June 22:
Sure, it’s common in New York City to see men in suits commuting on the subway or in taxis - but on a paddle board across the Hudson River? That may be a first.
Eunice Rivers was taking the ferry to work in Jersey City Thursday morning when she spotted a man paddle boarding across the Hudson River wearing a full suit, dress shoes and all. Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone to capture the odd moment on video and share it over social media.
She wasn’t the only one. Many others joined in her amusement over the unusual sighting.
“Everybody was just laughing,” she told News 4 New York. “People just couldn’t believe it.”
The mysterious commuter turned out to be Scott Holt, who lives in Jersey City. The aspiring comedian says he was running late for a meeting in New York City with a potential manager, and he decided to hop on his paddle board to cross the river faster. The trip only took him about half-hour to complete.
Although he ultimately managed to stay dry, it wasn’t entirely smooth sailing.
“Boats’ wakes were coming at me from different angles and the current was quick closer to Manhattan,” Holt told News 4 over the phone. He admits that there were a few moments where he almost fell into the water.
When he reached a closed water taxi port on the New York side of the Hudson, there was a very confused cop and an irate Water Taxi captain waiting for him.
“The Waterway guy was straight out of a movie, screaming, ‘Are you trying to f****** die out here?’” Holt said. “He was being helpful but cursing me out at the same time.”
Thankfully, the cop was in a good mood and Holt made it to his meeting on time.
“The meeting didn’t go as well as my commute. I’m still looking for a manager.”
Holt has no regrets about his Thursday morning voyage: “I got a free commute and a free shoe shine out of it,” he joked.
When asked about his feelings on the social media attention his stunt has received, Holt said, “If it’s making people laugh, it’s a good thing.”
- nbcnewyork.com