Village Community Boathouse

Free community rowing takes place at Pier 40 on the Hudson River, with Sunday sessions at noon and Wednesday evening rows from April through November, weather permitting. Participants receive a brief orientation and row Whitehall gigs with an experienced coxswain; no prior experience is needed. Youth rowing is offered to high school students on Fridays, with experienced participants able to join the race team. Rows generally last one to three hours, and participants help launch, retrieve, and clean the boats. Life jackets are provided, and a signed waiver is required. The boathouse also welcomes adults to help maintain its fleet and build boats in its Pier 40 shop. Its specialties include traditional Whitehall gigs and other wooden boats. The organization is based at Pier 40 in New York City.