Editor’s Note: This story was first published on July 29, 2012
Near the Heron Lake Paddle Festival Center at the launching site with a beach campground.in background. Courtesy photo
The Heron Lake Paddle Festival is set for Aug. 10, 11 and 12. Heron Lake State Park is 11 miles west of Tierra Amarilla via U.S. highways 64 and 84 and N.M. 95.
This three day event includes canoe and kayak clinics, demos and races among other activities such as a used gear sale.
The Paddle Festival site is in the Ridge Rock area of Heron Lake State Park – just west of the dam.
Heron Lake is a no-wake lake six miles in length and a two hour scenic drive north of Los Alamos.
Registration opens at noon Friday, Aug. 10 with no pre-registration. A $5 registration donation is suggested.
Friday Evening: “Brown Bag” guided Dinner Paddle through the cliffs of the Heron Lake Narrows. We’ll supply the guidance and cordiality. You supply your food and beverage.
Saturday: Free boat demos to try (Four Corners River Sports of Durango, Colo.) all day. A great chance to learn about a boat that is right for you. However, participants need to provide boats for the dinner paddle/clinics/games/races/sessions/concert.
Early Morning: TAI CHI session, wake-up session of gentle exercise and a gorgeous view of the lake with local instructor, Frances.
Breakfast Burritos: delivered to Festival Center Saturday and Sunday. Must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. Orders taken Friday and Saturday.
Kayak games: Never-before tried water-based games good for a laugh.
Kayak races: Novice and Experienced categories.
Naturalist-led Nature Walk: Early morning walk with State Park Naturalist, Wendy for bird, bug and botany lovers to enjoy.
Used Gear Sale: Bring your gear, a write-up and perhaps a lock to secure your goods. Can be left at the Used Gear Sale area at Festival Center.
Clinic and Sessions: To offer quality experience, clinic size will be LIMITED at the discretion of the instructors. Several clinics will be repeated as time allows.
Special thanks to Marcel Bieg, Outdoor Learning Coordinator at San Juan College, and his staff for the many clinics they teach at the Festival.
- SELF-RESCUE TECHNIQUES
- SELF-RESCUE FOR THE OLD AND / OR FEEBLE
- WATERCOLOR ON THE WATER (fee for materials)
- DEALING WITH WIND AND WHITECAPS
- INFLATABLES
- SO YOU WANT TO BUY A KAYAK?
- KAYAK/CANOE CAMPING
- DOGGIE PADDLE (Boating safely w/dogs)
- CANOE TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY
- THE ROLL
- KIDS AND KAYAKS
Saturday Evening: “Concert at the Cliffs” An on-th-water performance of the “String Along Ukelele Band” playing water-themed sing-along songs from pontoon boats.Spectators can listen from boats or along the shoreline cliffs. Concert will be land-based in case of inclement weather.
Other Boating Law Input: The opportunity to help update laws affecting paddle sports.
River Rafting on the Chama Information: Available Kayak/Canoe Rentals at the lake: Art Chicks Kayak Rental (575) 209-0675.
Albuquerque Area: Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures (505) 771-1234. Brochures available at Heron Lake State Park Visitor Center.
Camping: Many available at Heron Lake State Park both first come/first serve or reservations (call 1-877-664-7787). Many of the 200 sites are wooded with pinon/pine with lake views for desirable tent camping. The park has solar heated showers.
For more information on the Festival or camping at Heron Lake State Park, contact Siscily Fraley, Event Coordinator at: artkayakact@yahoo.com or call Heron Lake State Park (575) 588-7470.
