Canoeing

Take to the crystal clear waters of Lake George with a canoe paddle under your arm, the south wind at your back and the Adirondack sun overhead. Canoeing is a sport older than Camp itself, and one to be enjoyed by the youngest and oldest campers alike -- a classic experience not to be missed. Adirondack Camp’s canoe program offers something for the complete novice, the solo paddler, and everyone in between. Beginner canoers practice basic strokes and maneuvering techniques in our beautiful and protected Lake George cove. Camper’s become familiar with canoe lingo and terminology so as to safely venture further and further from shore. Intermediate paddlers practice in the stern as they learn the “ways of the water” and how to manipulate it to get your boat where you want it -- when. Advanced paddlers hone their skills; combining strokes, adapting to wind conditions, navigating and self-rescuing. The most adept paddlers will have time solo paddling and helping to teach the less experienced boaters.

The Adirondack Camp canoe fleet includes fiberglass, aluminum and, for those more advanced canoers, the original Old Town wooden boats, all stable enough to be handled by two paddlers in choppy conditions. On special occasions campers have the opportunity to race our two monster 10-person Old Town war canoes! For those artistic boaters we even offer a paddle painting class where campers can create their own functional works of art.

Skills learned in canoeing class are very important to adventurous campers who long to experience one of our wilderness adventure trips. Travel down scenic Lake George to sleep on one of the many rustic islands or paddle the wild ponds and distant waters of the Adirondack Wilderness. Spend just one night a day’s paddle from camp or several days along the Bog or Racquet Rivers discovering new fishing spots and portaging to the next hidden cove. The first campers at Adirondack packed in after a twenty-five mile paddle up from the southern most shore of Lake George. And as it has for over 100 years, canoeing remains a most popular activity at Adirondack Camp. Apart from the means to enjoy a trip away from Camp, canoeing provides endless social opportunities, unlimited chances to get wet on a hot summer’s day, and an outstanding perspective of Camp as can only be experienced from the water.