Seeing NYC From a New Viewpoint

Beautiful view of NYC and Freedom tower from where paddle boarded

When living in the city, at times it feels like you are as far away from nature as its possible to be.  And in the summer, that's not always how you want to be feeling.  I mean, when its sticky and humid and gross out, who wants to be packed in the middle of the city with a million other people?  So I determined that this weekend I was going to find away to feel like I was escaping the city...without really going anywhere.  My solution?  Water sports of course!

Can also go kayaking if paddle boarding not for you

I've always been a big fan of trying new types of workouts.  So I thought a two hour stand up paddle boarding class would be a great and unique way for me to get a workout in.  And let me tell you, it is tiring! But so much fun!  Which, lets be honest, is the best type of workout.  One where you feel it afterwards, but during the activity, you are to distracted by the thrill to notice how tired you are.  I used the NY Kayak Company (http://www.nykayak.com/) who had a great 2 hour beginners class for $100.  I'd recommend doing the morning ride as the first hours the sun isn't at full strength so a lot more comfortable. And the traffic isn't as bad, so its much easier to stand up.  Near the end, the river traffic picked up leading to much choppier waters, which made balancing while standing a bit more challenging.

To say I'm not a natural paddle boarder is a bit of an understatement.  I fell 3 times.  The rest of the class, a grand total of 0 times.  But hey, part of the fun of doing things in the water is getting wet!  At least, that's what I told my self every time I hit the water.  The coolest part about the whole experience was once we got the hang of standing up, we were able to go to the middle of the river.  From there, you get an amazing view of the Freedom tower and all of downtown.  I mean it's truly beautiful seeing the city from the river and its just a very unique way to see NYC.    I will be going again for sure!  Next on the agenda?  Yoga paddle boarding...yes, you read that right.  Doing yoga, on a paddle board, in the middle of the Hudson.  Man I love trying new sports!