Griggstown Canoe And Kayak Rental — Local services in Franklin Township

The less than 5 star review reflects the lack of communication and need for improved signage at the check-in area of this business. The kayaking on this stretch of the canal is perfectly fine, it was just the beginning of our experience that was less than wonderful. We arrived at 9:40 for a 10:00 opening reservation and were in the water about an hour later which in my opinion was too long to wait if you had an advance reservation. We were at the beginning of the loosely formed line and spent the time observing the harried staff scrambling to get the equipment ready. It appeared they should have been starting the process much earlier especially since it was the Fourth of July weekend. It wasn't really clear where to form the line, there were no verbal directions or communications from the staff, or signage outlining a check-in procedure. Social distancing in the line was loosely observed and thankfully customers and staff were wearing face coverings. We had paid for our reservations online and also printed and filled out the required release form prior to arriving. When we reached the employee working the check-in area he asked for another form which we were unaware of since it was not mentioned on the website. He asked us to fill it out at another table where we found the form and a single pen and also other people in need of that same pen. When I asked if there were any more pens available the answer was "no." Thankfully we only needed a single form for the 7 of us, but it would have been nice to know upfront. We certainly could have filled this form out during the 40 minutes or so of waiting in line. Thankfully we got past this situation and the dock staff were friendly and helpful both getting us in and out of the water. The time on the canal was fine too. It is my opinion this business would benefit from improved signage and/or better communication from the staff. This would greatly improve and speed up the check-in procedure and get people in the kayaks on the canal which is really where...

It was crowded labor day weekend but we only waited 10 minutes after we paid and got our lifejackets. They even over estimated it to be a 45 minute wait. It was a lot of fun for people who don’t normally canoe or kayak in any capacity. We rented a 3 bench canoe for one hour. It fit my family of two adults 3 kids... a 7yo a 5yo and an 18mo. I was very happy to find a place that would allow my youngest to go on the boat. They had special “infant” sized lifejackets. My 18mo sat on the floor of the canoe in front of me. I was on the front bench while my husband was on the back bench and the girls shared a seat in the middle. It fit us perfectly but in a year or so we will have to get separate canoes or kayaks. At no point did we expect or rely on the kids to help us row. My husband did most of the work on the way back because our 18mo became impatient and started to reach over the side to feel the water. We probably lasted 45 minutes in the water. I will say it was well organized and seemed to be run entirely by young people weather teenagers or college kids. I didn’t see a single older adult working there.

So the Negative COVID related issues: They were not enforcing the mask rule in the boat launch area which they had a sign up saying to wear masks. The life vests were being handled and not worn when people tried them on and realized it was the wrong size then they were put right back. So there was a lot of unnecessary touching. And then they didn’t clean the boats in between renters. Which I can understand on a busy day they were trying to get people in and out but a quick spray and wipe down of touch points would have been nice. I noticed we unloaded our vests and oars in a certain spot when we were done so Im assuming they cleaned them before putting them back. We also had to fill out a waiver before the start.

All in all a good trip. They were working very hard and...

NO OVERALL. First off, you and you’re family will have to come at a very good time to avoid the harsh wait in the sun and then come to realize you won’t be able to paddle in you’re desired kayak or boat. Secondly, the 2 seater that was provided for the 8 members of my family was extremely (I cannot stress this enough) dirty!!!!! The kayaks and boats are obviously not cleaned at all so say goodbye to any shoes that you bring with you. Next, the staff was completely laid back, it seemed as if every worker was a teen that thought they knew their job too well so it caused them to not care at all. Lastly, I will say the prices are decent for the hours you kayak. Really wasn’t a good experience at all and isn’t the best for certain families who aren’t willing to paddle...