Canoeing Brooklyn's Notoriously Polluted Gowanus Canal

Everyone advised against doing this... but I did it anyway. Join me as I canoe along the Gowanus Canal, one of the most polluted canals in New York City and the United States. The Gowanus Canal is designated a superfund site and is scheduled to be cleaned up by 2030. Currently it is a waterway where untreated sewage overflows after heavy rains and has a thick layer of "black mayonnaise" at the bottom from years of industrial pollution. Even though this canal is highly contaminated, our time here was peaceful, unique, and so much fun. A huge shoutout to the ‪@gowanusdredgers‬ for hosting this free event (and many more free events throughout the season)!
/ matt_adventure_
Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: HS3ZEC7WKMSCSGMB
Music by: Bensound
License code: CLQXFRNBEKT6TYBY
Music by Bensound.com
License code: EYHVSWBJFJUJPJ4G
#nyc #Brooklyn #newyorkcity #canoeing #gowanuscanal

[@andrewshih110]

I wholeheartedly endorse the Gowanus Canal as a date site. 19 years ago, I proposed to my wife on a Dredgers canoe on the Gowanus canal, right in front of the Lowes you paddled by. I figured it would be a good idea to propose somewhere that she couldn't run away. Thankfully it worked, and we've been happily married in Brooklyn ever since.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

This is the BEST comment ever and I'm pinning this to the top of the comments. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@cathh01]

FYI the jeweler who made the engagement ring was horrified by the proposal plan as he feared I would be overwhelmed by emotion and drop it in the canal. Pleased to report it was not dropped. (I’m the wife btw.)

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

​@cathh01 Hi wife!!! 😂 Thank you for the follow up story. Love it!! Congrats to you two! Love the whole engagement and love story!❤

[@ThePervertedHymns]

its being linked to Parkinson's - I'd avoid it

[@johnlaforte700]

That is and always was a filthy canal. I’m 81 and grew up in Brooklyn and remember that canal vividly.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it. You must know everything about Brooklyn and the area.

[@mattheww2797]

It always amazes me how a city that exists because of the waterways around it , is so disconnected from those very waterways today

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Seems that industry is put before nature and unfortunately wastewater treatment plants overflow into waterways during rain events. Lots of improvements need to be made and everyone at all levels needs the mindset that we need to protect our bodies of water. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@jh9992]

​@TwoFeetOutdoors The first half of the 20th century you had major industrial polluters. Second half of the 20th century and into the 21st century you got toilet flushing. NYC has been tackling the problem but basically people have to hold it when a rainstorm happens. 😂

[@letsgomets002]

​@@jh9992 oyster beds back in the 1700...

[@garyfrancis851]

Great video Matt! Come back anytime. We’ve gotten special permission from the EPA to paddle from our 2nd St dock (at the top of the canal, above 3rd St Bridge) for some select dates this summer. I’ll let you know when they get finalized 🛶 As you mentioned in the video, water quality is very connected to rain events. Rain overwhelms the sewer system & causes it to flood into our waterways. All of them in NYC, not just the Gowanus Canal, it’s just easier to see (& smell) there. We use subway rules - Don’t lick the subway! Don’t lick the canal! That’s why we paddle canoes 🛶 a single paddle drips water downhill & outside of the boat & higher sides keep you further from questionable water quality. BUT the canal is tidal & if the weather is good, fish, birds & all kinds of life comes right back in. The cleanup is ongoing & will be another 6yrs or so before completion. At which time the canal will be one of the cleanest & safest boating areas in NYC 💪

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you Gary! We really enjoyed it. Thank you guys for being so awesome! We'll be back for sure. Def would like to paddle the whole canal.

[@potatothorn]

excellent news thanks for the info and for helping Matt get out on the water

[@samhklm]

Gowanus Canal is called "The Lavender Lake" due to the unusual and often opaque color of its water, which resulted from heavy industrial pollution. The canal's water has historically exhibited a purplish hue, attributed to the mixture of industrial waste, including chemicals, oils, and other pollutants, that were discharged into it over many decades. Thanks for paddling another interesting NY waterway.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for sharing this comment. I appreciate you watching.

