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 Guide ADK, Raquette River Outfitters, and Mac's Canoe Livery (no longer in business), 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 28th!
Solo Canoe Fundamentals
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. 50% of your course payment with be donated to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation.
Date: June 6th, 2026
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: $60
Register: CLICK HERE
Moving Water for Flat Water Paddlers
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. 50% of your course payment with be donated to the Adirondack Diversity Initiative.
Date: June 7th, 2026
Time: 9am to 1pm
Cost: $60
Register: CLICK HERE
What if I capsize? Intro to Canoe and Kayak Rescues
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. 50% of your course payment with be donated to the Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK).
Date: June 19th, 2026
Time: 3pm to 7pm
Cost: $60
Register: CLICK HERE
Canoeing for Kids!
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. Registration in advance is required. Please contact us with any questions. This program is for children ages 8 to 11. If you have a child close to that range, we may still consider them! Just give us a call. 50% of your course payment with be donated to the Saranac Lake Youth Center.
Date: June 27th, 2026
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: $25
Register: CLICK HERE
