Kansas City paddles

Paddle KC members love paddling local (Missouri AND Kansas!) lakes, rivers and streams as often as possible. Relaxing leisure paddles, workouts and distance paddles, special adventures, and exploring waters in every season. We have a great time every month of the year!

Weekends & trips

From weekends in the Ozarks and neighboring states, to “bucket list” trips to paddling destinations – we love to travel and paddle new places. Relaxing river day floats or multi-day kayak/SUP camping, sea kayaking trips for experienced paddlers, and whitewater!

Skills & Safety

Paddle KC offers many ways to learn and improve paddling and safety skills. We host informal learning during events, ACA skills courses, online or in-person clinics, and Show & Tell sessions. Our fun activities are well-planned, including recommended pandemic safety measures.

Flexible Schedules

We host paddling activities for kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists on weekends, weeknights and weekdays. With over 90 events a year, there’s something for every paddler!

all experience levels

Our members range from paddlers with decades of experience on lakes, rivers and oceans, to absolute beginners. From relaxing time on local lakes to challenging skills courses in oceans to whitewater rivers – we love all types of paddling!

upcoming PADDLING fun

Paddle KC hosts activities every month of the year, including online events, for paddlers who own their own gear. Kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists are welcome!

When I got my first kayak, I often paddled alone and had so many questions. By joining Paddle KC paddling club, I quickly learned how to get out on the water easier, safer, and with more fun, especially with my new friends! Paddle KC classes and trips have provided an absolute wealth of knowledge that has boosted my skills and confidence. Now paddling is my passion, and I love to share it with others.

Rondle D

Paddle KC is a very active, safety-aware club with great, friendly people who are always willing to lend a hand or share a bit of advice to make your kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing experience that much better. The range of events from paddling local lakes and streams and the Missouri River to Ozarks rivers to the Great Lakes and oceans means there is something for everyone, regardless of boat or skill level (including experienced paddlers like me). From ACA training opportunities to pool sessions to information sharing sessions there are plenty of ways to advance your knowledge of our sport while having a great time.

Dave S

I attended my first Paddle KC event shortly after I bought my first kayak. Joining this paddling club quickly took me from 0 to 60 in paddling and safety skills. I enjoy exploring a wide variety of places with this group, from local lakes and streams to the Missouri River and Ozarks rivers, and have made great friends. It’s just FUN! I especially appreciate the responsible safety policies, and careful pandemic precautions. Wearing (PFDs and facemasks) is caring!

Kim S

My husband and I joined Paddle KC shortly after buying our first kayaks. There are so many great learning opportunities. Everyone that we have met though Paddle KC has been friendly and willing to share their experience. One of our favorite has been river camping. There is no shortage on opportunities to join in no matter what your skill level is. Making new friends is the bonus.

Clara W

I joined Paddle KC May 2019 as a beginner kayaker. Instrumental to my growth have been Paddle KC’s organized trainings and helpful instruction/information sessions, and also attending the ongoing host-guided Paddle KC events at area lakes/rivers which include safety measures. Most important, is being on the water with this group of like-minded paddling enthusiasts. I now host some Paddle KC lake event paddles and consider myself a strong paddler thanks to Paddle KC. The growth and joy I continue to gain from each experience with this group is truly priceless.

Thomas V

Paddle KC is a great group of friendly, fun people who share my love of kayaking. I enjoy the frequent paddling opportunities (leisurely and workouts), the training options, the responsible safety measures (especially during this pandemic), and the cool people who’ve become friends along the way. I’ve grown from entry level recreational kayaking to experienced sea kayaking, and completed ACA L2 training and skills symposiums with Paddle KC. I even placed 3rd in my first kayak race. From local paddles and Ozarks rivers to Apostle Islands, from Louisiana bayous and Gulf coast to Atlantic coast – we PADDLE!

Christy K