It’s easy to forget that Manhattan is an island.

Strolling through Times Square doesn’t invoke too much beach-community sensibility, but with spring comes an onslaught of waterway activity rivaling that of any vacation town. And one of the best offerings of the five boroughs comes cheap and accessible: paddling.

Manhattan is situated amidst one of the most complicated, intricate series of waterways of any international city. Canoes and kayaks are great modes of transport for seeing the city in a whole new light and exploring nooks and crannies you never knew this place had. Start with a lesson, and end with the 31-mile route around Manhattan: Everything you need is right here. So take your pick: The Atlantic Ocean, Hudson, East and Harlem rivers, Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek, Long Island Sound, and Hells Gate narrows each has something special to offer.

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[Originally posted at Examiner.com]