The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26, New York NY

I had an amazing experience with my son in the kayaking on the Hudson River and the volunteers were so kind and friendly. Thank you guys for making my son feel safe and comfortable.

Free kayaking in NYC during the summer. Come in, sign the waiver, they offer you a key for the locker, get a life vest, get your paddle (make sure you don't hit people with your paddle), then off you go to the line for safety instructions. All volunteers are very nice and trained. Please follow the rules for your safety and follow directions by the volunteer. There is also a donation box if you want to donate. They also provide sunscreen, the station is next to the paddles station. Shower pole to rinse off too. You can sign up to volunteer too during your free time. There is a volunteer training session. They do this every summer and make sure to check their website for the location. They have several locations for free kayaking. There is public restroom at pier 25.
Come out and have fun in the water!
One more thing, YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM!

The free kayaking experience that they offer during summer was so fun! Me and my friends came on a Tuesday, 30 minutes after they opened. It took almost an hour from when we lined up until we started kayaking. However, we didn't feel that the wait was long since the line kept on moving and there are things to do. The first thing would be to sign a waiver. They will also offer a lock and key for a locker so you can put your belongings. There are 2 changing rooms next to the locker. Next, you pick up a paddle and a life jacket. Then you line up to get a kayak. They have plenty of kayak, so the line moved pretty quickly. After they give us quick instruction on how to kayak, we got around 20 minutes to play. You can either do solo or pair up with someone else. The staff, which I believe are volunteers, were helpful and friendly. I had a great experience and would do it again! Just remember to stay within the boundary. No paddling to New Jersey!

Love this place! Always my staple summer activity when friends come into town. The volunteers are always so helpful and kind. Thank you so much for free kayaking!

Its a great free kayaking place! The kayak area isnt that big but its nice to see the view of skyscrapper while kayaking.its completely free, just come a bit earlier if you dont want to wait in a really long line. Line start from 10am till 3pm

What a great place! Just sign it, listen to some instructions and get on the river for free!

All the volunteers are nice and helpful. They have lockers and a changing room. All you need to do is sign a waiver, they give you a key and lock and get on kayaking. Beautiful views of Freedom Tower and Edge and jersey city skyline. They have so many kayaks. No need to worry about waiting for one. People are constantly come in and out the water. I will definitely return.

A beautiful outdoor space with people running, reading and enjoying picnics. Stunning views of downtown while still feeling secluded from it all.

Amazing experience! Staff is really helpful and kayaking is awesome. I came on Saturday and there were no queues at all. Recommend!

We had a great experience kayaking at Pier 26 today. The staff was very friendly and they were volunteers. If you go early in the morning when they open, they will tell you that you don’t need to kayak for 20 minutes, as it is suggested, but you can stay a little bit longer because they have plenty of kayaks. We did donate $10 each even though they never asked for it but just keep in mind if you have a great time and a good experience these people are working for free. So If you can, either you make a donation or give them a tip or both!

The Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 is a hidden gem for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers in the heart of the city. Located on the picturesque Hudson River, this boathouse offers a unique and exhilarating experience for both locals and tourists.

The facilities at the Downtown Boathouse are top-notch. The rental equipment, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, is well-maintained and readily available. The staff is knowledgeable and provides thorough safety instructions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure on the water. They are also friendly and eager to assist, making the experience even more pleasant.

Pier 26 itself is a beautiful and well-designed space. The boathouse is situated in a prime location, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding skyline. The pier has ample seating areas and picnic spots, perfect for relaxing before or after your water activities. The serene ambiance adds to the overall charm of the place.

What sets the Downtown Boathouse apart is the accessibility and affordability it offers. Unlike many other water sports facilities, they provide free kayaking and paddleboarding sessions to the public. This inclusivity makes it a popular spot for families, friends, and individuals looking to try their hand at these exciting water sports without breaking the bank.

The only minor downside is that during peak times, there may be a wait for equipment, especially on weekends. However, the staff efficiently manages the flow and ensures everyone gets a chance to enjoy their time on the water.

In conclusion, the Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 is a fantastic destination for water sports enthusiasts. With its excellent facilities, breathtaking views, and affordable offerings, it provides an exceptional experience for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a beginner looking for an adventure, the Downtown Boathouse is a must-visit spot that promises a memorable time on the Hudson River.