Brooklyn Bridge Park Boating

I’m so glad I discovered this because it’s so much fun. First of all, the views are sick. You’re right near the Brooklyn bridge with the perfect view of the Manhattan skyline. Second of all, it’s free! You can stay out as long as you like and it’s not particularly hard to do. I was happy to find out that there are other free events in the summer at Brooklyn Bridge Park. This is definitely one you’ll want to enjoy.

It’s free kayaking under the Brooklyn Bridge. Are you sold yet?!
I went on the last day, however (Labor Day) until it starts up again in the summer. I’ve gone kayaking in the Hudson as well, and there are pros and cons to both. First you’ve got the location and backdrop for those cute pictures (if you want cute pics, just go to both).
This place has dirty floors as you approach the water (on 72^nd st, the floor is clean and the water is a mini jump below you). I almost fell while getting out of the kayak-​the ground is slippery and filled with rocks.
Other than that, both places have small boundaries, and a 20 min ride to go (honors system). It’s a great way to enjoy your summer weekends!

My visiting friends and I came here this past Saturday for some free kayaking on the East River. Overall the kayaking experience was a 4, but the experience all-​together was a 2. I’m still giving it a 4 because it’s free.
We got there just before 1:30 and the line was fairly long. I expected a 45 minute wait or so and when we asked, the coordinator told us it’d be about an hour. The sun was hot and humidity was high, and they only have a tiny tent to stand under, so we were waiting in the sun for most of it. I have a horrible burn complete with a white spot in the middle of my chest where my necklace was.
We ended up waiting just over an hour and a half, which was pretty annoying. I don’t think we would have waited that long had we known. When we got to the beginning of the line, two lines form: singles and doubles. The doubles line, of course, was much longer. The four of us decided to go singles to save time. Three of us went out in a row and were out there for over 20 minutes waiting for our last friend.
When I was getting in my kayak, I asked them how long we stay out and the guy replied 20 minutes. I asked when he’d let us know and he said it was an honor system. Well, this explains the hour and a half wait. Not gonna lie, I was out there for a good 35 minutes because I figured I’d earned it and we were waiting for our other friend. But there were people our there who’d gone out before me and I went in before them.
Anyway, the actual kayaking experience was a blast. Sitting in the pool of water that’s at the bottom of the kayak was like a wonderful dream after standing in the 90 degree heat for an hour and a half. The views of the city were \fantastic and it was fun to just sit out there in the breeze, letting the tide take you. I have some great pictures. Though beware of taking anything in the boat. It does get very wet and there’s a good chance of ruining things.
And by far the funniest part… I kept drifting past the buoys into bad territory and one of the guys who worked there (in his kayak) kept telling me to paddle back. I kept apologizing because I wasn’t even paying attention and he said to me, «That’s okay. I like steering you right.» Another terribly hilarious line to put down in the books.