Know This.
We examine these factors before trips. We teach novices to understand them in Basics 4. Trained paddlers learn about them through real experiences.
- Currents and Moon: Go at Slack for short trips or ride the Ebb south and Flood north. Full and new moon cause stronger currents.
- Wind and Gusts: Know your wind tolerance. Novices avoid 15+ mph sustained wind and 20+ mph gusts. Watch for white caps.
- Air Temp: Prep hydration and insulation. Above 90F, pack water with electrolytes and take dips. Below 70F and near sunset, have layers on-hand.
- Water Temp: Dress for immersion. From 50-60F, wear a drysuit or wetsuit. Under 50F, paddle with a buddy and wear a drysuit.
- Rain and Thunder: Avoid thunder and lightning within 10 miles. Closely watch the real movement and changes in weather systems.
TIDES at the Battery
High tide is blue / Low tide is red
SURFACE CURRENTS at Boathouse
| Tide at Battery | Knots at Pier 84 |
| High tide | 1.9↑Flood |
| H+1 | 1.7↑Flood |
| H+2 | 0.9↑Flood |
| H+3 | 0.1↓Slack |
| H+4 | 1.3↓Ebb |
| H+5 | 2.2↓Ebb |
| Low tide | 2.8↓Ebb |
| L+1 | 2.6↓Ebb |
| L+2 | 1.9↓Ebb |
| L+3 | 1.0↓Ebb |
| L+4 | 0.3↑Slack |
| L+5 | 1.3↑Flood |
