Low Experience Pre-requisite / Higher Focus on Skills Training / TRAK Kayak AVAILABLE TO RENT 

  • Region:  Adirondack Mtns, NY, USA
  • When:  September 12 - 15, 2025
  • Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
  • Skill Level: All Skill Levels

Join TRAK as we invite paddlers of all levels to our immersive skills progression camp in the Adirondack mountains of upstate New York, located on section 2 of the 740 mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. We’ll be meeting in Saranac Lake, NY.

This will be an adventurous yet relaxing trip led by experienced TRAK Pilots to rustic campsites with water access only - tucked within a seemingly endless network of rivers, hiking trails, and wonderful scenery.

 



    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 TRAK Pilots. These folks are experts with their TRAK kayaks, and are also qualified instructors and experienced in the outdoors. They have prepared a number of skills-focused topics that you can learn about and practice, such as:

    - 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!

    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 6th 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 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, for example tent, - Thermarest mattress and sleeping bag, refer to the trip packing list, 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.

    Do I have to sleep in a tent?

    Not if you don't want to. Each TRAK trip is uniquely tailored for paddlers based on their comfort zones. Some trips are designed for paddlers with lots of experience and personal camping gear, while others are designed for paddlers who prefer to base camp from a fixed roof accommodation.

    Do I have to get wet?

    Not if you don't want to! While our instructors are often happy to teach skills around wet exits, reentries, and rescues, you are not required to do so.

    Didn’t find your answer?

    Don't hestitate to contact us