AMC Canoe & Kayak

if you want to get into kayaking, the AMC is the best way to do it. They have instruction weekends where you'll learn hot to kayak (or canoe, if you prefer), then they have weekend trips throughout the year to practice what you learned. Both flatwater and whitewater trips are offered. And they have a fleet of rental boats, so you don't need to buy a boat to join them.

I've never met a friendlier, kinder group. People of all ages. They share rides, gear, and mad skills.
They knew so much about the Adirondacks and local rivers, but even more, they also travel to Southern rivers. It's great to see a group that really bonds with each other.
I was tired of groups where people just wanted to paddle and go home. Here, day trips always have a Happy Hour tailgate party where folks share snacks and stories.
I've heard the camping trips are fantastic. I was afraid to sign up when my skills were new, but the instructional weekend keeps giving...people keep coaching and helping.
Or, you can also be in a tandem canoe with an expert. That's how I broke into moving and whitewater adventures.
Best sport I ever did...and I"ve done a lot...because this group is so professional and warm.

AMC is great! I've been a member for about 8 years now and have been a student, taught students and lead lots of paddling trips around the northeast region. I thought I went to learn to kayak, but I came out with so much more... Friends, community, and hundreds of memories and amazing experiences on and off the water. Trips are lead by volunteers so if it's not free, it's really inexpensive for you get involved.

I've joined many clubs from bikers to hikers and more.
This club is a HIGHLY skilled, almost professional guide for FREE.
What I mean is, people pay money to go on trips with leaders like this. They coach you. Keep you safe. Guide you to learn how to step up. Yet they're all volunteers AND the trips are cheap or no cost *=(2 bucks a day paddling fee, tent overnight fee for the park you're at)

The boat rentals are crazy cheap.

I'd heard that the people are older. I find this is not true. It is a cool mix of veteran experienced adventurers, gutzy younger members, and lots in between.

There is now even their Hariman center which looks like they're having more and more interesting programs almost every weekend. THis is new, so I'm not sure if all the programs are as good as the yoga/women's paddling ones I went to or heard about...which were perfect!

I went on the kayak instruction at the end of the summer and had a great time. The instructors were very knowledgeable, good food and an overall great time.

We took the basic kayaking instruction and it was great. In two days, we learned everything about how to kayak. The instructors were very knowledgeable and well organized.