PaddleFest 2026

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Silver Springs, Florida

The Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) is excited to announce the 2026 FPTA PaddleFest!  Our base camp will be in the Ocala National Forest, near the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers, at Camp Kiwanis, April 16 – 19, 2026. 

Our event offers ACA certified guided paddles, local cultural and educational opportunities, and paddlers the ability to reconnect with their paddling community. 

We are inviting you to be a 2026 PaddleFest Event Sponsor.  Your partnership plays an important role in supporting: 

●      Our Paddling Community: FPTA PaddleFest is one of the few events of this kind in Florida. We come together as a community of paddlers, paddle clubs, and businesses who share a passion for exploring Florida's scenic waterways via canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

●      FPTA’s Important Mission: The annual PaddleFest, now in its 4th year, provides us the opportunity to educate, connect, support, and strengthen the paddling community, including the ability to foster education with FPTA’s Taylor Howard Youth Paddling Fund grants. Few things in life are more memorable than our first trip floating down the shady corridor of a twisting river or skimming along a sunny coastline. Many of us equate our first significant experience in the outdoors with the first time we dipped a paddle, hoisted a sail, or connected with flowing water as children. And we feel gratitude towards those who led us there and helped kindle a life-long relationship with nature. Many of us who are fortunate to have had these experiences feel a need to reach out and share similar opportunities with younger generations. We are inviting you to share your passion for paddling and paddlesports with young paddlers of the future. Your event sponsorship makes the FPTA’s strategic plan to promote and support youth paddlesports possible.

 We put new paddlers on the water! Through our Taylor Howard Youth Paddling grants and the many events hosted around the state of Florida by our Regional Directors and FPTA Business Members, the FPTA introduces new paddlers to Florida’s waterways in an instructional and safe environment. 

●      Event Success & Growth: Last year, PaddleFest attracted nearly 70 passionate paddlers from all compass points and it continues to grow and connect more paddlers each year! Nearly 100% of event participants surveyed said they would return the following year.

●      Our Volunteers: FPTA is a 501(c)3, all-volunteer organization. During PaddleFest, we use this opportunity to recognize our volunteers, who’s selfless service is the strength and backbone of our organization.

●      Current & Future Hall of Famers: PaddleFest serves as the official “CT Hall of Fame” induction event (40 paddlers to date) for paddlers who have completed the 1,500+ mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). This event also serves as a mentoring opportunity for Hall of Famers and future CT paddlers. 

We are offering a variety of 2026 PaddleFest Event Sponsor options, ranging from financial sponsorship to in-kind donations, all which are intended to create a safe and fun event for paddlers.  Your sponsorship, no matter what level you select, is key to making this event, like last year, a successful event! 

●      EVENTS SPONSORSHIP: We  are asking for your support and offer an opportunity to be a2026 PaddleFest Event Sponsor.  

●      DEADLINE: February 1st, 2026, then we extend the opportunity to other businesses, SO DON’T DELAY! 

Any Questions, Issues, Problems? Contact Derry at derry.walsh@floridapaddlingtrails.com