Reflections

Best for: Stand-up paddleboarding cross-training, athletic endurance, and core balance conditioning. 🏄🏽‍♂️ The Quick Skim While landlocked New Yorker’s view a room full gym machines or stuffy studio classes as their primary fitness options, the true magic of stand-up paddle boarding lies in its unique ability to serve as the ultimate low-impact,multi-intensity cross-training playground right…

Best for: Environmental stewardship, history of the Hudson River, and local community-focused blogs. 🌊 The Quick Skim While lingering 1960s myths cause some landlocked New Yorkers to mistakenly think of the Hudson River as an industrial wasteland, the modern reality—forged by decades of strict environmental stewardship and robust river keeping—is that these waters have quietly…

Best for: Pure fitness, training, and technique-heavy blogs targeting athletes, cyclists, and runners. 🚣🏽‍♂️ The Quick Skim Just like a high-performance automobile utilizes the exact same precision engine mechanics whether it is redlining at 8,000 RPMs in Sport Mode or purring smoothly at 1,800 RPMs in Eco-Glide, the true magic of paddling lies in a…

Best For Fitness enthusiasts looking for functional movement training Gym-goers seeking outdoor cross-training Runners and cyclists wanting low-impact conditioning Adults interested in lifelong fitness and wellness Anyone curious about the connection between movement, nature, and performance The Quick Skim For decades, New Yorkers have searched for better ways to stay fit. Some find it in…

Thinking of buying your own inflatable paddle board? Don’t take the plunge quite yet. Especially if you want a quality ride, join us on the water before you choose one. You’ll learn the technique, test different models, and discover which designs suit you. Our team was featured in New York Magazine’s The Strategist for our…

Dressing properly for paddling is all about staying warm and safe on open water. There is no need to break the bank or buy everything new—you can find almost all of this gear used on eBay for a fraction of the price! Here is your complete guide to essential clothing and our best outfit recommendations…

Paddling on the Hudson is a glorious joy, but when water temperatures drop below 60°F, proper know-how is mandatory. Here is our complete guide on how our local paddling community stays safe throughout the cold-water season. This blog is especially for independent-minded and solo paddlers who store their boats with us at the Pier 84…

After 30 years on the Hudson, I’ve learned that the best trips are won 48 hours before the start. This is the MKC guide to professional preparation and leadership. Prepare Yourself and Your Group Plan around the least experienced person. Don’t shape your trip around yourself if there are others. Instead, ask: • Who is…

Don’t let cotton underwear ruin your day. After 30 years on the Hudson, we’ve seen every outfit imaginable. Here is the ‘Pro-Kit’ list we’ve refined since 1995 to keep you dry and happy. If you’re dressed right, you’ll stay dry, warm, and enjoy your time on the water. Wear a Life Jacket We provide life…

Flow State: Timeless Transcendence On The Water. I’ve paddled my whole life in wonderful places throughout the world. This includes halfway around Australia, Alaska, Patagonia, The Galapagos Islands, British Virgin Islands, San Juan Islands, Scotland, Maine, SF Bay, Florida Keys, Bahamas, Kauai, Costa Rica, Brittany, Bavaria. Then, there are the thousands of miles in the…

When I founded Manhattan Kayak, I was a purist. I believed the only way to truly experience the Hudson was in a sleek, sit-in kayak that hugged the body like a ski boot—making the boat an extension of my nervous system. To me, the efficiency of a two-bladed paddle was objectively superior to its single-bladed…

Which One Should You Choose: Kayak or SUP? If you’re brand new to paddling and conflicted about which paddling discipline to learn, I’m here to help. As founder of Manhattan Kayak Co, I have a lot to share on this topic. First, for fitness: In both kayaking and SUP, learn to use your whole body…