2025 Oradell Reservoir Challenge: Paddle Day & Youth Fishing Derby

Presented by Hackensack Riverkeeper and Veolia Water.

Come make a splash on the beautiful Oradell Reservoir! Whether you’re bringing your own boat or renting one of ours, entering a race, or registering for the open paddle, we look forward to seeing you at the Reservoir! All proceeds from the event support Hackensack Riverkeeper's mission to protect, preserve and restore the Hackensack River.

GO FISH! 8am-12pm

Hackensack Riverkeeper and Veolia are hosting a NJ Fish & Wildlife Youth Fishing Challenge. Bring the family and join in the fun along the shore of the Oradell Reservoir. June 7 is a designated NJ Free Fishing Day and therefore freshwater fishing licenses are not required for this event. Bait will be provided with limited rods and reels on loan, courtesy of Hudson River Fishermen's Association. Bring your own equipment if you have it. Prizes will be given out at 1pm. Entry for the fishing derby is FREE!

A DAY AT THE RACES: 9am

Test your mettle (for a medal!) in the 5K or 10K paddle race. Awards will be given based on vessel type (single kayak, tandem kayak, canoe, specialty outrigger), men’s and women’s classes. Time results and medals ceremony immediately following the race.

Corporate Cup Challenge: 11am

Is your company looking for a fun and unique team-building activity? Register your four-person team in this exciting kayak relay race today. The Corporate Cup consists of a three leg relay: 2 solo kayaks and 1 tandem. Four team members are needed. Kayaks and gear provided. Let us know if you need a "ringer" to complete your team!

Town Cup Challenge: Noon

After the Corporate Cup, you won’t want to miss the entertaining Town Cup Challenge. Watch as local public officials go paddle-to-paddle for the coveted Town Cup. Will your town win? Come cheer (or jeer – we won’t tell)! Spectators welcome!

Open Paddle Session: 1:30pm

Join us in the afternoon for an open paddle on the reservoir. Your kayak/canoe or ours, paddle leisurely and enjoy the beauty of the Oradell Reservoir. Be sure to register early, as rentals are limited! Catch-and-release fishing is permitted from your own kayak or canoe during the open paddle sessions, with a valid fishing license. Fishing will not be permitted from rental boats.

Landlubbers Unite!

Fun, food, and free shoreside children’s activities are available at the Reservoir Challenge. Friends and spectators are welcome. Want to have a table to promote your organization? Email Tyler at outreach@hackensackriverkeeper.org.

Schedule

Please plan to arrive early to allow enough time to park and check-in.

7:45 am – Check in for 10k and 5K races, and for Fishing Derby

8:00 am - Fishing Derby begins

8:45 am - All racers must be on the water (separate line up for 5k and 10k)

8:55 am - 5 minute warning for 10K Race

9:00 am - 10K Race begins, 5 minute warning for 5K Race

9:05 am - 5K Race begins

10:15 am - 5K and 10K Race results and medals (new time slot!)

10:30 am - Check-in for Corporate Cup and Town Cup Teams

11:00 am - Corporate Cup Challenge begins

12:00 pm - Town Cup Challenge begins; Fishing Derby ends

12:15 pm – Lunch, courtesy of Inserra ShopRite®

12:30 pm - Check-in for Open Paddle

1:00 pm - Fishing and Corporate/Town Cup Race awards Presentations

1:30 pm - Open Paddle begins

4:00 pm - All boats off reservoir

Save time, download and complete your waiver and bring it with you. The waiver covers all activities of the day.

AGE RESTRICTIONS:

Children 8-11 years can paddle the front of a canoe or tandem kayak with an adult in back. Children 12-17 years old can paddle a single kayak when accompanied on the water by an adult. Ages 5-7 can ride FREE as canoe passengers with two paddlers: one of whom must be an adult, and the other age 16 or older. Canoes hold a maximum of 2 adults + 2 children, or 3 adults. No children under 5 years old.

GUIDELINES:

1. For security reasons, NO cameras or drones are allowed beyond the gates into the reservoir area. Pets are prohibited inside the fence.

2. All boats must be washed at our wash station before entering the reservoir, to ensure the prevention of bio-invasive hitchhikers. A washing station will be provided for participants bringing their own boats.

3. 5K and 10K races will follow the same course (1 lap = 5K, 2 laps = 10K). Races will have a running start. The first boat across the finish line in each race in each of the following categories will receive an award: SK1: Single Recreational Kayak (14’ and under), Separate Men's and Women's classes: SK2: Single Racing Kayak (over 14’), Separate Men's and Women's classes: TK: Tandem Kayak, C: Canoe, S: Specialty Outrigger Boat.

4. All paddlers must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD), in good and serviceable condition and of appropriate size for the intended user for the duration of the races or open paddle sessions. Paddles, PFDs and whistles will be provided to those who rent a boat. Anyone bringing their own boat must provide their own paddle, PFD and whistle.

5. Safety boats will be on the water to provide assistance, however paddlers must stop to provide assistance to any other paddler who appears to be in distress.

NO REFUNDS: This event is a fundraiser, with all proceeds going directly to Hackensack Riverkeeper, a clean water advocacy organization, to help continue our mission to protect, preserve, and restore the Hackensack River. Your registration is a donation to the organization and is non-refundable.

Space is limited– in the event you are unable to attend, please cancel in Eventbrite to open your spot for someone.

FOUL WEATHER: This event is rain or shine except for thunder storms and lightning. In the unlikely event the day is canceled due to extremely inclement weather, the cancellation will be communicated via email through Eventbrite no later than 2 hours before the event starts. The safety and well-being of our employees, supporters, and the broader community remain our utmost priority. In the event of a cancellation, stay tuned for updates on future events and initiatives as we continue our mission to make a positive impact on our environment and communities. We are grateful to our supporters who donated to help cover the costs of our special Reservoir Paddle Series events and will use those funds in support of future programming. If desired, we will gladly refund your donation upon request. Please send your request to info@hackensackriverkeeper.org.

Reservoir Challenge is one of the few opportunities for the public to paddle on the Oradell Reservoir, one of its most important and picturesque natural resources! Thank you to Veolia Water NJ and the Borough of Haworth for giving us the opportunity to enjoy this jewel of the Hackensack River Watershed. For more information, visit www.hackensackriverkeeper.org or call our office at 201-968-0808.