Spending time on the water is one of the many benefits to living in the Superior area. With several ways to access Lake Superior and the St. Louis River – along with dozens of other lakes and rivers nearby – finding a paddling adventure is never too far away.

Yet, for individuals without the required equipment, knowledge of paddling or familiarity with the Twin Ports region, the idea of heading out on the water in a canoe or kayak – let alone on Lake Superior – can seem too much to handle. Fortunately, University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Superior Adventures Community Paddle trips can help students and community members get on the water and experience one of the great benefits of living in the Northland.

“I enjoy getting people out into nature,” said UW-Superior student and Community Paddle guide McKenna Nash. “I love being on the water and it is very fulfilling for me to be able to share that with students and community members.”

Community Paddle events provide opportunities for individuals to enjoy a leisurely evening paddling the waters around Superior. Trips will take place August 16 and 30 at Barker’s Island and September 13 and 27 at Wisconsin Point. A Community Paddle trip took place August 2 in Billings Park.

Nash, a sophomore majoring in outdoor recreation with a minor in business administration, began guiding Community Paddle events this summer. The opportunity enabled her to use skills developed at an early age.

“My dad and grandpa are the ones who got me into paddle sports,” said Nash, a native of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. “I grew up on camping and Boundary Waters trips, which made me interested in working at a sporting goods store back home called Mel’s Trading Post. They had a variety of different sporting goods, but working there fueled my love of the outdoors and passion for paddling.” 

Choosing to attend UW-Superior became an easy selection for Nash considering its location near abundant outdoor recreation opportunities – along with the ability to follow in her stepmother’s footsteps.

“I enjoy many outdoor activities, but my favorites would have to be downhill skiing and rock climbing,” said Nash. “I also enjoy biking, hiking, paddling and traveling to different places where I can do those sorts of things.”

Once on campus, Nash quickly found involvement.

“Last fall I was looking for an on-campus job and saw an opening with Superior Adventures at the National Bank of Commerce Climbing Wall and emailed about the position,” she said. “I got the job and ended up becoming the student lead for Superior adventures when the position opened due to our previous leads graduating.”

As the seasons change, Nash will remain active leading a series of upcoming Superior Adventures outings.

“Beside the Community Paddles, I will be guiding a variety of trips which include climbing, skiing, snowshoeing and hiking around the Superior and Duluth area,” she said. 

With more Community Paddles scheduled for August and September, there are still plenty of opportunities for individuals to enjoy scenic locations around Superior.

 “Of the places I’ve been so far, I really enjoy Billings Park because it is quiet,” she said. “I also like Barker’s Island because the marina and sailboats are really cool to look at.” 

Community Paddle trips begin at 6 and end at 8 p.m. Guided by Nash, a $10 registration includes canoe or kayak rental package with personal floatation device, paddle and instruction. Registration is available online.

“I am very excited to take more people into the outdoors,” she said.