Paddle Antrim - Antrim County Michigan

Volunteer Coffee Hour
2024-02-27 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Detroit)
Tuesday, February 27 | 9 – 10 AM
@Happy Camper Coffee in Elk Rapids (212 River Street)
Join us for a delightful volunteer coffee hour at Happy Camper Coffee in Elk Rapids! This informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and brighten up the winter season. Let’s share stories, exchange ideas, and discuss exciting volunteer opportunities and more over a warm cup of coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, we invite you to join us for this cozy get-together. We can’t wait to see you there!

Paddling Film Festival in Traverse City
2024-04-25 17:30 - 21:00 | Traverse City Civic Center, 1213 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI, 49686, United States
Each year since 2006, the Paddling Film Festival World Tour has showcased the very best paddling films from around the world. The time is quickly approaching again for this fun and motivating annual event, showcasing the incredible realm of adventure paddle sports, and breathtaking cinematography. Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation is excited to bring the World Tour Paddling Film Festival to Northern Michigan, Thursday, April 25, 2024.
From whitewater action to sea kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, the films take you around the globe, exploring great places, great challenges and people with great spirit. Each year the World Tour makes stops in more than 135 cities, and this event will be the only one in Michigan.
The best place to view the year’s best paddling films is on a big screen surrounded by fellow paddlers. So, kick off your 2024 paddling season by joining your friends at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center’s Howe Arena. There’s plenty of free parking near the entrance. Paddle Antrim will be serving beer for purchase. Additional snacks and beverages will be available for purchase as well.
Get your tickets now. Tell your friends and family. Better yet, buy tickets for them as your guests!
Doors open at 5:30 pm
Show begins at 6:30 pm
GET YOUR TICKETS

10 Year Anniversary Kickoff Celebration
2024-06-01 14:00 - 17:00
Join us on Saturday, June 1st, at Bellaire’s Richardi Park for a paddling season kick-off on Intermediate River, followed by a gathering at Short’s Beer Garden. We look forward to kicking off our 10th paddling season with friends and supporters. The community paddle portion of this event will run from 2:00 – 3:30 pm, followed by a gathering at Short’s Beer Garden just down the road from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
2:00 – 3:30 pm – Community Paddle launching from Richardi Park at 2:15 pm (E Antrim St, Bellaire, MI 49615)
3:30 – 5:00 pm – 10 Year celebration at Short’s Beer Garden (118 N Bridge St, Bellaire, MI 49615)
All paddlers must bring their own craft/boat, paddle, and pfd (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, pfds must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. View and sign the wavier HERE
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

Paddlesports Safety Facilitator Training
2024-06-04 10:00 - 15:30 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Class will be held at River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
REGISTER TODAY

Paddlesports Safety Facilitator (PSF) certification program teaches basic safety and paddling knowledge, as well as simple rescue skills. The training for this certification includes general on water safety and kayaking. With this training, participants will be able to introduce paddlecraft safety and knowledge beginning paddlers in a land-based setting. This is great training for livery staff, parks staff, individuals helping get people out on the water or anyone who is interested in on-water safety and best practices for enjoyable paddling. To receive the certification, the participant must be an American Canoe Association member. You can also participate in the class and not receive the certification.
Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 12:1
Ages: 16 and up
$65/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Green Elk Rapids Nature Fest 2024
2024-06-08 11:00 - 14:00
On Saturday, June 8th, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, all are invited to come out and connect with our incredible local network of people and organizations at Elk Rapids Veterans Memorial Park during Nature Fest! Paddle Antrim will host a booth with Elk Rapids Trail Alliance.

Returning for the second time, Nature Fest is a large gathering of over fifty organizations that promote environmental wellbeing in our area. With fun and informative tables and booths spanning Elk Rapids Memorial Park, partake in refreshments, children’s activities, as well as storytelling, artwork, and educational experiences! Find out what projects our local organizations are working on to promote ecological health!

