The Hudson Valley offers some great ways to keep cool with a huge array of water sports and recreational activities - all less than a tank of gas away! Whether it's swimming, boating, canoeing, tubing or just wave watching, the Hudson Valley offers something for everyone in the family.
Get ON the Water!
Adventure lovers can ride the white water rapids and drift with the current as the Esopus Creek winds its way through the beautiful mountains and greenery of the Catskills. Town Tinker Tube Rental, (
www.towntinker.com) has both novice and expert courses to make sure everyone has a good time. Want to travel with a crowd? Raft the Delaware River, one of the most scenic waterways, with Silver Canoe Raft Rentals (
www.silvercanoe.com). Enjoy the different paces of the river while watching Bald Eagles circle up above.
If canoeing the Hudson River is more your style, Hudson Valley Outfitters, (
www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com) offers guided tours. On August 5, join Hudson River Research Reserve (E-mail bazogari@gw.dec.state.ny.us)
naturalists in an exciting and educational afternoon canoe paddle through the marshy maze of Iona Island. No experience is needed for either trip, and equipment is provided. Beginner? Attend an Introduction to Kayaking, (
www.dykenpond.org) on August 10 on Rensselaer Plateau's largest lake.
For those who would rather relax than paddle, hop onboard the Albany Aqua Ducks (
www.albanyaquaducks.com) first by land, then by sea. Tour Albany's historic streets and then see New York's capital city by boat.
Get IN the Water!
Want to dive right in? Splashdown Park (
www.splashdownbeach.com) in Fishkill is a multi-activity family waterpark packed with waterslides, tube slides, wave pool, and bumper boats for a really cool experience. Or just go for a swim at Lake Taghkanic State Park (
www.nysparks.com/parks) in Ancram where cottages, cabins, and boat rentals are also available.
Celebrate the Water!
Waterfront wonder continues August 1 to 3 where tall ships, fireworks, and kayak trips are part of Peekskill Celebration 2008 (
www.peekskillcelebration.com) on the Hudson River. The weekend-long festival includes music, crafts, food, and a car show. And don't forget the Hudson Valley Paddle, along the Hudson River, (
http://hudsongreenway.state.ny.us/ghrp) a 150-mile kayak expedition from July 31 to August 13 on the Hudson. The paddle takes in waterfront camping for the journey as well as three community riverfront festivals along the way.
More information can be obtained from the Hudson Valley Tourism website,
www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-615-3860.
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