Plan the Perfect Group Paddle Before School Starts
Before the backpacks come out and schedules fill up, gather your crew for one last summer float. Here’s how to plan the perfect paddle party on the Clyde.
It’s that time of year—not quite fall, but summer’s winding down. Before school routines take over and everyone’s calendar fills up, there’s still time for one more memory-making adventure. A group paddle on the Clyde River is the perfect way to wrap up the season, whether you’re organizing a family float, a teen-friendly outing, or a back-to-school hangout with friends.
Here’s everything you need to plan an easy, fun, and low-stress group paddle in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Pick Your Paddle Style
The Clyde River is calm, scenic, and beginner-friendly—making it perfect for groups of all kinds.
Choose from:
- Single kayaks – Great for independent teens or adults who want to explore at their own pace
- Double kayaks or canoes – Ideal for parents with younger kids, buddy-paddling, or cooler-packing
- Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) – Fun, splashy, and perfect for older kids, teens, and anyone who wants a little challenge
Pro tip: You can mix and match your group’s vessels—we’ll help make sure everyone gets what works best for them.
Choose the Best Time to Paddle
August mornings and late afternoons are ideal:
- The sun’s still warm but not too intense
- Wildlife is active, and the water is calm
- You’ll beat the midday rush for a more peaceful group experience
Plan your time to launch accordingly; everyone is requested to be back from the trip by 5:00 pm during the September and October seasons. Those months cool down quickly in the evenings. Back by 7:00 pm is fine for June, July, and August as the evenings stay comfortable later.
Make It a Picnic Paddle
Add a little extra fun with food! After your float, enjoy a relaxed picnic right at our riverside facility.
We’ve got:
- Shaded picnic tables and grassy open space
- Porta-potties for group convenience
- Snacks in-store for last-minute refreshers
It’s the perfect “end of summer” hangout.
Want to Bring the Dog? Go for It.
If your pup loves the water and behaves well in a boat, they’re welcome to join the fun! Just bring a doggy life vest and a towel for the ride home.
We Handle the Gear—You Just Paddle
Planning a group adventure doesn’t have to be complicated.
We provide:
- Your kayaks, canoes, or SUPs
- Paddles and properly fitted life jackets
- A shuttle drop-off, so you float back to our facility (no backtracking!)
- Friendly guidance and tips for first-timers
Just let us know how many are coming, what kind of vessels you need, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Make It Special
Here are a few fun ways to personalize your group paddle:
- Snap group photos at the launch and finish line
- Create “paddle buddy” teams to mix it up
- Celebrate birthdays, back-to-school, or just summer itself!
Your August Adventure Starts Here
Whether you’re planning a last hurrah for your kids, reconnecting with friends, or just looking for a reason to soak up the sun—there’s still time for one more paddle before school begins.
We’re just 10 minutes from Willoughby Lake and close to everything in the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont.
Book your group paddle today. We’ll take care of the rest.
