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Activities run rain or shine. Paddling is a water sport! If you dislike rain, cancel 72+ hours ahead. We borrow rain jackets to those who need them. We closely watch professional hourly radar and forecasts.
For thunder or unsafe weather, we email you at least 2 hours before the activity. When we decide to cancel, we rebook or refund you. If a participant arrives and feels unsafe for any reason, we’ll reschedule or refund them. Outside of this, we do not allow rescheduling or canceling within 72 hours of the activity.
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72+ hours before the activity: Use the link in your confirmation email to rebook or cancel for credit. No refunds. If you used a code or gift credit to pay, contact us.
0-72 hours before the activity: No refunds or rebooks including for latecomers and no-shows. Activities run rain or shine. For thunder or unsafe weather, we email you at least 2 hours before the activity. When we decide to cancel, we rebook or refund you.
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Swimming is not needed for kayaking or paddle boarding. To stay safe, wear a life jacket at all times and never exceed the weight limit per person. Life jackets keep your head above water even if you are at rest. If you have a fear of being immersed in water, do Novice activities that use stable sit-on-top kayaks, or take private classes, or avoid activities where capsizing is expected like paddle boarding, sea kayaking rescues, or white water kayaking.
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All renters stay in the protected cove between the Pier 84 Boathouse and the Intrepid. Rentals are for 45 minutes and you can book multiple sessions in a row. Online reservations are required. To paddle out of the cove, join our scenic guided river tours. There are no outfitters in NYC that rent kayaks to go unsupervised into NYC’s complicated waterways.
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- Water-friendly clothing, e.g. swimsuit, spandex, synthetic, Dri-Fit. No cotton or jeans because they get heavy when wet!
- Your seat may get soaked so bring a change of your bottoms
- A standard gym lock for the lockers. We don’t borrow locks
- Water-friendly soles and not flip flops
- Waterproof case or Ziploc bag for your phone
- Sunscreen and sun hat
- Reusable water bottle
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Most sit-on-top kayaks have a weight limit of about 300 lb, but in real water with waves, a person of 225-250 lb will feel unstable and may tip over. Thus, we have a per person weight limit of 250 lb for cove activities and 225 lb for river activities. If a person who is over that weight capsizes, our staff will be challenged to lift them back into the boat in an emergency.
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Yes! We host Outings for Kids for groups of 10 or more. Rentals in the Cove are open to kids of ages 3+. Novice River Tours are open to ages 12+. Private Tours are open to kids 7+. Basics Classes are open to ages 15+. Intermediate-Expert Tours are open to ages 18+.
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We are open to the public. No membership is needed. Meanwhile, people who graduate from our Basics Class Series are eligible for memberships.
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Maybe. First, please tell us about your experience in this screening form. For Intermediate, Advanced and Expert tours, we allow paddlers who are adept enough to stay with – and not slow down – the rest of the group. To transform regular people into paddling experts, we teach Basics Classes and offer frequent trips of varying difficulties from 2 miles to 33 miles.
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Yes! Most dogs are surprisingly relaxed on kayaks and boards with their owner. In case your dog dislikes the experience, simply go back to the dock and we refund you.
Dogs can join Friday’s Dog Paddle for a dog-specific lesson and rental. Also, dogs can join Rentals in the Cove from Thursday-Sunday but there is no dog-specific lesson. Owners can take private classes with their dogs. Dogs cannot join river tours. We have many sizes of dog life jackets and welcome you to come try them, or bring your own dog life jacket.
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Yes, paddling is fun for ages 2 and up! Younger kids enjoy our activities for Schools, Camps, Scouts & Parties. Adults enjoy our Private River Tours. The summer schedule fills up so book online well ahead.
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The Google maps address is 555 12th Ave. New York, NY 10019. We are at the Pier 84 in the Hudson River Park. This is in Midtown Manhattan near West 43rd St and 12th Ave. After you cross 12th Ave, look toward the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. Walk out onto Pier 84 and go beyond the dog park. You will see the boathouse halfway out on Pier 84.
To get here:
(1) Citibike on the Hudson Greenway to the Ferry Terminal at West 40th St and 12th Avenue, dock the bike, then walk 5 minutes north.
(2) Ride your own bike here and leave it inside on the boathouse racks.
(3) Drive to West 43rd Street and 12th Avenue and get dropped off.
(4) Walk northwest from the Times Square or Hudson Yards subways.
Do you need help?
Please webchat, text, or email us.
We’ll respond as soon as we can!