Summer Fun Guide: Local Fishing, Kayaking, And Sailing

Fishing at Sheepshead Bay; photo by Wally Gobetz

Sometimes it’s nice to escape the cars, people, and food carts and run to the calming waters that surround Manhattan. If you’re new to sailing, take some lessons at the Offshore Sailing School. Or relax and let the pros at Hudson River Sloop Clearwater do the work with a three-hour sail on the Hudson that teaches you about the ecosystem.

For a bigger taste of adventure, get out and kayak in New York Harbor with Red Hook Boaters. If you’re willing to venture to Brooklyn, they offer free kayaking to city dwellers on a first-come-first-serve basis. Or, if you’d prefer to stay in the city, check out the Downtown Boathouse on Wednesday nights for free lessons or tour the city by water with Manhattan Kayak Company. Older kids can even take a stand-up paddle board lesson with New York Kayak Company!

Looking for a more peaceful afternoon? Foot traffic may be high on the streets, but there’s plenty of relaxing by the sea. Be sure to grab a hot dog at Nathan’s Hot Dogs at Steeplechase Pier in Coney Island after reeling in some fish, rent a boat in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, or stay in the city for some good old catch-and-release at the 107th Street Pier. Psst—the electric lighting and roof at 107th makes it a great way to beat the crowds at nighttime or during summer showers.

More from our SUMMER FUN GUIDE:
11 Top Water Parks Within Driving Distance
Our Favorite Beaches Around NYC
Editor’s Picks: Camping For Families
(Inter)Active Fun In Parks & Zoos
Garden Oases, Animal Encounters, And Good Learnin’

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A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>

Saf-T-Swim

<p>For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>