We offer custom tours and programs for diverse groups with a variety of outcomes in mind. Whether you want to go with your family and friends on your own personal sunset tour, teach your scout troop about water safety and environmental stewardship, or provide a team building experience for your office, we have something for everyone!
We will typically base the lesson plan and itinerary off of our standard programs, but with a twist for your group's hopes for their time on the Merrimack River. If you are looking for something completely new, we may be able to do that too! Custom programs may be run from early June through late September, based on staffing availability.
Please contact us about your group using our Kayak Center Custom Group Request Form and how we can set up a great program that meets your needs!
| Program Type | Cost | Deposit due 21 days in advance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 2-Hour Program | $30 per person | Deposit $150 |
| Standard 3-Hour Program | $40 per person | Deposit $200 |
| River Cleanup 3-Hour Program | $20 per person | Deposit $150 |
Booking Information
- To book a custom group, please fill out the Kayak Center Custom Group Request form, or you may contact Kate Ford, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs by phone at 978-934-1549 or by email: kate_ford@uml.edu.
- Group size: Maximum group size is typically 21 people, and in some cases can be up to 28. Minimum custom group size is six or more. For guided tours, we have a ratio of 7:1 participants/staff. Because of this, your reservation will have a cap on the number of paddlers in your group. (i.e. if you reserve for a group of 12 people, we will reserve two staff, and you could still bring up to two more people.)
- Payments: Deposit is due at least 21 days before the trip date. Deposit amounts are determined by trip length/type. Final amounts are based on actual participation and charged shortly after the event.
- Roster: We will ask you to send a roster to us no later than 7 days prior to your scheduled program to ensure all participants' registrations & waivers are complete.
- Once you are booked, we'll ask you to share the Custom Group Details page with your group, so they can submit their required waiver and prepare.
- We still paddle in the rain!
- You may book a custom tour that is a focused tour, like our sunset tour or a paddle basics class, or you may book a tour "just for fun!" River clean-up tours provide all the gear and focus on collecting trash from the side of the river!
Custom Groups How to Prepare
Group organizers, please send your group the link to the Custom Group Details Page, where they can find the required waiver, learn how to prepare, and see a general itinerary.
Custom Group Cancellation Policy
- We ask for a deposit in order to reserve the trip and put staff on the schedule. The deposit is due at least 21 days before the trip date, and may be paid earlier if you so choose. We will send you an online registration link to make the payment (or UML groups may pay by internal transfer).
- Deposits may be refunded if you cancel 22 days or more before the trip.
- Deposits will not be refunded if you cancel 21 days or less before the trip.
- Full payment is due on the day of the trip or shortly afterwards, based on the exact number of participants.
Cancellation Policy Due to Weather
- The Kayak Center staff will decide if conditions are unsafe and will be in touch with the group's organizer the day before or morning of your trip.
- If we are forced to cancel your trip due to weather, we will strive to reschedule if possible. If it is not possible to reschedule, you will be fully refunded. Cancelling due to weather is somewhat rare and is usually due to either high winds or thunderstorms.
- Please note, rain is not a reason that we cancel! Rain is actually a really great time to be on the water; it's typically very calm and can be super memorable to spend time outside in the rain. If your group decides not to come or you have fewer people than you reserved for, you would not be eligible for a refund.