Saturday Open Paddle (Beach 75th St.) 2024

Our "Open Paddles" are perfect for new paddlers as a way to learn the basic skills of paddling at your own pace. Open Paddles are also open to more experienced paddlers who want to enjoy Jamaica Bay in a non-scheduled setting.

Please note that a "registration" made through Eventbrite does not guarantee a kayak (or kayaks if there are multiple people in your party) will be available at the moment you arrive. We do have a number of single seat and double seat kayaks on hand. The registration process simply helps us prepare for how many paddlers to expect on a given day so that we can try to have an adequate number of volunteer paddle leaders on hand. We are a non-profit and have a limited number of boats, paddles, life jackets & volunteers. Due to that, we tend to get busy on days with great weather, so please also bring some patience along with your water and sunscreen. Please note that there is a one hour limit on how long you may keep a boat out on the water. Also, if you would like to volunteer with us, please be sure to let us know!

Paddler’s Responsibilities

All Attendee’s / Registrant’s / Paddler’s agree to the following:

• All participants must Follow all Volunteer Paddle Leader instructions​
• All participants must wear a personal floatation vest at all times while on the water.
• All participants must Assist in the moving of the kayak or SUP and all ancillary equipment (PFD/Life Jacket) and Paddles from the Boathouse to the shoreline and back. (With the help of any available Volunteer Paddle Leaders who may be on hand.
• All participants must Wipe down and/or hose-off the seat, paddle, and PFD with supplied cleaning materials (with the help of any available Volunteer Paddle Leaders who may be on hand)
• All participants (or their parent/guardian) must complete a waiver of liability before kayaking.
• Participants will not be allowed to utilize kayaks or paddle-boards while under the influence of alcohol or psycho-active substances.
• All participants must stay within the boundaries specified at each location: (B88th St. between bridges and south of the center boat channel. Vernam site, within the Barbadoes Basin)
• All participants must be at least 18 years old and know how to swim to take out a single kayak.
• All participants aged 16- 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the water and know how to swim.
• All participants under the age of 16 must share a kayak with an adult and know how to swim.
• For safety and liability reasons, no children under the age of 10 are permitted on kayaks or stand-up paddles.
• A maximum of two participants (including children) are allowed on any one kayak.

Volunteer Paddle Leaders Discretion

The Volunteer Paddle Leaders running an event are focused on safety first for ALL and have complete discretion as to who meets or doesn't meet these guidelines. Volunteers on-site make all the decisions and they are final.