New to kayaking? Start here!

If you’ve never even seen a kayak in person before – don’t worry - our instructors have taught plenty of novices. You’ll be amazed how quickly you learn the basics. And the more you learn, the more fun you’ll have. Even experienced kayakers find it useful to refine their skills and become habituated to the local waterways in our Fundamentals classes.

Here’s what you need to know to get started:

Your First Class...

Before you launch onto the river we teach you some basic safety techniques. From there we head out into protected area where you can learn in the actual river without having to be concerned with current or boat traffic.

The class is taught by one of our expert instructors, British Canoe Union Cerified, and assisted by an instructor trainee. We keep our class sizes small, with a staff to student ratio no greater than 1-to-4, which assures plenty of individual attention and an eye on your safety.

When is it? And How Much Does It Cost?

Fundamentals 1 classes are every Saturday and Sunday morning at 9:30am. It is 3 hours long and costs $150. This cost includes everything you’ll need except for a bottle of drinking water and sunscreen.

There is also a Tuesday evening, 6pm option during the summer season. This is a 2 hour class and costs $100.

We strongly recommend the weekend classes for beginners. For one thing, the longer class gives you more time to get to know the boat, the water, and the techniques. Plus, on weekend mornings, there is less traffic on the river so the water is a little calmer; this will make it better to ease into the sport.

Please reserve your spot in a class at least 48-hours in advance so we can make sure we have enough teachers. Call (212) 924-1327 to reserve now!

What Do I Need to Bring?

We provide the boat, paddle, Personal Flotation Device (life jacket), spray deck (you’ll find out what that is) and all safety gear.

You should bring a bottle of water; you can’t drink the river water. Also bring some sun-block. Click here for a full list of other items you might want to bring.

And Then What?

After your first class you may decide that you want to take more classes. The Fundamentals 2 class is designed to be the next step. If you’re feeling really comfortable, you may want to go for a beginner’s guided trip. (Your instructor can advise you whether this is a good idea or not.)

All classes and trips are $50 per hour. Save 10% when you purchase 5 hours or more; or 20% when you purchase 10 hours or more.

If you really get into it (and why wouldn’t you?) there are several membership options available to help you take your skills to the next level. The NYKC staff will be happy to help you choose the hours or membership that is best for you.

Other Items to Keep You Comfortable...

Synthetic shirt – soggy cotton shirts get uncomfortable under your life jacket, and will not screen your skin from all of the sun’s harmful rays. We all wear shirts made of a synthetic material. NYKC sells shirts designed specifically for kayaking, but any smooth synthetic shirt should do – surfing rash-guards are terrific!
Swimsuit or synthetic shorts – any old kind will do. Just remember, you’ll be sitting the whole time so if it has a back pocket, don’t put stuff in it.
Sun hat – It can be sunny out on the water and there is no shade. A brimmed hat will keep you from squinting and protect your ears from sunburn.
Retainers for eye glasses – If you wear glasses, it’s a good idea to secure them with products like Croakies or Chums, which we sell at the store. The bottom of the river is littered with old glasses and keys.
Towel – In case you do get wet, or if you just want to cool off under the hose.
Shoes – You will have to wear shoes from the shop to the dock. While you can leave them on the dock, we can’t guarantee their safety there. Water-shoes are the preferred footwear of most kayakers. We don’t recommend flip-flops or sandals as the straps could become tangled in the boat’s foot-pegs, posing a safety hazard.

New York Kayak Company has separate changing rooms for men and women. We also have small lockers for day use.  Please bring a lock.

More questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section. Or call the shop today.