Hudson River Greenland Festival 2026

2025 Video Highlights

FAQs

Are there Cabins at HRGF?

No. There are no cabins at this new location. Participants will provide their own sleeping shelter, such as a camping tent. Shelter for eating and meeting will be in a wedding style tent.

What is Hudson River Greenland Festival?

The festival attracts participants of all levels as well as talented and renowned mentors from many different regions, including Greenland. We strive to pass along traditional kayaking skills in a "Pay it Forward" method...by observing...by learning...by teaching.

The Hudson River Greenland Festival was founded in October 2003 at Norrie State Park on the Hudson River in Staatsburg, NY. Organized by Wayne Gilchrest and Hudson Valley Pack & Paddle, the one day event featured Greenland Kayak technique demonstrations, races and rolling competitions. Some of the most recognized and highly skilled kayak mentors in the country were there, including Cheri Perry, Turner Wilson and Dubside. After three successful years, sadly the organizers left the area and the park closed the Norrie facilities for major renovations. Unfortunately, the festival did not happen in 2006. In 2007, HRGF was revived and found a new venue at Croton Point Park a few miles down river on the Hudson and was reborn as a multi-day event. In 2011, HRGF became a Qajaq USA sanctioned event.

Who runs HRGF?

HRGF is run by Hudson River Greenland Festival, Inc, a volunteer organization. It's members wish to share the joy of Greenlandic qajaqing skills.

What types of registration tickets do you offer?

Participating at the Hudson River Greenland Festival is meant to be a weekend, full immersion event. While kayaking skills and techniques are an important aspect of HRGF it is also a community event that hopefully leads to new friendships, old friends' reunions, and a lot of laughter.

A full Weekend (including campsite accomodation, meals, and insurance fees) costs $355(plus registration fees) for an adult. A shirt is included with registrations made before August 25.

Children younger than 18 AND full time Students pay $255 (plus registration fees). Children must be registered by an adult. If you're a full time student you must email a copy of your current student ID card to info@hrgf.org in order to receive a discount code. DO NOT register as a child.

Families pay a flat rate of $755 (maximum of two adults; includes registration fees and event insurance). Children have to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Instruction, tent space and food are included in the prices above. Catered food prepared by our master chef Mike and his team will be served starting Friday night, but the camp is open for HRGF participants starting Thursday at 3pm (September 10, 2026) with a potluck on Thursday evening and a light breakfast served on Friday morning. Lunch on Friday will have to be provided by participants.

Why have prices gone up compared to the last event?

Again this year we are including the shirt in the admission price. We made a modest price adjustment for increased operational cost, mostly food.

The Hudson River Greenland Festival is an all-volunteer event. To keep costs low, all participants (including staff and mentors)pay a fee towards the event. All registration fees are used to cover the existing event and future events.

In an effort to make HRGF a sustainable event we also formed as a not for profit entity which comes with some added administrative costs.

Will I need to own a kayak to be able to participate?

No. Many of our participants bring multiple kayaks, some of which may be borrowed for your session. A variety of traditional skin-frame-kayaks will be included.

However, many participants like practice rolling in their own kayaks and bring those to the event. It doesn't matter what type of (sea)kayak you have to be able to participate. But if your kayak is a very loose fit you may want to bring some foam pad to give it a tighter fit. That will make it easier to learn how to roll. The same goes for kayaks with a high back rest as that makes leaning on to your back deck harder. In this case it would be good if the back rest can be removed temporarily.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Minors have to be accompanied by an adult.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Google Maps Directions by Car starting from Cold Spring intersection of NY-301 and 9D:

Head northeast on NY-301 E/Main St toward Fishkill Ave and travel for 8.4 miles.

Turn left at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. This is across from the campground entrance on the right.

Follow signs to HRGF registration. This will be a left and then another left.

Nearest train station:

Take the Metro North Railroad Hudson Line to Cold Spring. From the train station it is about 9 miles to Canopus Lake Beach in Clarence Fahnestock State Park.

What should I bring into the event?

Full meals will be provided starting Friday evening until lunch Sunday. We do all we can to provide meals to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences (please let us know when registering). However, if you have strict food requirements, we suggest bringing along some of your favorites to supplement our catered fare.

Drinking water will be provided all weekend. Please bring your own water bottle as we are trying to keep things environmentally friendly.

Adult beverages (beer/wine/etc) WILL NOT be provided so please bring your favorite beverage to share.

Please bring a snack and/or dessert to share as these will also NOT be provided.

Other things to bring:

• Tent
• Sleeping Gear
• Personal Items/Toiletries
• Hat/Sunscreen/Cover-Ups
• Nose Plugs
• GOOD Water Shoes (there are river rocks and spiny water chestnuts)
• We are trying to make this a green event. Please, bring a water bottle (water will be provided to fill them) as well as a cup, plate, and silverware. Starting Friday evening, we will have a few extra sets if you forget.
• Qajaq/Kayak and Greenland Paddles (but not to worry...there will be some kayaks and gear on the beach to try and share if you do not have one courtesy of Qajaq USA).
• Kayak Cart if you have one
• Paddling Gear such as wetsuits, drysuits, hoods, tuiliks, akuilsaqs, sprayskirts and norsaqs (again not to worry...there will be some Greenland Gear to share all weekend courtesy of Qajaq USA)
• Be prepared for all types of weather
• A Coast Guard Approved PFD (this must be worn during on-water activities)
• rapid Covid tests if you have any

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can email the organizers at info@hrgf.org. Please, allow three business days for a response.

What's the refund policy?

Full cash refund up to 30 days before the event. No refund after that.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Nope.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Please contact the organizers at info@hrgf.org if you want to transfer your ticket to somebody else.