Getaway to Not So Distant Shores
Photos provided.
Return to the rhythm of nature while gliding through the lily pads and coasting along the sparkling, sunlit water.
Let your tension melt away with a visit to Fish Creek, a world away from it all, where the gentle sounds of songbirds and splashing fish are reminders of the enduring wellness that surrounds you.
The Kayak Shak on Stafford’s Bridge Road opened for the season on May 20th, just as the pleasant weather was beginning to shine its sunny face on the gentle waterway that connects Saratoga Lake to the Hudson River in Schuylerville.
“It worked out very nicely for everybody. This was the only place to be,” said the Kayak Shak’s manager, Suzanne Carpenter.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Getting out onto the water in a kayak or paddleboard is ideal for following this year’s social-distancing guidelines, but the Kayak Shak is taking additional steps to ensure they are offering a safe experience for everyone.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Go:
• Limited Launches. To control crowding and keep things flowing steadily, the Kayak Shak is allowing 10 watercrafts to launch every 15 minutes. Guests are requested to arrive no more than 10 minutes early. To discourage gathering, no tables, chairs, or hammocks have been set up this year. Small groups will be allowed. SUP Yoga classes have been cancelled.
• Reservations are highly encouraged. Before you head to the water for a day of fun, call or book a launching time online. By paying and signing the safety waiver electronically, you help ensure a speedier process time at the check-in window. The building is closed, but the restrooms are open.
• Wear a Mask. Guests are asked to wear a mask during launch and upon their return to shore. The staff are wearing masks, as well. The watercrafts, lifejackets, and paddles are being cleaned and disinfected after each use.
FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE
More than ever, locals are finding that a regular trip to the Kayak Shak is a great way to spend their free time.
“Come out and enjoy the summer by being out on the water. We provide some excitement and a chance for people to learn something new – they’re so grateful for that,” said Carpenter
The Kayak Shak has 85 kayaks and 74 paddleboards available for rent. They also offer watercraft storage for those with their own boats who want to use this access point to reach the water. A limited number of storage slips are still available. There is a launch fee of $10/boat.
If you need to cancel or reschedule a reservation and provide at least 24 hours’ notice of the change before your launch time, you will be given a full refund.
The Kayak Shak, 251 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs, is open 7 days/week, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Single kayaks and paddleboard rentals are $25/person for 3 hours or $45/person for 6 hours. Double kayaks are $50/half day or $85/full day rental. For more information and to make a reservation, call 518-587-9788 or go to www.kayakshak.com