take a ride A LOOK INTO THE LONG ISLAND CITY BOATHOUSE BY ECLEEN CARABALLO In ever-changing seasons and weather, the Long Island City Boathouse has stood strong and unwavering for the past ten years. Anchored to its commitment to provide free access to its boats and events, the LIC Boathouse relies on donations and volunteers who are passionate about the boathouse’s vision and growth. The boathouse, located at 46-01 Fifth St., offers public walk-up paddles in limited zones, group trips, kayaking and more. With an array of options for things to do on the water, the team at the boathouse leaves visitors with little desire to stay dry. Event coordinator and longtime volunteer Ted Gruber says he has enjoyed seeing the boathouse expand and has stuck around because “being on the water is fun, and sharing it with others is rewarding.” Yet one of the greatest rewards for Gruber and the team is seeing how the cleanliness of the water has improved over their time there. “If nobody went kayaking there would be less interest in keeping the waterways clean,” Gruber said. Consequently, bringing awareness to waterfront issues and working alongside of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection is the boathouse team’s personal joy and pride. The team at the LIC Boathouse fills visitors’ summer days with various opportunities to get on the water, including the boathouse’s unique tandem (two-seat) boats that allow people with less experience to ride alongside a more seasoned kayaker. Then, the team spends their nights leading boat trips to Brooklyn Bridge Park, around the island of Manhattan, or even to Gantry Plaza State Park, exposing themselves and guests to unique skylines and experiences. Yet Gruber says that the boathouse’s fun does not come to a halt when the chills of fall and winter approach. In fact, there is no set date for its “end of season” on the water. “When it becomes unpleasant, when it becomes uncomfortable, when people stop coming — that’s when our season ends,” he said. Planning, preparing and training for the next summer all take place during the off-season, keeping volunteers at the boathouse busy and energized. Recreational human-powered boating is a fast-growing sport, so with the expanding access to the water and extended summer, a trip to the boathouse may be the perfect way to bid farewell to the season. For more info, visit www.licboathouse.org. Photos courtesy LIC Boathouse
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