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Kayaking for Free in NYC

By Posted in - General News on August 1st, 2014 kayaking_nyc_vladimir_brezina

It’s not too late to experience free kayaking this summer

Throughout the summer boathouses and community groups across the city open their doors to the public for open kayaking and guided trips on New York’s waterways. From Staten Island to the Bronx, options abound for the aspiring kayaker. So take a look at the paddling options below and set aside some time to explore. We promise it’ll make your summer. For the full list of locations, follow this link to our NYC Free Kayaking Guide. 

Photo Credit: Vladimir Brezina

LIC Community Boathouse

With the expressed goal of helping to revitalize the Long Island City waterfront, the LIC Community Boathouse is raising awareness about the ecology of the area through paddling and community programing. And while their sunset paddles might not have a particular educational focus, it’s not everyday you can witness the sun setting behind the city while sitting inches above the waterline. If interested in free walk-up kayaking, visit their Hallets Cove location from the beach at 31st Street and Vernon Avenue on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season. If looking for a bit more adventure, sign up for one of their Trip Paddles, which run on varied dates throughout the season. Check out their full schedule of events at licboathouse.org.

Red Hook Boaters

Taking advantage of the area’s protected harbors and undulating coastline, the Red Hook Boaters offer new paddlers an experience that is as safe as it is rewarding. From their home at Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park in Red Hook, the group offers free walk-up kayaking beginning June 1st. They also offer a number of special events throughout the summer on Thursdays and weekends. While the 20-minute paddle sessions are offered gratis, Red Hook Boaters ask that you help with a bit of beach clean-up afterward. Their full schedule of events is available at redhookboaters.org.

Kayak Staten Island

At their prime location on South Beach, just beyond the northernmost end of the expansive Boardwalk, Kayak Staten Island is the perfect place for free kayaking on Staten Island. During the summer this area is a popular destination for beach goers, so if you’re hoping to borrow a boat expect a short wait. Kayak Staten Island operates on alternating Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3pm throughout the summer. For their full schedule visit kayakstatenisland.org.

The Gowanus Dredgers

Equal parts advocacy and outing group, The Gowanus Dredgers have spearheaded many projects aimed at making the NYC waterfront safer and more accessible. From their launch site on 2nd Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn the group has introduced hundreds of paddlers to canoeing and kayaking during their open Estuary Stewardship Days on select Saturdays and Sundays from May 1st through November 1st. And, if you’re looking to learn more about clean up efforts in the Gowanus Canal, their website offers a wealth of information. To learn more, visit gowanuscanal.org.

North Brooklyn Boat Club

From their convenient location on Newtown Creek between Ash Street and McGuinness Boulevard, the North Brooklyn Boat Club offers a expansive series of events, workshops, open paddles and educational programing throughout the season. And, if you’re interested in learning how to build or rebuild canoes and kayaks, you’ll definitely be interested in checking out their ongoing restoration projects on select days throughout the summer. Open paddles and kayaking take place on varied Saturdays. To learn more, visit northbrooklynboatclub.org.

For the full list of free kayaking locations, follow this link to our NYC Free Kayaking Guide.


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