On selected weekend afternoons, Long Island City Community Boathouse, in partnership with Socrates Sculpture Park, offers free walk-up paddling on the sheltered waters of Hallets Cove, from the beach at Vernon Blvd. at 31st Ave. This program is open to persons of all ages and skill levels, including those wanting to try kayaking for the first time. No reservation is needed. All on-water participants must be able to swim, and under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sit-on-top kayaks, and (usually, depending on wind velocity) canoes are available.

Please see our Calendar for dates and times. Dates for this program are selected according to the tide cycle, to ensure optimal beach conditions. Park rules prohibit swimming and require that footwear be worn on the beach. Wear clothing and footwear that can get wet!

Here’s how it works:

1. Meet our volunteer greeters at the street level. Last sign-in is 30 minutes prior to the session closing time.
2. Read and sign a waiver. Minors’ waivers must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
3. Receive a hand stamp and wait in line at the gate.
4. One of our volunteers will call you to the beach, assist you in choosing a Personal Flotation Device and paddle, and assign you a boat. Singles may be paired with another paddler, or (on request) with one of our experienced volunteers. Children under 16 must be paired with an adult.
5. Paddle responsibly within the boundaries established by our buoys and patrol boats, and have fun!
6. Return to the beach after 20 minutes (if there is no line you may take a second 20 minute tour).
7. Kindly return paddles and PFD’s to their places by the seawall and leave the beach promptly so that we can accommodate the next paddlers.

It may be necessary to cancel on any given day due to dangerous weather, unsafe water quality or other unforeseen circumstance. If cancellation is necessary, notice will be posted by 12 o’clock noon on our Calendar and on our voice hotline, (718) 228-9214.

Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated. Volunteering at Hallets Cove is fun, easy and rewarding! No prior experience is necessary. If you want to volunteer on the spot, just speak with any of our volunteers and begin at once! If you’re interested in volunteering at future events you may leave your contact info at our greeting table or introduce yourself and make your interest known via email to info@licboathouse.org. Volunteers help us move boats and equipment between our Boathouse (4601 Fifth St at 46th Ave) and Hallets Cove, and receive priority for the delightful 2-mile paddle on the East Passage waterway.

View Calendar

Request a paddle to Hallets Cove

How to Prepare

Join the Long Island City Community Boathouse for a self-guided trip. Tidal currents will determine “float plans”, and some trips will be more strenuous than others. There are some possible rest stops and on-water pause points. Veteran volunteers will accompany public participants, who would be wise to defer to the wisdom of their experience in these waters and vessel traffic. Stay close to the group for safety. Unless otherwise stated in the trip’s details, participants gather at the LICCB located at 46-01 5th St Long Island City, NY 11101, prepare their equipment, and plan to launch from Anable Basin by the designated time.

To request a spot on a Weekday Paddle, please complete the Trip Request Form. If your name is selected in the lottery, you will be notified by email within 24 hours from the time of the paddle. If you do not receive an email you were not selected in the lottery but are free to apply for another paddle.
Walk-ups are not accepted for Weekday Paddles!

View Calendar

Request a Trip

How to Prepare