The first step in us bringing boating and on-water education activities to the larger North Brooklyn community is getting members and volunteers the experience, skills and knowledge to ensure their safety as well as that of others. If you are interested in leading or assisting club trips, the first step is
signing up for membership and for one of our ‘Practice Paddles’ (typically scheduled for Wednesday nights and some weekend days). Members receive an email at the beginning of the week with the schedule of events (which depend on weather and tidal conditions). Curious? Here are some
great photos from a recent practice paddle.
We will be offering more practice paddles leading up to the City of Water Day (June 14th - 15th). This is an incredible annual event on Governor's Island that offers paddlers the opportunity to partake in the day's activities with other NYC boathouses as well as the option to camp out on the island. We will be offering spots to interested NBBC club members that have been out with us on at least one occasion. So, in addition to the weekly paddles we will also have weekend paddles on Saturday and/or Sundays to give you all more opportunity to get out on the water! Weekend paddles will begin next weekend, so members should look out for details from Will Elkins. Will has also created a
webpage to help consolidate the massive information about our practice paddles, certification, and the whole process of becoming an approved club paddler/trip leader. Get in touch if you have any questions.
A few members took part in Tom Potter's class last Sunday for ACA level 2 kayaking. It was highly informative, wonderfully exhaustive and a great opportunity to learn many useful and necessary kayak skills for paddling in NY harbor. It's highly recommended that more of us partake in more of his
scheduled classes (for various skill levels).
ACA Member Discount
As a reminder, current membership with the American Canoe Association (ACA) is required to participate in on-water activities. If you haven't already become a member, receive a discounted price when you sign up for a "Paddle America Club" individual or family membership and select "North Brooklyn Boat Club." Any questions about membership, please email nbbcmembership@gmail.com.
Updates to the Boatyard
Thanks to volunteers at recent work parties, the boatyard has seen much improvement in recent weeks. Canoe racks are being constructed in the second container. The mulch pile is nearly a memory and the compost pile is growing with your kitchen scraps, becoming rich soil for next year. Two raised beds have been planted with broccoli rabe, zucchini, tomatoes, leeks, lemon cucumbers and radishes. And more oil-eating oyster mushroom mycelium is growing in preparation for new experiments!
