Kayaking on the waters that surround New York City has enjoyed a renaissance in the past couple of years, gaining in popularity in tandem with the improving health of the Hudson River and New York Harbor. Today there are a number of outfitters and organizations that can get you out on the water in no time flat, giving you an unique duck's-eye view of the grandeur of this amazing city. The New York Kayak Company, for example, offers equipment rental, guided tours, and instruction at a rate of $50 an hour. You can start with a class on the fundamentals and work your way up to advanced rescue techniques. The Manhattan Kayak Company, meanwhile, offers more than 30 local tours, including sunset tours, full moon tours, paddle and pub tours (I like the sound of that), and cardio tours. Advanced tours involve paddling up to 50 miles in one day, including trips the Tappan Zee Bridge, about 25 miles north up the Hudson river from Manhattan, as well as Coney Island jaunts and the much-respected Manhattan circumnavigation. Not sure you'll enjoy kayaking? Then start off with free walk-up kayaking, courtesy of the New York City Downtown Boathouse. They give you everything you need to get started: a kayak, life vest, and a protected area of the Hudson River to paddle around in. It's first-come, first-served, and you only get 20 minutes of kayak time, but that's time enough to decide whether you want to continue your aquatic education with one of the professional outfitters. It's no stretch to say Starwood has New York pretty well covered, and the Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea is just a hop, skip, and a jump from your New York kayak adventure.