A couple years ago, we bought some cheap kayaks on a whim at Tractor Supply and decided to take to the water. I had just moved down to South Brooklyn, near Jamaica Bay, and wanted to embrace my new water-adjacent life. I have to say these silly kayaks have been one of the best impulse purchases of all time, and exploring Jamaica Bay by boat has become a favorite hobby. 

If you want to get out on the water and kayak the Bay without investing in a ten-foot piece of molded plastic that you also must store for most of the year, check out some of the awesome free programming offered by the National Parks Service and volunteer groups. There's still time to get out there in 2025, and the water and weather is warm and perfect right around now. 

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2025 National Park Service Jamaica Bay Kayak Schedule - a huge variety of paddles are offered weekly through September 12th. Free, but register at nps.gov/gate

Free Paddles at the Community Boathouse - located in Rockaway Beach, this nonprofit offers several weekly paddles around the calm waters of Jamaica Bay. Free, but registration required! They also have some tandem kayaks and stand up paddleboards.

Sebago Canoe Club - though membership is currently full at Sebago, located in Canarsie, you can still attend one of their free open house days. The next (and last) for the season is September 6th.