The inaugural Buffalo Paddle Festival is coming up this weekend, so if you’re planning on heading to the Inner Harbor to check out all of the awesome boats, then you must also make an excursion to the Outer Harbor for this first time event.
The Buffalo Paddle Festival is aimed at introducing people to activities that can be done on the water. From stand up paddle boarding (SUPs), to kayaking and yoga on the water, this is the perfect event for anyone who has wanted to get out on Lake Erie on a personal watercraft. Plus, all of the proceeds go to WNY Adaptive Water Sports a 501 (c)(3) local chapter of Disabled Sports USA.
The event is also intended to promote environmental awareness and stewardship of our natural water resources. But it’s also about friendly competition too. There is a competitive race and recreational races for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding. Then there are plenty of activities for beginners who aren’t ready for competitive water sports.
Demonstrations will be provided by WNY Adaptive Water Sports that will include adaptive paddling and other water sports activities for the disabled.
Paths, Peaks & Paddles, Buffalo Paddle Board Co and City Of Light Fitness will also be on-hand to conduct boating demonstrations, fitness classes as well as personal water craft rentals.
This event is inclusive in nature and is an incredible opportunity for anyone who has and interest and/or love of the water.
Buffalo Paddle Festival | Join event on Facebook
When: Saturday, Jul 12, 2014 9:00 AM | *Sunday July 13, 2014 is the rain date
Where: Gallagher Beach, NFTA Boat Harbor Park – Buffalo, NY
Here’s a breakdown of activities:
Kayak, Canoe, and Stand Up Paddle Board Demos: Spectators and participants will have the opportunity to test out Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks, and Canoes from local dealers.
Kayak, Canoe, and Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons: Take a lesson from a certified instructor on the hour starting at 12:30PM. (limited availability)
Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga Demo: Schedule for a SUP Yoga class on the hour starting at 12:30PM. (limited availability)
Adaptive Water Sport Clinics: Demonstrations of adaptive paddling clinics for the physically challenged by WNY Adaptive Water Sports and Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana – Chapters of Disabled Sports USA.
Fitness Classes: Yoga, Stand Up Paddleboard Fitness, Barre Centric and various outdoor fitness classes offered (TBA).
Here’s the schedule of events and activities:
8:00AM
Vendor Set-Up
9:00AM
Registration
Pre-Race Dry-land Yoga (Long Race)
10:00AM
Long Race, Pre-Race Instruction
Pre-Race Dry-land Yoga (Short Race)
11:00AM
Short Race
Pre-Race Instruction
12:00PM
SUP Yoga
PaddleFit
Kids Intro SUP and Race
Ausmosis SUP Board Demo
1:00PM
Barre Centric Class
SUP Yoga
PaddleFit
Ausmosis SUP Board Demo
2:00PM
SUP Yoga
PaddleFit
Ausmosis SUP Board Demo
3:00PM
Award Ceremony!