Watersports in Hudson (around Athens)?

[dfny36]

Hi -

Anyone know if there are good spots for watersports (tubing, skiing) in the Hudson around the Athens/Catskill area?

I'm not that familiar with the river up north, but I was told there are calm and scenic areas (e.g. west of Middle Ground Flats). Am wondering if it's recommended or not due to traffic, water quality, etc.

Any recommendations or local knowledge is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[JohnH]

Hopefully others from the immediate area will chime in, but I've been up in that area more than a few times and I don't see any reason why you can't enjoy all the water sports you have in mind. Certainly wouldn't worry about the water quality either...people are swimming and tubing all along the Hudson.
Across from my marina in Haverstraw, at Croton, they even have a public beach in Croton Bay. Go up and enjoy, it is a beautiful ride and a beautiful area.

 

[millsan1]

The overiding safety concerns for pollution in the Hudson are mostly in the lower end of the river and mostly relating to the sediments. The water routinely tests very clean. Go out and enjoy!

 

[sierra]

There is a lot of good water outside of the channel around Athens on the west side of the middle ground for water sports, although there are a few exposed marinas that are to be respected as no-wake zones. The area north of Athens On The Hudson (the northernmost docks) provides some good play space. Just south of Hudson and Athens there is also some good play area outside of the channel to the east and west - just check your chart.
While there is generally little reason for concern about water quality in the area on the open river, you can see what's doing at the Riverkeeper's website: http://www.riverkeeper.org/