[@pamelaellinghaus8613]

Wow! I can smell ithe canal through my tablet!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Scratch and sniff screen. Lol. Maybe my nose is less sensitive but I didn't think it smelled too bad. 🤔

[@AlphaMaleBuddhistPodcast-qs6tn]

I grew up in the 60's thru the 80's downtown BK and I remember the gowanus canal caught fire a few times. Great content my friend. Keep up the great content

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

So interesting! Thank you so much for commenting and watching. I really appreciate the compliment.

[@ep7672]

My most recent go-to channel for serenity and escape from chaos. Thanks for making these videos!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

That is sooo great to hear! I appreciate the feedback. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@alfredparise]

I took a small flat bottom boat in 1979 through the Gowanus canal, and we went all the way to Dougalss St. Great times

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@alfredparise]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors My family and I love your kayak adventures down memory lane.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@alfredparise It means a lot to me. I appreciate it. Makes me happy to know people are enjoying them.

[@mikem201]

As someone who has grown up in the middle of nowhere in the midwest, watching your channel has made me realize the vastness that is NYC.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Omg, it is so vast! My channel hard shows any of it compared to its actual size but I really appreciate the comment. One video at a time I'm trying to show unique perspectives of NYC. From the water is the best! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@letsgomets002]

Well it is USA biggest city sure you knew that.

[@doublea1945]

I love your videos. I wish I had the nerve to kayak. Not knowing what’s in the water freaks me out. I kayak through you. 😅. Glad you and your girlfriend kayak that water together. Inspirational. Thanks

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for kayaking / canoeing with us. You never know what kind of creepy stuff is under the water. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Bender24k]

The juxtaposition of the calm silent water with the city and it's noises is delicious. Thanks and Hi Kelsey!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Very delicious!! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@potatothorn]

Happy you found a way to get on this one that's great/ sure dont want to fall in but so fascinating to see this area from the water. millions of people all around and you got a peaceful paddle practically alone, fantastic. thanks for taking us with you

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Def glad I found a way to get out there. Check out the comment by Gary Francis. He's the Captain of the Gowanus Dredgers.

[@potatothorn]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors i will thanks

[@donkloss3580]

Great work Matt! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us all! Going to the city from upstate next week and can’t wait to explore. Not a kayaker but love to learn new places. Thank you again!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

You're welcome! Thank you! I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@macairl]

Hi Matt - a onetime nickname for the Gowanus Canal was Lavender Lake. When it was more fragrant than it is now.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

That's funny. Apparently they used to call Coney Island Creek "perfume" creek for similar reasons. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it

[@merccadoosis8847]

I grew up in Brooklyn and can still remember the overpowering odorous smell of the Gowanus. It has always been polluted and used since time immemorial to extract barnacles from the bottom of old wooden vessels. Strange how under that tunnel that yoos guys went thru appeared to have lots of barnacles on the wall. You both are rather adventurous unlike me who would rather wear gloves to protect my skin against acidic water pollution on those oars and also wear a well filtered gas mask respirator to protect my lungs from toxic gas emissions coming off the water. Good thing they don't have rowing regattas on that water. But gotta confess that I could never have thought of such ventures as being "romantic". Thanx for sharing the video.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Hahaha, thank you so much for your comments and thoughts. I really appreciate it. I'm breaking Kelsey in, she's more like you. Me on the other hand, none of that bothers me. I appreciate you watching. 😊

[@boatmanmark1983]

I think your paddle was melting! years ago while in the USCG at Governors Island we responded to an oil spill there. A huge oil storage tank blew up, what a spill. Brutal clean up in the winter months too. It does look a lot cleaner now!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for commenting. So interesting. I appreciate you watching. I'm glad it's cleaner now, but it's on its way to becoming more clean.

[@troytmg]

Pretty cool how you finding peace inside the madness

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

NYC from the water is the most peaceful way to experience it. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@user-ij9ks8po8e]

Almost Zen like!

