In June, the Hudson River Valley Greenway fielded a call from Alan Jay, who just completed paddling the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Waterford with his brother-in-law Michael.
The next day Jay would start his solo adventure paddling the Hudson River toward New York City – he needed a Hudson River Water Trail Guide.
The Greenway made arrangements to meet him at the Corning Preserve Boat launch while he was passing Albany to deliver the guidebook. Jay explained how interesting and magnificent his trip on the Erie Canal had been and how he was going to use the tidal ebb to his advantage on the Hudson.
Below the Federal Dam in Troy and to the Atlantic Ocean the Hudson River is a tidal estuary. Tides create currents in ocean inlets and rivers that connect to the ocean, which can create eddies and rough water conditions. These currents are created by ebb (outgoing) and flood (incoming) tidal flows. Jay planned to use the ebb, which pulls towards the ocean to reduce resistance and provide a boost in speed while paddling.
In 31 days (with stops because of weather), Jay paddled from Buffalo to the Statue of Liberty. Not long after he arrived, he got too close to the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. Coast Guard sped toward him with flashing lights to warn him to paddle away from Liberty Island. Jay turned around and paddled toward Liberty Island State Park on the New Jersey shore. All water within 150 feet of Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Ellis Island Bridge are safety and security zones in which vessels must have permission to transit.
Alan Jay is one of many paddlers that take on these strenuous adventures that take time, planning, and caution. He and his brother-in-law created an itinerary going through their experiences to help him remember his adventure and to share his experiences with others. You can find their itinerary with pictures here.
Visit the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail website to learn more about paddling the Hudson River.
Photo of Alan Jay provided.
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