The Adirondack Paddling Symposium will return this June with new organizers and a new host community.
The Symposium is a comprehensive weekend of paddling instruction for beginners and intermediates, and includes course tracks for kayaks, pack boats, stand-up paddleboards and canoes. The event was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; this year, it will be held June 17-20 in Saranac Lake at the Symposium’s host site, the Hotel Saranac, with water-based activities happening at Lake Flower and Lake Colby.
Originally founded by NRS and hosted by Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company out of Old Forge, this year, it will be presented by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) and NRS.
“What we have put together is an incredible resource for the paddling community,” said Danny Mongno, product manager at NRS and Lake Placid-based paddlesports enthusiast. “The Symposium is a judgment-free place for paddlers to hone their skills. Our focus is on those who are new to paddling or those who’ve been at it for a while but are ready to take the next step.”
“The Symposium was founded with a simple goal: to help people maximize their enjoyment of paddlesports,” said NFCT executive director Karrie Thomas “The Adirondack region offers so many incredible waterways to explore, so NRS and Mountainman set out to help paddlers become more confident and skilled. NFCT is thrilled to support this event and help paddlers get more out of their paddling experiences.”
The Adirondack Paddling Symposium begins on Friday, June 17, with introductions, meet and greet, gear outfitting, dinner and evening programming. Additional instruction takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, with optional tours on Monday, June 20.
Saranac Lake and the surrounding region offers a number of excellent outfitters and paddling resources; the Symposium will draw on their support and expertise. Event partners include St. Regis Canoe & Kayak, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, Raquette River Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery and High Peaks Cyclery, with additional support from Explore Adirondack Frontier. For more information, including registration, details on lodging, courses, gear rentals and more, visit adirondackpaddlingsymposium.
The Adirondack Paddling Symposium takes place during Celebrate Paddling ADK, a month-long festival featuring presentations and discussions at local establishments, river cleanups, and paddling activities on nearby waters. To learn more and for a full schedule of activities, visit celebratepaddlingadk.com.
