North Brooklyn Community Boathouse upcoming events

Bees & Pollinators: Bookmarks - An Art & Science Workshop (April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Bees, Beetles and Butterflies: Learn about pollinators and create bookmarks - An Art & Science Workshop

with Hunters Point Park Conservancy & North Brooklyn Community Boathouse

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

Celebrate the beauty and importance of pollinators in this relaxed, hands-on art workshop on April 8, 6–8 PM.

In this unique class, you’ll learn about bees, butterflies, beetles, and other beneficial insects while creating your own set of illustrated bookmarks using watercolor, marker, and ink. Your finished artwork will be cut into four bookmarks, mounted on decorative paper, and optionally finished with ribbon—perfect to keep or share as gifts.

The session begins with a short, engaging introduction to pollinators, followed by a brief watercolor warm-up before you dive into your own creative process. You’ll tape, paint, cut, and assemble your pieces step-by-step in a supportive, fun environment.

Led by watercolor artist and scientific illustrator Monica Schroeder, this class is ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Come learn, create, and leave with something beautiful—and useful!

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

SPACE IS LIMITED: YOU MUST BE REGISTERED

Contact monbertkayak@gmail.com with questions.

KAYAK: Winter Paddle: Red Hook Ramble (April 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Red Hook Ramble

Join us for a paddle to Red Hook. We'll make our way under the bridges, past Governors Island and around the bend to Red Hook. We'll land at Valentino Park for lunch, likely consisting of pie, then ride the flood home.

This paddle is open to intermediate and advanced NBCB members who have completed our Winter Paddling class and hold a current Winter membership. (Note: Winter paddling requires an additional $50/year membership.)

Be sure to dress appropriately for both air and water temperatures. Remember to pack water and snacks! =)

Skill level: Intermediate/Advanced (see what this means here)
Meet: 10:00am at Queens Landing in LIC, directions are here.
Launch at 10:30am
Slack is ~12:44pm (CH) and flood begins
Return & Release: 3:30pm
Trip leader: kandice@nbcboathouse.org
What to wear and bring

If you borrow a club suit, please let the TL know about any damage or problems you find, like a tear in a gasket or a broken zipper. Thank you

Nautical Knots for Paddlers (April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Let's go work on some essential knots for kayakers and canoeists - including the bowline, clove hitch, rolling hitch, and the cleat hitch.

If you are a knot enthusiast, please attend! We plan to break up into small groups and would love to pair up begginers and more knowledgeable folk.

Skill level: All welcome.
Meet: 2pm at Manhattan Avenue Street End Park (next to 1205 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222).
Instructors: Daniel Kidd (danieljkidd at gmail), Fiona AT nbcboathouse DOT org, Thiago, (thiago AT madeofpeople DOT org)

What to bring:

blanket or folding chairs as there is limited seating in the park
dress for the weather (it's not summer yet!)

In case of rain, we'll postpone to the following Saturday.

Nautical Knots is part of NBCB's Safety and Marine Knowledge Series.
This is one of six classes in our series Safety & Marine Knowledge classes offered by NBCB.

Nautical Knots for Paddlers
Marine Radio & Weather for Paddlers
Nautical Rules of the Road & Local Knowledge.
Trip Planning Theory & Practice
Introduction to Navigation
Winter Paddling Safety

2026 Kickoff Party! (April 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

It’s been a while—let’s catch-up!

Join us for an evening to reconnect, talk about the upcoming season, and, for those thinking about joining, chat with current members about how NBCB works and why it’s such a great community.

Our friends at Patagonia Brooklyn are generously hosting this gathering at their Williamsburg location. Light drinks and snacks will be available for a suggested donation. Please bring ID if planning on drinking alcohol.

Attendance gives you chances to win prizes!

Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 6:30pm to 9pm
Location: Patagonia Brooklyn, 70 North 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Cost: FREE
Plan to attend? Please RSVP

Questions? Email contact@nbcboathouse.org.

Hope to see you there!

NBCB

RSVP

Fungus Among Us: Watercolors - An Art & Science Workshop (April 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

The Fungus Among Us: Watercolors & Mixed Media - An Art & Science Workshop

with Hunters Point Park Conservancy & North Brooklyn Community Boathouse

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

Fungus is all around us, learn more in this relaxed, hands-on art workshop on April 29, 6–8 PM.

Students explore the fascinating world of fungi while creating a watercolor painting. They can choose between a playful paint-blowing technique to create mycelium networks, combined with marker drawing, or a more traditional watercolor painting of a mushroom or fungus. This class requires watercolor paper.

Led by watercolor artist and scientific illustrator Monica Schroeder, this class is ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Come learn, create!

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

SPACE IS LIMITED: YOU MUST BE REGISTERED

Contact monbertkayak@gmail.com with questions.

Trip Planning Workshop for Kayaks and Canoes (May 04, 2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Trip Planning for Kayaks and Canoes on the East River

Whether you’re new to the club, a trip assistant, or just want to brush up on your skills, join us at Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center for our hands-on Trip Planning Workshop for Kayaks and Canoes.

The East River is a tidal strait with fast, sometimes hazardous currents—but with the right knowledge, you can navigate it safely and confidently.

Part 1: We’ll cover tides and tidal currents, focusing on conditions in our area. We’ll discuss how the moon, the weather, and other factors affect currents. You’ll also learn about the 50-90 rule, deciphering charts and apps, and key paddling terminology.

Part 2: We’ll break into teams and plan safe, realistic trips for different local destinations and conditions.

Feel free to bring snacks or drinks to keep you fueled during the workshop.

Taught by Monica

This is one of six classes in our series Safety & Marine Knowledge classes offered by NBCB.

Nautical Knots for Paddlers
Marine Radio & Weather for Paddlers
Nautical Rules of the Road & Local Knowledge.
Trip Planning Theory & Practice
Introduction to Navigation
Winter Paddling Safety

Tardigrades: Collage Shadowbox - An Art & Science Workshop (May 06, 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Tardigrades: The Toughest Creatures on Earth – Shadowbox Collage - An Art & Science Workshop

with Hunters Point Park Conservancy & North Brooklyn Community Boathouse

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

Explore the astonishing and hidden world of microfauna, hands-on art workshop on May 6th, 6–8 PM.

Students learn about microscopic tardigrades and their incredible survival abilities. They assemble a pre-cut cardboard shadowbox, line it with a watercolor background, then draw and paint the elements of their scene. The finished artwork is assembled as a miniature shadowbox collage with a mat/frame.

Led by watercolor artist and scientific illustrator Monica Schroeder, this class is ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Come learn, create, and leave with something beautiful—and useful!

Adults and teens (accompanied by an adult) are welcome.

SPACE IS LIMITED: YOU MUST BE REGISTERED

Contact monbertkayak@gmail.com with questions.

Winter Book Club: Heartbeats in the Muck (May 26, 2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Join us for our final Winter Book Club before the paddling season gets underway.

We’ll be reading Heartbeats in the Muck: The History, Sea Life, and Environment of New York Harbor by John Waldman, a lively look at the waters we kayak and canoe. The book traces how New York Harbor fell into decline, how it has come back to life, and why that history matters today.

Since the weather is better, we'll meet at the Manhattan Avenue Street End Park in Greenpoint. Please bring a snack to share.

Organizers: Brad and Marisa