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 AdventuresHolyoke Rows
Upcoming Activities
Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.
Introduction to Canoe Camping
Have you ever wondered what canoe campers know about which gear and food to pack and how to pack it for a trip in a canoe? How is canoe camping different from car camping or backpacking? Where can you go camping by way of a canoe? And, for how long? On January 18, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM in Concord, NH, the Canoe Committee of the AMC NH Paddlers will host a workshop for those paddlers interested in moving into camping with a canoe and answer all those basic questions.AMC 150 Westfield River Class 1 Paddle
For this leg of the AMC 150 Relay, join Deb and Dawne for a 5 or 12 mile paddle trip down the Westfield River from Russell to Westfield or West Springfield, MA. Our leg will link a celebration at AMC;s Noble View Outdoor Center the day before with a leg of the New England Trail the day after. We start with a car spot, then paddle through swiftwater currents with occasional river obstacles that require maneuvering - exact conditions will depend on river flow. The 5-mile leg ends at Whitney Field in Westfield, with 12 mile paddlers portaging around the Westfield dam (wheeled portage possible), and ending with a 200-yard portage at the Robinson State Park take-out in West Springfield. Safety boaters with whitewater experience are encouraged to join.AMC 150 Connecticut River Paddle, Hatfield to Northampton, MA
Join the Western MA Chapter and All Out Adventures for a 12-mile flatwater paddle on the Connecticut River from Hatfield downriver to the Oxbow in Northampton, with a shorter 6-mile option available. This scenic flatwater paddle is rated moderate because of the distance, though we will have some current to help us along. Expect to see bald eagles, geese, ducks, herons, and maybe beaver or otters. Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome.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