Celebrate Paddling ADK

Paddle, Play, and Meet Adventurers

By Sydney Aveson

This summer, the Adirondacks’ vibrant paddling culture takes center stage as Celebrate Paddling ADK returns for the season.

From late May through early July, the festival invites locals and visitors to dive into more than a month of on-the-water adventures, community events, and outdoor exploration throughout Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. This annual celebration of paddling, nature, and adventure not only showcases the region’s world-class waterways, but also brings together people from all walks of life, creating a unique opportunity for connection and shared experience in the heart of the Adirondacks.

The festival kicks off with one of the region’s signature races, the ‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race, hosted by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, on May 10. From there, a packed schedule will unfold, featuring guided trips, themed paddles, races, and educational programs designed for paddlers of all ages and abilities.

For many locals, the festival is more than a celebration – it’s a way of life. As a Saranac Lake resident, I know firsthand how special it is to live here. I paddle on misty mornings before work, savor picnic dinners while watching the sunset reflect on the water, catch up with friends on paddles in place of a daily walk, and train on the ‘Round the Mountain’ race course in preparation for other paddling events and trips throughout the year. It’s woven into the fabric of my daily rhythm; the easy access to waterways is one of the many things that make the Adirondacks so special.

It’s a feeling shared by many in our community, including local organizer Kenzie Marine, Saranac Lake regional manager at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. “Celebrate Paddling isn’t just a collection of events – it’s a true community experience, one that really highlights how special the region is,” Kenzie said. “Every year, we see people who might not have known each other come together over a shared love of the water. We’ve watched friendships spark during paddling trips, river cleanups, and workshops – it’s amazing how quickly a group of strangers can become a crew cheering each other on! It’s also incredible to see how local outfitters and guides, even in the midst of their busiest season, still prioritize working together to make Celebrate Paddling something special for the entire community. It’s a reminder that here, paddling isn’t just a pastime – it’s a way of connecting with each other and with this incredible place we call home.”

Thinking back, Kenzie recalled one moment that stands out, when Saranac Lake resident Liz Scammell Murray approached the Celebrate Paddling committee about launching the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge to coincide with the festival. “It was a fantastic idea – but also a really lofty one, considering it was already March and there was so much to do: planning the routes, securing approvals, building the program, designing patches, and more,” Kenzie said. “Yet the committee made it happen! Not only that, but they’ve incorporated the Challenge’s routes into their programming ever since, helping even more people discover and explore the incredible paddling opportunities in our area.”

Festival highlights include weekly evening paddles across calm waters and “canoe-to-brew” outings, which add a social twist by inviting paddlers to travel together to local cafés and breweries for post-paddle hangouts. A community river cleanup also weaves environmental stewardship into the festivities, giving participants a chance to give back to the waterways they love.

Another major highlight is the Adirondack Paddling Symposium, scheduled for June 13-16. Aimed at beginner and intermediate paddlers, the symposium offers immersive instruction in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and pack boating. It’s not uncommon to see small groups practicing paddle strokes on the water’s edge or trading stories about where their paddling adventures have taken them – or where they hope to go next. The sense of camaraderie among participants is part of what makes the festival so special – and a big reason it continues to draw paddlers from across the region.

The festival concludes on a high note with the historic Willard Hanmer Guideboat, Canoe and Kayak Races on July 6. Families and longtime residents line the banks, cheering on paddlers of all kinds – some fiercely competitive, other adults and families simply paddling recreationally and soaking in the tradition of it all. For more info and to register, visit: saranaclake.com.

Founded in 2016, Celebrate Paddling ADK was born from a collaborative effort among local businesses and organizations passionate about preserving and sharing the Adirondacks’ paddling heritage. Today, the festival continues to grow, thanks to support from partners such as the Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, MAC’s Canoe Livery, Raquette River Outfitters, Guide ADK, Northwest River Supplies, Saranac Lake Area Chamber, and ROOST. Together, these organizations have worked tirelessly to create an event that brings people closer to nature and fosters a deep appreciation for the region’s waterways.

Celebrate Paddling ADK offers something for everyone, with a diverse range of activities. With 30,000 miles of rivers and streams and over 3,000 lakes and ponds, the Adirondacks provide endless opportunities for exploration, many of which can only be accessed by boat. These waters are the heart of the region and it’s the perfect opportunity to experience their beauty and all they have to offer. For event details and complete schedule, visit: celebratepaddlingadk.com.

Sydney Aveson, a former professional ice hockey player and expeditionary studies graduate from Plattsburgh State, is an avid outdoor enthusiast living in Saranac Lake. She guides cycling and paddling, officiates college hockey, and works for a sustainable tourism nonprofit. Outside of adventure, Sydney enjoys cooking and believes there’s nothing better than a picnic with friends after a ride, hike, or paddle.