Plan Your Visit

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, plus no one else is typically on the water, so you'll have the river to yourself! 

In more significant adverse weather, the Kayak Center may postpone rental or program activity. Adverse weather that will interrupt our activities includes: wind above approximately 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.

We offer paddling opportunities for people of all ages. Please see the guidelines below or talk with one of our staff members to ensure 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 comfort level, 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.

We do not allow participants to bring animals and 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.

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, based 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 Outdoor Adventure Program (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!

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 themselves 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.

Paddle Safety Guidelines

The following are the first seven Essential Eligibility Criteria from the Paddle Safety Requirements of the American Canoe Association(ACA). Each paddler should meet these criteria.

1. Breathe independently (for example: not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water (for example: hold your breath)
3. Independently hold head upright without neck or head support
4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
7. 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 is not allowed in Kayak Center boats.

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.

The Merrimack River continues to be navigable during the construction of the new Rourke Bridge. All watercraft are requested to use the marked channel and keep your distance from the construction area.  Updated information is available at the Massachusetts Rourke Bridge Traffic and Construction Updates Page.