Kayaking Lake Pontchartrain's South Shore - New Orleans

This will be a very simple post about kayaking in Lake Pontchartrain along the south shore. It will be less of a trip or route description, and more about some launch options, and what you can expect to encounter once on the water. Unless you're crossing the lake, pretty much any paddling trip you make on the lake from New Orleans is going to be an out-and-back, so you can make your own distance. My trips are typically between 8 and 10 miles. 

I have to qualify paddling Lake Pontchartrain as not being beginner friendly. Sometimes it's as smooth as glass, but this is a pretty big lake, and you have to respect it. I would not even consider going out on the lake in my original 9' kayak if I still had it. Even when I moved up to a 14' kayak, but had very little lake experience, I had some nervous times and usually came back with water sloshing in the kayak. As I'll say again later, conditions do change quickly--it's a large, but shallow lake. A relatively minor change in the weather can change the feel of the water. Plus, reports of drownings in the lake, within feet or yards of shore, are simply too common. I always wear my life vest and use a spray skirt on the lake. Every time. Interestingly, my friend Chris Brooks loves white water, and when our fall and spring fronts bring strong winds, he'll get out there and surf in his playboat.

But, I have to say, when conditions are right, a trip from my Breakwater Drive launch (see below) out to one of the beaches by UNO, and back, is a great day trip, within minutes of most parts of the city. Pack a lunch, paddle 4 or so miles, take a break, eat, stretch your legs, and then head back when you're ready.

I have launched from three spots on the south shore of the lake, but surely there are more options. In June of 2020, I finally launched from the Bonnabel launch, and I'm guessing the launch near the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner would be similar.

There are concrete steps leading into the lake along most of Lakeshore Drive, but I very strongly discourage you from launching from these. They're typically covered with algae and very slippery, and the shoreline under the steps has eroded away. Sadly, there have been episodes of people slipping under the steps and drowning. When conditions get rough, the water is splashing and smashing against these steps. 

My preferred launch is actually just a sandy/rocky spot on Breakwater Drive, across from Southern Yacht Club. Locally, this general area is known as "West End", 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/7695-7663+Breakwater+Dr,+New+Orleans,+LA+70124/@30.0283668,-90.1151519,176m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8620ae56fccd78eb:0x8a868c9047ea8426!8m2!3d30.0287019!4d-90.1149819

I like this spot because it's within the sheltered marina, so it allows for a nice controllable launch, and gives you the chance to paddle around the marina and get settled in before heading out onto the lake itself. I just park on the left side of Breakwater Dr, and launch from the right side. This is simply an undeveloped (as of August 2017) spot, just past a series of houses. This is a pretty rocky launch, and you need to watch for glass, but it's easy, and I've done it in my semi-fragile "racing" kayak.
It may be worth noting that this is a nice, sheltered marina, great for a quick warm-up tour. But since it's a marina with homes and house boats, sanitation concerns should dispel any temptation to do roll or rescue practice sessions here. 

***UPDATE Fall 2021:

The above launch has been inaccessible due to road and shoreline work since 2019. And apparently part of that project was a new public launch associated with Breakwater Park. I have not used this launch yet, but apparently the launch is completed and open. My friend Nick Napoda recently commented on how nice it is. Here's a Google Maps link to this new launch:

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.0290985,-90.1185184,249m/data=!3m1!1e3 

It is because of the road work that I finally launched from the Bonnabel launch:
Google Maps Link to Bonnabel Launch

This is actually a very nice, large public launch with a lot of parking, adjacent picnic areas, and dog park, right along the lakefront foot/bike trail. There are 4 concrete ramps, and this is the heart of Metairie, so you can expect traffic before and after you launch. This launch is nicely sheltered, and when you first enter the lake, there is an area to your right, along the foot/bike trail, where you can get settled in and read the water.
By the way, I launched my surfski here, and it has a fixed rudder underneath that makes sloping launches hard. Each of the four ramps here has walkways/docks on both sides, so we staged our boats and gear on those, and launched easily.

