Residents of Darien residents can now can rent kayaks and paddleboarding at Weed Beach, starting Memorial Day weekend and continuing through the summer.
The partnership between the Darien Parks & Recreation Department and Downunder LLC, will begin on Memorial Day Weekend.
Colorful kayaks and paddle boards will be lined up on the beachfront from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for weekends until June 18 (two days after the last day of Darien schools and a day after Weed Beach Fest) and then daily through Labor Day.
“This is an idea that has been kicked around for quite a few years and we are proud to have made it a reality this year,” said Pamela Gery, Darien Parks and Recreation Director.
In addition to rentals, Downunder will also have paddleboard yoga classes.
- Rentals start at $35, lessons $60, yoga $45 and tours $65.
Image from Darien Parks & Recreation Department
Paddleboard yoga
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Darien Parks and Recreation Department to offer kayak tours, lessons and rentals along with paddle board rentals, lessons and classes,” said Kim Hawkins, owner of Downunder, LLC, who has two other operations in Westport and Rowayton.
“We are also glad to be able to create jobs for the community,” she said. “Anyone familiar with the paddling area and interested in becoming a part of the Downunder family can email me at kimb@downunderct.com.”
Try them out at Weed Beach Fest, June 17
At the Weed Beach Fest on June 17, Downunder will have rentals for the discounted price of $30 and these programs:
- Paddleboard Yoga class 4 to 4:30 p.m.; 5 to 6 p.m. (up to six participants) discounted price of $40
- Paddleboard mini lessons 3:30 to 4 p.m.; 4:30 to 5 p.m. — discounted price of $40