The Pennsylvania Environmental Council wants to complement its policy-making and advocacy of the outdoors by increasing recreational activities all along the Delaware River. Its goal is to encourage Delaware Valley residents to think of this area close to home first rather than automatically driving to the Jersey Shore or the Poconos.
"The Delaware River is such as valuable resource," said Patrick Starr, senior vice president of the Pennsylvanian Environmental Council.
"But because the main portion of river is so busy, with a constant flow of commercial traffic and large recreational boats, it is not usually considered by canoers or kayakers seeking a calmer, easier pace."
That's not to say you should go buy a kayak and plop it into the Delaware. Boating on our local rivers requires expertise, since you'll share the water with commercial and recreational boats of all shapes and sizes. There are strong currents and tides to consider, too.
Luckily, there is a wealth of organizations offering classes and information you'll need to stay safe.
A team of instructors introduces novice and experienced paddlers to kayaking on the Delaware River through the little-known program Paddle Penn's Landing.
Just $5 a person gets you a half-hour of instruction in a quiet area of the Penn's Landing Marina at 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Another calm area that is a perfect departure point for paddling is the Ridley Township Marina, near where the Darby Creek enters the Delaware River. Paddlers are protected by Little Tinicum Island as they enter the Delaware.
Rancocas Creek meanders through New Jersey's Pine Barrens and is another Delaware tributary widely used by paddlers.
Neshaminy State Park, where the Neshaminy Creek meets the Delaware River, has plenty of natural, scenic shoreline too, according to Jessica Anderson, communications manager for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
