What we’re about
Welcome to the Garden State Kayakers (GSK) Meetup Group!
Garden State Kayakers (GSK) was established with the primary objective of promoting the enjoyment of kayaking. We achieve this through organized trips, offering informal instruction, and facilitating the exchange of valuable information. The dedicated team behind GSK comprises passionate volunteers who take on the responsibility of planning and leading kayaking excursions across New Jersey and the tri-state area. Their collective enthusiasm lies in the thrill of exploring the diverse bodies of water and scenic coastlines that grace the state.
The core mission of Garden State Kayakers encompasses several key aspects.
- Firstly, it aims to foster a sense of fellowship among kayaking enthusiasts, creating a community bound by a shared love for this recreational activity.
- Safety is of paramount concern, and GSK is committed to educating its members on safe kayaking practices.
- Moreover, we seek to cultivate an environment where information and skills related to kayaking are freely exchanged among members. This not only enhances the collective knowledge base but also encourages continuous learning and improvement.
Another vital dimension of GSK's mission revolves around environmental stewardship. The GSK Meetup Group encourages its members to develop a deep concern for and show respect toward the natural environment, particularly the waterways and marine ecosystems they navigate. The preservation and sustainability of these precious ecosystems are fundamental values upheld by Garden State Kayakers. Members are encouraged to enjoy kayaking while also being mindful of the impact they have on the environment and marine life.
Garden State Kayakers is always eager to welcome new members into its fold. Whether you are a novice looking to learn the ropes of kayaking or an experienced paddler seeking camaraderie and opportunities to share your expertise, GSK provides a welcoming community. Being a volunteer-run club, GSK places a collective emphasis on offering a diverse range of trips suitable for individuals of all skill levels. Additionally, the organization is dedicated to providing training and guidance to ensure that all members possess the necessary skills to paddle safely.
Regardless of your skill level – whether you are a beginner taking your first strokes in a kayak, an expert navigating challenging waters, or somewhere in between – Garden State Kayakers promises to be a place where you can forge new friendships, receive support, and embark on unforgettable kayaking adventures.
GSK maintains a Facebook Page for our videos and links that cannot be posted on Meetup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/njkayakers/
Please note:
Participants engaging in activities with GSK should bear in mind that they assume full responsibility for their involvement. To the maximum extent permitted by law, all participants renounce any claims and commit to absolve the Garden State Kayakers Meetup Group, including its organizers, associates, staff, executives, directors, and contractors, from all liability claims of any nature, encompassing legal expenses and court fees, for personal injury or fatality of any individual, as well as damage to property arising from or associated with their participation. This agreement pertains not only to you but also to any individuals accompanying you in these pursuits. To this end:
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It is imperative that you provide a suitable photograph for identification purposes, particularly in case of getting lost during an event. Failure to include a suitable photo in your profile may result in your exclusion from events.
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We kindly ask members to respond accurately and comprehensively to membership and event-related questions and inquiries.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Navasink River Paddle1 Maple Ave, Red Bank, NJ
Kick off the 2024 Paddling Season with a low impact paddle of the Navesink River! Heading out from the Maple Ave launch we will towards Oceanic Bridge passing by Lewis Point, before exploring the area around Coopers Bridge and the Swimming River.
We will meet in the parking lot, Maple Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701, 40°21'07.9"N 74°04'11.3"W. There are 4-8 dedicated free parking spots near the boat launch.
Note: The parking lot has very limited spaces. Be early to get a spot.
Paddlers are to depart no later than 10:30—I will arrive at the launch by 10:00.Paddles in the water 10:30—PLEASE BE PREPARED TO LAUNCH AT 10:30.
Cold Water Paddle Alert!
The water will still be cold and cold water temperatures encountered during this trip make paddling significantly more dangerous. Paddlers who are immersed in cold water lose body heat four to five times faster than when in air of the same temperature. Such rapid heat loss can lead to cold shock, cold incapacitation, hypothermia, and death.SKILL LEVEL: Beginner (+)
- Be familiar with a wet exit re-entry technique
- You MUST be able to keep up with the group and follow the directions of Lead and Sweep paddlers.
BOAT LENGTH
- Minimum, 12 feet
- No inflatables kayaks
- No sit-on-tops kayaks
- No folding kayaks
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
- Appropriate attire for the water temperature
- Minimum Kayak length of (12')
- Spare paddle
- PFD (must be worn at all times while on the water)
- Whistle
- Spray Skirt
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
- Bilge pump
- Dry bag for personal items
- Paddle float
- Large sponge
- Change of clothes in a dry bag
- Marine radios
CLOTHING (Dress for water temperature, Not air temperature)
- DRY SUIT or appropriate clothing
- Sun Protection
- Appropriate Footwear
- Hat
- Sunglasses
SPECIAL NOTICE
- By participating in Garden State Kayaker (GSK) events, I acknowledge my understanding and acceptance of the inherent risks associated with kayaking and engaging in kayaking activities. These risks encompass the potential for severe consequences, including but not limited to personal injury (such as drowning or bodily harm), loss of life, and property damage.
- I am aware that I need to be in good physical health to participate in kayaking. Despite these hazards, I willingly choose to partake in kayaking, assuming full responsibility for any injury or loss of life to myself and any damage to property that may occur as a result of participating in kayaking. I am fully cognizant of the inherent dangers associated and am prepared to bear complete accountability for any such injury or damage that may arise.
- In consideration of my participation in this event, I hereby release and permanently absolve GSK, along with its organizers, leaders, and members, from all liability or claims stemming from injuries, illnesses, deaths, or property loss or damage that I may experience while participating in kayaking. This release encompasses liability or claims arising from injuries, illnesses, deaths, or damages caused by any negligence on the part of GSK or its organizers, leaders, and members.
- Through this Waiver and Release Agreement, I intend to exonerate GSK from all responsibility for any property loss or damage, personal injury, or loss of life, irrespective of whether it is attributable to GSK’s negligence or any other legal basis.
- By participating in this paddle. I fully acknowledge that should I suffer injury, illness, death, or damage while engaged in kayaking activities, I will not have the right to assert a claim or initiate a lawsuit against GSK, its organizers, leaders, and members, even if their negligence contributes to my injury, illness, death, or damage.
GPS Coordinates
- 40.352193391432316, -74.0698041204732