Adirondack Paddler

Ausable Chasm

2010-06-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend excited white water paddlers traveled to explore a section of the Ausable River that flows through Ausable Chasm that until recently was off limits. A federal mandate allowed paddlers access to the river on the power companies land that allowed them to travel through Ausable Chasm Company owned land. However, breath taking scenery and class IV drops were only part of their adventures, after leaving the river, paddlers were surprised to find state police issuing summons to paddlers for trespassing. American Whitewater, which was instrumental in opening this stretch of river to paddlers, is working on clearing up the issue and is seeking to legally assist paddlers in court. This is yet another case of paddlers testing navigation rights. Stay tuned...

For first hand accounts check out North East Paddlers Message Boards forum

You can also follow this story on American Whitewater

Adirondack Explorer blog post by Phil Brown

Tuesday Night Kayak

2010-06-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

We are into our third week of the Tuesday Night Kayaking.
We have had some great evening paddles. So far we have been on the Saranac River from Second Pond to the lower lock, Lake Placid and this past Tuesday, Stony Creek Ponds to Axton Landing. Come out and join us! We meet at the shop about 5 pm and try to leave by 5:30. Bring your own kayak or we have special rental rates for Tuesday evenings. Please call ahead to let us know you are coming. 891-7450.

Ready for a new run

2010-06-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

Whitewater paddlers have been waiting for word on access to the Ausable River where it flows through Ausable Chasm. American Whitewater has been working on behalf of paddlers to open this section of river and was hopeful to see kayaker on the river Memorial Day weekend. Click here for the latest blurb from AW regarding this issue.

Saranac River Clean-up 2010

2010-06-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yet again a Adirondack Paddlers Club, supported by local canoe and kayak outfitters and volunteers, has organized to clean-up the shore line of the Saranac River in the Village of Saranac Lake. According to Jim and Jennie Sausville, this was at least the 15th year of the Saranac River Clean-up. Some years have seen as many as 20 people and some as few as two.

Other than the usual plastic grocery bags, cans, empty packs of cigarettes and bottles, other items pulled from the river included: 6 bikes, 3 shopping carts, 3 road cones, 4 golf balls, 1 foot ball, 1 cassette tape (America - Your move), a glass pipe, a flash light, a pink toilet, many t-shirts, a winter coat, a couple pairs of jeans, Hot Wheels underwear, a stroller, about a 100' of metal pipe, broken plates, along with a lot of random junk!

Thanks to Adirondack Paddlers Club, St Regis Canoe Outfitters, Adirnodack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, and all the volunteers for another great haul!!

Sun damage

2010-05-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

We all know the damage that sun can do to our skin and the importance of covering up or lathering up. But your skin is not the only thing that can be damaged through prolonged sun exposure. Your canoe or kayak can also be damaged by harmful UV rays. But don't worry, there's something you can do!
When your canoe or kayak is not in use, be sure to store it upside down and in the shade. Most UV damage is done when your boat is not being used. A canoe or kayak left by the waters edge is likely to fade and become brittle much quicker than a boat stored in the shade. Do be aware of not storing your kayak under a pitched roof, as winter snow can build up and slide and cause more immediate damage to your boat.
303 Aerospace Protectant is a spray on application designed to block UV rays that cause slow fade. As part of your putting the kayak away for the winter routine, be sure to clean with water, dry, then spray your boat with 303. Make sure to rub in until dry. It will not only protect your boat, but also give it a nice shine. 303 also makes sprays that are designed for fabrics such as PFDs, paddling jackets, and spray skirts. Many paddlers also choose to purchase a cover for the boat. Covers work very well and are usually custom made for you canoe or kayak.
So be sure to protect not only yourself, but your equipment too.

