Ocean County beaches and bays aren’t JUST for swimming and sunning www.sparkexploreocean.com 15 The song “My Eyes Adored You” by New Jersey native Frankie Valli, one of the Hot 100 number-one hits of 1975, contains a reference to “walking home every day over Barnegat Bridge and Bay,” and this region is still a beloved New Jersey treasure. Recreational water sports have always been a great pastime at the Jersey Shore but now more visitors are trying new things as they discover that the Barnegat Bay, which is protected from harsh and ever-changing ocean conditions by several barrier islands, is an ideal environment to try out any new water activity. Rental and recreational water activities are on the upswing as the popular concept of an ideal vacation is shifting away from lazing around on a cruise boat or beach toward getting out on the water for a thrilling workout. The Dock Outfitters, a recreational boating rental facility right on the bay at 5 Route 35 in Seaside Heights, offers fishing and pleasure boat rentals and is a premiere Jersey Shore Yamaha WaveRunner rental location. WaveRunners are available at several beach pick-up locations for 30- and 60-minute periods, starting at $75. Hungry? Stop by the Dock’s Waterside Café to enjoy a pre-boating breakfast or a post-WaveRunning lunch right on the water to enjoy a view unique to Ocean County. Visit thedockoutfitters.com for information. Those who want to enjoy more tranquil water activities can try stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP, as it is known along the Barnegat Bay. This serene water activity has “paddlers” standing up free on specially designed boards that they propel across the water with a single long paddle. Although it looks precarious, the wellbalanced paddle board provides a stable environment for any level paddler who is willing to get wet a few times before getting the hang of it. The versatile sport offers both accessibility for beginners and challenge for practiced participants from lessons and guided tours up to competitive racing. It’s most popular with adults aged 25 to 55, according to local business owners, and lessons are available for all ages. WAVERUNNER RENTALS Boat & Pontoon Rentals Bait & Tackle Shop Free Crabbing & Fishing Pier Waterside Cafe - Dock & Dine! 5 Route 35 South, Seaside Heights www.TheDockOutfitters.com Sailing Lessons NJBoating.org is a comprehensive, easy-to-use, interactive website linking you to the best of boating in New Jersey. Use the site’s mapping feature to locate pumpouts and boat ramps in the Garden State or to get info on best boating practices, fishing regulations and much more. Sponsored by the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, the NJDEP, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Rutgers University Center for Remote Sensing, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, Sport Fish Restoration and I Boat NJ. Contact Assistant Extension Director and Marine Recreation Agent Mike Danko at mdanko@njseagrant.org.
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