Write a commentPaddlefest returns to the Oswego Canal on Saturday, July 19!
Hosted by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, this non-competitive recreational paddling event offers kayakers and canoeists the unique opportunity to “lock through” up to four locks on the historic Oswego River Canal. Register today and join in the fun!
Participants can launch their craft between 8 and 10 a.m., depending on which course they choose to run. They are asked to arrive at their preferred starting point 30 minutes ahead of launch time.
The original short course is approximately 5.5 miles and launches from Minetto Riverview Park. The long course is approximately 13 miles and launches from Indian Point Park on NYS Rte. 481 in Fulton. This full paddle trip, geared for experienced paddlers, can take up to six hours depending on weather and current flow. Paddlers running on either of these two courses will travel through four canal locks and end at Wright’s Landing Marina in Oswego where snacks, water and music will be provided.
A second short course introduced last year is available again in this year’s event. It runs from Indian Point Park on NYS Rte. 481 in Fulton to Minetto Riverview Park on NYS Rte. 48. This six-mile leg takes about two hours to complete. It offers a scenic paddle on the Oswego River but does not go through any canal locks.
Registration is now open and costs $35. Participants can click on this direct link to register online or sign up on-site the morning of the event. The event is limited to 450 paddlers and will go on rain or shine!
A shuttle service is available for a nominal fee of $10 per person. Participants must sign up for the service when registering for the event online.
The Museum is selling raffle tickets for a Yeti Cooler filled with prizes and commemorative T-shirts are available for purchase online.
For those who want to join in the fun, but don’t have a kayak, Fair Haven Kayak has rentals. Contact Ron Alexander at 315-466-6649 or ronald.alexander@oswego.edu for details.
New York Sea Grant (NYSG) is a supporter of Oswego Paddlefest and will be at Wright’s Landing to provide Paddlefest participants with clean, safe and environmentally friendly boating information.
Other supporting agencies include United States Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, New York State Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Oswego County, City of Fulton, City of Oswego and Town of Minetto. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is celebrating the Bicentennial of the opening of the Erie Canal. This event is part of the Erie Canalway Challenge program.
Sponsors of this year’s event include Eagle Beverage, Michelob Ultra Zero, Adventure at Burritt’s Marine and Power Sports, Oswego Health, Wayne Drugs, Murdock’s Bicycle & Sports and Robert Berkley Physical Therapy.
For a full list of Paddlefest guidelines, go to the H. Lee White Maritime Museum website at www.hlwmm.org. For more details and other maritime activities, find the museum’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hlwmm.
