Paddling Committee

The Paddling Committee organizes quietwater and whitewater canoeing and kayaking trips. We love to get people on the water, and can provide instruction for new paddlers. We are blessed to have a variety of places to paddle in our region from quiet ponds to larger lakes, mellow rivers and whitewater rivers. The Connecticut River offers long and short paddle trips and even water-accessible campsites. Please read the AMC Trip Policy (PDF) before joining a trip.

Whitewater Paddling

Whitewater paddling means canoeing and kayaking on moving water with rocks, waves, and other features. We paddle local rivers such as the Deerfield which is dam controlled and allows for whitewater paddling April through October. We are happy to have new paddlers join us on some of our easier trips. Whitewater training is available through local whitewater schools such as Zoar Outdoor or through the AMC's whitewater training programs lead by other AMC chapters. We sometimes sponsor a day-long whitewater kayak clinic with Zoar Outdoor – check the trip schedule for this and other whitewater events.

Quietwater Paddling

"Quietwater" paddling means scenic canoeing or kayaking on lakes, ponds, and gentle rivers. Western Massachusetts has some splendid rivers and lakes for quietwater paddling. We'll take you there, and we can even help provide you with a boat and gear. We teach the basics of boating safety and effective paddling at our annual instructional program. Our quietwater trips are listed in the trip schedule. Sign up for the quietwater discussion list. For questions or information email us.

River Stewardship

We educate paddlers on water quality and identification of invasive species. In conjunction with AMC's Conservation Committee, we organize river stewardship events to remove invasive water chestnut plants from local rivers.

Our Partners

All Out Adventures
Holyoke Rows

Activity Schedule

All activities are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions or water levels. Check activities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet shown here. Not all activities may be posted yet.