The best ways to squeeze one more great paddling weekend out of summer!
Labor Day weekend is the unofficial farewell to summer on Cape Cod—and there may be no better way to celebrate than by getting out on the water.
The beaches will be busy, the restaurants will be buzzing and traffic will be heavy, but once you climb aboard a kayak or SUP board, the pace changes. The shoreline looks different. The crowds seem farther away. And suddenly, you have one of the best places in New England right at your fingertips.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing family paddle, a workout on a SUP, a scenic cruise or a chance to wet a line from a fishing kayak, Labor Day weekend is a perfect excuse to spend a few hours on the water.
Here are 10 great Cape Cod kayak and SUP adventures to consider before summer officially winds down.
1. Start the Day With a Sunrise Paddle
There's something special about Cape Cod in the early morning.
The wind is often lighter, the water can be remarkably calm and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Launch a kayak or SUP early and watch the sun come up over the water.
A sunrise paddle is particularly rewarding on a calm morning when the surface is nearly glassy. Bring a camera, some water and plenty of sunscreen and enjoy a completely different side of Cape Cod.
It's also a great way to beat the heat and get your paddling in before the day's activities begin.
2. Explore Cape Cod's Salt Ponds
Cape Cod's salt ponds are made for kayaking.
These protected waters provide opportunities for relaxed paddling without the boat traffic and open-water exposure found in some coastal areas.
Take your time exploring coves, marsh edges and narrow channels. Keep an eye out for birds, baitfish, crabs and other wildlife along the shoreline.
For families and newer paddlers, protected water can be an especially enjoyable way to get comfortable in a kayak.
3. Go Kayak Fishing
Cape Cod isn't just a world-class destination for surfcasters and boat fishermen. It's also an incredible place to fish from a kayak.
A fishing kayak allows you to quietly reach water that may be difficult to access from shore. Depending on local conditions and regulations, anglers can target species such as striped bass, bluefish, scup and sea bass.
There's also something uniquely satisfying about catching a fish from a small paddle craft.
The key is keeping your setup simple. A rod, compact tackle selection, paddle, PFD and a few proven lures can be all you need for a productive trip.
And always check current Massachusetts fishing regulations before heading out.
4. Take the Family Out for a Paddle
If you're looking for something everyone in the family can enjoy, kayaking is hard to beat.
You don't have to be an experienced paddler. Pick a calm, protected location, wear a properly fitted PFD and spend a few hours exploring together.
Kids especially tend to enjoy the feeling of being independent on the water. Even a short paddle can turn into an adventure when you're searching for crabs, watching birds or exploring a shoreline from a completely different perspective.
Labor Day weekend is a great opportunity to create one more summer memory before school starts and the Cape begins its transition into fall.
5. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If you've never tried SUP, Labor Day weekend is a perfect time to give it a shot.
Stand-up paddleboarding combines sightseeing, balance and exercise into one activity. On calm water, beginners can quickly get comfortable, while experienced paddlers can turn the same outing into a serious workout.
Start on your knees if necessary, get comfortable with your balance and then gradually work your way to standing.
And don't worry about falling in.
On a warm late-summer day, an unexpected swim can be part of the fun.
6. Paddle to a Quiet Beach
One of the biggest advantages of exploring Cape Cod by kayak is access.
A beach that feels crowded from the road can look completely different from the water. In the right location and conditions, a kayak can allow you to explore shoreline areas and beaches that aren't as easy to reach by car.
Pack a small lunch, plenty of water and whatever you need for a few hours away from civilization.
Just remember that beaches, wildlife areas and waterways can have specific rules regarding landing, parking and access, so know the regulations before you go.
7. Make It a Sunset Adventure
If you're looking for a romantic or relaxing way to finish the day, take a sunset paddle.
Cape Cod sunsets from the water can be spectacular, and the changing light makes familiar shorelines look completely different.
Bring a headlamp or other appropriate light if there's any possibility you'll be returning after dark, and make sure you're prepared for changing wind and weather.
8. Explore the Cape From a Fishing Kayak
You don't necessarily have to be targeting fish to enjoy a fishing kayak.
Modern fishing kayaks are incredibly versatile. Their stability, comfortable seating and storage capacity make them excellent platforms for exploring Cape Cod's ponds, bays and coastal waters.
Bring a cooler with lunch, a camera and some basic gear and you've got a floating adventure vehicle capable of taking you places you might never see from shore.
For anyone considering purchasing a kayak, this is also a great time to try different styles and see what features matter most to you.
9. Get a Workout on a SUP
If your idea of a perfect Labor Day weekend involves burning a few calories before the barbecue, grab a SUP.
Paddling works your shoulders, arms and core while also requiring balance and coordination. You can keep the pace easy and enjoy the scenery or increase your speed for a much more demanding workout.
One of the best things about SUP is that you control the intensity.
A 30-minute paddle can be relaxing. A longer trip into a headwind can be a serious workout.
Either way, you'll get outside and enjoy the Cape from the water.
10. Rent a Kayak or SUP Fome The Goose and Just Go Explore
Sometimes the best adventure is the one you don't overthink.
You don't need an elaborate itinerary. Pick a suitable launch, check the weather, grab a kayak or SUP and spend a few hours exploring.
That's one of the great things about Cape Cod: you don't have to travel far to find beautiful water.
If you don't own a kayak or paddleboard, renting is an easy way to get on the water without committing to transporting, storing and maintaining your own equipment.
And if you discover that you don't want the adventure to end when Labor Day weekend does, that's a pretty good indication that it might be time to start looking at owning your own boat. RENT A BOAT NOW FROM THE GOOSE!
Make the Most of the Last Big Weekend of Summer
Labor Day weekend doesn't have to mean the end of summer.
In many ways, it's the perfect time to enjoy Cape Cod. The water is still warm, the days are still long and there are countless opportunities to explore the coast by kayak or SUP.
Whether you're an experienced kayak angler, a dedicated paddleboarder or someone who has never sat in a kayak before, there is an adventure waiting.
So before you pack away the beach gear and start thinking about fall, grab a paddle and get on the water.
Goose Hummock has the kayaks, SUP boards and gear you need to make the most of the final big weekend of summer.
The best part of Labor Day weekend may be realizing that summer isn't quite over yet.