June 18, 2024 at 9:18 am in Press Release
Paddle Antrim and the Village of Elk Rapids are excited to announce that construction has commenced at Elk Rapids Rotary Park, with completion anticipated by late fall 2024. “This week, we were thrilled and honored to break ground on construction at Elk Rapids Rotary Park,” said Karen Simpson, Village President. “With construction slated to be complete in November, we are excited to be at the finish line of implementing our… Read More »
June 6, 2024 at 2:41 pm in Uncategorized
Paddle Antrim is dedicated to connecting youth with our waterways while emphasizing the importance of water safety. This week, Paddle Antrim had the pleasure of taking Ellsworth School middle schoolers and high schoolers kayaking on Ellsworth Lake. For some students, this was their first time experiencing the joy of being on the water. These sessions were designed to introduce the students to water safety, basic paddling strokes, and the joy… Read More »
May 29, 2024 at 2:34 pm in Press Release
A decade ago, few organizers imagined that the creation of Paddle Antrim, a small non-profit, would become a catalyst for regional support to protect and promote Northern Michigan’s pristine 100-mile Chain of Lakes. As the paddling organization celebrates its 10th anniversary, Paddle Antrim’s collaborations with volunteer paddling enthusiasts, local businesses, and local governments across the region have resulted in: The first state-designated water trail in northern Michigan, a 100-mile route… Read More »
December 14, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Blog
The Chain of Lakes Water Trail is a hidden gem, with an upper and lower chain divided by the picturesque Bellaire dam. While the lower chain boasts renowned lakes like Torch Lake and Elk Lake, the upper chain offers a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience that’s well worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll unveil some enticing routes along the upper chain that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, and even… Read More »
December 12, 2023 at 11:10 am in Blog
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has recently shed light on the immense economic impact of outdoor recreation in Michigan. As champions of connecting people to nature, we at Paddle Antrim are thrilled by these statistics that underscore the strength of the outdoor industry within our state. In the year 2022 alone, Michigan’s economy received a staggering $12.4 billion boost from outdoor recreation. Notably, this contributed to the creation… Read More »
November 16, 2023 at 1:36 pm in Uncategorized
Paddle Antrim is excited to announce the allocation of $2,000 to two projects that will positively impact Northern Michigan’s waterways through the Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. The Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program by Paddle Antrim is entirely supported by the revenue generated from the nonprofit’s events, such as the Paddle Antrim Festival, alongside proceeds from paddling classes. Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim, highlighted, “A portion of the… Read More »
October 18, 2023 at 1:13 pm in Blog
River: A Haibun Inspired by the Six Mile-St. Claire Greenway As we launch, I ask myself what remarkable thing will happen on this river, in this sprawling wetland spotted with low-growth shrubbery and ruined forest. It is the wrong question. First, we must launch. The wet deck, a platform of treated lumber thrusts over the river like a sturdy hand, but that structure doesn’t make stepping down to river level… Read More »
October 7, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Blog
A Lens On Adventure with Art Since 2015, the Paddle Antrim Festival has drawn over 1,200 people from all over the country to Northern Michigan to experience the beauty of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. This two-day non-competitive paddling event has become a fixture in the region, bringing visitors from near and far to celebrate our waterways and communities year after year. The festival has also become a celebration… Read More »
October 7, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Uncategorized
For many people, their first experience with Paddle Antrim—whether at a festival, class, or community event—sparks more than just a day of fun on the water. It often begins a journey of connection, curiosity, and commitment. For George Grazul, it started in 2017 when he took a safety class after moving to Traverse City and looking for a way to meet other paddlers. “Paddle Antrim wasn’t exactly what I was… Read More »
October 7, 2023 at 1:12 pm in Blog
Debbie & Paul’s Dedication to Paddling Education When Paddle Antrim began, a key foundation was to promote paddling with safety always in mind. One of the voids that was quickly apparent, was there were no paddling classes offered locally to provide paddlers with the skills needed. To fill this gap Paddle Antrim began offering paddling classes to adults and youth in 2017. Since these classes began, hundreds of paddlers have… Read More »