Welcome to Our School
For 30 years, our DNA has been rooted in professional coaching for everyone from first-timers to world-class athletes.
- Gain proficiency in the sport through active, hands-on training designed to take you beyond the cove and onto navigable waters.
- Classes run May 1 – Oct 31 with Basics every weekend, Private lessons daily, and Intermediate trainings bi-weekly.
- Just bring yourself and water-friendly clothes; we handle the outfitting and the expertise.
- Full boathouse access is included: use our indoor lockers, changing rooms, restrooms, and indoor bike racks. After your session, use our outdoor rinse station and decompress on the waterfront patio.
Skill Key:
🟢 Beginner – No experience or swimming skills needed. Uses sea kayaks and paddleboards.
🟦 Intermediate+ – You’ve completed Classes 1–2–3 or passed our screening.
Quick Jump to Class
Navigation Training • Paddleboard Basics • Private Lessons • Rescues Training • Sea Kayak Basics • Speed Training
🟢 Foundational Classes
We use a Stability First teaching philosophy.
You’ll start on professional touring gear that allows your body to relax and master full-body connection before moving to narrower, high-performance vessels.
Kayak & SUP Basics (1, 2, 3): Master efficient strokes, precision control, and essential self-rescue techniques with a senior instructor.
Pro-Tip: Complete all three sessions within a 30-day window for the best results and technique retention.
Private Lessons and FastTrack: The fastest way to learn on your own schedule. Perfect for mastering specific techniques or preparing for an upcoming adventure.
Start Your Journey
🟦 Intermediate & Advanced Training
We use an Efficiency First training philosophy.
After completing the Basics curriculum, paddlers train to move through the water with the least amount of wasted effort. These sessions help paddlers maintain a high level of competency with continuous, professional skill sharpening.
Speed Training: Join our sunset “power hour” every Wednesday. Train with a consistent cohort for a high-intensity workout and technical intervals in the Pier 84 cove.
Rescue Intensive: Essential for anyone planning to paddle in the wilderness or open ocean, or who has not done a wet-exit this season. Master T-rescues, tow lines, and kayak-to-paddleboard recoveries in bumpy water.
Navigation & Safety (Online): Maximize your efficiency on the water by mastering the art of planning ahead on land. Learn tidal current math, VHF radio protocols, and NYC-specific risk identification before planning a long-distance crossing.
Important: Participant Requirements
To ensure safety, all students must meet these baseline standards:
Physicality: You must be comfortable performing 10 push-ups and 10 squats.
Weight: We have a 225lb limit per person for classes.
Age: All class participants must be 18+.
Still not sure which class is right for you?
Text or call us at 212-924-1788, email us at [email protected], or ask here.
4.9 ★ From Locals & Visitors
600+ Glowing Google Reviews
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and they want you to have a great experience on the water. Whether you're a total newbie or an expert paddler, they support you at the right level. (More...)
They have something for everyone—practice sessions in the protected cove, short jaunts up and down the river, longer trips across the river to Jersey, and more. And there is nothing like being on the Hudson, open skies above you as the light reflects off the Manhattan skyline. It's an amazing adventure (and a pretty good workout to boot!)
First of all, I don't know how to swim. So the whole experience being on the water in a small kayak was terrifying for me. But I gave it a try. Now I feel confident and having so much fun! It’s truly a life-changing experience! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable (More...)
and they want you to have a great experience on the water. Whether you're a total newbie or an expert paddler, they support you at the right level. The team is very knowledgeable and patient. They help you to build this skill step by step. Very supportive and atmosphere! You are the best!
I’ve taken Classes 1 and 2 there so far and am really impressed. The teachers absolutely know what they’re doing and make sure that students learn techniques correctly. They’re attentive, yet foster independence in students. (More...)
Going out on open water in a small boat is something that should be taken very seriously and that’s exactly how they approach it. Kayaking is pretty challenging but learning from dedicated educated instructors makes it that much easier.
My wife and I greatly enjoyed our rentals at Manhattan Kayak. Making an online reservation was quick, easy, and super affordable. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and very kind to our two dogs. The equipment was top level and the cove was amazing. (More...)
We cannot wait to go back and make this a regular family summer activity. They are very dog friendly which is always a plus!
MKC is an outstanding company and I would give them 10 stars if I could. They went out of their way to accommodate me on short notice and I am so grateful for the experience. Paddle boarding is my favorite hobby, so when it turned out that I would have a free afternoon (More...)
while on a work trip to NYC, I naturally looked at possibility of paddle boarding. Most places are closed for the season or were too far to be reasonable for me to get to via public transit so it didn’t look like it would work out. But I reached out and they made it happen! They set me up with a private guide Robyn who made me feel comfortable and safe. The location is spectacular, right on the Hudson with unbeatable views of Manhattan. Without a doubt, this paddle boarding excursion was the biggest highlight of my trip!
I taught myself stand up paddle boarding by doing it on vacations. But I decided I love stand SUP enough that I wanted to learn good form. Now realize how much I've just been muscling through it. I took the classes and it's been enlightening.(More...)
The instructors are awesome. A special shout out to Judy whose great at breaking down the mechanics and videotaped me to showed me what I needed help with.
Definitely worth it! This was my first time kayaking and I had the time of my life. It was well organized and we had guides that helped us throughout the trip. They explained everything to us and even took pictures of us. (More...)
My experience was amazing and I'm definitely going kayaking with them again.
I’m usually pretty scared of going outside and on the water, but the friendly staff at Manhattan Kayak made me my experience great! The cove between the Intrepid and Manhattan Kayak is a great place to get out on the water while feeling safe and secure!
– Gus M.
My first beginner class was yesterday and it was a wonderful experience. Instructor Jay was patient, detailed, experienced and absolutely not pushy or hurried. Every personnel involved was friendly and relaxed. The boathouse is comfortable and clean. (More...)
A mini New England feel in the middle of NYC. Would absolutely recommend a try.
I love this place! It is so well run and inviting that you can focus on the pleasure or adventure of your experience on the water and know that you are in good hands. You can be a recreational kayaker / SUPer in protected waters or go for more adventurous tours after classes. (More...)
I decided to do the classes this past summer after being an on-and-off recreational kayaker here for a few years. After the kayak / SUP class series, I went on guided group paddles in the Hudson with their encouraging and helpful staffers and have recently learned how to cold-water kayak safely and go on longer, more physically challenging group trips. Just an amazing activity with a great group. Highly recommend!