Waterworld

Manhattan is not known for watersports - until very recently our waterfronts have been relatively unused for recreational activities. Atypical given that water frontage is generally such a huge asset in most locales worldwide; surprising since everything in NYC has been developed and exploited. But the waterways are finally seeing their day. Fishing, boating, sailing, kayaking and even some swimming (under certain conditions) are now all commonplace. The Hudson river, once seen as a garbage dump, has become cleaner than anytime in the last 100 years - fish and other aquatic life have returned. The photo is of members of the New York Kayak Club, which provides a kayak launch, storage, locker rooms, instruction, guided tours and a shop. They are situated at Pier 40 at West Houston Street and the West Side Highway. There are a number of kayaking facilities in the city click here for a list with links. Cautionary Note - NYC is one of about 800 cities in the US which uses a combined sewer system - storm water and sewage are combined. When it rains, the system can become overloaded and the sewage and polluted stormwater are dumped into the waterways - over 27 billion gallons are discharged untreated annually via combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfall pipes (there are about 450 in NYC harbor). The problems of this antiquated system are being addressed - until then, beware of NYC waters after a rainstorm ...