The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26

The paddling takes place in the protected Hudson River embayment north of Pier 26. You will get wet below the waist, so dress accordingly. They supply the life jackets and necessary gear, along with lockers, but you need to bring your own towel as there are no showers.

All participants must know how to swim. Paddlers aged 12 or younger need to share a double kayak with an adult, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 can head out on their own.

The setup is highly organized, though windy days can bring rough waves, and the sign-up lines sometimes close early when demand is high.