A lot of strong experienced paddlers kayak and SUP there from all over the world to paddle the perimeter of Manhattan or to get close to the Statue of Liberty or paddle along the NY and NJ coastline on the Hudson River to get both views at the same time. This place also provides rescue classes, self rescue and assisted rescues simulating what could be the closest to a real life scenario, although natural waters have their own character that changes all the time and it is not possible to simulate each and every scenario that exists. I've been on 4 foot waves on the Hudson River and depending on where you are, you get a lot of cross waves too. The guides and the group you paddle with are the most equipped with rescue skills compared to other places in NYC.
After talking to other paddlers from different parts of the world, we all agreed that people paddling out of this boathouse are all nice, are fun to hang out with, watch out for each other and this boathouse is the most responsible place that we know of when it comes to safety. Of all the boathouses that we know of in the 5 boroughs, this place is the only place that is properly insured too.