Places and schedules for kayaking:
Pier 40: Far East Houston Street on the Hudson River, Manhattan
Weekends and Holidays (from May 19th)
From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Pier 96: Clinton Cove Park, Westside Highway and 56th St, Manhattan
Weekends and holidays (from May 19th)
From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
72th Street: Riverside Park and 72 St.
Weekends and holidays (from May 19th)
From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Red Hook Boaters: Louis Valentino Jr. Beach Pier Park, Coffey and Ferris St, Red Hook.
From 1:00 a 5:00 pm (from May 27th)
Thursdays night from 6:00 to 8:00 pm (from June 28th)
Between June and mid-October is possible to do some free kayaking on the Hudson River, through an NGO called The Downtown Boathouse who wants to help new yorkers and its tourists to enjoy this program. This NGO works primarily at Piers 40, 96 and 72th Street. But you can also found them in Central Park and Dumbo (Brooklyn).
At the east edge of Houston Street on the Hudson River, take the Metro to get to Houston Street 1/9 A, C, or E to Canal St and walk east to the river and 5 blocks north over esplanade. Pier 96 has good views of the city, with a cute little park where you can rest after exercise. On 72th street, there is less crowded than other places, and another park next to the river to rest. The dock is located on the walkway next to the water in Riverside Park, almost on 72th street; Climbing the stairs of 72nd Street to the park and follow the path that leads to the river.
Our advice:
If you include this activity in your visit to New York, you just have to have a lock and clothing, in each of the piers you would find a locker, where you can change and store your stuff while touring the Hudson River.
Do not forget your bathing suit or comfortable clothes, shoes that can get wet, and some clothes that you can change later. Some sites have lockers, but you need to bring your own padlock.
Kayak use is limited to 30 minutes, but if no one is waiting, the ride can be extended.
You don’t have to be an expert, in several places classes are offer for free, if you are interested.
