OLD TAPPAN, N.J.—There will be a rare opportunity to enjoy recreation on the Lake Tappan reservoir Saturday, Aug. 3.
Lake Tappan Paddle Day is offered by Hackensack Riverkeeper and SUEZ Water in partnership.
“The event supports Hackensack Riverkeeper’s mission to protect, preserve, and restore the Hackensack River,” say organizers.
Paddle day consists of four paddling sessions. Paddlers are encouraged to bring their own boat or rent one from Riverkeeper’s fleet. You can choose a single-person kayak, a tandem (two-person) kayak, or canoe.
Space is limited; paddlers are strongly encouraged to register online.
The event and parking will be located at the SUEZ fishing gate off Washington Avenue, near the intersection of Little Mountain Road in Old Tappan.
“Parking will be inside the gate, along the access road,” said organizers. “The access road is one way, and all paddlers will exit onto Ogle Road. Signs will guide you.”
There will be four sessions and the cost is $30 per paddler with your own or a Riverkeeper kayak/canoe.
Check-in begins 30 minutes prior to each session. Plan to arrive early to allow enough time to park, check-in, and receive your materials.
Paddle A is 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; own boat is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; paddle B is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and paddle C is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
All boats must be off the water by 3:30 p.m. All boats must be washed at the wash station before entering the reservoir, to ensure the prevention of bio-invasive hitchhikers.
You can download an event waiver online to speed up the registration process.
All registrants will receive a free wateproof phone pouch and lunch, beginning at 11:30a.m., courtesy of Inserra ShopRite!
Catch-and-release fishing from kayaks is permitted, with a valid fishing license.
Lake Tappan Paddle Day will only be cancelled for persistent rain or thunder and lightning. In the event organizers are forced to postone the paddle day to the scheduled rain date of Saturday, Aug. 10, registrants will receive an email on Friday, August 2.
“If we are unable to hold the event on either date, registrants will receive a voucher, which can be used at either of our paddling centers or at a 2020 Reservoir Paddle Series event,” say organizers.
Rules and Age Restrictions
All canoes must have two adult paddlers.
Children 5 and over may ride as a passenger in the center of a canoe, paddled by two adults.
Children 8 and over can paddle in the front seat of a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian in the back.
Children 12 and over may paddle a single kayak, if accompanied by an adult paddling in a separate vessel while on the water.
All necessary equipment and life vests (PFDs) will be provided for those using Hackensack Riverkeeper boats. Paddlers must wear PFD at all times.
Questions? Email info@hackensackriverkeeper.org or call (201) 968-0808.
