Name: Paddle down the South Branch of the Raritan River in NJ Part 1
Start: 2013-04-28T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2013-04-28T13:00:00-04:00

Kayak or canoe downriver on the south branch of the Raritan River from the town of Three Bridges, NJ to Old York Road in Branchburg, NJ. The 10-mile paddle will take around 4 to 5 hours with fairly steady but relaxed paddling with a lunch stop. Meeting Time is 10:00 AM. This section of river flows through open space, sparse woods, and old fields, with lots bird life. This will be a black (flat) water paddle with one small waterfall to go around, plus several ripples as the river meanders around many bends in a steady easy current.

Basic Paddling Skills Required. Must know how to steer, turn a boat and paddle in a straight line. Must understand and be able to do a forward stroke, draw stroke, sweep stroke, high brace and low brace.

PFDs will be worn at all times as requirement of the trip. Please do not wear cotton on the river (a common sense rule for a spring river outing). Bring lunch/snack and water to drink.

Bring a FULL change of clothes to change into for afterwards. There is probability you will get wet while on the river. This means underwear, socks and extra shoes as well.

The down river trip will end where South Branch joins the North Branch to become the Raritan River proper.

There will be an optional "add-on" for those who just can't get enough. Those who want to continue will "make a left" at the junction and paddle about 1 additional mile upriver on the north branch until we reach the next dam, just north of Rt. 206, and then float back downriver to meet the others at the take-out point.

This trip will be postponed or cancelled if there is heavy rain, pending thunderstorms, or water level that is below 4.3 or above 9.0 feet, as per USGS 01397420 Gauge. Kayaking is all weather sport so we will go in light rain.

USGS 01397420 Gauge Website (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nj/nwis/dv/?site_no=01397420&agency_cd=USGS&referred_module=sw)

Your RSVP is REQUIRED by 2 days before the event. Please call the trip leader on the day of the event to confirm that you are coming and that the trip is on.

Dinner or an ice cream stop afterwards -- the group's choice.

Trip Leader: Brian Horowitz, 908-625-4916. NCA 10 PM.

There's a non-member fee of $5 for those who aren't paid-up members of Mosaic-GNY or another Mosaic affiliate. Or, pay just $20 annually to join Mosaic-GNY and not a pay a non-member fee for the rest of the year.

IMPORTANT!!!!

IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR OWN BOAT MEET AT PUT-IN. Arrive at Put-In by 10:00am

IF YOU ARE RENTING A BOAT MEET AT TAKE OUT! Arrive at Take-Out by 10:40am.

Please be dressed to paddle on arrival. There are no places to change.

Contact Leader for directions for locations.

Rentals of boat will be supplied riverside by:

http://www.livingadventuretours.com/nj-events/private-kayak-party-jewish-mosaic-outdoor-mountain-club/

Living Adventure Tours

Vaughn Tiedeman - 201-988-4375

$38 per single Kayak (limit 8)

$50 per Tandem (limit 4)

YOU MUST arrange and pay by paypal with Vaughn Tiedman rentals at least 2 days beforehand. Please click on th link above. It should bring you to a link specific for Mosaic rentals on Vaughn's website There are a limited amount of boats so first come first serve. There is a 10% discount if rental is paid by April 1st.

Rentals will include Boat, PFD and Paddles.

see Cancelation Poilicy (http://www.livingadventuretours.com/knowledge/cancellationpolicy/) for refunds for rentals with Vaughn

Public Transportation Option:

Take any NJTransit.com train from NY Penn Station leaving before or at 9:06 am to Newark Penn Station. Once in Newark switch trains (normally track 5) to the Raritan Valley Line leaving at 9:38 am. Take train to the last stop in Raritan arriving at 10:40 am. Someone will meet you by the train station waiting room building only if this is prearranged.

MUST PRE-ARRANGE PICKUP FROM TRAIN STATION AT LEAST 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE WITH TRIP LEADER. NO CONFIRMATION E-MAIL NO PICKUP!!!

PLEASE RECHECK train schedules at http://www.njtransit.com as this write-up is done months in advance.

It's suggested that train riders buy a one-way ticket, since there is no price break and there is a possibility of catching a ride back with someone. Go to the front of the train to look for other boaters. Wear something "Mosaic" to identify yourself.

Please call leader once the train has left NYC to confirm that you made it onto the train and that we should wait for you. I will let you know if you are looking for anyone else on the train at that time.

Interesting description of the river's south branch: http://www.njskylands.com/tnrarsb3.htm

Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club             of Greater New York

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Will you be renting or bringing your own boat?

Paddling Experience Level? (novice, beginner, intermediate, advanced)?

Do you have a rack on your vehicle? How many boats can you fit?

Will you Taking the train and need a pickup?

Will you be staying for dinner afterwards?

Paddle down the South Branch of the Raritan River in NJ Part 1

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Paddle down the South Branch of the Raritan River in NJ Part 1

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