09/14/2026
NYC ➡️ OCEANPORT. ~35 MILES. WHO’S IN?
Five years ago, 6 locals set out to paddle from Oceanport Paddle Club to Manhattan in some brutal conditions.
Jeremy Julio, John Majeski & Teddy Smith paddled EVERY mile under their own power. Absolute beasts.
The original 6: Bryan Zinski, John Majeski, Jeremy Julio, Teddy Smith, Mike Fithian & me. Pat Dender, Daniel Briskey & Jason Julio handled support.
This wasn’t a “let’s see what happens” adventure. We had safety vessels, support & a carefully planned route. I spent a ton of time crunching tides/current. The plan included a 45–60 min stop at the lighthouse to wait for the current to turn. The younger, fitter guys said screw it…let’s go.
I warned them NY Harbor would feel like paddling up the steepest hill of their lives. It did. They kept going.
I’ll admit it—I jumped in the safety boat a few times through the rough stuff. 😂 Eventually we all made it to Battery Park, jumped in the water & touched Manhattan. Mission accomplished.
Now I’ve been crunching those tides/current IN REVERSE…and this could get interesting.
SUNSET PIER 94, NYC ➡️ OCEANPORT PADDLE CLUB. ~35 MILES.
Timed correctly, we could potentially have favorable current for much of the journey.
I know these waters well from my years as Incident Commander for SEA Paddle NYC. That event brought together incredible watermen including Kai Lenny, Gerry Lopez, Darrick Doerner, Ryan Mathews, Bryan Gleason & many more—including my former student Michael Connor.
We’ve worked successfully with the NYPD & Coast Guard, have great contacts/support, and the Town of Oceanport has always been incredible to work with.
Connor Baxter…I’m officially nominating you to help lead the charge. 😂🤙
Want to paddle? Comment PADDLE.
Want to help? Comment SUPPORT.
Let’s get this rolling. Positive Vibes Only. 🤙
NYCHarbor HudsonRiver JerseyShore OceanportNJ PaddleLife PositiveVibesOnly