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 up to two weeks in advance 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.

Once our program opens for the day, you will not be able to complete a waiver in advance for that day on our website, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come kayaking. You can still come and complete your waiver when you arrive at the boathouse!

Make a Donation

All donations are tax-deductible and one hundred percent of your contribution will be used to fund Manhattan Community Boathouse’s free public kayaking program.

BECOME A MEMBER

Our Board of Directors is determined by election and members with at least two consecutive years of paid membership are eligible to participate. You can become a member for the calendar year by making a donation of $20 using the link below. Membership is not a requirement for volunteering or kayaking with us.