NYC's Best Outdoor Water Sports, Activities For Summer
Whether you just need to cool off or you're looking to break a sweat, here are five summer activities worth trying. By Carly Petrone.
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It's kayaking season! Paddle along the harbor from the New York City Downtown Boathouse and enjoy the view. All you have to do is sign a waiver and wear a life jacket and you're good to go. Enjoy this 20-minute excursion (or longer, if no one is waiting) and get a taste of outdoor living. If you feel like you may need a lesson, the NYCDB offers public classes on everything from what to do if you capsize, to how to paddle in the water. Think you're ready for a longer trip? Show up at Pier 96 on Saturdays at 8 a.m. and let a guide take you along a five mile trip along the river. Free kayaking is along Pier 26 open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tue/Wed/Thu evenings.
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Have some fun along the Hudson this summer by renting out the beach volleyball courts along Pier 25. Grab a ball and play all weekend long for $30/hour (see website for weekday pricing). If you need a refresher course, just show up on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. to participate in Community Volleyball – a combination of instruction and play (free with a $5 requested donation). Once you feel like you're up for some competition, look into league play. Metro Beach Sports plays on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m., and NY Social Sports Club plays on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. See website for more details.
Paddleboarding
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Take your dog out for a paddle along the Hudson! Yep, you read that correctly. Rent a paddleboard from Manhattan Kayak, strap on a dog-friendly life vest to your pooch, and start paddling within their 300,000 square foot embankment along the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Groups can enjoy the challenge of paddling together on the SUPSquatch, the ultimate board that's big enough for three or more people. If you're just starting out, sign up for the SUP "1-2-3" package of progressive group courses ($150). You'll learn the techniques and secrets to efficient paddling, to going out on the open water. Learn more about rentals, work out classes, and more here.
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Brooklynites can head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park and take a dip in their pop-up pool! Open now through Labor Day, it's the perfect hidden gem and cool down spot for families. The pool is only 30 feet by 50 feet in size, and maxes out at an easy 3.5. feet deep. This means swimmers of all ages are welcome to jump in and enjoy the water. Make sure to get your wristband -- only 60 people are allowed into the pool at a time (every 45 minutes). So get your bathing suit on and dive in! Pool is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Fishermen won't have to go far to enjoy the thrill of a catch. Head over to Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and cast out from the west promenade. You'll be able to find bait preparation tables as well as fish cleaning stations, so all you have to do is show up with your favorite fishing pole.
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
