Free Kayaking in Manhattan!

Kayaking might not be the first activity you think of when planning a trip to New York City, but it will definitely give you a perspective of the city that many people do not get to see. The New York City Downtown Boathouse is a nonprofit organization that offers free water activities to the public to promote safe public use of the waterways.

The most popular program the Boathouse offers is Kayaking. People can borrow a kayak for 20 minutes and paddle out into the protected embayment in front of the boathouse. You are not required to have any kayaking experience; you just must be able to swim. While 20 minutes is not very long, it still gives you an opportunity to look at the city in a new way. Staying in the embayment is nice because it keeps you out of the strong currents of the river, which is great if you are a beginner kayaker.

Kayaking is offered on weekends and holidays from 9AM to 6PM (and many weekday evenings at 5-7PM) from mid-May to mid-October. You will probably want to bring a bathing suit or clothes you feel comfortable getting wet. There are locker rooms where you can change and store personal belongings. When the weather is nice, lines can become long on weekends so you may want to arrive early to avoid having to wait much.

There are three places in the city where you can do this. The Pier 96 Boathouse is located in the Clinton Cove Park on the Westside Highway and 56th Street. Pier 40 is at the West end of Houston Street. In Riverside Park, there is a dock attached to the promenade near 72^nd street.

Each Wednesday at Pier 96 there are informational kayaking classes on topics such as stroking or turning. You will get an opportunity to practice the skills you have learned in the water.

While many people are not aware this opportunity exists, it is a great way to explore the city from the water. I went on a Sunday morning around 11AM and only had to wait about 20 minutes for my turn. Even though I have been kayaking many times before, the volunteers were knowledgeable and gave me a few tips before I went out. I believe a new kayaker would feel comfortable participating in this activity.

Since the Boathouse is a non-profit program, you may want to consider volunteering some of your time or donating some money to the organization if you enjoy and appreciate the services they provide.