The maritime history and recreational opportunities available along the Navesink River in Red Bank will be celebrated during the fifth annual Paddle the Navesink Day.
The free, community-wide celebration will take place on Sept. 12, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m, at Maple Cove at the foot of Maple Avenue, the borough’s public access point to the river.
Maple Cove will be the host to an array of events for people of all ages who can try out a kayak, stand up paddleboard or rowing shell, or a brief session of paddle board yoga. The event is a rain or shine.
The Jersey Paddler of Brick will bring down 25 different types of kayaks and paddleboards, which attendees can try out on the river under the supervision of certified instructors. There will also be gently used kayaks for sale.
Environmental and maritime groups will provide information on the ecology and history of the river and will have hands-on crafts and activities for children of all ages.
The Navesink Maritime Heritage Association will provide information about its Family Public Canoeing Programs for youth ages 10-14 and The Sea Scouts Program for youth ages 14-21.
Representatives of the Monmouth County Park System will be at Maple Cove to provide information about the opportunities and programs offered at county parks.
American Littoral Society naturalist Jeff Dement will be on hand to lead children in seining in the river and then explore and explain the treasures that they pull out of the Navesink River in a net.
Clean Ocean Action will serve as the host to a children’s fish printing activity and SEAS, a nonprofit that offers sailing lessons for adults, will discuss its programs.
Sally El-Sadek, of Boshi Ama Sup Yoga, will provide a short lesson for anyone interested in paddleboard yoga and representatives of the David P. Civile Foundation will provide information on water safety.
The Navesink Rowing Club, located across from Maple Cove, will host an open house, featuring a demonstration of a rowing shell and information about the sport.
Just east of Maple Cove at 84 W. Front St., the Red Bank Public Library will hold a bake sale and book sale. A short distance away, the historic Monmouth Boat Club can be reached by turning left down Boat Club Court to Union Street where the boat club will host an open house. Attendees will be able to take free sailboat rides, learn about youth and adult sailing programs and enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers.
Parking for the events will be available in one of Red Bank’s public parking lots off Front and White streets or along Monmouth Street.
For more information, contact Red Bank Councilwoman Cindy Burnham at 732-241- 9532 or email [email protected] or Linda Ensor at 732-693-3067 or [email protected].