No-Fuss River Excursions

The author and her paddle board at the Keville Bridge on the South River.

Every year, as spring turns into summer, I find myself drawn to the North and South Rivers. The marsh is vibrant green, the water reflects the bright blue sky, and the breezes are just right for cooling off on a hot day. Of course, actually coordinating a trip on the rivers with my canoe or kayak is another story! Weather, tides, personal schedules, and transportation are all part of the planning process, not to mention gathering my gear and making sure it’s still in working order. Occasionally everything falls into place and I find myself sitting happily in my boat, paddling up- (or down-) stream, promising myself I will not let so much time go by before the next excursion.

If you’re interested in seeing what our local rivers are all about, but maybe not-so-interested in the logistics of getting there, you might consider a guided, outfitted class or trip. The North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) has made such trips a part of their activity roster in the last few years. They offer both lessons and guided tours, with equipment included. It’s totally worth the cost, to have someone else provide your equipment and show you around!

Below is a listing of what the NSRWA is offering this summer. If you’d like to experience the beauty and serenity of the North or South River with a minimum of fuss, here’s your chance!

Learn To Kayak

Friday July 25, 12-2pm

Sunday, August 10, 12-2pm

Coastal Kayak Educators provides all equipment, as well as expert group instruction for children and adults ages 8 and up in this 2.5-hour course (children must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at the Union Street Bridge Conservation Area in Marshfield and learn the basics of kayaking on the North River, with an emphasis on safety. Pre-registration required. For details, visit www.nsrwa.org.

Scenic North River Tours

Saturday July 26, 1-3 pm

Sunday, August 3 – 6:30-8:30pm

Saturday, August 23 – 12:30-2:30pm

This tour is recommended for kayakers with some experience, ages 8 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult). Coastal Kayak Educators provides all equipment, and leads the group on a 2-hour tour of river, beginning at the Union Street Bridge in Marshfield. Pre-registration required. For details, visit www.nsrwa.org.

Historic North River Kayaking Tour

Sunday, August 24, 11am-3pm

For ages 8 and up (children must be accompanied by an adult), and led by Coastal Kayak Educators, this is a leisurely 8.5-mile paddling excursion. It will delve into the North River’s role in the lives of Native Americans, colonial shipbuilders, the industrial revolution, and the modern day era, and will examine how its ecology has changed throughout time. The tour begins at the Union Street Bridge Conservation Area in Marshfield. All equipment is provided, and there will be a lunch break at Couch Beach in Marshfield. Pre-registration required. For details, visit www.nsrwa.org.

Stand Up Paddling Lessons on the South River

Thursday July 17 at 6pm

Monday Aug 4 at 6pm

Monday Aug 18 at 6pm

This 1.5 hour lesson on the South River was one of the best of my recent “new experiences,” and much easier than I anticipated. Learn to stand up paddle (SUP) with the NSRWA and Luminate Surf & Skate on the river and marsh creeks near Rexhame Beach in Marshfield. All equipment is provided. Pre-registration required. For details, visit www.nsrwa.org.

by Kezia Bacon, Correspondent

June, 2014

Kezia Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com