Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

A group of school teachers are coming to paddle on Friday 6/15. If
you have time during the day please come down and help. Meet at
Pier 96 at 10:00AM, the teachers get there at 10:30. Jeremy will
be running the program, we may stay in the embayment, or we may
go on a short trip.

On 6/8 and 6/22 we are going to run 2 volunteer paddles for Women
only. These paddles are open to all female Boathouse volunteers. Meet at
the Boathouse at 5:30PM, there is no need to sign-up for them, just
come at 5:30. Please bring a waterproof flashlight, or a regular
flashlight in a plastic bag. Please also bring a light jacket.
This paddle is ONLY open to women, and it will be led by our women
trip leaders.

We have purchased 3 cellphones for use at each of the 3 Boathouses.
These are pre-paid phones, with a limited amount of expensive minutes
on them. Please only use them to call from Boathouse to Boathouse, and
if you have your own cellphone with free weekend minutes use that to
place the outbound call  instead. If you are working at one of the
Boathouses, and need something, or need more volunteers please try to
call one of the other Boathouses. We often have extra staff at Pier 96,
and we are often understaffed at Pier 40 and 72nd St.

Pier 96  646-549-9015
72nd St. 646-595-7608
Pier 40  646-269-2974

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Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

On Saturday 6/2/2007 the Boathouse is hosting a talk by an
author about a really wild paddling adventure. The talk is at
Pier 96, right after we close at 6:30PM. Please see:
http://www.fulcrum-books.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=5872
They are bringing drinks and snacks, so it should be really
fun, and you might even be able to make a free dinner out
of it. The talk is open to the general public, everyone
is welcome.

We don't start the regular morning trips until 6/16, but we are
going to run a special volunteer only morning trip on 6/3 to dedicate
the new dock on Governor's Island that our president Jim Wetteroth
and other volunteers have built. This trip is open to all volunteers
We will meet at the Boathouse at Pier 96 at 6:00AM, and be back by
lunchtime.  Rob Buchannan put up this great website showing the dock
launch:
http://web.mac.com/robbuc/iWeb/Site/ahab%27s%20dock.html

Sandy and Jeremy have volunteered to run a trip to see the famous
parrots of Englewood NJ. Apparently some pets got loose, and are
now breeding in Jersey. See: http://www.edgewaterparrots.com/
We will leave after the public program from Pier 96 at 5:00PM
on Saturday June 9th. There are some nice restaurants over there
so bring money for dinner, a waterproof flashlight, and a light jacket
in case it gets cold. This trip is open to all volunteers. New volunteers
can use sit on tops, experienced volunteers can use decked boats.

Our next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday 6/5. Come at 6:00PM to
catch-up with friends, the meeting will be called to order at
6:30PM. The meeting is open to everyone.

The Jersey City Reservoir preservation group that the Boathouse has
worked with in Jersey City is having a Fundraiser- on June 14th at
Liberty State Park, Jersey City.  Liberty House Restaurant,
6pm-9pm   $125.00 Dinner.

Sandy Sobanski led a number of other volunteers to run a free
kayaking program in the reservior in Jersey City for the last few
years to show them what is possible in this great space.

See their website for details: www.jcreservoir.org.

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Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

All locations of the Boathouse are open on a regular weekend
schedule this Monday, Memorial Day. The weather is supposed to be
very nice, and we will be busy, so if you have some time please
come down to help. We need help at all 3 locations.

A group of school kids are coming to paddle on Friday 5/25. If
you have time during the day please come down and help. Meet at
Pier 96 at 10:30AM, the kids get there at 11:00.

A number of Navy ships are in the harbor this week for "Fleet Week".
The Navy and Coast Guard create a very large security zone of  up
to 300 yards around the ships. If you are paddling outside of the
embayment please stay well away from them. If you want a look at
the ships please go on a tour from land.

Next weekend on 6/2/2007 the Boathouse is hosting a talk by an
author about a really wild paddling adventure. The talk is at
Pier 96, right after we close at 6:30PM. Snacks and drinks will be
provided, please see:
http://www.fulcrum-books.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=5872

We don't start the regular morning trips until 6/16, but we are
going to run a special volunteer only morning trip on 6/3 to dedicate
the new dock on Governor's Island that our president Jim Wetteroth
and other volunteers have built. This trip is open to all volunteers
We will meet at the Boathouse at Pier 96 at 6:00AM, and be back by
lunchtime.

On 6/8 and 6/22 we are going to run 2 volunteer paddles for Women
only. These paddles are open to all Boathouse volunteers. Meet at
the Boathouse at 5:30PM, there is no need to sign-up for them, just
come at 5:30. Please bring a waterproof flashlight, or a regular
flashlight in a plastic bag. Please also bring a light jacket.
This paddle is ONLY open to women, and it will be led by our women
trip leaders.

The CPR and first-aid cards for the class the Boathouse hosted last
month are now in the office at Pier 96. If you took the class, please
get both of your cards out of the white desk drawer in the office at
Pier 96.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.


The community board task force, our President Jim Wetteroth, and the
Hudson River Park Trust, are continuing their meetings about the design
of the new Pier 26 Boathouse. The next meeting is today 5/17 at 4:00PM
at 49-51 Chambers Street, 7th floor. This is the Community Board office.
Bring a picture ID. There is a security checkpoint so be sure not to bring
any pocketknives or anything else that might be considered a weapon.

Our new season got off to a good start last weekend, and we will
be very busy this weekend as the weather gets warmer, and the word
gets out.

We were very short of volunteers at the Pier 40 location, and had
to close the 72nd St. location on Sunday because we didn't have
enough staff. If you come to one of the Boathouses to help, and
there are plenty of people please consider going to one of the
other locations. The vibe and environment is different at each
spot.  We lave loaner bikes at pier 96 and pier 40 that you can borrow.

If you are a new volunteer just come down any time we are open and
introduce yourself. We provide on the job training for free.

We were featured on NY1 last week, if you missed it you can see the
clip at:
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/Search/Results/index.jsp?search=kayak&search_nav_highligh\
t=1&side_search=0&frontpage=1&x=12&y=6

If this link doesn't work just go to NY1.com and search for kayak.

One of our regular volunteers, Mike Samuel was hit by a motorcycle as
he walked across the highway at Pier 96. Mike is out of the hospital, and
recovering at a friend's house. There is a get-well card for Mike
at the Pier 96 Boathouse. If you want to send your wishes to Mike please
sign the card, and please be careful crossing the highway.

We have a group of school kids coming to the Pier 96 Boathouse on
May 25th at 11:00AM. If you can help during the day please email
volunteer@... or just come on down. It's a Friday
afternoon, and it should be about 13 kids.

The CPR and first-aid cards have not been mailed yet, but the people
who gave the class are working on it, and they hope to get them out soon.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
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Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Our new season starts this Saturday May 12. Please come down to
any of our locations to help-out whenever you have time. Check
the website for exact opening and closing hours. We don't open
on the weekdays, or run the morning trips until June 15.

New volunteers are welcome anytime. Just come down to any of the
locations, tell the people who are working that you are a new
volunteer, and they will show you the ropes.

There was a very large sewage spill in Yonkers last weekend. The
leak has been repaired, but it will take a few more days for the
sewage to be dispersed, and the county is advising people not to
boat in the river until Friday.

Because of some injurys that occurred last year we are not running
any bracing or support stroke classes during the Wednesday evening
classes. In addition we would like all volunteers not to engage in
any practice or "peer training" of support strokes. Support strokes
are the low-brace and high-brace strokes that we do in closed cockpit
kayakys. Without proper training there is a possibility of injuring
your shoulder if you attempt these strokes. Support strokes should
only be taught or practiced during the BCU 2-star classes that Taino
will be running. We don't have a schedule for these classes yet, but
we will send an email when we do. There are several commercial kayak
schools in the area that cover these types of advanced topics. Please
see our links page on the website for their contact information.

