New to Kayaking? Start here for answers for first-timers.

Paddling on the Hudson River is different than most people anticipate. Navigating strong tidal currents and a busy commercial waterway require the skill and oversight of New York Kayak Company's certified instructors. Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you don't find your answer here, feel free to contact us.

How much does it cost?
Do you rent kayaks or stand up boards?
How is this different than the free kayaking?
When can I start going on trips?
Is it dangerous?
How long does it take to learn?
When is kayaking season?
What if I’m out of shape?
Is the water clean?
Do I have to get wet?
What happens if I fall in?
What if I want to go on a trip that isn’t on the schedule?
Why are the same destinations sometimes listed as beginner and sometimes as advanced?
Should I bring a lunch?
What kind of person kayaks?
When will I be ready to go out by myself?
Will I get seasick?
Is there a changing room? A shower?
Do I need any special gear?
What if I’m visiting from out of town?
Is kayaking a social activity?

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The price of scheduled classes and guided trips is based on an hourly rate of $50, so our 2 hour programs are $100 and three hour programs are $150. We offer a 10% discount for an advance purchase 5 or more hours of programming per person, and a 20% discount for advance purchases in excess of 10 hours. With reservations, private tours and instruction are available anytime at an hourly rate of $100 for the first person and $50 for each additional person, with a two hour minimum.

Q: Do you rent kayaks?
A:No. Three features of our local waterway mandate that paddlers have either technical paddling skills or supervision by people who possess those skills:

1. A sea wall surrounds most of Manhattan, which limits a paddlers opportunities for getting out of the water - there is no beach and no shallow water.
2. There are strong tidal currents, nearly 2 knots per hour during the flood and 3 knots per hour during the ebb.
3. New York Harbor and the Hudson River are busy commercial waterways, and paddlers must be familiar with the nautical rules of the road.

With adequate preparation, the hazard posed by these conditions is very manageable, but the liability exposure in these circumstances is greater than the economic benefit we could derive from renting kayaks to people we don't know and turning them loose on the Hudson River. Members of our club have reservation privileges for unsupervised use of our kayaks.

Q: How is this different than the free kayaking?
A: New York Kayak Co. is a commercial kayak outfitter that charges a fee for professional instruction and guide services with BCU certified instructors, as well as a private kayak club, a both a retail and online kayak specialty store. We use sea kayaks - small boats with a deck and a cockpit based on the arctic Eskimo-Aleut designs. Downtown Boathouse is a non-profit, volunteer run organization that provides free supervised kayaking in a limited area using sit-on-top kayaks at three locations: Pier 40 (about 30 yards away from us), Pier 96, and in Riverside Park around 72nd Street. Check their website for more details. There are also organizations that follow the Downtown Boathouse free kayaking model: Brooklyn's Red Hook Boaters, and Long Island City Community Boathouse in Queens. We LOVE the free kayaking programs, but we are separate organizations and we do not have their phone numbers or activity schedules.

Q: When can I start going on trips?
A: Anyone with experience in sea kayaks with spray skirts can join our trips. However, even experienced paddlers enjoy our classes - our coaches can always help to refine your skills, and it's a great way to become habituated to the Hudson River/New York Harbor environment.

Q: Is it dangerous?
A: There are inherent dangers in all outdoor adventure activities, especially in boating. Like all outdoor education and guide services, we manage those risks with preparation and training. Our guides are well trained, our equipment is of high quality, and we have the appropriate safety gear. We go to great lengths to make sure that your experience is fun and as safe as possible. We have an excellent safety record.

Q: How long does it take to learn?
A: By the end of your first class, you’ll be able to get in, get out, paddle and steer, plus you’ll have some basic safety knowledge. After your second class you should be feeling a lot more comfortable in the boat and able to maneuver it a lot more effectively. Paddling is one of those activities that you learn the basics very quickly but spend a lifetime trying to master.

Q: When is kayaking season?
A: We paddle all year long. Of course when the water is too cold, there’s special gear you need to do it safely. The main season for kayaking is determined by the water temperature. It takes longer for the water to warm up than the air. Beginners usually start paddling once the water gets above 55 degrees. The water stays warm even once the air starts to chill, so with a windbreaker you could be paddling as late as October.

