One of the great benefits to being a volunteer at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse is the many trips and opportunities for training, ranging from free beginner and intermediate courses to advanced ACA certification courses (fees vary). Visit the Volunteer page for more details or simply sign up at right side of the page. Get started!

 

These are for Boathouse Volunteers and experienced paddlers only. If you're new to the Boathouse and kayaking, you'll want to take some instruction first. Register in advance with Tom Potter by email at classes@bbpboathouse.org.  Participation is with the trip leader's permission only. Trips are free, but you must be a Boathouse Volunteer and an American Canoe Association member for insurance purposes. ($30/year or $5/event.)

 

This is for Boathouse volunteers only. Visit the volunteer page for more details or simply sign up at the right side of the page. The Boathouse offers free Safety Boater Instruction for our volunteers taught on sit-on-tops as well as training that prepares for kayaking in more advanced deck boats and kayaking on the NY waterway. 

 

In cooperation with Brooklyn Kayak Guides, we also offer a full slate of American Canoe Association (ACA) curriculum instruction. Descriptions of classes are available on the ACA website. Quick Start and Sit-On-Top Safety classes are offered in sit-on-top boats. All other classes are offered in traditional decked kayaks. Full day classes are $100; half day classes are $50. All equipment is provided.  All proceeds benefit the Boathouse. Most classes are limited to 10 people. Register with Tom by e-mail at classes@bbpboathouse.org.

 

You do not have to participate in training to be a volunteer—but if you'd like to improve your skills and be better at helping others, it's generally a good idea to at least take a few beginner classes.

 

The Sebago Canoe Club offers an excellent calendar of ACA instruction. It has generously agreed to allow Brooklyn Bridge Park volunteers sign up for their classes, and will charge the same as for their own volunteers. If you are interested in taking their classes you should email Walter Lewendowski (kayaker824@gmail.com). Please also CC Tom at classes@bbpboathouse.org to help coordination and so we may confirm with Walter that you are an active volunteer with our Boathouse. You can find more information on Sebego at sebagocanoeclub.org.