Closed-cockpit or decked kayaks should only be used outside of the
embayment by people on the public boat list. To get on the public
boat list you need to be a regular volunteer, have gone on 4 or 5
of the morning trips as an assistant trip leader, completed the
local conditions class, and take a short skills test. The rules
for using the public boats are posted here:
http://www.downtownboathouse.org/downloads/pub_boat06.pdf

See you on the water this Saturday!!!

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Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

The new season will be starting soon. We have our first monthly
meeting on May 1st at 6:30. Our monthly meetings are always the
first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 at our Pier 96 facility. See our
website, www.downtownboathouse.org for directions. Come at 6:00PM
to catch-up with friends, the meeting will be called to order at
6:30. We will have a short volunteer introduction session for new
volunteers immediately after the meeting.

4/28 and 4/29 are the last two days in the Riverbank pool.
The public classes are finished for the year, we are only
doing volunteer practice time from 2PM - 6PM.
for directions please see our website:
http://www.downtownboathouse.org/directions.html

On April 30th @ 6:00PM Community Board #1 will be having a meeting
to discuss the design of the Boathouse at Pier 26. The Downtown
Boathouse felt that the design proposed by the Hudson River Park
Trust for this boathouse had a number of flaws. The Community
Board has asked the Hudson River Park to come and discuss the
design. Our president, Jim Wetteroth, will be speaking, as will
the President of the Hudson River Park Trust and the designers of
the new boathouse. We would like other Boathouse volunteers
to come and show their support for Jim, and demonstrate to the
Community Board that their citizens are interested in having
the park build a good facility. It will probably not be possible
for all our volunteers to speak to the community board, but having
a lot of people come to the meeting does help to show that many
people are interested. The meeting is at 49 Chambers Street. Please
bring ID, and be sure not to bring knives or any thing that could
be considered a weapon because there is a security checkpoint at
the entrance.

Thanks to everyone who came to the CPR and First Aid Class last
week. The certification cards will be mailed directly to you from
the organizers.

Lee Reiser, one of our volunteers, is running a trip on the Delaware
River. This trip is NOT sponsored by the Downtown Boathouse, and
only people who are on the authorized user list may use Boathouse
owned boats to go on it. Contact Lee directly for details. A note
from Lee follows:

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Dear fellow paddlers/adventure lovers,
     I'm planning a trip on New York's other big river, the
Delaware, on Saturday and Sunday May 5th & 6th. We will start from
Narrowsburg , NY on Sat. morning at 9:00 am, immediately following a safety
briefing at 8:30 am. We will travel downstream  to Lackawaxen PA (11 miles 2
hours). The higher the river, the faster it is, so it may take less time to
finish than at normal river levels. We should leave Sat. morning at 9:00 am
sharp immediately following the safety briefing.
     At this time of year the river is very swift and cold consisting of 8-10
sets of class 1& 2 rapids, so wet or dry suits are a must as well as
extra paddles, PFDs and spray skirts. Throw ropes and tow ropes are also a
good idea. For the safety of all, we will always take a line of descent out
of the most severe rapids. In addition, there will be a safety meeting
before launching as well as a brief before each set of the ten different
rapids. There are rocks in the river, which we will do our best to avoid so,
a plastic boat is preferable to wood or glass. I use a 17 foot sea kayak.
The scenery beautiful! We have seen many bald eagles and other wildlife on
the trips throughout the years. You may do Sat. or Sun. or both.

Drive time from the GWB is approximately 2 hours to northernmost point.
                           SAT. DIRECTIONS
     Meet 8:00 am. We will be meeting in Lackawaxen, PA. Take the Palisades
Parkway north to I-87 north to Rte. 17 west to I-84 west to the Port Jervis
exit, follow Rte. 6 west through town, then take Rtes. 97/42 north. Routes
97 / 42 eventually split.

     Stay on 97. Proceed to the Roebling Bridge, turn left over bridge,
at the end, make a right turn and follow road around to the Zane Grey
Museum. The launch is directly in front.

                            SUN. DIRECTIONS
     Follow paragraph one above. Just past the 97/42 split, look for a small
wooden sign which reads-SPARROWBUSH, NY STATE FISHING ACCESS. Make a 45
degree left at that sign onto a street called Hook Rd. Follow down to the
end. Here we will need to transfer kayaks and gear and leave some vehicles
in order to retrieve those transport vehicles, which will be left 22 miles
upriver.
     For those who have longer travel times or hate awakening early in the
morning, I suggest arriving Fri. evening and staying at the many bed and
breakfasts or campsites in the area. For facilities and accommodations,
check out the National Park Service web site at:
                            www.nps.gov/upde
     Bring your camp gear if you want to camp on Fri. and/or Sat. eve in
Narrowsburg, at Landers Campgrounds. This will be our base of operations.
They have a lean-to for around $15. Will rent wet suits too.  Contact them
at 845-252-3925 from 9-5 or 24/7 at:
                       www.landersrivertrips.com
     This trip will be planned around your individual needs, within reason,
so please RSVP - ASAP by phone (845) 352-0162 Cell: (914) 374-7954 or e-mail

                        LEE060@...
YOU MUST CALL WITH YOUR PLANS BEFORE SAT. IN ORDER TO FACILITATE SHUTTLE
TRANSPORT.
There is no cell phone service north of Port Jervis. This is an individual,
not a group event. I will not assume any liability for this trip. You must
have proper gear and have advanced or intermediate experience to do this
trip. Join at your own risk.
  Hope to see you there!

Lee Reiser
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Although the air temperature has been getting warmer, the water
in the river is still very cold. Nobody should be paddling from
any of the Boathouse locations without a drysuit. In a few weeks
it may be safe to paddle with a wetsuit, but not yet.


Victor was able to get the pool time at Riverbank State Park
extended. There is no pool time this week, but it starts up
again on 4/14, and goes to 4/29. We will be doing volunteer
practice time for the entire session from 2PM - 6PM; Everyone
is welcome. For directions please see our website:
http://www.downtownboathouse.org/directions.html


The CPR and First Aid  class the Boathouse is running is only about
half full. If you volunteer a lot at the DTBH, please consider taking
the class. The Boathouse pays for the class, it only takes a few hours,
and we throw in lunch!!!

The class will be on April 14th from 10AM to 4PM.

The class will be held at:
Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
1 Clarkson Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-5228
Cross Streets: Clarkson Street & 7th Avenue South
Directions: By subway: #1 to Houston Street; A, B, C, D, E, F, V trains to
W. 4th Street

We start right at 10AM, and could go as late as 4PM, but will probably
finish earlier. The Boathouse is providing Pizza and soft drinks for
lunch.

This class is for active volunteers. One of the requirements for our
permit from the Trust is that some of the volunteers running the Boathouse
will have current CPR and First Aid training. The class is equivalent
to the American Red Cross certification, and accepted at organizations
like the BCU, ACA, PADI, etc etc...

You may be able to get a reimbursement or stipend from your employer
for taking the class.

If you want to take the class please send an email to
volunteer@.... If you already signed-up, and we
sent you an acknowledgement please don't sign-up again.  Please write
"CPR/FA registration" in the subject line. Its first come first served...


The New York Kayak Polo club is having a fundraising party on April 14th.
These guys always throw a really fun party, so head over there after your
CPR and FA training.  For details see their website:
http://nykayakpolo.org/fundrSp07.html


You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Victor was able to get the pool time at Riverbank State Park
extended. There is no pool time this week, but it starts up
again on 4/14, and goes to 4/29. We will be doing volunteer
practice time for the entire session from 2PM - 6PM; Everyone
is welcome. For directions please see our website:
http://www.downtownboathouse.org/directions.html


The CPR and First Aid  class the Boathouse is running is only about
half full. If you volunteer a lot at the DTBH, please consider taking
the class. The Boathouse pays for the class, it only takes a few hours,
and we throw in lunch!!!

