NYCkayaker East River Paddling

[Richard Smith]

Although I have never paddled in the East River I have navigated it many
times in sailboats of varying sizes.

That said I would strongly discourage any thoughts of a public launch site
or recreational boating from the South Street Seaport north to  Gracie
Mansion.

Currents in this area can approach 6 kts.  In the west passage at Roosevelt
Island whirlpools develop which make navigation in a powered boat difficult.
The Manhattan Shore is bulkheaded and it would be extremely difficult if not
impossible to land on in an emergency.  Roosevelt island and the Queens
shore are bulkheaded and/or filled with rip/rap again non-hospital to
landing.

Heavy commercial marine traffic can be expected and there is little a tug
with tow or a commercial vessel can do to avoid a small man powered craft.

There are plenty of places in the metro area which are suitable for small
boats.  The East River is not among them!

Richard Smith