Finally the ice is out and waters are open. Now is the perfect time to trade, upgrade, or purchase a new kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.

Old Forge’s Adirondack Paddlefest is the largest in-water show in the Adirondacks, with paddling presentations, test paddles, on-water canoe and kayak sales, demos, clinics, food and entertainment Friday through Sunday, May 18-20 in Old Forge.

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company’s 20th Annual Adirondack Paddlefest is expected to bring over 1,000 canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to the Old Forge Public Beach, behind the Visitors’ Center, on Friday, May 18 (noon to 6); May 19 (9 to 6); and May 20 (from 10 am to 5 pm).

The Paddlefest schedule of events include clinics with industry representatives as well as a chance to meet other paddling enthusiasts. There is also plenty of time between the scheduled events to take in the area restaurants or just enjoy the scenery.  Mountainman will be utilizing all of its three acre campus with a free shuttle to the Old Forge waterfront.

The event is free, but there is a $20 fee for unlimited test paddles for the kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. The $20 fee is good for all three days. In addition to the demos, there are mix of free and fee-based clinics, fishing tournament, and on-water classes.

For a free demo, and less crowds, stop in at Inlet. According Connie Perry, who owns and operates Frisky Otter Tours, Adirondack Paddlefest originated in Inlet but moved to Old Forge when Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. changed locations. Perry opened her business in 2007 near The Woods Inn, and it has since evolved from paddling instruction and tours to selling boats and accessories. Frisky Otter will hold it’s own Paddlesport Demo Friday through Monday (Friday, noon to 5 pm; Saturday, 9 to 4; and Sunday, 10 to 3).

“We always offer free demos as part of our customer service,” says Perry. “This weekend is special as we will have all our demo boats at the water and people can stop by and talk with Joe Moore from Placid Boatworks or Stan from Slipstream Watercraft. We spend a lot of time at the water, helping people find the right boat for the needs. We focus on education and learning how someone is going to use their boat. We want to help find what will best suit the customer.”

“There is no charge what so ever to demo our boats,” says Perry. “We are also offering 15% off any accessories. We will also have some older boats on clearance. We are working in conjunction with The Woods Inn who is offering 30% off rooms as well as a 15% coupon off food and beverage for anyone coming to the Frisky Otter demo.”

Photo provided by Frisky Otter Tours.