'Round the Mountain

2010-05-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 15th at 11:00 marks the start time of the 'Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race, and the beginning of the season for many recreational canoeists and kayakers. Participants start in Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake and paddle southwest to Bluff Island where the they follow the Saranac River south to the Lower State Locks. After carryng around the locks, paddlers continue through Oseetah Lake, back into the river then meet the finish line on Lake Flower in the Village of Saranac Lake. In total the course covers 10.5 miles of water and a bit of land.The extended weather forecast for Saturday is calling for a mix of sun and clouds and temperatures in the low 60s, perfect paddling weather. If you are thinking about participating, the entry fee is $25.00 ($20.00 for Adirondack Watershed Alliance members). Make sure to show up early for racer registration and to give yourself enough time to warm up, but most of all be sure to have fun, it's a long season.

Canoe and Kayak Demo Days 2010

2010-05-04T10:37:00.001-07:00

This weekend marks the 10th annual Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Demo Days on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. For 10 years we have been hosting a free on water demo event aimed at giving beginner to veteran paddlers a chance to try many different types of canoes, kayaks, paddles, and PFDs before buying. ALTO staff and company representatives will be on hand helping paddlers decide which canoe or kayak is best for them.

What's new for 2010?

Swift canoe and kayak is offering a new light-weight pack canoe to its line up. The Pack 12 & 13.6 are new for 2010, and are expected to be a hit with their clean lines, super comfortable seat, and light-weight lay-up.
Ocean Kayak's Nalu is the first roto-molded SUP, that's a Stand Up Paddle board for those of you not in the know. The Nalu offers a price point option for those paddlers interested in changing their on-water perspective. With the popularity of SUP growing, we are interested in seeing how this new SUP from Ocean Kayak will be received by traditional Adirondack paddlers.
Jackson's Day Tripper 12 will be the go to kayak for the paddler who just can't stand to leave his or her best friend behind. The Day Tripper's enormous cockpit is perfect for paddling with a dog, child, cooler, or possibly all three. The large opening allows company in the cockpit without crowding the paddler.
And don't forget, kids like to paddle too! Jackson's Mini Tripper, Perception's Acadia Scout 10 & Carolina 12 XS give moms and dads just what they are looking for, a kids kayak that can keep up. All designed specifically with kids in mind, these 3 kayaks will make any kid feel like a pro.

So if you or a friend is looking for a canoe or kayak, be sure to stop by Lake Flower in Saranac Lake this Saturday & Sunday for a great opportunity to try before you buy.

Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival success

2010-04-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

The fourth annual Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival, a fundraising event for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and hosted by Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, was a great success. Held this year on Friday, April 16 in Lake Placid, it's been described as the best Northern Forest Paddling Film Fest yet. The event drew in over 200 people and featured films on traditional birch bark canoe building, paddling in Antarctica, a long distance paddling trip from Skegway, AK to Seattle, WA and of course some whitewater kayaking crash n' burn clips. This annual event started in the Adirondacks and has grown in popularity. As a result, it is now held in other locations along the Trail including Maine and Vermont. The addition of new venues helps to raise funds and awareness for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Interested in what the Northern Forest Canoe Trail is doing next? click here

Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival

2010-03-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Join Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts for the 4th Annual Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival.

Come together to celebrate the arrival of the paddling season and show your support for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Ticket prices

-In Advance $10.00 (by calling the LPCA @ 518-523-2512)

-At the Door $12.00

-Students $8.00

All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

-The events is scheduled for Friday, April 16

from 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts

-doors open at 6:00, come early and mingle

-there will be refreshments and give-aways at intermission.

Films to be included in this years events...

Paddle to Seattle: Journey through the Inside Passage - This independent documentary chronicles the progress of two intrepid adventurers paddling handmade wooden Pygmy kayaks from Alaska to Seattle.

Dream Result - Whitewater action from around the world, including world record waterfall drop of 186ft!

Terra Antarctica - Jon Bowemaster's newest film explores by kayak the disappearing ice that covers Antarctica.

Earl's Canoe - We meet Earl Nyholm, a member of the Ojibwe Nation, as he walks through the woods of Wisconsin looking for just the right birch tree to be used in the making of a traditional Ojibwe canoe.

Kayaking is not a Crime - The second clay-mation short from 15 year old whitewater kayaker Ben Doran, takes us along for the search for the perfect waterfall.

