Paddling With the AMC

Paddling with the AMC

Step 1: Find Your Trip

There are 3 ways to find an AMC paddling trip …

See the trip listings on this website!
See the trip listings on the AMC Activities Calendar. In the search bar, select the Boston Chapter and the Paddling Committee.
Find us on our Meetup page. Not all trips are posted to Meetup, so check the Activities calendar if you don’t see what you’re looking for.

Step 2: Register for the Trip

Registration instructions are provided in the trip listing. Registration often requires that you email the trip leader directly.

The leader may ask you about your experience and what kind of canoe or kayak you paddle. Some of our trips are for more advanced paddlers and may require specific skills, training or equipment. The leader will let you know if you are qualified to attend.

Note: If you are a member of our Meetup group, clicking “I Will Attend” does not automatically register you for the trip. You still must follow the registration instructions and contact the trip leader directly if required.

Step 3: Get Your Gear

When you register, the trip leader will let you know what gear you will need for the trip.

For flat-water trips this may be as simple as a boat, a paddle and a PFD^*. For technical whitewater or sea kayaking trips, you may need things like a helmet, spray skirt, throw bag or tow belt. For overnight trips you may need a tent, sleeping bag, and spare paddle.

Many of our members have their own equipment but if you don’t, don’t worry! The committee has a limited number of whitewater boats for rent on our trips. Sea kayaks or canoes can be rented from different outfitters in the area. Your trip leader can point you to resources to help you outfit yourself for the trip.

^*All AMC paddling trips require participants to wear a PFD at all times while on the water.

Step 4: Show Up ... Have Fun!

Now it’s up to you to make sure you are at the launch site in time to gear up and get on the water!

Trip departure times are often “butt in boats” time – meaning that you need to be ready to get on the water at that time. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive, load your boat, park your car and take care of any personal business before the group is ready to launch.

After that, it’s all about enjoying your time on the water. So, loosen up, relax and have fun on your trip!