Trish Of All Trades

Hey friend!

I’m assuming we’re friends because how else did you find this page? :) Well since I get asked about kayaking like it’s my job, I figured I’d put together a quick page for folks that are interested.

Where to Kayak

Both rental options come with a kayak + a life jacket (although you’re welcome to bring your own life jacket, I do).

• Charles River Canoe & Kayak- I have a season pass to CRCK. They have several launches along the river in Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, Newton, Medford, and Waltham (some spots allow one-way kayaking to dock at a nearby site). In addition to kayaks, they also have standup paddleboards and canoes.

• Community Boating- I’ve only recently become acquainted with CB, but they’re on the Boston side of the Charles River by the Charles/MGH T stop on the red line. While I do see people using them for kayaking and standup paddleboards, I generally see folks utilize their facilities for windsurfing and sailing. Seems like a great crew though (currently learning to sail from them).

What to Wear/Bring

It really depends on the weather, but a few tips:

• Shoes- I generally wear flip flops or water shoes and then take them off in the kayak. It doesn’t really matter, but realize before you get into your kayak you’ll be walking along their dock so you don’t want to have shoes you’ve slipped in while walkin in the rain. Also, if you don’t want to get a super cool sock tan or walk home in wet socks, take those off while kayaking.

• Waterproof bag- If you’re traveling light, a sandwich bag for your phone will do. Otherwise, you’ll want to have a dry bag. I have my own, but I know Charles River Canoe & Kayak has dry bags for rental, and Community Boating has lockers for rental but you must provide a lock.

• Clothing- Wear clothing you wouldn’t mind getting wet. I usually don a tank top and bike shorts. If you’re the type to get cold, bringing along a light jacket doesn’t hurt, especially with weather that is below 75 and has some wind.

• Sunscreen- Even if the sun isn’t out, you’ll still get an extra hit of those rays. And on super hot days, you’ll be sweating off the sunscreen. If you’re likely to burn, be mindful of the time of day you go (go early or after 5PM) and I’d recommend setting an alarm to reapply your sunscreen as well.

• Snacks- Easily accessible. You don’t really wanna be eating and touching your paddles that have river water on them. Also, if your trash flies into the water- retrieve it! We share this river with lots of wildlife, from turtles to fish to birds, and we don’t want them choking on your granola bar wrappers.

• Water bottle- Hydration is key on hot days, and you are technically working out.

• Hat- The more sun protection, the better!

• Motion sickness pills- So as someone that has gotten motion sickness from being on bigger boats, I’ve never taken motion sickness pills, but I’d carry them just in case.

• Whistle- If you’re going kayaking by yourself, have a whistle and attach it to your life jacket. If something happens you want to make sure someone can locate you.

• Leave the valuables at home, but bring your wallet/keys/ID/cash or credit card to pay for your trip, etc.

Water/Wind/Weather

Wind- I’m gonna go ahead and quote a website, “Recreational kayakers should be safe in wind speeds up to 10 knots (12 mph). Winds above 17 knots (19 mph) are generally too strong for kayaking and should only be tackled by experienced paddlers.” - Kayak Nature. If you don’t have a lot of upper body strength or don’t kayak a lot, I would additionally caution you to not go kayaking when the wind is over 14mph.

Water- If you’re going through a program instead of on your own, you’ll see warnings if the water is too cold (always check the respective websites/social media feeds), but seeing as that they’re only open from May-October, you don’t really have to worry about water temp.

Weather- You’ll still be able to kayak if the weather calls for a drizzle but if there’s lightning, thunder, or heavy rain you’ll likely be unable to kayak.

Random Tips

• Don’t share a kayak with another adult. It never ever works out. It does nothing for your relationship. Someone always gets water to the face. No matter how in sync you think you are with your partner, you’re not in sync in a double kayak. (This doesn’t include kayaking with children, I’m specifically talking about two grown people).

• Don’t jump out of a kayak. The Lower Basin (Watertown to Boston) has a B-. Just saying.

• Don’t try to out-paddle a sailboat/duck boat/crew team etc. You won’t win.

• Don’t wear headphones. You won’t be able to hear when rowers yell at you, and sometimes duck boats can sneak up on you (seriously).

• Do look up the times they’re open. Times shift with sunrise/sunset.