Kayaking to Work

If you thought your commute was rigorous, check this out: NYC school teacher Sean Patch commutes from NJ to Manhattan via kayak. Patch explained to WCBS880 that taking the ferry was expensive, so now he kayaks across the Hudson, radioing ferries to let them know he's there and navigating around other vessels, like oil tankers. The algebra teacher incorporates his unconventional commute into his class: "Mr. Patch kayaks to work. He bought the kayak for $850. He no longer has to pay for the ferry $7.75 each way. How much has he saved?" And FYI, the Downtown Boathouse offers winter kayaking classes in the Riverbank State Park swimming pool.

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By Jen Chung in News on December 3, 2008 12:14 PM

Comments [rss]

nik13

Good catch #5.

ed_Extinct

$3,720 of yearly savings. (not including weekends)

miz coaster

more people should kayak, ride their bike, roller blade walk to work...

less people should take cabs or drive.

ides_of_march

An 'A' for effort and creativity. I'm a big fan of self-sufficiency.

babyhitler

it must be really peaceful to be the only one in the water in the cold clear morning.

ironybubble

He must wake up so early... damn.

Clarice City

I ride a dog sled to school in the winter and, in the warmer months of the year, I harness a team of dophins to drag my snow tube across the East river.

lanciano

That is fantastic!

I, too, would be interested to know where he leaves the kayak while at work. It's hard enough finding suitable bike parking! This would be quite a challenge!

Kyle T

More kayak lanes on the rivers! Critical Kayak!

Outter Burrougher

That word problem does not provide enough information to answer the question - some teacher he is!

We need to know how long the kayak will last, at the very least, to start estimating savings. When did he purchase the kayak; how many days a year does he commute (including days when he would've taken the ferry for non-work related reasons); how many years will he continue to commute across the Hudson?

In all seriousness, though, good for him. Not only is he saving money within a half school year from starting to commute this way, but he's getting exercise, too. All in all, very beneficial for him.

Novanglus

Good way to incorporate that into the classroom.

Will question #2 on the test ask why he nearly risks his life daily in an effort to pinch a quarter so tight that the Eagle screams?

Spirit of 76

But what will he do in the depths of winter when drifting ice crowds the Hudson? He'd be better off buying a Hobie kayak, too, the ones with pedals driving oscillating flippers. They're much more efficient than oars.

babyfishmouth

I remember reading years ago about a guy in CA who did this and wondered when it would catch on here. He'd better watch out, Bloomberg hears about this and he'll surely start charging a kayak toll!