Registration is open for the 2025 Adirondack Paddling Symposium, June 13-16 in Saranac Lake, NY.

Presented by NRS and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT), the Symposium is a comprehensive weekend of paddling instruction for beginners and intermediates, and includes course tracks for kayaks, pack boats, and canoes. The Harrietstown Town Hall in downtown Saranac Lake serves as the Symposium’s headquarters.

“Working with paddlers to help them develop their skills has been a joy for our team,” said NFCT Trustee Danny Mongno, who is also field marketing manager at NRS. “Our symposium is designed to help folks feel safe and confident on the water, maximizing their enjoyment and hopefully leading to more adventures.”

The Symposium begins on Friday, June 13, with introductions, meet-and-greet, gear outfitting, dinner, and evening programming. Additional instruction takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, with optional tours on Monday, June 16. Instruction takes place on land, in the pool at North Country Community College, and in area water bodies including Lower Saranac Lake, the Saranac River, Lake Colby, and Lake Flower.

The Adirondack Paddling Symposium is presented by NRS and the NFCT and sponsored by Aqua-Bound, Bending Branches, Wenonah and Werner Paddles. Community partners include the Town of Harrietstown, Celebrate Paddling ADK, Explore Adirondack Frontier and Bitters & Bones. Additional support is provided by local outfitters and retailers: Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery, Raquette River Outfitters, and Hornbeck Boats.

For more information, including registration, details on lodging, courses, gear rentals, and more, visit adirondackpaddlingsymposium.com or contact Danny Mongno at 518-524-4117 or info@adkpaddlingsymposium.com.

The Adirondack Paddling Symposium takes place during Celebrate Paddling ADK, a month-long festival featuring presentations and discussions at local establishments, river cleanups, and paddling activities on nearby waters. To learn more and for a full schedule of activities, visit celebratepaddlingadk.com.

About NRS

Since 1972, NRS has been dedicated to providing the equipment, expertise, and inspiration that empowers adventure on the water. To learn more, visit nrs.com.

About the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is a nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes the 740-mile water trail that runs from Old Forge, NY, to Fort Kent, Maine, and connects New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. The trail showcases the mix of landscapes and communities currently lining the traditional routes used by Indigenous peoples, settlers, and guides. It is the longest in-land water trail in the nation and consists of 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes and ponds, 45 communities, and 65 portages. To learn more, visit northernforestcanoetrail.org.