Beginner Kayak Workshop Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Easy Paddling: A Beginner Kayak Workshop at Thomson Reservoir on August 12, 2026! We couldn’t have asked for a better evening to spend on the St. Louis River—temperatures in the low 80s, warm water, sunshine, and a reservoir full of paddlers learning something new.
From people getting into a kayak for the very first time to experienced paddlers looking to sharpen their skills, participants spent the evening building confidence on and off the water. Folks split into small groups to learn about essential safety gear, beginner paddle strokes, tandem maneuvering and wet exits, all with the beautiful backdrop of the Reservoir.
A huge thank you to the instructors from UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program (RSOP), who have a gift for breaking skills down step by step and making even the intimidating parts of paddling feel accessible and achievable. For many participants, intentionally tipping over a kayak, releasing a spray skirt underwater, or climbing back into a boat was well outside their comfort zone. By the end of the evening, those once-scary skills had become something they knew they could do.
We’re also grateful to Day Tripper of Duluth for providing additional kayaks and gear that helped make it possible for more people to participate, and to our St. Louis River Alliance staff for keeping a lot of people, boats, workshops, snacks, and moving pieces organized throughout the evening.
The setting made the night especially meaningful. Before heading into workshops, LaRae with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency shared the story of the restoration work completed at Thomson Reservoir. Historic industrial pollution once left contaminated sediment on the reservoir bottom. Today, following a major cleanup effort, this stretch of the St. Louis River is healthier for fish and wildlife—and is once again a place where people can paddle, learn, and connect with the river.
There was something pretty special about learning that story and then getting directly onto the water to experience it for ourselves.
Thank you to everyone who came ready to learn, try something new, get a little (or a lot) wet, and spend a beautiful summer evening with us on the river. We hope you left with a few new skills, a little more confidence, and plenty of inspiration for your next paddle.
This event was made possible with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, supporting efforts to reconnect people with the recovering St. Louis River Estuary.
Additional Paddling Resources
Keep learning, stay safe, and plan your next adventure on the St. Louis River:
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Marine Weather & Forecasts
National Weather Service Duluth Marine Forecast – Marine forecasts, current conditions, weather hazards, radar, and information for western Lake Superior.
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory – Great Lakes weather, water conditions, and environmental data.
Paddling Safety Essentials
SLRA Safety Essentials – What to bring, float planning, weather and wind considerations, cold-water safety, river etiquette, and other tips for a safe day on the water.
Explore the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail
National Water Trail – Explore the Water Trail, find maps and routes, plan a trip, and learn more about paddling the St. Louis River Estuary.
Rent Gear, Find a Guide & Go Camping
Water Trail River Resources – Find local kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals, outfitters, guided trips, camping opportunities, and other resources for getting on the water.
Plan Your Next Paddle
Explore Water Trail maps and suggested routes to find a paddle that fits your experience level, interests, and available time.
Before every paddle: Check the forecast and water conditions, wear your PFD, bring appropriate safety gear, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return, and choose a route that matches your skills and the conditions.