I have to say, any time I've paddled west of The Point on Breakwater Drive, any energy in the water seems a little elevated here.  Launching from Bonnabel reinforced that feeling. Looking at the topography, I'm (only) guessing there's more fetch for a north or west wind to move the water, and then that energy will reflect back from the hard, c-shaped shoreline immediately to the east of the launch, and since it's shallow water, it bounces more here.

By the way, as of June 2020, I still haven't paddled west of Bonnabel on the south shore.

My third go-to launch is the Seabrook Boat Launch, on the eastern end of Lakeshore Drive:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Seabrook+Boat+Launch/@30.0319974,-90.0378205,296m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8620a9a803d04097:0xefa4bfcf88e9df1e!8m2!3d30.031449!4d-90.0371432

This spot is nice because you do have a sandy beach, and a no wake zone, so it's also a nice spot for a controlled launch in any kayak.

Obviously, on the lake you always need to be aware of motorized traffic. But with the Breakwater Drive and Seabrook launches, you are launching from a different spot than motorboats, and you will have to cross or interact with their routes out to the lake.  At Bonnabel, you launch alongside the motorized traffic. With these other two spots, you will have to pay attention as recreational boats come and go, possibly crossing your path. I enjoy sunset and full moon paddles out on the lake, but crossing the entrance to the West End marina at dark, without proper lighting is simply dangerous. Make yourself very visible. A small horn would be good also. There are traditional "sail nights" on the lake each week, leaving from the West End spot. You have to cross the entrance/exit of the marina, and even though it's a controlled no wake zone, it usually has some bounce,  and you do have to cross 100 yards or so. So be visible and pay attention, and the other boaters will work with you. 

My kayak trips on this side of the lake are typically just very simple out-and-back trips along Lakeshore drive, usually to the beaches at UNO, though sometimes I'll continue past UNO to the Seabrook launch, and then return.

These beaches are actually located on the site of the old Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park, which closed in the early 1980s, and where the Research and Technology Park is currently located.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Research+%26+Technology+Park/@30.0326514,-90.0625492,416m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8620a93b35420ffb:0xb6cd6c9490d952f3!8m2!3d30.0318391!4d-90.0618846

There are plans in the works to develop these beaches into public beaches, with facilities and lifeguards. Currently, these are undeveloped and officially closed to the public due to an alarmingly high number of drownings. The water is very shallow, but there are spots where the bottom drops off suddenly, and undertows can occur.

So, conditions:

The lake is very shallow for such a large body of water. This means that waves tend to be short and choppy, and very heavily influenced by the wind, especially when the wind is coming from the north or northwest, giving it more fetch. It also means that if there is a sudden change in the weather, such as in the summer when thunderstorms can blow up almost instantly, things can get pretty exciting out there. That would be my biggest warning: Do not assume that conditions will remain the same for your whole trip. Wear a spray skirt, regardless of conditions,  and ALWAYS wear your PFD.  And to state the semi-obvious: I don't have pictures of choppy conditions out here because I'm usually too pre-occupied to think about taking pictures.
A very common thought that comes to me on the lake is how very different it looks when you're sitting a few inches off the water, versus how it looks from shore.  And the word I use over and over again with the lake is "bouncy". Sometimes I feel more nervous in "1 foot water" on the lake than I do in 2-3 foot water in the Mississippi Sound, where the water tends to "roll" in and out.

Between West End Park/Southern Yacht Club and the Seabrook launch, the entire shoreline is the concrete steps I mentioned earlier, so there is a lot of reflective energy in the waves. There are 2 canals and an entrance to Bayou St John (though there is a flood control structure that prevents actual entry to the bayou) in this stretch of the lake. The V-shaped inlets are lined with these concrete steps, so these three spots can sometimes have pretty confusing energy also, as the energy reflects back and forth. But when calm, each of these can be nice little diversions or break areas, if you feel like exploring, though the entry to Bayou St John can be very shallow(and again, you can't paddle through the gates). 

