I am so excited to have found this place!…read more I am a brand new SUP boarder so they were incredibly patient and caring. Will definitely be using these guys again. What a fun mini vacation!

It was a perfect day for Paddleboarding in Port Washington. Kostal Paddle was amazing getting my…read moreson and I set up with our boards. They have 2 locations and they aren't open at the same time so just confirm which location they are at for the day. A perfect Expirience, highly recommend.

The setup: Mother's Day was coming up and I always try to find something unique and different for…read morethe momma of my kids as well as the mother-in-law. And I stumbled upon Urban Paddle and booked it for a 9am adventure. We lucked out that every variable and condition was ideal: weather, tide, calm water, almost no other boat-related traffic. We're a party of 7. The 'Urban Crew' numbered at 5. We were spoiled from start to finish with a group of really cool and helpful workers that were informative, fun, professional and made sure we were always safe and engaged the entire hour. (Make sure to watch their 6-minute YouTube video ahead of time so you know all about the proper paddling/rowing techniques when it comes time to hit the water.) The 'Urban Crew' were also invaluable because the owner was constantly taking pictures and videos and at the end airdropped them to us which was a nice 'cherry on top' since you can't really snap pictures for big chunks of the time when you're on the water. Is it expensive for an hour? No doubt. Did everyone absolutely love kayaking and getting to see everything from the Colgate clock to the back of the Statue of Liberty's head to the NYC skyline, not to mention all of the stunning yachts all docked and looking completely out of my price-range? Of course. Was it the funniest thing to see my mother-in-law somehow leaning back in her kayak like she was on a hammock while the father-in-law did all the hard work? Yup. (Did a cranky security guard try her best to be a stick in the mud regarding confusion over some parking-related issues when we were about to leave? Oh yeah.) I'd suggest clothing/footwear that you don't mind getting wet as well as sunglasses and sunblock (that sun is no joke bouncing off the water). Highly recommended. (The Mrs. is already plotting when to go back and I think she's even pricing kayaks to buy with that stimulus check that's burning a hole in her wallet.)

Overall this place is solid. My boyfriend and I went for the LED kayaking. The view was beautiful!…read moreThe difficulty was a 2/10 but honestly it does depend who you are and where your skill level is now. Our guide was perfect and he talked to us all night! Only bummed I never received the photos taken from that night. The entire trip takes a little over an hour. Parking is a little confusing but you have to find the parking authority and tell them you are there to kayak and pay $5 for a pass to put on your car. Overall great experience. I strongly advise not to put your hand into the water (who really knows what is in the Hudson River)

My friends and I have been looking for socially distanced activities to do because of COVID and I'm…read moreso glad we tried paddle boarding with Jersey Paddle Boards! We've already been here twice. 2 hours cost $35 which is reasonable pricing. The lake is super nice and relaxing and you can go for a quick swim as well. The workers are also really nice and not strict on the reservation times. For safety, they also sanitize the boards and life jackets after every use.

This is my third time using Jersey Paddle and they never fail to provide a great experience. They…read morealways have equipment available at a decent price. The staff is always friendly and helpful.

I took my bride of three years on a sunset sail on the Christeen for a simple anniversary trip. We…read morehad a great time. The crew was friendly, very well prepared and extremely knowledgeable of the boat and harbor. Although it was a very cloud evening we loved the sail and will definitely book another trip!

Can't believe this was my first time at The Waterfront Center! Have been going to this beach for…read moreyears and I've never rented a paddleboard or kayak and I will for sure be back. So easy to make a reservation and get the kayak! The kids at the dock were super friendly and even though I tapped out early cause my arms were sore, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience!

We are cruising the Sound and stopped at Safe Harbor for the evening. Discovered this great…read morelittle rental shop with the best folks right by the marina. Picked a super fun bike with a basket for a run into town. They had paddle boards as well as a nice selection of bikes. Unbelievably fun and friendly staff owners? I couldn't recommend them more.

Great service, loved paddle boarding here, not the best water but the owner was lovely and for that…read moreI support her small business. Equipment was solid and parking was easy/free.

