The Red Hook Boaters is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to providing waterfront access and education to the public. We launch from Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park in Brooklyn, New York and offer programs within the protected cove area as well as open water explorations of Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Buttermilk Channel and voyages to Governors Isle.

During the past season, which begins in May and ends in October, over 500 individuals participated in our programs and we logged over 800 trips on the East River and Buttermilk Channel. As people experience and enjoy the waterfront through our programs, they become advocates for its revitalization.

These efforts are proving to be fruitful. Recent legislation has provided funding primarily due to the rise in popularity of paddling in the NY-NJ estuary.

All of our activities are free and our calendar will be updated as more events are scheduled. We run a beach clean-up whenever we are running a free public paddling session.

Our launch site is available to the general public to launch canoes, kayaks and rowboats as long as you purchase a permit from the Park’s Department. The permit is available on our Downloads Page. Our organization is a committee of the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club, a not-for-profit who has been offering canoeing programs for over seven years in South Brooklyn.

We would like to thank the following significant sponsors for their assistance and support:
Hong Kong Savings Bank
Independence Community Bank
Partnership for Parks