Spring Events and Offerings
Intro to Whitewater Weekend:
Date: Saturday, May 18th and Sunday, May 19th
Time: 9am-4pm
Cost: $285 per person with personal equipment, $350 per person with rental equipment
Registration: SIGN UP
Course Description:
Our "Introduction to Whitewater Canoeing" course aims to give paddlers the tools needed to begin their whitewater journey. This two day course will teach the basics of whitewater canoeing through a mixture of activities like on water instruction, games and focused coaching. Students can expect to learn necessary skills like reading/identifying river features, safety fundamentals, rescues, crossing eddy lines, scouting, ferrying and surfing. This course is for both tandem and solo whitewater paddlers.
Who is it for:
This class is a good fit for anyone who is interested in whitewater canoeing specifically, or folks looking to feel more confident in moving water for an upcoming journey. Participants should be familiar with basic flatwater maneuvers, such as forward, reverse, and turns. Paddlers should feel comfortable directing their craft intentionally, be able to enter the boat from the shore, and be able to swim with confidence.
What to bring:
Students can bring any whitewater gear they may have including, canoe, paddles, helmet, life jacket, throw rope, or any cold water immersion wear. If you don’t have this gear or need to borrow some equipment, options are available. If you need to borrow a canoe, please choose the "need equipment" option.
In addition to paddling gear, paddlers will also want to pack for a day on the water with a lunch, change of clothes, rain gear, sunscreen, warm clothes and any other items need to stay comfortable on the water.
When/Where:
Venue and timing are subject to change as Mother Nature will dictate our options as we plan according to water levels and weather. However, we intend to use some spots that we know to be typically consistent and convenient. Our likely first location will be within walking distance of the shop in downtown Saranac Lake. This venue is ideal for an introduction due to its convenience and mild moving water environment.
The second venue will likely also be on the Saranac river, however further down river. The Redford section of the Saranac River is another ideal section for introduction as it others more excitement with the option for more mild play as well. This section, like the first day, will not require any shuttling of vehicles, features room to park, and a convenience store near by.
Who is teaching it:
Our licensed guide and American Canoe Association instructor, Matthew Smith, will be the lead coach for this course. Matt has over a decade of experience teaching, guiding and enjoying whitewater paddling along with other styles of paddling from flatwater canoeing to coastal kayaking.
Questions?
If you have questions, please give us a call! 518-891-1838
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Celebrate Paddling Month 2024 offerings
Moving Water for Flatwater Paddlers
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: $85 per person with own boat, $125 per person with rental boat
If you feel comfortable maneuvering your boat in flat water and you want to take the next step, this clinic is for you! Moving Water for Flatwater Paddlers will teach you how to work *with* the river rather than against it, setting you up for success in a variety of environments. While you do not need to be an expert to participate, a solid foundation of paddling skills will make your efforts in this course more advantageous. We will not be running rapids during this course, just practicing in moving water.
You can register HERE or by giving us a call!
Locals Appreciation Day!
Date: Sunday, June 2nd
To kick off Celebrate Paddling month, we are offering 50% off rentals to locals. Proof of Saranac Lake, Bloomingdale or Paul Smiths area residency required. This can be in the form of a drivers license, college ID, etc. Give us a call if you have any questions. Reservations are encouraged.
Meetup Paddle with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Date: Friday, June 7th
Time: 4:30pm
Cost: FREE with your own boat. $20 per person for a tandem canoe rental. $35 for a solo kayak rental.
Join your friends from St Regis Canoe Outfitters and the NFCT for a downstream cruise! We will put in at the boat launch at SRCO and paddle down to McCasland Bridge. This trip is suitable for all skill levels and takes about 2 hours. SRCO will provide a shuttle back to town free of charge. If you need a rental boat, please give us a call to reserve. We hope to see you there!
