Connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community.
Paddle With Us!
Registration for 2026 Paddling Sessions will open on March 3rd, 2026 at 9am
Paddling is a uniquely Minnesotan past-time with long-standing traditions: embarking to the Boundary Waters, playing around or fishing out of your local watering hole, adventuring down one of the many regional rivers. It can be a way to explore nature from a completely different perspective, and in Minnesota, where is a better place to spend your time than on the water? But canoeing is also an incredible endurance sport, and has a deep well of knowledge and community here in Minnesota. There is a strong competitive paddling scene in the Twin Cities. Loppet Paddling encourages efficient paddling technique, cooperation and communication between partners and boats, and the joy of being on the water.
If you have any questions, please contact rykken@loppet.org
Canoeing
Family Program (ages 9-13 and an adult 18+)
Participants will learn water safety and fundamental paddling skills, using cooperative activities and games. You will learn about equipment, body position and stroke technique, communication with your partner, and ways to steer the boat with more ease and confidence. This will be a fun bonding experience for you and your young person. Equipment is included.
- Dates
- Saturdays 6/6-6/27, 9:30-11:00a
- Capacity for: 10 (5 pairs) participants per program
- Location: Cedar Lake (Brownie Lake/Lake of the Isles)
Adult Canoeing (ages 18+)
Learn efficient and confident canoeing! Get ready for a trip, feel ready to jump into the stern, or explore the city from a new perspective. Participants will learn about the equipment, water safety basics, body position and stroke technique, different types of strokes, communication and working with your partner as well as other boats, steering with confidence and greater ease, how to adjust your stroke to different types of water and how to manage starts and larger waves. We’ll incorporate technique drills and instruction as well as a workout into each practice. And best yet, we’ll enjoy the beautiful summer evenings on the lake in good company. Equipment is included!
Fundamentals
- Dates
- Tuesdays 6/2-6/23, 6:00-8:00p
- Thursdays 6/4-6/25, 6:00-8:00p
- Tuesdays 7/7-7/28, 6:00-8:00p
- Thursdays 7/9-7/30, 6:00-8:00p
- Capacity for: 10 participants per program
- Location: Cedar Lakes (Brownie & Lake of the Isles)
Intermediate
- Dates
- Wednesdays 7/8-7/29, 6:00-8:00p
- Capacity for: 10 participants per program
- Location: Cedar Lakes (Brownie & Lake of the Isles)
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Programs
Stand Up Paddleboarding is a great sport that incorporates balance and strength and a great independent sport to encourage independence and problem-solving. It’s intuitive but benefits from technique work for steering and efficiency.
Youth SUP Camp
A camp for 8-11 year olds to introduce and explore the skills and joy of a sampling of water activities: Stand-up paddle-boarding, logrolling, and playing in the water.
- Dates
- Mon-Thu 6/22-6/25, 9:00a-12:00p
- Mon-Thu 7/6-7/9, 9:00a-12:00p
- Mon-Thu 8/10-8/13, 9:00a-12:00p
- Capacity for: 8 participants
- Location: Cedar Lake
- SUP rentals are available for the camp (rental includes stand up paddleboard and paddle). Please plan to bring your own lifejacket.
Interested in private lessons? Email Allie at rykken44@gmail.com for more details.
Financial Assistance Information
Financial Assistance
The Loppet provides financial assistance for those in need. To apply, please fill out this Financial Assistance form. Our staff will be in touch with you with next steps once your application has been submitted. *Limitations apply, please see the application form for rules and restrictions. In most instances there will be a $500 financial assistance cap per person/per year.
Refund Policy
The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee minus the original processing fee up until 4 weeks before the program starts. Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program.
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