Look over by where the bike trail picks up again just past the boat launch.

You can now rent kayaks at the Corning Riverfront Park in Albany.

A company called Upstate Kayak Rentals has installed a self-serve kayak rental hub near the boat launch. As company states on its website, "It's similar to a bike share, only equipped with kayaks!" Further blurbage:

Renting kayaks from our Hubs are no different than renting a bike, car, or a kayak from a rental store and transporting it yourself. You are responsible for your own safety and decisions, we are simply providing the equipment in a more convenient manner at different locations for your use. If you do not feel safe paddling in a kayak, please do not rent our equipment. Our Kayak Hubs are meant for paddlers who are comfortable being on the water and familiar with boating safety. It is always recommended to start your excursion up stream if paddling in a current. And please paddle close to the shore lines, especially if you see large vessels approaching.

Each Hub consists of a rack of 6 locked kayaks which are available to rent to the public 7 days a week, in 1 1/2 hour intervals (plus an additional 15 minutes to clean and lock up equipment). In order to access our kayaks, renters will need a smart phone with Bluetooth and the ability to download a free App to unlock the equipment.

The kayaks are rented in pairs, the company says life jackets must be worn at all times. It's $50 for 1.5 hours (plus 15 minutes for cleaning up and locking up). The fee includes life jacket and paddle rental.

Reservations are available online.

Upstate Kayak Rentals has a handful of hubs around the area. In addition to new one at the Albany riverfront, there's also: Hudson Shores Park in Watervliet, Henry Hudson Park in Bethlehem, Coeymans Landing Park in Coeymans, and Shady Harbor Marina in in New Baltimore.

It also offers hourly rentals at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady and the Waterford Boat Launch.