Calling all paddlers: Lake Tappan Paddle Day is Aug. 12

Lake Tappan Paddle Day offers a unique day on the waters of the local reservoir.

Lake Tappan Paddle Day is a family-friendly day of paddling on the Lake Tappan Reservoir in Old Tappan.

This year’s event takes place Saturday, Aug. 12 (rain or shine) and is a collaborative partnership between Hackensack Riverkeeper and SUEZ Water. The paddle day is an annual fundraiser that supports Hackensack Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River. It concludes Riverkeeper’s 2017 Reservoir Paddle Series.

Known as the “Triple Crown of Paddling in the Hackensack River Watershed,” the Reservoir Paddle Series offers unique public access to Lake DeForest, Oradell Reservoir, and Lake Tappan – bodies of water normally off-limits to the public.

A complete description of the event, including directions, schedule, rules and age restrictions, is available online at www.respaddleseries.com or by calling (201) 968-0808.

Lake Tappan Paddle Day consists of morning and afternoon paddling sessions, starting at 8:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Check-in begins a half hour prior to each session. Paddlers may bring their own boat or rent one from Riverkeeper’s fleet (single kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe).

Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all paddlers beginning at 11 a.m., courtesy of Inserra ShopRite. A water station will be maintained by SUEZ throughout the event.

Hackensack Riverkeeper thanks its partner, SUEZ, and sponsors, including Inserra Supermarkets, PSE&G, Hackensack Meridian Health, Rockland Electric Co., Ramsey Outdoor Stores and XChange at Secaucus Junction.

Founded in 1997 by Capt. Bill Sheehan, Hackensack Riverkeeper is the leading organization working on Hackensack River issues. It employs a fourfold strategy of environmental action, advocacy, education and litigation in its mission to protect, preserve and restore the river and its 210-square mile watershed.

File photo