Staten Island’s Kayak Clinic Paddles in Midland Beach

Midland Beach splashed last night with Staten Island’s Kayak Clinic, rowing NYC’s spring by the shore. Paddler Lena Carter taught strokes as 40 glided, a $20 class for water skills. It’s borough oars—pure SI vibe, boats hot. A kid tipped a hull; a pro synced a roll. ‘Staten rows—this is it,’ Carter says, hauling kayaks. The waves turned lesson.

The clinic’s fresh—March 25’s start, it tripled since RSVPs, packing sand by 3 p.m. Carter’s a St. George rower; last night’s crowd hit max—paddles dipped. A latecomer nabbed a boat; seals popped—NYC grit glowed. Laps hit five—water ruled. #SIKayakClinic trended; Bronx wants a splash.

Some griped—’Too wet,’ sniped a newbie, dodging spray. Tide tugged—oars slipped; grit held. A rival’s pitching a Tottenville row, splitting boats. Still, 50 stayed—waves reigned. Midland’s never paddled so bold.

Carter’s teasing a race, maybe a night run if spring bites. ‘NYC’s coast—this rides it,’ she says, packing gear. The clinic’s a Staten win—grit meets glide. It’s a kayak rush; join the next. Bring a towel—wet calls.