Location
Address: Bellegarde Boathouse and Kayak Center, 500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854. During open hours, Kayak Center staff can be found on the dock or at the river-side bay door.
Get directions to the Bellegarde Boathouse and Kayak Center.
Parking: Free parking is available in the adjacent parking area for the Vandenberg Esplanade along the shoulder of Pawtucket Boulevard.
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Kayak Center Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
weather-Weather
Rain doesn't stop us! We love paddling in the rain! It's typically very calm and can be super memorable to spend time outside in the rain! If you are thinking about it, we encourage you to try it.
In more significant adverse weather, the Kayak Center may postpone rental or program activity. Adverse weather that will interrupt our activities includes: wind above approx. 15 miles per hour, thunderstorms, or water levels and/or current that are too high or fast.
When conditions are questionable, please call the Kayak Center to inquire if we are operational.
minorsMinors
We offer paddling opportunities for people of all ages. Please see the guidelines below or talk with one of our staff to make sure the child has the best possible experience on the water! Please keep in mind that weather, wind and water conditions may affect children significantly more than adults.
- Children under 12 and sometimes older are not recommended in winds above 7 knots (approximately 8 mph).
- It is very important that no one, especially infants and children, is ever strapped into the boat in the event of a capsize.
- All children must have a valid minor waiver (submitted by parent/guardian) on file before they are allowed on the water.
- Infants 6 months old and older - Toddlers and young children up to 7 years old are best suited to paddle in a wide cockpit kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe with at least one adult in the same boat. We recommend a second adult to attend to the child. Our infant personal flotation devices (PFDs) require a minimum weight of 20 pounds.
- Kids 8-11 years old - Depending on their level of comfort may paddle their own boat under the direct supervision of an adult on the water with them. One adult may supervise no more than 3 children of this age at a time on the water.
- Kids and Teens 12-15 years old - May paddle their own boat under the direct supervision of an adult on the water with them. One adult may supervise no more than 5 children of this age at a time on the water.
- Teens 16 years old and older may paddle their own boat under the direct supervision of an adult on the water with them. One adult may supervise no more than 7 children of this age at a time on the water.
- Adults 18 years old and older - Can participate in our full programs and rentals
petsPets
We do not allow participants to bring pets into the boats. If you have a service animal, we encourage you to consider if your service animal has experience riding in a small watercraft, which can feel tippy and cause anxiety in an animal unfamiliar with it.
bring-your-own-boatBring Your Own Boat
For those who own their own kayak or canoe, there is a $5 fee to launch out of the Kayak Center dock. There is no additional charge if you are part of a custom group. While we are happy to serve you, it may help to know there are two free public launches just upstream: the Lowell public boat launch about a half mile upstream, or the Chelmsford public boat launch on the other side of the river about 3/4 mile upstream.
If you have a rowing shell you would like to launch at our boathouse, we encourage all adult rowers to join the Merrimack River Rowing Association for access.
Our site is not suitable or available for launching motor boats.
Rourke Bridge Construction
The Merrimack River continues to be navigable during the construction of the new Rourke Bridge. All boaters use the marked channel and keep your distance from the construction area. Updated information available at the Massachusetts Rourke Bridge Traffic and Construction Updates Page.
custom-group-detailsCustom Group Details
What do I need to do before arriving?
- Submit your required waiver at least 2 days in advance.
- Check out the What to Wear and Bring page.
Itinerary for Custom Groups
- Please meet on time at the Bellegarde Boathouse. Kayak Center garage door is closest to the water.
- Spend about 10-20 minutes meeting, confirming paperwork, filling water bottles, and distributing gear (paddles, life jackets). This will go faster if everyone arrives on time and has submitted a waiver in advance.
- Spend about 15 minutes on basic kayak or canoe instruction, safety briefing, and fitting people to kayaks.
- Launch on the water! Groups generally tour upstream, possibly including Stony Brook. Your instructors will happily share all the knowledge they have!
- Most groups return to the Boathouse between 5-10 minutes before your group's end time. Return gear, enjoy a quick reflection. Feel free to hit the restrooms before you head home.
What if it's raining on our reserved day?
- We still go paddling! We love paddling in the rain! It's typically very calm and can be super memorable to spend time outside in the rain. We really hope you decide not to let the chance of rain scare you away!
Payment and Refund SOPs
Payment Options
- Payments are due in full before the start of services unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. We accept tap-to-pay, credit cards, or debit cards that can be processed as a credit card. We do not accept cash or checks, sorry.
- For general rentals (un-guided trips), deposits are not required. You may choose to pre-pay if you desire.
- For custom group bookings, deposits are due 21 days or more before the trip date. Full payment is due on the day of the trip, base on the exact number of participants.
The Kayak Center/Outdoor Adventure Program seeks to provide as much equipment as possible in order to provide a safe and fun trip experience. Participants are responsible for equipment rented to them and may be required to pay for any damaged or lost equipment as assessed by the OAP staff.
Cancellations and Refunds
- For general rentals: If you pre-pay for a rental but aren't able to come, or if you overpaid, you may request a credit for future use, or request a refund by emailing: kayakcenter@uml.edu. If you arrive and choose to paddle for a shorter time than you paid for, you are not eligible for a refund or credit; however, if your rental is cut short due to weather concerns, we may provide a credit for the remaining time for future use.
- For guided group trips (sunset tours, classes and more): Due to trip planning and staffing needs, cancellations or re-booking for group tours may be possible if requested at least 2 days in advance. All participants are responsible for arriving on time and prepared for trips. Those who register for a trip but do not show up on time for a trip cannot receive a refund.
- For custom groups, please see our Custom Groups page.
- Remember, rain is fantastic to paddle in. We do not cancel for only rain, especially since it's a great time to be on the water!
general-safetyGeneral Safety SOPs
Guided Group Trips, including Custom Groups
- The Kayak Center reserves the right to change the itinerary of the trip for reasons that include, but are not limited to: weather, group experience, emergencies, safety considerations and more.
- The Kayak Center reserves the right to send home early any participant who cannot withstand the rigors of the trip, who violates any program policy or law, who is deemed to be a danger to him/herself or others, or who requires medical attention during the trip and is deemed ineligible to continue participation.
- Any additional transportation to return to the Boathouse will be at the expense of the participant.
Physical Exertion Level and Prerequisites
- Expect low to moderate physical exertion, varies with river conditions and wind speed and your personal physical condition.
- No previous experience required.
Paddle Safety Guidelines
The following are the first seven Essential Eligibility Criteria from the American Canoe Associations' (ACA) Paddle Safety Requirements. Each paddler should meet these criteria.
- Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water (for example: hold your breath)
- Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
- Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
- Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
- Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket
Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco
It is our mission to provide healthy and safe outdoor recreation experiences. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited.
Consumption and/or possession of alcohol or drugs while participating in our programs and services will be handled through the appropriate UMass Lowell process. Incidents with UMass Lowell students will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review. Public customers may have their access revoked pending a review by Campus Recreation professional staff.
Smoking in Kayak Center boats is not allowed.
Harassment and Discrimination
No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by participants or staff during any Kayak Center program or rental. We strive to be sensitive and supportive of cultural and individual differences—specifically those differences due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status.
We encourage respect and appreciation for the diversity of all participants and staff and we hope you will do the same. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the Kayak Center staff immediately.
Kayak Center Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Kate Ford, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs and Boathouse Manager by phone at 978-934-1549 or by email: kate_ford@uml.edu.