Q: What if I’m out of shape?
A: It’s a lot easier to get into shape when you’re doing something fun. Just let a guide know when you’re running out of steam.

Q: Is the water clean?
A: The Hudson has improved a LOT in recent history thanks to environmental policy changes. Water is constantly coming downriver from upstate, and twice a day high-tide pushes fresh ocean water into the river. (Yes, the Hudson is salty around the city.) It is a city river, so you will see some food wrappers and old shoes, but you’ll also see plenty of fish that get along just fine. The Manhattan Island Foundation organizes several swims every season in all of the places we paddle. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about water quality, please visit the EPA website and evaluate the facts for yourself. None of our club members or customers have complained of contracting an illness from the water, but we are not in a position to guarantee water quality - you have to decide for yourself.

Q: Do I have to get wet?
A: We don’t force anyone to go in the water. Though sometimes people do fall in. Kayaking is a water sport, eventually you will get wet. It certainly is a good idea to practice going in so you have the experience in case you ever tip over accidentally. But if you really don’t want to go in, we won’t force you.

Q: What happens if I fall in?
A: Before we even let you get in the water, we show you how to get out of your boat in the event of a capsize. Then one of our coaches will get you quickly back in your boat. Our coaches are trained in rescues so relax; you’re in good hands. Besides, you will probably discover that falling in can be fun.

Q: What if I want to go on a trip that isn’t on the schedule?
A: We put trips on the calendar as a recommendation. If you’re interested in doing something different on a given night and it’s not on the schedule, give us a call. We may have a guide available to take you.

Q: Why are the same destinations sometimes listed as beginner and sometimes as advanced?
A: The tides change the direction of the current in the Hudson four times per day. Sometimes the current will be going in the same direction you are; this makes for an easy trip. Sometimes the current is going against you, which would make it a more advanced trip.

Q: Should I bring a lunch?
A: Most of our beginner trips are only 2 or 3 hours. Sometimes we go to places that have food, in which case we’ll let you know to bring food or money. It’s always a good idea to have a granola bar or something in case you run out of fuel, but a lunch shouldn’t be necessary.

Q: What kind of person kayaks?
A: There’s not a certain type of personality or body-type that is better suited for kayaking. Anyone with a love of the water or adventure will fit right in.

Q: When will I be ready to go out by myself?
A: We never recommend going out all by yourself. It is safer to travel with a companion, someone to help out if you get into trouble. As far as when you’ll be ready to go out without a guide, our instructors will let you know when they think you’re ready. First you’ll need to know some basic rescues, river navigation, and be very comfortable paddling. By then you’ll probably know some more experienced paddlers you can go out with.

Q: Will I get sea sick?
A: If you’re someone who gets seasick, you probably know it by now. Kayaks don’t promote sea-sickness the way some other boats do, but if you do start to get queasy, you’re probably staring at your paddle. Look at the shoreline and tell your guide you’re not feeling well.

Q: Is there a changing room? A shower?
A: We have our own changing rooms that are not open to the public. There are separate rooms for men and for women. Small lockers are available for day use, or you can ask the shop staff to stash your valuables behind the desk. We do not have showers, but we always enjoy hosing each other off when we got off the water.

Q: Do I need any special gear?
A: To start with, you just need the basics to be comfortable. As time goes on, you may want to buy more specialized gear to be more comfortable or to improve your performance. Kayaking has a lot of gear available; we have the basics you’ll need to get started, and we have competitive prices if you decide it’s time to buy your own.

Q: What if I’m visiting from out of town?
A: Out of towners are welcome to take classes. If you already know how to paddle and want to go on a trip while you’re in town, please give us a call. We just need to make sure you’re up to the trip before we send you out there.

Q: Is kayaking a social activity?
A: This depends on the person. Most kayakers are pretty friendly. It takes some paddlers a while to be comfortable enough to talk and paddle at the same time, but many kayakers like to chat as they paddle. Also, it is pretty common for people to go for a bite to eat after a class or trip.