This article is aimed toward the urbanite that has no desire to travel outside of the city, but would still like to participate in at least one outdoorsy activity this summer. Finally, one of the relaxing, scenic, and rugged water sports has finally arrived in many of America’s biggest metropolises.
Long seen the quintessential camping activity, kayaking is the new biggest thing in many surprising locations, such as Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, and even New York City. Here’s some information you will need to know if you want to get out there and kayak this summer down your city’s most famous waterways. And believe me, it’s a whole lot of fun!
Chicago
I frequent the Windy City on a regular basis during the spring and summer, and I constantly see individuals and families kayaking down the different branches of the Chicago River, and even on the expansive Lake Michigan shoreline. Instead of trees, lines of impossibly high skyscrapers shade the river as it meanders through the Near North and Loop neighborhoods. If you plan on being in Chicago at all this summer, a day of kayaking is definitely something to put on the top of your to do list! See http://www.kayakchicago.com/ for more info. ($$$)
Boston
Boston’s kayaking scene is unique in the fact that people can be seen rowing all year round. In October, while visiting a friend who is a member of the Harvard University Rowing team, I was astounded when I found out they were still having practices during that cold and blustery time of year. This theme seems to be common among Boston’s urban kayakers, though. If you feel the need to go kayaking in the dead of winter, go ahead; however, for a more enjoyable experience, go out onto the Charles River this summer to get some of the best views of Boston and Cambridge. See Charles River Canoe & Kayak for more info. ($$)
New York City
Kayaking in New York City is definitely not for the faint of heart. Based out of Pier 40 on the Hudson River, kayaking on New York’s busy waterways means dodging ferries, cargo ships, cruise liners, Coast Guard vessels, and many other obstacles. For those who want a kayaking adventure without going to the Grand Canyon, New York City kayaking adventures will be sure to thrill. There is nothing like paddling up to the Statue of Liberty with the skyline of Manhattan as the backdrop. See http://www.nykayak.com/ for more info. ($$$$)
Pittsburgh
Downtown Pittsburgh is located at the intersection of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, making it an absolutely perfect place for an urban kayaking expedition. Gather up some of your urbanite friends and go on a leisurely kayaking adventure around Point State Park and under the hundreds of bridges connecting the city. Surrounded by the tall buildings of downtown and the steep river bluffs, Pittsburgh is probably the best place to go urban kayaking that I could find. See http://www.kayakpittsburgh.org/ for more info. ($)
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