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No experience needed. We’ll teach you everything you need to know on land before you launch. You’ll wear a life jacket, and our guides are closeby while you’re on the water.

Swimming is not needed for kayaking or paddleboarding. Everyone wears a life jacket that is rigorously tested by the U.S. Coast Guard to keep your head above water even if you are at rest. If you have a fear of being immersed in water, start with our easy 45-minute rentals that use stable sit-on-top kayaks at Pier 84, take private classes for 100% dedicated attention, or avoid activities where capsizing is expected like paddleboarding classes or sea kayaking rescues.

You’re always welcome on beginner activities. To join intermediate, advanced, or expert trips, we require prior sea kayak or paddleboard experience, which we assess through a short screening form. Casual experience with sit-on-top kayaks usually isn’t enough. If you’d like to take our classes, they’re designed to build skills step by step, so everyone starts with Class 1, even if you’ve paddled before.

Yes, we require reservations for all activities. This website makes it quick and easy. To see everything we offer, explore our calendar page.

Yes, check out our Private River Trips. The summer schedule fills up so book online well ahead.

Rentals float in a calm, supervised cove along the Hudson by the Intrepid. No NYC outfitters permit renters to roam alone beyond the cove–the wide-open river requires local expertise or guides.

River Trips leave the cove with professional guides to explore all around NYC. First timers, join our easy skyline kayak trip.

Craving more distance or speed? Start with our 3-class intro series to gain skills that take you from beginner to a solid intermediate, then join trips from 5–35 miles to explore NYC and learn the rhythms of the river.

If you’re visiting with strong experience, use our screening form to drop into longer trips.

Essential:

• Quick drying gym clothing or swimsuit
• Complete change of clothes. Splash happens!
• A standard gym lock to lock your belongings in our lockers, or rent a lock
• Water-friendly shoes or old sneakers, not flip flops

Nice To Have:

• Waterproof case or Ziploc bag for your phone, or rent a phone case
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Energy snack

You can arrive at the start time shown on your confirmation email. Arriving 10 minutes early is a good choice to have time to check in, change, and take a breath before starting. If you’re late, you may miss the safety briefing and won’t be able to join.

We closely watch forecasts and email you at least 2 hours before your activity if we see bad weather. Activities run in light rain, but not during showers or storms. If you fear sprinkles, cancel 72+ hours ahead. We borrow rain jackets too.

When we decide to cancel due to weather, we’ll reschedule or refund you. If you arrive and feel unsafe for any reason, we’ll reschedule or refund you. Otherwise, we do not allow rescheduling or canceling within 72 hours of the activity.

72+ Hours Before Your Activity: Cancel or rescheduling via your confirmation email or, if you used a code, contact us. No refunds.
Under 72 Hours: No refunds, credits, or reschedules. Includes late arrivals and no-shows.
If we cancel due to unsafe weather, we’ll notify you at least 2 hours ahead and reschedule or refund you.