Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paddle?
→ Our public embayments are free to the community! That said, we appreciate donations. We’d love to continue offering programming year after year. Your support keeps us afloat.
Do I need to sign anything?
→ Yes, we require everyone to fill out a waiver and sign in for the day on our Web site. Scan our QR code to get the link.
Please fill out separate waivers on behalf of each member of your party if you have children younger than age 16.
Make sure to hold onto the email receipt of your signed waiver! You can show it each time you paddle with us for the rest of the season.
How old does my child need to be to paddle alone?
→ A child of any age can paddle with an adult. You must be at least 16 years old to paddle in a single kayak or to go out on a SUP.
Are there bathrooms?
→ Yes, there are two all-gender public bathrooms on the boathouse’s street side.
Where can I change? (And what should I wear?)
→ The boathouse has two public bathrooms where you can change.
Plan to wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. We recommend light footwear (e.g., sandals, water shoes) for the beach and whatever forms of sun protection you prefer. Volunteers will also make sure you have a PFD on before you get in the water, but we can provide that!
Where can I store my stuff (e.g., clothes, bag, phone)?
→ We have a limited number of small lockers for storage. Volunteers at the desk can give you a lock and key. Please return the key once you’ve finished paddling and have retrieved your items so we can pass the locker off to the next paddler!
Unfortunately, we can’t take responsibility for larger items like bikes and scooters. There is a bike rack nearby where you can lock your bike or scooter with your own lock.
Can I bring my phone out on the water?
→ While you can choose whether or not to carry your phone or other items like keys and wallet, we’re not responsible for items that are damaged or dropped in the water. It’s worth investing in a drybag or protective phone case if you enjoy taking photos while paddling!
What if I don’t really know how to swim?
→ You do not need to be an expert swimmer. If you were to fall into the water with a life jacket on, could you float with your life jacket and move yourself towards shore? If so, your swimming ability is adequate for paddling in our protected cove.
Can my dog come out with me?
→ Yes, dogs (and other pets) are generally welcome within the cove! If you know your dog is comfortable on the water and behaves safely around others, we will help you fit them with a PDF for embayment.
What paddles can I use during public embayment?
→ Please only use paddles supplied by volunteers on the beach unless a guide provides you one elsewhere before a public river trip.
If you’re interested in learning about equipment inside the boathouse or that you see our experienced paddlers using, you’re probably a great candidate for our volunteer program!
Check for “Volunteers- Help with our public program!” events on
www.meetup.com/hoboken-cove-community-boathouse
to sign up for volunteer shifts and learn more.
