Near year round paddling
I've paddled near the Albany area every month of the year except Feb when there was no liquid water to be found. Lakes & Ponds are out of the question come Dec. and rivers are the only options. A few days, I had to abandon planned destinations along the Mohawk and head to the faster moving Hudson. Cruising up to ice (such as in the locks) or where the main current meets bays is interesting.
Keeping dry is essential obviously, but in a kayak with a skirt on, and drip rings in the right place, you can keep dry - and as warm as the joggers. I have found neoprene gloves to be useless in the cold and prefer poly and fleece, even if they get wet.
Be extra careful with cold plastic boats as they get brittle (don't drop them!). You do get weird looks from people but you will often have the water to yourself. Enjoy the outdoors in winter - even if there isn't snow!
