My girlfriend and I are looking into purchasin a kayak or canoe (kayak most likely) and I was wondering if you needed a license to use them anywhere in NJ. We would most likely go to the local reservoirs as well as point A to point B trips on the Delaware/South branch, etc.

 

I know for motorized boats, you need a boating license but was unsure if you needed a boating license for kayaks and canoes.

Not yet, you should be good to go!

Kayaking is awesome. Much more fun than a canoe.I used to go alot with my daughter, we each had our own(long gone) and I also recommend going thru the saltwater back bays and marshes down in South Jersey. Brings back a lot of fond memories. Never even thought about licenses I dont think its an issue.

You only need a license for powered craft. Wind/people-powered don't count.

Nope - go for it man. Have you been kayaking before?

Shhhh speak softly of this... they may hear you and then we will need a KID card or some bs....lol have fun paddling around!

Canoes and Kayaks do require a registration sticker in Pennsylvania. Good to know if you find yourself launching on any PA waterways.

Kayaking is great, Have fun!

I prefer kayaking over canoeing, it is more intimate. I would suggest paddling a few before you buy because some look good but feel horible. The Jersey Paddler in Brick is where we by ours. They let you try out 3 at a time on Forge Pond.

Thanks for the info guys!

 

I have kayaked in other states (usually on vacation with rentals) but never in NJ. She has kayaked two or three times. We both really enjoy it, and we rented a two seater in Vermont and we had a great time. For now, we're thinking of getting a double and then later on getting two singles.

 

In terms of PA, I canoe a river near Macungie, PA when I visit a friend out there and we have never had a permit or anything...he's lived there all his life and never thought you needed one. I'll be bringing it up to him to see what he says. It might be a good idea for him to get one from now on haha. Now what about the Delaware River? As that is half in PA and half in NJ?

 

Tbtrout, thanks for the info! You have a good point on appearance over performance...we are definitely going to check out that place when it comes down to trying some out/going shopping. In terms of canoe vs. kayak, I personally enjoy both but I believe they both have their pro's/con's and are suitable for different activities. It's fun canoeing in a pond/lake and fishing, but nothing beats kayaking down a river!

 

All in all, I am glad to hear that NJ doesn't require licenses.

Jersey Paddler rocks! My son tried out 6 or 9 different ones before settling on the one he bought from them. He and his former GF even did the "Kayak among the Whales Trip" in Alaska one summer.

Kayak's always piqued my interest. When I was stationed in AK, I've seen some hearty people really load up their kayaks for camping and some pretty long hauls. I have an 'expedition' kayak on my wish list for some day.

It looks like you only need registration in PA if. (pulled from the PA boating FAQ)

UNPOWERED BOATS

 

Unpowered boats are boats without motors such as certain kayaks, canoes, rowboats, sailboats, rafts or inflatable boats. Unpowered boats are not required to be registered – unless used at a Fish & Boat Commission access area or lake, or at Pennsylvania state parks and state forests; or required by the owner (one example is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).

 

I have a friend that got hassled by a ranger launching on the PA side of the Deleware. That was a few years ago.

 

I yak the Deleware often and never have had any issues. I always launch from the Jersey side.

I have been kayaking before, it's quite fun. That was kayaking on flat water though. I have also been white water rafting a few times, which was great fun. One day, I would love to try white water kayaking on level 2 and 3 rapids.

 

Stupid question though, if you kayak down the Delaware, how do you plan to get back to your vehicle? Only way I can think of is if you take two vehicles.

Stupid question though, if you kayak down the Delaware, how do you plan to get back to your vehicle? Only way I can think of is if you take two vehicles.

 

The state police / game wardens find a reason to arrest you and return to your car after they process you. (Funny story behind this statement.)

Stupid question though, if you kayak down the Delaware, how do you plan to get back to your vehicle? Only way I can think of is if you take two vehicles.

 

The state police / game wardens find a reason to arrest you and return to your car after they process you. (Funny story behind this statement.)

 

I want the story!

I suggest 2 singles instead of a double. Might be a little more money but well worth it. Too many couples fight in a double or canoe. It isn't worth it. Singles allow each of you to do what you want.

I suggest 2 singles instead of a double. Might be a little more money but well worth it. Too many couples fight in a double or canoe. It isn't worth it. Singles allow each of you to do what you want.

Definately, you will each get much more enjoyment if you are not trying to correct each others strokes.

I agree on doing singles instead of doubles. The fun is controlling the entire kayak by yourself.

 

Again though, does anybody know how you would get back to your car other than taking two vehicles? And yea, I want to hear the story.

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Again though, does anybody know how you would get back to your car other than taking two vehicles?

2 vehicles or a bike. We did one trip in S Jersey where we dropped our bikes off at the end point. Went up to the start and dumped in. Paddled for 7 hours through a wandering stream, jumped on the bikes for a 5 mile ride back to the truck and then picked up the yaks.

There aren't really that many options other than taking two cars, taking bikes, a car and a motorcycle, etc. 90% of people take two cars and leave one at Point A and one at Point B.

 

Depending where I was, I would never leave my kayak unattended at the end point. I have had motorcycle helmets stolen off my bike and stuff stolen out of my car, so now I don't trust anyone anymore.

 

You guys do have a point with singles vs. 1 double, so maybe it's worth it to take some more time to save up for two separate ones.

2 vehicles or a bike. We did one trip in S Jersey where we dropped our bikes off at the end point. Went up to the start and dumped in. Paddled for 7 hours through a wandering stream, jumped on the bikes for a 5 mile ride back to the truck and then picked up the yaks.

I wouldn't trust people enough to leave two kayaks unattended like that.

I wouldn't trust people enough to leave two kayaks unattended like that.

Yeah, that is why I keep 6 ft steel cables and locks in the trailer.

I like Manasquan Reservoir and Forge Pond, when I get tired, I paddle back to where I started from.

Years ago when I was a kid I used to go kayaking with a group I belonged to. We'd kayak down part of the Delaware River then eat lunch and kayak back. I haven't been in years but I remember it was tons of fun. Great exercise too. We never went in the real rapid area of the Delaware but kept to calm waters. It was still a blast though.