Trip Overview

campsite

4 Days 3 Nights | Tent Camping

skill-level--intermediate

Focus on Skill Development

Bring Your Own TRAK Kayak

High Focus on Skills Training / Ideal for Beginners & New TRAK Owners

  • Region:  Adirondack Mtns, NY, USA
  • When:  September 11 - 14, 2026
  • Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
  • Skill Level: Beginners & Intermediate Paddlers 
  • Accommodations: Tent Camping with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Provided

Ready to level up your paddling skills in a non-intimidating environment? 

We invite paddlers of all experience levels to our immersive skills progression camp in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York. This trip is designed to empower new paddlers (and new TRAK owners) to gain confidence in all things kayaking - from paddle strokes to rescues to camp craft, and beyond.This will be an adventurous yet relaxing trip led by professional instructors and TRAK Pilots who prepare fresh and filling breakfasts, lunches and dinners.  

Located in section 2 of the 740 mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, this remote wilderness area is rich in wildlife and incredibly beautiful.

Expect to level up your paddling and bushcraft skills while exploring a seemingly endless network of rivers and lakes to reaching rustic campsites only accessible by water - complete with hiking trails and gorgeous views!

    Meet Your Guide

    Jeff Berner

    Hey! I'm Jeff. I've been kayaking for over 20 years and paddling with a TRAK kayak for about 10. I've taught classes in flat water, multi-day/week outings and white water. As a photographer I enjoy having the TRAK and the accessibility it provides on any road trip, and I was also a member of the TRAK 20/20 team, and played a key role in developing the TRAK 2.0. This will be my 5th year leading the TRAK ADK Camp.

    What you'll learn:

    - Getting familiar with TRAK Kayaks, the many unique capabilities and features to get the most out of it
    - Paddling skills & Boat control
    - Kayak Safety & Rescues
    - Navigation and planning for paddling trips
    - Useful rope skills + Knots
    - Kayak fishing
    - Photography
    - Low impact camping and cooking - be prepared to eat well!

    What we're going to do:

    This camp is coordinated and delivered by a team of professional instructors & TRAK Pilots. These folks both experts with TRAK kayaks as well as qualified sea kayak guides with incredible experience in the outdoors. Expect to learn the following throughout the skills camp experience:

    - Mastering your own TRAK Kayak
    - Paddling strokes, braces, and technique
    - Boat control
    - Kayak safety & Rescues
    - Navigation and planning for paddling trips
    - Useful rope skills + knots
    - Kayak fishing
    - Photography
    - Low impact camping and cooking - be prepared to eat well!

    There is something here for every paddler, are our primary goal is to get you more familiar with your TRAK kayak, then working on progression on each individual basis.

    For our 9th season of the TRAK ADK Camp at Saranac Lake, we are happy to announce that a second or extended session will be offered for new additional guests or for those that would like to stay on a little longer. By popular request, guests just don’t want to leave at the end of this trip and would like to stay longer immersed in the mountain lake setting to further hone skills, take in the beautiful wilderness or just enjoy the the camaraderie of new paddling friends on the water or around the campfire. Time and time again guests tell us that it's so hard to pack up and leave that last day. Some have stayed on. Some have come back. We feel the same so this year, we will stay out there a little longer!

    Itinerary:

    Expedition Training Plan:

    DAY 1: Arrive at Saranac Lake, NY

    - Basic safety overview
    - TRAK assembly walkthrough
    - "Pack your TRAK" lesson
    - Complete 45 minute paddle into campsites
    - Build camp
    - First dinner - local fare
    - Fireside chat + orientation

    DAY 2: Beginning of Course

    - Breakfast; pack lunch preparation
    - Splitting into pods - pod management briefing
    - Rotation into the "skills stations"
    - Optional beginning of level 1 training
    - Dinner
    - Fire side chats + socialization

    DAY 3: Course Continuation & Time for Exploration

    - Breakfast & pack lunch preparation
    - Continuation + completion of skills training
    - Break into exploration pods - paddling, hiking
    - Dinner
    - Fire side chat + Starry night paddle

    Day 4: Strike Camp + Paddle Out

    - Breakfast; pack lunch preparation
    - How to strike your camp + LNT briefing
    - "Pack your TRAK" refresher
    - 45 minute paddle back to vehicles
    - Transport back to Saranac Lake, NY

    What is included?

    We'll provide everything you need once you arrive, until you leave, including:

    - Campsite Accommodation.
    - Three fresh meals a day including hot drinks + snacks.
    - Skills-training equipment & materials
    - All coaching and instruction.
    - ACA Level - 1 Certificate (Optional).

    You may want to bring your favourite PFD and paddle, and if you have a TRAK kayak already, bring it with you and save.

    What's not included?

    - Transport into and out of Saranac Lake, NY (Town).
    - Basic paddling gear (Paddle, PFD, Bilge Pump, Paddle Float, etc.)
    - Personal expedition equipment
    - Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mattress (you may be able to rent some of these items from us - please inquire).
    - Gratuities

    Trip leaders who care

    All TRAK Trips are facilitated by qualified paddlers with in-depth experience in TRAK Kayaks, so you can learn pro-tips from the source. We are proud to work with professional guides and paddling instructors from all over the world.

    Meet a TRAK Pilot near you

    FAQs

    Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

    Are TRAK Kayaks designed for air travel?

    Yes! Our latest model, the TRAK 2.0, packs into a rolling travel bag specially designed to meet airline requirement for check luggage. For recommended best practices for flying with a TRAK folding kayak, visit this page.

    Are my flights included in the price?

    Your transportation to and from the starting location is not included in the trip price. For more information about flights and logistics, contact our team.

    What accommodations are provided?

    Each TRAK trip is uniquely tailored for paddlers based on their comfort zones. Some trips are designed for paddlers with lots of backcountry experience and personal camping gear, while others are designed for paddlers who prefer a leisure experience with comfortable fixed roof accommodations. Contact TRAK to find the trip that's right for you.

    What's your cancellation policy?

    If you must cancel your trip booking prior to the start date, TRAK will either credit the amount you paid towards a future TRAK trip of your choice, or provide a refund based on the following:

    • 90 days or more prior to the trip departure date – full amount is refunded minus a $150 administration fee per person.
    • 89-30 days prior to the trip departure date – 50% of total tour price is refunded, or applied to a future trip with open spots.
    • Less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date – no refund or credit will be given.

    In all cases, the guest is responsible for any costs incurred for cancelling any additional tours or travel arrangements.

    We highly recommend that trip registrants purchase third-party trip cancellation insurance in case of unexpected events that prevent their participation.

    Didn’t find your answer?

    Don't hestitate to contact us

     

    Before you paddle off...

    We'd like to help.

    If the shipping quote in your shopping cart doesn't make sense, or you want to get clarity on how we handle importing to your region, don't hesitate to email us (info@trakkayaks.com) or reach out by WhatsApp with your questions: 250-797-8725 ('TRAK').

    Click 'here' to see reviews from real TRAK Owners.

    Happy paddling ahead!

    Book a Video Call with TRAK HQ