Where can I rent a kayak and paddle it around here?

Any locations close to this area where I can rent a kayak onsite? Somewhere not too treacherous- I'm a beginner. I tried kayaking on a vacation last year and fell in love with it.

Thanks!

Launch   http://livingstontownship.org/?p=11208

There's one in Cranford too

Manhattan Kayak Company, next to the Intrepid  

(duplicate)

The Cranford one is easy and pretty--combo of nature & suburbs. For a range of other options, try www.kayakeast.com

There's also some rentals in the Meadowlands if you prefer toxic sludge? Been meaning to check it out but never have gotten around to it (perhaps that's why I'm still alive?)

http://www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/activities-and-events/canoeing-kayaking/

Spruce Run, off of 78 west has a boat rental. 2016 Prices aren't up yet  but here is last year's guide: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/spruce_run_boat_rental_prices_2015.pdf

There is free kayaking at Pier 26

http://www.downtownboathouse.org/free-kayaking/

rowerg said:

Spruce Run, off of 78 west has a boat rental. 2016 Prices aren't up yet  but here is last year's guide: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/spruce_run_boat_rental_prices_2015.pdf

I really don't think that Spruce Run is beginner. It can be dangerous. It's cold and it's deep.

When I looked into this some years ago, REI offered intro kayak lessons at several kayak rental places. 

marylago said:

rowerg said:

Spruce Run, off of 78 west has a boat rental. 2016 Prices aren't up yet  but here is last year's guide: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/spruce_run_boat_rental_prices_2015.pdf

I really don't think that Spruce Run is beginner. It can be dangerous. It's cold and it's deep.

It's sure as heck more beginner than the Hudson River by the Intrepid! Whew! That's crayyyyzeee!

I think the NYC location is a closed off area between the piers, not out on the open river? Or at least, that's the way it was a few years ago when I did it (they were in Tribeca and UWS at that point, not the Intrepid).

PVW said:

I think the NYC location is a closed off area between the piers, not out on the open river? Or at least, that's the way it was a few years ago when I did it (they were in Tribeca and UWS at that point, not the Intrepid).

Still, the tides, the sea breezes, the current and the wakes of other boats do not make for beginner water. I learned at Spruce Run, which has a nice shallow, protected launch area.

Or rent a kayak at the hot dog stand in Clinton, NJ. (I'll get the name if you watch this nice video.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4e3vVM9TXo

Actually, I think the hot dog stand isn't there any more, but the boat launch is right behind the Art Museum.

Two locations, Princeton & Griggstown

http://www.princetoncanoe.com/

springgreen2 said:

marylago said:

rowerg said:

Spruce Run, off of 78 west has a boat rental. 2016 Prices aren't up yet  but here is last year's guide: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/spruce_run_boat_rental_prices_2015.pdf

I really don't think that Spruce Run is beginner. It can be dangerous. It's cold and it's deep.

It's sure as heck more beginner than the Hudson River by the Intrepid! Whew! That's crayyyyzeee!

Well, I thought the same thing but I don't know anything about that area.

In terms of strength required, is kayaking easier than canoeing?

kthnry said:

In terms of strength required, is kayaking easier than canoeing?

Infinitely. Kayaks glide through the current. But others here don't always agree with me on this.

Start with Cranford Boat House.  Best for beginners.  You just go down a little shallow canal and spy on backyards.  

kthnry said:

In terms of strength required, is kayaking easier than canoeing?

I'd agree that it's easier, but do take care how far you go if you have to paddle back!  

Also, some kayaks are definitely lighter and easier than others, so maybe ask the rental place for recommendations (if they have different varieties).  

mjh said:

kthnry said:

In terms of strength required, is kayaking easier than canoeing?

I'd agree that it's easier, but do take care how far you go if you have to paddle back!  

Also, some kayaks are definitely lighter and easier than others, so maybe ask the rental place for recommendations (if they have different varieties).  

The lighter kayaks look great, but they tip more easily than the wider, heavier boats.

Thanks to this thread we hit up the Cranford Canoe Club today to rent some kayaks.  I highly recommend it as a beginner/family place to paddle.

http://www.cranfordcanoeclub.com 

What was the pollution like, @grahamb? Last year there was so much trash in the water (apparently runoff from the highway) that it really detracted from what would otherwise have been a lovely little kayak.

WOW! Thank you everyone!!

zucca said:

What was the pollution like, @grahamb? Last year there was so much trash in the water (apparently runoff from the highway) that it really detracted from what would otherwise have been a lovely little kayak.

I'd say zero to minimal pollution.  I'm usually fairly sensitive to stuff like that but it seemed pretty darn clean. We fished one wiffle ball out, but that's really it. 

Wow--that's amazing! Literally I was kayaking among soda bottles, etc., the whole time. Could have filled multiple trash bags. That is really great to hear.

As mentioned above, Kayak East also has nice outings. I've done just one, but it was fun and I'd definitely do it again.