Some New Yorkers go kayaking for a cause, drawing attention to the problem of human trafficking. As NY1's Lindsay Tuchman reports, there is a reason why the advocates decided to make their point on the water.
It's a beautiful day for a kayak ride, but for these paddlers the trip is about much more than enjoying the outdoors.
Advocates and non-profit organizations are raising awareness about the scourge of human trafficking on a day the United Nations designated to draw attention to what is a global problem.
"Were doing something that offers anybody that has survived sexual violence or has been trafficked to go and do something that's all about self-confidence," said Steven Shu, with the non-profit HarborLAB.
It's a problem that was highlighted just last week, when ten people were found dead crammed into the back of a tractor-trailer in Texas. They had been brought across the border illegally.
Human trafficking is believed to be the third largest criminal activity in the world and this event is meant to highlight that it's not just a global problem, it's also a local one.
The kayakers paddled on the East River from Long Island City in Queens, past the United Nations and municipal building, to DUMBO on the Brooklyn waterfront.
The event was organized by HarborLAB, an environmental and social advocacy group, and Beauty for Freedom, an anti-trafficking organization.
Monica Watkins is that group's executive director.
"We really have to hold hands in this process, coming together to eradicate slavery globally," Watkins said.
Organizers say that besides being a fun and empowering way to bring attention to the issue — there is symbolism to traveling along the river.
"Throughout human history we've used boats to facilitate human trafficking, from slavery forward to today even so it's nice to use the waterways no to highlight the issue and combat it," said Erik Baard, executive director of HarborLAB.
This is the first year for Paddling Against Human Trafficking and the hope is to get sponsorships to make it bigger next year.