Downunder for Everything Kayak – Sit-on-top Kayak Rentals * Sea Kayak Instruction and Tours * Guided Trips * Classes * Camps *and so much more…

Here’s the thing – kayaking is easy, especially with our sit-on-top kayaks.  Anyone can kayak and your favorite Kiwis will show you how. Kayaking is one of the fastest growing water sports across the country - it’s great for any age or athletic ability.  And those with challenges find the playing field leveled here – the Westport location is handicapped accessible, making kayaking possible for those with limited lower mobility.  And it’s incredibly versatile.  Select from individual or tandem sit-on-top kayaks. At Downunder we specialize in sit-on-top kayaks, which are also known as ocean kayaks. They are easier and safer to manage than the longer and narrower sea kayaks with cockpits.  Sit-on-top kayaks offer hours of on-the-water fun and exploration.  Give it a go alone or in a group, take a class, or join one of our kayaking tours.

What kind of Kayaks to we have?

Downunder rents and sells sit-on-tops because anyone can use them – you only need basic instruction and off you go.  They are well suited for our paddling environment – rivers and close to shore, and perfect for kids and families.  We also carry sea kayaks in our fleet for our half day and whole day tours, fishing trips, overnight outings, and instruction.  Try both!  Learn on a sit-on-top and then move up to a sea kayak  if you want to compare the experiences, or grow in the sport. Join us for a tour or a class.   

New Zealand Designed Feelfree!

Downunder rents and retails the Feelfree line of sit-on-top kayaks.  Designed in New Zealand, these kayaks have a built-in wheel, making transportation easy. They also provide a very stable and comfortable ride, with features such as a bottle holder, paddle keeper, seat back, hatch to store some gear, and a bungie-covered enclosure for larger items.  At Downunder we include scupper plugs in the rental fleet to help keep you dry!

Single Nomad – The Nomad will make you smile – she’s stable, easy to turn, forgiving, easy to transport, and so cleverly designed it almost paddles itself…  you'll gain confidence in no time at all. The Nomad's hull is designed with a combination of rocker and keel that give her good tracking and handling characteristics. Her chines give her grip in waves and surf. The Nomad is guaranteed to make you look good your first time out, no matter your ability. If you’re buying, consider getting the optional skeg for even better tracking. For whitewater or surf addicts, thigh straps are also available, which turbo charge the Nomad's handling!  9’10” long by 30” wide, this kayak weighs 44 lbs and can carry up to 330 lbs!  It’s really stable, maneuvers well, it’s perfect for touring, even for surfing, and fits nicely on top of the car.

Double Gemini - The Gemini is our tandem sit-on-top kayak, and carries up to 3 passengers comfortably (adults and a child), or can be converted over to a single kayak – now that’s versatile! The Feelfree Gemini will take you on journeys far from the troubles of everyday life. Designed with a variety of uses in mind such as the beach, surf, lagoon, or rivers, the Gemini is flexible enough for years of enjoyment, and grows with you as the kids get bigger and move from the jump seat to the front seat! The Gemini's design gives her stability and ease of turning. Her comfortable, low-back seats assure paddlers hours of enjoyment every time. Also included are two quarter-turn storage hatches, self-draining cockpit, perimeter safety lines, a stern well, and molded-in handles.  12’4” long by 32.6” wide, this kayak weighs 70 lbs and can carry up to 550 lbs!  Even more stable than a single kayak, its additional length assists with tracking and maneuverability, it’s perfect for touring, surfing, even fishing! The wheel in the keel is particularly nice with this larger kayak.

New from December 2011 we'll be carrying the Feelfree Juntos - for those with longer legs, and the Moken 12 outfitted for fishing kayak!

Our Westport Surf Shop carries all the equipment and accessories you could ever need to outfit your kayak and new kayaking lifestyle – paddles, life jackets, and don’t forget cool swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, and hats.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Can I do it?
• Can I take my dog?
• Do I need experience?
• How long do I go out for?
• Where do I go?
• Is it safe? 
• Are there rules?
• What do I wear?
• What should I bring?
• What should I expect?
• What about the tides?
• What about the weather?

For answers to these questions and more, download this form.

About Kayaks

There are basically two types of kayaks:

• Ocean Kayaks – Ocean kayaks are designed for recreational touring, near to shore, are stable, easy to paddle, and safe.  These are usually plastic and hollow, sit on top of the water, and have scupper holes that allow water to drain if they capsize and take on water.  You can get plugs for the holes that reduce the amount of water coming in, but as the boat is open, you won’t stay totally dry.

• Sea Kayaks – Sea kayaks are designed for longer touring, open water, speed, and comfort.  These are sleeker – narrow, responsive, and have a personalized fit.  They usually have a lot of storage compartments - great for carrying gear for overnight trips.  Sea kayaks are made of plastic, fiberglass, carbon, and combinations of materials.  They have a cockpit that you sit down into, meaning you are lower in the water.  They’re not as stable as an ocean kayak, and if they capsize, water will get in and you’ll need assistance or experience in getting it out.  They are not suitable for young children.
  

CLASSES

Kayak for a Cause and the Use of Sea Kayaks at Downunder

Kayak for a Cause was created as a way to blend the love of the sport with a commitment to helping good causes. Each year, kayakers join together to cross Long Island Sound and raise money for their favorite charities, most of which work to protect our local waters, environment, and community. Even if you've never picked up a paddle, you can help by supporting our paddlers and donating.  Or you can paddle!

As a proud sponsor and an instruction and safety training facility for Kayak for a Cause (KFAC), we have a fleet of KFAC’s Old Town Cayuga 146 sea kayaks.  These are primarily for the use of event paddlers,   secondarily for instruction and tours.  Please note that unless you have taken an approved class that includes capsizes and rescues you may not rent these kayaks without a guide.  KFAC participants get 25% off rentals, tours, and instruction.