At NYC Ferry, we believe the water connects us all—whether you’re commuting to work on a ferry or paddling out on a kayak. That’s why we created Captains in Kayaks, our quarterly series designed to bring together NYC Ferry crew, local boathouses, and human-powered vessel operators for collaborative, hands-on sessions both on the water and onboard our ferries.

These events are all about connection. They give captains and paddlers the chance to build relationships with one another, encourage safe and respectful sharing of New York Harbor, and open up dialogue across different boating communities. Kayakers gain a rare view from the ferry’s pilothouse, while captains experience what it’s like to be closer to the waterline—each group walking away with a new perspective on how to keep our waterways safe, accessible, and welcoming for all.

The onboard portion of the program is called “Paddlers in the Pilothouse”—a unique opportunity for kayakers to step inside the captain’s world. Both events are open to the public (with limited space) and hosted in partnership with community boathouses across NYC.

Upcoming 2025 Events

• Paddlers in the Pilothouse
  February 20, 2025
  In partnership with Kayak Foundation, Manhattan Kayak, and Long Island City Boathouse

• Captains in Kayaks
  June 17, 2025
  In partnership with Long Island City Boathouse

Free Kayaking at NYC’s Community Boathouses

Looking to get out on the water yourself? Several community boathouses across the city offer free kayaking programs throughout the summer and early fall.

• MW: Manhattan Community Boathouse
  Pier 96, Hudson River Park
  Sat & Sun: 1PM – 6PM | Mon & Tue: 5:30PM – 7:30PM
  May 24 – October 12

• BPC: Downtown Boathouse (World’s Largest Free Kayaking Program)
  Hudson River Park Piers 26 & 96
  Sat & Sun: 10AM – 4:30PM | Tue & Thur: 5:30PM – 7:15PM
  May 24 – October 5 (Holiday hours vary)

• BBP & DUM: Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse
  Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2
  Wed & Thur: 5PM – 7PM | Sat: 10AM – 3PM | Sun: 12PM – 2:30PM
  Last Wednesday in May – August; Saturdays only in September

• HPS & GP: North Brooklyn Community Boathouse
  Greenpoint & Newtown Creek
  Select Saturdays: 12PM – 4PM
  May 31 – October 4

• RH: Red Hook Boaters
  Valentino Pier, Red Hook
  Thur: 6PM – 8PM | Sun: 1PM – 4PM
  June 1 – September 21

• LIC, HPS & AST: Long Island City Boathouse
  Multiple locations across Queens & Brooklyn
  Various weekend days at various times

• SG: Kayak Staten Island
  South Beach, Staten Island
  Select weekend days at various times
  May 26 – October 11

Whether you’re ferrying across the East River or paddling along the Hudson, we all share the same waterways. Captains in Kayaks is about making those waterways safer, more connected, and more welcoming for everyone. Stay tuned for future event dates, and if you’re ready to paddle, check out the free kayaking programs near you this summer!

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