Downunder Kayaking

7 years+

Afternoon Program 1-4pm, Two Weeks

Cost:  $725 - 2 wks, 4 person minimum. 

Day Trips:  We have a number of field trips avail. for poor weather conditions, and one that's just a special treat.  And that's the Sheffield Island outing.  This is an all day event and departs from Norwalk Harbor.  There is a $25 surcharge for this trip.

Graduate special: 1 week $380, daily $85 (dependent on room and with program manager approval, must have attended program before). 

Discounts:  10% sibling discount.  Scholarships-by application.

Cancellation:  2 weeks, follow link for terms.

Whether you're totally new to kayaking or have it down pat, you'll have a blast this summer kayaking Downunder.  Friendly and skilled guides, a great location - river, waterways, coves and beaches, Long Island Sound... You'll make loads of new friends, enjoy a fun and healthy program, doing something that's totally different, and you'll learn a lot too!

In our programs, we teach the basics of kayaking - from outfitting - what to wear, gear you use, why, and how it works.  Kayaking skills - paddle and boat handling, form, strokes.  How to exit and re-enter your kayak.  Safety, rules of the 'road', weather, navigation, tides...  All in a fun and relaxed way with games and adventure, as we paddle the river and waterways and local islands.  Weaving in and out of pylons, under bridges, around buoys and boats, takes some skill!  and builds it.  Working together, building self confidence, trust, patience - the groundwork for strong friendships.  

We go on treasure hunts, comb beaches for shells, fish and enjoy the wildlife, learn about the environment and the impact of trash on it.  We're always on the lookout for mermaids, and have found at least one fishermen turned to stone.  Some paddlers claim to have seen dolphins and whales (we're still looking...) 

And we're healthy!  We enjoy a nutritious snack (OK, so sometimes we go for ice-cream), drink lots of water, breathe lots of fresh air, and engage most muscle groups!  Sending home happy and maybe a little tired, campers. 

Ice-cream at Brendens 101!

It's safe:  The good news about sit on top kayaking is that everything floats - paddle, lifejacket, boat ...  And the lifejacket is not optional - everyone wears it, even when they're swimming.  Our lifejackets have whistles - which we encourage paddlers NOT to blow!  In fact we have a rule that if it's blown and not an emergency, we throw them in!  Leaders use the whistle to keep the group together - well really to demonstrate the importance of staying together, and how close you have to be to help out.  One blow means you have to get to the instructor in 20 seconds, or go for a swim! 

The Five Miler river, which separates Rowayton and Darien, is protected, and a very safe location to paddle in.  It's also extremely diverse.  The difference between high and low tide is significant and paddlers learn how that impacts their experience, and the benefits of each.

Rain or shine, stormy or calm:  field trips are quickly put into place when the weather gets a bit tricky.  Some are walking distance, others require dropping off at another location.  In inclement weather, caregivers check with the store 1 hour prior to camp.

Guides: are fully trained, 1st Aid and CPR certified.  Many are school teachers, and many have been paddling for Downunder for years. 

Deets:  There's always more information!  We request that your children come with hats and recommend sunglasses with floater cords.  Water shoes are required.  Rash guards are recommended.   Lather them up with suntan lotion - esp. tops of legs, feet, ears, noses (we always have extra, and will ask if they have it on).  We know what kids are like - they may resist all this, so feel free to figure it out on the first day (come early).  The guides are really effective at enforcing proper outfitting.  A water bottle is included in the camp, and it's refilled with fresh water each day.  The snack is fruit and pretzels (ducks and birds like pretzels!)

4-7 years

Parent Child Morning Program 9:30-11:30am, weekly or by day

Cost:  1 week $380, daily $85.  3 parent and child groups minimum.

Children as young as 4 years of age (Jaden, with Dad, above) can go paddling with an adult.  In our morning program, one guide and up to 4 adults in double kayaks with children 4-6 years, get out an explore the river and local wildlife, building up skill and confidence that will eventually have them paddling on their own!  At the very least, it's great Mom/Dad and me time, and a wonderful way to build character early :)  Older children are usually in their own kayaks by lesson 2.

Jane Mattson (6) seen here towing

Private programs for camps, schools, clubs

We have two programs for special groups: Environmental Awareness, and the History of Rowayton.  Both programs have an on-land element, and can be offered for large groups that split into two smaller groups, that take turns enjoying the land feature and the kayaking. 

Programs for Scout Badges and Youth Challenges can also be offered.  See the program page for more info. 

(call Kim 203-247-0578)