Where are you located?
The Downtown Boathouse is located on Pier 26 at the southern end of Hudson River Park on West Street just north of N Moore Street.
Public transit: The nearest subway stops are the #1 at Franklin St. and the A/C/E station at Canal Street.
Biking: There are bike racks nearby in Hudson River Park and a CitiBike station on the northwest corner of N. Moore St. and Greenwich St.
Driving: Set GPS or rideshare apps for Pier 26. There is usually free street parking available in the neighborhood on Sundays and evenings.
Kayaking: Pier 26 is the first pier south of the Holland Tunnel ventilation towers and the second pier north of Battery Park City.
What are the hours of the free public kayaking program?
Weekend Hours
May 24 — Oct. 5: Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 am — 4:30 pm*
We will be closed Sunday Aug. 10.
Weekday Evening Hours
June 17 — Aug. 14: Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 pm — 7:30 pm*
Aug. 19 — Aug. 28: Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30 pm — 7:15 pm*
Holiday Hours
Memorial Day 5/26: 10:00 am — 4:30 pm*
Juneteenth 6/19: 1:30 pm — 7:30 pm*
Labor Day 9/1: 10:00 am — 4:30 pm*
*Closing time is when the last boats go out so plan on arriving earlier in order to kayak.
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR EXACT DATES AND SCHEDULED CLOSINGS.
Can I reserve a time to kayak?
We don’t take reservations – our free public program is walk-up only. We’re less busy in the mornings and when it’s cloudy or cool. Our peak times are from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on sunny weekends.
Do you close if it’s raining or very windy?
Our public program operates rain or shine, unless there’s thunder or lightning. If the wind exceeds safe paddling conditions, our volunteers may pause the program or close early.
What kind of kayaks do you have?
We use sit-on-top kayaks for our free public program. All adults go out in single kayaks but we also have double kayaks for use by an adult and a child.
The boats are unsinkable and self-bailing, which means any water that splashes into the boat drains out holes in the bottom. In the unlikely event that you capsize, you can just climb back on top and continue to paddle. Because the boats are self-bailing, your shorts/pants, legs, and feet will get wet while you paddle.
Is there an age requirement for children to kayak?
Children 13 and older can paddle on their own in a single kayak. Children 12 and under can accompany a legal guardian in a double kayak.
Is there a weight limit?
Our single kayaks are rated for 400 pounds and our double kayaks can hold two people with a total weight of 430 pounds.
Can you accommodate people with disabilities?
Yes! We have adaptive paddling equipment but if you have questions about a particular situation, please email info@downtownboathouse.org.
What should I wear or bring?
For most of the summer, shorts and a t-shirt or a bathing suit are great for paddling. You may want a long-sleeved shirt or light jacket if the weather is cooler, sunglasses and a hat or cap that won’t blow off in the wind. Many people paddle barefoot, but sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet are OK – keep in mind the water is salty. We provide life vests, paddling equipment, and sunscreen.
Do you have lockers?
Yes, we have small lockers and locks you can borrow, but feel free to bring your own lock if you have one.
Is there a place where I can change or rinse off? What about a bathroom?
At Pier 26 we have two changing booths with curtains and an outdoor open shower. We don’t provide towels. There’s a public bathroom nearby at Pier 25.
Can I kayak with my cell phone or a camera?
That’s up to you, but if you choose to take your phone on the water it’s best to store it above your waist where it won’t get wet. You can also purchase a waterproof pouch you can wear around your neck to keep your phone dry. Keep in mind it may slip out of the pocket of your shorts/pants as you’re getting in or out of the kayak. It cannot be in your hand during that process – you’ll also need both hands to paddle.
Can my pet or service animal paddle with me?
No, we're sorry but we don't accommodate animals in our boats for safety reasons.
Do I have to be a member?
No, our free kayaking is open to everyone, but if you’d like to become a member you can vote in our elections. See how to join here.
Do you give lessons?
Not at the moment, but kayaking is easy to learn and our volunteers demonstrate basic paddling skills to all participants.
I have my own kayak -- can I launch it at the boathouse?
When we are open for free kayaking, we allow our facilities to be used by the public to launch their own kayaks (see other launch sites in New York City here). We require that you first sign our liability waiver and wear a life jacket. Your boat must be seaworthy and suitable for the strong currents and winds of the Hudson River, so we typically don't allow canoes or inflatable rafts. We encourage you to obtain a permit from the NYC Parks Department to show your support for hand powered boating, but the permit is not required. We do not allow any motorized boats.
Can I store my kayak at the boathouse?
No, all our kayaks are used for the public program or by our volunteers.
If I’m a skilled kayaker, can I go out of the embayment and into the Hudson River with one of your kayaks?
No, you cannot leave the embayment with our kayaks during the public program, regardless of your skill level. If you wish to explore the Hudson River, you can contact one of the commercial kayak operators in or near New York City about guided trips. If you’d like to volunteer with us, we’d love to have you help out – the chance to kayak beyond the embayment during a volunteer-led trip is one of the benefits of volunteering.
Can I bring a group to go kayaking?
Yes, but we ask that you limit your group to no more than 10 people so you don’t overwhelm the public program. Your group will line up with everyone else and wait your turn. If it’s not busy, you may all get out on the water at the same time, but there are no guarantees.
For questions about scheduling a dedicated time for a group to kayak, email info@downtownboathouse.or. Depending on volunteer availability, we try to accommodate special requests (veterans, school groups, etc.).
This is the greatest thing I have ever seen. How can I help?
The best way to help, meet great people, and have fun is to volunteer at the boathouse! See our volunteer info page to learn more, sign up for our volunteer newsletter, or join a volunteer orientation session Sundays at 11:00 am. You don’t need advanced kayaking skills to be a volunteer – we also need help registering participants, fitting life jackets, and doing other tasks if you’d rather not be on the dock.
You can also make a donation. Any amount is appreciated and helps support our free public kayaking program!