Don't miss this great night of paddling films and make sure to bring a friend!

Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival sneak peak

2010-02-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

The 4th annual Northern Forest Paddlers Film Festival is scheduled for Friday, April 16th at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. Here's a link to a preview of one of the films that will be shown.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEVEXC5xQAA

Photogenic Falls

2009-10-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

How many runs down a waterfall does it take to get just the right photo to take home and scare Mom with? Well, I guess it only takes one, but the real fun is doing it over and over to make sure you have a nice album to choose from. A recent Lake Placid Outing Club trip to the Moose River Festival in Old Forge NY wrapped up a great season of paddling and surely brought home some photos to prove it.

Nick Kullina on Agers Falls

Ian McMullen on Agers Falls

Jason Smith on Agers Falls

Fall Whitewater Season

2009-10-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

American Whitewater, a non-profit Whitewater advacacy group, has negotiated with power companies to allow water to fill rivers such as the Raquette, Moose and Beaver, and publicly announce dates of such releases. The result of water running it's natural course in these rivers attract kayakers from all over the Northeast.
Labor Day weekend marked the begining of the release schedule for the Stoney Valley section of the Raquette River, located near the town of Colton. It also starts the release season for the the Moshier, Taylorville, and Eagle section of the Beaver River located near the town of Lowville NY. The grand finale of the Fall whitewater season is marked with the release of the Moose River located near Old Forge. The season finale is punctuated by Moose Fest, a full weekend of whitewater paddling, races, and apres paddle activities.
For more information on scheduled releases visit American Whitewater by clicking here.

To sit or stand...

2009-08-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Are the Adirondacks ready for the newest craze in paddle sports? For the past two years the paddle sport industry has been putting a lot of energy into promoting stand up paddle boards. New to mainlanders but not to surfers in Hawaii, these boards resemble large windsurfing boards. Boarders use an extra long bent or straight shaft paddle to move across the water instead of leaving it up to the wind or the waves. Boards range in price from $599 - $1800 and paddles range in price from $99 - $299. Manufacturers are producing everything from plastic roto-molded to composite foam core boards.
After recently attending a trade show in Georgia, and having the opportunity to stand, rather than sit and paddle, I found them to be a lot of fun. The boards are very stable and offer the paddler a different perspective while on the water. The boards tests your balance and move fairly well across the water. Would I choose a stand up paddle board to ply my local waterways? Probably not. While the board is stable, motor boat wake, high winds and a short warm water paddling season would limit the window of fun with this paddle craft. Not to mention the possibility of falling off in less than desirable locations. However, I do see opportunity for a many firsts: first to stand up and paddle the Seven Carries, first to stand up and complete the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and first to stand up and paddle the 90 Miller.
So next time your on the water and you see what seems to be someone walking on water, look a little closer and I'm sure you'll see a stand up board under foot.

Route 3 Throw Down

2009-08-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Howdy all, Doug checking in here.

Kellan and I did an early morning assault of the Route 3 wave on the Black River in Watertown last Thursday. I brought my longer playboat thinking it was going to be a bit flat...but no chance, it was perfect. It was also the first time Kellan had surfed Route 3 and he killed it.

Honestly, it's just as fun to see a rookie click their first good surf as it is to have your own solid ride. Here's some vids (thanks Kat) from the session - enjoy!

Doug in the old school Dagger ID - thanks for the boat ALTO

Kellen getting some big eyes on the wave

Yukon Ho!

2009-08-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to team Yukon Voyageurs for finishing the Yukon 1000 race on July 26th! The team was comprised of local water sport enthusiasts: Kerry J. Newell, Paul Repak, Helen (Holly) Crouch, Mike Trump, Matt Trump, Teresa Stout and Brian McDonnell. For those of you who don't know what the Yukon 1000 is, let me enlighten you. It's a grueling 1000 mile race starting at Whitehorse in Canada's Yukon Territory and traveling down the Yukon River to the Alaskan Pipeline Bridge. In other words, it's over 11 times the length of the 90 miler and 100 times more strenuous. Paddlers out to win will sleep, cook meals, change clothes, and will even go so far as to take pit stops in the boat to avoid wasting any time on shore. Our team finished in a scant six days, six hours, 52 minutes and 29 seconds putting them in fourth place in their division. I think it's safe to say they deserve at least a week of hammock time. Well done!

