RIVERBEND PARK – TIPS FOR A FUN PADDLE OR PEDAL

4/7/2022

Riverbend Park

MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY AND ONLINE

(Photos/Video: Bill DiPaolo)

Canoe or kayak? Pedal or paddle? How many do we need? Tandems or singles? What route should we take? Do we want to go for a bicycle ride before or after our paddling adventure?

Feel free to call, and one of our expert staff will help you design your trip on Riverbend Park.

Jupiter Outdoor Center is open 365 days a year.

For information on tours, click here.

PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.

Paddling and pedaling takes a little practice, and your JUPITER OUTDOOR CENTER guide will happily give you a lesson before you shove off on your adventure at Riverbend Park.

You’ll learn how to hold a kayak paddle, orient it correctly, and maintain the so-called paddler’s box. We’ll show you basic paddle strokes, and how to go forward, backward and make turns.

For bicyclists, we’ll adjust the seats to make for a perfect ride. Need a basket? We’ll install one for you faster than you can say  Loxahatchee River.

For Pedal & Paddle tour on Riverbend Park, click here.

REFLECTION PROTECTION 

Wear a hat, the sun can be harsh. Don’t forget bug spray. And a water bottle. Neck coolers are a relief on super hot days.

For sun screen, experts recommend at least SPF 30 for people of all skin tones. Apply the stuff to your skin 30 minutes before going out. Repeat as needed. Apply lip balm.

Make sure your sunglasses have a lanyard.

Forget something? JUPITER OUTDOOR CENTER has them all for sale at Riverbend Park. Click here to check inventory.

Coolers for food and beverages are fine, but remember space is limited in canoes and kayaks for your adventure at Riverbend Park. Fruit, high energy bars and trail mix are our favorites.

LEAVE AT HOME

Those fancy high-top sneakers or dress shoes?

Keep ’em in your closet. Break out those old floppies for your Riverbend Park paddling and bicycling adventure.

Nix the valuable jewelry. Necklaces, watches and ear rings can easily be lost.

OK, people are going to bring there cell phones. They should be packed in a dry bag.

Laptops? Please leave them at home. Or in your vehicle.

You don’t need paddles, life vests or helmets. JUPITER OUTDOOR CENTER supplies them all.

Finally, PETS. Don’t unless they are service animals for two reasons.

First, pets are not allowed in Riverbend Park.

Second, pets can easily get loose. Finding your pet  in the dense forest of Riverbend Park is dangerous and most often futile.

CHART YOUR COURSE

For beginners, paddling into Riverbend Park, past Picnic Island and winding through slow-moving waterways is a relaxing trip.

More experienced kayakers and canoers enjoy heading down the Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River. Expect to see turtles, deer and maybe a ‘gator or two as you paddle under the shade of towering cypress trees.

Design their own tour or let a JUPITER OUTDOOR CENTER guide show you all the nooks and crannies of wildlife, plants and sites, smells and sounds of the Loxahatchee.

Check out our Trapper Nelson tour.

For bicycle riders, Riverbend Park has miles of wide, shady, crushed-shell paths. Covered gazebos with tables and maps provide convenient rest stops.

HUNGRY?

For a fabulous before or after adventure snack, check out Magic Bowl food truck, just steps away from the launch point on the Loxahatchee River in Riverbend Park.

Coffee, juice, smoothies or healthy Acia Bowls are among the snacks made on site.

Kick back on the picnic tables under the shady trees and check out the wildlife and activities at Riverbend Park. The more you look the more you see!

Meet Amanda and Isaac, owners of Magic Bowls.