[@molcs]

Thanks for showing us around Matt!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@josefnitervol6415]

I used to work right beside it and, in the summer, what a stink! it would bubble

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yeah, that's crazy!! Incredible it's so nasty. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@deepseadirt1]

"It's History" was the first video of my ever hearing of this so-called toxic stew. It's intriguing. Here in Washington we have the Anacostia which is said to have been cleaned up. I used to participate in clean up annually in April but plastic and garbage alway seem to be prevalent. JUst a few years ago there was a report that whales were spotted back at the Hudson River , so that must be a litmus test of cleanly water. Isn't the Gowanus and HUdson connected at some point. The ebay poster 'CrazyNYdriver' once mentioned the 'filthy-Harlem-river' in one of his videos. So to me NY/NJ waterways are interesting. Thanks for the vid!🙂

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

It's History has some good videos. I've watched most of the NYC videos. Definitely watched and inspired my Gowanus Canal and Staten Island Ship Graveyard videos. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@marktheshark7006]

Another great enjoyable video. It's just amazing the pollution in the waterways in the NY area. It's just interesting to see you kayak the area canals and rivers! Brave too! Also, the absence of anyone in most of your videos is consistent. This amazes me in such a crowded urban environment. Your girlfriend is shy, we never saw her face once . Lol

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Regarding Kelsey, when you're sitting in the front of the canoe, it is kind of hard to turn your head around and it can be disorienting. She would have stolen the show! 😍

[@kelsarole]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors❤❤❤

[@tickticktickBOOOOM]

The absence is because transplants don't know about them and the locals know to stay away.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@tickticktickBOOOOM Where do you go to enjoy nature and the outdoors?

[@tickticktickBOOOOM]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Growing up I spent a lot of time at Fort Tryon Park just below Inwood Park, even after a carjacker put a bullet in my mother's leg, and bike riding along the Croton Aqueduct. Week-long camping trips upstate were also a summer tradition. I did a couple of weekend camping trips this year already. One to Mills Norrie on the Hudson past Poughkeepsie, which I recommend (yes, there is a kayak launch next to it), and another to Beaver Pond in Harriman State Park, which I do not. When I mentioned Beaver Pond to my mother, she said, "Yeah, we went there once when you were a baby but there was a voodoo ritual being conducted in the site next to us so we never went back." I said, "Oh, so the place hasn't changed." Rudd Pond up the Taconic is another good place, although I haven't been there in years and can't confirm that's still true.

[@andrescrux]

My dad lived on Carroll&Bond st. In Brooklyn,it was probably 1991 when I jumped in⚠️😅 not only did I catch a major beating but I was sick as a dog for a wk w the runs n puking🤣🤣 then I got all these light spots on my back n peeling skin

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Wow, that's crazy. Thank you for sharing that. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@eschneider8799]

I find your videos intriguing & can appriciate your love of being on the water. Thnx for showing us these unusual paddling locations. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I really appreciate the comment. Especially coming from Canada. There's a few of my favorite KZbinrs in Canada. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@davidking3311]

Ooh, a SuperFun site

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes! Superfun!!!!

[@CokeZeroHero]

Wow !! that must’ve been one stench I was nervous the whole time watching 😆 I remember living by there the tide will get low and the awful smell that would arise from there especially in the summer 😷 great video !! Flushing Meadows Creek is next ?

[@michaellurie9138]

Love the Canoe

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Borrowed equipment from the Gowanus Dredgers. We enjoyed it.

[@NewYorksWorstDrivers]

Awesome video you guys! Part of Brooklyn I've never seen. Appreciate you sharing with us! Stay Safe and healthy

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@samhklm]

Congrats on 6K subs

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much!!! Nice little milestone!! Working hard to grow the channel. Really appreciate you noticing that!

[@NYTrek85]

Thank you for the awesome video! We synchronized yet again, as I just finished putting together a video for this Sunday about the Carroll St. Bridge over the Gowanus Canal and so its so cool to see yet again a different perspective on the places I walked through 😀

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Oh wow, that's so cool!! Great minds think alike! Thanks again for watching and commenting.

