Paddles Up 2025 features old and new events

Story and Photo by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

The 2025 version of Paddles Up, scheduled for July 26 at Beaver Island State Park, features a few new events, as well as the familiar fun paddle that is the hallmark of the event.

“We’re going into our 19th year that we’ve been operating,” said Michelle Lockett, community engagement director for the Niagara River Greenway Commission. “This year, we have a couple of new things. The biggest one is that we added fishing clinics. We have two fishing clinics, where you can come. Bring yourself. You don’t need any equipment. You don’t need a fishing permit. There’s a whole trailer outfitted with all the equipment you need and experts to help you and teach you how to fish or will give you some tips if you already know how to do it.”

The fishing experts come from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s “Ladders to the Outdoors” program.

“They’re organizing the volunteers to help with that. They’re bringing the fishing trailer that’s outfitted with all the equipment,” Lockett said. “There are two sessions: one at 8 o’clock and the other at 9 o'clock. That’s at the Beaver Island Lagoon. You can go right there. You don’t really have to register. You just have to show up. But we are looking for registrations just so we know how many people to expect. That’s part of it.

“The other thing is we have the Venus Greek and Mediterranean this year, in addition to the Lions Club, who will be grilling hot dogs, just like they did last year.

“Then, we also have a beer and seltzer alcoholic beverage shelter, so that will be fun. We’re also bringing back the free raffle prizes. We encourage people to stop by. We have 20 exhibitors. Most of them are environmentally focused. We want to spread awareness of some of the issues that we deal with around here. We want people to know about all of these great organizations that exist, what they’re working on, their projects, and maybe learn about how they can help. Once they visit each table, they have a card. They get it punched at each spot. They bring the punched card back to the Greenway table and they get raffle prize tickets that they can put into the free raffle drawing.

“Breakfast sandwiches will be available at Bogey’s, starting at about 7 a.m.

“We’re raffling off a stand-up paddleboard. That’s the big prize. There are kayak paddles, there are PFDs (personal flotation devices or life jackets), and there are gift certificates.”

One of the events that is relatively new is the eco hike, which is scheduled for 8 a.m.

“We still have some spots left on the eco hike this year,” Lockett said. “I think it’s a great addition. I’d love to see more people sign up for it. We already have the eco kayak tours, which, unfortunately, are already booked, and there’s a waiting list. But one of the things we’re raffling off is a free guided eco tour, after Paddles Up. That’s in the prize thing, too.”

Other events include a live canoe paddle carving with skilled craftsman Jonathan Thornton of the Buffalo Maritime Center at 11:30 a.m. In addition, River Lea will be open for tours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Also, learn-to-kayak sessions for beginners will be offered.

“They don’t go too far from the shore,” Lockett said. “It’s probably about a 20-minute session. You don’t need to bring anything. (The people teaching the sessions) are ACA, which is American Canoe Association-certified instructors. They bring the kayaks, the life jackets and the paddles. You just have to bring yourself. That also needs to be registered for. It’s a good way to get yourself oriented if you’ve never done it before.

“The goal is to get people out on the water and comfortable. A lot of people think that it’s scary to go kayaking in the Niagara River. They think they’re going to be swept over the falls. We are here to tell people that there are a lot of safe places to kayak on the Niagara River. Paddles Up Niagara is a good place, because we have so many safety paddlers on the route. We have the New York State Park Police in motorboats and jet skis on the water, keeping motorboats away from all of our kayakers – because we’re going to have a few hundred people, probably, starting from Beaver Island Beach. We also have lifeguards on duty. They’re on the water, so it’s a very safe event.”

The large, noncompetitive fun paddle is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. at Beaver Island beach. Paddlers will pass the marina and will head to Little Beaver Island before returning to the launch site.

“The important thing is I want to direct everyone to our website: https://www.niagararivergreenway.com/paddles-up,” Lockett said. “From there, you will see all the events that are highlighted and what’s going on. If you don’t want to bring your kayak, you can rent it from Blue Water Marina. Their contact information is also on our website. They bring the kayaks, the paddles, the personal flotation devices or life jackets right to the site, so you don’t have to bring anything. Just show up. They’re a great outfitter. They’re the primary people that we use. Also, the registration link is on our webpage.

“The first 200 people to register get a free T-shirt. I have to tell you: Every year, we have a brand-new design on the front of our T-shirt. This one is the best by far. This T-shirt is awesome. Sonia … she’s on Grand Island … she’s the graphic designer, and she did it for us. It’s really cool. I think you’re going to like it. We like it so much that we’re actually creating a colorized poster print of it, and we’re going to raffle it off. We’re looking for donations for Paddles Up. So, if you donate to Paddles Up, you’ll get a raffle ticket for this poster of this design.”

Ultimately, Lockett said she hopes participants will have fun, and “I’m hoping that they will learn that Grand Island is a great place to go kayaking; that they will enjoy their time at Beaver Island. There’s a lot to do at Beaver Island. You don’t have to be a kayaker. You can be a canoer or a paddle boarder. I hope they will spend a little more time there, either going to the beach or going for a hike, because there are some great trails. Or frisbee golf. There’s a great frisbee golf course on Beaver Island. There’s lots to do. Great playgrounds for kids, if they have their kids with them. I hope they learn that the Niagara River is a great place to kayak. I hope they have fun and learn something about the environment.”

If there is inclement weather on July 26, Paddles Up will move to July 27.