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Kayak Rentals at Housatonic River

Kayak Rentals at Housatonic River

Regular price $25.00
Regular price Sale price $25.00
Sale Sold out

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Reservations at The Housatonic River
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Updated Nov 2024

Rent our kayaks per hour on the calm waters of the Housatonic.

Advance reservations only*. Groups of up to 6 are welcome, but must reserve in advance to guarantee availability.

WEATHER

HUNTINGTON WEATHER

Check the weather forecast here. 50% chance of rain cancels a date. 12 mph or more wind pauses or cancels a date. You can confirm via chat box below.

WHAT TO EXPECT*

    1. Reserve your kayak and complete the Safety Information Form here, below or via link you'll get in your confirmation. You will not be permitted to rent our kayaks unless you complete this form.
    2. You'll receive an email with details after booking.
    3. Arrive at your boat launch 10 minutes before your start time.
    4. Get a quick demonstration and safety brief.
    5. Have fun in the water!

    This trip is rated ALL LEVELS. See General Information below.

    *No walkups, please. We only show up with our pop-up rental if receive your reservation. Subject to change.

    ABOUT THE HOUSY

    The Housatonic River is a river, approximately 149 miles (240 km) long, in western Massachusetts and western Connecticut.

    It flows south to southeast, and drains into Long Island Sound.

    Indigenous people began using the river area for fishing and hunting at least 6,000 years ago. By 1600, the inhabitants were mostly Mohicans and may have numbered 30,000.

    The river's name is derived from the Mohican phrase "usi-a-di-en-uk", translated as "beyond the mountain place" or "river of the mountain place". It is referred to in the deed by which a group of twelve colonists called "The Proprietors" captured the land now called Sherman and New Fairfield as "Ousetonack". Samuel Orcutt, a 19th-century historian, explained the term's pronunciation as "more properly...Howsatunnuck".

    More here.

     

    View full details

    General Trip Information

    SAFETY INFORMATION FORM

    Trip Safety Form

    Why are you being asked all this information? Because Safety First, which may require medical assistance during your experience.

    As a result, and as you can imagine, there's a lot of things that need to be anticipated for your safety. This form helps keep it all together for your trip host.

    Although your information is kept confidential, it may be shared with your trip host in order for them to provide the best experience for you.

    Please complete this form for yourself only.

    ABOUT TRIP RATINGS

    Although this activity is rated ALL LEVELS, please be advised that conditions are not always predictable in advance and what starts as a "BEGINNER" experience can quickly change to "ADVANCED" in moments and without warning. See trip ratings below.

    Guidance by Outerthere, Updated August 2023

    PACE

    Everyone goes at their own pace and regardless of the pace you're on, you will never get left behind or be made to feel as though you’re slowing down your group. Whether you’re coming out for fitness or to just enjoy nature, the pace of the group can accommodate you.

    BEGINNER

    Beginner trips and activities are for anyone physically active at least one to three times per week, including kids ages 5+.

    Beginner hiking trips, for example, may cover 0 to 3 miles in distance where you will be walking across unpaved, natural terrain anywhere between 2 to 4 hours with plenty of breaks or an experience will include basic training.

    Elevation is within 1,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down.

    Beginner trips are generally labeled "Easy" or "Beginner-friendly" and in the case of water-based trips (i.e. kayaking), will be on calmer lakes and slow moving rivers. For beginner camping trips, we may go from trailhead to campground without backpacking.

    Regardless of the pace you're able to keep, you will not be left behind and will be supported with demonstrations or other instruction until you're comfortable performing the basic activity.

    Beginner trips are recommended for anyone who little-to-no experience, but wants to get more acquainted with that activity.

    FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Like Beginner trips, but with more consideration to kids and pets. (For example, other parents/nannies will be present and are happy to support your kid, expect activities your kids will enjoy, baby changing stops and areas are considered, area is walkable with carrier or stroller).

    INTERMEDIATE

    Intermediate trips are a bit more challenging than Beginner trips, but completely doable for anyone active 3 to 5 times per week, including pre-teenagers.

    An Intermediate trip may cover 3 to 7 miles, during which you'll be moving anywhere between 4 to 8 hours with breaks.

    If you're participating in an Intermediate trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own some gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and will be OK with unexpected weather. 

    And you may even be asked to support Beginners transitioning up to Intermediate.

    Elevation is within 3,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down. You'll feel it in your calves, quads, hams, shoulders, back, and arms next day.

    Intermediate water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) generally assume you're comfortable in open water and/or with fast-moving water. Although you don't have to know how to swim, if you're participating in an Intermediate trip, it's recommended.

    You will need to focus and stay alert at all times for your safety.

    When you’re done, you may say to yourself you’ll never do a trip like that again, but afterwards, you’ll look forward to the next one.

    These trips are recommended for anyone interested in stepping up their outdoor game or anyone about to start a training program. 

    ADVANCED

    Advanced is intended for anyone (including teenagers) who is active almost every day and could probably put together their own trip, but prefers going in a group with other Advanced fam.

    They may cover 7 or more miles during which you'll be moving 8+ hours. Destinations, elevation and weather will be challenging.

    If you're participating in an Advanced trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own all gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and are knowledgeable with how to use it. 

    Advanced water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) will require you to comfortable in all types of water. You should know how to swim.

    These trips are recommended for anyone thinking about DIY trips and need some additional guidance, anyone training to do epic, multi-day treks, and/or anyone interested in mixing up their normal weekly workout.

    IMPORTANT HEAD UP ABOUT ADVANCED PACE: Please be aware that some fam will attend a trip convinced that they are prepared for an Advanced trip, including maybe you. However, they may have discovered on that trip that they are not as Advanced as they expected. That is perfectly normal and in no way reflects a miscommunication or misunderstanding by anyone. Like it says in Welcome emails, sh_t happens and your trip host can manage.

    If that's the case, and you or someone else on your trip is having a challenging time, other fam may be asked to support anyone who is having a challenging time maintaining an Advanced pace. This can mean that someone is going at a slower pace due to injury, dehydration, affected mental state, anything. In any case, trips are safe spaces and no one will be made to feel as though they are being a burden or left behind.

    SCOUTING

    Scouting trips are meant for us to "test the adventure" (like breaking gadgets on purpose to see if they'll hold up to regular use) and figure out all the risks before planning a safe adventure for everyone else.

    That said, since we won't always know what to expect, sometimes these scouting trips are very easy and even boring.

    Or they are very challenging and extremely dangerous. We won't know until we try it.

    Either way, they're fun for anyone who has already participated in Intermediate or Advanced trips, are open to anything and don't mind the unexpected inconveniences (weather, car issues, whatever) that come up on the way to a new experience. 

    These trips are recommended for anyone with advanced outdoor skills, lots of experience in the outdoors and a variety of outdoor gear. 

    DISCLAIMER

    TIME, DATE & DESCRIPTIONS POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Details regarding your trip will be emailed to you after you book.

    MORE OUTKAYAK TRIPS

    Outkayak is an authorized seller of Tucktec Foldup Kayaks and the cost of your rental goes towards the purchase of your own Tucktec kayak.