Kayaking

Registration for summer 2026 kayaking is now open! Our multisession packages provide incredible value, with per-paddling-session costs ranging from $3.50 to $10 for ACA (American Canoe Association) members and $20 or $25 for non-ACA members!

We have kayaking programs for both novice and experienced kayakers, and we provide kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.

Age limits: The minimum age for the regular weekly kayaking programs described below is 13, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.

An annual Newburgh Waterways Center membership ($20) is required for all participants in all our programs (except drop-in kayaking). Your NWC membership, which is good through December 31 of the current year, puts you on our insurance roster and ensures that we have your emergency contact information. 

In addition, our ACA kayaking programs require a separate ACA membership ($40), which is good for a full year.

Please note the following:

  • Unused paddling sessions cannot be carried over to the fall season that starts September 7, 2026. Please be sure to sign up only for the number of sessions you feel you will use from now through Friday, August 28.
  • We meet at the back (river side) of our boathouse, which is located in Ward Brothers Memorial Rowing Park. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time; our goal is to leave the dock by 10 minutes after start time so we can maximize our time on the water!
  • Please bring water (and a snack if you’d like one), sunscreen, and a hat. Sunglasses are also helpful for minimizing glare off the water.

If you’re interested in setting up a private kayaking event with friends, family, or an organization, please reach out to us via email at newburghwaterwayscenter@gmail.com. We can make something work! 

ACA Kayaking

This is our most economical kayaking program, and it requires a separate ACA membership, which is good for a full year. When you purchase your annual ACA membership, be sure to select “Paddle America Clubs: Newburgh Rowing Club” as your affiliation. Please also make sure to sign your annual ACA waiver.

Some previous kayaking experience is required.

All sessions are guided by an NWC-approved staff member and are subject to the weather. Sessions are coordinated via WhatsApp (you’ll receive a link after you register).

Coach: Maggie Welling

Duration: June 1–August 28, 2026

Schedule: Monday & Friday 7–9 am, Wednesday, 5:30–7:30 pm (new evening sessions this summer!).

Note that we will generally try to paddle farther and faster on Fridays than on Mondays and Wednesdays, so if you want a good workout, Friday is the day for you!

Registration deadline: August 2, 2026

Summer 5-session ACA kayaking: $50

Summer 10-session ACA kayaking: $75

Summer 15-session ACA kayaking: $100

Summer unlimited ACA kayaking: $150

Drop-In Kayaking

This drop-in kayaking program is for participants who are not ACA members; it’s more expensive than our ACA kayaking program because of the additional insurance costs, but it’s still a bargain at $20–25 per paddling session!

No previous kayaking experience is required.

All sessions are guided by an NWC-approved staff member and are subject to the weather. Sessions are coordinated via WhatsApp (you’ll receive a link after you register).

All participants must sign a waiver at each session. See below for links to waivers.

Coach: Maggie Welling

Duration: June 1–August 28, 2026

Schedule: Monday & Friday 7–9 am, Wednesday, 5:30–7:30 pm (new evening sessions this summer!)

Note that we will generally try to paddle farther and faster on Fridays than on Mondays and Wednesdays, so if you’re a novice paddler, Mondays and Wednesdays are your best bets!

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

Summer single-session drop-in kayaking: $25

Summer 5-session drop-in kayaking: $100

ACA Waivers

Drop-in kayakers, please fill out and sign the appropriate ACA waiver(s) before arriving at the boathouse if possible, and bring the signed waiver(s) with you on the day of your kayaking session.

Check the “ACA Event Membership $10” box on the PDF waiver. Note that the $10 event membership fee mentioned on the form is included in the fee you pay when you register for one of our drop-in programs on Regatta Central.

If you’re ACA membership is current, and you’ve signed your annual ACA waiver online, you do not need to sign any additional waivers .


Newburgh Waterways Center is an ACA Paddle America Club.