[@elamanvetta1685]

That's a cool tunnel. Nice to meet Kelsey! 😎 *hope I spelled it right.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Awe, thank you so much!! I was looking forward to that tunnel! So cool. You spelled it right. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@chrisandchriscollectingcar8778]

Hey Matt, I have watched almost all of your videos and love seeing a side of NYC that I have never seen. I loved your Bronx River trip. This one though had me amazed. I had seen a documentary of sorts on the Gowanus and couldn't believe how bad it had gotten. I am stoked there are people out there trying to restore it. I love how even in NYC you can find nature and peace if you are brave enough. I couldn't believe how many boats were in Newtown Creek. Keep up the great work. Hoping you can make it out to some of the interesting waterways in other parts of NY and NJ!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@chrisandchriscollectingcar8778 Thank you! I really appreciate it. I'll be posting a Harlem River video soon. Finishing it up. I have a Staten Island Ship Graveyard video edit I'm working on too. Lots of fun stuff ahead. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@chrisandchriscollectingcar8778]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Can't wait! Safe and happy exploring and have an amazing Fourth of July!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@chrisandchriscollectingcar8778 Same to you!! 🇺🇸

[@thelongs5698]

Great content as usual Matt. The Gowanus definitely looked a bit more sketchy than Newtown but hopefully the EPA will do its just and clean her up.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I agree 100% Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@JMezzano]

All my favorite places ! I was just there a few days ago , Man, I thought you were seriously stuck on that raw sewage pipe in the tunnel of Love ! All your videos are great , Sit back and relax, Very calming ! And you have the Misses along for the ride 👌 Hope your having something good for lunch, I had to run out and get myself a block of horseradish cheddar and roast beef after the one video !

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Love this comment!! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Happiness and positivity is what it's all about. Lots of it in your comment. That's what I'm trying to bring to the channel. See you on the next one. 😀

[@gglaw42]

If interested, you should try canoeing here in the Philly area. Specifically, South Jersey. There is an extensive canoeing trip from Smithville over to the Burlington, NJ areas. I grew u in South Philly and smelled many a foul odor by the local "wooders".

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@gglaw42 Awesome 👌 Thank you for the suggestion. I'll look into it. I love suggestions. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@gglaw42]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors A pleasure, great content. Keep up the good work and thanks for your reply.

[@habaristra6248]

Great Video. In the '60s I'd paddle my surfboard in the East River at the foot of Grand Street by Domino Sugar. Three things: Coney Island EELS are rubber and real; it is in a rats' DNA to scurry up and down the ship's bollard lines. Turpentine is stronger than soap.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you!! I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@michaellurie9138]

How about a Canoe or Kayak of the Hutchinson River from the Mouth near Eastchester Bay up to Mount Vernon!

[@deanbianco4982]

I'll second this suggestion!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes, I'd like to do that. I'm going to put it on the list.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

​@@deanbianco4982Yes, I'd like to do that. I'm going to put it on the list.

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

Ah Matt my good friend, I hope the Gowanus canal would be completely clean out and available for all . Also why is that pipe in the middle of the tunnel? that was a dangerous submerge object glad to see you managed to move it. Thanks to the Dredgers as well.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

The pipe must have something to do with current work they are doing in the canal. I def wasn't expecting it. Glad it was only a minor challenge obstacle. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors You know it my friend this faithful subscriber will continue to support you.

[@Schnebit13]

Great video, I really enjoy how you explore the NYC metro area which is often overlooked for this sort of thing. Tip: A big help to canoeing better is to learn the J stroke.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I've seen people do that in some of the videos I watch. Def looks like a great skill to learn. I kayak regularly and only canoe occasionally. I'd actually love to own a canoe and become more advanced but transporting and storing are my main challenges. That's why I also use a folding Oru Kayak in my other videos. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Schnebit13]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors canoes are quite versatile, and once you nail down a good paddling technique become very maneuverable .

