Do people kayak in the Hudson near NYC? If so, where do they launch from?

Answer 1

Yes, there are multiple companies that you can rent from (many leaving from the south side of the pier).

Here are a few:

http://www.thevillager.com/villager_116/hottownkayaking.html

www.downtownboathouse.org/

www.hudsonriver.com/halfmoonpress/stories/0698kaya.htm

Have fun!

Answer 2

boat basin can be one place
other places on the Hudson have high piers

careful
NJ has a state park on the west side of the river north of the GW bridge