How-to Brooklyn
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How to Kayak in a Superfund Site
1. Plan ahead: It is generally considered bad practice to venture into the Newtown Creek or Gowanus Canal at low tide or within 48 hours of rain. The CSO system is usually overwhelmed by storm water and gets pretty wretched after a storm. It is better to wait until the flushing system clears some of it out.
2. Proper safety gear: Personal flotation device, whistle, water, food, sunscreen, hat and med kit! For Superfund kayaking, you may also want to bring some hand sanitizer.
3. Awareness: The Newtown Creek is a commercial waterway; keep an eye out for boats and make sure they can see you. Wear bright colors and stay aware. Taking a kayak nap is ill-advised.
4. Be smart, stay smart: Newtown Creek is a pleasant paddle but the deeper into the creek you go, the more hazardous the sediment gets. Do not splash, eat, swim in, or drink anything from the water.
5. Don’t fall in: When faced with a wave or a wake, angle your boat so you are not parallel with the impending danger. Tipping your boat in a Superfund site might change your life.
The outdoor pros at Brooklyn Outfitters
Photo ErikBaard
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