Did you know that Lake Hopatcong is NJ's largest freshwater lake?…read more And did you also know that there's a great little place on the lake that lets you rent all sorts of strange inventions like a 'pedalboard' and a 'hydrobike' (along with the classics like kayaks and paddleboards) - so you can cruise along the lake, get a bit of exercise, fill those lungs with fresh air and more importantly... work up an appetite (so you can hit The Windlass right after)? I tell you it's true. All true. There were six of us (celebrating a birthday) - 5 on hydrobikes, 1 on a pedalboard. The lake is drop dead gorgeous and we went when it was still early and a bit overcast so it wasn't too crowded with boats and jet-skis and the like. (Waves/wakes from other boats can really dampen your own fun... so that stuff matters a bit.) But I gotta be honest: it was a lot of work. Unlike a kayak where you might get a nice 'bite' with your oar and can coast a bit... the bike is akin to being pneumatic (you stop pedaling and you almost immediately come to a halt as well). And those seats? They are not comfortable at all. Sore dupas all around (the following day as well, actually). But we all had a great time. The crew (Patty and Joe, I believe) were really cool, total professionals, and we always felt like we were safe as well having a great time exploring some of the lake and adjoining islands and whatnot. (We would definitely return in the future but would lean towards a kayak and not do the bikes again.) Wear sunblock, bring water, not sure if it was just me but my right foot was pretty soaked by the end whereas my left was dry (so you'd be better off wearing an old ratty pair of sneakers, regardless). Post-pedal was The Windlass (excellent) as well as some mini-golf (also excellent). Lots to do in this lovely part of Jersey. (But it'll cost ya!)

A cousin of mine tried the hydrobikes and lived it, so I thought I would give it a try. I asked a…read morefriend to come with me and he said it looked like a pain in the ass. I made a reservation online. Patty was so friendly and made it a great time! She let me use some sun block and fill up my reusable cup at their water fountain. She told me that I would probably like the standup paddle board better because it had better maneuverability. I took her advice. It was a lot of excise and fun as we rode around and she told me about the history and pointed out different areas around the lake. We even picked up some trash from inside the lake and it made me happy to know that there are good people out there who are also passionate about the environment. It was hot and I "accidentally" fell in and got to enjoy the water a little bit. Patty also gave me restaurant and hiking recommendations around the area and even took a picture of me. You may be able to call and make a same day appointment, but online will only allow the following day. I don't think it's with bringing or risking losing your camera or phone out on the lake, there isn't anything really photo worthy.

I was dying to get myself active again, especially on the waters during the summer season! Coming…read morefrom Northern California I was actively into the Polynesian Sport called Outrigger Canoeing. This sport consist of several categories from size of team and the distance you race. My core areas was around sprint races which is 500-2000 meters. Other races can go as long as 40+ miles with water changes (changing crews in the water during a race). And teams from single to 6 man/woman canoes As you can see I have a passion for the sport :) I've heard from friends that the sport exist out in the East. Did a little Googling one day and found NYO, THANK GOD! The nice thing is its FREE if you're just trying the sport out. More info on their website. NYO is located on the gorgeous West side, Chelsea Piers - Pier 66 to be exact (12th Ave. and W. 26th Street). Right across from the Frying Pan! My experience with NYO has been superb! They are very organized and ensures the safety of everyone. Reservations are required as seats are limited! With that said, words can't explain the experience. You got to try it! Mahalo!

NYO gives you three free sessions. After than, you can join for the season. NYO members are, by…read morefar, the friendliest and most patient people I've met in an extremely long time in New York. You sign up for a session; show up, preferably early because they might fill your spot; sign a waiver; take a 15-minute class; and get on the water. Absolutely no experience is needed and you don't have to know how to swim. Life vests are available, if wanted. The water is calm and experienced folks will be in the vessel with you. The scariest part of this was when Hudson River water splashed in my eye and mouth. All I could think about was that the Gowanus has gonorrhea. But I had to let it go because it's really hard to paddle with your eyes closed and holding your breath. An NYO paddler reassured me, "Hey, the Hudson is better than it used to be." It's also great for the core and isn't too strenuous. I had an absolute blast! I might just be back to try their stand-up paddling.