With some curves to the shoreline, you can paddle a straight line and go from being a few feet from the steps to being several hundred yards from shore, and then back right next to the steps again. So pay attention if you're not comfortable being that far from land in the current conditions. These curves also tend to make the energy in the water change as the direction of the wind and waves changes relative to the geometry of the shoreline. On my typical paddle from the yacht club, east past UNO, conditions will feel pretty different several different times as I make that out-and-back trip.

As I mentioned earlier, I've only gone west from the West End/Breakwater Drive launch 2 or 3 times, and never past the Causeway, for no particular reason. For some reason, I just like going east, paddling parallel to Lakeshore Drive, chatting with the folks fishing or relaxing on the steps, seeing the runners and cyclists moving along the road. Spending time along Lakeshore Drive is a part of growing up in New Orleans, and it's nice enjoying it from a very different perspective. It's a 3rd person perspective, watching the very familiar scenes just a few feet or yards away, but being in a very different environment, very engaged with the water and weather. And, if you do have any sort of trouble, there is usually someone who can see or hear you.

Lake Pontchartrain is just another example of a great slice of nature and paddling fun, right in the city. This post only refers to paddling along the south shore of the lake, but as you may see in some of my other posts, some of the other routes I've written about involve sections of the lake. And those are very different experiences. For example, when you enter the lake from Cane Bayou, it's all sand and grass, and (usually) very shallow for the first few yards along the shore. This softens the energy, as the marsh absorbs the energy instead of bouncing it back out at you as the south shore steps do.

So, as always, do your homework, be smart and know your limits, and take advantage of this beautiful lake.

Kayaking Bayou St John: Paddling escape in the center of New Orleans

Bayou St John: a true gem right in the center of the city. If you haven't paddled here yet, you definitely should. Except on very windy days, the paddling here is calm, safe, relaxing, beautiful, and a great mix of urban and not-quite-so urban. Especially north of I-610, the bayou is pretty exposed to the wind, so you can definitely get a good workout, especially in our windy seasons. In fact, in spring and fall, when cool fronts bring strong northerly winds, you can expect to get a very good workout as you head north towards the lake on BSJ above I-610,  But most of the time, it's great for beginners or social paddles, and you can go out for an hour or two and just escape from the city around you, or get in a good, heads-down workout.

 

January 2025 - quick notes about some of my "quick notes" throughout this post:

Water levels have remained very constant and at what I'd call a pretty good, or normal level for at least a couple of years now. Sure - some seasonal ups and downs of maybe a foot or so, but not weekly ups and downs.  I debated deleting the entire section about water levels I have later in this post, but I'll bet some drought or monsoon or invasive plant makes this a topic again. 

Also, the 2024 Desaix Bridge project is done now, and the bayou is open from end to end.

And finally, but very noteworthy: I have a few references to Robert E Lee Blvd - that is now renamed Allen Toussaint Blvd. I promise to update those references. 

Oh - and one more. Bayou Paddlesports, the kayak and paddle board rental business across from the LSU School of Dentistry, lost their space during the Desaix bridge replacement - her area became their staging ground. As of December of 2024, she does not intend to return.

