From left, the Mountainman team of Bill Reynolds, Matt Conley, Dan Beacon, Mick Schoen, Joe Gately, John Nemjo, Michael O'Brien. Photo by Carol Hansen

Adirondack Paddlefest: New clinics, contest, film fest set for 2012

John Nemjo, owner of Mounainman Outdoor Supply COmpany at the Adirondack Paddlefest site at the Old Fore lakefront. Photo by Carol Hansen

Mountainman continues to expand Canoe and kayak offerings at nation’s largest on-water demo event

Adirondack Paddlefest 2012 in Old Forge will present another big outdoor show on the Old Forge lakefront on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 18, 19 and 20.

This is the 14th year of Paddlefest, which has grown from a modest display of canoes and kayaks on the Little League field in Inlet in 1999, to the largest on-water Canoe and Kayak Demo in the nation.

The man behind it all is John Nemjo, owner of Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, who coincidentally will be celebrating his 20th year of business in the area on Friday.

Clark Lubbs of Mountainman Supply Company, left, with kayakers Judy and Joe McKenie of Illion. Photo by Carol Hansen

Nemjo said Paddlefest was moved to Old Forge in 2007, and the present setting is ideal for for the paddle event because it’s held right in the center of town.

With a sizable beach for displaying scores of the leading manufacturers of canoes, kayaks, and accessories, it also borders the waterfront which allows plenty of area for test paddling.

There’s also more than adequate lodging in town, he added.

“And with the good weather forecast for the weekend I’m hoping for one of our best shows—if not the best. This is a jump-start to our season, a week ahead of everyone else in the Adirondacks. So hopefully everyone in town will realize a large windfall from the efforts we put into this,” Nemjo said.

“This year we have 24 different manufacturers of kayaks and canoes,” he said. “When I started, kayaks were pretty new, but the big new thing this year is the Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP).Last year we had two paddleboard companies on-site, but this year we’ll have a half dozen. It’s the new toy on the lake,” he added.

“Nemjo said the popularity of SUPs has prompted his idea to bring a Stand-Up Paddle Board Festival to Old Forge on July 21st.

The event is currently in the planning stages, but Nemjo said the day will include races, clinics, free demos and lessons—all in a festival atmosphere.

And at Paddlefest, a number of free clinics and demonstrations will include the paddling technique for Stand-Up-Paddleboards, and how to choose the right board and gear.

A series of Kids’ Kayak Clinics, new this year, will also be available.

Another exciting new feature associated with the event is the inaugural Adirondack Paddlers Photo Contest.

Open to amateur and professional photographers, the contest was sponsored by Adirondack Explorer, Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company and View, the new arts center in Old Forge.

“There were 155 photos entered in the contest and some are just breathtaking,” said Alan Saban, of View.

Saban said the winners will be announced on Saturday, May 19, at VIEW at a 6 to 7 p.m. reception. The public is welcome to attend.

Immediately following the reception the acclaimed Reel Paddling Film Festival will be presented at Gould Hall.

Saban said the films in the festival range from two minutes to 20 minutes long and there’s a variety of films to watch, from daring rescues to stand-up paddling.

Admission to Adirondack Paddlefest 2012 is $5 per day. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Or visitors can choose to test paddle all weekend for $20 and be admitted free to the show.

The $20 test paddle fee is applied to a canoe, kayak, or SUP board purchase.

For more information about Paddlefest 2012 visit: www.adirondackpaddlefest.com or call (315) 369-6672.

Share Button