Kayak-a-thon Details and FAQs – All Out Adventures

Kayak-a-thon Event Details

Date: Sunday, September 10, 2023

Note: The event is rain or shine. In the event the forecast calls for conditions that would be unsafe (high wind, lightning, high water), we will adjust timing, locations, etc. as necessary for safety.

Distance: Two Routes to Choose From

You can paddle Sunderland to Northampton (12 miles) or Hatfield to Northampton (5 miles)

The main event is the 5 mile stretch from Hatfield to Northampton. For those who are seeking an extra challenge and who have some kayaking experience, we offer an early start in Sunderland for a 12-mile day. We recommend that only those with paddling experience and the ability to be on the water for long periods of time begin their day in Sunderland. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Day of Event Timing

launch from Sunderland at 10:00am
arrive in Hatfield around 12:30pm
launch from Hatfield at 1:15pm
arrive in Northampton around 4pm

Stick around for a cookout from ServiceNet's Rooster Cafe and entertainment from Pathlight's Friendship Band until 5:15ish!

Map of the CT River from Sunderland to Northampton

Registration (ends Sept 1st)

REGISTER HERE before August 17th for an early bird discount and to guarantee a signature Kayak-a-thon t-shirt in your choice of size!

The registration fee includes an All Out Adventures Kayak-a-thon t-shirt (for paddlers registered before August 17th), snacks and the post Kayak-a-thon party.

We will provide a kayak, PFD, paddle, and adaptations to All Out Adventures program participants who need them on a first-come first-served basis.

Community members may reserve a kayak,canoe, or SUP to use in the event - limited by availability - for an additional $35 at registration to help us cover our costs for loading and transporting the equipment.

Need help navigating the registration page? Reach out by phone or email, and we'll be glad to help out!

Fundraising - $150/person

In addition to the registration fee, we ask all paddlers to raise a minimum of $150 which directly supports the 180 low or no cost outdoor recreation programs that we run every year for people of all ages and abilities.

Equipment

Required Equipment for all: kayak/canoe/SUP, properly fitted PFD (life jacket), paddle, snacks, water, sunscreen

All Out Adventures has a limited number of kayaks, canoes, SUPs, PFDs, and paddles for program participants on a first-come, first-served basis. People who are not program participants will need to supply their own boat or SUP or pay $35 at registration to rent one from us. We will loan pfds and paddles to anyone who needs them.

Please note: everyone on the water must wear a properly fitted (snug and fully zipped) life jacket at all times! This is an insurance requirement to participate in the event.

Transportation

This is a one-way river trip from Sunderland or Hatfield to Northampton. Participants can either make their own transportation arrangements or take advantage of our shuttle after the event.

Michael's Limousine and Bus Lines will be transporting people who need a ride in their 14 passenger, wheelchair accessible, mini bus following the event.

Weather

If there is severe weather that will compromise the safety of the event will will communicate a weather plan to all registered participants and volunteers. The event is too complex to reserve a rain date, but we will shift timing or locations, or offer up an alternative if needed for safety.

Support: All Out Adventures staff and volunteers will provide paddling instruction and support on the trip. You should have some experience paddling a kayak, canoe or SUP, and feel confident in your ability to paddle the full distance for which you have registered.

Post Kayak-a-thon Cookout: Please plan to join us at the end for a gathering with food, beverages, and entertainment. We encourage your friends and family also join us at the cookout. They should plan to arrive around 3:30pm so that they can cheer you on as you finish the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a fundraising minimum?

All Out Adventures is committed to providing low or no cost outdoor recreation programming to people of all abilities. We operate about 180 programs each year for just a nominal cost to participants. In order to continue to offer our programs for no or low cost, we must raise approximately $200,000 through different sources each year. The Kayak-a-thon is our signature fundraising event, and the $150/boat fundraising minimum ensures the continued success of the event and the viability of our organization.

The event has grown so significantly that we will have a waiting list for participation. We can only accommodate event participants who have fundraised or donated the minimum.

You are welcome to fundraise as a team with others! If you choose to participate as a team, we ask that the team raise an average of $150/boat.

How do I go about fundraising?

Our most successful fundraisers ask several people for a little bit of money. If you are kayaking 12 miles, you only need to ask 12 people to sponsor you for $1.50/mile! Co-workers, family, and friends would all be likely to part with $12.50 to support your participation in the event. Alternatively, you can approach a few people for more money. It would only take 5 people to each sponsor you for $30.

Still nervous? Give us a call for advice, tips, and encouragement! Or, join up with a team so you can share the fundraising responsibilities. We're here to help! We will supply fundraising information, including pledge sheets and assistance with setting up online giving, once you have registered.

Which distance should I pick?

12 miles is a long, but manageable distance. We strongly recommend that first-timers or those who are unsure of the best distance either choose the 5-mile option or opt to go in a tandem kayak with a more experienced paddler. Those who have good physical and mental stamina may choose to challenge themselves with the 12-mile option. Though we stop in Hatfield mid-way, those who choose the 12-mile option should be prepared to paddle the entire distance. We are not able to assist paddlers in ending the event early except for emergencies.

How long will the event last?

What else should I know?

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