The class will be on April 14th from 10AM to 4PM.

The class will be held at:
Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
1 Clarkson Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-5228
Cross Streets: Clarkson Street & 7th Avenue South
Directions: By subway: #1 to Houston Street; A, B, C, D, E, F, V trains to
W. 4th Street

We start right at 10AM, and could go as late as 4PM, but will probably
finish earlier. The Boathouse is providing Pizza and soft drinks for
lunch.

This class is for active volunteers. One of the requirements for our
permit from the Trust is that some of the volunteers running the Boathouse
will have current CPR and First Aid training. The class is equivalent
to the American Red Cross certification, and accepted at organizations
like the BCU, ACA, PADI, etc etc...

You may be able to get a reimbursement or stipend from your employer
for taking the class.

If you want to take the class please send an email to
volunteer@.... If you already signed-up, and we
sent you an acknowledgement please don't sign-up again.  Please write
"CPR/FA registration" in the subject line. Its first come first served...


The New York Kayak Polo club is having a fundraising party on April 14th.
These guys always throw a really fun party, so head over there after your
CPR and FA training.  For details see their website:
http://nykayakpolo.org/fundrSp07.html


You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

We are not going to have a Boathouse meeting in April, the first
monthly meeting will be 5/1/2007. See the full schedule on our
website, www.downtownboathouse.org/calendar.html

This Saturday is the last day of the pool program. There is no
program on Sunday. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out
this winter.

Thanks for all those who signed-up for the Paddlesport Show in NJ.
We sent a private email to those who volunteered early, and we have
them down for complimentary admission, but anyone else is welcome
and encouraged to come. If you do come just stop by the Boathouse
table and offer to help out.

The details, and directions are here:
http://www.jerseypaddler.com/paddlesport/index.html

There is a comprehensive article about the issues surrounding the
new Boathouse for Pier 26 on this website:
http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_201/largerrestaurant.html
This was published in the Downtown Express Newspaper.

The resolution mentioned in the article was passed by Community
Board 1 on March 20th, and Connie Fishman, the President of the Hudson
River Park Trust will be invited to the next CB 1 Waterfront Committee
meeting on Mar 26, at 6 PM, at 51 Chambers St. 7th Floor, to discuss
the Trust's plans for Pier 26.  If you are interested in the boathouse
on Pier 26 you should attend.  This is not a public hearing, but there
will be an opportunity for reasonable participation (at the discretion
of the chair) by the public who attend.

The Boathouse is going to run a CPR class for our volunteers. The
class will be on April 14th from 10AM to 4PM. The Boathouse will pay
for the class, but we encourage any volunteer who can afford it to
become a member of the Boathouse and make a $50 membership contribution
to help us pay for the instructors, the materials, and the certification.

Membership is not required for the class, it's optional.
See: http://www.downtownboathouse.org/membership.html
for a detailed description of our membership policy.

The class will be held at:
Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
1 Clarkson Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-5228
Cross Streets: Clarkson Street & 7th Avenue South
Directions: By subway: #1 to Houston Street; A, B, C, D, E, F, V trains to
W. 4th Street

We start right at 10AM, and could go as late as 4PM, but will probably
finish earlier. The Boathouse is providing Pizza and soft drinks for
lunch.

This class is for active volunteers. One of the requirements for our
permit from the Trust is that some of the volunteers running the Boathouse
will have current CPR and First Aid training. The class is equivalent
to the American Red Cross certification, and accepted at organizations
like the BCU, ACA, PADI, etc etc...

You may be able to get a reimbursement or stipend from your employer
for taking the class.

You don't have to definitely confirm yet, but if you are interested
please email volunteer@... and we will pencil you
in. Please write "CPR registration" in the subject line. Its first
come first served...

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Downtown Boathouse Volunteer,

Jim Wetteroth, our president, wanted to let everyone know about a hearing
that is coming up at Community board #1 this week.  The hearing concerns
the Hudson River Park Trust's plans for the new Boathouse at Pier 26.

There will not be an opportunity to speak, because it is a committee meeting
rather than a full board meeting, but it helps to have people, especially
people who live in lower Manhattan, come to the meeting to show support for
the Boathouse. Jim will be making comments to the committee about the proposed
design that the park has submitted.

The meeting is tomorrow, Monday 3/12, at 49-51 Chambers Street, 6:00 PM,
7th floor. Bring a picture ID. There is a security checkpoint so be sure
not to bring any pocketknives or anything else that might be considered a
weapon.

My Apologies for the short notice.

Martin

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Dear Boathouse Volunteer.


Thanks for all those who signed-up for the Paddlesport Show
in NJ.  We only get a few free tickets, and might have to pay for
the others, so if you decide you can't make it, be sure to let
us know.
The details, and directions are here:
http://www.jerseypaddler.com/paddlesport/index.html

Jim Wetteroth, our president, made a presentation to the Community
Board about the HRPT design for the new boathouse at Pier 26.
We have a number of changes and improvements we would like the
Park to make to save costs, make the boathouse work better, and
be a better facility for everyone.

One of our volunteers found this mock-up of the design on the web:
http://www.wystudio.com/hrpt/hudsonriver.htm

Jim's written testimony is below:
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Comments on the Hudson River Park Trust.s Final Design
for the Boathouse on Pier 26

Meeting of Community Board 1 Pier 26 Committee
February 21, 2007

In the Hudson River Park Act, Pier 26 is designated as a Park use,
non-revenue generating. pier for public recreational access.  The
Final Design (.the Design.) for the Cafe & Boathouse facility at
Pier 26 delivered to Community Board 1 consists of a boathouse with
a plan area of approximately 5,000 square feet and a restaurant of
10,000 square feet, including its (exclusive) outside tables, and
the overlook, which, with its elevators, and elaborate construction,
is the most expensive item in both the proposed construction and the
long-term maintenance.  This is clearly a revenue-generating,
destination restaurant. in direct contravention of the legislation,
and the expressed request of the community for ancillary food service,
only, at this location.  The restaurant should be replaced with a
variety of food carts and a picnic area or eliminated in light of
the snack bar proposed for Pier 25.


In addition to the disproportion of space allocated to the boathouse
as against the restaurant, the footprint of the boathouse itself is
30% smaller than the original Boathouse.  Given the growing popularity
of this form of recreation, the footprint of the new boathouse should
increase, rather than decrease, by 30%.

The boathouse is intended to house boats and equipment to afford to the
public access to the 80% of this park that is water, as well as the
public trust that is New York Harbor.  This human-powered boating
brings its participants into a closer contact with our environment,
and a building intended to support this activity should not insult
that environment.

Materials used to construct this building should be durable and
suit its purpose, and withstand the conditions the building will
endure over its proposed, minimum fifty-year, lifespan.  Systems
within the building should also reflect an awareness of this
lifespan and growing purpose.  The boathouse should be built to serve
its purpose: supporting responsible public access to our public waterways.
The construction as drawn seems needlessly complex for a seasonal
storage building, while the exterior materials proposed are susceptible
to corrosion in this semi-marine environment; moreover, the interior
is likely to make the structure a total loss in the event of almost
any fire.

The roof should be configured to allow for solar collectors because,
as a public entity, the Trust should display leadership in responsible
energy use.  The roof should extend as far as practical to the North to
provide some shade for the participants in the public boating program.

The dimensions set forth in this design of the boathouse are inadequate
for the storage and movement of kayaks averaging 16ft, the most common
length used in the River.  The designers have drawn a boathouse full of
14ft boats, in an area which only marginally works for even 14ft, or
shorter boats.  The former Boathouse was 52ft wide and allowed the
double-row storage of full-size boats, while the new boathouse, as
drawn, is 43ft wide and will not.

