NYCkayaker Refections of City of Water

[Tim Gamble]

Rob, Jim,

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

I definitely agree. It is incredibly bad precedent to accept the USCG
requirements of motor boats, waivers, and lists of names for an event like
this.

Ray and Carter didn't like it either, but felt forced into it by the USCG
as a condition for the permit. They really wanted to do the event, so they
agreed to unreasonable conditions. Everybody knew that we were all just
going to forge names on waivers, and/or make-up names, I certainly did. As
frustrated as we all were, Ray and Carter suffered even more.

The USCG seems to be a lot more accommodating when they have to deal with
an entire community. Compare and contrast their heavy handed approach for
City of Water day, to their more open and welcome attitude during the very
excellent "Captain and Paddlers Day" organized by the Guild a few months
ago where they showed real willingness to work with us. There is
definitely strength and political power in numbers.

The Red Hook Boaters will absolutely NOT participate again if the event is
organized the same way. We had to turn away a lot of people who wanted to
come because of the cost and conditions, and the event itself was not a
lot of fun. We spent over 1 hour sitting in our boats waiting to leave for
a 1/2 mile trip back to Red Hook because we had to wait for the stupid
escort boat.

The event should be a real "convergence". All the coordination and
organization should be limited to the land part of the program. Just pick
a central location, and time it such that many groups can get to it, and
let responsible groups pick their own leaders, number of boats, and time
tables and come as they will.

How about somewhere on the water trail, where no permits or insurance is
required, and where we wouldn't have to deal with so much traffic. Maybe
Dykman St. in Inwood. That is accessible from both the East River and the
Hudson, far from any commercial traffic, and ruled by NYC Parks Department
which has proven itself to be very kayak friendly.

---------------
Tim Gamble
917-721-8851