Kayakers Hit "Jackpot" With Storage Racks

By MADDY VITALE In less than a month some lucky kayakers will learn if they hit the lottery – not a lottery for money mind you – but one that will definitely please. Friday was the last day people could enter the Kayak Storage Rack Lottery in Sea Isle City. The lottery ran from March 1 through April 15 and was open to city property owners and year-round residents who wish to obtain a free storage berth for the season. Property owners will be randomly selected for 112 berths in the city’s kayak storage facility, which is near the city’s kayak launch pier next to Dealy Field. The lucky winners will be awarded in May. Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said of the lottery, “Yes, there will be a waiting list. It is a very popular program.” Custer noted that she would not have the exact number of entries until Monday since city offices were closed in observance of Good Friday. To give some idea of the popularity of the program, in 2021, there were 900 entries in the lottery for just 112 kayak storage berths. The pier has two separate walkways leading to a covered pavilion and the fishing and kayak areas. The figure shows that a lot of people are eager to get out on the water and enjoy the kayak launch site. The combination fishing pier and kayak launch site was completed in May of 2021 and formally named in honor of former city commissioner and recreation advocate Jim Iannone, who passed away in 2020. “The pier is gorgeous. We have a covered pavilion for people to enjoy the views and the fishing pier designated for fishing and crabbing and the ADA-accessible launch system,” Custer said in a prior interview with SeaIsleNews.com. The berths can handle kayaks of virtually any size. The storage facility will be available from May 1 to Oct. 31. After Oct. 31, owners will have to remove their kayaks for the off-season. Only kayaks – no other watercraft – will be allowed at the facility. Since the site opened, it has become a major attraction for the city. It is popular among kayakers, crabbers, people who enjoy fishing and nature lovers who just want to take in the beauty of the bay from the covered pavilion. For more information visit the city’s website at seaislecitynj.us. Kayaking is popular among visitors and residents in the resort.