HOW IT WORKS

• Kayaking with us is always free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need to sign up in advance and we do not accept reservations.

• Participants (or their parent/guardian) must complete a waiver of liability before kayaking.

• We supply everything you need: A life jacket, a paddle, a single or two-person kayak, and a locker for anything you’d like to keep dry.

• Paddlers must stay within the boundaries of our cove.

• We ask that participants return to the dock after 20 minutes if there are others waiting in line.

• Be sure to allow time for waiting in line when planning your visit. You may not get a chance to kayak if you arrive less than an hour before we close.

Requirements

• Participants must be at least 18 years old and know how to swim.

• Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and minors over 50 pounds must know how to swim. 

• An adult must be present with minors at all times, and children may not be left on the pier unsupervised.

• Paddlers under the age of 16 must share a kayak with an adult. 

• A maximum of two paddlers (including children) is allowed in any one kayak.

Helpful Hints

• Kayaking is suitable for people of all ages and athletic abilities. 

• You will get wet in our boats, so be sure to dress accordingly! We have changing rooms if you would like to bring something dry to wear home.

• Bags and backpacks are not allowed on the water and must be secured in a locker.

• The closest public restroom is at DeWitt Clinton Park (enter at West 54th Street and 12th Avenue). We do not have public restrooms.

• If you are arriving by bicycle, remember to bring a lock! Bikes must be secured in Clinton Cove Park and will not be monitored by boathouse volunteers.

• We cannot accommodate pets.

Location

Pier 96 Boathouse
56th Street in Hudson River Park

Complete A Waiver in Advance

All participants (or their parent/guardian) must complete a waiver of liability before kayaking. Waivers can be completed when you arrive at the boathouse or using the link below.

Completing a waiver in advance will save time when you arrive at the boathouse, but it is not a reservation. You may still need to wait in line to check in when you arrive, or for a kayak to become available.

Advance waivers for same-day visits are not available via our website once our program begins for the day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come kayak with us. You can always complete a waiver when you arrive at the boathouse!