Looking Back at 2026, Looking Forward to 2027!

‍A Nationwide Paddling Community on Florida Waters

What a year! PaddleFest 2026 at Camp Kiwanis was an absolute milestone for the Florida Paddling Trails Association. We didn’t just host a regional meetup; we became a “must do” event for the American paddling community.

Our waterways came alive with passionate paddlers traveling from all over the country representing Florida, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, New York, Wyoming, and Minnesota! From first-time kayakers to veteran thru-paddlers of the 1,515-mile Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT), the energy, shared skills, and camaraderie proved that our love for the water knows no borders.

‍Global Partners, Local Impact

It wasn't just the paddlers who went the distance. PaddleFest 2026 drew industry leading vendors and sponsors from all over. Together, our partners helped us host packed educational clinics, showcase cutting edge gear, and drive an incredibly successful raffle that directly funded the Taylor Howard Youth Paddling Fund and the Circumnavigational Trail Fund—ensuring the current and next generations of waterway stewards get out on the water safely.

Why Sponsor or Attend in 2027?

• For Paddlers: You'll learn from world-class ACA instructors, explore pristine trails, and join a vibrant, welcoming family of outdoor enthusiasts from all over.

• For Sponsors & Vendors: PaddleFest offers direct, highly engaged, face-to-face exposure to a diverse, passionate, and discerning demographic of outdoor adventurers traveling from across North America.

‍The Countdown to PaddleFest 2027 is ON!

Where will we land next? We haven’t selected the official location for PaddleFest 2027 just yet, but our scouting team is already looking at some of Florida’s most breathtaking springs, canopy rivers, and coastal gems to find a venue that can top last year.

Want to be a part of this event?

• Paddlers: Keep your paddles ready and stay tuned for our location drop and early-bird registration coming later this year.

• Sponsors and Vendors: If you are a brand or vendor looking for visibility in the paddling market in the South Eastern United States, reach out to us today at derry.walsh@floridapaddlingtrails.com to secure your spot for 2027!