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 he
kayakers Floyd saw that day were launching from the Downtown Boathouse
at Pier 26. In 1993, the pier was condemned by the city and a group of
volunteers agreed to repair it in exchange for public access to the Hudson
River for small boats, according to Boathouse President Jim Wetteroth.
The nonprofit organization is run by volunteers and now offers free use
of about 30 kayaks to the public throughout the summer. Wetteroth estimates
that approximately 8,500 people got out on the water last year through
the program, bringing the total to more than 18,000.
he
boathouse’s public programs do not run in the winter. But dedicated kayakers
who store their boats there, which requires that they volunteer their
time to the programs on top of the $200 a year storage fee, continue to
meet and go out on the river together. There is safety in numbers, they
say, especially in winter when water temperatures can drop into the low
30s.
 lthough
fewer people go out in the winter, it isn’t necessarily because of the
cold. In fact, many kayakers say they will paddle as long as the water
isn’t frozen. Instead, it is the preparation that dissuades potential
boaters. To put on the three required layers, plus the dry suit
that keeps the water from contacting the body, 20 to 30 minutes easily
go by. Summer requires much less gear. "It’s more of a challenge, but
it’s worth every minute," says Floyd.
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|
 |
Getting
ready to launch at Pier 23.
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| Tips: |
|
When
you start a trip. always paddle against the current.
In
the winter, it's required to wear about three layers of clothing
to prevent the cold.
Life
vests are the only gear required in both summer and winter.
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 |
| Before
leaving the docks at Pier 63. |
Links:
www.manhattankayak.com
www.downtownboathouse.org
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