Kayak Staten island ran our first guided tours from our launch site at Front Street since the death of our beloved commodore, Jacky Krogh. We enjoyed an amazing sunset paddle and were heartened to see friends and community waving at our happy fleet from the Alice Austen House Museum grounds.
Jacky had asked me to take over leadership of Kayak Staten Island a few times over the years, with the last time being just a few days before she died. She’d dedicated many years of her life to Kayak Staten Island and it was very important to her that it continue. I cannot take over KSI on my own (for so many reasons) and had it been left to just me, programming would be stalled right now. I’m grateful beyond measure to TJ Smolka who has gone above and beyond (and then some) to step up, proactively, thoroughly and efficiently (in ways I never could) to keep KSI going -and to James Limperopulos for showing up for KSI and bringing the enthusiasm and know-how of a man who is constantly paddling NYC’s waterways. The 3 of us, a corps of wonderful volunteers, and our fiscal sponsors Gowanus Dredgers are working to continue providing free and low-cost kayaking to the community and being responsible stewards of our local waterfronts.
We look forward to seeing you all on the water!
-Annette, James and TJ
