Paddle Antrim Festival

Thursday

• 5:30 pm-7:30 pm – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) – Paddler Check-in, boat drop off, and boat wash station open.
• 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) – Kick off Party hosted by the Village of Ellsworth

Friday

• 8:30 am-9:30 am – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) – Paddler Check-in. Breakfast will be available to those who purchased with registration.
• 9:30 am – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.) – Safety brief. All paddlers must be in attendance.
• 9:45 am – Launch!
• Central Lake’s Thurston Park (7854 Bradford St)  – Lunch for paddlers who purchased during registration.
• 1:15 – All paddlers who intend to paddle to Bellaire must be past the Central Lake Checkpoint.
• 2:00 pm -5:00 pm – Short’s Beer Garden (118 N Bridge St., Bellaire) – Block Party at Short’s Beer Garden. Saturday only paddlers may check-in and pick up packets during the Block Party.  

Saturday

• 7:00 am -7:45 am – Ohio Street Launch (google directions) – Paddler Check-in. Breakfast for those who purchased with registration.
• 7:45 am – Ohio Street Launch – Safety brief. All paddlers must attend, even those who paddled Friday.
• 8:00 am – Launch! We will launch paddlers who are going past checkpoint 1 first. A bagged lunch will be provided for paddlers who purchased it during registration (please have a drybag to store until you are ready to eat).
• 3:30 pm – After 3:30 pm paddlers must exit at the next checkpoint they come to.
• 3:00-8:00 – Final Bash – hosted  by our top sponsor – Short’s Brewing Company at their Pull Barn in Elk Rapids (211 Industrial Park) – Join us for a great celebration!

Register Today!

Shuttle Service

Shuttle service is for people, not boats. It’s now included with all registrations! When you sign up, tell us where you’ll finish paddling. That’s where you leave your vehicle on paddle day (see times/locations below). Shuttles will take you to the launch, so your vehicle’s ready when you’re done. Remember to drop off your boat/gear at the launch before taking the shuttle. Select your shuttle spot when you register to guarantee seating.

DAY 1:

Checkpoint 2: Richardi Park parking lot (100 E Antrim St.) – 8:30 am you may need to park along street

Checkpoint 1: Central Lake Thurston Park Pavilion near playground (Pavilion on State St)  – 8:45 am – parking is along street

DAY 2:

Checkpoint 4: Elk Rapids Rotary Park (305 US-31) – 6:30 am – Park in parking lot by Swan Statue (not launch)

Checkpoints 2 & 3 : Torch River Bridge DNR Parking lot  – 6:45 am – Recreation Passport required

Checkpoint 1: Dockside Restaurant ( 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr, Bellaire)– 6:45 am– Park in spaces away from restaurant and water, along roadway

Register Today!

Meal Options

Meals are an option for registrations made before September 2nd. 

Don’t want to worry about meals? No problem! Breakfast and lunches can be provided but must be added during registration. If you don’t register for meals, make sure to bring enough food to replace all those calories you burn while paddling, there aren’t places along the route to grab food. 

Friday Breakfast – $10 – Burritos (veggie and meat option) and coffee will be available.  

Friday Lunch – $12 – Turkey Wrap or Veggie Wrap. Sides: Italian pasta salad and chocolate chip cookie.  Gluten free/vegan option available +$2.

Saturday Breakfast – $10 – Bagel Sandwiches: Vegetarian (everything bagel with egg, tomato, avocado spread & provolone cheese) or  Meat (plain bagel with ham, egg & cheddar cheese). Coffee will be available. 

Saturday Lunch – $12 – Turkey Wrap  or Veg Wrap  Sides: Trail mix, apple, chocolate chip cookie. Gluten free/vegan option available +$2.

Saturday lunches will be provided at the beginning launch to eat along the route. Please bring a dry bag (or large ziplock) to keep your lunch dry.

Lodging

Check out our lodging section for great places to stay. Many of these local businesses offer great specials to paddlers during the event.  

Equipment and Rental Accessories

Check out our outfitters section to find out where you can rent a boat locally or pick up any last minute paddling supplies. Paddles and Pedals in Bellaire is the only rental place locally we are aware of who has boats which meet our safety requirements to go past Checkpoint 1 on Day 2. 

