Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

This past Saturday, September 21, prior to Climate Week 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a full Manhattan circumnavigation kayaking trip with Sofya Aptekar for Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse volunteers. We launched before flood tide at 8:40 AM, starting our journey up the East River. Hell’s Gate was as challenging as ever, but we pushed through and entered the Harlem River. The second half of the trip down the Hudson was an endurance test – at one point, I nearly blew out my shoulder and had to accept a 20min tow to keep going. Despite that, we navigated the tricky Staten Island Ferry crossing and braved the East River crossing against ebb (15 min of my not great video of this shared here - sound removed to save you from the radio chatter), finally ending our trip at 6:30 PM. In the spirit of Climate Week, the experience of kayaking in NYC waterways, interacting with nature and on one of the world’s busiest water channels reminds me how interconnected our waterways are with the planet’s health – a perfect time to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship and protecting these incredible resources for future generations. #climateweek2024 #climateweeknyc

Last week Thursday I had the absolute pleasure of once again supporting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with an adaptive kayaking event at a sister boathouse. Adaptive paddling instructors from the American Canoe Association, including myself, along with volunteers from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse joined forces with Downtown Boathouse to assist seven veterans in experiencing the joys and independence of kayaking in NYC. It’s an honor to give back and support our nation’s veterans in this way a few times each year. #veterans #adaptivepaddlingsports #givingback

Five of our volunteers had the privilege of supporting veterans with disabilities at the VA’s Heroes on the Hudson event last week. We’re honored to have been a part of this special day on the water.

What Howard said 👇🏾

If you are seeking a rewarding volunteer opportunity in the great outdoors, consider joining the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse team. We are currently recruiting volunteers for our Wednesday and Thursday evening public kayak programs, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. Get involved and make a difference! Find out more and sign up to volunteer here: https://lnkd.in/ecWmaEFH Special opportunities for volunteers, like skills sessions and trips. Only active volunteers are eligible for these perks, so start getting active! If you have any questions let us know by emailing volunteer@bbpboathouse.org

In case you hadn't heard, we are officially open for the season! We offer free kayaking for the general public every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday starting on the last Wednesday in May and continuing through August; Saturdays continue through September. Kayakers can paddle around our protected embayment for 20 minutes with stunning views of the NYC skyline. We provide the boats, paddles, and life vests, and you do the paddling! For more information and to make a reservation, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g4SeDS3T

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