Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Celebrates 25 Years on the Water
We have the Blackstone River running through town — ever wanted to get on it? If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve probably seen the river countless times but aren’t sure how to even begin paddling it, or who to ask. The good news? There’s already a welcoming community here to help you get started.
The Blackstone Valley Paddle Club (BVPC) has been exploring the waterways of southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island for 25 years. Founded in 2000, the club will celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 16, marking a quarter-century of paddling adventures, community connections, and outdoor exploration.
The BVPC hosts weekly group paddles on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, and some of those trips launch right from our own Blackstone Gorge — one of the region’s most scenic and accessible offload points.
A Club Born on the River
The Paddle Club began with Ranger Dan Meharg of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, who took a family canoe trip in 1998 and saw the potential for something more. Surprised that more people weren’t paddling the Blackstone, he launched the first BVPC trip in 2000 at River Bend Farm. With the help of his supervisor and fellow park rangers — especially volunteer coordinator Suzanne Buchanan, who suggested the name “Blackstone Valley Paddle Club” and recruited experienced paddlers as team leaders — the idea took off.
Since then, thousands have paddled with the club, discovering the hidden beauty and fascinating history along the 48-mile Blackstone River and its many tributaries. Today, the club is run by volunteers, and many of its original leaders are still involved.
What to Expect
BVPC trips are designed to be welcoming and low-key. Most are easy up-and-back paddles on rivers, ponds, and lakes across southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. Some outings even include “Ranger Nights,” where paddlers are joined by National Park Service Rangers who share insight into the area’s history and ecology.
All skill levels are welcome — as long as paddlers have the proper gear and a sense of adventure.
What You’ll Need: A canoe or kayak appropriate for calm water, a paddle, and a properly fitting PFD (personal floatation device). Water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended, and quick-drying clothes (no cotton!) make for a more comfortable trip.
Check out the full schedule here: BVPC Calendar – the club heads out every Tuesday evening through late August, offering a perfect midweek break on the water.
The Upcoming Blackstone Gorge trip is on July 22 – Meet at 6:00 for a 6:15 launch (Trip Coordinators: Earl MacRae, Jim Crowley, Bob Larrivee)
New to Paddling? Start Slow — and Bring a Buddy
BVPC doesn’t currently offer formal training, and no training sessions have been scheduled as of May 2025. However, Rhode Island Canoe & Kayak Association (RICKA) is expected to post training opportunities sometime in June — so check back on their website or Facebook for updates.
If you’re curious about paddling and don’t know where to start, the club recommends a few basics:
“Start in calm water, and always, always, always wear a PFD,” says RICKA president Erik Eckilson. “And don’t paddle alone — find a group.”
For families with children, paddling can be a great way to get outside together and build lifelong memories. Younger paddlers should always be accompanied by experienced adults.
A Strong Partnership with the Blackstone Heritage Corridor
BVPC wouldn’t be here without the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (BHC). The club was launched in 2000 by a team of Corridor park rangers — led by Ranger Dan Meharg — and it remains an active group under the Corridor’s umbrella today.
In addition to supporting the Paddle Club, the Heritage Corridor also offers group bike rides, hikes, and free safety courses like First Aid for paddlers — all part of its mission to connect people with the natural and cultural resources of the Blackstone Valley.
Each week, it’s the volunteers who make the paddles possible — serving as land crew, on-water guides, and sweep paddlers who stay at the rear of the group to ensure no one is left behind. That sense of teamwork is part of what makes the club special — and in 2023, it even helped during a rescue when someone fell into the river. Thanks to the quick response of experienced paddlers and volunteer support, everyone made it out safely.
Join the Club — and the Fun
To paddle with the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club, you’ll need to join both RICKA and the BVPC. Blackstone Valley Paddle Club runs trips each Tuesday starting in May through the end of August – it’s a great way to spend a summer evening.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or just curious to try, there’s a welcoming crew on the river ready to meet you. With BVPC marking 25 years on the water, now’s the perfect time to discover — or rediscover — the outdoor beauty that flows right through Blackstone.
Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Contact Info
For questions about trips or joining:
📧 Cheryl Thompson – StoneFoxfarm75@gmail.com
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