Do I need to bring my own kayak or hydro-bike?

No—HV Water Sports offers kayak, hydro-bike, and boat rentals on-site so you can travel light and pick a craft based on your comfort level.

How do I get on the OVRRIDE bus from NYC?

Reserve a seat through the provided booking link; the OVRRIDE bus boards in NYC and drops participants directly at HV Water Sports in Kingston.

Is the Community Jam family-friendly?

Yes; the event welcomes families, but under-18s require a parent/guardian waiver for ramp use and should be supervised around docks and water.

Is there an admission fee?

Admission to the RondOut Creek Community Jam is free. Rentals and food vendors are pay-as-you-go on site.

What if I’ve never paddled before?

Beginners are welcome—friendly staff and volunteers typically offer quick orientation and basic tips to get you on the water safely.

Where can I park if I driving instead of taking the bus?

Parking around the Rondout waterfront can be limited during events; plan to arrive early and use public lots or street parking where permitted.

RondOut Creek Community Jam: Kayaking, Hydro-Biking & Live Music on the Hudson

RondOut Creek Community Jam in Kingston, New York gathers paddlers, riders, musicians, and city escapees for a high-energy, low-fuss autumn day on the Hudson. The jam centers at HV Water Sports on Rondout Creek, where a narrow estuary peels off the river and creates sheltered water perfect for kayak laps, hydro-bike runs, and casual boat rentals. Organizers have teamed up with InstarampNY to bring a mobile mini ramp and gear for skating, alongside live bands and pop-up food and craft stalls that animate the waterfront. The trip is deliberately simple: board the OVRRIDE bus in New York City, relax in a comfortable cabin, and arrive ready to choose your adventure. You can launch a kayak into calm tidal water, pedal a hydro-bike across reflective glass, fish from the dock, or spend the afternoon cheering skaters as they session the ramp. The site’s mix of industrial-era docks, brick warehouses, and sweeping river views makes for easy photographic contrast—metal and masonry against moving water and migrating birds. What makes this jam special is its local DNA. Rondout Creek was once the commercial heart of Kingston’s 19th-century maritime trade, and today the waterfront hosts artisans, outfitters, and community events that keep that working-waterfront energy alive. HV Water Sports operates from this slip and supplies boats, kayaks, and hydro-bikes, so you don’t need your own gear. InstarampNY’s temporary skate structures transform the shoreline into a grassroots action-sports zone, and live music ties the day together. Practical notes: admission to the Community Jam is free; on-site rentals and BYO options are available. Bring layers for late-fall river wind, closed-toe shoes for dock movement, and a camera for golden-hour reflections. Families can participate—under-18s will need a guardian waiver for the ramp—and anglers are welcome to tie on a line at the dock. Boarding the OVRRIDE bus means you’ll travel without parking stress; organizers keep the stoke high on the return trip with free partner drinks, a festive atmosphere that doubles as a community debrief. Rentals from HV Water Sports cover everything from sit-on-top kayaks to tandem boats and life jackets; paddling experience is optional but instructors and friendly volunteers circulate to help first-timers. Keep an eye on the event newsletter and socials for limited giveaways and schedule updates—those channels frequently announce exclusive demos, guest performers, and raffle prizes that turn a simple day trip into memorable.