For expert paddlers or those looking to dip their oar in the water for the first time, NMTA’s seventh annual Northwest Paddling Festival is the place to be to get started for a summer on the water. Held at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13, the festival is the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. During the course of this two-day celebration of paddle sports, attendees can shop the latest in gear and accessories from more than 60 paddle sport businesses, get introduced to paddling of all kinds, take kayak tours,  attend seminars, and compete in the Northwest Paddling Challenge. The event is free for the public to attend, but most of the on-water activities cost $10 for the day.  

If your business is interested in exhibiting at the festival, contact Katie McPhail at katiemc@nmta.net or (206) 634-0911. 

Call out for volunteers:

The Northwest Paddling Festival has succeeded these past six years in large part because of the awesome volunteers. Members from various clubs have volunteered as safety boaters, tour guides, in registration and with logistics. There’s a position for everyone - and this year, we need even more volunteers!!

Along with working to increase our seminars and presentations, we want to add a dry-land “Intro to Kayaking” class. The goal is to give attendees that are new to paddling the basics before they hear from you! Have a person besides yourself in mind? Please contact him/her or send us their contact info. We greatly appreciate your help; plus it’s a great way to show case your club and recruit new members!

To sign-up, or if you have questions, email or call the Northwest Paddling Festival Volunteer Coordinator, Joan Collins, joan@nmta.net, 206-634-0911