What It Takes to Canoe the Gowanus Canal

Canoeing the Gowanus Canal is not a casual rental experience, but a structured, volunteer-led program focused on education, safety, and stewardship. The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club, a nonprofit founded in 1999, offers supervised paddling opportunities that introduce participants to the canal’s unique urban environment while navigating the realities of ongoing EPA Superfund cleanup and water contamination.

For Brooklynites and visitors interested in exploring the Gowanus from the water, the Dredgers’ programs provide rare access—but with important limits. Paddlers must follow specific event listings, wear life jackets, sign waivers, and respect all safety protocols. The experience is shaped by environmental conditions, volunteer availability, and the evolving status of the canal’s remediation.

How the Gowanus Dredgers Operate

The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to increasing public access to the Gowanus Canal while educating participants about its history, ecology, and ongoing cleanup. Since 1999, the club has offered paddling programs that balance recreation with stewardship. Unlike commercial rental operations, the Dredgers do not provide anytime canoe rentals. Instead, all water access is organized through scheduled events, with volunteers guiding and supervising each outing.

Walk-Up Paddling vs. Guided Tours

The club’s two main offerings are walk-up paddling and guided tours. Walk-up paddling allows participants to take short, supervised trips—typically about 20 minutes—using club canoes. These sessions are first-come, first-served and may be shortened if there is a line. All participants receive a life jacket, basic paddling and safety instruction, and must sign a waiver. Minors require a guardian’s signature. Guided tours, on the other hand, are scheduled in advance and generally last about 90 minutes. These tours provide a deeper dive into the canal’s history, environmental challenges, and ongoing restoration efforts. Both formats require participants to follow all safety protocols and instructions from club volunteers.

Launch Locations and Why They Matter

Due to active EPA Superfund cleanup, recreational boating on the Gowanus Canal is currently limited. Most Dredgers activities now depart from the Bunker launch at 2 19th Street, as the public dock at Second Street is closed. However, individual event listings may specify a different launch site. It is essential to check the exact location for each event, as access points can change based on remediation work and safety considerations. Arriving at the wrong location may mean missing your opportunity to paddle.

Safety, Waivers, and What to Expect

Safety is central to every Dredgers outing. All participants must wear a provided life jacket and receive instruction before launching. Waivers are mandatory, and minors need a guardian’s signature. The club does not imply that the canal water is safe for swimming or direct contact; paddlers are advised to avoid touching the water and to wash hands after their trip. The Dredgers’ volunteers supervise all activities, and outings may be canceled or modified due to rain, weather, volunteer availability, or changes in the cleanup schedule. Participants should check for updates before heading out.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Considerations

Before attending a Dredgers event, confirm the following: appropriate clothing and footwear for getting in and out of canoes, options for bag storage, skill expectations, age requirements, and whether you need transfer assistance for boarding. Dock stability and boarding transfers can vary by launch site, and life-jacket sizing is provided but may have limitations. The club does not guarantee accessible routes or accommodations, so those with mobility or other needs should contact the Dredgers in advance to discuss options. Onshore educational programs may be available as alternatives for those unable to paddle.

Environmental Context and Uncertainty

Paddling the Gowanus Canal means confronting its status as a contaminated urban waterway. The canal is an active Superfund site, and the Dredgers’ programming is shaped by ongoing remediation efforts. Water access can change with little notice, and the club prioritizes participant safety and environmental stewardship above all. The New Yorker has profiled the Dredgers’ work, highlighting the unusual context of canoeing in such an environment. Prospective paddlers should approach the experience with flexibility and an understanding of these unique challenges.

Before you go

Check the Gowanus Dredgers’ website for the latest event listings, launch locations, and weather updates. Confirm all practical details—clothing, storage, age rules, and accessibility—before arriving. Be prepared for changes or cancellations due to cleanup work or weather. Participation is a chance to learn about Brooklyn’s industrial history and environmental restoration, but it requires following all safety and stewardship guidelines.