2014 Paddlesport Show!

HarborLAB attended Jersey Paddler‘s 2014 Paddlesport Show, the East Coast’s largest annual canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddle board expo. Erik Baard and EJ Lee represented HarborLAB to safe boating educators with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Vessel Examination – Paddlecraft) and American Canoe Association, as well as a host of environmental educators and manufacturers (Folbot, Hobie, and Johnson Outdoors had especially strong showings). It was a great gathering. We purchased nautical charts, waterproof illustrative guides to estuary fauna, a safety horn, scupper hole plugs, reusable tie-downs, and other useful gear. We also received free waterproof cell phone dry bags. A huge bonus was that HarborLAB won a free whitewater rafting trip for two from Jim Thorpe River Adventures that we’ll use as a raffle or auction prize at a future fundraiser!

 

WP_20140329_008

HarborLAB Operations Manager EJ Lee charms the warm and friendly US Coast Guard Auxiliary crew.

WP_20140329_004

Great knot-tying practice and quiz board at the Delaware River chapter of the American Canoe Association.

WP_20140329_010

HarborLAB Operations Manager EJ Lee meets a new American Canoe Association certified instructor.

 

WP_20140329_001

WP_20140329_002

 

WP_20140329_007

WP_20140329_006

Tony Reardon, In Memoriam.

Reardon_Inset

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Commander Anthony Reardon.

Long Island City, HarborLAB’s home base, lost its greatest advocate for safety on the harbor on September 18. Tony Reardon was elected division commander in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2012 and served with the NYPD Harbor Unit Auxiliary, as a New York State certified safe boating instructor and teaching other classes. He was generous with his skills and encouragement, welcoming all to our local waters. He offered to provide safe boating classes to HarborLAB for free this winter. We’re saddened to not benefit from his tutelage but will follow through with his successors in his honor. Our condolences to his family and many friends.

More about Tony here:

http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-01-18/Features/LIC_Resident_Elected_To_Top_Post_In_US_Coast_Guard.html

397502_10200310741676148_498162121_n

Anthony Reardon receiving an award for his service to the NYPD Harbor Unit Auxiliary.