As you expand your kayaking adventures, you might be looking for new places to paddle. However, seeing a promising river, lake, or bay on a map that looks accessible to kayak doesn't always mean that it is. Water access might be privately owned, closed, too shallow, or unsuitable for a kayak.
Finding legitimate public launches is an important step in any new kayaking trip. It is important to know if they are accessible to the public, adequate for kayaks, and currently open - before you load your vehicle.
Just because it looks like a suitable site on google earth, doesn’t always mean it is a good - or even legal - place to launch. A little research before you go can lead to a lot fewer headaches along the way.
Check Official Public-Land Resources
Official sources are always your best, first stop. Generally, they are better for confirming who owns the land /access, regulations for launching there, closures for weather or maintenance, parking accessibility, and whether permits are required.
Official Websites to check:
- State fish-and-wildlife sites, natural resources sites, and boating agency sites
- County and city parks & recreation departments
- State & national park sites, National Forests, and Wildlife Refuge sites
- Local organizations for kayaking or boating
If you aren’t exactly sure which sites to check, do a search engine check of these common keywords using your specific parameters.
Common Search Terms:
- [State] public boat ramps
- [County] kayak launches
- [River name] public access
- [Lake name] paddling access
Mix and match and see what you can discover about your local area. Often state agencies have directories that index ramp locations, parking, site-restrictions, permits, etc.
Access Paddling Maps and Route-Finding Tools
Use third-party paddling directories as helpful information gathering opportunities, but be wary of trusting them alone. They are not the final authority on access and may not be up-to-date with closures, legality, or permits. Some sites and apps are crowd-sourced with lots of user input, but it isn’t always vetted so always confirm their information with official sites, if possible.
Paddling Sites to check:
- Paddling.com: Their location maps boast more than 48,000 launch sites, takeouts, and paddling destinations. Excellent source for scouting options.
- PaddleWays.com: This pay to play option has extensive maps and destinations
- Local paddling clubs or conservation groups. Check out Facebook or other social media sites to connect with local paddlers and their experienced knowledge.
What to learn from paddling sites
- Launch and takeout points
- Parking details
- Distance and route suggestions
- Hazards, dams, rapids, tides, and campsite locations
- User comments and recent trip reports
Even with all the information you gain from these site, be sure to verify conditions and access rules with an official source, before you launch.
Focus on Designated Water Trails
Water trails are mapped paddling routes that have been designed with launch points, landings, signage, safety information, and (sometimes) amenities. Water trails are especially useful for beginner paddlers or even experienced paddlers in unfamiliar territory.
Water trails are helpful for:
- Clearly identifying access points
- Details route conditions, including distance, hazards, and takeout spots
- Recommending trip segments, parking, experience levels, conditions.
An excellent source for water trail information is the National Water Trails Systems website. These are publicly accessible routes designed for recreational paddlers. While online maps can be helpful in providing imagery along a route, to include ramps, parks, bridges, and pull-offs, they don’t always tell the whole story. A map label, informal parking area, or social media post is NOT confirmed access for the public. Using an official water trail is much safer and trustworthy than a quick google search.
Trust But Verify Access Points
Before you launch in a new spot for the first time, do a quick “know before you go” routine.
5-minute verification checklist
- Confirm it is public: Ensure through the managing agency, park page, or local government listing that this is a public spot.
- Check current status: Check those same sites for seasonal closures, construction or maintenance, flooding, low-water status, storm damage, or restricted hours
- Know the fees: Public access doesn’t always mean free access. Be sure to find out if there are fees: launch fees, parking fees, day-use fees, permit fees, or resident only restrictions.
- Launch type check: Is it a steep motorboat ramp? A shallow beach launch? A carry-down path. Make sure the launch works for you.
- Clear parking: Make sure there is parking and that it fits your needs. If you have a trailer, ensure that there is ample space. Double check fees as well.
- Read the rules: Verify whether paddling, fishing, swimming, dogs, alcohol, or overnight parking are permitted depending on your needs.
- Uncertain? Call: One of the best ways to remove doubts is to make a quick phone call to the park office, ranger station, marina, or local agency.
Good Etiquette Keeps Access Open
If paddlers want to continue to enjoy public access they must be responsible and respectful. Don’t let one or two ruin it for everyone.
Practical Steps:
- Only park in designated spots and park over the lines
- Keep ramps and docks clear. Launch and retrieve vessels quickly and move out of the way to unload gear, etc.
- Don’t block trailers, gates, or emergency access points
- Leave no trace. Pack out your trash, including fishing line.
- Respect quiet hours and be neighborly
- Avoid trespassing when walking to or from the water
- Don’t be a part of invasive-species spread. Clean, drain, and dry gear when moving between waterways.
Find Your Launch and Get on Your Way
There are so many miles of waterways to be enjoyed and with a little bit of research you can find safe, legal ways to get there.
Simply:
- Search official access websites
- Use paddling maps to research and compare trips
- Verify sites, conditions, and rules
- Use access points responsibly
With Brooklyn Kayak Company kayaks, you can get on the water with ease. Once you find your launch spot, load up your gear, strap on your PFD, check the forecast, and you are ready for a day on the water.