CT: Fairfield County-Ridgefield-Seth Low Pierre Point State Park (Kayaking, Summer)

My first kayak launch was in July 2020. I chose a local venue in Ridgefield, CT with a small lake. It was a perfect first launch at Seth Low Pierrepont State park. Truth is I was nervous but I bought the kayak anyway because of the pandemic.

I bought the kayak at REI. All the pretty, slim and sleek kayaks were front and center but there was my chunky sit on top “don’t want to get wet” kayak waiting for me on top of a high column above my head. I felt fortunate to find it as they were hard to find during the start of the pandemic.

When I got it to the park I loved how the kayak blended into the surroundings with its blue and green hues against the water and the sky’s reflection. My perception kayak also can be used as a single or a double so I loved the versatility. It tracks easily and I never have felt it topple.

While it does weigh in on the heavy side my friend and I did a great job figuring out how to get it down and back up. We even captured it on a time elapsed video as many claimed it couldn’t be done!

The lake itself offers a loop around a small island. You can clearly get to a shore quite easily and can even see to the bottom so you feel really secure. This was a perfect first launch.

In addition, there is some wildlife to capture as well. We saw ducks, swan and turtles and stayed around long enough to capture the sunset over the hills.

Now to be honest my goal with kayaking was to find other opportunities to be outside, feel safe and enjoy nature- a relaxing goal. My first launch I was a bit nervous to ensure I didn’t topple and wanted to ensure I could track the kayak where I wanted. As we would go out further we were a bit apprehensive but comforted by the ducks and swans and also by the kids jumping in from a dock. I am happy to report my goals were accomplished and I felt I was overcoming a fear as I did it! On to find my next launch. Perhaps a bit longer. Perhaps a bit deeper.

So if you are doing your first launch, overcoming a fear, practicing some tricks or want to get a new rider or some kids acclimated to kayaking, this was a perfect venue. I have also come to Seth-Low for hiking. I don’t recommend a picnic here as it’s a bit buggy. So couple this with lunch or dinner on Main Street in Ridgefield for a great day!