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@Schnebit13 From what I've seen, I agree 100% 👍

[@user-ij9ks8po8e]

Matt you are so adaptable! Kayaking and canoeing amazing! If you were not a Boy Scout you should have been. I was a scout in the Bronx in the mid 60’s. Never got too far but with my son I got involved as an adult leader. Kelsey is my daughter’s name. She works with medical examiner. She is very interested in kayaking. I am going to lend her one of ours to use. I have my Oru Coastal or even the Eddyline. I told her that I get her Eddyline for Christmas! Keep on kayaking and canoeing! Question, have you checked out OutDeh Family on you tube? He paddles the waterways of urban NJ! Great Station!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much for this deep and personal comment. That's so awesome. I'm going to have to check out that channel. Thank you again for watching and commenting.

[@Reconseal4050]

Went from the clean side of the Gowanus Canal to the extremely dirty side of the Gowanus in minutes! Considering how much stuff was dumped down there since the Industrial Revolution is just why its soo contaminated.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

They're working on cleaning it up. It's going to take time. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@sailingslowmotion]

Great video! I noticed you're wearing a Florida Trail hat. I thru hiked it back in 2019. It took 72 days and was an amazing Adventure :)

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you! Hey, I'm a big hiker and hike often, but I've only done a few spots along the Florida Trail. I've done a bunch of sections of the AT in Vermont. Hiked a bunch of 4kers in New Hampshire. Only one 14er in Colorado. I like the New England Trail in Connecticut too.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@sailingslowmotion also, congrats on hiking the Florida Trail. That must have been an incredible adventure.

[@macharper8214]

I always remember that joke about the Gowanus Canal and how polluted it is. It is so polluted that if you threw a stick into it the water would not splash, it would bend.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@macharper8214 They are working hard to make improvements in the water quality in the canal. They are slowly making progress. Thank you for sharing this comment. I appreciate you watching.

[@jamesryan246]

U guys are brave. I'm near there every other day and it's absolute poison lol

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you!! We had a fun urban adventure on the canal. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Crifstar]

I used to work at the powerplant @ 23rd and 3rd right on the entrance to the canal and always wanted to kayak through there but never got around to it.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

You should go to one of the Gowanus Dredgers free canoeing events. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@linkedup7346]

You look like you are having so much fun... How are you paddling? Do you have 2 short oars or one long one you are sort of bike or Chicky paddling?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@linkedup7346 We each have a single canoe paddle in this video. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@stevenrossetti9196]

Thank You Matt. We should speak one day. I am a Commercial/ Industrial Real Estate Broker that has worked on a very large project on the Gowans Canal/Bay and also Newtown Creek.

[@LondonMoonie]

Do you have any idea when the superfund clean-up is going to take effect? I tested the pH of our canal 20 years ago in middle school and it wasn’t good hah

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

You're welcome! Interesting! Sounds like some incredible projects. My KZbin channel has an email attached to it if you'd like to reach out. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

​@LondonMoonie I think it's technically supposed to be completed by 2030. They are working on putting in storage tanks for overflow of raw sewage during rain events. That will help a lot.

[@stevenrossetti9196]

@@LondonMoonie I believe the remediation of the canal has started and is being staged at the property just outside of the Hamilton Avenue bridge. As for the larger fuel cleanup, that is still unknown.

[@scottallen8950]

You're a brave man!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you. I just consider it a fun adventure. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@gil_L]

Another awesome video! Love this stuff but so dangerous to be in that water. You should try Sheepshead Bay next.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I attached a link below. Did you watch this Brooklyn Video? Close to that area. kzbin.info/www/bejne/javdeqN-otySm6ssi=6W6oBf1LlAoxDtEY

[@gil_L]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors of course, seen them all haha! I live right next to Sheepsheadbay that’s why I mentioned. Coney Island creek is my fav video so far. Actually there’s a really nice spot in Long Island by Point Lookout you should go to. Been there several times.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@gil_L Awesome! That means so much to me. I'll look into Point Lookout.

[@gil_L]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Yea at Ted’s Fishing Station you can rent a boat and fish for the day along that channel.

