Paddle Antrim Festival

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Schedule of Events:

Friday

Festival Prep Paddling Classes

12:00 – 2:00  pm – Festival Prep: Paddling Strokes ($45 registration add-on)
2:30 – 5:00 pm –  Basic Rescue Skills ($55 registration add-on)

Kick-off Party & Expo hosted by the Village of Ellsworth 

Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.)

2:00 – 7:00 pm 

• Paddle Expo
• Boat demos
• Paddler Check-in, boat drop off, and boat wash station open.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• NA Happy Hour
• Live music
• Food truck

SATURDAY – DAY 1

Paddler Check-in | 8:00 – 9:00 am – Ellsworth River Park (Google Directions)

• Packet pick-up
• Breakfast & coffee will be available to those who purchased with registration.
• Hydration station (bring your own refillable water bottle)

Safety Brief | 9:00 am – Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.)

• All paddlers must be in attendance.

Full Group Launch!  | 9:15 am 

Central Lake 7 mile Finish Line/Checkpoint 1 | 10:30 am – 1:00 PM – Thurston Park (7854 Bradford St)

• Lunch pick-up for paddlers who purchased during registration.
• Pavilion with picnic tables to eat purchased or sack lunch
• Hydration station
• Recovery Snacks
• Restrooms

At 12:45 pm all paddlers who intend to paddle to Bellaire must be past the Central Lake Checkpoint

*Paddlers participating in Day 2 can choose to have their boats portaged to Ohio Street Launch (Day 2 launch location)

Richardi Park Finish Line  | 12:30 – 4:00 PM – Richardi Park by the sandy beach

• Cheer on fellow paddlers
• Hydration Station
• Recovery Snacks
• Restrooms

*Paddlers participating in Day 2 can choose to have their boats portaged to Ohio Street Launch (Day 2 launch location). Overnight security provided. 

Short’s Beer Garden Party | 2:00 – 6:00 pm – Short’s Beer Garden (118 N Bridge St, Bellaire) 

• Paddle Antrim merch available for purchase
• Live music
• Local brews
• Food available for purchase

Sunday only paddlers may check-in and pick up packets during the Block Party.  

SUNDAY – DAY 2

• SUNDAY NOTE: To enter Torch Lake on Saturday (passing Dockside), your paddle craft must be one of the following. A sit on top kayak with a minimum length of 12 feet.
• A surfski with a minimum length of 12 feet. A boat leash is required.
• A paddle board with a minimum length of 12 feet. A leash is required.
• A kayak with water-tight bulkheads in the bow and the stern and a minimum length of 12 feet. 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.
• Each craft will be inspected for compliance, please feel free to contact us if you have questions on your specific boat. 
• If you plan to go the full 42 miles you must pass Torch River Bridge DNR Access site before 2:30 pm.

Paddler Check-in | 6:15 – 7:45 am – Ohio Street Launch (google directions)

• Breakfast & lunch pick-up for those who purchased with registration.

Safety Brief  1 – Paddlers going beyond Checkpoint 1 onto Torch Lake | 7:15 am

• All paddlers must attend, even those who paddled Friday

Launch 1: Paddlers going beyond Checkpoint 1 onto Torch Lake | 7:30 am 

Safety Brief 2: Paddlers ending at Checkpoint 1 (Dockside Beach) | 7:45 am

•  All paddlers must attend, even those who paddled Friday

Launch 2: Paddlers ending at Checkpoint 1 (Dockside Beach) | 8:00 am

Dockside Beach Finish Line/Checkpoint 1  | 9:30 am – 12:30 PM 

• Hydration station
• Refueling snacks
• Restrooms
• Dockside Restaurant open at 10 am for spectators and paddlers 

All paddlers who intend to paddle into Torch Lake must leave before 12:30 pm from Dockside beach. 

