Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Meanwhile, all renters stay in the protected cove between the Pier 84 Boathouse and the Intrepid. Online reservations are required. To paddle out of the cove, join our scenic guided river tours.

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. If you have a strong 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.

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.

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+.

We are open to the public. No membership is needed. Meanwhile, people who graduate from our Basics Class Series are eligible for memberships.

• 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

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.

We watch the this weather page and will email or call you at least 2 hours before your outing if there’s a weather cancellation. Light rain can be fun (this is a water sport after all) but downpours, lightning or 15+ mph winds can be dangerous. We’ll offer you a full refund or reschedule. If you arrive and feel that the weather is not suitable, we will reschedule or refund you at no penalty.

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.

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.

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.