East River C.R.E.W. · Long Island City, NYC
Free Whitehall gig rowing every weekend, May–October. No experience, no swimsuit, no cost — just show up at Anable Basin and grab an oar.
On the Water
Saturday, April 5 · 10 AM – 1 PM
Our classic open session on the East River. Beginners learn the basics, returning rowers take longer pulls. Experienced volunteers coach every boat. Sign waiver, grab a life jacket, row.
Saturday, April 5 · 2 PM – 4 PM
Learn about the wildlife and ecology of the East River while rowing. Volunteer naturalist on board.
Sunday, April 6 · 9 AM – 12 PM
Start your Sunday on the water. Calm tides, great Manhattan skyline views. No reservation needed.
Sunday, April 6 · 1 PM – 3 PM
Want to help run sessions? Join this intro session to see how we operate and meet the crew. Open to all.
Getting Started
Walk up during any open session, no reservation needed. Just bring yourself and wear rubber-soled shoes. Rain gear is welcome — we row rain or shine (no lightning).
A quick liability form — takes two minutes. Must be 18+, or any age with a parent or guardian present.
We hand you a life jacket (PFD). Everything else is on the boat. You don't need to know how to swim.
Climb down the ladder into our 25-foot Whitehall gig and pull an oar. A volunteer coxswain steers and coaches. First timers always welcome.
East River C.R.E.W. has been taking New Yorkers out on the water since 1999 — entirely free, entirely volunteer-run.
Get Involved
ER CREW is 100% volunteer-run. We need people on weekends to make rowing happen. No experience required — we'll train you on everything.
Join the crew
this weekend.
It's one of NYC's most unique volunteer gigs — you get on the water, meet great people, and help your community.
Who We Are
East River C.R.E.W. (Community Recreation & Education on the Water) is a nonprofit that reconnects New Yorkers with their waterways — through free rowing, ecological education, and sheer adventure. We believe the East River belongs to everyone.
Read our history →