Kayaking

I began kayaking purely as a hobby. It started out innocently enough; renting a kayak from an outfitter and doing one-way trips in the slow moving rivers of upstate New York. Then I discovered kayaking in and around New York City and my true passion for the sport was unleashed. Kayaking in New York City has proven to be a challenging and rewarding experience. Through my infatuation with kayaking I have been able to connect with local boathouses. My involvement with these boathouses has afforded me the opportunity to connect NYC residents to their beautiful waterways while increasing awareness of the environmental challenges that face the city every day.

In this section you'll find blog entries related to kayaking and some maps for possible kayak trips. All of the information in these sections was current at the time of posting however launch site accessibility and paddling conditions may vary. If you find information contained on this site inaccurate, would like to suggest a trip, or you would like to suggest a subject for a blog post feel free to contact me.

Recent Articles
  • New York City From 10,000 Feet
    As those of you who know me personally are aware, I’m not the biggest fan of flying. I used to fly the leg between New York City and Rochester regularly however following 9/11 I came to the realization that I [...]
  • My Thoughts on the East River Ferry as a Human Powered Boater
    The 2011 warm-weather paddling season is drawing to an end. It was a challenging year for recreational boaters on the Hudson & East Rivers alike. Massive sewage discharges, Superfund sites (Newtown Creek & Gowanus Canal), launch site restrictions, and, [...]
  • A body found in Anable basin!
    In a turn of events worthy of it’s own Law & Order episode, a body was discovered by a group of kayakers in Anable Basin tonight. While preparing for a leisurely paddle, kayakers from the Long Island City Community Boathouse [...]
Links of Interest
  • Bonnie’s kayak blog
     A fellow kayaker and blogger in the NYC area.
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse
     The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse is one of the newest boathouses in NYC.
  • Brooklyn Kayak
     Dedicated to sea kayak expedition and backpacking related items.
  • Downtown Boathouse
     The pioneer of free public paddling in contemporary NYC! No group in NYC puts more people in kayaks for 20 minute paddles and three-hour tours to the Statue of Liberty and USS Intrepid.
  • Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club
     This welcoming group of paddlers is on the front lines of ecological recovery in one of NYC’s most challenged waterways.
  • Hoboken Cove Boathouse
     On the far side of the Hudson River, in a place ridiculed as often as Queens, folks bootstrapped themselves up to a boating program with help from the Downtown Boathouse.
  • Hudson River Water Trail Association
     The Hudson River Watertrail Association is a coalition of small boaters, primarily human and wind powered, who are actively interested in the Hudson River as a treasure of natural and human history. The HRWA was formed in 1992 as an all-volunteer, non-pro
  • Inwood Canoe Club
     The Harlem River is the home of a charming and friendly paddling group, the Inwood Canoe Club.
  • Jamaica Kayak
     Member of Sebago Canoe Club Operate out of Jamaica Bay, Part of Gateway National Park (Largest Urban National Park area) I am a Kayaker, certified Star I and II with 7 years kayaking experience. This will be my Official Sea Log.
  • Kayak Staten Island
     Kayak Staten Island is an all-volunteer organization. We provide free kayaking for the public at the shoreline on South Beach in Staten Island.
  • LIC Boathouse
     The LIC Boathouse offers free kayaking on the east river.
  • Manhattan Kayak Company
     For tours, lessons, and other exciting paddling opportunities, please check out Manhattan Kayak Company.
  • Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
     One-stop shopping to know what’s up in NY-NJ Harbor.
  • New York City Water Trail
     New York City is rich in water. If you’re looking for a few hours of tranquil paddling or a full-day expedition, you’ll find it here. The New York City Water Trail connects 160 square miles of rivers, bays, creeks, inlets and ocean in the five boroughs su
  • Newtown Creek Alliance
     The newtown creek alliance has been fighting for the clean-up, access, and responsible re-development of the creek and it’s surrounding area.
  • Newtown Creek Photo Gallery
     Following the declaration of the Newtown Creek as a Superfund site I decided to document it’s pre-cleanup state.
  • NY Kayak Company
     Randy Henriksen, the owner of NY Kayak Company, sells kayaks, books, lessons, and any gear you could need.
  • NY Kayak Polo
     This club is devoted to developing and promoting the sport of Kayak Polo.
  • Paddle and Knit
     KAYAKING & KNITTING & BIKING, TOO
  • Red Hook Boaters
     A boathouse located in Red Hook Brooklyn which offers free public paddling programs.
  • Sebago Canoe Club
     Our members include kayakers, canoeists, sailors, rowers, and flatwater racers.
  • Summit to Shore
     Theologically and philosophically informed ruminations on everything between summit to shore, especially kayaking, sailing, backpacking, climbing, religion, spirituality, philosophy, theology, politics, culture, travel, and the NYC borough of Queens.
  • The Newtown Pentacle
     Lot’s of pics and information on Newtown Creek and the surrounding areas.
  • Tugster
     The “sixth boro” is my invented term for the waters in and around the port. Part of my motivation is that mainstream media are “terracentric,” overlooking sixth boro news to a large degree. I strive to be the opposite: maricentric.
  • Village Community Boathouse
     Free community rowing sessions, April to November.