The Urban Magic Carpet: From Folding Kayaks to the Vertical City

The Vertical City and the Stand-Up Paddleboard!

Cities make me feel like a child when I do go–whether it is New York, Bangkok or Rome–I wander around in a daze, my senses indulging in the constant stimulation, my neck craned skyward… –Will Taylor, editor of SUP The Mag

This reminded me of how I felt in NYC to work at my dad’s kayak shop on Union Square after I graduated from the University of Colorado. I would come home with him to the suburbs of New Jersey feeling dizzy. In those days, the 1980’s, we often sold the famous Klepper Folding Kayaks to people who wanted to escape to the wilderness far from the city. Most NYC transplants ignored the water. However, a few gritty city stalwarts used their boats to explore all five boroughs and form clubs with dozens of people to do the same. They were the pioneers who set the stage for a time when access and paddling opportunity came into its own. They had the need to find “wilderness”  just blocks from where they lived.
Paddling is better than Prozac prescriptions! Fresh air, water, exercise, and sunshine.

Warp Speed HIIT with a Green and Blue Lining

In the 30 years that have passed running MKC, I witnessed both the mind boggling growth of NYC’s skyline and the incredible increase of paddling opportunity. Launching areas grew from a handful of legal launch sites to over 40 within the 5 boroughs. From 1 boathouse to 5 in Manhattan alone. We see the widespread proliferation of bicycles along the Hudson River Greenway, making for a glorious waterfront experience almost around the whole perimeter of Manhattan. Pedaling and paddling have never been better in NYC.

Paddleboards: A Great Urban Paddling Craft

In 2009, I saw it coming. I was by no means the first but I believed that stand-up paddleboards could add a new dimension to NYC paddling and it did. For one, you stand on it, giving a new view from the usual seated perspective. Then, catching even a 3-foot wave on an SUP feels awesome, after all, modern SUPs were popularized by big wave surfers who picked up paddles to get around.

Moreover, I quickly realized that there are high-quality portable SUPs that inflate in less than 5 minutes, fit in a sturdy backpack with a 3-piece paddle, and weigh less than 30 pounds. This could be an urban paddler’s magic carpet ride. There are quality inflatable SUPs made by SIC, RED, amd Starboard. Their performance is excellent. Read my blog in inflatable paddleboards here. But watch out for the 5-star stuff on Amazon.

The Big Reveal: Boards are cooler than I thought

Manhattan Kayak’s very own dynamic duo, Julieta Gismondi and Louanne Harris (aka-Atlantic Super Girls) completed a 1,400 mile, self contained, self supported expedition from NYC to Miami – more info here. They brought their camping, cooking, and multi-season gear with them.

This journey and other long distance SUP journeys prove the SUP’s worthiness for expeditions and adventures. In addition, these boards facilitate platform activities such as swimming, fishing, and yoga. My best memories are snokeling off a board, wearing an ankle leash to keep it alongside me over long distances. SUPs are as happy on a large pond as they are rivers, lakes, bays, and the ocean.

Finally, with modern advances in wetsuits, dry suits, booties and gloves, stand-up paddleboarding is an all-season activity. Try SUP. It’s a great compliment to seated paddling like kayaking and canoeing, and leads to health, balance, and fun.

Ready to try your own magic carpet ride? Do you have the skills? Join us for a Basics SUP class.

– Eric Stiller