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 »
September 20, 2023 at 9:34 am in Press Release
From September 14th to 16th, the 8th annual Paddle Antrim Festival brought together over 250 paddlers and volunteers in a spirited celebration. This dynamic event was marked by the participation of more than 160 paddlers who navigated the scenic expanse of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail over two invigorating days, with some accomplishing distances of up to 42 miles. The Paddle Antrim Festival, spanning three days, includes two days… Read More »
August 2, 2023 at 12:56 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting water protection and supporting paddling opportunities on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, is pleased to announce the appointment of two esteemed individuals, Gary Buczkowski and Sue Haadsma-Svensson, to its board of directors. Both officially joined the board in June 2023, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Haadsma-Svensson is a passionate outdoor… Read More »
July 6, 2023 at 1:41 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. Three projects have been selected to receive a combined total of $2,118, contributing to the protection, education, and enhanced access to waterways in Northern Michigan. The following projects have been chosen as recipients of the grants: Michigan 4-H Foundation for Antrim County 4-H: Antrim County 4-H will organize two introductory kayaking trips from Bellaire to… Read More »
July 6, 2023 at 10:46 am in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is excited to host the 8th Annual Paddle Antrim Festival, September 14-16. Registration is open for all and early bird discounts are available until July 13. The Paddle Antrim Festival is a great way to experience the Chain of Lakes Water Trail and the charming lakeside communities that surround it. This fun, non-competitive event provides opportunities for all levels of paddlers to participate one or two days with… Read More »
May 30, 2023 at 2:39 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim and Common Coast Research & Conservation encourage the public to help protect Common Loons during their nesting season. As the weather is getting warmer, more people are recreating on our waterways just as Northern Michigan’s Common Loons are initiating their nests. Loons, who remain a threatened species in the state, breed in many places along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, as well as within other waterways in… Read More »
March 8, 2023 at 9:57 am in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce they are accepting applications for their 2023 Spring Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. This competitive grant program funds projects that protect the waterways and connect people to them. Potential projects must focus on stewardship, education, or increasing accessibility to the lakes and rivers. Since 2015, Paddle Antrim has awarded over $30,400 to 21 projects that have made an impact on over 10 communities. To… Read More »
February 10, 2023 at 12:25 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim and the Village of Elk Rapids are pleased to announce that thanks to financial support received from public and private sources the fundraising goals to make planned improvements to Elk Rapids Rotary Park have been achieved. “This week, we were thrilled and honored to receive a competitive Michigan Spark grant from the Department of Natural Resources,” said Karen Simpson, Village President. “This grant will leverage other grants and… Read More »
December 16, 2022 at 1:53 pm in Press Release
Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce they will award $4,627 to four projects that benefit Northern Michigan’s waterways through their Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program. Paddle Antrim’s Ripple Effect Mini Grant Program is fully funded through earned income from the nonprofit’s events such as the Paddle Antrim Festival as well as paddling classes. “A portion of the income we earn through our events goes directly into this program,” said Deana… Read More »