New Program

Loppet Paddling

Paddling Programs for Ages 9 and above

Why canoeing? Canoeing and paddling in general complements Loppet pillars of outdoor endurance competition and urban adventure in natural spaces. Minneapolis in particular is a special place for water exploration, and the BWCA opportunities make canoeing a uniquely Minnesotan gem. Competitive canoeing is a full-body exercise, though focally on the upper body, which makes a great balance for all those runners/hikers/bikers out there and great cross-training for cross country skiing. It is also a low-impact sport that people can enjoy well into their older ages. Competitive canoeing is highly technical and tactical, but also something people can make noticeable improvements in right away with some key changes to the traditional Boundary Waters stroke. Plus, the vantage point from the lakes is a beautiful, fulfilling place to spend your time this summer.

Family Program

Participants will learn equipment and sport fundamentals, as well as the enjoyment of water sports and cooperative activities. We will go over water safety, body position and stroke technique, communication with your partner, and ways to steer the boat with more ease and confidence. And brace yourself for the world of canoe games (yes it’s a thing!). Enjoy time on the water or get ready for a trip, this will be a fun bonding experience for you and your young person. Equipment is included!

  • Ages 9-12 and an adult 18+ 
  • 2x/week for 3 weeks : Mondays/Wednesdays 4:30 – 6 pm (6 total practices)
  • 2 sessions: June 12 – 28; July 10 – 26 
  • Capacity for: 10 (5 pairs) participants per program
  • Location: Cedar/Brownie Lakes
  • Cost: $200/pair (1 junior and 1 adult)

Junior Program

Whether you’re looking for a unique sport, or looking for more upper-body cross-training, canoeing is a fantastic choice. Participants will learn about the equipment, water safety basics, body position and stroke technique, different types of strokes, communication and working with your partner as well as other boats, steering with confidence and greater ease, wake riding, buoy turns, how to adjust your stroke to different types of water and how to manage starts and larger waves. We’ll incorporate technique drills and instruction as well as a workout into each practice. Equipment is included!

  • Ages 13-18
  • 6 weeks – focuses on two races:
  • Thursday, June 29 & July 27 (Hoigaard’s Derby races)
  • 1 session: June 14 – July 26 (skip 7/4) 
  • Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 pm 
  • Capacity for: 10 participants per program
  • Location: Cedar/Brownie Lakes
  • Cost: $120

Adult Program

Whether you’re looking for a unique sport, or looking for more upper-body cross-training, canoeing is a fantastic choice. Participants will learn about the equipment, water safety basics, body position and stroke technique, different types of strokes, communication and working with your partner as well as other boats, steering with confidence and greater ease, wake riding, buoy turns, how to adjust your stroke to different types of water and how to manage starts and larger waves. We’ll incorporate technique drills and instruction as well as a workout into each practice. Equipment is included!

  • Ages 18+
  • 6 weeks – prepares for a Hoigaard’s Derby race on July 27
  • 1 session: June 13 – July 25 (skip 7/4)
  • Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
  • Capacity for: 10 participants per program
  • Location: Cedar/Brownie Lakes
  • Cost: $120

The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee minus the original processing fee up until 4 weeks before the program starts.  Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program.

If you have any questions, please contact rykken@loppet.org.

A Note About the Data We Collect