Partnership Brings Boat Rentals to Lake Barnegat

More than a year after starting , or F.R.O.G., Rob Allan and partners, brother George and Joe Court, are going strong, running excursions on Cedar Creek, having scout trips, doing instruction and renting boats on Lake Barnegat.

Through an agreement with the Lacey Township Recreation Department, F.R.O.G. rents kayaks, canoes and paddle boats at Lake Barnegat on weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., said Rob Allan.

"We're hoping this partnership with the town will be long term," said Allan. "We've had a lot of good feedback."

Allan said having the boat rentals at the lake seems to be having an impact on beach badge sales for the lake's beach.

"If people come to rent a boat they don't need a badge," said Allan. "But we encourage beach badge sales. We'd like to see people stick around and enjoy the beach for a few hours."

Township beaches opened Saturday, June 16 for the season with a beach bash that included entertainment and other activities. F.R.O.G. was there renting boats and letting residents know the service is available this summer.

"I see many people coming by; it draws an energy to the lake that wasn't there," said Allan. "We think it's pulling people to the lakes."

Allan said they've had four-year-olds through people in their 70's and 80's come to rent boats. They have 40 canoes, 55 kayaks and four paddle boats, which people have loved. They are now even seeing the same people come on a regular basis.  And some people interested in buying their own kayaks are coming to take test runs to see which style they want to buy, said Allan.

Rob and George Allan and Court are long-time Lacey residents who have enjoyed camping and paddling for many years. That's what led them to form F.R.O.G., said Allan. They wanted to introduce people to the fun they had been having. 

Soon, that led to discussions with the township. F.R.O.G. ran an introduction to kayaking class for the Recreation Department last fall, which Allan said was very successful. 

"We've got a lot going on," said Allan. "We're busy. People think it's about time someone offered this. We've heard that several times."

Both the Allans and Court are American Canoe Association (ACA) certified kayak instructors and are CPR/First Aid-certified. For more information on F.R.O.G., call 609-290-5928 or visit their website.