[@user-kq8cb3le2j]

Just some little know information. : This water may is a known place to dump murdered victims . Because they weigh them down, and no one would or wants to go looking in this chemical laden sewage filled location. These openings are not really a canal because they don't have a flushing ability . Waterway dead ends and becomes stagnant. In O.C. MD they made canals on the bay side, and these dead end canal become nasty, stagnant killers of marine life. Lastly, to cure the problem, they could make a tunnel or 8' pipe from the nearest waterway, which would flush the stagnant water. Lastly, adding mash plants on the sides and making marsh islands would absorb the pollutants.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for the comment. I appreciate it. They are in the process of working towards improving it. In NYC, a lot of raw sewage overflows into the waterways during rain events. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Good place to keep your boat no barnacles will grow on it.

[@ralphcolon1493]

Love it I'm from Brooklyn.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@ralphcolon1493 Awesome!! My newest video is in Brooklyn as well. I also have other Brooklyn & NYC videos. Hope you check some out. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@britelitedesign]

Love to see you kayak in Erie Basin, north of the Gowanus

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into it. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@jsidorable]

I was shocked to see you on the Gowanus.....thankfully it has come a long way back from the years of abuse and dumping that left it much too dangerous to canoe in. I would like to suggest something....a map showing where these sights lie and perhaps even a drone giving a birdseye shot. I am enjoying your videos.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you! I know a lot of subscribers tell me they like to look at Google maps and follow the landmarks. Thank you for watch ING commenting. Suggestions noted for the future.

[@jsidorable]

Cool

[@JoeBlunt]

Creepy tunnel 😲

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Hahaha. I thought it was pretty cool. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@MrEddieNunez]

Another great video

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you for watching.

[@r1sabotage]

I think if you fell in, we'd have to chance the name of this channel to four feet outdoors.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Hahaha. Someone else said I'd grow an extra foot. That would be Three Feet Outdoors. At least it's and easy name change! 😂😂😂

[@cheezeball6109]

Most likely six feet under ...lol ...that water is nasty.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@cheezeball6109 It's extra spicy 🌶🌶

[@velvetweeks]

Love this! Super fascinating and engaging. Please consider doing something in Philadelphia or Southern NJ.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Wow, thank you so much. I appreciate it. Anywhere specific in those areas you recommend? Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@velvetweeks]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Def Pine Barrens and Rancocas Woods!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@velvetweeks Noted. Thank you.

[@landmark6864]

I’m from Gowanus, you can’t pay me to do this.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I can appreciate that. Thank you for watching and commenting. 😀

[@kennethbarber438]

If you learn the J-stroke, you won't need to alternate sides with your paddle.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes, that would be nice. I don't canoe often since I don't own one but it would be a good skill to learn. I typically kayak. This was a borrowed canoe. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@johnnybots]

2:59 is what one could call divine intervention. Your Oru would have disintegrated. For sure. I dont think they were designed to handle the Gowanus. Nothing is. 😁

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Hahaha. Maybe it would complete melt away and I'd sink into the water! 😂😅 Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@bobmanfre5083]

There is nothing wrong with the water in the Gowanus Canal. I swim in it regularly and take home a 5 Gallon Jug full. The only thing I notice is a green tint to my skin.

[@vince131s]

Maybe you’ll start a trend like Kramer in the East River😂

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Green tint is a good look. 🤢🤢🤢 Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@user-ij9ks8po8e]

Green tint to skin? Sounds like the X files!

[@hajj623]

😂😂Almost had me

[@jakelowk3y793]

cool vid the water looks like... grey lol

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes, the water is definitely interesting color for sure. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@wildwheelsdarin]

Been watching your older videos. Quite relaxing and entertaining! I’m curious how much use that folding kayak will give you? I imagine it would need to be replaced eventually. Can you do a video discussing your equipment?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@wildwheelsdarin Thank you! Oru says the kayaks are good for 20,000 folds. I actually did have a warranty issue with the kayak recently and Oru replaced the kayak. I have a new video coming tonight and i mention it. They are durable though. I will consider your suggestion. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@wildwheelsdarin]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Wow, 20,000 folds is impressive. That's a lot more durable than I expected. Thanks Matt! I've been enjoying your content and can see your confidence is growing. Congrats on getting monetized!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@wildwheelsdarin Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@PaddleDogC5]

