How many times have you prepared yourself for that heart pumping gym visit...only to discover that it’s drizzling outside, you just ran out of your favorite blueberry bagels and, God help you, you can’t work out without a good blueberry bagel, and you know, it’s so expensive, for sure you’ll do it tomorrow, when True Blood isn’t on? If you’re anything like me...every time. Why was I made like this? Why can’t I be one of those skinny girls who was born in a torrid love affair with lettuce? Why can’t I just love to pay for hamster wheel exercise?

Well, finally, Hoboken’s Community Boathouse has me in its grip. You got me, Boathouse. What beats a fun afternoon on the water that also happens to tone your upper body? A free afternoon on the water that tones your upper body!

That’s right, the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse on the 10th Street Waterfront has once again started offering days during the summer where Hobokenites can take a kayak out into the cove for free. On these days, all you have to do is saunter up to the table by the boathouse (in front of Maxwell Place), sign a waiver, and voila! Grab a life jacket, a bottle of water, and if you burn easily like me, some sunscreen, and hop into one of the kayaks conveniently located at the water’s edge for your boating pleasure. Single kayaks are available for independently minded fitness freaks, but there are also double kayaks for families, friends, and lovers just looking for a way to cool off in the summer heat.

Volunteers are always around to help guide you into the water and keep you from traveling too far into the rocky Hudson, so don’t be afraid of being left high and dry! Stay out as long as you like- there is no time limit. Paddle hard for half an hour or stick around and float for the entire afternoon; either way, free kayaking days offer a relaxing way to fight back against heat and humidity.

For adrenaline junkies, the Boathouse also offers five full river trips this summer. The destinations change depending on the tide, so be prepared for a spontaneous adventure! No reservations can be made in advance, so show up on time- those who receive boats are chosen based on a “minutes before launching” lottery system. These trips last for about three hours and are only for adult swimmers. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, it’s advisable to stick to the cove and its free kayaking, lazy afternoons.

Schedule: Free Kayaking Days, Hoboken Cove Boathouse, Maxwell Place Beach

Sunday, June 20th, 2-7 pm
Saturday, July 17th, 11 am-5 pm
Sunday, August 1st, 11 am-5 pm
Sunday, August 15th, 11:30 am-4:30 pm

Schedule: River Trips, Hoboken Cove Boathouse, Maxwell Place Beach

Sunday, June 27th, 10 am-2 pm
Sunday, July 18th, 3-7 pm
Sunday, July 25th, 9 am- 1 pm
Saturday, August 28th, 11 am- 3 pm

For more information, please write info@hobokencoveboathouse.org!