Captains & Paddlers Day 2008 Report

In 2008, the Hudson River Paddlers Guild, working with the United States Coast Guard, New York Water Taxi and other local commercial maritime and safety enforcement organizations, along with a number of local paddling organizations, sought ways to improve communication and safe interaction among paddlers, rowers and commercial traffic on the Hudson and surrounding waters.

Out of those discussions arose the idea of "Captains and Paddlers Day": a forum for quality face time between people from the various human powered boating communities and the local maritime commercial and safety enforcement organizations

On Saturday, May 17, 2008 approximately 70 people representing 32 organizations gathered at Pier 66 Boathouse in Hudson River Park for the first Captains & Paddlers Day. The participating organizations can be seen by clicking on the C&P Day PArticipants button to the right.

The human powered boaters kicked off the day by describing and illustrating their safety procedures and protocols. The topics then broadened to include such matters as day and night visibility, on-water communications and signals, rules of the road, ferry crossings, and many other issues that concerned the participants. All of the participants openly shared views and information, and considerable discussion took place.

After lunch, kayakers got on the water and demonstrated recovery and rescue drills. Some of the commercial mariners and officers from the enforcement agencies were venturesome enough to don cold water immersion clothing and join the paddlers and rowers in kayaks and gigs. As a finale to the day’s activities, Coast Guard, Fire Department and Police Department vessels joined the paddlers and rowers on the River at Pier 66.

The results of that first Captains and Paddlers day were quite positive. Commercial and human powered mariners learned more about each others’ capabilities and limitations, and made some adjustments to their on-water practices. Most importantly, lines of communications among the various maritime communities were improved, and are being used on a continuing basis to resolve issues as they arise, contributing to safer and more enjoyable boating in NY Harbor.