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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 initiatives, 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.

National Trails Day: Cheshire Reservoir Morning Paddle

Location: Cheshire, MA
Date: 06‑Jun‑2026
Register »
Join the Western MA Chapter in celebration of National Trails Day. The day starts with a small gathering of hikers, paddlers, and trail workers at Diane's Twist on the rail trail in Cheshire, MA, for some treats and social time. At 9:00 AM we'll head by car to the Cheshire Reservoir causeway and launch our boats into the North Basin. This is a quiet body of water with a few small islands (think perching eagles or ospreys) and an area of marsh (think green and great blue herons and many ducks).
We'll explore the reservoir at a leisurely pace. About noon we'll finish up our paddle and those who wish can return to Diane's Twist for ice cream and a wrap up of our Trail Days celebration.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Paddle Leader Training on Cheshire Reservoir

Location: Cheshire, MA
Date: 06‑Jun‑2026
Register »
This half-day training is for prospective AMC paddling leaders who have completed the Outdoor Leader Fundamentals training and are ready for further leader training specific to paddling safety and group management. Both whitewater and flatwater leaders-in-training are welcome. We will be in a flatwater environment on the Cheshire Reservoir but can simulate whitewater scenarios to some extent and explore the decision-make process in various paddling environments.
We will start with a paddling warm up and practice teaching good stroke techniques. We will practice giving pre-trip talks describing water features, hazards, and group communication. The main part of the afternoon will be acting out and discussing scenarios that might challenge a paddling leader. We will also practice skills such as boat rescues, throw bags, and towing as time allows.
Come with your boat, paddle, PFD, drinking water, snack, and normal paddling garb and gear. There may be swimming options in some scenarios for those who choose to do so. Most of all, come ready to share and learn from each other. The leaders will be in touch with each participant prior to the trip to gauge prior paddling and leading experience so the day can be most beneficial to all.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

Paddling Instruction at Barton Cove: Strokes and Safety

Location: Gill, MA
Date: 07‑Jun‑2026
Register »
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. 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 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.
Refer to the registration page for more information.

[LGBTQ+] Pride Day on the River Dryway Run

Location: Monroe, MA
Date: 14‑Jun‑2026
Register »
Join LGBTQ+ people and enjoy the Dryway section (class 3-4) of the Deerfield River in northwest Massachusetts. This is not a step up trip. Please have a solid roll in moving water, successful experiences on New England class 4 rivers and/or the Dryway. Contact the trip leader to discuss if you're unsure. Bring your own gear.
We will put on shortly after the dam starts releasing and do a slow, leisurely lap. Contact trip leader for exact timing. Afterward, BYO picnic at the Dunbar Picnic Area.
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 26‑Jun‑2026
Register »
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!
When and where: May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21, and Sept. 11 (you don't need to attend all — come to whatever ones you can).
Late afternoon meet up time (contact trip leader for exact timing). Plan to arrive early if you are borrowing gear. Location TBD. Run the river from 5:30 to 7:30 or 8:00 PM (dam release and weather could affect timing and location).
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

[LGBTQ+] Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking Weekend

Location: Charlemont, MA
Date: 27‑Jun‑2026
Register »
Join other LGBTQ+ kayakers for this 2-day skills clinic on the Deerfield River in MA to celebrate Pride Month. This clinic is for people who already have experience whitewater kayaking at any level, from beginner through advanced. Refer to the registration page for eligibility criteria and more information.
We will focus on foundational techniques to progress in your whitewater kayaking journey based on your goals. We will work on refining maneuvering skills such as eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, self rescue, and basic surfing. For those interested, we will even start introducing the kayak roll or help people fine tune their rolls. Depending on the group's interests and experiences, we might break into smaller groups to practice skills but will spend time on the river together.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 24‑Jul‑2026
Register »
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!
When and where: May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21, and Sept. 11 (you don't need to attend all — come to whatever ones you can).
Late afternoon meet up time (contact trip leader for exact timing). Plan to arrive early if you are borrowing gear. Location TBD. Run the river from 5:30 to 7:30 or 8:00 PM (dam release and weather could affect timing and location).
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

[Women+] Sunset Flat Water Paddle on Littleville Lake

Location: Huntington, MA
Date: 24‑Jul‑2026
Register »
Ply peacefully over the waters that cover the lost villages of Dayville and Littleville. Join us for an Affinity, Women+, Class 1, Flat Water Paddle on Littleville Lake located on the middle branch of the Westfield River in Chester and Huntington MA. With a perimeter of 4.8 miles, this lake was created when the Littleville Dam was constructed for flood control. On this approximately 2-hour paddle along the edge, we will talk history, view wildlife and enjoy the sunset.
This Women+ paddle requires basic paddling experience and the ability to swim. You must bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, paddle board) paddle, and life jacket. Bring drinking water, a snack, layered (non-cotton) clothing to keep you warm/cool and comfortable even if damp, and shoes that can get wet are required. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses on a lanyard are recommended. It is a good idea to have a complete change of clothes, towel, and shoes in your car in case you are damp at the end of the trip.
Lifejackets must be worn at all times while on the water and participants must stay in a group with the AMC leaders. Swimming is prohibited at Littleville Lake, because it serves as a backup water supply for the city of Springfield, MA.
You will receive an email from the leader once you register asking 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. Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 21‑Aug‑2026
Register »
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!
When and where: May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21, and Sept. 11 (you don't need to attend all — come to whatever ones you can).
Late afternoon meet up time (contact trip leader for exact timing). Plan to arrive early if you are borrowing gear. Location TBD. Run the river from 5:30 to 7:30 or 8:00 PM (dam release and weather could affect timing and location).
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

[LGBTQ+] River Trip

Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 11‑Sep‑2026
Register »
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!
When and where: May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21, and Sept. 11 (you don't need to attend all — come to whatever ones you can).
Late afternoon meet up time (contact trip leader for exact timing). Plan to arrive early if you are borrowing gear. Location TBD. Run the river from 5:30 to 7:30 or 8:00 PM (dam release and weather could affect timing and location).
Refer to the registration page for more information.
Affinity activities are designed for a specific audience, but everyone is welcome. If you do not identify with the specified group, we trust that you have reviewed our allyship criteria, have done your due diligence to educate yourself, and have committed to abide by our Code of Conduct. If you have questions, please contact the trip leader(s) by emailing them for more information.

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 Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling
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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