Hudson River Sea Kayaking to Abandoned Castle

Sea kayaking adventure on the Hudson River

Navigate the Hudson River Estuary in an afternoon of paddling adventures.

After receiving sea kayaking techniques and open water safety tips, you will be ready to navigate the waters of the Hudson River. Journey through the beautiful Hudson River Estuary, located near West Point and Storm King Mountain. The area is filled with wildlife and historical sites, and Bannerman Castle awaits exploration. You will learn unique facts about New York’s military history and the story behind this mysterious castle.

Only a short drive from Manhattan, this outing will fill your need for discovery and exploration while returning you to the city in time to make evening plans.

Event Details

DEPARTURE AND RETURN LOCATION
Eastern Mountain Sports Upper West Side (Broadway/76th St.) Subways 1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street.
DEPARTURE TIME
11:30 AM Please arrive at 11:15 AM for check-in.
RETURN TIME
Approximately 5:30 PM.
BRING
Your lunch, snacks and two liters water. Bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for afterward.
WEAR
Comfortable athletic clothing with a swimsuit underneath. Windbreaker/shell and hat. River shoes (dive boots, neoprene booties, Tevas or old tennis shoes—no flip-flops!), sunscreen.
INTENSITY LEVEL
This hike is an Intensity Level 2/3. Please read a full description in the Intensity Level tab above.

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Skill Requirements

You need to have some experience kayaking, be confident in the water and know how to swim. Good core strength and endurance are required. Example: If you can do 20 push ups, if you work out three or more times per week, or practice yoga, you will be fine.

Kayaks will be sit-on-top sea kayaks which are very stable, or classic “sit inside” decked kayaks with spray skirt (more experienced kayakers). The return may bring us some headwinds, so a good workout is guaranteed. You must be taller than 4’10” to participate.
There is guaranteed to be wake from passing ships and ferries, strong current and tidal surge. Please carefully consider your abilities before signing up.

All gear is included: kayak, paddles and life jacket.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Overview

Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

Activity

How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
Distances

You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
Surfaces

What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
Elevation Change

The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
Altitude

The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

Activity

You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.
Distances

For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.
Surfaces

You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.
Elevation Change

There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.
Altitude

Less than 3,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

Activity

You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.
Distances

Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.
Surfaces

You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.
Elevation Change

There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.
Altitude

From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices and Above

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

Activity

We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.
Distances

Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.
Surfaces

We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.
Elevation Change

There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.
Altitude

From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

Activity

You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.
Distances

Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.
Surfaces

These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.
Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.
Altitude

From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

Activity

You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.
Distances

You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.
Surfaces

On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.
Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.
Altitude

Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.

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