NJ Kayak

For the second year, kayakers paddled from NJ Kayak’s headquarters in Barnegat to Sedge. This year the group had the wind behind them and was able to make the seven-mile trip in less than two hours. Owners Bill and Carmen Stage were assisted by several of their staff members making this a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

NJ kayak brought their own sea kayaks with spray decks and rudders. Using these boats and having expert instruction enabled the group to develop a higher skill level than the average group staying at Sedge. We were able to swap boats to get a feel for different sizes and shapes of kayaks. Bill and his staff helped Sedge staff increase their kayaking skills including work on rolls and rescue techniques. This proved especially useful when fighting the opposing forces of tide and wind on our return from the Dike on Saturday.

In return for their kayak instruction, NJ Kayak staff and clients learned a great deal about the Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone flora and fauna. We caught and ate clams and several dozen green crabs. We caught and released several short stripers and lost several blue fish. Although the weather was threatening we were able to explore the marsh on several paddle trips between thunderstorms. Everyone (but especially the Sedge staff) were overjoyed to see that the pair of osprey on the new nest closest to our island hatched a single chick on Saturday morning. We all felt like proud parents.