Fall in goodbye Two Feet. 😮

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Hahaha. Nobody is falling in. Sturdy canoe. Flat water. Easy peasy. No worries. Good to see you back. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@TheRealTragicallyInept]

Hey Matt.. your paddling is costing you way more energy than necessary. Take a little time to master the J-Stroke and you won't have to keep flipping sides unless you really want to. A 30 minute training and practice session will enable you to handle flat waters like the canal like a boss.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@TheRealTragicallyInept Thank you. I do want to learn the J-stroke. I kayak regularly and only occasionally canoe. I don't own a canoe. Any video of mine canoeing, I'm in a borrowed or rented canoe. So, I really haven't had a chance to practice or learn the J-Stroke. I hope to, though. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@davidzimmerman3778]

A dolphin swam into it 13 years ago and died. At the 3rd street bridge flowers and signs were lade out

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I'm curious about the necropsy results. It's got to be documented somewhere. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ModemmeX]

Aw you turned around dat 9th Street - the best parts of the canal are passed 9th Street!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@ModemmeX Yeah, that was based on the Gowanus Dredgers rules with this paddle. Since I had difficulty finding a launch I could kayak from, this was an alternative to getting a good "taste of the canal". I hope to get out there for the full Canal sometime in the near future. This was still a fun paddle. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@richa5471]

You fall in that water and you grow a third foot

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

That might be helpful! I had foot surgery in early Dec. 2023 so an extra foot might help. 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@lisaroberts8556]

That’s dumb! You’ll only grow a Third Eye! 👁️👁️👁️

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@lisaroberts8556 🤣🤣🤣

[@richarddouglas1712]

Great video! Your girlfriend picked the worst place to be with you! Don't fall in the water please !!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

She's a trooper! I called it a date and took her to Smorgasburg Williamsburg after for some great food.

[@jordanbey870]

I would take a couple gallons of the water and do dishes and clean at home.

[@NickolasFigler-fi3wj]

I lived near the water treatment plant.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Oh wow, how was it living near there?

[@sm70911]

Notoriously polluted and yet a victorian era house close to the canal is $1-2 million minimum

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@sm70911 That's crazy. They are working on cleaning up the canal, but NY prices are insane.

[@jordanbey870]

Damn, you upgraded..a canoo and a girlfriend..😂😂😂😂😂😂😂Next is a dog.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Borrowed canoe, permanent girlfriend. Cat, no dog. 😂

[@robyndavis3043]

That “smell and sludge” is from decades of “untreated industrial waste disposal” that was never cleaned up 😢

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@tickticktickBOOOOM]

Yeah, you probably took years off your life doing that. I remember hearing stories as a kid about a monster that lived in the canal. I said anything that can live in that sludge can't die.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@tickticktickBOOOOM No, actually, it's building my resistance to disease and strengthening my immune system. 😀 That monster in the canal was a cartoon character that someone created many years ago. This was just a little canoe trip. There's people that work and live around the canal on a daily basis. There's even new construction happening on the canal. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@catsupchutney]

About six feet of tar remains at the bottom of that canal. This is the result of decades of effluent from a gas conversion plant.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@catsupchutney Kind of crazy right? Sad that we still discharge raw sewage into our waterways throughout NYC still, too. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@frugalliving73]

What's easier for you canoeing or kayaking? Would having a kayaking oar be easier to use when canoeing? I really like when you go through the different tunnels, under bridges. That water looks disgusting.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I enjoy both canoeing and kayaking. I wouldn't say one is easier than the the other. I own an Oru Kayak so it's easy to store, haul around, transport and it's lightweight. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@frugalliving73]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Would having a kayaking oar be easier to use when canoeing?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@frugalliving73 Personally, I don't think so. I like paddling with the canoe paddle.

[@channel-ko4vk]

Do you have any plans to explore Coney Island Creek?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Here is is. I have a bunch of NYC videos. Here's Coney Island Creek. kzbin.info/www/bejne/el7UlYWZasymndUsi=YwnAuUU87Euhzghf

[@channel-ko4vk]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors oops sorry I didn't notice that before I asked. I will check it out. Thank you for all the great videos!!!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@channel-ko4vk No worries at all. I think you'll enjoy it. I stop at the submarine on the way out and on the way back. The 2nd time is a treat!! I loved that trip. Thanknyou for watching.