There is no indication of the width of the promenade on the north and
west sides of the boathouse, but this space will be critical to the
operation of our free public programs.  It is difficult to judge the
adequacy of the promenades for foot traffic without their dimensions
and those of the pier itself.

The main door does not line up with the head of the ramp to the dock.
Since it will be impossible for any door in the west side to line up
with the ramp, a larger door should be located where the outdoor
showers and lockers are now indicated.

The lockers and a hose should be moved to where the office is now
located, eliminating the outside showers.  The office should be
moved to where the toilets and showers are now proposed, and these
should be eliminated.  The public restrooms which were formerly
adjacent to the estuarium should be replaced.  Eliminating the complex
plumbing associated with the toilets and showers will allow draining
the building in winter instead of heating it.  Heating the boathouse
over the winter is an unnecessary operational expense.

We believe in light of the above that the design requirements should be
revisited and the proposed construction redrawn to more properly meet them.

Other aspects of the Design work counter to the efficient operation of
a volunteer-run public facility that will provide public access to
hand-powered boating.  The Design should be improved in the
following ways:
- the boathouse should be a fireproof structure;
-it should function simply as a warehouse for boats, and in that
  regard, should be configured to enhance the perception of the
  public versus the private area, such that public activity is
  focused in one area and the facility can be operated with a
  minimum of volunteers;
- showers should not be enclosed, and should consist of simple
  spray nozzles;
- toilet facilities should be relocated outside of the boathouse and
  over or near sewerage lines;
- shaded areas should to the extent possible be incorporated into the
  Design;
- and the office booth where the public will be received should be
  eliminated.

The Downtown Boathouse urges reconsideration and a redrawing of the
Design that will result in the construction of a less costly, permanent,
more efficient and more welcoming facility.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.


Thanks for all those who signed-up for the Paddlesport Show
in NJ. I'll get back to you all with details soon. We now have
enough people to man the booth.

Jim Wetteroth, our president, wanted to let everyone know about
a hearing that is coming up at the Community board #1 this week.
The hearing concerns the Hudson River Park Trusts plans for the
new Boathouse at Pier 26.

There will not be an opportunity to speak, because it is a
committee meeting rather than,  a full board meeting, but it helps
to have people, especially people who live in lower Manhattan, come to
the meeting to show support for the Boathouse. Jim will be making
comments to the committee about the proposed design that the park
has submitted.

The meeting is this Wednesday, Feb 21, at 49-51 Chambers Street,
6:00 PM, 7th floor. Bring a picture ID. There is a security checkpoint
so be sure not to bring any pocketknives or anything else that might
be considered a weapon.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

We only heard from 5 people about the Paddlesport Show in NJ.
If you want to volunteer for a few hours to help run the Boathouse
table, and get free admission please send an email to
volunteer@.... If you already replied you don't
need to do it again. Let us know if you want to do it so we know
if we should commit to the booth.
See: http://www.jerseypaddler.com/paddlesport/index.html


The folks over at the Long Island City Community Boathouse
are hosting a fundraising party on 2/15, (This Thursday).
Its at their space in Long Island City. See the following for details:
http://www.licboathouse.org/party

All of the Boathouse volunteer emails are available online at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dtbh_volunteer_news/

One of our volunteers, Mark Gluck, organizes a day of pool practice
every year at Rutgers University in Newark. The following email from
Mark contains all the details. Please contact him directly to register:
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

The 12th Annual Rutgers-Newark

FREE KAYAK INTRO &
SKILLS PRACTICE
ROUNDUP

** No prior Kayaking Experience Required **
** WARM indoor Olympic-sized Pool **

     Saturday, February 24th
     1pm to 4:30pm
(show up anytime for all or some of this period)

INEXPENSIVE EARLY PORTUGESE DINNER TO FOLLOW
IN NEWARK'S FAMED IRONBOUND DISTRICT

* Children (who can swim) Welcome *

NOTE: YOU MUST  PREGISTER  BY EMAIL (see below)
BY FEB 21

If you have never been in a kayak before and would like to try one in a safe
warm environment (a large heated olympic-size  indoor pool), or have kayaked
before but would like to learn  or practice safety skills (e.g, wet
exits, re-entry, or rolls), please come join us for this annual event.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

* Practice paddling skills
* Practice safety techniques: exits, re-entry, rolls
* Watch rolling and paddling videos
* Meet  local whitewater and seakayaking enthusiasts from NJ & NYC area
* All in a warm heated Olympic sized pool

The event and boats and informal lessons are all free, but those without
Rutgers ID need to pay  $5.00 guest pass for entry to facility (volunteer
kayak instructors are free).

We will have an assortment of kayaks to try and use but if you have your
own kayak, you are encouraged to bring it (please let us know if you will
bring a kayak)

PORTUGESE BANQUET AFTERWARDS:

Kayaking followed by optional early inexpensive Portugese dinner in
Newark's famed Ironbound district from 5 to 7pm. Located just a few blocks
from Newark Penn Station, makes for easy return to NYC by PATH or NJTRANSIT.

* Bring cash (probably less than $20) for dinner. No checks or Credit Cards.


PRIOR RSVP/REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY WED 2/21:

   Should be emailed to both:

     "Craig Ritz, Rutgers Aquatic Director"   critz@...
     "Mark Gluck" gluck@...

Please indicate:
     1) Your prior kayaking experience and level (if any).
     2) If you will bring a kayak or need to borrow one.
     3) Will you stay for dinner.
     4) Names of everyone in your group (if more than just you).


PARKING:

Parking- $10.00. Email critz@... to get on list for parking
and for more info on where to park.


GETTING THERE:

Golden Dome Athletic Center Pool
Rutgers-University Newark
42 Warren Street (corner of Washington)
Newark, NJ

Newark is 15 minutes by NJ Transit train from NY Penn Station (at 34th & Eight
Avenue). On Saturdays, trains leave NY Penn Station approximately every 20
minutes. The Rutgers-Newark campus is only a 10-15 minute walk from the
train station, or 2 stops on the local trolley.

Driving directions, campus map, & Newark City Map:
                  http://gluck2.rutgers.edu/html/more_info.html



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

The Boathouse received a grant to build a dock for human powered boats
at Governor's Island. We have started planning for this work, and the
dock construction will start soon. We hope to have it up and running
by the summer. Some of our morning trips will be going to Governor's
Island this summer, as they have past years.

We have updated the Boathouse website with the 2007 schedule and
plans. We will be running all 3 of our locations through the entire
summer of 2007.

The Boathouse was offerred a table at the Paddlesport Show in
New Jersey. See: http://www.jerseypaddler.com/paddlesport/index.html
If you would like to volunteer for a few hours to help run the
Boathouse table, you will receive free admission to the show.
Email volunteer@... and let us know what days and
times you are available, if you would like to go.

The program at the Riverbank State Park Pool is continuing. We are
running a class for the public on both Saturday and Sunday. Instructions
and directions for the public classes are on the Boathouse website, under
the Programs page.

We will be hosting volunteer practice time in the pool from 3:00PM until
4:30PM. If you want to come for the practice time you need to be willing to
help with the Public class from 4:30 to 6:00, and help clean-up and put
away the equipment afterward.  If you missed the special training session
it's no problem, just come to the practice time and talk to the volunteers
running the program.

If you are a new volunteer you should do the public class all the way
through once first before coming to help as a volunteer.