Connect with both new and familiar faces while enjoying the beach at Elk Rapids Veterans Memorial Park. Located on the scenic Grand Traverse Bay, this park offers plenty of space to spread out a blanket for a picnic for the whole family.

Ellsworth Community Paddle | Invasive Species Identification
2024-06-14 18:30 - 20:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Grab your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing paddle on Ellsworth Lake as part of the Ellsworth/Atwood Pig Roast. This leisurely paddle begins at River Park (6625 Bridge St). Check-in begins at 6:30 pm, and we will launch as a group at 6:45 pm.
We’re thrilled to have CAKE CISMA join us during this community paddle to educate paddlers on being good stewards of our waterways while enjoying paddling activities. Paddlers will learn how to identify and report invasive species while preventing their spread.
We welcome paddlers of all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for these relaxed paddles. The paddles typically last approximately one hour, are free, and no pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their own craft/boat, paddle, and a PFD (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, PFDs must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
Please note that all paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

TC Horse Show | Paddle Antrim Benefit | June 15
2024-06-15 17:00 - 20:00
Support Paddle Antrim by attending the June 15 Traverse City Horse Show! All general admissions tickets sold on June 15 and 16 will be donated to Paddle Antrim to support our mission. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.
About the June 15th Horse Show:
USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship: Join Traverse City Horse Shows for a showcase of equestrian talent at Flintfields Horse Park. Witness elite riders and horses from around the globe gather to compete for top honors in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 5:00 pm EST (Gates open 8 am; Derby activity begins at 3 pm)
Location: Flintfields Horse Park, 6535 Bates Rd. Williamsburg, MI

Prepare to be captivated as skilled riders and their majestic equine partners tackle a series of challenging courses, designed to test their agility, precision, and grace. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply looking to experience the beauty and excitement of horse sport, the USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship offers something for everyone.
In addition to the high callibur competition, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with delicious food vendors, shopping opportunities, and entertainment for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend outing, the USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championship is an event not to be missed!

TC Horse Show | Paddle Antrim Benefit | June 16
2024-06-16 14:00 - 17:00
Support Paddle Antrim by attending the June 16 Traverse City Horse Show! All general admissions tickets sold on June 15 and 16 will be donated to Paddle Antrim to support our mission. CLICK HERE to purchase a ticket to the June 16 show.
About the June 16 Horse Show:
$182,000 Southern Arches 4* Grand Prix: Join Traverse City Horse Shows for a showcase of equestrian talent at Flintfields Horse Park. Witness elite riders and horses from around the globe gather to compete for top honors and a prize purse of $182,000 Southern Arches FEI 4* Grand Prix.

Date: Sunday, June 16
Time: 2:00 pm EST (Gates open 8 am; Grand Prix activity begins at 12:00 pm)
Location: Flintfields Horse Park, 6535 Bates Rd. Williamsburg, MI

Watch the ultimate test of skill and precision as world-class riders and their magnificent steeds navigate a challenging course, vying for victory in this high-stakes competition. From heart-stopping jumps to breathtaking displays of athleticism, this Grand Prix promises edge-of-your-seat excitement for spectators of all ages.
In addition to the thrilling competition, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with delicious food vendors, shopping opportunities, and entertainment for the whole family with musical talents by The Headwaters Duo. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable weekend outing, the $182,000 Southern Arches 4* Grand Prix is an event not to be missed!

Morning Birding Paddle with Grass River Natural Area
2024-06-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Grass River Road
Join Paddle Antrim and Grass River Natural Area for an unforgettable birding paddle adventure! Grab your paddleboard, kayak, or preferred watercraft and embark on a journey to explore the natural beauty and diverse birdlife of Grass River.
Led by Grass River’s knowledgeable education director and seasoned birder, this leisurely paddle will offer opportunities to identify birds and learn about the rich history of the area. Set aside one hour of your morning for this tranquil experience, beginning promptly at 8:00 AM from Willow Day Park.
Paddle Antrim welcomes paddlers of all ages and skill levels to join us for this enriching excursion. This approximately one-hour paddle is free of charge, and no prior registration is necessary. Please remember to bring your own watercraft, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD), ensuring safety on the water. As per Paddle Antrim’s safety protocols, all participants must wear their PFDs throughout the paddle. While participants of all ages are invited, minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Change of location!!!! Please go to grass river road end PARK: From Bellaire, drive south on M-88 just over 2 miles to grass river rd.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

