Kayaking on the Hudson River – Hudson River Recreation.
Do you want to take a look at the most unique and spectacular view of the city of New York? If yes, then you should go kayaking on the Hudson River. It’s one of the best places on earth to go around paddling on a kayak.
You’ll get to see nature’s fine artwork, and at the same time, burn all those unwanted calories as you paddle your way down the river Hudson which stretches for more than 300 miles.
Why this river?
The Hudson River is known as “America’s First River.’ It has a rich history, which is another reason why it is a hot-spot for kayakers. In this post, you’ll learn everything about kayaking in this breathtakingly beautiful river.
Can you go kayaking on the Hudson River?
- Yes. New York’s Hudson River is one of the most beautiful and exciting locations for kayak enthusiasts. You can go to any of its awesome locations and have your share of fun as you paddle your kayak through its calm waters.
Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, kayaking Hudson River will surely be a memorable one. It has one of the region’s best picturesque scenery, which makes it a great place to have a quiet afternoon with your loved ones.
Below are some of the things you should know before you head out to this magnificent river.
- If you’re a local resident in the area, and you know your way around the river, you may ignore this one. But if you’re not familiar with the locations, and you’re new to kayaking near NYC, it’s always safe to do a little bit of research before you start kayaking.
There are numerous kayaking NYC routes, and there are chances that you may fail to find your way back if you’re kayaking alone. It is not possible to memorize every major landmark, but knowing a number of locations can be very helpful.
Learn more about the best places to go kayaking Hudson River here. It is also a great idea to get a map of the river as well. Find the map of the Hudson River miles here.
- Regardless of your experience with kayaking, there are professionals who can help you brush up your skills and enhance your experience further. If you want to know more about the river, and you want to explore the important locations and learn about its history, you can always seek help from the Hudson River kayaking guide.
He or she will not only be able to share with you the historical facts about the river, but they’ll also let you know the best locations for kayaking based on what preferences you may have. For example, the guides can lead you to the best location for a quick tour, where to find the best spot for stunning views.
Where can you go kayaking NYC?
- Some of the best spots are the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Manhattan Governor’s Island
Hudson River – This magnificent river is undoubtedly one of the best kayaking locations in New York City. Simply grab one of the free kayaks from locations like the Pier 26 or Pier 96 and get away from the busy and noisy city life.
As you paddle along the river, you can take a look at the spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty, and you can also see the State Empire Building from a different angle as you travel towards Midtown.
How cool is that?
You should, however, not go into the water without a guide if you don’t have much experience with kayaks. There are lots of guides around the area who offer tours for a very reasonable price. It’s best to hire one of the guides if you want to explore deeper. They’ll also ensure that you’re safe, and not get into any sort of trouble.
Brooklyn Bridge Park (Piers 1 and 2) – This is another kayak hot-spot in the city of New York. You’ll find lots of organizations that provide free kayaking Brooklyn.
Here, anyone who is above 14 years can go kayaking alone. But children below this age must be accompanied by an adult in another boat. It’s a great place to go kayaking with children, or with your partner. However, this location is usually crowded with kayaking enthusiasts, so you’ll have to wait for your turn.
Manhattan Governor’s Island – If you’re a starter and you want to get some valuable kayaking lessons from professionals, then this place is where you need to go. You can also go paddling by yourself if you’re already an experienced kayaker.
A great thing about this place is that you’ll also be provided with a locker to keep your valuable things safe, but you’ll have to bring your own lock.
Other cool locations for kayaking near NYC are:
- Staten Island
- Midtown West
- Red Hook Brooklyn
- Dumbo Brooklyn
Do you need a permit to kayak in New York?
- No. All watercraft that does not have a motor does not need to be registered, so you don’t have to get a permit for kayaking near NYC.
However, you have to make sure that you have all the basic safety equipment before you decide to move into the waters.
Also, the rules and regulations may be slightly different from place to place. Although no one may come asking you to show the permit, there are some park departments that issue a permit for smaller watercraft like canoes and kayaks. These are usually inexpensive, so it shouldn’t be hard to get one.
As you may already know, urban waters can be pretty dangerous, especially for small boats such as kayaks. It’s one of the reasons why you may have to acquire a permit to kayak in some of the busiest waters. To be on the safe side, you should ask the locals or someone who is familiar with the rules regarding kayaking near NYC.
Can you enjoy free kayaking at Pier 26?
- Yes, you can enjoy free kayaking Pier 26.
Pier 26 is a great place to grab a paddle and go into the waters of the great Hudson River. You can have access to various kinds of kayaks from the boathouse. At Pier 26, the downtown boathouse offers free kayaking on weekends and holidays.
The presence of such an organized team in this location makes it very easy and convenient to find a kayaking spot and go paddling. Should you ever feel like going kayaking, but you feel hesitant because you don’t have an experience, feel free to talk to the people in the boathouse, they’ll help you get the best experience.
Can you kayak in Central Park?
- Absolutely. You can kayak in Central Park.
Central Park is one of the world’s most famous parks. It’s also America’s first public park, and it is amongst the most visited parks in the world. And one of the reasons why it’s so popular is because of the availability of many recreational facilities, including a kayak. It won’t be a problem at all, finding a kayaking spot in Central Park.
How much is kayaking in Central Park?
- Central Park Kayaking will cost you from $10-$15 per hour. In addition, you’ll also have to pay $4 for each extra 15 minutes. They’ll provide you with all the safety equipment. Also, you don’t have to be an expert paddler.
You’ll be taken care of by the experts. Usually, the Central Park kayaking boats are made available from 10 am till the sun goes down. Kayaks that are meant for rentals are made available on a first-come, first-served basis. You don’t have to make a reservation.
Is it safe to go kayaking on the Hudson River?
- Unless you are not wearing a PFD or drunk, kayaking in the Hudson River is pretty safe.
It’s important to know that the users of small boats like canoes and kayaks are responsible for the safety of himself/themselves and other members in the boat. It has been revealed by studies that the rate of accidents is higher in kayaks and canoes as compared to other boats.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you take at least a few weeks of kayaking lessons before you decide to venture out on an adventure of your own.
Hudson River is a very safe place where you can enjoy various water sports, including kayaking. But there are some places where the waters are crowded with numerous kayaks. Such places are not recommended if your aim is to brush up your kayaking skills. Kayaks can be pretty dangerous as it can flip over quite easily. Always wear a life jacket, and it would be wise to let a professional guide you.
Conclusion.
The Hudson River and the City of New York have some splendid landscapes. There are ample opportunities for every level of kayakers to try out their skills or hone it.
The key to safe kayaking, whether it is in the Hudson River or not, is to be responsible, dress appropriately, and never go out alone for kayaking.
