For City of Water Day, with the help of great volunteers, we executed multiple events in spite of morning thunderstorms. Intrepid volunteers stuck around and when the weather cleared around 10:30, we offered remaining morning guests a paddle to Newtown Creek and back before setting up for the afternoon events–walkups at Anable Basin and Gantry Plaza State Park. We welcomed hundreds of new and not-so-new kayakers, who celebrated our City of Water by paddling up a storm! We even hosted one great dog at Anable Basin. Thanks to Bob, our barbecue master, for delicious sausage and grilled veggies (and pineapple) to fuel us through the day.
Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers, who came through no matter the heat, the rain, the humidity, and the volume of walkup participants–we couldn’t do it without you!
We also want to recognize the “Sleepless on the Hudson” volunteers who provided swim support Sunday July 19 for the NYC Triathlon — Agnes, Beatrice, Bob and Ted!
Thanks to the many volunteers who helped with the Thursday and Friday teambuilding paddles. The guests had a great time and we made some progress towards some of our fundraising goals.
Onward! Check out the opportunities below.

Sat July 25, 10:15a – 1p, One Way Trip from Anable Basin to Hallets Cove
This is a moderately easy outing suitable for adults with little or no paddling experience. All participants must be 18 or over and able to swim. Pets are not allowed on river trips. Actual time on the water will be about one hour. Request a spot on this trip here: Trip Request.

Sat July 25, 1p – 4p, Community Sponsored Paddling at Hallets Cove
Come to Vernon Blvd and 31st Avenue (just north of Socrates Sculpture Park) for free kayaking or canoeing. No reservation, no experience needed. All ages are welcome, but minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants must be able to swim. Wear clothing and footwear that can get wet. Volunteers let us know you’re joining us here: Volunteer Sign up.

Sat July 25, 4p – 6p, One Way Trip from Hallets Cove to Anable Basin
Enjoy a leisurely NIGHT paddle from Hallets Cove (Vernon Blvd at 31st Ave) to our Anable Basin boathouse (46-01 5th St). Please note that this is a one way trip that ends two miles south of where it begins. Actual time on water should about one hour. Bring a windbreaker, as it may be cool after the sun goes down. Request a spot on this trip here: Trip Request.

Report on Oyster Garden Monitoring on July 2, 2015 at Anable
On Thursday, July 2nd we did a count and measurement of both of our oyster cages, yielding a number of interesting observations and hypotheses. One cage is on the open river side of the dock, in current. The second cage is on the shore side, with less current as kayakers know.
What was particularly interesting to our group and our neighboring Newtown Creek Alliance (superfund citizen scientists) folks is that on the open river end there were lots of blue mussels (not ribbed) growing on the cage and ropes (plastic coated steel cable and nylon ropes). Of course there were lots of sea squirts, shrimp and other low-end-of-food-chain critters that some marine creatures like, that presumably will eventually get eaten by the strippers and blue fish, and make for great meals.
We appear to have experienced a 68% survival rate, and 34% growth from the original population of 267 a year ago.
The second cage, on the shore side of the dock, showed higher survival (77%), more than double the growth (115%), less fouling and more shrimp, fish and crabs.

In Sept, we will get a new batch of Oyster Spats to grow in our new oyster cage that is also equipped with traps to capture other marine life and provide insight into the East River and Anable marine habitat.

Thu Aug 6, 5p, Oyster Monitoring at Anable Sailing Bar & Grill
Our next monitoring will be on 8/6. We will monitor the oyster cages at Anable Sailing Bar and Grill at the end of 44 Drive. We will measure the oysters, monitor the blue mussels and discuss their respective life cycles. Come and get your hands dirty and enjoy a drink with a lovely sunset on the East River! Maybe someone will have some ideas on how to monitor ribbed mussels in Anable Basin. Contact John Bradley for more information.

Some Additional Upcoming Events
Wed July 29
4p – 6p, One Way Trip from Anable Basin to Hallets Cove
6p – 8p, Community Sponsored Sunset Paddling at Hallets Cove
8p – 10p, One Way Night Trip from Hallets Cove to Anable Basin

Event Cancellations
In case of inclement weather, please view boathouse calendar for possible event cancellations. Note that the go, no go decision can be made at the beach or at the dock

Team Building Events Available
Want a team building experience that’s local and bragworthy? Join the LIC Boathouse for a trip on the East River! We offer trips for beginner and intermediate experience levels. Contact us at info@licboathouse.org for details.