One of our volunteers, Mark Gluck, organizes a day of pool practice
every year at Rutgers University in Newark. The following note from
Mark contains all the details. Please contact him directly to register:
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

The 12th Annual Rutgers-Newark

FREE KAYAK INTRO &
SKILLS PRACTICE
ROUNDUP

** No prior Kayaking Experience Required **
** WARM indoor Olympic-sized Pool **

     Saturday, February 24th
     1pm to 4:30pm
(show up anytime for all or some of this period)

INEXPENSIVE EARLY PORTUGESE DINNER TO FOLLOW
IN NEWARK'S FAMED IRONBOUND DISTRICT

* Children (who can swim) Welcome *

NOTE: YOU MUST  PREGISTER  BY EMAIL (see below)
BY FEB 21

If you have never been in a kayak before and would like to try one in a safe
warm environment (a large heated olympic-size  indoor pool), or have kayaked
before but would like to learn  or practice safety skills (e.g, wet
exits, re-entry, or rolls), please come join us for this annual event.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

* Practice paddling skills
* Practice safety techniques: exits, re-entry, rolls
* Watch rolling and paddling videos
* Meet  local whitewater and seakayaking enthusiasts from NJ & NYC area
* All in a warm heated Olympic sized pool

The event and boats and informal lessons are all free, but those without
Rutgers ID need to pay  $5.00 guest pass for entry to facility (volunteer
kayak instructors are free).

We will have an assortment of kayaks to try and use but if you have your
own kayak, you are encouraged to bring it (please let us know if you will
bring a kayak)

PORTUGESE BANQUET AFTERWARDS:

Kayaking followed by optional early inexpensive Portugese dinner in
Newark's famed Ironbound district from 5 to 7pm. Located just a few blocks
from Newark Penn Station, makes for easy return to NYC by PATH or NJTRANSIT.

* Bring cash (probably less than $20) for dinner. No checks or Credit Cards.


PRIOR RSVP/REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY WED 2/21:

   Should be emailed to both:

     "Craig Ritz, Rutgers Aquatic Director"   critz@...
     "Mark Gluck" gluck@...

Please indicate:
     1) Your prior kayaking experience and level (if any).
     2) If you will bring a kayak or need to borrow one.
     3) Will you stay for dinner.
     4) Names of everyone in your group (if more than just you).


PARKING:

Parking- $10.00. Email critz@... to get on list for parking
and for more info on where to park.


GETTING THERE:

Golden Dome Athletic Center Pool
Rutgers-University Newark
42 Warren Street (corner of Washington)
Newark, NJ

Newark is 15 minutes by NJ Transit train from NY Penn Station (at 34th & Eight
Avenue). On Saturdays, trains leave NY Penn Station approximately every 20
minutes. The Rutgers-Newark campus is only a 10-15 minute walk from the
train station, or 2 stops on the local trolley.

Driving directions, campus map, & Newark City Map:
                  http://gluck2.rutgers.edu/html/more_info.html



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Just a final reminder. The end of year volunteer thank-you party
is THIS THURSDAY 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Details:
6:30-8:30PM,
Matthews Lounge,
The General Theological Seminary
175 Ninth Ave (b/w 20th & 21st).

Folks should check in at the front desk and say they're going to
the DTBH party in Matthews Lounge, and the receptionist will give
them directions to the space.  (Matthews Lounge is in a building
across the garden in the Close) This is the same place it was
last time. Its a great space, and it should be a great time.

We will be serving Lombardi's coal fired pizza, plus an assortment
of salads and snacks.

We will also have assorted wine, beer, and softdrinks.

If you want to bring something a desert that can easily shared like
brownies, cookies, or twinkies are good suggestions, but it's not
required.

As always with the Boathouse everything is 100% free!!! and everyone
is welcome.


The following note is from Nancy Brous. It concerns kayak access
to the barge at Pier 66, which is around 26th St.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
The kayaking, kayak polo, and outrigger community that is centered in the
Hudson River Park is faced with a serious loss of water access as a result
of existing DEC permit restrictions.  John Krevey, the owner of the barge
formerly known as pier 63, soon to be relocated to pier 66a, is asking
support from the kayaking community in the form of a letter in support of
his application for reasonable and necessary permit amendments.

Letters should be addressed to:

  Mr. Louis Oliva, Acting Director, Region 2
  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
  1 Hunter's Point Plaza
  47-40 21st Street
  Long Island City, NY 11101-5407

It is important to refer to Permit 2-6205-01687: Proposed Amendment to
Allow Human Powered Boating and Floating Docks

The issues as put forth by DEC and Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) are
as follows:

Storage: The existing permit does not allow storage of private kayaks
on the barge (pier 66a). HRPT has built a boathouse at pier 66, for
which a RFP will soon be released.
Depending on who wins the RFP for the boathouse, as many as 70 kayakers
will have their access to the river threatened. Storage INSIDE the
barge benefits all park users by keeping private storage off public
park land, leaving the public boathouse to the public. The HRPT has
stated in public meetings that they support STORAGE of kayaks on the
barge. But they do not support launching kayaks from the barge, which
would require a floating dock.

Launching and floating docks: Without a floating dock, paddlers will have
to carry their kayaks up a flight of stairs, across the barge (which
houses a popular and crowded restaurant), onto the park's pedestrian
esplanade, to reach the existing dock of pier 66. The transport of
16-18 foot kayaks will undoubtedly cause traffic flow problems on the
esplanade when combined with pedestrians, rollerbladers, dog walkers,
and baby carriages.

Motorized vs Human Powered Water Areas: The area around pier 66a is
designated a "motorized boat" area on the HRPT water use map. However,
this arbitrary designation should not preclude launching kayaks in the
area. A careful reading of the Trust's applicable rules reveals no
prohibition of human powered boats in motorized areas (though motorized
boats may not operate in human powered areas).

These are the main issues. John will be submitting his permit amendment
within 2 weeks. Please help by writing a letter before that time. If
possible, send copies to:

  Ms. Connie Fishman, President
  Hudson River Park Trust
  Pier 40, Second Floor
  West Street at W. Houston Street
  New York, NY 10014

  Mr. John Krevey
  Apartment 6S
  375 South End Avenue
  New York, NY 10028
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

There was a problem with the computer system that monitored the card
keys to Pier 96 and for a week or so none of the were working. The
Trust has corrected the problem, if your key does not work and you have
tried it since November 13th, please send an email to
volunteer@...  and we will get it fixed. In the
future if you can't get in be sure to try your key on all the doors,
sometimes one door will be broken, but others will work. In an urgent
situation feel free to call the Park Police for access at
212-627-2020 ext 8909. The Park Police will NOT let you in if you
don't have a key, only if your key is not working or the door is
broken.

We are having our annual volunteer end of year thank-you party
on Thursday Nov 30th. We do this party every year to thank everyone
for all their hard work, and cellebrate another great season.

Details:
6:30-8:30PM,
Matthews Lounge,
The General Theological Seminary
175 Ninth Ave (b/w 20th & 21st).

Folks should check in at the front desk and say they're going to
the DTBH party in Matthews Lounge, and the receptionist will give
them directions to the space.  (Matthews Lounge is in a building
across the garden in the Close) This is the same place it was
last time. Its a great space, and it should be a great time.

We will be serving Lombardi's coal fired pizza, plus an assortment
of salads and snacks.

We will also have assorted wine, beer, and softdrinks.

If you want to bring something a desert that can easily shared like
brownies, cookies, or twinkies are good suggestions, but it's not
required.

As always with the Boathouse everything is 100% free!!! and everyone
is welcome.

We have started the Winter pool program at Riverbank State Park. Details
and directions for the public classes are on the Boathouse website, under
the Programs page.

We will be hosting volunteer practice time in the pool from 3:00PM until
4:30PM. If want to come for the practice time you need to be willing to
help with the Public class from 4:30 to 6:00, and help clean-up and put
away the equipment afterward.  If you missed the special training session
it's no problem, just come to the practice time and talk to the volunteers
running the program.

The sessions should run for a couple of months.


