Waterkeeper Makes a SPLASH in Hackensack River

Waterkeeper Makes a SPLASH in Hackensack River

We all pulled our raincoats a little tighter as the gusts of wind blew through. The sky was gray and threatening, yet there wasn’t a single empty seat available to watch Robert Kennedy Jr. speak before the paddle. Almost eighty enthusiastic paddlers charged the Hackensack River for a non-competitive four mile paddle, while Captain Bill took some of us from Waterkeeper Alliance out on his boat, Edward Abbey.

We cruised along the once inhospitable river watching Cormorants dive for food, and occasionally hitting the deck in order to sail under some extremely low bridges. Upon approaching a bridge that served the railroad, Captain Bill radioed an unseen operator; minutes later the bridge lifted, allowing us to safely pass through. Captain Bill explained that this was possible due to navigation law; the river belongs to the people, not the railroad.

Kayakers and canoers smiled and waved as we drove along the river, grateful for the opportunity to be in the water. Thanks to Captain Bill and Hackensack Riverkeeper, the river is open to paddlers of all kinds, as well as wildlife, to enjoy. 

The SPLASH Event Series is presented nationally by Toyota in partnership with national founding sponsor, Keen. The SPLASH Series will take place on five waterways around the United States, and each of the SPLASH events will raise funds to support Waterkeeper Alliance and its local Waterkeeper organizations by engaging local citizens and clean-water enthusiasts in water-based activities like swimming, paddling and boating. The Hackensack River Paddle was the inaugural event of this national event series.