6 Best Places to Paddle Board in New York (NY)

New York: where concrete jungle meets natural beauty.

Ever considered paddling amidst iconic skylines or serene lakes?

The best places to paddle board in New York await your discovery.

Embark on a journey through the Empire State’s diverse waterscapes. Ready to set sail?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in New York

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 85 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists 7 places within 16 miles that hire out boards, kayaks or canoes, among them Simcha Party Rental. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in New York

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Hudson River

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍️ Access Point: Pier 84 Boathouse, Manhattan (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, variable winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: New York City skyline, George Washington Bridge
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to river rules

The Hudson River offers a unique urban paddleboarding experience, allowing you to enjoy the majestic New York City skyline while surrounded by nature.

With various access points, the river presents endless opportunities for adventure amidst the bustling city.

#2 Long Island Sound

🏖️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
📍️ Access Point: Rye Town Park, Rye NY (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, ocean swells, variable winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seals, seabirds, various fish species
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal beauty, Long Island Sound
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, adhere to local regulations

Long Island Sound offers paddleboarders a mix of picturesque coastal beauty and calm waters.

Many beach towns along the Sound provide access areas, allowing you to explore the shoreline and experience the tranquility of the Sound’s protected waters.

#3 Jamaica Bay

🏖️ ️Location Type: Bay
📍️ Access Point: Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, tidal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species, marine life
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Natural settings, marshlands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Tidal awareness, respect wildlife

Jamaica Bay offers paddleboarders a serene escape amidst the bustling city surroundings.

With a variety of wildlife and marshlands, it’s a great location for nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful paddle within the limits of New York City.

#4 Coney Island Creek

🏖️ ️Location Type: Tidal Channel
📍️ Access Point: Kaiser Park, Brooklyn (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, tidal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Partial skyline, waterfront parks
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of tides, respect local rules

Coney Island Creek provides a calm and scenic paddleboarding experience within Brooklyn.

With waterside parks and a partial New York City skyline view, it offers a unique blend of urban and nautical environments.

#5 Lake Ronkonkoma

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍️ Access Point: Town of Islip Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, waterfowl
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding woodlands, lake scenery
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local rules, respect wildlife

Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island’s largest freshwater lake, offers tranquility away from the busy city.

Surrounded by lush woodlands, this scenic lake is ideal for paddleboarders seeking a peaceful escape within the confines of New York.

#6 Mamaroneck Harbor

🏖️ ️Location Type: Harbor
📍 Access Point: Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Mild harbor waters, tidal currents
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, marine life
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Coastal village charm, sailboats
⚠️Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to local regulations

Mamaroneck Harbor offers a quaint coastal paddleboarding experience within the charming village.

Glide past sailboats and take in the serene atmosphere while remaining close to the city’s hustle and bustle.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case