Transport yourself to New Zealand without leaving your neighborhood, with a "downunder style" kayak trip at Downunder Kayaking, located at Below Deck in the heart of Rowayton.
Owner Kim Beaumont, a native "kiwi," as New Zealanders are fondly called, is putting her native island's signature on Downunder Kayaking, from the fun sense of adventure to the imported store merchandise.
"Kiwis love to have fun -- it's something we do really well," says Beaumont. "And like New Zealand, the local Connecticut shoreline offers the perfect setting for active water adventures." From the Five Mile River to the local shores of the Long Island Sound, kayakers can take advantage of special activities, including fishing trips, guided tours, private parties, and unique, Saturday morning yoga classes on the beach or the islands, called "yoga on the rocks" and "paddle and pose."
"In June, we take it up a notch with 'Paddle and Prose,' a package that includes kayaking, a picnic dinner and reserved seating for Shakespeare on the Sound's performance of A Comedy of Errors in Pinkney Park," Beaumont enthuses, adding, "And during the summer, we offer programs for children teaching safe kayaking practices, developing respect for the environment, and turning what some call exercise, into good fun."
The kayaking parties are popular with "weekend warriors," singles, couples, families, kids, seniors, and coworkers. "It's easy," Beaumont explains, "because we use the type of kayak that you sit on top of, so if you fall off -- which can be pretty hard to do -- you just climb back on." Lifejackets, paddles and instruction are provided by a fully-trained staff.
Downunder Kayaking is tucked away under the Rowayton Market at Below Deck, a boutique that carries the latest trends in footwear - havaianas, rainbow, reef and summer fun essentials such as -- sunglasses (new this year is the dirty dog brand from New Zealand), t-shirts and hats, kayaking gear, boogie boards and other beach toys, gifts and accessories. In addition, the shop offers an interesting line of "kiwiana," which includes paua shell, pounamu (jade), and even...dragon eggs.
Downunder Kayaking is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Monday through Wednesday, 10am to 6pm, and Thursday and Friday, 10am to 8pm. Weekend hours are from 8am to 6pm. To make reservations or for more information, call (203) 852-0011x2 or visit the website at www.downunderkayaking.com. Rowayton, CT is just minutes from I 95, from either exit 11 or 12 in Darien. Follow signs for Tokeneke Rd., Rowayton.
