Paddler Screening

For Experienced Visitors Seeking to Join Us on NYC Waters

To maintain safety on trips beyond our Skyline Kayak Trip, we typically require participants to complete our Basics Series. For those formally trained elsewhere who seek to bypass these classes, we require this Screening Form.

Important:

We do not offer “rent-and-go” regardless of experience level. All activities are guide-led.
We only respond to forms that provide specific and sound responses to every question.
Paddleboarders: Our Skyline Trips are sit-on-top kayak only. Because the Hudson is consistently choppy, SUP is impossible without training. To paddleboard beyond the cove, you must complete our Basics or FastTrack series—no exceptions.

Please do not submit this form if:

Any single response is “blank” or “I don’t know.”
Your experience is limited to flat water, white water, all-around boards, or sit-on-top kayaks.
You are not proficient in longer distances, self-rescues, and bracing in dynamic water.
You cannot identify the specific make and model of the vessel.

How Screening Works

Cleared: You provide specific and complete responses that indicate mastery.
Not Cleared: If your background is not yet a fit for our open-water trips, we’ll invite you to build your skills through our Basics Classes or a Private Lessons.

In NYC for a short stay? Skip the screening.

If you’re visiting for a limited time and want to bypass the screening process, we recommend a P rivate River Trip.

Premium Gear: Access our full collection of 100+ performance boats and boards.
Your Schedule and Pace: Book any day on our schedule and paddle as fast as you’d like.
No Screening Required: An on-water assessment by your guide is included.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Name:*

Your Email:*

Do you live in NYC, or which dates are you visiting?*

What is your weight and height?*

What is the brand and model of the boat/board you use most?*

What is the length and width of the boat/board you use most?*

Over 26" wide? Join beginner activities.

What is the name of the organization where you received training, and which courses did you complete?*

What conditions are you used to paddling in?*

What were your most difficult trips in the past 12 months? Give location, mileage, and boat or board used.*

What techniques do you use when paddling into strong headwind and headwind waves?*

What techniques do you use when paddling perpendicular to strong sidewind and sidewind waves?*

How do you get back onto your boat or board when it flips over? When was the last time you did this?*

Do you have medical conditions or physical limitations that may affect participation?*

Yes

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

For Experienced Visitors Seeking to Join Us on NYC Waters

How Screening Works

In NYC for a short stay? Skip the screening.

Ready to Verify Your Skills?