Looking for calm water in northern NJ, extreme south of NYS (not NYC!) to SUP

[SeaMe]

Weather permitting, I'm meeting with a friend this weekend to SUP together for the first time. We're trying to find "calm" spots that won't require too much driving for either of us or at least no more than two hours for one of us. He's located in Northern NJ, while I'm in Central, NJ. Any suggestions?

[canoe sailor]

Round Valley, Merrill Creek or Splitrock all good spots!

[feet]

What Canoe Sailor said. RV is one of my favorite.

[Bean]

Split Rock is a great fresh water paddle but a long ride from the shore area.  I didn't know that SUP was allowed at Round Valley Res.  Does anyone know if paddling is also allowed at neighboring Spruce Run Res?

Maybe unfairly close to you SeaMe, but the Navesink River would get my nod. 

[SeaMe]

Thanks guys! 

Round Valley, Merrill Creek or Splitrock all good spots!

All three of these look great! I thought reservoirs were off-limits to SUPs in NJ but if these three allow it then maybe there's hope for Manasquan.

What Canoe Sailor said. RV is one of my favorite.

If the weather holds and he likes the look of it, I think Round Valley will be Saturday's choice.

Split Rock is a great fresh water paddle but a long ride from the shore area.  I didn't know that SUP was allowed at Round Valley Res.  Does anyone know if paddling is also allowed at neighboring Spruce Run Res?

Maybe unfairly close to you SeaMe, but the Navesink River would get my nod. 

I've grown comfortable SUP'ing on the Navesink, but between the current, tides, jellyfish, boat traffic and yahoos on jet-skis I don't know if it meets my friend's request for "calm" waters. I think he has less experience than I do, so I'd rather take a longer drive to make sure he's comfortable. It's after Labor Day, so a ride west shouldn't be bad, and its a more equitable division of travel.

[feet]

I think it's just manasquan that is backward. I've paddled a SUP at RV since 2010, never an issue. Just make sure you have a PFD as the rangers will likely be super concerned about that. RV is super deep, warms very slowly and usually claims the life of an unsuspecting boater or two each year. But its very clear - if you have a snorkeling mask, bring it!

[SeaMe]

I think it's just manasquan that is backward. I've paddled a SUP at RV since 2010, never an issue. Just make sure you have a PFD as the rangers will likely be super concerned about that. RV is super deep, warms very slowly and usually claims the life of an unsuspecting boater or two each year. But its very clear - if you have a snorkeling mask, bring it!

Sadly, it's *not* just Manasquan. Swimming River Reservoir does not allow anyone or anything on the water, though homeowners with land abutting the reservoir appear to be grandfathered in. Nearby, Marlu Lake in Thompson Park specifically bans SUPS though it allows canoes and kayaks. Same thing at Turkey Swamp Park. They claim there are a lot of submerged logs, but I did a couple of laps Labor Day weekend (in a kayak), and the main part of the lake (it's not really a swamp) are clear. I also saw someone standing on a kayak;I don't see why that is allowed but SUP isn't.

[canoe sailor]

I have never had a problem at either RV or SR (had PFD on at both locales). SR less likely to run into any ranger.....I have never seen one there. MC on my list but have not been on it yet....anyone care to chime in re MC? Nockamixon should be good as well. Had no hassle there while sailing, the canoe of course!

[SeaMe]

Round Valley is beautiful. My photo doesn't do it justice but it's a superb spot for SUP as evidenced by the more than two dozen paddlers we saw out on the water. Thanks for clueing me in. 

[tkdshine]

I'm going to second what canoe sailor has said.

Nockamixon State Park is an excellent place to go SUPing, and LL Bean often has SUP lessons there, which is where I took both of mine. There are also a lot of sailboats out because it does tend to get windy there as well as windsurfers, canoes and kayaks. It's a great place to start and has calm water and friendly people. Be sure to bring your lifejacket, whistle, permit, and anything else you might need.

I suggest launching from the Tohickon launch site and not the marina. Too crowded.

[SeaMe]

I'll keep Nockamixon in mind, but I believe the next trip will be to Splitrock. Or back to Round Valley—I really loved it there.

[canoe sailor]

In using these acronyms, I realize that I may be confusing some folks.
Split Rock vs Spruce Run.

Concerning Spruce Run (which is within 20 minutes of Round Valley), it's pleasant but does not have the same natural beauty or water quality when compared to Round Valley.

Has anyone paddled Waywayanda Lake recently?
I am curious if it's worth a little road trip up there.

Best, David

[SeaMe]

Does anyone know if paddling is also allowed at neighboring Spruce Run Res?

Paddling is allowed, but fyi, as of Sept. 27, 2014 the water level in the reservoir is so low that launching from one or both of the small parking areas off Van Syckle is impossible—there's either very little, or no water—and launching from the boat ramp area in the park proper requires trudging through ankle deep, flip-flop stealing, thick mud/muck.

[Bean]

Thanks for the update Seame