Downunder Kayaking

open Seasonally from Mother's Day weekend - September

SUMMER FUN ON THE FIVE MILE RIVER
Located in the Below Deck Surf Shop
...'below' the Rowayton Market

RENTALS, GUIDES, INSTRUCTION, DEALS

2019 Rates

Print Rowayton Rate Information


Single Kayak Rentals:

Two hour minimum                                $35       

Additional hours                                     $15       

½ day rate (up to 4 hrs)                         $55       

Whole day (up to 8 hrs)                          $85      



Double Kayak or Pedal Kayak Rentals:

2 hour minimum                                     $50

½ day rate (up to 4 hrs)                          $70

whole day (up to 8 hrs)                          $100

  


 


 

Stand-Up Paddle Board:                 $25 1 hour

Additional hours                                 $15 additional hours

Tube rental:

$40 1/2 day (up to 5 hours) $65 whole day

 

 


Pedal Kayak Rentals:

2 hour minimum                                     $48         $25/hr*

Additional hours                                     $16         $14


 

Stand-Up Paddle Board:   $25 1 hour, $15 additional hours

Group package - up to 6 boards for 1 hour $125, 2 hours $195.

Tube rental:

$35 1/2 day (up to 4 hours) $55 whole day (4-8 hours)

 

Frequent Paddler Club: 

*frequent paddlers get valet treatment - paperwork is already done, just say 'g'day' and go get your boat.  And for those of you that only have an hour to spare (or kids that can't last more than an hour) we've made it sweeter still, with an hourly rate of $25/single and $40/double.

Basically the way it works is you prepay.  Package minimum is $200.  Each time you paddle we calculate the cost and deduct it from your prepay.

 

Gift Certificates: for any services, or for a set amount to be applied to any service, are available year round.  Call Kim to arrange (203) 247-0578.

 

Special Programs:  follow the index for an outline of programs, parties, children's 'camp'.  Pricing is on these dedicated pages. 

 

Cancellation Policies

Kayak Rentals:  24 hours - if you don't show, we will charge you.  If you call within 12 hours, you are still charged, however we will file a credit for you to use at another time.  If the weather is not great (high winds, rain, lightning) we will NOT charge you.  Weather is based on what is going on in Norwalk - check www.weather.com zip code 06853. 

Guides: 48 hours notice, credit.  Less than 48 hours no refund. 

Yoga: 48 hours notice, credit.  Less than 48 hours no refund. 

Training: 1 week notice, credit towards future training/kayak rentals.  Cancellation later than one week no refund.

Children's Program: cancellation prior to 2 weeks from camp, credit towards another program or equivalent in kayak rentals.  1 week no refund.  

Parties: Two weeks notice.  Less than two weeks 50% is non refundable.  Cancellation within 48 hours, no refund.  In poor weather a credit will be issued towards another date or kayak rentals, or a 75% refund given.

INSTRUCTION

Why? 

Kayaking IS easy - anyone can get in one and go, however, for it to be fun and safe it does require some skill.  In these classes you will learn how to:

  • Getting on and off without capsizing - from a dock and beach
  • Stop in a hurry
  • Paddle in a straight line
  • Turn 360 in place
  • Strokes for different conditions - wind, waves
  • Using your paddle as a rudder
  • Getting back on/in your kayak whilst in deep water 
  • 'Rules of the Road'
  • Features of kayaks and associated equipment

1. Quickstart Ocean Kayak - 2 hrs, maximum 5 participants per class.  $100 inc. kayak rental.  Saturdays 10-12pm.

Sit on top kayaks are considered - Ocean kayaks.  They are by far the easiest and safest.  This class is for beginners and focused on the recreational kayaker - just wants to get out there and have some fun, and know what to do should you fall off. 

2. Quickstart Sea Kayak - 3 hrs,  maximum 5 participants per class.  $125 inc. kayak rental, $95 using own kayak - put-in at public dock, NOT at Downunder.  10% discount for KFAC participants.  Sundays 2:30-5:30pm and Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm

 

  • If you are considering buying a kayak, this is the class for you - rent one of ours, or visit Wilton Outdoor Sports, or the Small Boat Shop and talk shop, then borrow a demo.
  • If you want some training/need a safety exemption for Kayak for a Cause - this is the class for you
  • If you want some instruction and don't care what type of kayak - this could be the class for you.

Kayaks with a cockpit are considered sea kayaks.  They're a bit trickier to get back into if you capsize - so a class is important just from that perspective. Sea kayaks are traditionally longer and narrower = faster, but not as stable to begin with.  They are suited to those that want more comfort and control over their boat, would like to paddle more, in a variety of conditions, and longer distances than 'recreational' kayakers. 

Use of Sea Kayaks at Downunder

As an instruction and safety training facility for the Kayak for a Cause, we have a number of their Old Town Cayuga sea kayaks.  These are primarily for the use of paddlers in the event.  Secondarily for instruction.  Please note that unless you have taken this class, or can show proof of having taken a capsize class, you are not allowed to rent these kayaks without a guide.  KFAC participants get reduced rates. 

3. Advanced Classes 5 hours

(includes capsizing and rescues)

4. Capsizing and Rescue Practice Ocean Kayak (Sit on Top) 1 hour $25

Sea Kayak (Sit inside) 2 hours $50

ROLLING CLASSES - are not something we offer at Downunder (yet) - if you're interested, let us know and we'll refer you to outfits that do.  In addition, anyone interested in Instructor certification... we have a program being offered in the Fall and the Spring.  It's a 2 weekend commitment, and open to very experienced, coastal kayaking level, kayakers.

BY APPOINTMENT
Let me know what works for you.

Private Classes $85/hr, rentals additional.  Semi Private $65.

Offsite instruction can be arranged, as well as kayak transportation.

Guides

Hire a guide to show you around the local area, take you to particular destinations and make sure you feel comfortable and safe.  Guides are particularly good for families and young children - taking the stress of the parents.  They are also recommended for large groups.  We suggest a ratio of 1-6.  For children, 1-4 - depends on ages.  Adding on additional guides are charged at a lower rate.

Instructor Guide:                     $85/hr

                      additional hours $60/hr

Regular Guides:                       $50/hr

                       additional hours $30/hr

Additional Guides:                    $30/hr

 


     

SUMMER FUN ON THE FIVE MILE RIVER
Located in the Below Deck Surf Shop
...'below' the Rowayton Market