HELLO Water Lovers,

Another LIC Community Boathouse (LICCB) paddling season is about to begin. At last, the water temperature is rising above 60 degrees and we’re preparing to get back on the water. Please read on to learn of some upcoming opportunities to be part of it. Save some of those dates now!

Volunteers (YOU) are who make it all happen. You’re all invited, experienced volunteers and newcomers as well, to attend either or both Volunteer Orientation events on May 19th and May 25th. We’ll review our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for signing in, gearing up, readying boats and if the weather allows, take our first easy paddling trips on the East River. Each Volunteer Orientation event runs from 11AM to 5PM at the 46-01 5th Street Boathouse in LIC 11101. Please register for either or both events by using the “Request-a-Trip” button at LICboathouse.org

June 1st, Hallets Cove Season Opener, the first of 15 scheduled dates for our most popular event where we serve the greatest number of the public for free. Volunteers help people of all ages and skill levels, even beginners, to try out paddling around on the sheltered waters of Hallets Cove. Most Hallets dates will begin and/or end with a 2-mile paddle on the East River to or from the cove, an excellent way to graduate from beginner to novice. Other dates in June are the 16th, 22nd (Summer Solstice evening) and the 29th. Helping out at Hallets Cove is the best way to secure spots on the many exciting volunteer trips that will be offered throughout the summer!

June 8th, Harlem River Festival, LICCB provides walk-up, free community paddling on the upper Harlem River as part of this wonderful event.

June 15th, The Gowanus Challenge, an exciting paddle race and fundraiser with LICCB’s sibling boathouses.http://www.gowanuscanal.org/race/index.html

June 22nd, Stuyvesant Cove, LICCB brings free, walk-up paddling to the Manhattan’s east side. An excellent day for all volunteers to help out.

This Thursday evening, BLUE DRINKS on the Hudson at W 26th St hosted by NYC Water Trail Association. May 16th, 6pm-9pm, don’t miss it! http://www.nycwatertrail.org/

Our friends, the Sebago Canoe Club have their Open House this Saturday May 18th, 10am to 4pm. All are welcome!
http://www.sebagocanoeclub.org/

We want to make this the Boathouse you want it to be, we’re all just volunteers who love the water. Please spare a moment to take a super short survey for feedback so we can have an awesome season! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZL5KLFT

Here’s to paddling with y’all soon and often!

John McGarvey, 2013 Chairperson

Long Island City Community Boathouse www.LICboathouse.org john@licboathouse.org