New York Harbor In most places in the world, tidal currents flood (come in) until high tide and then ebb (go out) until low tide. Not so in New York Tide Wheel Harbor. Depending on the location, the average tidal current lag-- the gap between high or low water and the beginning of the flood or ebb-- can be as much as two hours and 45 minutes. High Tide at the Battery Devised by boatbuilder Don Betts, the tide wheel is a simple means of gauging the tidal current lag on the waterways surround- ing Manhattan. To use it, find the time of high tide at the Battery r N for the date you’re interested in, then spin the inner ‘clock’ wheel ve ort until that time lines up with the arrow at the top of card. The outer Ri h n F rings tell you the direction of flow at any given time on any of o rth Floo lo s o d o Manhattan’s three ‘rivers.’ N iver Sout d R h F d The tide wheel is only an approximate guide. Unusual wind and u r m lo e le o weather can affect currents, sometimes profoundly, and slack r 12 1 d H v a 1 i H 1 tide times vary widely from one end of the harbor to the other. 2 R 0 Above all, you should remember that no tool or navigational aid is 1 a substitute for experience and good judgment. If you have never

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s paddled or rowed in New York Harbor, we strongly urge that

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a 4 you join an established com- munity boathouse or boating

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5 b program, or hire a professional guide.

7 b 6 b E h E The New York City Water Trail Associa- t or H N h tion is an umbrella group representing the H arl ver t E em Ri u b interests of more than 20 local paddling, u a o b s S rowing and waterfront advocacy organiza- d t River E so h tions. Its mission is to promote the safe n ut River So use of the NYC Water Trail, to expand the facilities available to human-powered boat- ers, and to advance awareness of the public www.nycwatertrail.org ownership of our urban waterways.

iver Sout R h F m lo To make a tide wheel, cut out the “clock” dial to the right and attach it to the wheel le o r 12 1 d at the left so the centers line up and the small wheel can turn. a 1 H 1 2 0 To use it, nd the time of high tide at the battery for the date you're interested in, 1

then spin the inner "clock" wheel until that time lines up with the arrow at the top 3

9 of the card. The outer rings tell you the direction of ow at any given time on any 4

8 of Manhattan's three "rivers". 5

7 6 E th E u So