You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

All 3 locations of the Boathouse are now closed for the season. Thanks
for all your help for making this another very successful season.

We hope to run our program in the Riverbank pool again this winter.
It will be structured similarly to last year. There will be an hour or
so of time for our volunteers to come and practice and warm-up, then
we will run a structured program for the general public.

In preparation for starting the pool program Taino will be running a
training class for pool assistants this Saturday 10/21/2006 at 11:00.
The class will be held at the Pier 96 Boathouse. If you plan to help
out during the winter pool program please try to come to this session.

We are still planning our end of year volunteer party. The tentative date
is November 30th. We will send more details as the date gets closer.

We will not be holding monthly meetings until next Spring.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

All 3 locations of the Boathouse are now closed for the season. Thanks
for all your help for making this another very successful season.

We hope to run our program in the Riverbank pool again this winter.
It will be structured similarly to last year. There will be an hour or
so of time for our volunteers to come and practice and warm-up, then
we will run a structured program for the general public.

In preparation for starting the pool program Taino will be running a
training class for pool assistants this Saturday 10/21/2006 at 11:00.
The class will be held at the Pier 96 Boathouse. If you plan to help
out during the winter pool program please try to come to this session.

We are still planning our end of year volunteer party. The tentative date
is November 30th. We will send more details as the date gets closer.

We will not be holding monthly meetings until next Spring.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

We have just one more week of the public program, our last day of
operation at all 3 Boathouses is 10/15. Everybody who volunteered
should be very proud, we did a great job. THANKS.

The following info is from Mark Gluck. He is running a season finale
dinner trip on 10/15. Because of the cold and long distance this trip
is only for decked boats, not Sit on Tops. The details are as follows:
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

DATE: Sunday, October 15th

RIVER NOTES: High water is at 4pm, and current floods in late
afternoon, is slack from 7 to 8, and ebbs afterwards.

TRIP LEADERS: Mark Gluck & Jeremy Hooper

TIME:
5:30pm.  Arrive at DTBH at Pier 96, 56th Street. Boats will
be assigned at 5:30pm.

6pm.  On the water and paddle to Edgewater, NJ, for Sushi.

7-8pm Sushi dinner at Food Court of Mitsuwa Japanese Market

8-9pm.  Paddle back to Pier 96

WHO:
* Have had self-rescue and other-rescue training.
* Have been on at least two prior river trips (beyond embayment) in
deck boats.

WHAT TO BRING (All are mandatory) :

* TWO (2) mid or large flashlights in Ziplock bags to duct-tape to both
the bow and stern for visibility (or equivalent marine lights).

* A personal light or chemical light stick to attach to your PFD (we will
have a supply of the latter for sale at cost for $2/each).

* 1 quart water.

* Cash for Japanese dinner

* Weather appropriate change of clothing including fleece sweater and
windbreaker (or paddle jacket) and hat.

RSVPs:
Are not required but encouraged to gauge interest. Please email Mark Gluck
at gluck@....

If weather is iffy, Mark will email out a trip go/no-go that day with
final call (we will cancel if raining or high winds). If the trip is
cancelled there will also be an announcement on the DTBH status line:
646-613-0740.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


The following note is from Randy Henriksen of the New York Kayak
Company about a free class he is offering this weekend:

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
New York Kayak Company is presenting a free Cold Water Paddling
Workshop in the classroom next to our store on the south side  of Pier
40 Saturday  morning at 11:00 AM. If you intend to continue paddling as
the air and water temperatures drop, or if you hope to get an early
start in the spring, please join us for information that will enhance
your comfort and safety.

Bellevue ER physician Dr. Kaidi Fullerton will present a talk on cold
water immersion and hypothermia. Nick Dyslin from Kokatat will discuss
kayak clothing for all temperatures. (Nick is also the rep for Lendal
paddles and will be available to discuss paddle styles and sizing - he
will have the new Pad-lock Wing paddles with him.) I will give a short
talk on risk management for cold water paddlers. Participants with then
have an opportunity to demo a drysuit IN THE WATER! If you have any
questions or concerns about how to identify the hazards posed by
off-season paddling and how to manage the risks that they pose - please
join us for this very popular event.

Hope to see you!

Randy
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

We have our monthly meeting on Tuesday 10/3 at Pier 96. Come at 6:00
to catch-up with friends, the meeting will be called to order at 6:30.
The meeting is open to everyone. We just talk about what we are doing
and our plans.

A few people have asked about the winter pool program. We do plan to
run a program in the pool this winter, but we haven't worked out the
details yet. As soon as we have a plan, we will announce it. It will
probably start in late November or early December.

Next Sunday, 10/8/2006, the Riverkeeper organization is running two
events to raise money and increase awareness of the river.

The New York Mayor's Cup is a race around Manhattan. See:
http://www.nymayorscup.com
for details. The qualifications are on the website, but many of you
could make it in the 7 hour window. It would be exciting to participate
in an event against an Olympic paddler like Greg Barton. We can make
some of our Boathouse boats available for volunteers on the Authorized
Public Boat user list. Be sure to read the qualifications carefully,
and contact the organizers if you aren't sure if you can make it.

The Big Apple Splash is a float rather than a race. See:
http://www.nywaterfest.org/big_apple_splash.html
This is open to anyone and everyone.

Ray Fusco, who has always been a friend to the Boathouse
is organizing both events. Ray is looking for volunteers to
help with the organizing, set-up, take down etc etc...
Please contact him at: raymondfusco@..., if you want to
help, or have questions about either event.

Our last day of operation at all 3 Boathouses is 10/15/2006.

We are open on Columbus day 10/9/2006. So if you aren't upstate
looking at the leaves please stop by and help out.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

As most people know we are now sharing some of our space in Pier 96
with the Manhattan Kayak Company (MKC). This is a temporary arrangement
for a few months. Please do not use any of the MKC kayaks or paddles. All
of their equipment other than the kayaks is being kept in the office in
the far southeast corner of the Boathouse. All of their kayaks are on
the kayak trailer in the back of the Boathouse.

One of our volunteers reported that their car was broken into during the
day on a weekend near Pier 96. The police told them that there have been
a lot of break-ins on the streets. Please be careful, or consider using
the parking garages on 59th St. Several volunteers have had good experience
with the indoor garage on 59th just East of the Boathouse.


On Thursday 9/21 the Gowanus Dredgers are having their annual Blues &
Cruise fundraiser party. This is at their location in Brooklyn on the
Gowanus Canal. It's a lot of fun, and a great way to help out a fellow
paddling group. Click on the "Map and Information" button on the advert
on their homepage, http://www.gowanuscanal.org.
The party includes food and beer, and the chance to win a lot of
great prizes. If you purchase tickets ahead of time they are only
$25. They are $40 at the door. The online ticketing has problems,
so its probably best to call (877) 238-5596  and buy the tickets
over the phone.


On Sunday 9/24 Taino will be running an official BCU 1 star assessment
at 9:00AM at Pier 96.

This class is free and open to all Boathouse volunteers.
You should have donw the 1 star training first, but if you have some
practical experience kayaking you can jump right to the assessment.

To read about the BCU and the star certification system go to the BCU
website:
http://www.bcuna.com/PDF-Files/1-3-Star-Kayak.pdf


On Tuesday 9/26 at 5:30PM Mark Gluck will be running a trip for
Boathouse volunteers. All volunteers are welcome on this trip. If you
have never been in a decked cockpit boat you should take a sit on top.
We will meet at 5:30PM, and aim to get on the water by 6:00PM. Please
bring a windbreaker or light jacket and a complete set of dry clothes
to change into when you get back. If you have waterproof lights please
bring them, since you will return in twilight. It is not necessary to
sign-up for this trip ahead of time.



You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.


This weekend is the last weekend for the Morning Trips. Thanks to all
of you who helped run the trips this year. They continue to be very
popular.

