HUDSON

Watch: Man in business suit paddleboarding across Hudson River

Joshua Jongsma
NorthJersey

There he stood among the waves, oar in one hand, ready to face the water. 

View across the Hudson River of the City of Yonkers.

He was in a business suit and tie, looking professional as he paddleboarded across the Hudson River in New Jersey. A commuter recorded a 12-second video of the rower Thursday she guessed was commuting to work in unusual fashion. 

The appropriately named Eunice Rivers' Facebook post had been shared more than 1,700 times by Friday. 

Scott Holt of Jersey City claims to be the paddleboarder himself. An aspiring comedian from Belleville, the 31-year-old Holt said it took him about a half-hour to row from Jersey City to Manhattan.

"I had a meeting I was trying to get to," Holt said. "I wasn’t trying to pay ferry tolls. I have the board. I don’t use it much but I have it so I popped it in the water and tried to get to my meeting on time."

Scott Holt of Jersey City carries his board toward the water June 21, 2018.

Despite some waves along the way and passing a bit too close to some bigger seafaring vessels, he said he stayed dry aside from his shoes. Through it all, Holt said he made it to his meeting on time. 

"The meeting was trying to get someone to represent my comedy career," he said. "It did not go as well as my commute." 

Hoboken Fire Chief Brian Crimmins said he was not aware of any issues regarding a paddleboarder or of a water rescue since Thursday.

However, Crimmins did not recommend others attempt this form of commuting. 

"I don’t think it’s a good idea but my understanding is it’s not illegal," Crimmins said. "It’s a terribly busy traffic area for boats and ships, but it’s not illegal. He’s not doing anything wrong."

Hudson County:Weehawken High School students to get second chance at prom following boat crash

More:A British billionaire's giant yacht is anchored near Fort Lee

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com