Paddle Antrim

08/31/2026

📰 Our August newsletter is out now! Check out what we've been up to and what's coming up next. 🚣‍♀️

Read it here:https://mailchi.mp/paddleantrim/paddle-antrim-aug2026

08/27/2026

⏰ Don't miss out! Order your NEW Paddle Antrim merch by September 1st to guarantee you get yours!

Choose from our Heather Deep Teal Zip-Up Hoodie or Kelly Green UPF 50 Long-Sleeve Performance Shirt — both featuring our new Paddle Antrim logo and perfect for Festival season and beyond! 🚣‍♀️🍂

👉 Ship it home, or pick it up at the Paddle Antrim Festival with code FESTIVALPICKUP at checkout.

🛒 Shop now before time runs out: https://www.paddleantrim.com/product-category/apparel/

08/27/2026

🚣‍♀️ On-Water Paddling Classes: A Great Season! 🚣‍♂️

This year, Paddle Antrim offered 13 classes across 5 different class types, with 55 paddlers building their skills out on the water. From beginner strokes to more advanced techniques, our instructors helped paddlers of all levels and ages get more comfortable and confident on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.

One of our favorite moments this year came from a parent after our Kids Learn to Kayak class:

"My kids had a blast at Paddle Antrim's Learn to Kayak class! One little friend started the day terrified and didn't even want to get on the water. Thanks to the patient instructors and volunteers, who stayed close to shore and let him move at his own pace, he finished the class feeling like an all-star. What an amazing group of volunteers!"

And it's not just our young paddlers who leave with new skills and confidence. One adult participant shared:

"This was a great opportunity to learn and experience paddling and safety in a controlled environment. The instruction is outstanding!"

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a paddling class this year — see you on the water in 2027!

08/25/2026

This week, we’re giving a big THANK YOU to our friends at The Place, LLC in Elk Rapids for their continued support as a Paddle Antrim Wavemaker!

Marcie and Jen have helped us select quality T-shirts for the Paddle Antrim Festival year after year, and they always go the extra mile to make sure we’re happy with the final product. We truly can’t thank them enough for supporting our organization and helping us look good while we paddle! 😉

Take a look back at some of our Festival T-shirts through the years! 👕 Which one is your favorite?

Thank you The Place for being such a wonderful Wavemaker!

08/19/2026

We are so grateful to Pro Image Design for their continued support as a Wavemaker! Their team has helped bring our signs, marketing displays, and marketing materials to life over the years. And this year they did an incredible job designing our new logo! We couldn't be more thankful for their creativity and partnership. Thank you, Pro Image Design!

08/18/2026

🚣‍♀️ Mark your calendars! The Paddle Antrim Festival is happening September 18 – 20, 2026!

Whether you just started paddling this summer or you're chasing the full 42 miles, there's a route during the Festival built for every ability. Paddle one day or two, pick the distance that's right for you, and spend the weekend soaking in pristine lakes, peaceful rivers, and the lakeside communities along the way. Canoe, kayak or paddle board!

NEW this year — we've moved to a Friday–Sunday schedule (Friday Kickoff Party and Expo, Sat-Sun Paddle!)

⏰ Register by August 21 to guarantee your t-shirt size!!!

Learn more and register: https://www.paddleantrim.com/festival/

08/15/2026

We want to give a huge shoutout to our top sponsor, Short's Brewing Company ! Their support throughout the entire Paddle Antrim Festival and beyond is incredible. From donated beverages to hosting the Day 1 Celebration and Final Bash. Short's has been a true partner in our mission since day one. We can't thank them enough for their generosity and community spirit. Cheers to you, Short's! 🍻

08/14/2026

We had such a great time kicking off Harbor Days with our Early Bird Paddle at Elk Rapids Rotary Park last week! 🌊☀️

About 30 paddlers joined us for an early-morning paddle, followed by the perfect post-paddle treat: coffee and donuts thanks to the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. ☕🍩

It was a beautiful morning on the water and such a fun way to celebrate Harbor Days with our paddling community. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a great paddle!

08/13/2026

✨ NEW PADDLE ANTRIM MERCH IS HERE! ✨

We’ve got two new ways to show your Paddle Antrim pride—just in time for Festival season! 💚

Heather Deep Teal Zip-Up Hoodie — $45-$50
Soft, cozy and perfect for chilly mornings on the water, evenings around the campfire, or everyday wear. Featuring our new Paddle Antrim logo!

Kelly Green UPF 50 Long-Sleeve Performance Shirt — $25-$30
Lightweight, moisture-wicking and built for adventures. With UPF 50 sun protection, it’s perfect for paddling.

Order yours online!

You have two options:
📦 Ship it: Your order will ship after the Festival.
🚣 Pick it up at the Festival: Use code FESTIVALPICKUP at checkout and we’ll have your order ready for you at the Festival!

👉 Shop now : www.paddleantrim.com/product-category/apparel/

08/12/2026

We’re excited to be featured on the cover of this week’s Northern Express!

The article highlights Paddle Antrim, the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, and the work we’re doing to Protect, Connect & Educate through paddling and community.

We’re so grateful to the Northern Express for sharing our story and helping more people discover the incredible waterways we’re lucky to have right here in Northern Michigan. 💙

👉 Check out the full article here: https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/small-lakes-big-adventures-chain-of-lakes/

When people think of northern Michigan, Lake Michigan steals the spotlight. Its tree-peppered shoreline, majestic dunes, and endless blue horizon have lon…