Boat Wash Station

We will have a mobile boat washing station at check-in on Day 1. In an effort to safeguard against invasive species, Paddle Antrim is requiring that either:

1. A) Participants have their paddle crafts and equipment washed and inspected at the check-in by staff and mobile boat washing unit. OR
2. B) assure with officials at registration that their watercraft and equipment have not been in another body of water for 10 or more days. OR
3. C) their watercraft and equipment have been power washed with hot water.

Overnight Security

To help make logistics easier, Paddle Antrim provides overnight security at the launches for those who would prefer to leave their paddle craft overnight. Security will allow individuals to drop off but no one will be allowed to remove anything.  Paddle Antrim is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items.

1. HAVE FUN!
2. All participants must be 18 years or older and in proper physical condition to participate.
3. All types of (non-motorized) kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and surfskis will be allowed for Day 1 (Friday) and also Day 2 (Saturday) up to Checkpoint 1 (Dockside – 9 miles). All crafts must exit at Dockside unless the criteria below (#4) is met.
4. To paddle Saturday past Dockside (9 miles), your paddle craft must be one of the following. Each craft will be inspected for compliance, please feel free to contact us if you have questions on your specific boat.
   A. A kayak with water-tight bulkheads in the bow and the stern and a minimum length of 12 feet (example photo). Positive secured flotation is allowed in lieu of bulkheads  but may be subject to demonstrating ability to displace enough water to complete a deep-water re-entry. (For flotation bag examples, click here)
   B. A sit on top kayak with a minimum length of 12 feet.
   C. A surfski with a minimum length of 12 feet. A boat leash is required.
   D. A paddle board with a minimum length of 12 feet. A leash is required.
5. A US Coast Guard approved inherently buoyant vest-style personal flotation device (PFD, i.e. life jacket) must be properly worn at all times. No inflatable or belt style life jackets are allowed.
6. PADDLER SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US! A whistle, flares, or other signaling device is required. We recommend paddlers have the ability to do some form of kayak remount or self-rescue. Spray skirts are recommended but only if you are skilled in doing a wet exit while wearing one. Paddlers should never paddle alone, especially in large or rough bodies of water.
7. All paddlers must attend the safety briefing prior to the paddle and follow the designated course.
8. No alcohol, marijuana, or other substances will be allowed on the water.  Paddlers who consume alcohol, marijuana or other substances, before or during, including at checkpoints, will not be allowed to continue.  
9. No pets or loud music are allowed.
10. Paddle Antrim reserves the right to change the route or remove any paddler from the event due to any safety concerns. 
11. Canceled registrations made by August 11 are eligible for an 85% refund. Registrations canceled between  August 12 – September 2 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after September 2. Transfers of registrations to another individual may be requested at any time 

Register Today!

2025 REGISTRATION DEADLINES 

• Register by August 11 at 11:59 pm to guarantee festival t-shirt size 
• After August 11th – registration price increases
• Registration closes on September 8 at 11:59 pm
• Tandem paddlers please note: each individual participant must complete their own registration. 

Registration includes:

• Two days of paddling a beautiful water trail with amazing people
• Three community events with music for swapping stories with new and old friends
• Shuttle service each day making sure your car is where you end up
• 2024 Paddle Antrim Festival t-shirt
• 2024 Festival Sticker
• 2024 Festival Boat Number
• Motorized boats & support paddlers along the route
• Paid security to watch boats overnight (Thursday & Friday nights)
• Boat portage from Richardi Park to Ohio Street launch (end of Day 1 to start of Day 2)
• Restrooms and water at each checkpoint
• Complimentary Short’s Brewing Company beer at Bellaire Block Party
• Complimentary Short’s Brewing Company beverage at the Final Bash
• Emergency shuttle availability…because things happen
• A great time both on and off the water!

Day 1 Map

Day 2 Map

Paddling Route

Friday:  Begin in Ellsworth and travel 7 miles through four small lakes to the first checkpoint in Central Lake, a great spot to get out and stretch. For those who continue, it’s another 8 miles through Intermediate Lake to Bellaire.  Time to complete the entire route averages 4-7 hours.

Saturday: Begin in Bellaire  and travel 9 miles to the first checkpoint, Dockside Restaurant’s Beach. For those whose boat meets the additional criteria, you can continue and travel up to 27 miles to Elk Rapids.  There are 2 additional checkpoints along the way (#2 Torch River Bridge at 17 miles & #3 Chippewa Trail at 21 miles) where paddlers can end their day to make it a perfect adventure for them.  To complete the entire route, paddlers must stay focused and paddling averages 8-10 hours to complete the entire route, depending on ability and conditions.  The first 9 miles are calmer waters but after the first checkpoint the route includes larger lakes and a lake crossing which requires a higher skill level.  Choose the best adventure for you and your ability and feel free to end your paddle at any checkpoint, this is not a race!