Saranac River Cleanup
Date: Sunday, June 9th
Time: 12pm to 5pm
Give back to the environment and spend the day volunteering at our annual river cleanup! Gloves trash bags, boats and paddling accessories provided. Meet at the Dorsey Street Parking lot for a full day of giving back and having fun. There will be food provided at the post cleanup celebration. Participants should bring protective footwear, be prepared to get wet, and tell their friends!
Please call 518-891-1838 or email info@canoeoutfitters.com to pre-register for the event. This helps us plan accordingly!
Looking to feel more confident heading into the backcountry? Join St Regis Canoe Outfitters and Synaptic Sport LLC for SOLO Wilderness First Aid. This 2-day course is a great start for outdoor enthusiasts looking to learn or expand their skills in the fundamentals of outdoor emergency care and transportation.
This course will be hosted by Friends of Dewey Mountain at the Dewey Mountain Recreation Center. This venue will offer students a great variety of both indoor and outdoor learning space to hone their skills.
The SOLO WFA curriculum is centered on practical learning. Participants can expect to walk away having performed skills that can make the difference in an emergency. If you haven’t yet taken a first aid course, need to take a first aid course for your job, or are looking to boost your guiding skill set, this is a great opportunity.
Where: Dewey Mountain Recreation Center
238 George H Lapan Memorial Highway
Saranac Lake, NY 12983
When: June 13th and 14th 2024 from 8:30am to 5pm
Cost: $275 for the general public ($245 for licensed NY state guides). Purchase Ticket HERE
To enroll please follow the link above or call our shop at 518-891-1838.
For more information on curriculum, visit the SOLO First Aid website
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General Canoe & Kayak Instruction
Instruction is the best way to develop paddling skills. With skill development comes confidence and the basis to build better judgement. We offer a variety of canoe & kayak classes. We have highly qualified and experienced instructors. Courses are geared to meet individual/group needs. We offer a range of classes including courses to help you improve your paddling skills, move more confidently in river current, water safety, backcountry camping and leadership skills. We have courses geared specifically for children & families, as well as women's only expedition courses. Upon completion participants will receive an ACA certificate of completion. We have ACA certified instructors.
For the current list of Classes offered refer to Instruction page.
Hot Tent Rental Packages
Winter camping made cozy...
Looking to experience Adirondack winter in comfort? St. Regis Canoe Outfitters now offers winter camping packages! Featuring our new fleet of Hot Tents and winter gear, this unique experience opens the door to New York’s most glorious season. If you have ever been interested in winter camping, this is a great way to get out there!
We have packages available for folks with their own gear, or those without. Don’t have a sleeping bag or sleeping pad? With our complete set of winter sleeping supplies, we’ll make sure you stay warm and cozy; just choose the setup that seems right for you!
All packages come with set-up and breakdown service, along with hot tent, woodstove, and plenty of firewood. An experienced staff member will meet you at the site to show you the ropes. We’ll even get the stove warmed up.
Basic Package: $170 per night: Includes 16’ Bell Canvas Tent, Stove, Firewood, Snowshoes and Trekking Poles
Capacity: 4 individual cots, or 6 with sleeping pads
Deluxe Package: $35/person per night: Includes Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, Cook Gear, Clean up Kit, Water, Snowshoes and Trekking Poles. Want a cot for a comfy experience? Add $10.
Capacity: 4 individual cots, or 6 with sleeping pads
Food Packages: We’ve made a winter menu with plenty of favorites and treats. All our selections are catered to hot tent cooking on your wood stove!
$70/person per night: Includes dinner the night of check in, 3 square meals for full days, and breakfast the morning of checkout. We can cater to most accommodations upon request.
Looking to stay out for 3 nights or more? Take 10% off your full package!
Meet us after 3pm on the day of your reservation, and we’ll meet you before noon on the day of checkout. Reservations are required. Same day reservations not accommodated.
Deposit Policy: We take payment in full at the time of booking. Trips canceled at least 2 weeks before the arrival date will receive a credit towards future trips. Trips canceled within 2 weeks will receive no credit or refund. In the case of dangerously cold/inclement weather, or if driving conditions are poor in your area, we will offer full credit towards a future trip.
