Curious about paddleboarding but don’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly session is designed to help you feel confident, safe, and comfortable on the water — no experience required.

We'll cover:

• Paddleboarding basics (gear, stance, safety)
• How to fall off and how to get back on with ease
• Progressions from sitting → kneeling → standing
• Tips for balance, paddling technique, and staying relaxed on the board

Whether you’re nervous or just never had the chance to try, this is your invitation to discover what paddleboarding is all about — in a supportive, encouraging environment.

We will launch directly from Fish Creek Pond Campground, located near Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Park. Fish Creek Ponds is a chain of shallow, connected ponds with narrow channels between them, which keeps boat speeds low and creates calm, protected paddling conditions, especially in the morning.

The ponds are generally shallow, often under 10–12 feet deep, with sandy and rocky bottoms visible in clear sections. The surrounding forest and undeveloped shoreline give the area a quiet, intimate feel compared to larger Adirondack lakes. Loons are commonly seen and heard, along with mergansers and other waterfowl. Bald eagles and osprey are frequently spotted overhead, and deer, beavers, and river otters are regular visitors along the shoreline.

Fish Creek Pond sits entirely within New York’s Adirondack Park, offering a distinctly Adirondack paddle, calm water, close-to-nature scenery, and an easygoing route that works well for both newer and experienced paddleboarders.

More Information:

• https://dec.ny.gov/places/fish-creek-pond-campground-and-day-use-area

Fish Creek Pond Campground and Day Use Area
Address: 4523 State Route 30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 44 18 13.38980N, 074 21 29.77273W

Directions:

From the Northway (I-87) northbound: Exit 30 Route 9 north to Rte. 73 north to Lake Placid. Route 86 north through Saranac Lake to Rte. 186 west to Rte. 30 south. 9 miles to Fish Creek Pond.

From the Northway (I-87) southbound: Exit 38, Rte. 374 west to Rte. 3 west to Saranac Lake. From Saranac Lake follow directions above.

From I-81: Exit 48, Rte. 342 east to Rte. 3 & 30, then Rte. 30 north to Fish Creek Pond.

Get driving directions from Google Maps