For Immediate Release

May 12, 2022

(West Trenton, N.J.) -- Interested paddlers are reminded that it is not too late to register for the 27^th Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 17-25.

The Delaware River Sojourn combines guided paddling excursions, interpretive programs and camping. Participants may sign up for the entire trip or for the day(s) of their choice; all skill levels are welcome.

"The sojourn is a family-friendly paddling and learning adventure, a wonderful way to discover the Delaware River," said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chair of the Sojourn Steering Committee. "Our theme this year is The River Rocks, and educational programming will be focused on the unique geology of the Delaware River Basin."

Roughly 85 miles will be paddled in 2022, split into daily trips ranging from six to 15 miles. In brief, the sojourn will include the following stretches:

• Saturday, June 18 – Delaware River: Ten Mile River, N.Y. to Zane Grey, Lackawaxen, Pa.
  
  
• Sunday, June 19 – Delaware River: Zane Grey to Indian Head Canoes, Knight’s Eddy, N.Y.
  
  
• Monday, June 20 – Delaware River: Bushkill, Pa. to Worthington State Forest, N.J.
  
  
• Tuesday, June 21 – Delaware River: Worthington State Forest to Ramsaysburg Historic Homestead, N.J.
  
  
• Wednesday, June 22 – Delaware River: Riegelsville, N.J. to Giving Pond, Pa.
  
  
• Thursday, June 23 – Delaware River: Tinicum County Park, Pa. to Lambertville, N.J.
  
  
• Friday, June 24 – Delaware River: Fireman’s Eddy, N.J. to Yardley, Pa.
  
  
• Saturday, June 25 – Delaware River: from Bordentown Beach, N.J. up the Crosswicks Creek and back

"By getting people out on the Delaware River and experiencing it first-hand, the sojourn helps create stewards of this important natural resource," said Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director Steve Tambini. "The Delaware River Sojourn is one of the longest-running programs of its kind, and DRBC is proud to have been a part of the steering committee since its early years."

Registration fees in 2022 are $90 per day for adults and $60 per day for children (ages 15 and under). There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $10 per person for this American Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members. 

Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals and optional overnight camping sites. Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that neither aluminum nor wooden canoes are recommended.

Adult paddlers new to the Delaware River Sojourn are invited to take advantage of the First-Time Paddler Program, which offers a discount on registration available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Delaware River Sojourn appreciates the support of its donors and grantors. The regional supermarket cooperative ShopRite has sponsored the Delaware River Sojourn annually since 2013; individual donors also provide valuable support. The sojourn receives grant funding from the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, Brookfield Renewables and PPL. These funds help keep costs as low as possible for participants and support the sojourn’s reduced fees for youth and its educational and First-Time Paddler programs. 

In addition to the above, the DRBC’s Our Shared Waters outreach program is also providing funding to support five adult paddlers on the final day of the sojourn. "We are excited to be able to again offer this opportunity to new paddlers that otherwise may not have access to this recreational and educational opportunity," said DRBC Director of External Affairs and Communications Elizabeth Brown.

On Friday, June 17, the day before the paddle trip begins, the sojourn and the National Park Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are hosting a river cleanup from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will clean up section of the Delaware River near Lackawaxen, Pa. Pre-registration is required through the Delaware River Sojourn website, and volunteers will be capped at 20 individuals. Canoes and equipment will be provided.

Registration details, itinerary overview and sojourn safety guidelines are available at https://delawareriversojourn.com/. Sojourners can register online using Paypal. Registration-related questions and first-time paddler discount availability inquiries should be directed to Dejay Branch at (646) 205-2724 or info@delawareriversojourn.com.

The sojourn is following current guidance issued by the CDC and state agencies regarding the covid-19 pandemic and will implement protocols to protect public health as needed. 

The non-profit, annual event is planned by a steering committee with representatives from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and individual volunteers. DRBC Communications Specialist Kate Schmidt serves as the commission’s representative.

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Contact: 

Kate Schmidt, Kate.Schmidt@drbc.gov

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Photos:

Delaware River Sojourners launch from the Lackawaxen Access on the Delaware River.
Photo by the Delaware River Sojourn.

Sojourners paddle through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Photo by the Delaware River Sojourn.

Sojourners line up to paddle through the Lumberville Wing Dam.
Photo by the Delaware River Sojourn.

Sojourners "raft up" for a talk while paddling the Crosswicks Creek.
Photo by the Delaware River Sojourn.