This summer, offMetro is introducing a new column focusing on discovering New York City through its waterways. I’m excited to be spending much of the summer exploring the five boroughs in my new foldable kayak (a perfect fit for my tiny apartment). I’ll be writing about my experiences, as offMetro’s first ever “floating reporter” in a bi-weekly column. There’s also a guides to paddling in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Summer-long paddling options in the Bronx:
Bronx River Alliance, Bronx Zoo area
The Bronx River Alliance leads canoe trips along the Bronx River that bring paddlers through the New York Botanic Garden and the Bronx Zoo. Offerings range from beginner paddles to full river guided trips.
Season: June to October
Cost: Varies (Free on the last Friday of the month; trips range from $20 to $45)
Getting there: The Bronx River Alliance is a 4-minute walk from the 2/5 subway stop at Bronx Park East. Trips launch from various locations.
Rocking the Boat, Hunts Point
This not-for-profit organization, which focuses on youth development through STEM education, teaches boat-building to teens in the South Bronx. Weekend rowers can explore the Bronx River in the wooden rowboats built by the program’s participants. Community sailing will also be offered three times this summer.
Season: Saturday afternoons from May 27 to September 2
Cost: Free
Getting there: Take the 6 train to Hunts Point Avenue. Rocking the Boat is a 12-minute walk from the station.
Best Kayak Events in the Bronx:
Gather a team of paddlers for this 5-mile canoe trip, a fundraiser that supports the Bronx River Alliance’s youth paddling programs. This spirited canoeing adventure winds through through the most lush areas in the Bronx and ends in Hunt’s Point.
The Amazing Bronx River Flotilla, Williamsbridge
Season: One-time event on Saturday, May 26
Cost: $50 + a $350 fundraising commitment
Getting there: Take the 2 or 5 train to 219th Street, and walk one avenue west to Bronx Boulevard and enter Shoelace Park.
Check-back in two weeks for the next installment of this series: Kayaking in Brooklyn!
Meghan Berry, who has devoted much of her career to marketing and communications at nonprofits in New York City, is leaving behind office life for the classroom. This year, she begins a new journey as a middle school English teacher in Brooklyn and will otherwise be found traveling, kayaking, and riding her bike. Having grown up in rural New Jersey (yes, it exists), Meghan enjoys discovering pockets of nature and unexpected beauty in the city. Red Hook is home, and she celebrates it on Instagram @red_hookery.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram