Delaware Valley Kayakers

Arthur Kill Graveyard of Ships

May 20, 2012 · 12:00 PM
Woodbridge Municipal Dock

Located in the Arthur Kill just north of Rossville on Staten Island, the Tugboat Graveyard is an amazing collection of decomposing hulks-- tugboats, rescue tugs, dredging barges, old ferries, and others. Further south, near Charleston, you can find the remnants of all-wood coal barges, which were probably built more than a century ago and scuttled in the early 20th century.

The Short Version: Intermediate kayakers only. 12 ft or longer long kayaks ONLY, and any safety gear - here - at 12:00 pm. Parking is limited at this location, to avoid a long walk we highly recommend attempting to carpool to this event. Finally, please be careful not to block the boat ramp while loading or unloading your kayaks.

Meeting Location: Woodbridge Municipal Park ( map). We will be launching at 12:30pm. (please arrive by 12pm to allow time to unload, prep, and have a short safety briefing.)

Estimated Duration/Milage: While the total distance paddled is likely to be under 5 miles, this trip can take much longer due to the time we spend exploring the graveyard. We will definitely return to the dock before dusk for safety reasons.

No Shuttle Required:This is an up-and-back trip, so no shuttle will be required.

Skill Level: This paddle is classified Intermediate - there are strong currents, and we'll be crossing a shipping channel. You MUST be able to keep up with the group and follow the directions of the Point and Sweep paddlers.

Boat Types/Lengths: Plastic boats 12 feet and over are required since there will likely be a lot of debris in the graveyard.

Cancellation Info: In the event of high winds, thunderstorms, or other emergency we will cancel the event by at least 7:00am the day of the event. You will be notified via this website and email in the event of a cancellation.

Contact Number: [masked] the day of the paddle.

Special Equipment Needed: PFDs are MANDATORY . Spray skirts are recommended, as are bilge pumps, and any safety gear such as paddle floats, marine radios, etc.

Food: We will be eating on the water, please bring a packed lunch in your kayak if you wish to eat with us. Last time we had favorable tides and winds, and were able to lunch inside of a sunken ship.

Additional Information: More information about the launch site and directions can be found ( here). See an overhead satellite view of the graveyard ( here).

Important: The Delaware Valley Kayakers collects no dues and assumes no responsibility. NOTICE: By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while paddling with us. Paddling is an inherently dangerous sport. Information is provided with the understanding that the providers are not engaged in rendering advice on technical matters, equipment performance, safety, or any other aspect of the sport in absolute terms or advocating any of the techniques or experiences described.

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Joe H

Thanks to Meri, Hack and Denise for leading the paddle. Everyone was casual and was a great afternoon. Nice place. Oddly quiet in the midst of all the urban background. Low tide allowed us to see all kinds of hidden items.

0 · May 21, 2012
Andrew (Furf) Furphy

I always love the in's and out's of the graveyard. i know a lot of areas where i get some good "aerial" shots.

0 · May 21, 2012
Denise Emery

The collection of ships in the graveyard was fascinating. Wonder what stories they have to tell???

0 · May 21, 2012
Hack

good paddle (if a bit windy for Kibeth). thanks for all who hung around while Kibeth dumped me (twice). and a big thanks to Andy for recovering my pooch and taking him to shore (he was very happy to see the land).

0 · May 21, 2012
Meri

I love this paddle! A beautiful day, just enough chop to be fun, and very low tide so we got to see more of the boats than usual.

0 · May 21, 2012
John R

It ended up being a beautiful day!
It was a nice peaceful, reflective paddle floating in between all the old boats.

0 · May 21, 2012
Cheryl O.

Spent a lot of money to buy a bigger yak just for this trip and I am so glad! It was a fantastic day! Everyone is so helpful, informative and just hysterically funny! Thank you Andy for the souvenirs, can't wait to use them on on my lake beach!

0 · May 20, 2012
Joe H

David - I am heading up from Mt Laurel at 10:15 or so in my jeep. If you need a lift let me know. Joe H [masked]. I am near Hainsport Mt laurel rd and Church.

0 · May 19, 2012
David Lerner

I like to carpool. Is there anyone from the Mount Laurel area that is going?

0 · May 4, 2012
Hack

as there is a waiting list, not at this time.

0 · April 19, 2012
Dan A

Can I add a guest?

0 · April 19, 2012
Meri

Barry, it's really your call, but be aware that there are a lot of underwater hazards that can really damage your boat. There's a lot of jagged metal just under the surface in a lot of areas, and there's a possibility it could really damage a composite boat.

1 · April 12, 2012
Barry C

Signed up for Graveyard of Ships. No problem meeting the 12' boat minimum but I don't own a plastic boat. I don't mind a few scratches on my hull. Is this really a hard rule?

0 · April 12, 2012
Hack

Thank you Joanne for pointing that out. I don't know if there is anywhere to look from land, but we will probably be doing this paddle later in the summer if you are up to it by then!

For all others on the paddle please note that there is a 12 foot PLASTIC boat requirement and an INTERMEDIATE skill level requirement. Please see the skill levels on the "about" page to determine your skill level. Thanks!

0 · April 12, 2012
joanne

In my enthusiasm to do this trip, I neglected to read the requirements. I will change my RSVP but I wanted to know if this is something people can get to by land and view the boats?

0 · April 11, 2012
Cheryl O.

I don't think I want to try that half roll thing! Thanks again Meri :-)

0 · April 11, 2012
Meri

I assume you mean skirt? Spray skirts are not just for rolls (heck, I can't roll....except a half roll....) but are also used to keep boats from swamping in heavy chop or wakes, and to give you extra leeway to recover if your boat overbalances. No rolls required!

0 · April 11, 2012
Cheryl O.

Thanks Meri! One more question, if I buy and use a shirt, does that mean you need to know your rolls?

0 · April 11, 2012
Meri

Cheryl, we'll probably go at least once more during this season. It's one of my favorite paddles. :)

0 · April 11, 2012
Cheryl O.

This is the trip I bought my Tsunami for! But the dates not so good for me. Will this be the only Authur Kill trip planned for the year?

1 · April 11, 2012