[@MedfordHills]

Stank

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes, a bit of stank! Thank you for coming back and watching.

[@jordanbey870]

Big pipe...😂😂😂😂NY its crazy..

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yeah, what the heck! Lol. 😮

[@robyndavis3043]

Did you get a new canoe? (since the crap in the canal can actually “dissolve” metal?)

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

This was loaned to us for the paddle. Owned by the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club.

[@jordanbey870]

Wait a minute..that canoo looks empty..no cooler???...lunch???

[@m.t.v.7934]

The human race sure knows how to destroy nature. It is so sad to see but I am glad to hear that people are working to clean up this canal at least. There is a lot more work to be done in New York and the rest of the country. Thanks for sharing, it was cool to see. I never heard of this place.

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@m.t.v.7934 Thank you. I agree with you completely. I appreciate you watching and commenting. I paddle lots of unique and interesting waterways. Thanks again!! 😀

[@jreifsnyder2225]

I see dead fish floating by

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@jreifsnyder2225 That's an unfortunate reality at the Gowanus Canal. They are working to improve the water quality there. It still has a ways to go. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@letsgomets002]

I worked right by that Lowes store

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Cool! Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@OutDehFamily]

will you be four feet outdoors for now on? 🌞

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes! 😂

[@AnthonyMasi]

How long is cannel,and what does each end connect to?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

1.8 miles long. Here's a link from Wikipedia with full info and a map. Gowanus Canal g.co/kgs/zJxLmaj

[@WilliamBurkard]

you never mentioned smith and 9st train station, how do you overlook that?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@WilliamBurkard This was my 1st time exploring the area. I should have brought you along so nothing was missed. 🤣🤣 Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@WilliamBurkard]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors i would cross that canal on hot summer days back before they tried to clean it, worst stench ever

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@WilliamBurkard I bet!! This rain makes the canal worse. I think there is a bit of a fish kill going on right now.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Any sign of life in that water?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Yes, there actually is surprisingly.

[@PaddleDogC5]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors what did you see?

[@Newriverartist]

That is so sad. I wish it could be cleaned up. I am a professional artist and I share my paintings on KZbin. Cheers on a Wednesday!

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@Newriverartist Thank you for watching and commenting. Good luck with your channel! 🎨

[@Newriverartist]

Welcome and thank you!

[@thomasgallo7271]

What camera did you use for this?

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

My main camera is an Insta360X3.

[@johnbeaulaurier6267]

That water is the sketchiest yet that you've paddled in the NY videos that I'm seen. 🤢

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

I agree. This would have been worse if I was able to paddle the whole thing but it was a solid look at it. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@johnbeaulaurier6267]

@@TwoFeetOutdoors Really enjoying your videos. keep it up. 😁

[@tim5158]

Did you find any dead bodies washed up on the rocks?

[@NewYorksWorstDrivers]

Thats exactly what I said to my friend when the video started lol

[@tim5158]

@@NewYorksWorstDrivers2002 behind the Verizon garage

[@PaddleDogC5]

Peaceful because everything is dead.

[@letsgomets002]

Best thing about that area is nothing...lol...worked in that area for 25 years near 2nd ave and 9th st at the old Post Office..huge rats at night...like cats...lol

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

Thanks. I appreciate you watching and commenting. I imagine a lot of NYC is what you described.

[@jordanbey870]

You should get a sail boat and sail NY..

[@paulgentile1024]

irs filthy

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@paulgentile1024 I'm keeping hopeful for eventual clean up and improvements. I like to show the good, bad, and ugly of the urban environment from the waterways. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@KLNYC]

Yuck! i remember this canal

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

@@KLNYC I was a fun and unique experience. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@nyredneck63]

I can’t believe you paddled in that 🤮

[@TwoFeetOutdoors]

😂 Thank you! We enjoyed it. It was a unique experience. Thank you for watching and commenting.