General info

All our programs are completely free and available to everyone.

We provide all the equipment. You must wear one of our Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFD's) and abide by our simple safety rules.

The Red Hook Boaters operate from the New York City Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park at the end of Coffey Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn. See our Calendar page for a list of dates when we will offer programs this season.

Participants in our programs utilize club kayaks for a short paddle inside the protected area of Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park. After being fitted with PFD, a Red Hook Boater will give safety and paddling tips and will help with boarding and supervise departure.

Paddlers are free to explore the protected cove at their own pace and enjoy harbor views and wildlife of the estuary, but rides are limited to 15-20 minutes at a time to give everyone a chance. Before or after your trip, we ask that you join us in our beach cleanup, removing trash that has washed ashore. We supply the gloves and trash bags.

In addition, on a few selected dates throughout the season, paddlers who have volunteered time with the Red Hook Boaters may join us for open water tours to Brooklyn Bridge Park, Governors Island, the Gowanus Canal or the shorelines of Red Hook and Buttermilk Channel.

Wear a bathing suit, or shorts and a T-Shirt, use lots of sunscreen and bring a water bottle to fill.

Please note: for minors to paddle, a legal guardian must be present.