Quick June 2020 update regarding inflatable kayaks: Yep:2020. Covid-19 and the economy grinding to a halt. This all happened during weeks and weeks of the best weather we ever get here. So...bicycle shops ran out of bikes, and Bayou St John got covered with inflatable kayaks.  If inflatable kayaks are the way to get you paddling, that's a good thing. But remember, most are made for portability and price. They tend to be short, and "puffy", and they do present real challenges in strong winds. And the wind really can get strong on Bayou St John in fall and spring-and it's not always directly from the north. I've seen people enjoy a great paddle up to Robert E Lee Blvd, only to turn around and realize they can barely control or propel their inflatable kayak the 2 or 3 miles back to their car. I imagine some got out and walked (really). Newbies often aren't aware that they're getting a nice push to their turnaround spot, and if it's windy, the wind gets much stronger as the bayou widens north from I-610. If you're in an inflatable kayak, or a very inexpensive 8' or 9' plastic boat, figure out which way the wind is blowing, get a feel for paddling into it, and then decide which direction helps you get a tail wind on your return trip. Better yet, if you're not sure, stay south of I-610 (LSU School of Dentistry), where the bayou is narrower and more shielded from the wind. Because it's narrower and has more traffic, this is the safer end of Bayou St John.

Having said all that, if you're not in an inflatable kayak, Bayou St John is on nobody's "adventure paddling" list, but it's so pretty, and so convenient, that there are always other paddlers out on the bayou, and we do a few social paddles here each year. You'll pass parents and kids, folks enjoying beers, groups of friends in rentals, and some pretty hardcore paddlers working out in their racing boats. It's so convenient for me, personally, that I spend a lot of time on Bayou St John. And, except in winter months, I almost always see groups of paddlers from one, or all, of the businesses I mention at the end of this post. It's the "City Park" of paddling in New Orleans.
https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9761767,-90.0936332,15z

Only non-motorized boats are allowed, so it's very safe on the bayou after dark.

 

***December 2024 UPDATE - Bridge work complete at DESAIX BLVD***

Starting in March of 2024, the bridge at Desaix Blvd was being replaced and the bayou was closed at this spot(see below). The popular launch spot just north of that became the staging area for this work, so this changed a lot of options for paddling on BSJ. I haven't seen it yet, but it has been announced that the work is complete, and the bayou is now open for its entire length. 

 

  

A group full moon paddle.

It can get windy on Bayou St John:

I really don't need to describe much here, since you really can't get lost here. But I will share some ideas for launching, some highlights and important notes, and even list some rental and tour options if you don't have a boat.

Let's talk a little about water levels and hazards, because every now and then levels do drop low enough to create some problems.Here's how I understand the factors affecting levels:
Water enters the bayou from the lake, and is pumped to the City Park lagoons to maintain certain levels. The flood gates where the bayou meets the lake were replaced after Hurricane Katrina, and for 2 or 4 years after that the water levels in Bayou St John stayed pretty constant, and in my original version of this post, I barely brought the topic up. But over the last few years, I felt an update was a good idea.
Relevant to this post, there are at least three reasons to pay attention to water levels: One: If you use the sloping concrete banks to put-in/take-out, low water can make this tricky; Two: There are some hazards (stumps, posts, unknown items) that are just close enough to the surface that if the level drops just 8-10 inches from "average" levels, you could hit them; Three: Levels affect the safety of passing under 2 or 3 of the bridges. I discuss each of these later.
A wetland restoration project on the north side of the gates took hold in 2017 and 2018, and there was also an effort to allow the bayou's ecosystem to more closely match the lake's. The folks monitoring this realized that there was a benefit to allowing the bayou levels to drop a little more than previously, so that when the gates are opened, there is a larger flow of "ecosystem" from the lake to the bayou. By 2019, levels did begin to fluctuate more than they had as a part of this process, nothing too dramatic, but enough to sometimes expose one or two semi-submerged hazards.
However, in 2019 at least two other factors interacted with this new process: In early 2019, an invasive plant, giant salvinia, came in through the gates at the lake and began smothering large sections of the bayou. For a few reasons related to the control effort, and the closing of the gates for weeks at a time, the water level got exceptionally low. Various hazards that are normally well below the surface were suddenly above water, or worse, inches below the water. I bent a rudder, and a friend badly scratched his surf ski. By April, the control project ended and levels went back to normal. Later in 2019, the "Spillway" was opened to control the level of the Mississippi River. The Spillway drains fresh water from the river into the lake, and this has several negative effects to the ecosystems of the lake, and ultimately, the coastal areas of Louisiana and Mississippi. Blue-green algae caused most beaches along the gulf coast to close for weeks, and the lake was declared unsafe.
Therefore, to protect the bayou, the gates were kept closed for many weeks, and by mid-August of 2019, levels in Bayou St John were so low that I began avoiding it for fear of damaging my boat. Eventually, this algae crisis passed, and things returned to normal.
***quick May 2021 update: we've now gone 18 months or so with water levels remaining very normal, with fairly infrequent fluctuations, making this long topic about levels seem almost unnecessary. Hopefully we just had a couple of bad seasons in 2019.***

