Adventure Strength - Kayaking

This 4-week course will combine in-the-gym strength & conditioning training with a progressive series of outdoor kayaking sessions. The program will develop paddling skills progressing from flat water on Lake Warner to class 1 swift water on the Connecticut River, culminating in an 11-mile paddle from Turners Falls to Sunderland. All gear will be provided by Adventure East. Combine this series with strength building sessions at at Commonwealth Strength or My Health Matters Fitness.

Lake Warner - Intro to Kayaking: Saturday, September 7, 10a-12p

This is a 2-hour low-key paddle where paddlers will have the opportunity to become comfortable with using long kayaks and rudders. We will cover techniques and procedures that are useful to both newer and more experienced (or intrepid) paddlers. We will cover topics such as: adjusting the rudder and outfitting the boat, beginning the paddle with style, basic forward strokes and steering, and ending your excursions upright and dry from the knees up. We will also demonstrate what to do in the event of a capsize.

Connecticut River - Sunderland Islands: Saturday, September 14, 10a-12p

This relaxed kayak paddle is a great way to start your day. Our out and back loop from the Sunderland Boat Ramp access around Sunderland Islands Wildlife Management Area - First Island and Second Island. This excursion is a good introduction to upstream paddling and exploring a mid-river island where there are nesting bald eagles. There will be flexibility based on your group to keep it ultra-relaxed paddling near Riverside Park or to get a bit more exercise and run the 3-mile loop around Second Island and check out the cliff face and rock formations upstream.

Connecticut River - Sunderland to Hatfield: Saturday, September 21, 9a-12p

This six-mile paddle from Sunderland to Hatfield is a place to begin river touring. View of Mt Warner and the Holyoke Range greet you as you paddle under the Sunderland Bridge into Western Mass farmlands. This paddle is approximately three-hours depending on river and wind conditions.

Connecticut River – Pocumtuck Range: Saturday, September 28, 9a-2p

This Experience will take paddlers on a 10-mile kayak tour from the Poplar Street access downriver to the Sunderland Boat Ramp. This excursion will allow participants to explore the natural wonders of one of the most beautiful stretches of the Connecticut River and includes a peek up the Deerfield River. Along the way we’ll stop for a picnic lunch and explore the islands and sandbars where Bald Eagles and other birds of prey can often be spotted satisfying the desire to become better acquainted with the natural world. The paddling is smooth and can be somewhat swift depending upon river flow – paddling times can range from 2 to 4 hours.