New Britain, CT Outdoor Activities

Sandy beaches, eye-catching architecture, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse await groups on Amagansett Beach & Bicycle Company's tours. On these excursions, skilled guides fuse the chance to view breathtaking sights with instruction on bikes and various watercrafts, including kayaks, standup paddleboards, and saddled leviathans. Back on land, staff members tune up gear and help customers scour through a sea of water- and land-based sports equipment. Everything from BMX bikes to tandem bikes take patrons on rolling adventures through the verdant Hither Hills. Although only a small portion of Amagansett Beach & Bicycle Company's business, watersport equipment such as wakeboards and tubes beckon customers to speed and bounce over harbor waters, while skateboards let adrenaline junkies stand motionless on moving treadmills.

When traversing Oak Meadow Farm’s 52 verdant acres, one is struck by sweeping views of nearby produce farms. Students contribute to this idyllic pastoral scene as they learn the basics of riding in either indoor or outdoor rings. Head trainer Mark Rarick and assistant trainer Amy Kriwitsky bring their individual experiences, such as Mark’s stint in show jumping in England and Amy’s bachelor’s degree in animal science, to teaching beginners how to tack and nay effectively. Their efforts have earned them praise in publications such as Today’s Equestrian and Chronicle of the Horse.

Jim Scoggins first felt the rocking of a ship's deck in the 1950s on the rolling waters of Lake Champlain. Though he traveled south and found himself in healthcare administration for the next few decades, he never lost the passion for sailing—and eventually returned to New England to conquer more waves in the 1980s. With Sail the Sounds LLC established at three local ports, Captain Jim now uses his original sailing craft, an O'Day 39, as part of his training and charter fleet. He and his wife, Teresa, helm an ASA-certified training center, charter service, and cruising club to set guests out on the sparkling waters of Mystic River and Mystic Harbor. Captains pilot three Hunter yachts for chartered trips, as well as six Hunter 240 sailboats for captain rentals, sailing-club events, and classes teaching technique for keelboats, coastal navigation, and safely chartering parties of water-fearing cats.

When Scuba Shack's founders attained their first certifications more than 34 years ago, they were frustrated with the inadequate teaching they received. As their dive careers continued, that dissatisfaction led them to create Scuba Shack, where their goal is to imbue every one of their lessons with tangible value for burgeoning divers. Their class schedule brims with PADI–certification courses, and introductory scuba classes help beginners to recite the first 100 decimals of pi before coming to the surface for air. The shack also has an onsite store overflowing with necessary gear such as snorkels, fins, and masks, required for many of the Scuba Shack's classes or group-travel dives.

Jenks Productions has been handling the nuts and bolts of consumer trade shows for 33 years. Partnering with local and national businesses, Jenks specializes in home, bridal, and pet shows, which fill sprawling spaces with vendors eager to share their wares and visitors looking for inspiration. The services that Jenks Productions provides are extensive, as the team can do everything from onsite event management and budget planning to marketing efforts such as developing newsletters, logos, and jingles that rhyme the words “impending nuptials.”