the-river-connection.com

PHILOSOPHY

Simply put, we are paddlers.  As water sport instructors and enthusiasts we bring a unique and knowledgeable perspective to kayak and canoe adventuring.

Our philosophy is that your experience depends on our experience.  As a company, we connect a broad range of experience and specialized training with our instructional team: American Canoe Association certified kayak instructors; naturalists; geologists and artists.  Each member of our team provides a unique and perceptive view to the beauty and function of the waters that surround our region and abroad.

We are proud to specialize in putting people, all people, on the water with some of the most highly trained water sport instructors in the Hudson Valley Region. The River Connection conducts the only American Canoe Association certified Whitewater Program and Adaptive Kayaking program for people with disabilities in the region.

KAYAK INSTRUCTORS

Learning to kayak safely, effectively and efficiently is best done with the help of a qualified instructor. The lead instructors for the River Connection Kayak Instructional Courses and Kayak Tours are American Canoe Association Certified Instructors.

Skills development courses are worth months of just paddling around.  After your course, get out and practice your strokes and rescues. 

If you are interested in sightseeing and going places, consider one of our guided Kayak Tours.

See you on the water.

American Canoe Association
Certified Instructors

Marshall Seddon
American Canoe Association Open Water Instructor and Whitewater Instructor with Swiftwater Rescue training. ACA Adaptive Paddling Advanced Level Endorsement. American Whitewater Regional Contact. New York State Boating Safety Certification.  Wilderness First Aid and CPR trained.

Dorothy Seddon
American Canoe Association Intro to Kayak Instructor. New York State Boating Safety Certification. Wilderness First Aid and CPR trained.

PARTNERSHIPS

Doing business with integrity includes giving back to the community that sustains us.  As avid paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts, we recognized the need for partners in our journey of community stewardship. We are grateful for the wisdom, guidance and experience they share.

We invite you to learn more and get involved.  Here is a list of organizations we support who share our vision: 

American Canoe Association

The American Canoe Association is a nationwide, not for profit organization that is in service to the broader paddling public by providing education on matters related to paddling, supporting stewardship of the paddling environment, and enabling programs and events to support paddlesport recreation.

Based in Springfield, Virginia, the ACA is the oldest member-based recreation and conservation association in the United States.
 

American Whitewater's mission is to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely.  Dams, pollution, and access limitations make whitewater rivers a scarce resource with their own unique issues. American whitewater works towards improving rivers for fish, wildlife and human use.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships.  The tenents of it's program build awareness, appreciation and most of all, respect for public recreation and wild lands.

The Hudson River Watertrail Association is a coalition of small boaters, primarily human and wind powered, who are actively interested in the Hudson River as a treasure of natural and human history.

The Association was formed in 1992 as an all-volunteer, non-profit environmental and recreational action group, with the specific goal of building a river trail from the Atlantic Ocean to Canada and promoting a low impact approach to the river.

POLICY STATEMENTS
 

Reservation Policy:

Our programs fill quickly, so make your plans early. Registering by phone and guaranteeing your registration with a credit card is the most convenient and preferred method.  Payment in full is required to reserve your space.  If cancellation notice is provided 7 days prior to a program, the registrant is given the option of a full refund or to reschedule the program.  If cancellation notice is provided less than 7 days but more than 24 hours prior to a program, the registrant is subject to a $15 cancellation fee or may reschedule to another program.  If cancellation notice is provided less than 24 hours prior to a program, the registrant will be charged the full amount for the program and may not reschedule to another program. Fees for services performed are nonrefundable after the service has been completed.

Tour & Instruction
Participant Policy

A signed release waiver is required for all persons participating in one of our programs.  Release waivers are required for all participants and must be completed by a parent or guardian for all minors.

	Release Waiver
Download the Adobe PDF Reader

Weather Policy:

Kayaking is an all weather sport. The River Connection cannot ensure perfect weather conditions for your trip and will not refund for cancellations made by participants due to perceived inclement weather.  If  The River Connection management cancels a trip due to unsafe or inappropriate weather conditions you will receive a full refund.

Minimum Enrollment:

The River Connection reserves the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment. If your program is cancelled for this reason you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund. 

Retail Sales:

A 15% restocking fee will be charged on returns or exchanges of any kayak, canoe or other boating accessory, including but not limited to personal floatation device, dry bag, and paddle wear, unless defective.  Full refund of the purchase price and / or in house credit for the returned items will be approved on a case by case basis.

In order to receive credit for returned items that were purchased in new condition, they must be unopened and un-used.

Delivery, installation and other fees for services performed are nonrefundable after the service has been completed.

CONTACT INFORMATION & DRIVING DIRECTIONS

The River Connection, Inc.
9 West Market Street
Hyde Park, New York

phone:  845.229.0595


website contact: 

Driving Directions