Paddling clubs in New York.
5 clubs, and when they meet. Most meet on weekends, around Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint, Hell's Kitchen. All of them are free to join. The ones without a fixed day are listed below, linked to where they announce. Subscribe to this calendar →
What to expect.
Paddling clubs in New York run dragon boat, outrigger, kayak and canoe sessions on fixed days, usually early morning or early evening in season. Boats and paddles are provided by the club, and most run a few free trial sessions before asking you to join.
Expect to get wet. A season or annual membership is normal and covers the boats and insurance.
All 5 paddling clubs in New York.
A to Z, in each club's own words. Every one links to the club, and every day and time is the one the club publishes.
Free volunteer-run kayaking from the floating dock between Piers 1 and 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park: Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturdays late May to August, Saturdays only in September. Walk-ups wait for no-shows.
Saturdays, 10am · Brooklyn Heights · Free · bbpboathouse.org →Volunteer-run free kayaking in the protected embayment at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park, weekends all summer plus Tuesday and Thursday evenings in high summer. No reservations, no experience needed, you must be able to swim.
Saturdays and Sundays, 10am · Tribeca · Free · downtownboathouse.org →Free walk-up kayaking from the Pier 96 boathouse at 56th Street in Hudson River Park on weekend afternoons late May to mid-October, plus Monday and Tuesday evenings in summer. First come, first served; 18+ or with a guardian.
Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm · Hell's Kitchen · Free · manhattancommunityboathouse.org →Free public canoe and kayak paddles on Newtown Creek and toward the East River, about twice a month on summer weekends, from Manhattan Avenue Street End Park and Bushwick Inlet Park. First come, first served, no gear needed.
Roughly twice a month on summer weekends (June–September), dates posted on the website · Greenpoint · Free · nbcboathouse.org →Free public kayaking off Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park in Red Hook on Sunday afternoons June to September, plus Thursday evenings in high summer. Put your name on the list and take a boat out.
Sundays, 1pm · Red Hook · Free · redhookboaters.org →
Every listing links straight to the club. Know a paddling club in New York we don’t? Add it.