This adventurous wellness program is geared for those interested in learning how to kayak. Everything is provided including kayaks, equipment, shuttle, guides, paddling, and safety instruction.
Enjoy approximately 5 miles of easy paddling for approximately two hours on the normally gentle, tree-lined Swatara Creek! This guided evening paddle will let you discover firsthand why many are getting involved in this healthy life-long hobby. Guides will provide kayak skill instruction before and during the trip. Participants should be in moderate physical condition and prepared to be physically active. You will be paddling, not just floating, at a leisurely pace during this program. There is a pathway made of pavers that leads you downhill to the entry point on the water. There you will be met by our EZ in EZ out kayak launch. If you need special assistance with this paddle, please contact us directly so we can discuss any accommodations needed for this program.
Participants will meet up at Boathouse Park in Hershey where you will park their vehicle and board the Cocoa Kayak shuttle van. The van will drive you upstream to a private entry location where you will receive your instruction, kayak, paddle, etc. Your voyage will end at Boathouse Park where your vehicle is parked.
What to expect from kayak and creek:
Our sit-inside kayaks are designed for beginners and recreational users, not whitewater. Kayak bottoms are fairly wide and flat, offering a lot of balance forgiveness. Seats are cushioned and foot braces are adjustable. The Swatara Creek is gentle and no spray skirt is required. Most creek banks are lined with trees, limestone outcrops, and a few small islands mid-stream. Water levels are typically 1-3 feet with occasional deep spots. Bald eagle sightings are frequent and blue herons often fish the creekside. Turtles regularly line the river bank making incredible subjects for the quick photographer. The Swatara Watershed is a healthy ecosystem abundant with countless species of wildlife.
Restrictions:
- Participants must be at least 6 years of age to participate.
- Participants between ages 6-9 years old must be in a 2-person kayak with a responsible adult.
- Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
** Limited quantities of tandems are available.
- No one under the age of 18 can participate without a parent, adult family member, or guardian.
You must be able to go down an incline of pavers at the starting location and be able to lightly paddle for 2-hours. This program is for those in moderate or greater physical condition. If you need special assistance, please contact us directly for personal assistance and accommodations.
Additional information:
There are no masks required at the present time, you will be notified should this change based on local legislation at the time of the program. All equipment is cleaned before each use using standard Covid protocols.
This event is rain or shine. Kayaking is a water sport so getting wet is possible but typically you can complete the whole trip and stay dry. In the event of severe weather conditions, the trip will be canceled. If we cancel the trip, we will provide a full refund. At that time, you can re-register for any available program. If the trip is canceled, notification will occur 1-2 hours pre-trip via personal phone call, text, or email.
Each participant must answer the following questions, as part of the reservation process. This will ensure the outfitting of the right-sized equipment:
1. The height of each kayak participant.
2. The weight of each kayak participant.
3. You acknowledge that no renters can be under the age of 6 years old. Participants between 6-9 years old must be in a 2-person kayak with a responsible adult. A limited number of these kayaks are available.
You are required to sign a waiver of liability with Cocoa Kayaks, the facilitator of this program, before participating. Each participant must complete a waiver. Click the above hyperlink for the waiver.
Kayak Trip Preparation:
1. Keep your confirmation email with directions and details.
2. Dress in quick-drying clothing or a bathing suit (no jeans or heavy cotton)
3. Check the weather for additional apparel, i.e. - windbreaker, loose-fitting long pants, etc.
4. Recommended footwear: water shoes, full-strapped sandals with tread, or old sneakers (no flip flops)
5. Sunglasses and/or a brimmed hat recommended
6. Bottle of water: most kayaks are equipped with a cup holder
7. Arrive ON TIME, well-fueled, and rested. Bring your ticket confirmation and a liability waiver for each attendee.
8. Mobile phone: waterproof smartphone-sensitive bags or larger containers can be provided **Limited quantities available. Please take one phone per group, if needed.
9. Leave a towel or change of dry clothing (likely unnecessary) in your vehicle where you will finish your trip.
10. Bring a carefree attitude and good vibes and enjoy your adventure!
11. Cash: As with any service industry, it is customary to give tips for an enjoyable experience. Our guides work hard to ensure you have a clean, safe, and fun experience.
This program is non-refundable. We are happy to substitute the name of a friend or relative if you register and are no longer able to attend. Please contact us directly for assistance. We will need the name of the new attendee, their cell phone number, height, and weight information so we can have the proper equipment.
If you have questions, please reach out to Nancy Gates | Assistant Program Manager | Dauphin County Parks & Recreation Department | [email protected] | 717-599-5188, ext. 2113.