Note: New Jersey law requires the wearing of a PFD from November 1 through May 1.

Mammals

Dean Newman Photography

These are some mammals you are likely to see in and around the water.


Muskrat

Muskrats are common across the state. While considerably bigger than plain old rats, they are nowhere near the size of beavers, which can get to 50 pounds. Muskrats have tails that are slightly flattened from side to side, unlike beavers which have broad flat tails. Both animals build conical houses in the water, but only beavers build dams.

-- Wikipedia


Harbor Seal

Harbor seals are not uncommon in the winter, but kayaking is, so don't expect to encounter them when you are out for a paddle.


River Otter

Otters are aquatic weasels. You may find them climbing around on banks, or splashing around in the water, especially around dusk.


This paddle is nearing the end of its life, so I decided to try an experiment. I added a "drip notch". This is a small sharp-edged notch that the water flow can't follow. Instead it departs the edge of the paddle and falls well outside the boat. I hardly got a drop of water on me.

To make the notch, simply drill a 1/4" hole by the edge of the plastic blade, 6-7 inches from the base. Then file it to the shape you see here, with a sharp corner at the edge. The back-cut assures the the stream can't jump over the notch to the other side.

I can't claim this idea, I've seen a few paddles with this feature.