Northland Paddler Alliance Introduces Duluth’s First Paddlefest

A continuation of the recently cancelled Two Harbors Kayakfest

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of adventurers gathered encouraging community members to embrace the water around them. With the cancellation of the Two Harbors Kayakfest, the Northland Paddler Alliance took on the task of carrying on the tradition with the first ever Paddlefest in Duluth.

“Paddling’s a big cornerstone of the twin ports and the north shore and Lake Superior here,” Kris McNeal, Paddlefest organizer said regarding the creation of the event. It’s exactly why the Northland Paddler Alliance wanted to carry on the water sports gathering for anyone wanting to get out on the lake.

Clubs and vendors offered several opportunities for experts and beginners from racing to demo-boating.

Maybe you’ve never canoed or kayaked before. That’s the whole point of demoing is to give it a try.”

Also present at the festival was Duluth’s number one water activity equipment partner, SkiHut. Employees like Dave Neustel were there to show first-timers how to use the various boats, including everyone’s favorite, the kayak.

“A kayak is a great way to get out on the water and really get to places that you want to go.”

McNeal says the Paddler Alliance’s goal is to have every vendor in the area involved with water sports to be a part of bringing the community together on the lake.

” People that come out and support this event are supporting our organization and our efforts to try and get people out on the water and increase the paddling opportunities here in the twin ports.”