Adirondack
Paddling Symposium

Improve your skills and paddle smarter, paddle further!

Learn about the classes

Canoe, Kayak
& SUP Classes

Improve your skills and paddle further, paddle bolder.

Small class sizes

Improve your skills and paddle further, paddle bolder.

social &
Meal times

Improve your skills and paddle further, paddle bolder.

yoga sessions

Improve your skills and paddle further, paddle bolder.

2020 Symposium Cancelled

In meetings with the team that puts the Symposium on this week, we have made the decision to cancel for this year. We are disappointed that we will not all be able to come together, but in being responsible to our students, our staff and the town of Old Forge it is the right thing to do. We hope you understand, this is without precedent and we are looking to other events, businesses and the NY State government for direction and making what we feel is the best decision. We wish you calm waters as you and your families navigate the current CV-19 situation. We will be back for 2021 and sure hope you will join us. Until then, please stay safe.

The 2nd Annual Adirondack Paddling Symposium will be held on the weekend of June 19-22 at Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company in Old Forge, New York. Derived by paddlers like you the goal is simple, to build skills to further your paddling enjoyment. With so many amazing places to explore in the Adirondacks and in New York State, the more efficient you are, the more confident you are, the further you will go, the bolder you will be.

We want to focus on the beginner to intermediate paddler and have chosen patient and caring instructors to create an environment of encouragement, that is judgement free and truly furthers the enjoyment you get from paddling. It’s this level of paddler that has the most to gain from instruction, to understand how the body and boat/ board work together to get the most from your craft and to get the most from yourself.

Adirondack Paddling Symposium Quick Facts

What: A comprehensive weekend of paddling instruction for paddlers, offering Beginner and Intermediate course tracks for: Kayaks, Pack Boats, SUPs, and Canoes.

Where: Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company’s store location on the Moose River in Old Forge, NY

When: June 19-21, with optional day (the 22nd) for area paddling tours.

Cost: The symposium is $300 for the weekend and includes all classes, some meals, evening programs, morning yoga sessions, and socials. "Tour Monday” is an additional $75.00 and can be registered early or at the event.

Lodging: Lodging is not included so that you may choose the type of accommodation you like, area motels, cabins or campgrounds. See the Logistics page for a list.

Boats & Gear: Not included. We encourage paddlers to bring their own boat or boards if possible, and appropriate paddling gear and paddlewear. See website for suggested gear and wear. A limited number of rental canoes, kayaks and SUPs are available, advanced reservations required. See the Boats & Gear page for details.

Why you should attend the
Adirondack Paddling Symposium

Customize your own instruction plan!

We've designed instructional tracks for Kayaks, Canoes, Pack Boats, SUPs, and Whitewater based on your paddling experience.

Learn More

Experienced, expert instructors

Your instructors bring, combined, decades and decades of paddling expertise to the Adirondack Paddling Symposium. They are all drawn from the Paddling industry; you most likely have met and talked with them if you've attended Mountainman's Demo Days or Paddlefest.

Skills & Confidence!

After completing the Adirondack Paddling Symposium, you will have gained the skills to paddle smarter and more efficiently and safely. Your confidence in your own paddling ability means you will enjoy your paddling trips more, be it a quick day trip or and extended expedition!

Adirondack
Paddling Symposium

Canoe, Kayak
& SUP Classes

Small class sizes

social &
Meal times

yoga sessions

Second Annual Adirondack
Paddling Symposium

2020 Symposium Cancelled

Adirondack Paddling Symposium Quick Facts

Symposium Sponsors