Self-Guided Sit on Top Kayak Rentals
Kayaking down Massachusetts' Deerfield River is a great way to see the Berkshires and to spend a warm summer day outside and active! These boats are easy to paddle and very stable, making them a great way to get a taste of whitewater kayaking with minimal instruction.
Zoar Outdoor rents both single and double kayaks daily from May 15 through September 30. Singles are great for those 12 years old and over who want the freedom to challenge the river on their own, while doubles give kids as young as 7 an opportunity to enjoy the river with an adult close by and allow couples to spend an afternoon together on the water.
Sit-on-top rental groups meet at 1:45 pm at Zoar Outdoor. After an instructional briefing, you’ll begin paddling downriver in your own sit-on-top kayak. As captain of your own boat, you determine where to run each rapid, when to stop and swim, and how quickly you move downstream.
Our 9-mile run on the Deerfield River features both Class I and II rapids. It takes about 2 1/2 hours and starts a mile below Zoar Gap. The run ends in Buckland just upstream of Dam #4.
How Much Experience Do I Need?
You should have some canoeing or kayaking experience, or be gung ho, in good physical shape and comfortable in the water. Participants must be at least 12 years old for a single kayak and 7 years old (with an adult) for a double kayak. You will have to paddle and may have to self rescue by climbing back up onto the kayak from the water or swimming the kayak, the paddle and yourself to shore.
What Should I Wear?
Dress to get wet. A bathing suit, shorts and a t-shirt with sneakers or water shoes work well on a warm summer day. Always bring a fleece top or wool sweater, windbreaker and wool socks in case the weather turns cooler. We rent wetsuits for early spring and fall days when the water is cooler. Bring a towel and an extra set of clothing to change into after the trip. We provide paddles, helmets and PFD's.
Do I Need a Reservation?
While you may be able to walk in without a reservation, it is a good idea to reserve ahead to ensure we have a boat for you. Busy weekends and weekdays in the summer book well in advance.
Our rentals go rain or shine, however, Zoar Outdoor reserves the right to cancel trips when, in our judgment, weather or river conditions are unsuitable. If this is the case, we will inform you as early as possible.
When & Where Do We Meet?
Sit-on-top rentals meet at 1:45pm at Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont. We are located on Route 2, 20 miles west of Greenfield, Mass. and 20 miles east of North Adams, Mass. in the town of Charlemont. From the east, take Route 2 to Route 91 south. Get off at exit 26 (Greenfield) and proceed on Route 2 west 20 miles to Charlemont. From the north or south on Route 91, get off at exit 26 and proceed west on Route 2 as above. From the west, take Route 2 and proceed 20 miles east from North Adams. Our base is the red house on the north side of the highway on the western outskirts of the town center. Look for the blue, white, and green sign
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Deerfield River by state law. We reserve the right to check any coolers or containers brought on the trip prior to launch.
