Under a Full Sturgeon Supermoon, Long Island City Community Boathouse kayakers paddled in harmony with shifting Hudson and East River tides to complete the 2014 Overnight Circumnavigation of Manhattan.
Coupled with the odyssey of paddling 30 miles under the stars, the endurance challenge offered a unique perspective of the New York City skyline. Miniature red and green, Port and Starboard navigation lights of the Sit-on-top kayaks alert only the keen eye.
“The City that Never Sleeps” went about its business unaware as stealth travelers navigated the silent moonlit waters that added a mystique to the 11 hour traverse. In response to the darkness, bridges seemed to stretch their massive strings-of-pearls across rivers to help light the way.
The collective glow of street lamps and the windows from thousands of New Yorkers also reflected throughout the harbor and its tributaries.
Starting from Anable Basin in Queens and paddling along parts of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Governors Island and the New Jersey shore as well, about 35 LIC Boathouse kayakers (as well as 3 Village Community Boathouse rowboats), stopped for 3 one hour breaks in anticipation of the changing currents, minding an occasional tugboat, barge and ferry.
Whether a sprint through the rough surf rounding the Battery or crossing Hellgate or calmly drifting along the Harlem River and Newtown Creek, ever steadily, they pressed onward. Upon return to Anable Basin, exhausted and wet, they received their reward of coffee and bagels.
But you don’t have to start exploring NYC’s hidden wonders via kayak all in one night. LIC Community Boathouse offers day and evening Free Kayaking opportunities for first timers to experts on various weekdays and weekends. So answer that small call to the sea or the urge to try something new, and regularly check out their calender.
Remember, Donations help maintain equipment and keep the program afloat.
Visit David’s Website: “Writer’s Edge”
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