Adobe Stock/ Jonas
Sail, row, canoe, and kayak your way through summer with these watersport rentals and classes throughout the Hudson Valley.
By Dylan Thompson and Kaitlyn Skees
Albany Rowing Center
Albany
Rowboats
This organization teaches rowers of all ages and abilities the ins and outs of rowboating through multi-week training programs. Their junior program couples on-land fitness training and technical water skills to give 12–18 year olds the opportunity to enter novice and varsity competitions.
albanyrowingcenter.org
Atlantic Kayak Tours
Catskill, Saugerties, Staatsburg
Kayaks
With tours of different lengths and difficulties departing from the west shore, there’s an option for everyone. For the Saugerties tour, you’ll make stops at the Saugerties lighthouse and Tivoli bays. Shorter paddles, both during the day and evening, are great for beginners.
atlantickayaktours.com
Hudson Paddles
Hudson
Kayaks/Paddleboards/Canoes
From Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, take a boat or board out for an individual paddle, group tours and lessons, and stand-up paddleboard yoga taught by trained instructors. Yoga classes are around 60 minutes long, not including the paddle to and from the instruction area situated under railroad trestles.
hudsonpaddles.com
Hudson River Expeditions
Beacon/Cold Spring/Peekskill
Kayaks/Paddleboards/Canoes
You’ll find a variety of tours with views of stunning vistas, waterfalls, and even fireworks. Avid birders will love the myriad of species at Constitution Marsh; the group also offers an overnight trip to Bannerman island.
hudsonriverexpeditions.com
Hudson River Maritime Museum
Kingston
Sailboats/Rowboats
While they don’t offer day-use rentals, HRMM runs sailing classes—from a multi-week youth program to a three-day course in building and sailing boats. For a single day experience, sign up for a Sunday rowing class, where you can see the Kingston waterfront from the middle of the Rondout Creek.
hrmm.org
Hudson River Recreation
Croton-on-Hudson, Rye, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown
Kayaks/Paddleboards
Get out on the water for a sunset, fireworks, or full moon paddle with a kayak tour launching from one of four locations. Lessons are available for all ages. If you’re looking for a special experience, take one of their Hobie pedalboards out for a spin.
kayakhudson.com
Hudson Valley Watersports
Haverstraw
Hydrobikes/Motorboats
Explore the lower Hudson by renting a motorboat to captain yourself, or letting an expert steer while you kick back. There are opportunities to dock and dine at a waterfront eatery, or try your hand at wakeboarding or tubing. For something more lowkey, rent a pedal-powered hydrobike.
hvwatersports.com
Storm King Adventure Tours
Cornwall-on-Hudson
Kayaks
This outfit is ideal for family-friendly tours to Bannerman’s Island, Fishkill Creek, and Moodna Marsh. Depart at dawn or dusk for their special sunrise and sunset tours or take a leisurely paddle through wetlands to spot native birds.
stormkingadventuretours.com
Related: So You Want to Be an Airbnb Host in the Hudson Valley?
