Down by the River

Ever forget that Manhattan is an island? It's surrounded by water. Water that leads to other bodies of land. Like Governor's island. (I promise I'm going somewhere with this.) So why was I so stunned to hear that every weekend in the summer the New York City Downtown Boathouse offers free kayak trips to Governor's island? It just never crossed my mind.

It turns out that the New York City Downtown Boathouse, an all-volunteer organization, has several levels of free kayaking all summer long. I showed up to Pier 96 (at about 56th Street and the Hudson River) along with KG at 7:45 am a few Saturdays ago to give the Governor's Island tour a shot.

Now, there were several moments of doubt involved in this excursion. First, the website notes that the trips to Governor's Island are "a few hours longer" than the usual trips. Think five to six hours. Of almost constant paddling. They aren't kidding when they say the trip isn't for beginners. But, if you are in shape (and slightly masochistic), you'll be fine...and hurting the next few days.

But seeing Manhattan from a kayak is worth all the paddling and early rising. Bottom Line: Urban kayaking around Manhattan
Pier 96
www.downtownboathouse.org