Paddling on the Water: Kayaking on Long Island

LongIsland.com

Kayaking is a popular activity on Long Island.

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The calm waters are an ideal location to enjoy easy paddling amidst beautiful scenery.  Anyone can rent a kayak and begin to paddle, most people don't take a lesson to learn the essentials of kayaking.

Check out these beginning skills you'll need to understand before getting into and paddling a kayak.

  • Knowing how to put on, adjust, and wear a PFD properly is a prerequisite for all water sports, especially for kayaking.
  • Sitting properly in a kayak isn't difficult it does require some guidance the first time in the boat.  Without having proper contact with the backrest, foot supports, and thigh braces, the kayaker won't be able to properly control the kayak.
  • Know the proper way to get into and sit in a kayak.  This will save the paddler a lot of problems and keep them from getting wet right at the start.
  • Learn to paddle by rotating the torso and get less fatigued, paddled longer, and put more power behind the blade.
  • Getting out of a kayak can be a harrowing experience if done improperly. Learn how to, even practice how to, exit your kayak and you'll save yourself some wet endings to your blissful afternoons.

Here are some kayak rental locations.

  • The Dinghy Shop 
    334 South Bayview Avenue, Amityville  (631) 264-0005 
    They offer lessons, seasonal rentals, and kayak tours on the Great South Bay.
  • Freeport Kayak Rentals 
    957 South Long Beach Avenue, Freeport  (855) WE-KAYAK 
    Spend a few hours paddling our beautiful calm bays, catch some rays, and discover the natural beauty of our local waterways. 
  • Main Beach Surf & Sport 
    352 Montauk Highway, Wainscott (631) 537-2716
    They offer kayak lessons, rentals tours and fishing.
  • Nissequogue River Canoe & Kayak Rentals 
    112 Wittier Drive, Kings Park (631) 979-8244

    The Nissequogue River empties into the scenic Long Island Sound.  They provide lessons and equipment for a memorable day.
  • Peconic Paddler 
    89 Peconic Avenue, Riverhead  (631)727-9895
    Sea kayaking on the Peconic Bay is a great way to spend a summer day.
  • Eagle's Neck Paddling Company 
    62300 Main Road (Route 25), Southold (631) 765-3502
    They are highly dedicated to the sport and spirit of paddling and the enjoyment of nature at its most intimate levels.
  • The Waterfront Center 
    1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay  (516) 922-SAIL 
    The mission of the WFC is to educate people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds so they can become active stewards of the marine environment, and to promote community sailing and other environmentally friendly ways to enjoy the waters of Oyster Bay.
  • Empire Kayaks 
    4 Empire Boulevard, Island Park (516) 889-8300 
    Enjoy sunset, full moon, lunch or yoga paddle outings.
  • Setauket Harbor Canoes & Kayaks 
    30 Shore Road, East Setauket  (631) 751-2706 
    The Setauket Harbor opens up onto the Port Jefferson Harbor and the Long Island Sound.
  • Glacier Bay Sports 
    81-C Fort Salonga Road, Northport  (631) 262-9116 
    Their knowledgable staff helps will all aspects of Long Island kayaking.

 

We'd love to hear about your favorite place to kayak.