I looked at the NOAA chart and you are indeed correct re: the extent of the Hell Gate - it begins much further south than I realized, beginning between Hallett's point in Astoria and Mill Rock. This is not quite the northern tip of Roosevelt Island, but might as well be, as the currents are going to be 'all squiggly' throughout this area due to mixing from the different channels.
“experienced” "The question, in my mind, is whether this guy’s experienced friends really have the experience to safely guide him on an advanced trip like this. "
That’s a very good point. And it applies to just about everywhere and every trip. There’s a saying “you don’t know what you don’t know”. Unless the “experienced” paddler have a fair amount of seat time on different locations, chances are they haven’t seen enough to handle the unexpected!
There has been too many stories of so called “experienced” paddlers who themselves gotten into condition above their head, with their charge of novices.
Though in this particular case, the technical challenge isn’t all that great. The only part that has any rough water is at Battery Park. (though that’s make more challenging by the amount of motor boat traffic) The distance is considerably short than the 15 (or 30) mile on the map, because the tide can almost carry you all the way around while you lily-dip. (that’s something for the OP to consider also, as your brag-able accomplishment will be deflated by the herd of out-of-shape moms and pops on sit-on-tops also finishing the same trip with ease)
As a local, I’ve done this trip more than once. And I have seen quite many not-so-expert paddlers having a good time doing the trip. What they need (and get as local paddlers) are other paddlers who are familiar with the route and knows how to deal with the current, the traffic and have a few bail out options. In this case, it’s not advance skill, but local know how that will make the trip safe.
As others have said, go with an experienced group. It will make all the difference and you will have a much better experience. I have done this during swim support several times and it's really neat but you need to know the tides/currents and you need to be safe from ferry and commercial traffic. Definately not for the novice as a solo trip.
there's more than one patch of rough water on a Manhattan Circ, depending on the tides and wind, of course, cf. the ConnYak article linked below by jaybabina.
i have read This whole post and have nothing to say regarding advice. But it got me thinking. Isn’t kayaking in nyc kinda like playing beach volleyball inside. Sure you could, but wouldn’t you go somewhere else. It’s like snow skiing in indiana, you can, but if I was planning an accomplishment in skiing it would be out west.
I would LOVE to see Manhattan from a kayak, espcially toward sunset. Biking around Manhattan and up over the Brooklyn bridge was one of my best trips ever, even though I’m usually a Maine wildnerness kind of person.
when in rome Actually urban paddling is pretty cool. Views are great and the disconnected feel you get while still hearing all the hustle and bustle is unique.
But yeah, I’d rather paddle the San Juan islands any day.
Just Do It OK, so, I have had an interesting education about kayaking in a harbor and tidal basin.
Awsome stuff. I think that the most discouraging among you have had the best to offer. I appreciate it.
When I do it, I will not be doing it alone. Also, I wont be doing it on one day. I am more intersted in the expereince rather than simply paddeling. we will plan around tides and days, so we hit it all right.
We will be looking for marinas and beaches to stop in to explore.
Heck, if it takes three days to do, I am good with that. But, I cant imagin that.
So, I have some homework to do.
Thanks for all the support, help and discouragement.
wow, did I find the right place to put this out there.
Now, I have to go talk to my buddy who wind surfs the east river. What kind of nut is he!!! A great guy! A good fisherman as well.
OK, thanks to all. I will keep checking back to see what else might be offered.
I've been around 4 (?) times, in the now defunct Mayor's Cup Race. Honestly, this is not a 'Hey, sounds like a fun idea.' trip. You might get lucky and end up with a 'this was hard, but I had a blast' experience. Or you might get flipped in conditions and get battered against the pilings on the East River. If you do choose to have a go, have a go with someone who knows the tides and the potential hazards.
A DEP barge on the East River can throw a 6' refracting wake which you will not expect. Nor will you expect a high speed procession of cigarette boats flying past at 70 mph, nor the bedlam that can be the Battery, with the heliport choppers whipping the water around you into a fine mist, or the entry/exit of the Staten Island Ferry or the water taxis that buzz like bees in and out of the slips. Hell Gate is a whiff in comparison to the above.
The thing about this trip is that if things go wrong, the takeouts are fairly inhospitable.
build up Sounds like a great trip with a good group. I would just suggest building up. Go out 5 miles a few times, then 10 miles for a while, then 15. Anyone is going to feel 15 miles. I also lead trips and paddle in some pretty extreme conditions. You could practice some rescues before you set out, but even an experienced kayaker would paddle a more often and get geared up for a 30 mile trip.
Here’s An Option There’s an outfitter on the water by the Chelsea Piers called Manhatten Kayaks. They have training and tours and a point system that relates competnecy to their tours. They also have an introductory tour of the Manhattan waterway after their paddling basics training. This all can lead up to the Manhattan Circumnavigation tour that they conduct. They can probably guide you through the process and let you know when you are ready. At very least, you will know what you are in for in a very real way. At best, maybe you will go for it. The link is manhattankayak.com