Vintage Kayak Restoration Shop

Welcome to our 1920s Williamsburg historic industrial four-story building! We hold multiple production and film spaces all within one complex. We are your space for abandoned, haunted or vacant shoot projects. Likewise, because we can control the interior environment, coupled with its solid brick and concrete ceilings, many of the spaces lend themselves to recordings and audio interviews. Our authentic industrial distressed location has been featured in BBC, FOX News, and Cosmopolitan productions. Our vintage kayak restoration shop specializes in restoring wooden-framed kayaks, including a rare model from the 1930s and several from the 1960s-80s. NYC Parks is currently encouraging the use of its waterways, with about 30 to 40 official kayak and canoe launch sites across the city. These spots offer stunning views and unique photo opportunities of the city skyline from the water. While we often think of New York as its five boroughs, it’s actually the sixth borough—its waterways—that helped shape the city into a global powerhouse. The Hudson River, East River, Arthur Kill, Long Island Sound, and Newtown Creek were crucial for trade and commerce long before New York became a nation. Back then, the waterfronts sloped naturally from shallow to deep water, allowing small crafts like canoes to paddle against the current with ease. This accessibility made New York an essential trading post, with two people able to transport up to 400 pounds by water—a feat that would’ve been nearly impossible by land. These beautifully restored kayaks are fully functional and offer a unique way to experience New York City’s waterways. The region’s waterways were also abundant with oysters, a staple food source for New Yorkers well into the mid-1800s. Oysters were so plentiful that bars on Canal Street offered them for free with beer purchases. This high-energy food supply supported the growing urban population, long before industrialization wiped out much of the marine life. To miss the chance to explore New York’s waterways by kayak is to miss out on a key part of the city’s history. Motorboats and ferries can’t match the tactile experience of moving through the water by paddle, offering a direct connection to the city’s past. In recent years, whales and porpoises have begun returning to New York’s waters, a sign of renewed natural habitats. It's ironic that humans are often the last to reconnect with nature, isn’t it? Our kayaks, complete with their original wooden paddles, bear the marks of decades of use—each scar and nick tells a story. Holding these paddles, you’ll feel the connection to a bygone era, knowing that with care, these handcrafted tools are built to last generations. This is the essence of experiencing New York City from the water. The kayaks, with their wooden frames and rubberized canvas skins, are designed to be portable, breaking down into compact bags for easy transport. Originally used for expeditions, they can be assembled like a tent, making them perfect for exploring NYC’s waterways. We also offer a restored wooden two-person canoe. Our shop occupies the first floor of an industrial building, where woodworking, industrial sewing, and metal fabrication take place. The space is approximately 2,500 square feet, with direct garage access, a loading dock, and plenty of room for your projects. These vintage wooden boats can be photographed or filmed in our workshop, or out on the water, depending on your project’s needs. Let us know how we can help bring your vision to life!