On Thursday 9/14, 2006 we are going to be assisting the Friends of the
Hudson River Park in their annual fundraiser. We will be offering free
kayak rides. The event is from 6:00-9:00PM at Pier 63. We will paddle
some boats up from Pier 40. If you want to help please email
volunteer@... for details.

On Sunday 9/17 Some of the volunteers are going to help with a swim race
for the CIBBOWS group. The race is at noon across the Verazano Narrows.
We will paddle down from Pier 96 in the morning. They are hosting
lunch and a small party afterwards in the park. It should be a fun
day on the water. This is really only for experienced paddlers. Its
a couple of hours each way, and it can be rough down there depending
on the wind. If you want to help please email
volunteer@... for details.

On Sunday 9/17 the Friends of the Hudson River Park are holding a festival
in Clinton Cove, Pier 96, on the grass in front of the Boathouse. This
might bring a little extra traffic to us. It seems that the food,drinks, and
activities are free. Be sure to check it out if you are up there.

On Thursday 9/21 the Gowanus Dredgers are having their annual Blues &
Cruise fundraiser party. This is at their location in Brooklyn on the
Gowanus Canal. It's a lot of fun, and a great way to help out a fellow
paddling group. Click on the "Map and Information" button on the advert
on their homepage, http://www.gowanuscanal.org.

On Sunday 9/24 Taino will be running an official BCU 1 star assessment
at 9:00AM at Pier 96.

This class is free and open to all Boathouse volunteers.

To read about the BCU and the star certification system go to the BCU
website:
http://www.bcuna.com/PDF-Files/1-3-Star-Kayak.pdf

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

The weekday program at Pier 96 is finished. Thanks to all of you who
helped run this program. By August we were very busy every night, and
your hard work made it possible for thousands of people to have access
to the river.

Next Sunday September 10th the Boathouse is loaning some boats to a group
running a Senior Olympics for Senior Citizens. We need a volunteer to go
out and help them. It is a very calm and beautiful lake in the middle of
Staten Island. They can probably arrange transportation via car or truck.
For the most part we just need someone to demonstrate the basics of paddling,
and keep an eye on them. The program runs from 4Pm to 6Pm. If you can help
please email volunteer@... and we will connect you with
the organizers.

Also on September 10th there is a swim race in Irvington. The Kayak
organizers, Paul Amico and Suellen Nelson, are long-time Boathouse
volunteers, and great people. If you want to help with this race please
contact them directly. Some boathouse boats are available for use. You
can reach them via email at Snelsonpa@..., or phone at 201-538-0246.

Next Tuesday 9/5 we have our monthly meeting at Pier 96. Come at 6:00PM
to catch up with friends, the meeting will be called to order at 6:30PM.

We still need people to work at Pier 40. It is getting busier and buiser
each week as the public finds out we are back Downtown. If you go to one
of the Boathouses, and there is adequate staffing, you can always borrow
a bike and check-out some of the other locations.

The few weeks after Labor Day are often some of our busiest times because
everyone is back in town.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Our first week at Pier 40 went well, and we expect even more business
this weekend. If you want to volunteer please come down to Pier 40. We
are on the South side of the Pier about 1/2 way out. Pier 40 is the
huge building at the end of Houston St. We are open 9:00AM until
6:00PM.

On Tuesday 8/29 at 6:00 PM we will hold a local conditions class at the
Pier 96 for Boathouse volunteers. This is a classroom class where
we go over tides and traffic. Successfully completing this class
is one of the criteria for being put on the authorized user list
to take boats out of the embayment. Even if you have taken it before,
you should think about doing it again.
Tuesday 8/29 at 6:00PM at Pier 96.

On Thursday 8/31 we have 2 groups of school kids coming to Pier 96
for special programs. The first group arrives at 10:00AM the second
group at 1:30PM. If anyone has flexible hours we could really use your
help. The 1:30PM group is about 35 people. If you can, please come
down for either or both sessions.

Taino will be running an official BCU 1 star assesment on Sunday August
27th at 9:00AM at Pier 96.

This class is free and open to all Boathouse volunteers.

To read about the BCU and the star certification system go to the BCU
website:
http://www.bcuna.com/PDF-Files/1-3-Star-Kayak.pdf

We will run BCU 2 star training and assesments later in the season.


You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

We are going to open Pier 40 THIS WEEKEND. We will be open from
09:00 AM until 5:00 PM Weekends and holidays only. If you want
to help at Pier 40 just stop by when you have some time. It will
probably be quiet for the first few weeks until the word gets out.
The Boathouse spot is located on the South side of Pier 40 at
Houston St. on the Hudson River. We are about 2/3 of the way out
near the end of the pier.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Regatta on Saturday. We had
at least 90 boats in the race, it was very impressive sight when the
starter's gun sounded.

See the following pictures:
http://www.pbase.com/jonathanbarkey/boathouse
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceonyc/sets/72157594235041464/
http://ceonyc.phanfare.com/album/98603/109535/5106597
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8Kas2Lhs5dK

There are still a few spots left for the Sunday swim support. If you
want to get-up early, or better yet just stay up..... Be sure to let us
know, by email volunteer@..., so we can pack a
boat for you. We leave the Boathouse at 4:30AM.

Some people have had problems reading the DTBH volunteer news email
messages because some email clients treat our messages as attachments.

You can also read the volunteer news on a yahoo group, by going to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dtbh_volunteer_news/

Whenever you get the email that a new volunteer announcement is ready,
just go to the above web page to read it.


You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Apparently there was some confusion about the course and plan for The
Harrison St. Regatta. This follows the tradition of confusion and
mystery that has made the event such a success in years past, but
we wanted to shed a little light on things.

The race this year is ONE WAY. We leave from Pier 96 and go to 72nd St.
The race starts at 2:00PM. This will be a very easy paddle, less than
1 mile with the current. Its not going to take long to get up there.
The party should start around 2:30 or 3:00 and go till we run out of
food about 5:00PM.

If you miss the start, just join us up at 72nd St. We will be the people
with the 75 kayaks piled up on the bike path.

We have a number of prizes to give out, the prizes will be given out in
a raffle to everyone who paddles in the race.

If you want to use a Boathouse boat please sign-up on the sign-up
sheet that will be at the desk at Pier 96. All the Boathouse owned
kayaks will be available for volunteers and the general public.

Some people asked about bringing food. The best contribution would be some
type of desert that is easy to share, cookies or brownies, etc etc...



Taino will be running an official BCU 1 star training class on Monday August
14th at Pier 96. Please come at 5:30PM and be ready to launch your boat by
6:00PM.

We will run a 1 start Assesment on Sunday August 27th at 9:00AM at Pier 96.

These classes are free and open to all Boathouse volunteers.

To read about the BCU and the star certification system go to the BCU
website:
http://www.bcuna.com/PDF-Files/1-3-Star-Kayak.pdf

We will run BCU 2 star training and assesments later in the season.



On 7/20 Sunday a number of us are going to Breezy Point to provide
swim support for the CIBBOWS group swim race. If you would like to help
please email volunteer@.... Let us know the following:
-what boat you want to use if you plan to use a public boat.
we have roof rack space and space on the trailer.
-if you can take one or more boats on your car its a big help if you can
haul a boat out there.
-if you can drive out. We need to drive to the put-in. Even if
you can't take a boat on your car, we need people to provide rides,
since 5 or 6 boats will go on the trailer.

See www.cibbows.org for details and pictures of the last race.

We will launch about 1 mile from the swim, at Plum beach and paddle
over to the start. Since we have to be in the water in Brooklyn at
5:30AM we need to leave the Boathouse at 4:30AM. Sorry it is so early.
After the swim we will go for a paddle in the ocean for a few hours,
and have lunch. We will probably finish about 2:00PM, and be back to
the Boathouse by 3:00PM or 4:00PM.

