Healthy Hoboken: Free Kayaking

I'm happiest in the water. If I can't get in it, I need to be near it, which is why I love to run along the waterfront. I've been waiting all winter for the chance to get even closer to the Hudson, though I definitely stop short of diving right in.

My chance came on June 5, as the Hoboken Cove Boathouse opened for this season's first day of free kayaking. They'll be offering several more days throughout the summer, as well as five full river trips.

If you don't like getting wet, skip this week's free fitness activity. My butt was soaked as I walked home, drawing more than a few stares considering I wasn't wearing a bathing suit. But if you are looking for a great upper-body workout that will help cool you off in the summer heat, make your way to the 10th Street waterfront.

It is such as an easy, hassle-free way to spend the morning. You simply walk up to the small table setup at the boathouse, in front of Maxwell Place, and sign a waiver. That's all there is to it. You don't have to follow anyone's schedule – just make sure you are there sometime within the day's operating hours. Considering they stay open almost the entire day—usually from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., although hours can fluctuate—you can saunter up at any point.

Once you've signed your life away, you head down to the beach, grab a life jacket and pick a boat. I didn't have to wait more than five minutes to grab a solo kayak; families and young couples were jumping in double kayaks. A group of volunteers helps you launch into the water, and from there it was smooth sailing. If you've never tried kayaking, they will show you the basics.

You can stay out on the water for as long as you like, though it does start to get a bit redundant because you have to stay within the cove. It's more of a fun activity than a workout, but I did 20-minutes of serious paddling, until my arms and upper-back were feeling the burn. The water wasn't too choppy – only picked up when a large ferry went by – so you can go nice and slow if you want. You can stop and chat with any of the volunteers stationed out at the end of the cove, there to make sure you don't end up in the middle of the Hudson.

There are five river trips planned for the season. I will definitely be joining at least one of them, because I'd love to explore more parts of the river. The trips are three hours each, and the destination is determined based on the tides. They fill up fast, and reservations can only be made when the informational email is sent out, so if you want a spot make sure to add your name to the email list. You can do so by emailing info@hobokencoveboathouse.org. You can also check out the website: or the facebook page.