When you think about the amount of raw sewage that goes into New York’s waterways every year—some 27 billlion gallons of the stuff—it’s actually a small miracle that humans can go anywhere near it. And that’s to say nothing about the “black mayonnaise” waiting at the bottom. Members of the North Brooklyn Boat Club not only go near the water...they put boats into it: canoes and kayaks, where a murky splash is a mere paddle’s length away.
The group sprung up three years ago after receiving a City Parks Foundation grant to install a community boathouse along Newtown Creek. While awaiting a more permanent structure, the nonprofit has populated its current home—a narrow lot under the Pulaski Bridge—with donated shipping containers, three dozen boats and a makeshift workshop, where members have been hand-carving paddles and restoring a 1930 wood-and-canvas canoe.
The facilities are open for twice-a-month public paddles, which take you on a 20-minute trip to the East River, but anyone interested in journeying farther (to destinations like lower New York Bay’s seal-sunning spot Swinburne Island) can become a member. With annual dues of $40, it might be the cheapest boat club around (and don’t be scared, a little water won’t hurt you).
On Sunday 11, the group participates in BLDG 92’s Brooklyn Boat Builders Bash, which includes demonstrations, boat tours and $4 NY Distilling Co. gin cocktails (63 Flushing Ave at Carlton Ave, Fort Greene; noon–6pm). On May 18 (10am–5pm; free), the club hosts an open house, with a campfire cook-off, a public paddle, and nautical arts and crafts. 49 Ash St at McGuinness Blvd, Greenpoint, Brooklyn (northbrooklynboatclub.org)
In June, the club will unveil a brand-new homebase at Pier 26, but in the meantime, visit Pier 40, where they’ll be operating gratis kayaking starting May 17 (schedule TBA). Additionally, a new group, Manhattan Community Boathouse, takes over its former spots 56th and 72nd Streets (manhattancommunityboathouse.org). Pier 40, Hudson River Park at Houston St (downtownboathouse.org)
The group has more than 80 years of experience leading excursions around the 39-square-mile Jamaica Bay estuary, home to more than 300 bird species. Nonmembers can jump in a kayak during the open paddle ($10) Wed 5:30pm and Sat 9:30am, starting May 28. Paerdegat Basin North at Ave N, Canarsie, Brooklyn (718-241-3683, sebagocanoeclub.org)
Kayakers of all levels can splash around next to the Brooklyn Bridge free of charge starting June 7. Vessels are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis Thu 5:30–6:45pm and Sat 10am–3pm, while Sundays are reserved for kayak polo 1–3pm. Piers 1 and 2, Brooklyn Bridge Park (718-802-0603, bbpboathouse.org)
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