Water Sports in New York City

(Editor’s Note: To read about the City of Water Day, check out our Picks of the Week!)

Who doesn’t love to be in the water on a hot summer day? Below is a list of great water sports that will spice up your usual summer days of hanging by the beach or out by the pool!

Sailing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. You can get sailing lessons in New York City in North Cove! Each class is limited to 4 people; junior classes are for children 13 to 18-years-old. Here you will be taught how to sail by trained instructors. Once you have taken the class, you and your family can enjoy a day out on the boat.(North Cove, NYC)

Kayaking on the Hudson River is a wonderful way to see the view! At Pier 84 you can enroll in instruction classes on how to kayak. Starting at a basic level you can learn how to paddle using your whole body. Students must be tall enough to paddle their own boat, typically between 11 and 12-years-old. You can then move up to the skillbuild class where instructors will continue to push you and show you better ways to build on your skills. There is also a rescue class that will teach you how to boat faster and in case of an emergency, rescue someone in need. You can also sign up for a 60-75 minute tour on the Hudson River. (Pier 84 at West 44^th Street and the Hudson)

Scuba Diving is taught at Gotham Divers in a 2-part class for children and adults ages 10 and up. The first part is in a classroom and teaches the why and how. The second part of the class is taught in the water where you learn different techniques. There are an abundance of places to go scuba diving, but first make sure that you are certified! (125 E. 4th St.)

Stand-up Paddle Boarding is all about multitasking. You are balancing your weight on a board while paddling at the same time! At Pier 84 they offer paddleboard instruction and paddleboard tours. They have tours for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level to enhance your performance. Students must be tall enough to paddle their own boat, typically between 11 and 12-years-old. (Pier 84 at West 44^th Street and the Hudson)

Outrigging is the sport of paddling and racing. Members sit in a canoe and work together. New York Outrigger is located in Hudson River Park and offers free sessions from late spring to early fall for children and adults starting at age 14. First you are instructed on land on how to use the equipment and get comfortable with the functions. After you understand the mechanics, commands, and safety precautions you then enter the water with an instructor. Equipment will be provide, you just have to show up and get ready for some water fun! (Pier 66, Hudson River Park)