For more information check out the Adirondack Daily Enterprise Article: http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/507868.html

To check out race results:
http://yukon1000.com/resultsx.html?race=09y1k

2009-07-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Doug Haney and Kat Dora enjoying their new We-no-nah Escape. Doug and Kat have worked as part-timers at the shop over the last few years. They were married on July 11th at a wonderful wedding at South Meadow Farm in Lake Placid. Congratulations to Doug and Kat and we hope you enjoy your canoe for many years to come!

New York paddlers Represent in AK

2009-07-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

Monday July 20th marked the start of the Yukon 1000 Canoe & Kayak race. The race is the longest Canoe & Kayak race in the World and organizers expect racers to take 7 to 8 days to complete. Seventeen boats started the race in Whitehorse, in Canada's Yukon territory, and among them is a team including some long time North Country paddlers.

Team Yukon Voyageurs
Kerry Newell - Heuvelton NY
Holly Crouch - Vermont
Paul Repak - Booneville NY
Brothers Matt and Mike Trump - Pennsylvania
Teresa Stout - Corsica PA
Brain McDonell - Lake Clear NY

To follow the progress of the Yukon 1000 and visit their home page click here.
To read an article from the Adirondack Daily Enterprise about the race click here.

Good luck team Yukon Voyageurs!!

ADK Paddlers Club Hits Up Sacandaga

2009-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Schools out for the beginners whitewater class run by the Adirondack Paddlers Club. The Sacandaga River on Thursday, July 16 marked the last field trip before the group was set forth for independant study.

Big thanks to Jim Sausville and Jason Smith for getting the crew down stream safely. Big smiles where had by all and most were calling for a third run (they did get in two).

If you missed the trip, be sure to check in with the club next spring when classes start up again. Until then, paddle on and keep smiling.

First in a Kayak

2009-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, 67 year old truck driver, Gil Whitney of Lakeville, Maine, paddled the St. John River into Fort Kent Maine to complete the final leg of the 740 mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. He was the first paddler to complete the trail in a kayak. It took Gil 57 days to traverse 4 states, 1 province, 22 rivers and streams, and 56 lakes and ponds. Along his journey he was bruised by a swim in class IV rapids, made a quick visit to a hospital, battled an inner ear infection, got a flat tire (on his portage cart), paddled with a swimming black bear, and lost nearly 30 pounds of body weight. I think I see a reality show in the making.

Gil's wife Kathy document the trip by posting on Gil's Bucket List. Click here to visit.
For more information on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, click here.
and to read the NFCT blog click here Congratulations Gil!

2009-06-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Night Group paddling at Franklin Falls 6/23/2009

Playing in the current at the base of Permanent Rapids

Moose Mountain

How big is your backyard?

2009-06-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 27th and the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout, and here in Saranac Lake we are fortunate to have a 6 million acre backyard that offer many great places to pitch your tent. So take the time this weekend to get your children away from that flat screen and into the great outdoors, whether it's in your backyard or on a remote backcounrty pond. For more on the Great American Backyard Campout click here.

A paddler's point of view

2009-06-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate to have Jeramy Baldwin working for us at Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters for the past two years. He is an aspiring photographer and recently won First Place Color in Adirondack Life's 2009 Photo Annual. For more information on Jeramy and his work, give him a call at 845-522-0324 or email his at natures_wonder@yahoo.com.

Buttermilk Falls on the Raquette River

Piercefield Flow, Raquette River

Fiddle Heads on Deer Pond

Piercefield Flow, Raquette River

2009-06-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 2nd our Tuesday evening group paddles out on Lake Placid.

