Since 2011, in addition to strong kayak and SUP instruction, BKG has run a youth kayak program during the weekdays, ensuring children safe access to their waterways and for many who have never had an opportunity to experience their full NYC environmental, a life-changing perspective. The program is coordinated by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, long-time partners in the mission.
Surf/Lumpy Water Class
One of Brooklyn Kayak Guides first trainings of the season.
We're heading to the surf zone, practicing beach launching/landing, reading moving-water, control in surf and tide-racing, effective edging and bracing techniques when broached, and more. All of this inevitably means lots of rescue practice and group management :)
This class is advanced-level and already booked. Throughout the season we offer training/instruction sessions to prepare you for the next one--check out our calendar.
River guides and ferry captains trading perspectives
Tom Potter listens to the views of NYC Ferry Port Captain Endy Santana (red wind breaker) and Captain Robert Johnston--both in kayaks--about radio calls made by paddlers.
Brooklyn Kayak Guides not only offers amazing trips and trainings (check out our 2018 season schedule), but helps ensure our waters continue graduating in safety by keeping the discussion going with other stakeholders.
And in June, BKG will restart its summer youth kayak camp program. For many years, we've safely introduced NYC children to their waters, many of whom are from Title I schools and--even though they live in a "water city"--have never been in a boat.
Not only does Brooklyn Kayak Guides offer kayak and SUP training to all, but part of its mission is ensuring--with organizations like Brooklyn Park Bridge Conservancy--that NYC school children and camps experience their waterways. Here, guide Noah Diary keeps them anchored in a current, while they exchange boats!
Sunny or cloudy, book a SUP session at BKG!
Last time Tal was on a SUP was two years ago. He's still got it :)
The ol' "get in your cockpit before a wave knocks you off the ...
Brooklyn Kayak Guides' first instruction of the season. Register for the next one, and make the rivers yours.
BKG's is at the new community dock!
Find BKG at its new digs on the community dock!
Tom Potter, confirming the fun of a new boat.
A quick on-water pep talk, and they're off! They kids are not that fast (yet): the videos are sped up ;)
After instruction on land on safety and strokes, they're prepared (and itching) to get onto the water.
About 20 children about to be introduced to the joys of kayaking, courtesy of Brooklyn Kayak Guides' kids programming :)
NYC Brooklyn Kayak Guides training interns, who help us run our Youth Kayak Camp at Brooklyn Bridge Park! We're all about the community :)
Rolling The Shark (with Tim and Kate)!
Now...practicing hand rolls--
Practicing polo ball rolls--
Practicing paddle rolls--
Remember the first time you tried to paddle in reverse? Were you as tenacious as this kid?
Some participants, during the last day of the course, decide to move on to a hand roll. Check this out.
