“Peepers†– this is what New Englanders call tourists from Long Island, New York and the south who flock in their tens of thousands each October to greet the changing colors of fall. While the views seem to get more and more intense as one goes north, there are places to catch this spectacle here at home – and it can be spectacular.
“[There’s] 360-degree views here, salt air, all kinds of wildlife, â€says Lars Svanberg, of Main Beach Surf and Sport, which rents kayaks and offers tours by appointment in Wainscott. “It’s uncrowded… one of the best maintained. the secrets of the Hamptons are its prospects of paddling from the shore. “
Indeed, in early October, the trees and bushes along Long Island’s creeks, tidal creeks, lakes and ponds bloom in colors so rich you can practically taste them. Like the snowflakes we’ll see in a few months, every tree, branch, and leaf is distinct. Some seem to burst in color like the juice of a freshly bitten fruit. Others turn more slowly, gracefully changing from green to yellow, orange or crimson. It’s a delicious blend that can have a calming effect, melting away the stresses and pressures of everyday life.
“Within 100 miles of New York City, it’s easy to lose yourself in the timeless beauty of fall glory as you glide through the calm waters of Coecles Harbor,†notes Adam Mills, owner of Shelter Island Kayak Tours. “From the water you can access magnificent views and pristine areas inaccessible from land.”
“Paddling in the fall on Long Island is a wonderful experience,†says Sheila Malone, owner of the Moku Loa Paddle Tribe paddleboard rental company in Oakdale. She further points out that “the boat traffic is quieter and everything around you is more peaceful. You really get to admire the incredible wildlife of the river, from turtles and ospreys to foxes or deer. occasional. Of course the colors during this time of year are even more beautiful and the fall sunsets are not to be missed. “
For those who already have a craft, setting out to experience the fall colors in all their glory is as easy as finding a launch site and pushing offshore. Those who don’t own a kayak or paddleboard can easily rent one or book an excursion.
VISITS AND RENTALS
As the season lags behind each year, most kayak and paddleboard outfitters continue to offer daily rentals, but tours are usually scheduled based on demand.
The Waterfront Center
1 West End Ave., Oyster Bay
Types of visits: A Fall Kayak Conservation Cruise runs 9-11 am on September 26 at West Harbor Beach (10 West Harbor Dr. Bayville; 8 am registration, beginners course 8:30 am). The event, a guided tour that paddles down to Mill Neck Creek, raises awareness of the region’s nature and bay history.
Costs: $ 55 single, $ 65 double; bring your own kayak: $ 20, 15 and under with your own boat: $ 10
Info: 516-922-7245; thewaterfrontcenter.org (buy tickets in advance at classy.org)
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals at Stony Brook Harbor
51 Shore Road, Stony Brook
Types of visits: Self-guided tour of Stony Brook Harbor; paddleboard yoga classes are also offered.
Costs: Rental only; single kayaks and paddleboards $ 45, double kayaks $ 50, paddleboard yoga lessons $ 40
Info: 631-834-3130; sbharborrentals.com
Peconic paddler
89 Peconic Ave, Riverhead
Types of visits: Self-guided tours of the Peconic River on weekends only. No reservations required.
Costs: Single kayaks: one hour $ 25, two hours $ 40, full day $ 70; double kayaks: one hour $ 35, two hours $ 50, full day $ 80. Canoes and SUP (stand-up paddle) also available
Info: 631-727-9893; thepeconicpaddler.com
Kayak trips on Shelter Island
80 Burns Road, Shelter Island
Types of visits: Guided and self-guided tours off Shelter Island, with an emphasis on the Coecles Harbor Marine Water Trail, which traverses wetlands and along the Mashomack Preserve.
Costs: Single kayaks: two hours $ 30, four hours $ 45, full day $ 60; double kayaks: two hours $ 50, four hours $ 70, full day $ 90. Canoes and SUP also available. Guided tour: $ 60 per person, $ 30 for children under 12; paddle boards also available
Info: 631-749-1990; kayaksi.com
Main beach Surf and sport
Wainscott
Types of visits: Guided tours around Georgica Pond, Sagg Pond, Northwest Creek, Accabonac Harbor, Alewife Brook Landing at Cedar Point County Park and Havens Beach (Sag Harbor).
Costs: $ 95; $ 75 with your own kayak
Info: 631-537-2716; mainbeach.com
Belmont Lake State Park
Southern State Parkway, Exit 38, Babylon North
Types of visits: Self-guided on Belmont Lake. Kayak rentals available on weekends from the Boathouse only Labor Day until Columbus Day.
Costs: $ 20 for two hours, plus $ 8 parking fee. (Personal kayaks can be launched from the shore all year round); pedal boats and rowboats also available
Info: 631-667-5055; parcs.ny.gov
Moku Loa Paddle Tribe
Oakdale Yacht Club: 520 Shore Dr., Oakdale
Types of visits: Fall paddleboarding tours on select Sundays along the Connetquot River.
Costs: Seasonal rentals: two hours $ 45; private lessons $ 65; Sunday fall guided tours, $ 50 for 90 minutes
Info: 631-403-7502; mokuloa.com
Adventure paddleboards and kayaks
67 Front Street, South Jamesport
Types of visits: Two hour SUP and kayak tours by reservation only along Greenport, South Jamesport and Mattituck Creek. The “Paddle and Shuck†oyster (peeling the oysters then paired with a local wine while paddling on Mattituck Creek) is also available in the fall.
Costs: Single rental from $ 35 per hour, double from $ 55; tours starting at $ 65
Info: 631-377-0162; adventurepaddleboards.com
Long Island SUP
90 Colonial Dr., East Patchogue
Types of visits: Offering foliage and bird watching tours by paddleboard and kayak in September and October on weekends and on a weekday at sunset. Stand-up paddleboard yoga sessions are held throughout Columbus Day weekend.
Costs: Single: 75 minutes $ 45, two hours $ 65; double kayaks: 75 minutes $ 60, two hours $ 80
Info: 631-326-7926; longisland-sup.com
