The Most Common Questions:
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Kids can come paddle. No swimming or boating experience is needed. For river trips, we welcome kids ages 12-14 who ride in double kayaks with an adult and kids ages 15-17 can ride alone. For private river trips, kids ages 7-14 ride in double kayaks with an adult and kids ages 15-17 can ride alone. For rentals in the cove, an adult must ride a double kayak with ages 3-11 and accompany ages 12-14, who can ride alone. Ages 15-17 can be unaccompanied and can join our Kayak or SUP Basics lessons. For all activities, a parent or legal guardian must sign our eWaiver for their child.
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We are completely open to the public. No membership is needed. You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board here, take lessons, or join our scenic guided trips. For those who graduate from the Kayak or Paddle Board Basics 1-4 lessons, they are eligible for memberships to get a better deal on all activities.
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- Water-friendly clothing – swimsuit, spandex, synthetic, Dri-Fit – and not cotton or jeans. Be prepared to get soaked and bring a change of your bottoms!
- Personal lock if you wish to use our lockers
- Water-friendly soles and not flip flops
- Waterproof phone case or ZipLock bag – we also sell those
- Sunscreen and sun hat
- Reusable water bottle
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The Google maps address is 555 12th Ave. New York, NY 10019. We are on Pier 84 in Midtown Manhattan near West 43rd St and 12th Ave. After you cross 12th Ave, look toward the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. Beyond the biggest trees, you will see the boathouse halfway out on Pier 84.
To get here:
(1) Citibike up or down the Hudson Greenway bike path to the Ferry Terminal at West 40th St and 12th Avenue to dock the bike, then walk 5 minutes up to the boathouse.
(2) Ride your own bike directly to the boathouse and leave it inside the boathouse.
(3) Drive to West 43rd Street and 12th Avenue and get dropped off.
(4) Walk northwest from Times Square or Hudson Yards subways.
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Yes, you can rent single and double kayaks and stand-up paddle boards here. Renters stay in the cove alongside the Intrepid. Reservations must be made online. The Intrepid protects us from wind, tidal currents, and boat traffic. The River’s tidal currents – determined by our moon – can be strong and sweep beginners away. To paddle outside of the cove, please join our scenic guided river trips.
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Possibly, please tell us more about your previous experience by doing this e-assessment form. The Hudson River is different from a calm lake or beach. Trips beyond the beginner level feature wind and current, and paddlers are expected to stay with the group. A paddler who is not yet at intermediate level can slow down the group. We love teaching to get your skills to where you want them to be. This is why we teach kayak and stand-up paddle board Basics 1-4.
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We are always watching the weather radar and will email or call you at least 2 hours before your outing if it’s going to be cancelled. We love rain (this is a water sport after all!) but lightning or 10+ mph winds can be dangerous. We’ll offer you a full refund or reschedule if this happens. If you arrive and honestly feel that the weather is not suitable for your taste, we will reschedule you at no penalty.
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Beginner lessons and trips are easy and accessible to all fitness levels. Intermediate and advanced trips require an athletic approach and you will progress to longer and longer journeys. Expert trips are challenging and thrilling, even for people who have kayaked or SUPed for many years!
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The most essential safety rule is to wear one of our lifejackets and to keep it secured while on the water. If you are renting and are not going with a guide, you will stay in the supervised cove along the Intrepid. On all river trips, there is always a river guide. Please select guided trips at your skill level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert). The guide may turn away any participant who is not fit to paddle, is intoxicated, endangers themselves, doesn’t cooperate, or separates from the group. For those who aim to learn effective techniques and join longer trips, start with the Basics 1-4 lesson series to learn safety procedures, boat control, and rescues.
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We provide all boats and equipment. Your confirmation email will list out everything else to bring. Use common sense: if the weather feels chilly, do not leave your skin exposed and use specialized water clothing made for the water. Wear a face mask and clothes that are comfortable when wet like Dri-Fit or spandex. Imagine what you’d wear jogging in light rain. Avoid cotton because it sticks to your skin like a wet rag when it’s wet. We HIGHLY recommend that you bring a change of clothes for after because your clothes might get soaked. Bring your own lock for our lockers.
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Yes, dogs can join our Summer Splash for Dogs, but can’t join lessons or trips. It’s possible to do our private kayak or paddle board lessons with your dog. We have dog lifejackets and welcome you to try them out with our staff.
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Yes, kayaking using sit-on-top kayaks is a fun accessible way to spend time with friends, family, and colleagues. We welcome groups of 5-33 people for Private Group Outings. The summer schedule fills up so book online well ahead.