Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday March 20, 2007
PLAN A RELAXING KAYAKING ADVENTURE ON LONG ISLAND
Contact:
Kristen Matejka
Director of Marketing and
Communications
LICVB&SC
631 951-3900 xt.317
PLAN A RELAXING KAYAKING ADVENTURE ON LONG ISLAND
HAUPPAUGE, NY –(MARCH 16, 2007)- Long Island offers kayak enthusiasts a surprising bounty of natural beauty, wildlife, and waterways that range from serene rivers, inlets and harbors to challenging ocean and bay courses, even though it is located just outside the bustling metropolis of New York City.
At 118 miles long and 20 miles wide, and surrounded by four main water bodies, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Long Island Sound, Great South Bay and Peconic Bay, and bisected by numerous rivers, you’re bound to find your own favorite kayaking retreat.
While here stay overnight in charming accommodations in a harbor front village after dining on the catch of the day at a local seafood shack. Or relax after a day of kayaking at an upscale waterfront spa facility where expert treatments will sooth your tired muscles. Or for the adventurous, sleep under the stars at an oceanfront camp ground (where permitted).
Following is a sampling of some of the kayak-friendly waterways on Long Island:
Northport Harbor
Northport Harbor is an active but scenic harbor; a great place to get a bite to eat and window shop. Take Route 25A and turn right on Woodbine Avenue. Follow this 2-3 blocks to a left on Beach Avenue. Follow signs to Scudder Beach.
Carman’s River
Approximately 10 miles long, the Carman’s River begins as a fresh-water spring near Route 25 in Middle Island and flows south through protected lands, including the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley, and on to the Great South Bay.
Connetquot River
About eight miles long, the Connetquot River begins as a spring in Lakeland County Park in Islandia and flows south through Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale. South of Sunrise Highway, it widens and empties into the Great South Bay.
Peconic River
Long Island’s longest river flows from the William Floyd Parkway near the Brookhaven National Laboratory east to Flanders Bay. Enter a half-mile west of Edwards Avenue on South River Road in Calverton (with a state Department of Environmental Conservation permit).
Stony Brook Harbor
Stony Brook Harbor is fairly quiet and serene, although the mouth can have strong currents with. Located in a scenic and historic area of the North Shore. Take 25A to Main St. in Stony Brook to Shore Road.
Smiths Point
Narrow Bay and Bellport Bay, both suitable for beginners, can also be more challenging. Nearby state park ocean beach. From Shirley take William Floyd Parkway south. Just north of the Smith Point Bridge there is an access road on the right that leads to the parking lot. Suffolk County permits and fees may apply.
Setauket Harbor
Setauket Harbor is quiet and typically fine for beginners, but it joins Port Jefferson Harbor, which is busy with boat traffic. This is a scenic and historic area. Take Nichols Road North, to its end. Right on Rte. 25A and turn left at Hardware Store onto Shore Rd.
Riverhead
The Peconic River east of Riverhead is tidal and is a great spot for beginners. Park at the east end of town just before Atlantis Aquarium and launch from the sandy area at the bulkhead. Afterwards, spend the afternoon in Riverhead for excellent shopping bargains, or to visit Long Island’s only aquarium. Also a Dinosaur Museum, Railroad Museum and Water Park.
Great South Bay
The Great South Bay can get choppy depending on wind conditions and experiences fishing traffic in the summer months. Take Montauk Highway east. Bear right to South Country Rd (36). Go right (south) on Pine Neck Avenue ramp/dock at end.
Long Island Sound/Orient Point
The Long Island Sound is recommended only for advanced paddlers. Enter at a spot located in Orient Point at Stephenson's Beach. While in Orient, visit nearby wineries, farm stands and fresh seafood dining.
Jones Beach
Challenging site. Access to South Oyster Bay to the north and Jones Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. Nearby Jones Beach State Park, oceanfront beach with boardwalk. Take Meadowbrook Parkway south to Bay Parkway. Go west approximately 1 mile then make a right into the US Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin.
Captree Basin
From the Captree launch site, you can easily access the Fire Island Inlet, although strong currents make it recommended only for the most experienced paddlers. Nearby Robert Moses State Park, ocean front beach and Fire Island lighthouse. Climb to the top and enjoy stunning views. Take Ocean Pkwy. South to Captree State Park.
Nissequogue River State Park
Nissequogue River State Park is located on the north shore of Long Island. A variety of habitats including tidal and fresh water wetlands and hardwood forests provide habitat to a variety of shore birds, reptiles and amphibians. A section of the park has been designated a State Bird Conservation Area. The Greenbelt Trail, for walking and hiking, parallels the Nissequogue River and provides scenic views of the river and the Long Island Sound from the top of the bluffs. The park also has a soccer field, a canoe and kayak launch, fishing and bird watching. St. Johnland Road, Kings Park, NY.
Heckscher State Park
Hecksher State Park is on Hecksher Parkway off Southern State Parkway. Follow directions to boat launch. Free to NYS residents. Boat ramp for vehicles with trailers. Waterfront picnicking and recreational facilities.
Fort Pond, Montauk
Located in the center of the Village of Montauk, this freshwater lake is a great place to spend a day before heading to the ocean for a swim, or a small seafood shack for a bite to eat. Go east on Montauk Highway; turn left at the village green on Edgemere Street.
Silly Lily Fishing Station
A family owned marina on scenic protected Moriches Bay specializing in boat and motor rentals for fishing or family outings, sailboat rentals and lessons, and Kayak rentals.East Moriches, NY.
Personal Touch Kayak Tours
Guided Kayak tours throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Three hour tour. No experience necessary. Instruction and guide provided, private lessons available.
Amityville, NY
Shelter Island Kayak Inc.
Guided and unguided kayak tours on Shelter Island’s beautiful creeks and harbors. Fun for all ages and abilities. Glide back in time past ice age boulders and protected woods and wetlands. Look over the side into clear water to observe aquatic life. The stable and comfortable kayaks are enjoyable to paddle. The guides are experienced and love kayaking. This vendor is ADA accessible. Shelter Island, NY 11964
The Waterfront Center
Adult sailing lessons, sailboat and kayak rentals. Sunset sails aboard the historical Oyster Boat Christeen. Best dates to visit May-September. Marine Education School field trips. Call for specifics.Oyster Bay, NY.
BoatRenting. com Inc,
Beaver Dam Marina. Boat Rentals, Yachts, Sailboats, Charter Boats, Bare Boat, Dinner Cruise, Party Boats. BoatRenting.com is your one stop boat renting brokerage site. You can find a boat renting facility any where in the world from out site. At BoatRenting.com Inc., you are able to see boat images, view boat descriptions, check availability and even make a reservation from the web site.
Conntequot River Rowing Facility at Dowling College
The Conntequot River Rowing Facility at Dowling College can accommodate crew kayaking and canoeing. This facility has hosted several rowing events such as high school races, the annual Dowling Alumni Cup Regatta and the 1999 Empire State Games.
Oakdale, NY.
The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as the official tourism promotion agency for the destination’s travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and related activities. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-FUN-ON-LI or visit www.discoverlongisland.com.
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