The 2016 Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation

July 9, 2016 (Rain date: July 10, 2016

Click here for more information about the 2016 Circ.

The 12th Annual Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation will take place on Saturday, July 9, 2016 (Rain date: July 10, 2016). This annual kayak paddle around New York’s Manhattan Island will begin and end at either the Dyckman Street Beach on the Hudson River in Northern Manhattan, or the alternate launch and return site at  the Englewood Boat Basin directly across the River in New Jersey.

From the first circumnavigation in 2004 organized and sponsored by Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club members Steve Blumling and Jerry Blackstone, the event has grown each year. In 2015 we hosted the biggest ever with 157 paddlers from dozens of states, and from countries as far away as Germany and Brazil. The event was covered by WCBS-TV.  The paddle has come to represent and celebrate the public’s increasing interaction with a more environmentally healthy New York City waterfront and Hudson River.

Support of the circumnavigation has broadened to include several other NYC area paddling organizations  including the New York City Watertrail Association (NYCWTA), the Inwood Canoe Club (ICC), Long Island City Community Boathouse (LICCB), the Village Community Boathouse (VCB) and the Long Island Kayaking Enthusiasts (LIKE).  Other support, including liability insurance, has been provided by the American Canoe Association (ACA).

Following last years Circ we asked for comments from participants and received dozens of enthusiastic reviews urging us to continue the event. We also received some very thoughtful comments on how to improve the on-water organization of the paddle. We have taken all the suggestions seriously in an effort to make the 2016 Circ the best ever.

The Circumnavigation is open to all who qualify based on their paddling abilities and experience. All participants must have a deck boat 14’ or longer. Club membership is not required and out-of-towners are welcome.  Careful planning means that the tidal currents help rather than oppose the paddlers. Safety of the large group is enhanced via general marine radio use; safety boat and jet-ski escorts and Coast Guard notification. Kayakers can socialize, exercise and  take pictures during this amazing 30 mile excursion around Manhattan Island.
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Click here for more information about the 2016 Circ.