Tour

Description
Come paddle the middle Charles River between Needham and Newton, MA and rediscover nature in this urban setting. Our plan is to paddle up river on this gentle flowing scenic and historic river through Cutler Park toward Millennium Park and view the flora and fauna along the river’s edge. The 800 acres known as Cutler Park comprise the largest remaining fresh water marsh on the middle Charles River. During this paddle we regularly see deer foraging, blue herrings fishing, and turtles basking in the sun. We will meet at the Needham store, take a 3 minute walk to the put in and enjoy a two and a half hour paddle within this winding historic river. Paddling this stretch of the river is a great way to appreciate all the park service’s hard work and the push towards conservation within this valuable waterway.

Prerequisites

No kayak expereince required to participate in this tour.

Includes

Paddlers are permitted to bring their own gear. Equipment must be equivalent to gear provided, appropriate for the program, in good working order and approved by the guide. Please call 800-310-4504 with any questions.

1) Kayak

2) Paddle

3) PFD (type III, Coast Guard approved)

4) Booties

5) Spray skirt

**BRINGING YOUR OWN KAYAK? Kayaks 12ft or larger with floatation in front and rear are acceptable (i.e. sealed bulkheads in front and rear). No sit on top kayaks or recreational kayaks smaller than 12ft please.

Does Not Include

Paddlers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. Pack a lunch and snacks for the day. Water bottles should be filled before arrival.

1) Lodging

2) Transportation

3) Personal gear and clothing

 

Meeting Location

Newton EMS, Newton, Massachusetts

I-95 to exit 19a Highland Avenue (toward Newton Highlands), turn slight right onto Highland Avenue, Highland Avenue becomes Needham Street. The store is on your right.

 

Gear List

Required Gear and Clothing

Please come dressed for the weather and prepared with the appropriate gear and clothing for your kayak program. Below is a list of gear and clothing recommended by the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School. If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504.

 

Long or Short Sleeve Top Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. *Spray jackets and wetsuits are available from the Kayak School for spring and fall paddling. Drysuits are used for cold weather paddling.

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Shorts or Pants Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. *Wetsuits are available from the Kayak School for spring and fall paddling. Drysuits are used for cold weather paddling.

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Water Shoes Paddle booties can be provided by the Kayak School upon request. No open toed shoes please.

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Food and Water Lunch and snacks (sandwich, chips, bars, etc.) and 1 liter or more of water.

Optional Items

Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Hat

Bug Spray

Camera

Dry Bag

Dry change of clothes and towel

EMS Kayak School Provides

 

Kayak Tsunami 120, 125, 160, 165; Tempest 160, 165, 170, 175 *availability of specific kayaks/ sizes subject to change. **Tandem kayaks also used for tours.

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PFD Type III, Coast Guard approved.

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Paddle

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Booties

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Spray Jacket Optional.

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Spray Skirt

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Farmer John Wetsuit Optional.

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Drysuit For cold weather paddling only. Goes over all your clothes to keep you dry.

 

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring my own gear
Yes, if it is appropriate. Kayaks for instruction or for tours need to have a minimum of safety features as well as be an appropriate style and size kayak for the class/tour. Call and check with the school or instructor.

What happens of the weather is bad?
We still operate all of our programs in rainy conditions. Kayaking is after all a water sport. We will delay or cancel programs in dangerous weather conditions like thunderstorms or gale force winds. If this happens during your program, we will either credit you at a pro rate, or reschedule you to finish the missed portion at your convenience.

What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations or schedule changes 8 DAYS OR MORE PRIOR to the event start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty. Reservation changes of any kind WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE EVENT START DATE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED and you WILL NOT be permitted to carry over deposits to future events. Please mark this date on your calendar after making your reservation!

What time should I plan to arrive for class?
You should get to the launch at least 15 minutes early. Tours start and end on time.

 

How many students in each tour?
Tours run with a 1:6 guide to paddler ratio.

What certifications do your guides have?
All guides hold current and up to date American Canoe Association (ACA) Certifications. Their level of certification always meets or exceed the level of program they are teaching. All guides are also CPR and First Aid trained.

 

How is Eastern Mountain Sports different from other outfitters?
While there are other good outfitters, they are in the minority. We spend a great deal of time on staff training and all our instructors are nationally certified. All of our guides and instructors were experienced paddlers before they became instructors, and that is a claim few other outfitters can back up. We perform risk assessments for every site we work at, with emergency procedure plans prepared in advance, and regularly train in conjunction with rescue agencies like the US Coast Guard and local harbormasters. We have instructors who regularly teach at nationally regarded paddles sports events across the US.