When the water is really low, you should try to stay near the center of the bayou, especially under bridges. One or two of the bridges (Dumaine and Desaix, at least) are a lot shallower on the sides than they are at the center. There is no gauge or easy way to quantify "high versus low",  but here are a couple of rules of thumb:

Along the sloped concrete banks, if the water is around 2 feet or more from the grass line, stay in the center of the bayou, especially under the bridges. If you're launching from one of the grassy/muddy spots, the water should come up to the "bank"--you should be stepping into a few inches or more of water, not onto a dry bayou floor. Also see my note below about the Magnolia Bridge clearance later in this post.

On my to-do list for this post is to try to label some of these hazards on a satellite photo--they're scattered across 3 or 4 miles, and different ones are exposed at different levels. For now, look below at the section on the Magnolia bridge, and feel comfortable that if the water level is near or above what I loosely call "average", you shouldn't have to worry about hidden hazards. Otherwise, pay attention and if the level is more than 3 or 4 inches below that "average", the more you should stay near the center line of the bayou (and pay attention).

Okay,  about the actual paddling:

I'll just discuss the section between Orleans Avenue at the south end, and Robert E. Lee Drive at the north end, which is about 3.25 miles. This section makes it easy to do a simple, 6 1/2 mile out-and-back paddle, or a little more if you go around Demourelles Island.

You can think of BSJ as having two pretty distinctly different sections: North of I-610, and south of I-610. Below I-610, and especially between Esplanade Ave and Orleans Ave, the bayou is narrow, and makes an S curve through a beautiful old New Orleans neighborhood. There is always activity around the bayou at this end: cyclists, runners, families, friends hanging out, dogs chasing balls, you name it. I love starting and finishing my paddles at this end of the bayou, seeing this vibrant neighborhood enjoying this amazing slice of nature. As the sun sets over the bayou, the activity slows down a little, but folks group together on porches, or under trees or on the Magnolia Bridge and continue to socialize and enjoy this beautiful, friendly neighborhood. Bayou St John is the heart of this little neighborhood that shares its name.

In my opinion, some of the best sunset pictures in the city are just south of the Magnolia Bridge:



North of I-610, especially north of Harrison Ave, the bayou really opens up and starts to feel like a small lake. Immediately north of Harrison is Demourelles Island, and you can make a short trip around this small island. And you should: it's really calm and beautiful back there, and you could forget for a moment that you are actually in the center of New Orleans.


Okay, let's talk about bridges:

At the south end, there is the Orleans Ave bridge, which is a solid slab underside (meaning you have to stay crouched the entire time you pass under), and often has very tight clearance. I usually don't go under this bridge. North of that is Dumaine, which has a nice, arched bridge with plenty of clearance. Next, continuing north, is the Magnolia Bridge, which is the foot bridge near Cabrini High School. The clearance here can be very tight and every now and then, I just can't do it. Even at its easiest, it's tight--some folks lie flat back, and others just lean as far forward as they can. Put a hand between your head and the bridge as you pass under, just to make sure. The brim of your hat may catch the bridge, so I take mine off. When the wind is fighting you and the water is high, it can be even harder to squeeze under. But, the vast majority of the time, I can get under. In comfortable weather, or as the sun sets in summer, you can always expect to see people relaxing on this bridge (it is closed to traffic). I have been offered beer, wine, and popcorn(yep, someone was handing out bags of popcorn on Nat'l Popcorn Day. And yes, it was good.) from people on this bridge as I've passed under.

