Paddle Adventures with Oceanport Paddle Club in New Jersey - New York City

Paddle Adventures with Oceanport Paddle Club in New Jersey

New York Cityeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours per session

Fitness Level

Basic level of fitness recommended; suitable for beginners to casual paddlers

Overview

Oceanport Paddle Club offers kayak, SUP, and paddle tours on New Jersey’s scenic waterways. Whether it’s a sunset paddle, family outing, or leadership session, their expert guides and diverse rentals deliver a true coastal water experience.

Details

On the New Jersey coastline, Oceanport offers a distinctive water paddling scene centered around the Oceanport Paddle Club. This outfit caters to paddlers of all experience levels, right where the Shrewsbury River meets the Atlantic's edge. The Club’s range of trips and rentals—including single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and multi-person Mega SUPs—invite visitors to connect with a coastal ecosystem shaped by tidal creeks, salt marshes, and wide-open bay waters. With a focus on community and skill-building, Oceanport Paddle Club blends recreational paddling with instruction, from beginner SUP lessons to advanced leadership experiences.

The club’s signature Sunset Tours reveal the shifting light over calm waters peppered with eelgrass beds and the occasional osprey circling overhead. These evenings offer a serene backdrop for families and paddling enthusiasts seeking a low-impact way to absorb the coast's natural rhythms. For younger adventurers, River Kids programs provide a fun, safe introduction to paddling, complemented by after-school and summer camps that encourage comfort and confidence on the water.

What makes Oceanport Paddle Club stand out is their commitment to both accessibility and progression. Owner Chris and the team’s hands-on approach means visitors receive personalized instruction and route guidance, ensuring safety and enjoyment. Unique offerings like SUP Yoga and mindfulness sessions on the tides underline an appreciation for the physical and mental benefits of water time.

The club's location offers easy access to the diverse habitats of the Shrewsbury and Navesink River estuaries, where salt marsh wrens and diamondback terrapins thrive. This makes each paddle not just an exercise but a chance to witness the coastal ecosystems that define New Jersey's Atlantic shore. Whether launching solo for a peaceful tide ride or joining a paddle party, the Oceanport Paddle Club brings a sense of place and camaraderie to waterfront recreation.

Adventure Tips

Check Tide Schedules Before Heading Out

Tides significantly affect water depth and current on the Shrewsbury River, so planning your paddle around them ensures safer and more enjoyable conditions.

Wear Quick-Dry Clothing

Lightweight, moisture-wicking apparel helps you stay comfortable during sessions that can involve splashing and sun exposure.

Bring Water and Sun Protection

Even on cooler days, paddling on open water leaves you exposed; hydration and sunscreen are must-haves.

Reserve Rentals and Tours in Advance

The popularity of the Club’s lessons and tours means spots can fill quickly, especially on weekends and summer evenings.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet back channels of the Shrewsbury River
  • Secluded inlets with salt marsh birdwatching opportunities

Wildlife

  • Ospreys hunting overhead
  • Diamondback terrapins sunning near the shore

History

The Shrewsbury River area has long been a hub for local fishing and boating traditions dating back to early colonial settlements.

Conservation

Oceanport Paddle Club promotes low-impact paddling practices that help protect shoreline habitats and native species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour at sunset
Early morning light
Overcast midday for diffuse light

Best Viewpoints

  • From the dock area looking toward the bay
  • Along peaceful salt marsh edges
  • On a Mega SUP for panoramic water views

What to Photograph

Calm water reflections
Local wildlife like ospreys and herons
Silhouettes during sunset tours

Recommended Gear

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Essential

Safety item required for all watercraft use to maintain buoyancy and compliance with regulations

Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps personal items and electronics safe and dry during paddles

Sun Hat and Sunglasses

Essential

Protects you from sun exposure while on the water’s reflective surface

summer specific

Water Shoes or Secure Sandals

Essential

Provides traction for launching and re-entry from slippery docks or rocky beaches

summer specific