Printer FriendlyKayak Instructional Programs and Rentals
Instructional Programs
Kayak Rentals
UMass Lowell is teaming up with Still River Outfitters to offer the following kayak instructional programs. Registration information is coming soon. If you have questions about any of these programs please e-mail peter_murray@uml.edu.
Instructional Programs
Kayak Polo for Beginners
Intro to Whitewater Kayaking
Kayak Rolling
Mommy Daddy and Me Kayaking
Intro to Kayaking Youth
Intro to Kayaking Adult
Kayaking for Fitness
Whitewater - Moving Water Skills
Whitewater Fun Runs
Overnight Canoe Trip
Adventure Kids
Skin on Frame Boat Building for Kids
Fall Guided Kayak Trip
All equipment and supplies included unless otherwise noted.
Kayak Polo for Beginners (Costello Pool)
Four 1.5-hour sessions Min. 4, Max. 10
During our Kayak Polo for Beginners we’ll teach you the basic rules of kayak polo and some basic paddling strokes, and we will play a kayak polo scrimmage. We’ll use beginner-friendly kayaks so you don’t need advanced paddling skills. These beginner games are casual, and we’re sure to have a lot of fun.
February 23, 25, March 2, 4 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
$60/person
Register Online
Intro to Whitewater Kayaking (Costello Pool)
Three 2-hour sessions
Min. 4, Max. 10
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking is an instructional program designed to give students a basic understanding of whitewater kayak equipment, basic paddling skills, safety issues and basic self-rescues. This class is taught in an indoor pool environment, with the skills presented readying the students for further instruction on moving water. Instructors are certified by the American Canoe Association, and all necessary equipment is provided.
Tuesdays, March 16, 23, 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
$100/person
Kayak Rolling (Costello Pool)
2-hour sessions
Min. 4, Max. 10
Learn to Eskimo roll! This course is designed to by used with river and sea kayak hard shell, closed-deck designs. Students will learn the fundamental components of the roll and improve their bracing skills.
Saturday March 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday April 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
$60/person/session 1:3 staff/student ratio
Register Online
Mommy/Daddy and Me Kayaking (Boat House)
Three 1.5-hour sessions
Min. 4 (pairs), Max. 12 (pairs)
This program was developed by Still River Outfitters, Inc. to address the growing number of active adults starting families. In addition to basic paddling skills and safety considerations, we help parents adapt our proven strategies to comfortably paddle with a toddler. This class is taught in stable recreational kayaks where the child will sit safely between the parent’s legs in the kayak's cockpit. This class is appropriate for parents and their child between ages 1 and 5.
Session I May 22, 29, June 5, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Session II August 2, 4, 6, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
$115/adult-child pair
Register Online
Introduction to Kayaking Youth (9 – 14) (Boat House)
Three 2-hour sessions
Min. 4, Max 12
Introduction to Kayak for Youths provides kids the chance to learn exciting new skills. Our kayaking class teaches the same skills and safety considerations as our adult program. However, it is designed to incorporate more games and activities to give kids the needed practice while keeping them active and engaged.
Session I May 22, 29, June 5 4:00 – 6:00pm
Session II August 2, 4, 6 4:00 - 6:00
$100/person
Register Online
Introduction to Kayaking (Boat House)
Three 2-hour sessions
Min. 4, Max. 12
Introduction to Kayak is a six-hour program that emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition in “recreational” kayaks. This instructional programs' introduction to safe and efficient paddling is also relevant for river and touring/sea kayaking. This course is designed for adults, but children aged 10-15 are welcome to participate with a parent.
Session I May 22, 29, June 5, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Session II August 2, 4, 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$100/person
Register Online
Kayaking for Fitness (Boat House)
One 3-hour “Quick start your Kayak” class
plus three 1-hour sessions per week for six weeks
Min. 6, Max. 12
Kayaking is a great way to stay fit for all ability levels and ages. Paddling a kayak correctly offers a low impact core and aerobic workout that is hard to beat. In this program you will learn the proper technique for paddling a kayak safely and efficiently, work kayaking into your fitness routine, and meet new friends to make your workouts fun and enjoyable.
Session I Saturday May 1, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from May 3 to June 11, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Session II Saturday July 3, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from July 19 to August 27, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
$225/participant
Register Online
Whitewater Kayaking – Moving Water Skills
(Offsite, meet at Boat House)
One full day or two half days
Min. 4, Max. 10
This course will give the participants the necessary tools needed to travel down moving rivers. Students will learn about river hazards and features, strokes, and basic skills such as eddy turns, peel outs, and ferries. This class will give the students the necessary skills to participate in our
Sunday June 6, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
$100/person
Register Online
Whitewater River
One day each
Min. 4, Max. 12+
The best way to become a good kayaker is to spend time on the water. Our Fun Runs will give participants the opportunity to paddle with our instructors and new friends on different rivers around
June 12, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
July 23, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
August 13, 9:00 - 5:00 p.m.
September 6, 9:00 - 5:00 p.m.
$60/person/trip includes equipment
Register Online
Guided Overnight Canoe Trip – Connecticut River VT
2 day – 1 night
Min. 7, Max 12
Are you prepared to take a little adventure? We’ll canoe as a group during the day and camp riverside out under the stars at night. This two-day guided trip along the Connecticut River will immerse you in the outdoors and each other. We supply the equipment, meals and expertise. You bring a sense of adventure, personal items and a smile.
June 5 - 6, Times TBD
$100 per person, plus food (~$15/person)
Register Online
Guided 4th of July Fireworks Kayak Trip (Boat House)
Two hours
Min. 4, Max. 24
Join us for this unique look at our nation’s birthday celebration. Watch the Lowell Fireworks from a prime seat on the Merrimack River.
July 3, 7:30 p.m. start
$45/person
Register Online
Adventure Kids (Boat House)
Three 3-hour sessions
Min. 4, Max. 12
This program runs for nine hours over three days and combines recreational kayaking skill development with Adventure Education initiatives for a truly unique experience. Participants will learn to overcome challenges individually through paddling and as a team through our fun challenge games. Adventure Kids is led by ACA Certified Instructors and Trained Adventure Facilitators. Appropriate for kids 8 – 14 years old.
Late July 19, 20, 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
$100/person
Register Online
Skin-on-Frame Boatbuilding for Kids – Double Paddle Canoe
Five 4-hour sessions, Three 2-hour sessions
Min. 5, Max. 12
Students will learn to build light, strong, and forgiving skin-on-frame double-paddle solo canoes similar to J. Henry Rushton's famous Wee Lassie. Our process is simple, fun, and forgiving, thus ensuring a result the students will be proud to display and paddle. The major parts are pre-cut, allowing the use of just hand tools to assemble these beautiful boats. All materials are included.
Late August 2 - 6, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
($500/person)
Register Online
Fall Foliage Kayak Trip (Boat House)
Three hours
Min. 4, Max. 16
Enjoy the beauty of fall in
October 9, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
$75/person over age 15. $40/person ages 6-15. Ages 5 and under FREE
Register Online
Kayak Rentals
Come rent a kayak on your own to tour the Merrimack River. We rent single person recreational kayaks and tandem recreational kayaks. Kayaks are available 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., May 29 - September 5, 2010. To insure availability, reserve your kayak by e-mailing peter_murray@uml.edu.
Rates: Singles Tandem
Per Hour $15 $25
Half Day (4 hours) $45 $60
Full Day (up to 8 hours) $60 $80
Summer Pass (May 29 - Sept. 5) $200 $250