Kayaking New York City Waterways

Can you kayak in New York City? Well, yes, yes you can. And with a name like Brooklyn Kayak Company, you can imagine we know a thing or two about paddling those waters. In an urban jungle of concrete, skyscrapers, traffic, and lights, getting out on the waterways that made New York what it is can open your eyes to the city in a new way. 

And in recent years there are more and more ways to embrace the water this world famous city has to offer. 

History of New York City Waterways

Like many iconic cities, NYC would not be what it is without water. From its original native residents to its Dutch colonizers to its modern urbanites, New York City has thrived on the water. 

• Native paddlers: When the Dutch first arrived in “New Amsterdam” 400 years ago, they were met by Lenape, Shinnecock, and other Algonquin tribes who had already made it a crossroads of trade and commerce. 
• Industrial: As one of the world’s deepest, largest, freshwater harbors, the nexus of the Hudson and East rivers provided the perfect spot for commercial trade. The safe and convenient haven was the impetus for the growth of one of the world’s wealthiest, most powerful, and multicultural cities. Manhattan Island itself was once so surrounded by docks and piers that it resembled a porcupine.
• Modern: As most commercial trade moved to New Jersey, NYC’s waterfronts suffered a setback with many docks falling into disrepair. However, recent movements to reclaim the waterfront have produced lovely spots for modern day paddlers.

Places to Kayak Around New York City

Getting out on the waters of New York City has never been easier. There are so many options for kayakers. If you have your own equipment, you can put-in at any number of piers. A fifteen dollar fee is needed for a launch permit and then you can enjoy the waters. Alternatively, you can rent your equipment at locations throughout the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary.

However, there are also a number of options for those just getting their toes wet with kayaking and want some more support. 

If you want to connect with experts, check out a guided tour with an expert who can safely navigate the waterways and offer an educational kayak adventure as you get to know the city in a new way. It is always fun to connect with fellow kayaking enthusiasts. 

If you want to enjoy the city views and get out on the water for a short jaunt, check out these free options for giving kayaking a try. Many NYC parks from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, to Staten Island offer free, first-come-first-serve (or reservation) opportunities throughout the summer season.

• Downtown Boathouse: The world’s largest free kayaking program, this Manhattan based pier lets you kayak around the pier for 20 min. 
• Manhattan Community Boathouse: This boathouse along the Hudson allows you 20 min for free kayaking. 
• Brooklyn Bridge Park: In the shadow of the iconic Brooklyn bridge, you can enjoy free paddling in a protected embayment area.
• North Brooklyn Community Boathouse: On selected dates throughout the summer, you can paddle free at this boathouse. 
• Kayak Staten Island: Staten Island offers the public free walk-up kayaking throughout the summer months at their location on Page Ave.
• Long Island City Community Boathouse: On select weekends in the summer, you and your family can take advantage of free paddling in the sheltered waters of Hallets Cove in Long Island.

Unique Tips for Kayaking New York City Waterways

When kayaking in NYC, there are some unique challenges that paddlers should be aware of. While you should always take standard kayaking tips into account, here are a few things to keep in mind while plying New York City specifically. 

• Launch permit: If you plan to use kayak launches from NYC city parks, you will need to apply and pay for a $15 permit. They can be obtained by mail or in person at any of the parks departments. 
• Water temperature & weather: Kayaking in New York City means being mindful of the weather. Even with today’s state-of-the-art forecasting, things can still spring up. Wind can play a major role in kayaking emergencies. It is a huge factor in harbor paddling and 15 mph can become very challenging, even for experienced paddlers. Remember also, that water temperatures can lag behind air temperatures, especially in the spring as the air warms faster than the water. Always be “mishap” ready and plan to get wet. 
• Tides and tidal currents: This is perhaps the most complicated aspect of kayaking in the waters around New York City. Because of the three-way connection between the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and Hudson River, these are very active waters. In addition, the East River and the Hudson River around Manhattan are subject to powerful tidal events. Hell Gate on the East River and areas on the Hudson can reach 3-5 knots. These can provide liquid conveyor belts (if you are heading in the right direction) or impossible challenges (if you are headed in the opposite direction). You can think of it as water sloshing in a bathtub and you need to catch the right slosh going in the right direction. While there are charts that can help, you must also be aware the winds and heavy upstream runoff can all affect these predictions. If you are planning to circumnavigate Manhattan, it might be wise to go with a group or hire a guide for your first time kayaking.  
• Commercial Traffic: Another unique challenge to kayaking New York City waterways is the amount of traffic you will need to accommodate. The ports of New York & New Jersey are the biggest on the East Coast. While much of the traffic is kept to the New Jersey side, there is still plenty of action around New York City. Tugs, barges, and ferries all make these waters home and you should know how to navigate as a human-powered vessel on this busy highway. Make yourself as visible as possible, stay out of the middle of the channel, give plenty of leeway to large vessels who can’t maneuver to change course quickly, and use a map to see how the harbor works. 
• Navigational Hazards: There are a few other things to be aware of while kayaking in NYC waters. First, there are a number of below-water hazards, particularly dilapidated piers, pilings, and discarded junk. Keep your eyes peeled for underwater problems. Also, there are security zones around certain areas (marked with white buoys). Liberty and Ellis Island have a 150 yard zone and the United Nations has a 180 yard zone. The air & water ports also have security zones. The Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service New York User’s Manual offers a full list. 
• Communication: Make sure you leave a float plan with someone on shore. Also, know your options for calling for help. On a marine radio, you can use channel 13 to monitor traffic and channel 16 to call for help. Cellphone calls to 911, a whistle, a horn, or even a shout can also get attention in the case of need. Marine units of the fire and police department are well-trained and just minutes away. They are quick to respond and seldom judgemental if things turn out to not be so serious. It is always better safe than sorry.

Kayaking is a great way to get a new perspective on New York City. Take in the clubs, lights, food, sites, and hustle, then slip into a kayak for a totally different view of this amazing urban center.