Kids Kayaking Class - June 26 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM
2024-06-26 12:00 - 14:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Register Today!
Class will be held at River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
$35/person for two hours
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate/assist with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kayaking Essentials Class - June 26 | 2:30 - 5:30 PM
2024-06-26 14:30 - 17:30 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Class will be held at River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
This class teaches paddlers the basics for paddling all types of kayaks in a fun and safe way. You’ll learn about what kayaks work best for what conditions and other paddling best practices. Learn how to make the kayak go where you want it to go and basic safety skills needed on the water. You will have the opportunity to learn what to do when (not if) you end in the water, out of your boat. This class is great for beginners but anyone who has never received formal instruction will benefit.
Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$50/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kids Kayaking Class - June 27 | 11:00 - 1:00 PM
2024-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Class will be held at River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kids Kayaking Class - June 27 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM
2024-06-27 13:30 - 15:30 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States

Central Lake Community Paddle
2024-06-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Thurston Park, 7854 E Bradford St,, Central Lake, 49622
Grab your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing evening paddle out of Central Lake. This hour-long slow paddle will meet at Central Lake’s Thurston Park, near the pavilion at 6:30 pm and launch at 6:45 pm. We encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for our slow paddles. Community paddles last approximately one hour on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their own craft/boat, paddle, and pfd (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, pfds must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

Level 1 Intro to Kayaking Class - June 29 | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
2024-06-29 09:00 - 17:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Class will be held at River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
The Introduction to Kayaking (Level 1) skills course is an introductory program that will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and abilities to be safe and confident on the water. Topics covered include: personal and group equipment, on and off water safety and etiquette, safe launching and landing, strokes to maneuver your boat forward, backward, stopping, turning, and sideways, bracing to avoid capsize, controlled capsize and wet exit. Please bring a sack lunch and any snacks you will need.
Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Snacks

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$90/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kayaking Next Steps/Rescues - July 23 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2024-07-23 10:00 - 16:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Class will be held at River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!

This all-day class is for those who may have taken one of our Kayaking Essentials (or another class) and want to continue to work on their skills and learn new skills. We will go over basic stroke techniques including bracing and edging. We will work on rescue techniques including self rescues and t-rescues.
Because a portion of the day will be spent on rescues, a kayak with bulkheads in the bow and stern is necessary. Please contact us if you are in need of a kayak to use for the class prior to registering and we may be able to accommodate.
Bring:

Sea Kayak (one with a bow and stern bulkhead)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Pack lunch

Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water. Paddlers should dress to be in the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 14 and up
$80/person
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
Note: If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Kids Kayaking Class - July 24 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2024-07-24 11:00 - 13:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States

Kids Kayaking Class - July 24 | 1:30 - 3:30 PM
2024-07-24 13:30 - 15:30 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States

Native Plant Identification Community Paddle - St. Clair Lake-Six Mile Lake Natural Area
2024-07-24 18:00 - 19:30 | St. Clair Lake DNR Boat Access Site, 9400 6 mile lake Rd, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Grab your paddleboard, kayak or paddle craft of choice for an amazing evening paddle with Paddle Antrim and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) through the St. Clair Lake – Six Mile Lake Natural Area.
The paddle will begin at St. Clair Lake DNR Boat Access Site (9400 Six Mile Lake Road) at 6:00 pm to check in. At 6:15 pm GTRLC will give remarks and we will launch as a group at 6:30 pm. While we are out on the paddle GTRLC will help paddlers identify native plants.
The St. Clair Lake – Six Mile Lake Natural Area is a 255 acre preserve co-owned and co-managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Little Traverse Conservancy . Learn more here.
As with all Paddle Antrim community paddles, we encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us. These paddles last approximately one hour or so on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their own craft (kayak, canoe, or paddleboard), paddle, and pfd (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, pfds must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