The lady of the lake greets us in Sunset Narrows

We return to the Lake Placid Village launch

River Clean-up Best of 2009

2009-05-31T05:50:00.000-07:00

Other than the usual worm cartons, beer cans, soda bottles, and plastic grocery bags, here's the break down from Saranac River Clean-up 2009:

7 shopping carts
5 bicycles
3 tires
2 t-shirts
1 toilet

Thanks to everyone that volunteered there time!

Saranac River Clean-Up 2009

2009-05-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

For 20 years Jim and Jennie Sauseville, through the Adirondack Paddlers Club, have been organizing volunteers to remove garbage from the Saranac River in and around the town of Saranac Lake. Some years have seen as many as thirty volunteers and some as few as five. Despite the turn out, the clean-up always happens with the support of local canoe and kayak outfitters, the Village of Saranac Lake and the River Corridor Commission.
In those twenty years many items have been pulled from the river: shopping carts, bottles, plastic bags, cell phones, tires, road cones, lawn chairs, car batteries, shoes, a wallet, a purse, dinner plates, eating utensils, clothing of all types, bicycles, worm cartons, road signs, 50 gallon drums, and hub caps; just to mention a few.
This Saturday at 1:00pm volunteers will meet at the Dorsey Street Parking lot to, once again, remove garbage from the shoreline as they make their way down river. All who are interested need only show-up with old clothes and be ready to work. Canoes to haul garbage, work gloves, garbage bags, and paddling equipment will be provided by local outfitters and Adirondack Paddlers Club.

Senior Year Project - Hudson River

2009-05-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 23, two seniors from Lake Placid High School will follow the Hudson River South from Newcomb, NY (located south of the High Peaks) to New York City by kayak. Ian McMullen and Nick Kulina have been planning this trip as a senior class project for about a year. Their goal is to promote kayaking and the importance of getting young people outside and active. Along their journey they have plans to meet with school groups, scouting groups, and youth organizations along the river from Albany to Brooklyn.
I've known Ian and Nick for 6 years. I first met them as a paddling instructor for the Lake Placid Youth Outing Club, in which they were participants. Throughout the years their love of paddling and there skills as paddlers have grown. I've seen them go from being barley able to fill the cockpit of a flat water kayak to running waterfalls on the Moose River.

Nick and Ian possibly discussing their future paddling plans in 2004.

They have received support from their school and the local paddling community, as well as equipment sponsorship from Johnson Outdoors who owns Necky Kayak, Lendal Paddles, and Extrasport. And of course their biggest sponsors are their parents, who have nurtured their love of the outdoors and encouraged them to get involved in any adventure they showed interest in.
Happy paddling Ian and Nick!

Listen to an North Country Public Radio interview with Ian and Nick by clicking here.
Stay connected for updates on Ian and Nick Journey.

2009-05-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Despite Saturday's wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, and Sunday's winter-like conditions, canoeist and kayakers went back into the closets to get their winter clothes out and braved the elements at Adirondack Lakes & Trails 10th Annual Canoe & Kayak Demo Days. People looking to experiencing kayaking for the first time, and others seeking an upgrade, crowded the lawn at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake hopping from boat to boat in hopes of finding the "one".
As always, I took the time to paddle some of the offerings. Some of my favorites...

Swift's Shearwater (solo canoe - 16'2") was a smooth forgiving ride that would fit right into the back country of the Saint Regis Canoe Area. Oh, and the carbon fiber lay-up would make the carries a breeze.

Jackson's Tripper 12 (12' recreational kayak) The most memorable aspect to this kayak was it's enormous cockpit. There would be no problem fitting your dog and cooler or your kid and your fishing gear in this boat, without compromising space for the paddler.

Necky Chatham 17 (17' Sea Kayak) What can I say? This boat is sweet. Its narrow hull design along with its exaggerated bow flare makes this kayak track beautifully. At the same time, its secondary stability allows it to be put on its edge for responsive turning. My favorite for two, probably 3 years running. This kayak makes me want to head for the sea.

