Be Prepared

Location

Address: Bellegarde Boathouse and Kayak Center, 500 Pawtucket Boulevard, Lowell, MA 01854

The Kayak Center utilizes the outdoor space of the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse. During open hours, Kayak Center staff can be found near the dock area or at the far right open bay door.

Parking: Free parking is available in the adjacent parking area for the Vandenberg Esplanade along the shoulder of Pawtucket Boulevard.

Please click on the links below to jump to the location on the page:

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Required Waivers

Please complete these forms online:


Kayak Center Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Weather

Rain doesn't stop us! We love paddling in the rain! It's typically very calm and can be super memorable to spend time outside in the rain! If you are thinking about it, we encourage you to try it.

In more significant adverse weather, the Kayak Center may postpone rental or program activity. Adverse weather that will interrupt our activities includes: wind above approx. 15 miles per hour (mph); white caps that are visible on the water; before, during or after severe storms, including thunderstorms; or water levels and/or current that are too high or fast, or expected to rise significantly.

When conditions are questionable, please call the Kayak Center to inquire if we are operational.

Guided Trips SOP

  • The Kayak Center reserves the right to change the itinerary of the trip for reasons that include, but are not limited to: weather, group experience, emergencies, safety considerations, etc.
  • The Kayak Center reserves the right to send home early any participant who cannot withstand the rigors of the trip, who violates any program policy or law, who is deemed to be a danger to him/herself or others, or who requires medical attention during the trip and is deemed ineligible to continue participation.
  • Accommodations and transportation back to campus will be at the expense of the participant.

Minors

We offer paddling opportunities for people of all ages. Please see the guidelines below or talk with one of our staff to make sure the child has the best possible experience on the water! Please keep in mind that weather, wind and water conditions may affect children significantly more than adults.

  • Children under 12 and sometimes older are not recommended in winds above 7 knots (approximately 8 mph)
  • It is very important that children (and adults) are never strapped into the boat in the event of a capsize
  • All children must have a valid minor waiver (submitted by parent/guardian) on file before they are allowed to boat
  • Infants 6 months old and older - Toddlers and young children up to 7 years old are best suited to paddle in a wide cockpit kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe with at least one adult in the same boat. We recommend a second adult to attend to the child. Our infant personal flotation devices (PFDs) require a minimum weight of 20 pounds.
  • Kids 8-11 years old - Depending on their level of comfort may paddle their own boat under the direct supervision of an adult on the water with them. One adult may supervise no more than 3 children of this age at a time on the water.
  • Kids and Teens 12-15 years old - May paddle their own boat under the direct supervision of an adult on the water with them. One adult may supervise no more than 5 children of this age at a time on the water.
  • Teens 16 years old and older may paddle their own boat under the direct supervision of an adult on the water with them. One adult may supervise no more than 7 children of this age at a time on the water.
  • Adults 18 years old and older - Can participate in our full programs and rentals

Pets

We do not allow participants to bring pets into the boats. If you have a service animal, we encourage you to consider if your service animal has experience riding in a small watercraft, which can feel tippy and cause anxiety in an animal unfamiliar with it.

Bringing Your Own Boat

For those who own their own kayak or canoe, there is a $5 fee to launch out of the Kayak Center dock. While we are happy to serve you, it may help to know there are two free public launches just upstream: the Lowell public boat launch about a half mile upstream, or the Chelmsford public boat launch on the other side of the river about 3/4 mile upstream. If you have a rowing shell you would like to launch at our boathouse, we encourage all adult rowers to join the Merrimack River Rowing Association for access.

To use our shuttle service, the $35 shuttle fee applies, but you will not be charged a rental fee. Our site is not suitable or available for launching motor boats.

Paddle Safety Guidelines

The following are the first seven Essential Eligibility Criteria from the American Canoe Association's (ACA) Paddle Safety Requirements. Each paddler should meet these criteria.

  1. Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
  2. Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water (i.e. hold your breath)
  3. Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
  4. Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
  5. Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
  6. Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion
  7. Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket

Payment Options and SOP

Payments are due in full before the start of services unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. We accept all credit card payments, or debit cards that can be processed as a credit card. We do not accept cash or checks.

For general rentals (un-guided trips), deposits are not required. You may choose to pre-pay.

For custom group bookings, deposits are due 21 days or more before the trip date. The deposit may be refunded if group leaders cancels 22 days or more before the trip date. Deposit will no be refunded if cancelled 21 days or less before the trip date. Full payment is due on the day of the trip, base on the exact number of participants.

Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco

It is our mission to provide healthy and safe outdoor recreation experiences. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited. We represent UMass Lowell on our trips and we need to follow the university's zero tolerance policy even while away from campus.

Consumption and/or possession of alcohol or drugs while participating in our programs and services will be handled through the appropriate UMass Lowell process. Incidents with UMass Lowell students will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review. Public customers may have their access revoked pending a review by Campus Recreation professional staff.

Smoking in Kayak Center boats is not allowed.

Harassment and Discrimination

No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by participants or staff during any Kayak Center program or rental. We strive to be sensitive and supportive of cultural and individual differences—specifically those differences due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status.

We encourage respect and appreciation for the diversity of all participants and staff and we hope you will do the same. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the Kayak Center staff immediately.

Equipment Use

The Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) seeks to provide what trip equipment we can to participants in order to provide a safe and fun trip experience. Participants are responsible for equipment rented to them and paying for any damaged or lost equipment as assessed by the OAP staff.

Kayak Center Refund Policies

Cancelations & Refunds

  • If you pre-pay for a rental but aren't able to come, or if you overpaid, you may request a credit for future use, or request a refund by emailing kayakcenter@uml.edu.
  • If you arrive and choose to paddle for a shorter time than you paid for, you are not eligible for a refund or credit.
  • The Kayak Center reserves the right to cancel any trip before departure or shorten any trip after departure due to safety consideration or other factors. If we are forced to cancel your reservation for a guided trip due to weather or another major event outside of our control, we will contact you the day before or the morning of you trip and try to reschedule, or you can request a full refund.
  • If your rental is cut short due to weather concerns, we will provide a credit for the remaining time for future use.
  • All participants are responsible for arriving on time and prepared for trips. Those who register for a trip but do not show up on time for a trip cannot receive a refund. Remember, rain is fantastic to paddle in. We do not cancel for only rain, especially since it's a great time to be on the water!

Kayak Center Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Kate Ford, Assistant Director of Outdoor Programs and Boathouse Manager by phone at 978-934-1549 or by email at kate_ford@uml.edu.