**DESCRIPTION:** We will meet at the boat launch in **[Laurel Hill County Park](https://mcori.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=c76377500f814914ad90149f229d4d66&extent=-74.1064,40.7559,-74.0660,40.7711)** **(40.764760174452455, -74.08660411692371)**, launching by 10:30, amid one of the world's busiest metropolitan areas, the Hackensack River is like few others. Scenic views of the New York City skyline make this river a wonderful place for a day on the water.
Depending on tides and winds, we will explore downriver about 3.0 miles, before returning upriver, past the launch, with our planned destination to be **Hackensack Meadowlands Conservation and Wildlife Area (40.811817969517634, -74.04044989637028)**, exploring some of the numerous feeder streams and small creeks as we go.
Lunch break will be at **River Barge Park (40.8082124896518, -74.05731562526972), 260 Outwater Ln, Carlstadt, NJ.**
**LAUNCH SITE:** **Laurel Hill Park \| Laurel Hill Rd\, Secaucus\, NJ 07094**
***Paddles in the water 10:30—I will arrive at the launch by 10:00.***
**SKILL LEVEL: Beginner +**
* Be familiar with a wet exit re-entry technique * Confident + skilled paddling. You MUST be able to keep up with the group and follow the directions of Lead and Sweep paddlers.
**BOAT LENGTH**
* ***Minimum, 12 feet+*** * No inflatables * No folding
**REQUIRED EQUIPMENT**
* Minimum Kayak length of (12') * Kayak must be serviceable with all hatches in place * Spare paddle * PFD (must be worn at all times while on the water) * Whistle * Spray skirt
**RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT**
* Bilge pump * Dry bag for personal items * Paddle float * Large sponge * Change of clothes in a dry bag * Marine radios
**CLOTHING**
* Quick-Drying Fabrics * Sun Protection * Appropriate Footwear * Hat * Sunglasses * Spray skirt * PFD
**SPECIAL NOTICE**
* By participating in Garden State Kayaker (GSK) events, I acknowledge my understanding and acceptance of the inherent risks associated with kayaking and engaging in kayaking activities. These risks encompass the potential for severe consequences, including but not limited to personal injury (such as drowning or bodily harm), loss of life, and property damage. * I am aware that I need to be in good physical health to participate in kayaking. Despite these hazards, I willingly choose to partake in kayaking, assuming full responsibility for any injury or loss of life to myself and any damage to property that may occur as a result of participating in kayaking. I am fully cognizant of the inherent dangers associated and am prepared to bear complete accountability for any such injury or damage that may arise. * In consideration of my participation in this event, I hereby release and permanently absolve GSK, along with its organizers, leaders, and members, from all liability or claims stemming from injuries, illnesses, deaths, or property loss or damage that I may experience while participating in kayaking. This release encompasses liability or claims arising from injuries, illnesses, deaths, or damages caused by any negligence on the part of GSK or its organizers, leaders, and members. * Through this Waiver and Release Agreement, I intend to exonerate GSK from all responsibility for any property loss or damage, personal injury, or loss of life, irrespective of whether it is attributable to GSK’s negligence or any other legal basis. * By participating in this paddle. I fully acknowledge that should I suffer injury, illness, death, or damage while engaged in kayaking activities, I will not have the right to assert a claim or initiate a lawsuit against GSK, its organizers, leaders, and members, even if their negligence contributes to my injury, illness, death, or damage.
