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JUNE 16, 2021 – SEPTEMBER 2,2021

KAYAKING, PADDLE-BOARDING AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS.

THIS COMMUNITY PADDLE PROGRAM (BOATS, BOARDS, EQUIPMENT AND TRAINED LEADERS) ARE FREE-OF-CHARGE TO PARTICIPANTS 5YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

NO ONE MAY PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM WITHOUT THE ADULT OR MINOR INSURANCE WAIVER BEING SIGNED (TAP LINK BELOW).

Dress appropriately for the day. YPRC suggests that all participants wear water shoes (not sneakers). It is necessary that you protect your feet because there are sharp rocks and sometimes broken glass in the river, and kayakers need to wade into the water as they launch their boats. Wear clothes that can get wet and you will feel comfortable in. If possible, bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into after the paddle.

The water in June is still cold and it is suggested that long pants and a long sleeve top are worn. Clothes that are breathable and NOT COTTON are recommended.

YPRC will not be responsible for the loss of any items. Please leave your valuables at home.

A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses that protect against UV rays are recommended in the hot summer sun. The rays that reflect off the water can be dangerous to the retina. Dark glasses that do not offer UV protection are more harmful than no glasses because they cause the pupil to open wide allowing even more UV to hit the retina.

There are no shower facilities available and restrooms consist of Porta-Sans near the ramp and flush toilets at the south end of JFK Marina

Drinking water is available,

DO NOT BRING ANYTHING ONTO THE WATER THAT CAN BE LOST OR DAMAGED. (cell phones, wallets, keys etc). There are NO lockers available to store valuables at JFK Marina.

Participants’ Safety is our number one concern, which is why:

Hudson River Rider Staff and Volunteer YPRC Members have taken courses in kayaking and leadership.

On-Water staff and volunteers carry VHF radios in case of emergencies.

On-Water staff and volunteers have complete authority over all boats on the water and may exclude any individual as they see fit.

You must fill out our standard Insurance Waiver online. Groups should fill out online adult and minor waivers before they arrive and provide a list of all signed waivers at check-in.

Insurance Waiver

Lifejackets must be worn at all times.

The boats used are all wide sit-on-top kayaks designed for beginners but there is always a chance of falling into the water; you should be comfortable falling in the water.

Get to know our staff on our About page!

Participants must be at least 5 years old. Participants may be asked to help carry their boat and equipment to the ramp and back.

Participants must be physically able to sit in a Sit-on-top kayak boat.

Persons with physical disabilities are welcome; please contact The Public Program Coordinator BEFORE you arrive for a paddle. (info@hudsonriverriders.org or (914) 303-5643 X105)

If you have any health concerns please contact The Public Program Coordinator BEFORE you arrive for a paddle. (info@hudsonriverriders.org or (914) 303-5643 X105)

If the kayaks have not yet been taken out, please help carry them from their storage area onto the launching site or other designated area, a program volunteer will assist you. Do not drag the boats, as the cement will damage the bottoms, work in pairs, one at each end.

Once all the boats and equipment are staged for use, get fitted with a life jacket PFD and obtain a paddle. Remember that the PFD must fit snugly and should not be able to slip above your neck.

Pay attention to a brief review of paddling techniques and safety tips from one of the program volunteers

Your help will make things flow smoothly. After you have come off the water, you can help put kayaks and equipment away or with other brief chores.

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