Kayaking and SUP in Fairfield County

A few years ago while at Family Camp in Maine, I discovered I loved kayaking and SUP (Stand Up Paddling).  I had dreams that once we got home, we would kayak ourselves...but where?  We looked up deals on kayaks, considered buying a couple of used ones but what would we buy?  Would we buy singles for everyone in the family?  The kids weren't old enough to go out on their own.  However, if we bought doubles wouldn't we just outgrow them soon enough?  Also, where would we cast off from?  We found a public boat launch in Westport, but parking was in short supply.  Also, putting the boats on top of the car each time, would we really go?

The solution was found at Down Under Kayak.  They have two locations, one in Rowayton which is seasonal and another in Westport which is open year round.  The Rowayton Store is located underneath  Rowayton Market and we have found there is ample parking across the street in the Community Parking Lot.  The location is beautiful and Rowayton Market is a great place to grab a bite to each after rowing; eating with damp towels wrapped around us and wearing flip flops is just fine.

The second location is just underneath the 95 overpass in Westport.  I prefer the Rowayton location as  its prettier.  Also, in Westport you do contend with a lot of crew teams who of course, are rowing backwards.  Though I still enjoy kayaking in Westport but if you only plan to do it once and want to feel like you are on vacation, go to Rowayton.

The back of Down Under Kayak with Rowayton Market above.

A look inside Down Under in Rowayton

When you make a reservation, they have the boats ready and waiting for you.  

Kayaking out on the Sound is beautiful.  Some of us, however, can be a bit lazy.

Down Under Kayak has classes and camp for kids in the summer.  The prices are reasonable and it can definitely feel like you are on vacation.  We signed up for a season pass.  The pass may seem pricey at $699 but we bought ours early for a discounted price.  There are no blackout dates or times. It is mid-June and we are almost at the break-even point already.

http://www.downunderkayaking.com