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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

Upcoming Activities

Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.

Morning Paddle at Russell Pond

Location: Russell, MA
Date: 30‑Sep‑2023
Register »
Enjoy a morning of paddling on Russell Pond before the #AMCFallFest barbeque and activities at Noble View. Beginner and intermediate paddlers welcome, and children over 10 if accompanied on the water by a parent.
Swimming ability required of all participants. Canoes and kayaks are available from the H.A. Moses Scout Reservation, or you may bring your own boat and equipment, paddle and PFD. Instruction in basic paddle strokes available if requested. Please notify leaders if you plan to borrow a boat.
Bring drinking water, clothing to keep you warm and comfortable even if damp, and shoes that can get wet. Also have a complete change of clothes, towel, and shoes for each person in your car in case you are damp at the end of the trip. PFD's (lifejackets) must be worn at all times while on the water and participants must stay in a group with an AMC leader.
The trip meets at the pond at 9:30 am and concludes by 12:30 pm, in time for lunch at Noble View. Directions to the meeting location will be sent via email the week before the trip. After the paddle, we encourage all participants to transfer to AMC's Noble View Outdoor Center for lunch, as well as additional programs and activities offered by volunteers from AMC's Western MA chapter. Plus, explore the Noble View grounds and learn more about the many all-season activities you can enjoy at this beautiful outdoor recreation and lodging facility!

Moonlight Paddle at Russell Pond

Location: Russell, MA
Date: 30‑Sep‑2023
Register »
Experience a leisurely moonlight paddle on Russell Pond after the #AMCFallFest activities at Noble View. Prior paddling experience and swimming ability required of all participants. Canoes, kayaks and necessary equipment are available from the H. A. Moses Scout Reservation, or you may bring your own boat, paddle and PFD. Glow sticks provide for the ends of each boat, but bring your own headlamp as well.
The moon rises at 7:18 pm. We will meet at 5:45 pm at the pond and plan to be on the water before dark (which occurs about 6:30-7:00 pm) and then wait for moonrise. We will paddle without significant artificial light after the moon is up. The trip will conclude about 8:30 pm.
Cloudy or rainy weather cancels. Registration is required, and please notify the leaders if you plan to borrow a boat from the scout reservation. Directions to the meeting location will be sent via email the week before the trip.
Bring a headlamp, drinking water, clothing to keep you warm and comfortable even if damp, and shoes that can get wet. Also have a complete change of clothes, towel, and shoes for each person in your car in case you are damp at the end of the trip. PFD's (lifejackets) must be worn at all times while on the water and participants must stay in a group with an AMC leader.
We encourage all participants to enjoy #AMCFallFest earlier in the day at the nearby Noble View Outdoor Center with programs and activities offered by volunteers from AMC's Western MA chapter. Plus, explore the Noble View grounds and learn more about the many all-season activities you can enjoy at this beautiful outdoor recreation and lodging facility!

Activity Schedule

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