment & Safety:
  Review basic gear and supplies to bring and how to dress for the weather.
  Much of the clothing used in kayaking can be drawn from other sports, raingear, windbreakers, etc.  Educate recognizing navigational aides, weather & tide conditions, etc. to assure a fun experience.

• Review Rescue Methods:
  The importance of assisted rescue & self rescue techniques are discussed & demonstrated if weather & time permit.
  
  New Jersey Kayak professional guides will escort you to the surrounding Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge whose extensive wetland is instrumental to the health of Barnegat Bay.   The EBF Wildlife Refuge is alive with nature's wonders and many species of birds may be viewed.   We challenge each student with an extended paddle through the protected beauty of the E.B.F. Wildlife Refuge & weather permitting, experience open water paddling on Barnegat Bay.
  
  NJ Kayak 's guide to student ratio is 1 to 5.   Besides assuring safety, the 1 to 5 ratio permits NJ Kayak's American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor guides to provide each student  with personal attention and encouragement.  Each student builds confidence and pride in their ability to paddle and control a kayak in various conditions.  Each student is introduced to the responsibility and safety issues of kayaking.
   
  Fee: $40 for youth & adult leaders   Minimum Age: 10    Dates: April trough October
  Even with the rising financial cost in providing our kayak instruction and providing quality equipment,
  NJ Kayak has held the scout group discount fee low since our inception in 2000.
  
  Most youth groups request a morning start between 9am to 10am.  However, we would be pleased to entertain a start time to fit your needs.  Please arrive 1/2 hour early to sign waiver & for kayak & gear fitting.
  
  It is our joy to introduce all visitors to the beauty and the diversity of Barnegat Bay, the surrounding Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and to New Jersey's coastal wetlands.
  From this experience it is our hope to instill a desire to kayak and to kayak safe.

Each troop and leader is fitted to a quality kayak,
performance paddle and a life vest of proper fit.

  Kayak terminology is reviewed and
  paddling techniques demonstrated

Paddling techniques demonstrated in protected harbor.         Please note our floating docks for ease of kayak entry.

In the journey,  the adventure potential of coastal sea kayak touring is experienced.
We challenge each student with an extended paddle through protected beauty of the E.B.F. Wildlife Refuge &
weather permitting, try open water paddling in Barnegat Bay.

NJ Kayak 's guide to student ratio is 1 to 5.   Besides assuring safety, the 1 to 5 ratio permits NJ Kayak's American canoe Association (ACA) certified instructor guides to provide each student  with personal attention and encouragement.
Each student builds a confidence and pride in their ability to paddle and control a kayak in various conditions.
By example, continual practice and instruction, each student learns the responsibility and safety issues of kayaking.

Weather permitting, we find time to stretch our legs and have light snack along white sand beaches of the refuge.
Our staff will share all decision making with the troop leaders and welcome their leadership skills during the course.

It is our hope that the troop leadership enjoy and relax knowing that their troop is professionally guided.