By Vladimir Brezina and Johna Till Johnson
Kayaking in the waterways of New York City is a distinctly urban experience. Instead of quiet nature, New York City kayakers are treated to the sights and sounds of the city and close-up views of a man-made marine ecosystem of seawalls, docks, piers, ferries, tugs, barges, tankers, cruise ships, huge bulkers and container ships, and a myriad marine-industrial activities. The energy of the city is ever-present.
Yet, nature is present too. Between petrochemical plants, there’s a remnant of a beach, or salt-water marsh. Gulls watch from pilings. Rafts of ducks and geese float in the backwaters between piers and nest in odd corners.
And every now and again we receive a reminder that the waters of New York City are really those of the Atlantic Ocean, where wild things are.
Vladimir Brezina (RIP) 
Johna Till Johnson
Wind Against Current 