What is Celebrate Paddling?
This month long festival was created to promote one of the region's most wonderful activities.....paddling! In 2016, SRCO collaborated with Adirondack Lakes and Trails and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail to create a month full of paddling related activities, including classes, guided trips, meetup paddles, presentations, and the Saranac River Cleanup. Over the years, the event has attracted additional support from Mac's Canoe Livery, Raquette River Outfitters, and Guide ADK, expanding the offerings to include a cardboard boat race, film showings at local establishments, the Raquette River Cleanup, and much more.
In addition to offering paddling events, SRCO uses Celebrate Paddling month to promote stewardship and community service. Every year, our river cleanup volunteers pull about 1,000 lbs of trash out of a 2.5 mile section of the Saranac River. They are rewarded with food and beverages donated by local businesses such as Blue Line Brewery, Nori's and Grand Union. Additional support is provided by Adirondack Lakes and Trails, Guide ADK and our friends at the NFCT. If you'd like to participate, this year's river cleanup is Sunday, June 8th!
This year, we will be taking a different approach to Celebrate Paddling. All of our classes will be offered at a discounted rate, and half of the cost will be donated to a different local nonprofit. Please see the schedule of offerings below:
Solo Canoe Fundamentals
Date: May 31st, 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: $50
Charity of Choice: Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation
Description: Sick of constantly swapping sides while you paddle solo? Join this class and finally lock in that J-stroke you've been meaning to master. You'll leave this class confident and ready to tackle your next solo adventure. Advance Registration is required. If you need a boat rental, please give us a call.
Meetup Paddle with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Date: June 11th, 2025
Time: 12pm to 5pm
Cost: FREE
Charity of Choice: Suggested donation to the NFCT
Description: Join SRCO and the NFCT on a classic paddle from Middle to Lower Saranac Lake. We will meet at 12pm at Second Pond Boat Launch, load your boats on to our trailer and drive everyone over to South Creek (Middle Saranac) to start the trip. This paddle takes you through Middle Saranac Lake to the Upper Locks on the Saranac River. We will continue into Lower Saranac Lake, check out Bluff island and end back at Second Pond, where you can load your boats back onto your car and head out! This is a free event, but we suggest making a $20 donation to the Northern Forest Canoe Trail if you can. If you need to rent a boat, we will be offering rentals at a discounted rate. Advance registration through the NFCT is required. Link coming soon!
Moving Water for Flatwater Paddlers
Date: June 17th, 2025
Time: 9am to 1pm
Cost: $50
Charity of Choice: Boothe River Park
Description: Are you confident in your flatwater paddling skills and looking for a challenge? This class is for you! Learning to maneuver your boat in moving water will unlock new adventures, and make your skills more reliable in all environments. This course will focus on catching eddies, entering current and navigating simple features. This can be done in a canoe or kayak, solo or tandem. Advanced registration is required. Please call if you need a boat rental.
What if I Capsize? Intro to Canoe and Kayak Rescues
Date: June 20th, 2025
Time: 4pm to 7pm
Cost: $50
Charity of Choice: Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks
Description: What would you do if you fell out of your canoe or kayak? This class will teach you how to get back in your boat by yourself or with the help of a friend! Learning rescues is especially helpful for people who want to venture out of their comfort zone, but may be worried about capsizing during their outing. We will also discuss best practices while traveling alone or in a group, and make suggestions for your "safety kit" (i.e. what you should be carrying with you). This class can be for anyone, even people with some mobility issues. Advance registration is required. Please call if you need a boat rental.
Canoeing for Kids!
Date: June 22nd, 2025
Time: 9am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5pm (2 sessions)
Cost: $30 per kid
Charity of Choice: Saranac Lake Youth Center
Description: Let your kids have a fun day on the water while you go do...whatever you want! Our instructors will teach your kids the basics of paddling using a games based approach. Kids will learn how to maneuver a boat, learn to feel more confident on the water, and may even have the opportunity to try out canoe rescues. Our instructor, Matt has years of experience teaching kids' canoeing programs, including with the Saranac Lake Central School District. You can sign your child up for the morning or the afternoon session. Registration in advance is required. Please contact us with any questions. If you cannot afford the cost of the class but would still like to participate, please reach out and we will figure something out for you!
