Signature events, year-round community paddles, stewardship work, and educational programs — all designed to grow Northland paddling, safely and inclusively.
A family-friendly festival at Park Point Recreation Area — kayak and SUP demos, mini-tours in a Voyageur Canoe, time-trials race, vendors, food trucks, and lawn games. Kicks off Paddlers & Rowers Week each summer.
See dates
The World Tour Paddling Film Festival comes to Duluth with 9 adventure films and a community auction. Proceeds go toward accessible kayak and canoe launches across the region.
Get tickets
A week-long celebration of human-powered watercraft across the Twin Ports — partners include Lester River Race and Paddlemania, with NPA-led community events throughout.
See schedule
In partnership with St. Louis River Alliance and Ski Hut. Each paddle begins with a basic instruction segment to build safety and confidence. PFD required.
Find a date
Open community paddles announced throughout the season — Boy Scout Landing, the estuary loops, and elsewhere. New paddlers and visitors are welcome.
Join us
NPA has adopted Woodstock Bay Paddle Access Launch and helps maintain the Wisconsin Point launch. Cleanups prep the bay for the paddling season and keep our access points welcoming.
Volunteer
Working with film festival proceeds and partners to build accessible kayak and canoe launches at landings around Duluth — lowering the barrier for more paddlers to get on the water.
Support
An NPA initiative focused on the St. Louis River Estuary — using paddle sports to expand access, recreation, and education on a National Water Trail with 11 loop trails.
Learn more
Encouraging youth involvement, health, and confidence through guided paddling experiences — partnered programming with local outdoor groups and schools.
Help outMost NPA community paddles begin with a basic instruction segment so newer paddlers can get familiar with their craft, the local water, and on-water etiquette. We always require PFDs and we plan trips for the day's conditions.
Every paddler on a NPA-led trip wears a properly-fitted personal flotation device.
We check forecasts, water temperature, and wind before launching. Some paddles are postponed for safety.
We keep groups together and stop for instruction, photos, and breaks. No one paddles alone.
We take a bag, pick up what we find, and leave each launch a little cleaner than we found it.