Swift Saranac 14' (14' light touring) Like it's name suggests, this kayak is at home in the lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks. At home on large lakes and nimble enough to follow a wandering flow. If I could only have one kayak this might be the one. In Kevlar of course.

Just a few of many canoes and kayaks in stock that are looking for a home on the water. Stop by Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters and schedule a boat demo. It's the best way to find the canoe that is right for you. And we'll take any chance we can to get on the water.

Paddle on!

My favorite place to paddle with kids

2009-05-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

This Saturday's Family Day at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake brought lots of smiling faces outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and a great line-up of activities. More than 2000 people attend the event which was free and open to the public and feature Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods.

So in the spirit of getting children into nature, here are some of my favorite places to paddle with my kids. Enjoy!

Follensby Clear Pond - Horseshoe Pond - Polliwog Pond Loop
A fantastic area to pond hop with your children, all the carries are short and the critters are
abundant. There are many great places to stop for lunch and a couple great swimming spots.

Stoney Creek Ponds to Axton Landing on the Raquette River
The meandering flow of Stoney Creek keeps you guessing as to what could be around the next
bend? The protected waters of Stoney Creek and the Raquette may this a great option for
a windy day.

Middle Saranac Lake Beach
If you are looking for sun and sand there is no better place than the beaches of Middle
Saranac Lake. Pack your cooler, your lawn chairs, sunscreen and your swimming suit and
make a day of it! Your kids will be happy and tired at the end of the day.

Long Pond and Long Pond Mountain
Paddling Long Pond and hiking to the top of Long Pond Mountain, I couldn't think of a
better way to spend a day with the family. And if you need a little more on water time,
make sure to explore Pink Pond.

Just a few fun spots to get you going. So now that you know, get out there and have some fun!!

186' Anyone?

2009-04-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

The pursuit of record breaking waterfalls descents in kayaks continues. Shortly after a new world record drop of 127ft Santa Bella Falls in Brazil was recorded about a month ago, Tyler Brandt stuns the kayaking word by running 186ft Palouse Falls in Washington State. All I have to say is yikes!!! Have a listen to a first hand account by clicking here. Can't wait to see the footage!!

It's Derby time!

2009-04-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 2nd and Sunday 3rd mark the 52 annual Hudson River Whitewater Derby weekend in North River and North Creek NY. Since 1958 paddlers seeking more than a scenic mountain pond have been challenging the headwaters of New York's Hudson River.

This kick-off event for many paddlers whitewater season features two days of races.

Day one includes Slalom Races for novice paddlers and the Giant Slalom for those paddlers with more experience, as well as the Wild Water Down River Race. Day two features the Whitewater Derby Race from North Creek to Riparius. And for those new to the Derby, and well, new to paddling, the newly reformatted Chuck Severance Memorial Race will be open to novice paddlers with canoes, PFDs and paddles available to those without. So there's no excuse not to jump into the action. Receptions and award ceremonies follow each day of paddling. For more information on the Hudson river Whitewater Derby click here.

White Water Paddlers Need More Water.

2009-04-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

The lack of significant snow pack, combined with the lack of rain this spring has made for low water levels in the Adirondacks. And along with low water levels, comes dry, unhappy white water kayakers.

Spring, by far, is the best season for thrill seeking white water kayakers to scratch their early season boaters itch. As the snow pack melts and the spring showers fall, local mountain creeks and rivers overflow their banks inviting local kayakers to explore the normally unrunnable waterways. White water kayakers are being forced into summer habits of traveling down stream, unfortunately by car, to seek water levels suitable enough to sink their paddles in. The Hudson River along with the Moose River, in the Central Adirondacks, offer reliable spring flow and are popular spring runs. But even these mighty rivers are running lower than usual.
So don't be alarmed if you see a vehicle loaded with short, plastic kayaks driving aimlessly around your neighborhood. Or notice what seems to be an organized rain dance by your local river. It's just whitewater enthusiasts waiting for the rain to bring up their favorite white water run.

