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 initiatives, we organize river stewardship events to remove invasive water chestnut plants from local rivers.Our Partners
All Out AdventuresHolyoke Rows
Upcoming Activities
Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.
Flatwater Padding on the Connecticut River
Join us for a scenic 7-mile paddle on the Connecticut River starting at Barton Cove in Gill, MA. We will paddle upstream about 3.5 miles to the French King Bridge and explore the confluence with the Millers River. There will be a lunch stop on the shore.Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville
Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Join LGBTQ+ people to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. We're calling this TGIF! — Thank Gays It's Fife! Float down the river in your preferred vessel: kayak, standup paddleboard, inner tube, canoe, inflatable rainbow unicorn, or whatever your heart desires. No prior training required!Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville
Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville
Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Join LGBTQ+ people to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. We're calling this TGIF! — Thank Gays It's Fife! Float down the river in your preferred vessel: kayak, standup paddleboard, inner tube, canoe, inflatable rainbow unicorn, or whatever your heart desires. No prior training required!Park, Practice and Play at T-Ville
Join us for an evening of friendly, low-pressure whitewater skill-building on the Farmington River, based at Mill Wave (Tariffville section). This is a "park & play" style session, meaning we'll stay in the same area to practice moves repeatedly, get feedback if you want it, and build confidence and muscle memory. No shuttling cars will be necessary.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.
PAULA CHAMPAGNE
JEANNETTE PIERCE
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT
The Women of Paddling
The Western MA Chapter is blessed to have strong female leaders within its volunteer ranks. These women lead and participate in paddling trips all over the world, from Maine's Allagash River to the Connecticut River and north to Canada. Paddling in a group is a bonding experience you'll never forget. To learn more – about joining a paddling trip or becoming a paddling leader – contact the paddling committee. READ MORE »Resources
- Paddling »Contact our committee
- AMC Trip Policy (PDF) »Information for participants
- AMC Activity Rating System »Difficulty levels for paddling
- National River Levels and Flow Forecasts »
- Deerfield River Release Schedule »
- Westfield River System »
- International Scale of River Difficulty »
- River Gauges »
- Beginner Resources »The basics for newbies
- American Canoe Association »Begin your adventure
- Connecticut River Conservancy »Protecting clean water
- Connecticut River Paddlers Trail »Paddle through the heart of New England
- Quiet Water »100 spectacular out-of-the-way waterways