Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
WHAT IS THE AGE MINIMUM TO PARTICIPATE?
The minimum age for participation is six. Children under age 10 will be required to go with a parent in our tandem kayak. We do not have “kid size” kayaks or paddles.
Our shortest kayak available for rental is 9.5’ long and that requires a regular sized paddle. In our experience, we find age 12 is the average age when navigating this size kayak is manageable. Some kids a year or two younger may be ok on their own if they have prior paddling experience, or if they are confident and willing to put in the effort it takes to kayak. Windy days make kayaking more challenging and require strength and stamina to paddle around, especially kids.
Under age children must be with a parent at all times. Our safety ratio/threshold is a 3 kids to 1 parent/guardian. You may need to add on an instructor to join your group (if available) if you plan to surpass this 3 to 1 threshold.
We do not allow children on the water without an adult with them and we do not allow children to stay on shore by themselves. Parent or guardian supervision on and off the water is required.
WHAT IF I CAN’T SWIM?
One of the top risks of recreational paddlesports is “separation from vessel”, which can happen if you fall out of the kayak or off a SUP, and then it quickly floats or blows away from you. With this in mind it’s best practice to paddle with a group rather than solo.
We highly recommend all participants are able to swim in some way. In the very least participants should be comfortable with the idea of floating in the water, and with a properly fit life jacket, it makes floating quite relaxing!
We say this as caution and not to create fear. Our approach with kayaking is to always plan for all variables, and capsizing is one of them. If there is any doubt about a participant’s ability to float without fear (while waiting for assistance) or their ability to follow directions for us to assist you back into the kayak or to land, kayaking is not recommended.
Wearing your lifejacket properly at all times will help you minimize the risks to you if you capsize and fall out of the kayak.
When water currents and winds are present, a kayak can float away from you VERY quickly. A participant should be capable to quickly grab and hold onto the kayak if they fall out of it.
Getting back into our kayak isn’t impossible, but it also isn’t what we would call easy. It make take a few attempts. Having someone in your group steady the kayak for you is quite helpful! If a “swimmer” (someone who falls out of a kayak) can’t re-enter the kayak from the open water, they may need to swim-kick the kayak to a shallower, shoreline spot to make getting back on the kayak a bit easier.
If you are in danger and need rescue assistance, use the safety whistle attached to your life jacket to get attention from anyone on the water who can provide you assistance.
“Three short bursts or blows on the whistle signal "Help!"
Just remember S.O.S. Again, in many circumstances, signals in sets of three are a universally recognized call for help.”
See Article: https://topkayaker.com/PDF/SignalDevices.pdf
The depth of the river where we set up is generally shallow (3-8’), but the depth varies greatly depending on your location in the river and the level of the rising tide. This also means that Shark River can get too shallow in some areas at low tide.
We have an aerial map that shows the entire tidal basin and we will point out great areas to explore and areas to avoid.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET WHEN USING OUR EQUIPMENT.
READ ARTICLE: “Could Your Swim Skills Let You Down?” By R.J. Garren
WILL I GET WET? WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You should always plan to! Your bottom will get wet due to the type of kayaks we have (sit-on-top). We recommend:
Wear non-cotton (quick dry) athletic style clothes, and you may want to bring a towel to sit on in the car for your ride home. Kayaking always has the potential for you to get wet – either planned or unplanned, a little or a lot. But on average, most people just experience a bit of a wet “tuchus”. :-)
Wear “water shoes” or old sneakers that you don’t care about. Flip flops and sandals are ok, too, as long as you don’t mind them getting wet. We pick up countless pieces of small and large glass off the beach every time we set up, so with that in mind, we do not recommend bare feet.
When you participate in any paddlesport as a general approach, you should always think about the water temperature and prepare/dress for that.
Summertime in Shark River the water temperature increases quick. In the early part of our season the water temp is typically in the low 60’s - cold! By mid-June it’s usually around 68-70 degrees, mid-July through August is usually 75 or so and by early September we sometimes see it in the 80’s. Shark River water temperature is typically similar to the water temperature at the shores of our nearby beachfront. It can vary all summer, we’ve even experienced a dip into the high 60’s in the heat of the mid-summer.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
The sun can be unforgiving on those hot summer days on the water, so it’s a good idea to bring water to drink, wear sunscreen, wear non-cotton clothing with SPF protection, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses.
