Manhattan Kayak Company

Manhattan Kayak Company is New York City's premiere kayak school and touring company. Now owned and operated by Eric Stiller and Brian Maxey, Manhattan Kayak Company strives to provide the best and safest kayaking instruction and experience possible. Whatever your vision—a simple paddle to see the Statue of Liberty or competitive race and fitness training—our program can take you where you want to go.

While the Hudson River might not be the first place one might think of as a kayak destination, the greater New York City area offers a true maritime environment. Comprised of 50 individual islands, New York City is steeped in history and offers an amazing destination just waiting to be explored.

And while trips like circumnavigating the island of Manhattan or paddling to the Statue of Liberty provide great challenges and lasting memories, navigating these heavily trafficked waters is not a task to be undertaken lightly. For starters, even experienced paddlers are sometimes surprised to hear that the Hudson experiences tremendous tidal flows that reverse the current all the way back up to the state capital in Albany—150 miles north!

Intimately knowing the currents of this powerful waterway is critical to successfully paddling it. And when it comes to local knowledge Manhattan Kayak is the only shop in town. Lead guide Eric Stiller has been plying the waters of the Hudson for most of his life, and is as good a teacher as one could ask for. And whether Eric is the one teaching our class or leading your group, or one of our other well-qualified guides, you're in good hands with Manhattan Kayak.

Our guides are a diverse group, each bringing a unique style and expertise to the tours they lead. We hope you come kayaking and get to know us and we look forward to meeting you.