Kids Kayaking Class - July 27 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2024-07-27 10:00 - 12:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States
Class will be held at River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
Register Today!
Our kids’ class is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of kayaking. Designed with fun and water safety as primary goals, we teach students through a variety of games and exploration. Our experienced, certified instructors teach basic skills with a goal to empower kids to be comfortable while out on the water. Classes are taught in traditional youth sized sea kayaks.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 4:1
Ages: 7-13
Cost: $35 per person for two hours

Class includes instruction and all necessary equipment. Limited partial scholarships are available, please contact us prior to registration for more information. If unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class. Participant’s parent/adult is welcome to participate with onshore activities.
REQUIREMENTS:

Kids must be comfortable in the water and being submerged. They will have a life jacket on at all times.
Parent/guardian must complete a waiver. It may be viewed and signed digitally here.
Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements.

What to Bring

Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if it is cool)
Water shoes, preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen

Kayaking Essentials Class - July 27 | 12:30 - 3:30 PM
2024-07-27 12:30 - 15:30 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States

Kayaking Essentials Class - July 31 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
2024-07-31 14:00 - 17:00 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States

Kids Kayaking Class - July 31 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM
2024-07-31 17:30 - 19:30 | River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49729, United States

Elk Rapids Harbor Days Community Paddle
2024-08-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Elk Rapids Rotary Park, 305 US-31, Elk Rapids, MI, 49629, United States
Grab your paddleboard, kayak or paddle craft of choice and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing evening paddle on the Elk River as a kick off to Elk Rapids Harbor Days. This hour long slow paddle will begin at Elk Rapid’s Rotary Park at 6:30 pm to check in and we will launch as a group at 6:45 pm. Paddle Antrim encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for these slow paddles. These paddles last approximately one hour on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required.
All paddlers must bring their own craft/boat, paddle, and pfd (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, pfds must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

Friday Night Live Traverse City
2024-08-09 18:00 - 21:00
We look forward to hosting a Paddle Antrim booth at the August 9 Friday Night Live in Traverse City!
Who: Fun for all ages
What: Friday Night Live is a perennial local favorite – a block party celebrating community and camaraderie to wind down the summer season. This FREE event features live music, nonprofit organizations providing interactive games, food and beverage vendors, and a variety of entertainment.
Where: Downton Traverse City on Front Street between Union Street and Park Street. Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Park and Union Streets.
When: August 9 | 6-9pm
Details: Come downtown to shop, eat, and enjoy the events taking place on Front Street. Enjoy this walkable event in summer’s third act.
Parking: Grandview Parkway is under construction. For information on where to park, click here. We recommend the Old Town parking structure ($1.25/hr.), with plentiful parking just a short walk away; Larry Hardy parking structure ($10 special event parking per entry) is also available. Metered parking is free after 6pm.

Community Paddlesport Leader Training
2024-08-14 09:00 - 2024-08-15 17:00 | Ellsworth River Park, 6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI, 49279, United States
Register Today
Class will be held at River Park (6625 Bridge St, Ellsworth, MI)
This two day workshop is designed to give leaders who engage with the broader paddling community training to provide safe, fun, paddling experiences at the entry level, that are not craft specific. Targeted applications could include community outreach programs, local clubs, parks, scouting programs, etc. In this course, you will be trained and assessed for Community Paddlesport Leader (CPL) certification.
Please come prepared with lunch, drinking water and appropriate clothing for immersion: quick dry layers (no cotton), a wetsuit if you have it and any kayaking gear of your own. Learn more about PSF and CPL Curriculum:

Paddlesport Safety Facilitator
Community Paddlesport Leader

Course Prerequisites

All participants must acknowledge personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) available at https://americancanoe.org/essential-eligibility-criteria/
Be a current American Canoe Association (ACA) Member
Hold a current ACA Level 1 Skills Assessment
Hold a Paddlesport Safety Facilitator (PSF) certification in chosen craft. NOTE: If you do not hold PSF certification, please sign up for our course on June 4th.

