Have an upcoming class or trip with The Kayak Foundation? Below is all the kayaking info you need to have a safe and fun time with us.
What To Wear & Bring
Kayaking and standup paddle boarding are watersports—you will get wet! We suggest:
• Quick-dry shorts & shirts or a swim suit. Cotton tends to be chilly if it gets wet. A windbreaker is helpful on a breezy day.
• A hat—secured with a clip or strap. It can get windy on the water.
• If you wear glasses, we recommend clips or “croakie” style straps. If you wear contacts, consider whether you are comfortable wearing them if they get wet.
• Sunscreen is helpful.
• Phones and handheld devices: If you have a waterproof pouch for your phone or device, great. If not, we recommend that you leave it in our secure container before heading out on the water.
• We recommend bringing a dry set of clothes to change into after your class or paddle session (Lockers & changing room nearby at Pier 2).
Weather & Conditions Info
Our programs take place rain or shine, but strong winds or lightning will cause cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel or limit classes or trips due to weather or water conditions.
Events may be cancelled for water quality caution if it has rained 1 inch or more in the previous 24 hours.
Full refunds are made if The Kayak Foundation cancels a program for any reason.
Reservations, Refunds & Cancellations
We reserve the right to cancel or limit classes or trips due to weather or water conditions. Events may be cancelled for water quality caution if it has rained 1 inch or more in the previous 24 hours. Programs may be cancelled if a minimum number of participants (typically 2 or more) are not registered at least 48 hours in advance. The Kayak Foundation will make a full refund if it cancels a program for any reason.
If you cancel a reservation more than a week before a class, trip or session, The Kayak Foundation will refund 100% of the fee. If you cancel less than a week but more than 24 hours in advance of a class, trip or session, The Kayak Foundation will refund 50% of the fee. There is no refund if you cancel a reservation within 24 hours of a class, trip or session. Private or special classes, trips may have different cancellation provisions.
Equipment Info
We provide your kayak or standup paddleboard, paddle, and life vest—everything you need for a safe and fun experience.
Safety Info
All paddlers are required to wear a life vest when on the water — no exceptions—and will need to follow the directions of our Instructor and staff.
Paddlers must be able to hear and understand instructions and communicate with the program instructor and staff, enter, exit and sit in a kayak without assistance, hold and move a kayak paddle, hold their breath under water and keep their head above water while wearing a life vest.
Waiver
All paddlers must sign a waiver before they can go out in a kayak or on an stand-up paddleboard.
View WaiverTom Potter, Co-Founder
Matt Frey, Executive Director
Matt has been paddling one way or another since he was a kid. He has been sea kayaking for a couple decades. Nothing makes him happier than seeing people of all ages get out on the water. He has paddled all around the NYC metropolitan area as well as the coasts of British Columbia, Maine, Baja, among others. He is an ACA-certified Level 4 open water coastal kayaking instructor, as well as a Level 2 SUP instructor. Matt is a fan of dinghy sailing too.