This is the application form to join the HarborLAB Volunteer Reward Manhattan Circumnavigation.  Please complete it by August 29 at 3PM. Please understand that seats are limited (10) and the trip requires strict adherence to safety instructions. Participation must be approved by HarborLAB Executive Director Erik Baard, who will lead this trip.

Another purpose of this trip is to scout out potential sites for community paddles in Inwood and Harlem, which lack adequate on-water eco-education programs but in recent years have gained greater potential access.

***Please remember that you can join us on land for brunch and to scout potential program areas! There might also be opportunities for paddling segments, rather than the whole island. Please click those options below.***

The shareable promotional page for our crew is:

https://www.facebook.com/events/624432624627107/

Seating is limited. Joining us will be environmental education allies and possibly media.

This event is free. Food is at one's own expense, but selected students with a financial hardship will receive help from HarborLAB.

Tax deductible donations to HarborLAB are gratefully received here:

https://harborlab.org/donateorsponsor/

Please understand that seats are limited (13 in public fleet seats) and the trip is challenging in terms of duration and varying conditions. Participation must be approved by HarborLAB Executive Director Erik Baard, who will lead this trip.

Because we can't expand our fleet until we have safe storage at 2nd Street and because we can't safely access the water at Vernon Blvd due to sail squatters damaging and stealing infrastructure like our dock and ladder, this will be our smallest such outing: 6 tandem kayaks (5 green Malibu 2 XL and one Sea Eagle Fast Track 385ft) and two singles (orange Jackson Riviera and my personal 385ft as a single). That's 14 people. We'll use discernment (who has helped? ratio of newbies to experienced circumnavigators? green ally guests?) but if stumped will resort to a lottery.

What to expect.

You'll be tired, sore, and filled with wonder, camaraderie, and great stories to share back home.

Schedule and Float Plan
Note: We might run late in the home stretch, finishing packing by 11pm instead, but we absolutely can't be late running Hell Gate, Spuyten Duyvil, or rounding The Battery.  

8am: Gather at HarborLAB (53-21 Vernon Blvd, LIC, NY 11101)
Safety talk, waiver gathering, setting up gear and boats,
9am: All boats in the water.
Some towed to 2nd Street for those unable to climb down. Inflatable boats set up at 2nd Street.
930pm: Launch! Boats underway! CRITICAL TIMING.
Ride the flood along the Queens waterfront. Cross over to Roosevelt Island after Anable Cove. Hold 30' off shore except when tucking in to regather.
10am: Cross at Blackwell Light to Manhattan.
Point will scout and radio check. Crossing must be quick, close together, and precisely as radio announced. Proceed from Carl Schurz Park stone wall to Wards Island and hug Randalls Island up to the Bronx Kill.
1030am: Pass Bronx Kill to enter Harlem River. CRITICAL TIMING.
Stay along Bronx bank of the Harrlem River.
1pm: Rest break at Muscota Marsh. Brunch at Indian Road Cafe (https://www.yelp.com/biz/indian-road-cafe-new-york). Scout for public program potential.
230pm: Pass through Spuyten Duyvil. Ride the ebb.
Don't hug the shore too closely -- maximize use of current by staying just outside the navigation channel (red buoy to the right).
330pm: Quick visit to Baylander. Scout for public program potential at West Harlem Pier.
430pm: Bathroom break at 79th Street Boat Basin.
5pm: Launch from 79th Street Boat Basin.
630pm: Round The Battery.
CRITICAL TIMING.
730pm: Bathroom break in Dumbo.
915pm: Drop off paddlers and inflatable boats at 2nd Street.
930pm: All at HarborLAB!
1030pm: Complete pack away. Done!
Current will turn against us at about noon.  
Tides for New York (The Battery) starting with August 17, 2019.


Tides for New York (The Battery) starting with August 31, 2019.
Day        High      Tide  Height   Sunrise    Moon  Time      % Moon
           /Low      Time    Feet    Sunset                    Visible

Sa  31      Low   3:41 AM    -0.8   6:22 AM    Rise  7:35 AM      0
    31     High   9:35 AM     5.7   7:30 PM     Set  8:41 PM
    31      Low   3:56 PM    -0.6
    31     High   9:50 PM     6.1

What to bring and wear:

Common sense sun protection for (hat, UV broadband sunglasses, eco-friendly sunblock), sturdy footwear you don't mind getting wet (not flip flops), dry change of clothing, quick drying paddling clothing, full reusable water bottle (you can refill in Brooklyn, but there's no water at HarborLAB), snacks with no plastic packaging if possible (oranges are great, or nuts in a reusable bag).

Safety:
Don't do what you feel unsafe doing. For example, our shoreline is very rough but entering and exiting the boats at 2nd Street is safer and easier.
Stay close together. Do not stray.
Listen to instructions and directions immediately and precisely. There might be safety concerns about which you're unaware.
If you don't feel well, are in pain, or have a condition that could affect you or the group, please inform the trip leader or a volunteer escort immediately.
Stay hydrated. Drink before you feel thirsty.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR BEST PHOTOS! Post up to ten of your best photos from the tour to:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sjvZKs2PRXCzN9WD6