Schedule

Our schedule lives on Meetup. Sessions vary week to week with the season, the tides, and who is hosting, so Meetup — not this page — is the authoritative source for when we are on the water and what each session will be.

See upcoming sessions on Meetup

How to use our Meetup listings

Every session is posted as its own Meetup event, and each one tells you what it is:

  1. Read the event description. It says what kind of session it is, who it is aimed at, and anything specific to that day — conditions, gear, session details, or level restrictions.
  2. RSVP if you plan to come. We need to know who is coming so we can plan appropriately, know who to look out for, and ensure we have enough boats and gear.
  3. Message the session host with questions. Every event lists its host(s). If you are unsure whether a session is right for you, ask them first — they would much rather answer a question than turn someone away at the dock or pool.

Types of sessions

Introductory

A first look at the sport for people who have never played. Expect a lot of time on the basics: getting comfortable in a polo boat, wet exits, simple paddling, and a gentle introduction to throwing and catching. No experience assumed.

Beginner-friendly / Social

Relaxed games with time set aside for skills. Good for newer players and for anyone who wants a lower-intensity session. We work on paddling, passing, shooting, basic tactics, and play games at a friendly pace.

Intermediate scrimmages

Full games at a real pace for players with the fundamentals already in place. Newer players can sometimes be accommodated, but there is little time for basic instruction — the session is built around playing.

Advanced training

Focused training for experienced players working toward competitive play: structured drills, tactics, and hard scrimmaging, usually led by our most seasoned players. These sessions assume a reliable roll and solid boat control.

Before you join us on the Hudson

Beginners: always check with the session host before signing up for a summer session, and respect any session labeled “Advanced/Expert Only.”

The currents at our summer location on the Hudson can be strong, and they change through the day with the tide. A paddler who cannot reliably stay with their boat, get back into it, or paddle against moving water is at real risk here — and so is anyone who has to leave the game to rescue them. This is not a formality. If the host says a given session is not right for you, please believe them and come to one that is.

See today’s Hudson conditions for the day’s current predictions, and for whether the river is under a water quality advisory.

I’ve never kayaked before — which session should I join?

Kayak polo has a steep learning curve, and most of our sessions assume you are already reasonably comfortable in a decked boat (i.e., a small boat with a sprayskirt around the cockpit). Look for an Introductory session, and message the host to confirm before you sign up.

We also highly recommend the KCCNY pool sessions to learn to roll your kayak and practice other advanced kayaking skills.

What do I need to bring?

We supply boats, paddles, spraydecks, life jackets (PFDs), and helmets. Please bring water shorts, a rash guard or synthetic exercise shirt, water shoes, a water bottle, and a towel / shower supplies.

Can I just turn up?

Please RSVP on Meetup rather than turning up unannounced. For our winter pool sessions this matters especially: without a minimum of 6 people signed up 48 hours in advance the session is cancelled, and the pool door may be locked if we are not expecting you. We don’t want wasted journeys.