Community Paddles, Tours & Instruction at JFK Marina and YPRC Boathouse
The free public paddling program of Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club kicks off Wednesday, June 19 with a community paddling program at JFK Marina from 4 to 7 p.m., for ages 5 and older. No registration is needed. View all free weekly activities at HudsonRiverRiders.org. Groups of eight or more, and specific programs must preregistered by emailing info@hudsonriverriders.org/ or calling 914-303-5643, ext. 105.
This year, Hudson River Riders is doubling the amount of free paddling experiences it offers. Introductory kayaking sessions for ages 5 and older will take place at JFK Marina on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Time is reserved specifically for camp and community group sessions Thursday and Friday at JFK Marina. New this year are sea kayaking tours and race training and fitness programs for ages 13 and older at the YPRC Boathouse, 35 Alexander St.
Chevaughn Dixon, the coordinator of Hudson River Riders, is one of hundreds of Yonkers youth who gained access to the Hudson through YPRC’s public program led by Gerry Blackstone, its indomitable champion. Dixon is a level-four ACA kayak instructor with additional certifications in stand-up paddle boarding and wilderness first aid. He is also winner of the 2018 Yonkers Mayor’s Cup for best time in the men’s 800-meter race.
Blackstone passed away June 6, 2018. Hudson River Riders’ flourishing programs is one of his many legacies.
“Kayaking is a vehicle,” said Dixon. “You can use it to go places, as well as figure out life and make connections. I want to pass that on to other young people.”
Hudson River Riders also offers free weekly activities. Walk-up community paddling is scheduled Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m., for ages 5 and older in groups of eight or more by reservation.
Community groups and camps take place Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at JFK Marina in Yonkers, for ages 5 and older. They are free to non-profit groups and camps, and start at $250 per session for for-profit organizations. Register in advance.
Also at JFK Marina, sea kayak tours are scheduled Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for ages 13 and older. Register in advance.
Race training and fitness programs take place Mondays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the YPRC Boathouse in Yonkers for ages 13 and older. No registration is needed
Yonkers Paddling & Rowing Club serves as an anchor institution along the Yonkers riverfront, nurturing paddling and environmental awareness. It is host of the annual Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation, honored by the American Canoe Association in 2018. Member programs include weekly paddles, rescue and paddling skills clinics, and a winter boat-building workshop.
YPRC’s historic boathouse, just north of the Yonkers Pier, was built in 1938. It was home to Yonkers Canoe Club, which is remembered for the two Olympic Gold medals it brought home in 1948. Although the boathouse was submerged in 4 feet of water during Superstorm Sandy, the members rebuilt it and continue the club’s long legacy of community involvement.
For more information, visit yprc.org