Here's a rough helper photo, taken after the 2018 restoration of the Magnolia Bridge:

Using the yellow arrow as a reference, you'll see the concrete base, then the flat ring gear, then the series of wheels/gears. In this picture, the water is lower than "average" (I won't attempt to quantify "normal"), and passing under is very easy. At this level, however, some semi-submerged hazards will be exposed at various places along the length of the bayou, and you should keep an eye out. Any lower than his level, and I'll say you should really pay attention. At the other extreme, when the water is near the top of the concrete base, you'll need to slow down and size it up, but you should be able to pass under by leaning forward.  It's really a matter of seeing it up close, realizing how much clearance you really have, and going for it. In June of 2020, in my Epic V8 Pro surfski, I was able to pass under with the water an inch or two above the flat ring gear, overlapping the wheels. Of course, this is my backyard and you'll have to find your own comfort zone for your boat. Speaking very generally, in normal times and conditions, the water level seems to stay within 3 or 4 inches of the top of the concrete base, or the yellow arrow, and passing under doesn't seem to be a problem for most people.

(By the way, I'm using this level to loosely call "average" based on the 8 or 9 months of pretty "normal" weather and conditions since the blue algae crisis of the summer of 2019--I could well update this again....).

I've decided to come back and update this post regarding levels periodically--regarding hazards in general, and this bridge does provide the best "calibrated" measuring spot for me.

North of the Magnolia "blue" bridge, the bridges are pretty easy--Esplanade---just line up with the girders as you pass under. Then Desaix, which is easy clearance, then the train bridge--which can be tight, but just pay attention and you'll be fine, and then the two spans of I-610. North of that, Harrison, Mirabeau and Filmore are typically pretty easy clearance, though sometimes I'll scrape a paddle stroke if I'm not paying attention. Then, you get to Robert E Lee, with the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church on the right. You can sometimes pass under Robert E Lee, but it's usually pretty tight going under, especially in a sit-in kayak (lying flat in a canoe or sit-on kayak may be easier) so I make this spot my turn-around. If you do squeeze under Robert E Lee, the bayou narrows again, and you can paddle up to the new flood gate a short distance north. I've never seen this gate open, but theoretically, you could paddle right out to the lake from here. If levels are low enough, it's probably worth passing under and exploring a little more. The bridges at Robert E Lee Blvd are solid slabs, so you have stay bent over the whole time you pass under. Also note that during the invasive plant and algae issues of 2019, control booms were laid out across the bayou north of these bridges, and they appeared to remain in place for months afterwards (they may actually still be in place a year later).

My GoPro snapping a shot from under the train bridge, looking at the I-610 bridge.

There is also a bridge on the back side of Demourelles Island, and it's very easy to pass under.

Here's my one big warning about Bayou St. John:
Probably one of the biggest dangers of paddling Bayou St John is the sloping, concrete banks along much of its length. The shores of the bayou change as you follow its length, but much of it is gently sloping concrete that looks very inviting as a place to step to get into or out of your kayak or canoe. BUT BE VERY CAREFUL: this concrete is usually coated with algae at some point below the water line. This algae is hard to see through the water, and I've seen many people slip and get scraped on this. And it's like ice: Once you're on it, it's hard to find your grip to recover. Look for a spot where you can plant a foot on grass (this is easier or harder depending on water levels), or put down a large towel, though it'll probably slip and move. Near the Dumaine St bridge, and along Wisner Blvd north of I-610, you have a natural, grassy environment from which you can launch, if you don't mind wading into shallow water--just watch for rocks, logs and broken bottles.