Torch River Bridge Finish Line/Checkpoint 2 | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

• Hydration station
• Refueling snacks
• Restrooms

All paddlers who intend to paddle into past Torch River Bridge must leave by 2:15 pm

Elk Rapids Rotary Park Finish Line | 12:00 – 4:30 pm

• Hydration station
• Refueling snacks
• Restrooms

**After 3:00 pm paddlers must exit at the next checkpoint they come to.**

FINAL BASH  – Join us for a great celebration! | 2:00 -7:00 pm

Hosted  by our top sponsor – Short’s Brewing Company

Short’s Pull Barn in Elk Rapids (211 Industrial Park)

• Paddle Antrim merch available for purchase
• Live music
• Local brews
• Food available for purchase
• Closing ceremony with Paddle Antrim’s Executive Director at 5:00 pm – 42 mile hall of fame recognition, five/ten year participant recognition

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Shuttle Service

Shuttle service is for people, not boats. Shuttles are included with all registrations!

Paddlers will leave their vehicles at their end point each day (see times/locations below). Shuttles will pick you up and 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: 8:00 am – Richardi Park parking lot (100 E Antrim St.) – you may need to park along street

Checkpoint 1: 8:15 am –  Central Lake Thurston Park Pavilion near playground (Pavilion on State St)  –  parking is along street

DAY 2:

Checkpoint 3: 6:00 am – Elk Rapids Rotary Park (305 US-31) – Park in parking lot by Swan Statue (not launch)

Checkpoints 2: 6:15 am –  Torch River Bridge DNR Parking lot   – Recreation Passport required

Checkpoint 1: 7:00 am Dockside Restaurant ( 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr, Bellaire)– Park in spaces away from restaurant and water, along roadway

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Meal Options

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

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. 

Saturday Breakfast – Burritos (veggie and meat option) and coffee will be available.  

Saturday Lunch  – Wrap with sides (meat and veggie option) – Gluten free/vegan option available +$2.

Sunday Breakfast  – Bagel Sandwiches (meat and veggie option). Coffee will be available. 

Sunday Lunch – Wrap with sides (meat and veggie option) 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 10 are eligible for an 85% refund. Registrations canceled between  August 11 – September 1 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after September 1. Transfers of registrations to another individual may be requested at any time 

Register Today!

REGISTER TODAY!

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
• Paddle Antrim Festival t-shirt
• Festival Sticker
• Festival Boat Number
• Motorized boats & support paddlers along the route
• Paid security to watch boats overnight (both 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

Day 1:  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.

Day 2: 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 is 1 additional checkpoints along the way (#2 Torch River Bridge at 17 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 Day 1 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 Day 1, the entire 15 mile route is considered an intermediate level paddle. On Day 2, 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.

REGISTER TODAY!

Kickoff Party & Expo

Hosted by the Village of Ellsworth 

Ellsworth River Park (6625 Bridge St.)

2:00 – 7:00 pm 

• Paddle Expo
• Boat demos
• Paddler Check-in, boat drop off, and boat wash station open.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

• NA Happy Hour
• Live music
• Food truck

Block Party

Saturday – Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden – 2:00-6:00 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  beverage and snacks will be provided. Additional food will be available for purchase. 

Final Bash

Sunday– Elk Rapids – 2:00 – 7:00 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 and Great Lakes Sports Commission are the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Paddle Antrim Festival. 

2026 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

Friday

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

Saturday

7 Mile Finish line and Checkpoint 1 /Lunch Stop – Central Lake Thurston Park Pavilion near playground (Pavilion on State St) 

15 Mile Finish Line/ Checkpoint 2 – Richardi Park parking lot (100 E Antrim St.)

Day 1 Celebration – Short’s Bellaire Beer Garden 

Sunday

Launch – Ohio Street Launch 

9 mile Finish Line/Checkpoint 1-  Dockside Restaurant ( 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr, Bellaire)

17 Mile Finish Line /Checkpoint 2 parking-  Torch River Bridge DNR

27 Mile finish line/ Checkpoint 3-  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