Paddle Antrim is offering many ways for people to get out on the water this year. Take a look!

Paddle Antrim is launching their summer season June 7 with a kick-off event at Short’s Brewing Company’s Production Facility (211 Industrial Park in Elk Rapids) from 6–8:30 p.m. Short’s will double all donations to Paddle Antrim, and each donor will get a beer for just $1. Everyone is invited to come out, enjoy great food and drinks, and get ready for a fun season out on the water!

Paddle Antrim also hosts regular community paddles throughout the region to encourage people to try new areas, including a family-friendly rafting trip on the Jordan River. In addition, classes are available for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing (many include gear if you need it).

These classes are excellent for those who are new to the sport as well as people who have been paddling for years but never had formal training. “As our paddle class instructor so eloquently put it, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’,” says Casey Clement, a paddler with 10 years of experience who took a class last year. “Turns out I knew even less than I thought! Taking the kayak classes helped make me a more efficient, and safer, paddler.” Summer classes kick off June 8 (view the full schedule of Paddle Antrim classes).

“We want to get more people out on the water for a fun and safe experience this summer,” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim’s executive director. “From relaxed paddles to classes to large festivals—there is something for everyone.”

Paddle Antrim hosts one of the best non-competitive paddling events in the region, the Paddle Antrim Festival, which attracts paddlers from across the state and nation. This three-day festival, September 13–15, includes a fun, non-competitive kayak event where paddlers can enjoy being out on Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes Water Trail. There are opportunities for all levels of paddlers, from beginner to advanced, both on and off the water. People choose to paddle one or both days, and they choose the distance they want to travel. The festival also includes three days of live music, food, and drinks all weekend for the entire community. Registration for the 2018 Paddle Antrim Festival is now open. Early registration ends July 1.

For more information, check out the Paddle Antrim website, or contact Paddle Antrim at info@paddleantrim.com or 231-492-0171.

—Press release provided by Paddle Antrim


Northern Michigan Paddle Adventures

Photo(s) by Paddle Antrim