Public Kayak & Paddleboard Rental Program 🟢

Experience the Hudson in the sheltered, calm cove by the Intrepid. Whether you’re a first-timer, a family with kids, or bringing your dog, this low-cost public program is the safest way to get on the water in NYC.

What’s Included

The MKC Professional Standard

Unlike free public programs, your $12 rental includes:

🎓 The Micro-Lesson: A 5-minute land lesson from our professional staff before you launch.

💦 More Water Time: 45 minutes of paddling (over double the time of free programs).

🚿 Full Amenities: Use of our indoor lockers, changing rooms, restrooms, and outdoor showers.

🐕 Safety Gear: Coast Guard-approved life jackets for adults, kids, and dogs.

Try your teamwork in a tandem kayak!

Pro Tips for a Great Visit

1. You WILL Get Wet

Paddling is a water sport. Your seat and legs will get wet

• Bring: A full change of clothes and a towel.
• Wear: Gym clothes or swimsuits. Avoid cotton or denim.
• Shoes: Sandals with straps or water shoes (no flip-flops or bare feet).
• Unlike other public programs, we provide all renters with full access to our indoor lockers, private changing rooms, restrooms, and an outdoor rinse station to wash away the salt after your session.

2. Choosing Your Boat

• Tandem Kayak (2 People): Great for agreeable pairs. The stronger person sits in the back to steer.
• Single Kayak: Best for those who want an independent experience.
• Paddleboard (SUP): One person can sit, kneel, or stand. Our boards are wide and stable.

3. Family & Dogs

• Kids 3–5: Ride for free on an adult’s lap or between two adults in a tandem.
• Dogs: Must be on-leash and vaccinated. We provide dog life jackets. Max combined weight of dog + owner: 250lbs.

Sit or stand on a paddleboard. Kids and dog join too.

FAQs

Do I need to know how to swim?

No swimming needed. These kayaks are as stable as a couch. Flipping over happens when you deliberately rock the boat hard. The life jacket does 100% of the work.

Is the water clean?

Yes. The Hudson is a living, flushing river. We test the water weekly and only operate when it is safe and swimmable. We provide an outdoor rinse station to wash away the salt after your session.

Can I just walk up?

We accept walk-ups if space allows, but we highly recommend reserving online. On nice days, wait times for walk-ups can exceed an hour.