June 2024 Newsletter
“Listen — the river is calling” - unknown
The East River has been calling! We've had a busy start to the season with lots of trips, training, and new faces. A HUGE shout out to our trip leaders who have committed to multiple weekly paddles, and an equally big thank you to members who've stepped up to become trip assistants and deckhands. Lastly, a special appreciation to everyone who helped out with maintenance at both our launch locations.
You all make NBCB great!
News
Launch party. With the help of some great weather, we had a fantastic night on the rooftop of Greenpoint Beer & Ale. Thanks to everyone who came out. Your support helped NBCB raise more than $900.
NBCB Cabin at Lake Sebago. The American Canoe Association (ACA) Camp in Harriman State Park was hit by a severe storm on May 23. There was serious damage to trees and cabins, as well as a loss of electricity. Our cabin was one of the luckier ones, but we didn’t escape unscathed. A fallen tree cracked the cabin's ridge beam at the front right (kitchen) corner. Luckily, the interior of is intact, and there seems to be no leaks. All our boats are secure and undamaged. Our cabin manager, Alan, has reached out to everyone with cabin bookings. Until further notice the cabin and the entire ACA Camp are closed.
Protesting fossil fuel. NBCB joined Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, Sane Energy, and NoNBK Pipeline on June 2nd to protest National Grid and their planned $350+ million investment in the toxic liquid natural gas facility, located on the Creek. We hope our banners were seen by hundreds as they crossed the Pulaski Bridge.
You're on the waitlist. Due to trip capacity, we're sorry if some members can’t register for a desired trip. As a small, volunteer-run, nonprofit, our resources can be stretched. But we know the issue exists and we are doing our best to get everyone paddling. If you've yet to make it onto a trip, please hang in there -- we promise we'll get you on the water.
Social Media. Did you take some amazing pics on a recent NBCB canoe or kayak trip? You can be an NBCB social media contributor. Email contact@nbcboathouse.org to learn how.
What's happening?
Our first 2024 Canoe Public Paddle is on Saturday June 22nd. This series underpins NBCB's ability to enable public access to the waterways of New York City for our local community - a core of our mission. The event runs 12pm-4pm on a first-come, first-served basis. We need volunteers to assist, register here.
Art & Science: Oysters in the Harbor: Watercolor Painting. Learn about the increasing abundance of oysters in the New York and New Jersey Estuary, including the East River and Newtown Creek. Then, enjoy a guided oyster-themed, watercolor session. The class will explore basic color theory with warm-up exercises and tips. Aimed at adults, teens with adult supervision are welcome. All materials are provided. This even is perfect for beginners and seasoned watercolor enthusiasts alike! Register here.
The Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium is hosted on the island of Anglesey, off the coast of North Wales. Visitors come from all over the world to participate, and this year NBCB Trip Leader Matt D attended. Come and hear his stories about the adventures and the inspiring people (and sea life) he met along the way. You do not have to be a member to attend, all are welcome. Registration not required, but appreciated.
In celebration of City of Water Day, we're partnering with Newtown Creek Alliance and Hunters Point Park Conservancy for a super-size, special edition Public Paddle on July 13th. We'll be offering free kayaking at Queens Landing Boathouse in Long Island City, Queens, AND free canoe trips at MASE Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. There will be hands-on environmental education programming, and a climate resiliency walk. Our waterways are so much more than a source of flooding! We'll need volunteers so save the date and register when the events are added to the calendar.
Support us. (Re)join as a member and tag us on social media.
Seeking volunteers. NBCB is run by dedicated member-volunteers. Volunteering is flexible, and the time commitment is based on your schedule. You'll always be supported by a team of dedicated and experienced volunteers. If you're interested send us an email.
Paddling
Join us for one of these upcoming trips or events. (Note that more trips are added week by week, watch the calendar, and sub).
June
22nd: Canoe Public Paddle: Volunteers welcome!
23rd: KAYAK: Intermediate : Coffee & Pastry Run (yum! 😋)
26th: KAYAK: Beginner: The Poseidon Adventure (wut! 😨 )
30th: KAYAK: Intermediate/Advanced: Women's Leadership Paddle
July
8th: KAYAK: Intermediate: Short & Sweet
13th: City of Water: Kayak Public Paddle (Volunteers needed!)
13th: City of Water: Canoe Public Paddle (Volunteers needed!)
Sign up here!
Launch Locations. Canoe trips launch from Manhattan Avenue Park (next to 1205 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222).
Kayak trips are across the creek at Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center (57-28 2nd St, Long Island City, NY 11101).
Environmental Education / Arts & Science
Environmental Education in 2024. As part of its core mission, NBCB has a history of running environmental education programs. This took a back seat during exile and the pandemic, but we're bringing them back! We are looking for people who are passionate about environmental education to help out. If that's you, look out for our next planning session, or email us.
Join us for one of these upcoming Art & Science events:
June 22nd: Watercoloring Oysters, Queens Landing 11am-1 pm
July 17th: Watercoloring Crabs at Focal Point Bar 6:30pm-8pm
Sign up here!
Cabin at Lake Sebago
Due to storm damage, the cabin and entire ACA Camp are closed until further notice. Updates will be posted here.
