Waves and Wakes

Kayaks are pretty seaworthy, sit-on-tops are just about unsinkable. That said, dealing with anything more than a 1-foot chop in a flat-bottomed lake boat is really no fun. If you find yourself caught out in rough water, try to keep the bow or stern pointed into the waves, or within 30 degrees of perpendicular, even if you have to take a roundabout course. Do not run parallel to the waves.

Boat wakes are also a threat. Most boats give no thought to anyone else, at least not anyone smaller than them, and will plow by without even looking at you. Always watch out for boat wakes, and turn into them like waves. When dealing with motorboats and jet-skis, I just assume they are drunk and not paying attention to anything. It hasn't failed me yet.

Crossing a boat channel is like crossing the highway: look both ways, wait for a good time, and do it as fast as you can. You do not have right-of-way. Unlike an automobile, a boat doesn't have brakes, and if you do something stupid, it will run right over you.


South River
( 40.43920, -74.36810 )

  1. Raritan River - Edison ( 40.48791, -74.38382 )
  2. Raritan River - Sayreville ( 40.47450, -74.35606 )
  3. South River - Old Bridge ( 40.41228, -74.36362 )
  4. South River - Sayreville ( 40.45397, -74.37222 )
  5. South River - South River ( 40.45838, -74.38361 )

The launch point is on the river behind the little strip mall off Route 527 / Old Matawan Rd. I have never had a problem parking here, although I don't think this would be a good place for a large group to show up. Entry can be messy if the water is low.

The river is tidal and brackish at this point. If the tide is high, you can go upstream to the left, under the highway. Pick your way around all the fallen trees and have fun avoiding all the dead-ends, and you can go all the way to the Duhernal Lake dam. The lake itself is off limits.

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