Float planes banned in 2011

2009-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

The use of float planes on Low's Lake will be prohibited after 2011. A resolution approved on Thursday April, 16 2009 by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) will have Low's Lake managed as a wilderness area. A draft of the resolution can be seen by clicking here.

Early Spring Paddling on the Saranac River

2009-04-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Steve & Jennifer's annual Easter weekend paddle down the Saranac River with Sammy and Andy. It was a cool, low 40's, breezy day and the sky was a bright Adirondack blue.

Adirondack Sports & Fitness Expo 2009

2009-04-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Steve and I attended the Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer Expo 2009 this past weekend. There was excellent turn out for both days of the event and lots of people are excited about the upcoming paddling season.

We both had the opportunity to take advantage of the indoor pool that is set up for the event. I led an introduction to Kayak stroke and boat handling techniques seminar, and Steve led an introduction to solo canoeing and canoe racing seminar.

By far the most popular on water activity of the weekend was kids kayaking 101. There was a line around the corner and lots of smiling faces. And there is nothing better to see than smiles on the future faces of paddling!

If you would like to learn more about the Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer and Winter Expos, visit http://adksports.com/

Paddlers test legal waters

2009-03-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

There is a good article in the March/April issue of the Adirondack Explorer for paddlers to take notice of.

"Navigation rights & wrongs

Despite a court victory a decade ago, paddlers have been slow to test the legal waters."

Canoe & Kayak Demo Days!!

2009-03-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

Our 10th annual Canoe & Kayak Days is coming up!!
May 9 & 10, Saturday & Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm
A great opportunity to try before you buy!!!
Free and open to the public.

Time to tune up those canoe and kayaks!

2009-03-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

The weather has been getting warm and the ice is starting to melt. You know what that means, time to get your boat out!! and don't forget that water is COLD!!!! So put on that rubber, put on that paddling jacket. The saying is, "Dress for the temperature of the water, not the temperature of the air."

What?? You needs some Cold Weather Paddling Gear!!!! Well stop by our shop we've got some great deals on the paddling clothing that keeps your warm, safe, and comfortable!!

Northern Forest Paddlers Film Fest '09

2009-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to get you excited about paddling season? Well we've got the answer...

Northern Forest Paddler's Film Festival
Saturday, April 17th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
@ the Lake Placid Center for the Arts
Advance tickets $10.00 - At the door $12.00 - Students $8.00
advanced tickets available by calling
the Lake Placid Center for the Arts @ 518-523-2512
Come early and mingle - doors open at 6:00
All proceeds benefit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail

December Sale!

2008-12-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

It's the last sale of the seaons at ALTO. Great close-out prices on canoes, kayak, and paddling equipment. We are getting ready for our winter break, which means skiing and snowshoeing at Dewey Mountain. Already looking froward to paddling season!

Invasion of Vermont

2008-09-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yet again a group of Adirondack paddlers will be making their way across Lake Champlain to Burlington VT as part of the annual "Invasion of Vermont" (No need to worry Vermonters they are a passive group). Last year saw 3' swells and great surf. Who know what this year will bring. Stay tuned for photos.

'Round the Mountain

2008-09-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Smith family enjoyed the Fall foliage on Sunday with a trip from Ampersand Bay to Lake Flower. The color change is close to peak. Best time of the year to be on the water.

Surfs up!

2008-09-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

We took a group of paddlers from the Lake Placid Outtings Club to the Rt. 3 Wave in Watertown on Sunday. The water level was a little high, but we still had a blast. All three club memebers were paddling great!! Can't wait until the next trip!

More waters to ply?

2008-09-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Adirondack Nature Conservancy announced that it has purchased Follensby Pond. This 14,600-acre piece of property located west of Tupper Lake NY, oin the Town of Harrietstown, and consits of mixed forest, approximatley 10 miles of Raquette River Shoreline and Follensby Pond itself. It is not expected to be open to the public for some time, but it's inclusion into the Forest Preserve is sure to be anticipated by paddlers all over the Northeast.

For more information on the purchase of Follensby Pond, visit
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/newyork/press/press3693.html