Participants who wear corrective lens should make sure to bring a strap to keep them on. Glasses sink quick! We may have an extra one handy if you forget yours…
WHAT IS SHARK RIVER WATER LIKE? ARE THERE SHARKS???!!!
Shark River is a coastal body of water (salt water) and the areas that we kayak in are a part of the tidal basin. There are several public and private boat marinas and docks around the riverbanks and we ask that participants stay away from those areas as well as boat channels.
Motor boats traversing around the river will create wakes and it’s best that kayakers avoid areas where boats are visibly active. A boat creates a wake (wave) that can cause moments of feeling unstable, the speed and size of the boat will affect the size of the wake you experience. You should face the wave (wake) with the front of the kayak to avoid the wave spilling over the sides (this is the biggest capsize vulnerability).
Shark River shifts from high tide to low tide approximately every six hours every day. Due to this dramatic shift in the depth of water, we are limited to renting our kayaks on Shark River during a small window of time each day, and that window of time changes every day.
When the tide is low in Shark River, that is when we consider venturing out to other bodies of water, such as Deal Lake, Manasquan River and Forge Pond. We primarily operate in Shark River and will accommodate requests for a different body of water on an individual basis as our schedule allows.
We have yet to spot “Jaws” in little ol’ Shark River, but we do have a wonderful and thriving eco system of many types of saltwater fish, shellfish, horseshoe crabs and migratory shore birds.
ARE THEIR PUBLIC BATHROOMS AVAILABLE?
Since we are a mobile business we do not have a bathroom. The spot in Shark River Hills where we bring our kayaks is right near a public marina, which is a five minute walk from where we park. They have bathrooms available during their operating hours.
**Deal Lake events do not have public bathrooms available.
WHERE DO I PARK?
Shark River Hills location: You may park behind our minivan and trailer (assuming there is room). Parking is allowed on the streets in our neighborhood. Please do not make a U-Turn in front of us, we are parked on a curve with low visibility and are vigilant about safety.
There are several safe areas to turn around just beyond the bend.
We also respectfully request you do not stop traffic or block the flow of traffic on the road, doing this presents a pedestrian or biker safety risk, please use caution.
You may also prefer to park closer to the Shark River Municipal Marina (149 S. Riverside Drive, Shark River Hills) since they have public bathrooms available during their operating hours and we are just a short walk away.
Deal Lake events: You may park in the boat launch area if there are spots available, or you may park on the streets. Please lock your car. Do not park at 7-11, they may tow your vehicle.
WHERE CAN I LEAVE MY CAR KEYS, WALLET, ETC?
We don’t recommend bringing anything you don’t want to lose. Keys definitely don’t float. Neither do cell phones! Our Ultimate Upgrade includes a “dry-box” for your must haves, however, if a dry-box is not used properly it may not keep your things dry. Better safe than sorry and leave the important and hard to replace stuff on-shore. We will hold your personal items while you kayak, however, we are not responsible for any loss or damage that may occur.
CAN I BRING A COOLER?
Small “lunch” coolers will fit on the back of our kayaks, but keep in mind, they will get wet. We recommend bringing your own water bottle. Please remember to stay hydrated during your paddle.
Use of alcohol, marijuana or use drugs before or while you're paddling is totally against our policy. We are happy to recommend some great local bars, fantastic local breweries and delicious restaurants to have a celebratory drink following your kayak adventure.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ITEMS NEEDED FOR KAYAKING?
The most basic essentials needed for safe kayaking (aside from a vessel and paddle) are a USCG approved life jacket and a safety whistle, dressing for the water temperature, as well as letting friends and family know you are going for a paddle – most especially if you are by yourself!
Please review the Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Anything can happen on the water, being prepared and aware of the hazards is the first line of defense! Our Guided Paddle trip leaders are fully prepared with tow ropes, a first aid kit, a VHF radio, and other equipment that can aid with unplanned changes in weather or other emergencies.
If you are new to kayaking, we recommend Guided Paddles until you have a working knowledge of self rescue and confidence on the water.
We highly suggested anyone renting a kayak from us be fully prepared for their adventure. This includes the most basic essential equipment & basic knowledge of kayaking. When on coastal/tidal bodies of water be sure to review aerial maps (we have one), a tide chart and the weather forecast!!