{"id":53513,"date":"2016-07-07T13:00:55","date_gmt":"2016-07-07T17:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=53513"},"modified":"2019-01-25T19:37:04","modified_gmt":"2019-01-25T23:37:04","slug":"kayak-near-nyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/53513\/kayak-near-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Places to Kayak Near NYC"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the city eases into summer, the urge to fling yourself into a large body of water becomes almost unbearable. If you’ve surfed at\u00a0Rockaway Beach<\/a>,\u00a0splashed your way through the city’s pools<\/a>, and are looking for a new aquatic diversion, consider these\u00a0six kayaking trips in and around NYC.<\/p>\n

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The Hudson River – Downstate<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At the far end of West 44th Street on Pier 84, tucked in the shadows of the USS Intrepid<\/em>, the Manhattan Kayak Company<\/a>\u00a0offers courses and tours for seasoned paddlers and novices alike. If\u00a0you are comfortable getting in and out of a kayak, you can throw on a life vest and enjoy a half hour paddle near\u00a0the boathouse, shielded from the Hudson River\u2019s currents and within easy access of the shore.\u00a0For trips out onto the river proper, you will need to sign up for a guided tour with an instructor, or complete one of the courses offered by Manhattan Kayak Company’s owner Eric Stiller and his team. “You can\u2019t beat the Skyline Tour and New York After Dark,\u201d says Stiller. Both are open to beginners and offer the quickest routes to sample the rarefied waters of the Hudson River.<\/p>\n

Breakneck Pond<\/strong><\/h2>\n

On July 2, the Appalachian Mountain Club opened its newest center in\u00a0Harriman State Park<\/a>,\u00a0New York\u2019s second largest park, situated\u00a0just\u00a030 miles from Manhattan and easily accessible via the AMC shuttle from NJ Transit’s Tuxedo Station. Whether you pitch a tent in one of the\u00a0camping facilities ($36\/night) or bunk up in a cabin (from $96\/night), guests\u00a0are welcome to\u00a0take out canoes\u00a0and\u00a0kayaks and enjoy a paddle on scenic Breakneck Pond.<\/p>\n

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The East River<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Catch a terrific view of the Brooklyn Bridge when you borrow a kayak from Brooklyn Bridge Park<\/a> between Piers 1 and 2. You\u2019ll get all the equipment you need, plus a quickie lesson before you\u2019re allowed 20 minutes in the protected embayment. First come, first serve, weekends through the end of August. Best of all, it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n

The Hudson River – Upstate<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ride Metro-North to leafy Cold Spring<\/a> and spend the day paddling around the beautiful Hudson Highlands. Hudson River Expeditions<\/a> offers something for all levels of proficiency. Book the four-hour Destination Waterfall Tour and you\u2019ll paddle the protected waters of Constitution Marsh to a secluded waterfall. If you\u2019ve got kids, they have Family Excursions with special pricing for junior.<\/p>\n

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