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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.

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking

Location: Tilton, NH
Date: 10‑May‑2025 ➢ 11‑May‑2025
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Ann Gillard will lead an introduction to whitewater clinic May 10-11, 2025 with Hampshire College. We will start in the pool on Saturday morning, learning about boats, equipment, and fit, how to safely exit a capsized kayak, and basic paddle strokes and maneuvers. In the afternoon, we will either continue in the pool OR travel to a class 1-2 river within 90 minutes to practice river skills (ferrying, eddying out, peeling out) on easier water, based on the needs and interests of the group. On Sunday, we will meet at a class 1-2 river and enjoy a river run.
Rivers will be selected based on flows appropriate for beginner whitewater kayakers. Possibilities include Satan's Kingdom or the upper Tariffville section of the Farmington River in CT, or the Shunpike or upper Fife sections of the Deerfield River in MA.
Bring your lunch both days, water bottle, sunscreen, bathing suit or swimwear, any medications, a great attitude, and willingness to get wet. Kayaking gear (boat, paddle, skirt, pfd, helmet, splash top, wetsuit, booties) is available to borrow.

Fife Brook Section of the Deerfield River, Class 2 Whitewater

Location: Florida, MA
Date: 18‑May‑2025
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This trip will run the upper Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River. It will start immediately below the dam and end above the Zoar Gap rapid.

Trails Day Paddle on Cheshire Reservoir

Location: Cheshire, MA
Date: 07‑Jun‑2025
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We will be paddling on the Cheshire Reservoir middle basin alongside the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. This 500 acre reservoir is shallow (6-9 ft deep), mostly undeveloped, and has wildlife viewing opportunities. We plan to paddle in the morning for 2.5-3 hours at a leisurely pace to explore the reservoir. Then there will be an option to go for ice cream after the paddle at Diane's Twist on Main St. by the rail trail in Cheshire.
Paddlers should bring their own boat, paddle, and PFD, but a local outfitter can deliver rental boats to the reservoir with prior arrangements - email leaders if you need a rental. Some prior paddling experience is expected, and we can accommodate those with minor mobility limitations.
PFDs (lifejackets) must be worn at all times while on the water, and participants must stay together with the leaders. Bring drinking water, clothing to keep you warm and comfortable even if damp, and shoes that can get wet.
You may be contacted once you register and asked a few screening questions about your experience and the boat you will bring. Once confirmed, you will be sent more detailed information including the starting time.

Paddling Instruction at Barton Cove - Strokes and Safety

Location: Gill, MA
Date: 05‑Jul‑2025
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Paddling instruction class offered for beginners and those who have been paddling but without prior formal instruction. Also suitable for those who want to brush up on their paddling and safe boating skills. Participants will be given instruction on land initially, then together we will venture into the cove. This class will be led by AMC Western MA paddle leaders who have been trained as paddling instructors by the American Canoe Association. The day will include instruction and practice in the basic paddle strokes (forward and reverse strokes, turns using sweep strokes or rudders, draw strokes for lateral travel) and a paddle trip around the cove. Paddling games on the water will reinforce skills.
Barton Cove in Gill, MA offers calm flat water with parking, boat rentals and picnic facilities. A beautiful rocky peninsula jutting into the Connecticut River separates the cove from the busier main river.
Participants may bring their own kayak or solo canoe, or rent at a reduced rate at Barton Cove - rental kayaks are 12' Pungos and include paddle and lifejacket (PFD). Cost is $10 for those with their own equipment and $30 to include group rental arranged by AMC.
We plan to spend most of the day on the water - dress for the weather and be prepared to get wet (swimming optional but encouraged for rescue skill practice). Bring a hat and sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, lunch, and snacks.
Participants may leave in early afternoon or can opt for additional instruction until 4 pm (bracing, rescue skills, re-entering a kayak from the water). Emphasis is on safety throughout the program with discussion of weather, water conditions, group communication, and capsize recovery. Wearing a PFD is required at all times while on the water. Children 12-18 accepted if accompanied on the water by a guardian.

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.
Executive 20s/30s A.T. Management Bicycling Communications Community Engagement Conservation Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling Training and Education
Kayakers running rapids
  PAULA CHAMPAGNE
Kayak on the beach
  JEANNETTE PIERCE
Woman in a canoe
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 »
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