Possible Paddling Experiences

These paddling experiences are just to give you an idea of the possibilities this event can provide and we encourage paddlers to choose the experience that is right for them. Paddlers should always paddle with someone and can always exit at any checkpoint along the route.  Whichever day or route is chosen, paddlers can participate in the local events all weekend long.

Beginner: For new paddlers or those looking for a shorter relaxed route, consider registering for Friday and exiting the first checkpoint in Central Lake for a total of 7 miles. Note: For many recreational paddle boarders, 7 miles will be a long distance. 

Intermediate: Both days offer great intermediate routes. On Friday, the entire 15 mile route is considered an intermediate level paddle. On Saturday, paddling to the first checkpoint (9 miles) is a great intermediate route. After the first checkpoint, your boat must meet the additional criteria and you should consider the day’s conditions as waves are common once going past the first checkpoint and entering Torch Lake.

Advanced: The entire 42 miles over the two days is no small feat and the names of all those who complete the entire route are recognized on the “Hall of Fame”. On Day 2, after mile 9, paddlers can expect waves and wind for the remaining paddle, which includes a lake crossing for the final six miles. Crafts going past 9 miles on Day 2 MUST meet the additional requirements outlined in the rules.  Paddlers should have self-rescue skills and proper safety equipment not limited to: flotation/airtight bulkheads, bilge pump, paddle float, spray skirt with wet exit experience, and a signaling device.

Kickoff Party

Thursday – Ellsworth River Park – 5:30-7:30 pm – Drop off your boat, check-in and stay to enjoy a relaxing evening with fellow paddlers hosted by the Village of Ellsworth.  There will be food and live music. 

Block Party

Friday – Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden – 2:00-5:00 pm – After paddling, paddlers are invited to join us at Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden just a short walk or drive from Richardi Park. Paddlers will enjoy (1) complimentary Short’s beer or NA beverage and snacks will be provided. Additional food will be available for purchase. 

Final Bash

Saturday – Elk Rapids – 3:00 – 8:00 pm – Whether you paddled hard, helped someone else paddle, or if you just enjoy a good time, join us for the Final Bash on Saturday at Short’s Brewing Company‘s Pull Barn (211 Industrial Park Rd, Elk Rapids). With great brews and live music, it is a perfect end to a great weekend. Grab some food from the available food trucks, enjoy some yard games and celebrate with new and old friends. 

Looking for Paddle Antrim gear or a map of the water trail?

Go to: https://www.paddleantrim.com/shop/

Short’s Brewing Company is the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Paddle Antrim Festival. 

Thank you to all of our amazing 2024 Wavemaker sponsors! Their sponsorship is key to being able to host such an amazing event and raise money to protect our waterways! Please take a moment to thank these great folks for making this all happen!

2024 Wavemaker Listing

Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers. Executing this festival takes a village and we wouldn’t be able to do it without your help.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please take a moment to fill out our Volunteer Form or contact us at info@paddleantrim.com

Click below to see our great photos from past Paddle Antrim Festivals

View Photos

Thursday

Kick-Off Party and Friday Launch – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.)

Friday

Checkpoint 1 /Lunch Stop – Central Lake Thurston Park Pavilion near playground (Pavilion on State St) 

Block Party / Day 1 Checkpoint 2 – Richardi Park parking lot (100 E Antrim St.)

Saturday

Launch – Ohio Street Launch 

Checkpoint 1-  Dockside Restaurant ( 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr, Bellaire)

Checkpoints 2 & 3 parking-  Torch River Bridge DNR

Checkpoint 3 (no parking – if exiting at this check point, paddlers will need to be picked up or take the emergency shuttle to their car at Torch River Bridge DNR) – Chippewa Trail 

Checkpoint 4-  Elk Rapids Rotary Park (305 US-31)

Final Bash – Short’s Brewing Company’s Pull Barn (211 Industrial Park Rd, Elk Rapids)

Still looking for more information? Click below to read the Paddle Antrim Festival’s frequently asked questions.

Read FAQs