Everything You Need to Know Before You Paddle

From booking to what to bring—we’ve got you covered.

QUICK ANSWERS

Reservation required? → Yes (recommended)

Arrive early? → Yes (30 minutes)

Swimming allowed? → No (except beaches)

Dogs allowed? → Yes

Life jackets required? → Yes

Kids allowed? → Yes (adult required)

- Choose your location, date, and time
- Select your equipment and rental length
- Book online under “Book by Location”
Before you arrive:
- Complete your waiver in advance
- Arrive 30 minutes early to park and get ready
- Yes—reservations are strongly recommended
- Book online or in person
- Same-day bookings may be available (based on availability)
No—bookings must be made online or in person

- No—rentals are booked as set time slots
- Unused time is not refundable
Exception:
- Dangerous weather → adjusted rental time (minimum 1 hour charge)
- Credit/debit cards and cash
- If paying cash, a card must be kept on file for incidentals
- Online bookings do not require a card at check-in

- You are booking a time slot, not flexible time
- Late arrival may reduce your time on the water
- We’ll try to adjust your time if possible
Call us if you’re running late—we’ll do our best to help
- Please return at your scheduled time
- Late returns affect other guests
Late fees:
- $10 per person per 15 minutes
- $1/minute after closing
Want more time? Call ahead to extend (if available)
- Last rentals go out 1 hour before closing
- We do not stay open past closing time

- 24+ hours: reschedule or cancel via your confirmation email
- 3–24 hours: email us → 50% refund
- Less than 3 hours: no refund
- After start time / no-show: no refund
- 24+ hours: use link in your confirmation email
- Less than 24 hours: reply to your confirmation email
- We only close for dangerous weather (thunder, lightning, high winds)
- Light rain → we stay open
- If we close, we’ll contact you with options
Always check your email before heading out
- Return to shore immediately if instructed
- Your time will be adjusted accordingly

- Not required, but highly recommended for beginners
- We provide basic instruction with every rental
Private Lesson:
- Just your group + instructor
- Moves at your pace
Public Lesson:
- Small group (up to 4 people)
- More general instruction
Guided Paddle:
- No formal lesson
- Paddle with a guide for support and direction

- Clothes you don’t mind getting wet
- Synthetic fabrics recommended (dry faster)
- Hat & sunglasses encouraged
Avoid cotton—it stays wet and heavy
- Optional, but recommended
- Terrain can be rocky or hot
- Yes—required at all times
- Provided with every rental
You may bring your own (must be Coast Guard approved)
Wear a waterproof watch or bring your phone in a waterproof case

We operate at four locations:
- Monksville Reservoir (Ringwood)
- Shepherd Lake (Ringwood)
- Wawayanda Lake (Vernon)
- Atsion Lake (Shamong)
Check your confirmation email for exact directions
- Yes—we are right on the water
- No transport needed
- All locations open through Labor Day
- Select locations remain open weekends through September

Yes—anyone under 18 needs a signed waiver from a parent/guardian
- Ages 16 and under must have an adult on the water
- Atsion Lake: under 18 must have an adult present
- Yes—family-friendly options available
Examples:
- Toddlers: ride in tandem kayak with adults
- Kids 10 & under: may ride on paddleboard with parent
All children must wear life jackets

Yes—must be able to swim (no exceptions)
- No—swimming is only allowed in designated swim areas
- Not permitted from kayaks or paddleboards
No—equipment is assigned to one person per rental

Yes—we’re dog-friendly 🐾
Rules:
- Must be on a leash (6 ft or shorter) on land
- Bring your own waste bags (no trash cans on site)
- Yes (kayaks & paddleboards)
- Dog life jackets strongly recommended
Bring a towel or mat to protect equipment