This will be a fairly long day of paddling, probably almost twice as
much as the average morning trip. The people who did the last swim race
had a lot of fun, both during the race and afterward playing around in the
ocean. The tides will again be just right for surf in the small tide
race off of Breezy Point. Depending on the swell it could be very
exciting. The tide race is localized, and most people decided not to
paddle through it last time, but if you want some excitement, or just
want to watch some of us get flipped around it is there.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

The gala event of the year at the Boathouse is this Saturday 8/12 the Annual
Harrison Street Regatta. This is our annual fun-race and BBQ that is
held every year at the Boathouse. It is the highlight of the paddling
season. Because of various construction and permit issues we have changed
the course. This year the race goes from our Pier 96 location at 56th St.
to the Boathouse dock at 72nd St.

The winner is the 2nd boat to cross the finish line. The race is open to
all human-powered craft. Our fleet of public kayaks is available for use,
or bring your own boat. Come at 1:00PM to register, the Race Starts at 2:00PM.
A BBQ is held after the race. Everything including the food and soft drinks
is 100% free.

The winner receives a trophy that must be made by hand by the previous year's
winner. For the last 5 or 6 years the trophy has been captured by a
Downtown Boathouse Volunteer, and displayed prominently in the Boathouse
trophy case. We plan a spirited defense again this year.

We encourage everyone to participate in the race. For most people it is
just a fun paddle. We try to get all our boats out on the water at once.
Last year we probably had 50 or more kayaks in the water.

We do need some help for this event. We always serve sausages with peppers
and onions, but we need a volunteer cook to help me pre-cook the peppers
and onions. We will give you the "secret" recipe. Please contact me at
volunteer@... if you have a few hours to spare and
know how to handle a large knife and a frying pan.

The following note is from Randy Henriksen at New York Kayak. This is
a free event open to everyone, and a good way to find out about paddling
outside of New York City:
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Kevin Mansell is offering a free slide presentation at New York Kayak Co. on
Tuesday, August 8, at 6:30 PM: A Pattern of Islands. Kevin will provide a
lively narrative to accompany photos he has taken on trips around islands
no larger than 1000 square kilometers.

Kevin is BCU 5 Star Coach and a seasoned kayak expeditionary with over
30 years experience as a coach and a professional educator. He is a
founding member of the Jersey Canoe Club, in the Channel Islands, UK, and
has partnered with Chris Jones to present and maintain one of the world.s
most informative sea kayaking websites: <seapaddler.co.uk>.

If you're interested in international kayak travel, I really want to urge
you to attend. Kevin has put together more kayak trips and expeditions
than anyone I know. He will be happy to chat after the presentation and
has all kinds of practical advise to offer.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

On Thursday 7/27 at 1:00PM we have a group of kids from Recycle a Bicycle
coming to take a short trip from Pier 96. We need a couple of volunteers
to help. If you are available and have a few hours please come and help
on Thursday.

On Thursday 7/27 The New York Kayak Company is hosting a free talk
at their store on Pier 40 @ Houston St. The following details are
from Randy at New York Kayak:
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Kevin Mansell, BCU Level 5 Coach and Expeditionary from the Channel
Islands, UK, will be offering one of his favorite kayaking presentations
for free on Thursday, July 27, from 6:30 to 8PM at New York Kayak Company:
From Excursions to Expeditions - Trip Planning for Sea Kayakers. In this
talk, Kevin will discuss matching gear and supplies to the trip, matching
trip conditions to participant skill levels, route and itinerary selection,
and strategies for planning travel and logistics before, during and after
your trip. Kevin is a professional educator with over 30 years experience
kayaking and coaching. He will be helping with both regular and special
programming at NYKC until the middle of August. His terrific website
is filled with interesting information about kayaking in general and
expeditions in particular . check it out: http://www.seapaddler.co.uk.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

On Friday 7/28 at 12:00PM we have a group of kids from Columbia University
coming to take a short trip from Pier 96. We need a couple of volunteers
to help. If you are available and have a few hours please come and help
this Friday.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

We have a special Womens Paddle for volunteers on Monday 8/7/2006.
Like all our weekday programs this trip will leave from Pier 96.
Please arrive at the Boathouse by 5:30. This is for Women volunteers
only, you may take a decked boat, or a sit-on-top. It is for both new
volunteers and old volunteers. You should be back before dark, but if
you have a waterproof light please bring it.

A number of volunteers have asked about access by the public to
the restrooms and showers in the Boathouse. because of the way the
Boathouse has been designed the he restrooms and showers in the Boathouse
are not for use by the general public; they are for Boathouse volunteers.

The reason for this is safety and security. When we are busy we have no
way of keeping track who has gone in them, how long they have been in
them, and how many people went in. Unfortunately we have to guard against
inappropriate behavior in these closed spaces.  Having people in the
back of the Boathouse also poses a theft risk; if someone goes into
the back of the Boathouse, they can easily steal some of our equipment,
and go out the back door.  This has happened at all our facilities
over the years, including Pier 96.

If the Boathouse is not busy, you are working at the desk, and feel
comfortable, it's ok to let a member of the public use the restroom,
we don't want members of the public showering at all, but you need to
monitor them carefully and be responsible that only one person goes into
the room, and that they don't roam around in the back of the Boathouse.

We are still working with the Trust to modify the shower rooms so that they
can be used by the public.

Pier 40 is still not open. We are waiting for permits from the Army Corps
of Engineers. It will be at least a few more weeks.

On August 12th we will have our annual party, the Harrison St. Regatta.
Because we can not open Pier 40 we are having the Regatta uptown this year.
There is a race at 2:00PM, Starting at Pier 96, followed by a BBQ in
the park at 72nd St. This is always a lot of fun, so please put it on your
schedule now.

When running the public program we always need to keep a rescue Scupper
ready to go on the dock. This Scupper should always stay on the dock, and
should have a feathered paddle, a tow-rope, and a PFD. If you want to go
on patrol, please use another boat, not the rescue Scupper.

We have been pretty good with coverage at Pier 96, but we still struggle to
keep the 72nd St. location staffed. If you come to help at 96, and there is
nothing to do please borrow a boathouse bike, and peddle up to 72nd St. to
see if you can help.

We need a few supplies for the Boathouse. If anyone is paddling on the river
and sees any boat bumpers, the big white cylinders, floating or on the shore
as flotsam please collect them for Pier 96. We also need more fabric for the
changing rooms at Pier 96. Old curtains would be ideal, but just about anything
will work.

When practicing rescues, or rolling please try to use the plastic boats,
not the fiberglass boats. This type of practice tends to scratch and damage
the kayaks, and the plastic boats are much sturdier.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble

Dear Boathouse Volunteer.

Sorry for the multiple emails, but we left off the reminder for the
women's paddle on 7/24 , and we wanted to remind everyone.

On 7/24 Monday we will be having a volunteer women's paddle. This
paddle is  for all women volunteers, new or experienced. It will be
led by Adelene and Marcella. Meet at 5:30, be ready to leave by
6:00PM. The paddle will be out on the open river. Women may use
either a decked boat, or a sit on top. We will try to accommodate
everyone, but if there are too many people we may have to hold
a lottery. The paddle is not open to the general public, this is
a training paddle for our women volunteer to give them experience
on the open river. You should be back before dark, but if you have
lights please bring them. Please women ONLY.


On 7/25 Tuesday we will be running a volunteer class. This is a
class for new volunteers where we go over all the details of the public
program. The class will start at 6:30PM.  There will be a chance to
go in the water, so please dress to get wet.

You are receiving this email because you asked to be placed on the
email mailing list for the Downtown Boathouse. If you no longer wish to
receive these emails please send a note to volunteer@...

Thank You!
Tim Gamble