Boating at Rutherfurd Hall

Boat Rentals

Public Rentals

Release stress, get exercise, and view the swans, turtles, and other birds and wildlife that call Allamuchy Pond their home.

We will have canoes, single, and tandem kayaks for rent, and our ACA-certified canoe and kayak instructor and lifeguard will be at the dock to provide assistance.

All abilities are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Upcoming Rental Events

• Saturday August 26th  9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Fall dates will be announced in late August

 

Preference and discount is given to reservations, but walk ups are welcome on a first come first serve basis.  Walk ups must have cash and exact change.

In case of weather or other challenges, please check back here to see if a session is cancelled.  All rental purchases will be refunded if Rutherfurd Hall cancels a session.

Single Kayak – Designed for 1 paddler and possible 1 small child passenger (up to max combined weight of 350 lbs)

Tandem Kayak – Designed for 2 paddlers and possible 1-2 small children passengers (up to max combined weight of 400 lbs)

Canoe – Designed for 2 paddlers and possible 1-3 passengers (up to max combined weight of 1,000 lbs)

*All rentals include paddle and lifejackets.

 

Private Parties

We also offer the opportunity for group rentals.  Contact our program director to schedule your unique Boating Birthday Party, Scout Outing, Corporate Retreat, or Group Team Building session on the lake.

Boating Classes

Our ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors would love the opportunity to help you learn a new sport, or improve your current skills.  Our instructors are certified in Level 1 Canoeing and Kayaking.

We will schedule some classes throughout the paddling season, Those classes will be listed on this page and on our calendar page.  You can also reach out to our program director to request training for the particular skills you are seeking, or to set up a group training.

Skills for these courses may include the following.  We can help design a course to meet your needs and level of experience, or you can let us know what skills you are interested in learning.  Classes can be a 1- hour intro to canoeing or kayaking, or a whole weekend of instruction.

Preparing to Depart:
● Discuss weather conditions, forecasts, and other environmental hazards (wind, water, weather,
waves)
● Evaluate hazards to navigation
● Discuss importance of developing good judgment and group responsibility for a trip
● Evaluate individual’s ability, water comfort, and confidence prior to trip
● Warm up to reduce injury
● Make sure the boat is securely fastened to the car or racks, using proper tie-downs, straps, or
knots.
● Review proper techniques to safely lift and carry the canoe on shore
● Review life jackets appropriate for the operator’s size, craft, and activity, assuring all others in
the group are properly wearing their life jacket
● Inspect the canoe/kayak and all safety equipment to meet state, federal, and local requirements for
the vessel and activity
● Describe and follow safe boating practices (behavior, substance abuse, on water and land
etiquette, leave no trace ethics)
● Review elements of a float plan (Who, What, When, Where, filing practices)
● Review personal equipment needed for the canoe/kayak , activity, and environment
● Prepare canoe/kayak for departure: stowing gear securely, and ensuring canoe is balanced
● How to hold the paddle in correct orientation and grip for effective paddling

Maneuvers: to be performed with appropriate and efficient strokes, while maintaining the trim and
balance of the craft
● Enter and launch canoe/kayak from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure
● Propel the canoe/kayak forward in a straight line 15-20 boat lengths
● Stop the canoe/kayak within two boat lengths
● Move the canoe/kayak backward 3-4 boat lengths
● Turn the canoe/kayak from a stationary position 180° to the right and left● Move the canoe/kayak sideways 10 feet (3 meters) to each side
● Propel the canoe/kayak in a figure 8 course around markers 3-4 boat lengths apart
● Turn the canoe/kayak while maintaining forward motion 90° to the right and left
● Arrive at the destination point, checking for clear approach, and exit the canoe/kayak in a controlled and
safe manner

Technical Knowledge:
● Review paddling equipment, terminology (canoe/kayak and paddle), and care of gear
● Instructor review of additional personal and group gear, including, but not limited to:
○ Environmental supplies (food, water, appropriate clothing, sunscreen, etc.)
○ Navigational and signaling tools (maps, charts, whistle, etc.)
○ Safety and rescue tools
○ Repair kit
○ First aid kit (appropriate to training)
● Review the dangers of paddle sports and how to plan an appropriate course to avoid potential
hazardous situations.
● How to avoid/prevent cold water shock, hypothermia, and hyperthermia by choosing proper
clothing; recognizing and treating early symptoms; 1-10-1 rule.
● Recognize the importance of hydration
● Recognize and appropriately use communication (paddle and whistle) signals
● Review basic navigational rules for inland waterways
● Develop awareness of the group and effective on water management techniques
● Describe best paddling practices: posture, balance, awareness of body-canoe/kayak-blade
relationship
● Secure the canoe/kayak and equipment before leaving it unattended, with attention paid to the environment
and conditions

Safety and Rescue
● Demonstrate awareness of rescue priorities: people, canoe/kayak, paddle, gear
● Use safe progressions T-RETHROG (Talk, Reach, Throw, Row, Go) – including throwable
floating aid or throw bag use
● Describe the responsibilities of the group, rescuer, swimmers
● Identify and demonstrate the use of appropriate rescue and safety gear for the canoe/kayak and
planned activity
● Exit the craft after capsize, using proper body position and contact with the craft and paddle.
● Rescue self and the canoe/kayak using an effective self-rescue technique (e.g., swim self and boat to
shore, or deep water reentry).
● Rescue a person in the water and capsized canoe using appropriate techniques and equipment
for the craft (bailers, pumps, tow lines, etc.)
● Perform assisted rescues: boat over boat or side by side or others appropriate to conditions
● Perform assisted re-entry: heel hook or rescue slings or others appropriate to conditions
● Techniques for bulldozing or towing a canoe/kayak or swimmer to shore

Contact Rutherfurd Hall Program Director with any questions, for more information, and to schedule a class:
Nick Serraino
info@rutherfurdhall.org
(908) 280-3654