Bring:

Kayak (whatever you use is ok)
Paddle
Vest-style PFD (life jacket – inherently buoyant, no inflatables)
Clothes/rash guard that can get wet – polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc…. anything but cotton!
Fleece and raincoat (if cool weather)
Water shoes preferred over sandals. Must stay on feet, no flip flops.
Dry clothes to change into
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Snacks/Dinner

If you do not have a kayak, please contact us prior to registration and we may be able to accommodate. Life jackets must be worn at all times when out on the water.
All classes are taught by ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructors.
Maximum student: teacher ratio is 5:1
Ages: 18 and up
REQUIREMENTS:
– Participants must wear life jackets while on the water.
– Waivers are required. View and sign the waiver digitally here.
– Participants must meet the ACA eligibility requirements here.
If you are unable to attend, we can transfer your registration to another class. Refunds are only available if class is cancelled. If you are unable to attend, please contact us prior to your class about transferring your registration to another class.

Bellaire Community Paddle Sponsored by Short’s Brewing Company
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Richardi Park, 100 E Antrim St, Bellaire, MI, 49615, United States
Grab your paddleboard, kayak or paddle craft of choice and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing evening paddle on the Intermediate River as a lead up to Bellaire’s Rubber Ducky Festival & Race. This community paddle is sponsored by Short’s Brewing Company.
This hour long slow paddle on the Intermediate River will begin at Bellaire’s Richardi Park (100 E. Antrim St, Bellaire) at 6:30 pm to check in and we will launch promptly as a group at 6:45 pm. Paddle Antrim encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for these slow paddles. These paddles last approximately one hour on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their own craft/boat, paddle, and pfd (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, pfds must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.
Complete Waiver
To protect our waters, anytime you change waterways you should ALWAYS Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before joining us out on the water, we ask that you Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and gear. To wash your own boat, check out this link . We recently had New Zealand Mud Snails found in our waterways and hope everyone will do their part to protect our lakes/rivers.

Paddle Antrim Festival 2024
2024-09-12 09:00 - 2024-09-14 20:00
The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival, always the second weekend after Labor Day, includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. This choose your own adventure paddle provides the opportunity for you to paddle one or both days and decide how far to travel. There are exits strategically placed along the route so you may go anywhere from 7 miles to all 42 miles. More details and a link to register can be found on the Paddle Antrim Festival page

Paddle Antrim Festival Kick-Off Party
2024-09-12 17:30 - 19:30
Start the Paddle Antrim Festival off right at River Park in Ellsworth (6625 Bridge St) on Thursday night. This event is open to paddlers and the entire community. Join us for a relaxing evening with paddlers and community members. The Village of Ellsworth and the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce are bringing great live music and a local food truck. A Perfect way to kick off the weekend right!

To learn more about the Paddle Antrim Festival visit www.paddleantrim.com/paddle-antrim-festival/

Paddle Antrim Festival Final Bash
2024-09-14 15:00 - 20:00
Whether you’re paddling, spectating, or simply looking for a great way to spend a September Saturday, we’re excited to invite you to join us to celebrate with our Top Sponsor Short’s Brewing at their Pull Barn in Elk Rapids for the Paddle Antrim Festival Final Bash! After two days of paddling, we’ll be welcoming participants, families, and friends for food from Osorio Tacos y Salsa, beverages, fun outdoor games, and live music.

We look forward to seeing everyone for an excellent evening in Elk Rapids!

For more information on the Paddle Antrim Festival visit: https://www.paddleantrim.com/paddle-antrim-festival/
