Kayaks and paddle boards dotted the waters just off shore of Shepard Park Beach as the American Canoe Association (ACA) and Patty’s Water Sports brought Love the Lake Paddle Fest to Lake George Village Saturday, July 21. The day-long event included stand up paddle board demonstrations, booths with product and safety information, races and live music.
People of all ages tried their skill at stand up paddling using boards provided by Boats by George. ACA volunteers provided tips and safety advice. The ACA was founded in Lake George in 1880. Today it is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting paddle sports, safety and environmental stewardship.
The event ran in conjunction with the 3rd Annual Love the Lake Memorial Paddle which launched Friday evening in Ticonderoga. Memorial paddlers traveled the length of Lake George along a four-legged route past Silver Bay, Bolton Landing and Diamond Point. The paddlers completed their journey shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday, landing on Shepard Park Beach amidst a crowd of cheering kayakers and paddle boarders.
The Memorial Paddle was founded in 2010 by Robert Weinman to honor Stephen Canaday and Peter Snyder, paddlers killed in separate incidents on Lake George that spring. The event organizers seek to draw attention to boating safety issues and increase awareness of the multi-recreational uses of Lake George and the danger that can create for smaller vessels.
The Paddle Fest included a live performance by The Hallertau Band at the Shepard Park band shell.