Launch spots:
Parking is available along Wisner, and a lot of people launch from the soft banks of the bayou there. I have found a reasonably good spot just north of Filmore. I see people launch just north of Harrison also. You'll just have to pick and chose between slippery or muddy spots, rough rocks, and debris and broken glass along Wisner. A very popular spot is across from the LSU School of Dentistry, just south of I-610, where Moss St curves into Florida Ave. There is a large grass field here, and this is the spot of Bayou Paddlesports (boat rental). As of this writing (July 2016), this is public land and people just pull up on the grass and launch, leaving their cars there. I have not heard of any ticketing or any sort of problems with this habit. Bayou Paddlesports has a wooden dock here, and usually has green carpet covering some of the slippery concrete bank. Even though this business uses this spot, it is public property, and non-customers park and launch from this spot. Rhonda and her folks at Bayou Paddlesports are super cool and friendly, but remember, she pays for the port-o-let and keeps the area clean and safe, so give a smile and ask before taking advantage of her facilities. **2020 update: very recently, I've been hearing reports of car break-ins here. Sometimes this launch spot is very crowded and active, and sometimes it's empty and isolated.

Personally, except when I'm using my surfski,  I park on Moss St, just off of Carrollton Ave, sort of kitty corner to the southeast corner of City Park. Along this stretch of Moss, from Carrollton to Orleans, there is roadside parking, and the bayou is pretty accessible--either with a sloping cement "bank", or a natural, "wade in and launch" bank, or a "dock style" concrete edge.

 

This(above) is on the lake side (north) of  the Dumaine St bridge. This is where I launch my surf ski (with a non-retractable rudder). This spot is a little farther from the street (to carry your boat), but is really nice if you don't mind launching in a few inches of water. It's perfect for boats with fixed rudders or less durable finishes. In this spot, if you're not standing in at least 6 or 8 inches of water, you may want to watch for the occasional hazard as you paddle up and down the bayou. If the water is overlapping the grass, be concerned about passing under the Magnolia Bridge. There is a similar spot just on the south side of the Dumaine bridge. This is a popular hangout area, and parking is less available.

The above picture is where I typically launch my sea kayak, between Carrollton Ave and the Magnolia Bridge.

Gators? Well, yes, it's not unheard of to see alligators on the bayou. They're typically fairly small--I don't think I've seen anything 5' or bigger in a few years. Still, you may not want your small dog playing in the water.

 

 

I haven't seen this guy in a while. He was quite used to people, and didn't seem bothered when I coasted up   (I really didn't want to see the little duckies get eaten). I got within 10 feet before he went on his way.

The bayou is also home to several festivals each year--Bayou Boogaloo, Earth Day, the Krewe of Kolossos 4th of July Flotilla, and other FREE festivals, take place at the southern end--near Orleans Ave. And Greek Fest takes place each spring/summer at the Greek Orthodox church at Robert E Lee.

I spend so much time working out and zoning out on this calm, peaceful bayou, that I get a real kick out of seeing it transformed into part of the festival "grounds" during Bayou Boogaloo and the 4th of July "boat parade." Kayak and stand up board rentals are typically available for both of these events.

Finally, here are some local kayak and board rental options that launch on the bayou:

For stand-up paddle board rentals, with on-the-water lessons, visit Jeff at:

http://www.nolapaddleboards.com/

Jeff has a retail store and launch spot on Lake Pontchartrain, but I see him leading small groups on the bayou all the time.

For guided tours in nice recreational sit-in kayaks, visit Sarah and Sonny at:

http://kayakitiyat.com/

By the way, Sarah and Sonny do tours in other areas, and they do bayou clean ups after the big festivals, and they're just all-around good people.

And, for very easy, paddling, Bayou Paddlesports has recreational sit-on-top kayaks, some tandems, and paddle boards. They're typically open Thursday through Monday, plus some special events, and they're located right at the launch spot at Florida Ave, next to I-610, that I mentioned earlier. Check them out at:

http://www.bayoupaddlesports.com/