How to Paddle in Cool Water
The “Sober” Guide to Cold Water.
Cold water paddling is a glorious joy, but it requires respect. When the Hudson is under 60°F, your margin for error shrinks. Here is how we stay safe and “Blue Minded” during the shoulder seasons.
What To Wear After Summer
If the water is under 60°F, we don’t wear street clothes—wetsuits or drysuits are mandatory. Read our blog on what to wear.
Know The Water Temperature
Shorter daylight hours and cooler temps mean a higher risk of Hypothermia and Cold Shock. Firstly, use the water temperature to determine what to wear. Then, consult our Weather and Tides page. Paddlers are much more vulnerable to weather than other vessels. Read more about how wind speed affects your paddling. Strong wind makes bigger waves that can lead to capsizing. Wind can turn a 1-hour trip into 2 hours or more.
Know the Tide Cycle at Pier 84
Those of you who paddle the Hudson know the tidal currents are the real boss. Always plan for favorable currents. Ride the flood to go North and the ebb to go South.
- High Tide at The Battery: Full-strength flood at Pier 84.
- 2.5 hrs after High Tide: Slack water (the “turn”).
- 6 hrs after High Tide: Low tide and full-strength ebb at Pier 84.
Communicate With Other Boats
If you’re paddling without a guide, bring a fully charged VHF marine radio and whistle, signaling device, your phone in a waterproof case, and a charged waterproof headlamp or white light. Use Channel 13 to talk to commercial traffic and Channel 16 for the US Coast Guard. The product protection plan on this West Marine radio is worth it!
Stay Hydrated
For a short paddle, bring a quart of water and easy-to-open energy bars. Be mindful of over hydrating – jumping out to pee is not an option in cold water. Much can be said for a good “relief” zipper on your drysuit.
Know Rescues and Tows
Be able to self-rescue, tow your friends, and be paddle fit. Kayakers: be able to get in and out of your kayak alone using a paddle float, pump out the kayak while wearing a spray skirt, and put on your spray skirt quickly solo. Bring a tow rope, especially if there are paddle boarders with you. We heartily recommend yoga and pilates to bring the extra flexibility in the cold weather.
Paddle With A Partner
It’s best that you join our weekend groups whether you own your boat or not. The après paddle pow-wow’s with a warm mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or matcha with a shared sense of adventure are a reward on their own. But, if you must paddle at a different time, then we heartily recommend going with a prepared buddy. Two is better than one, and three is even better.
For Soloists
If you must go solo, use top quality gear and your own sea-worthy vessel. Go when there’s low wind and stick to short distances. Prepare your float plan ahead and be confident that you can execute a self-rescue. If you can’t do this, never go alone.