Outdoor industry partners gather for annual Saco Paddle event

Storm sidelines kayaks and canoes, but networking reigns

August 7, 2025

NH Business Review Staff,

Granite Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of more than 130 New Hampshire-affiliated outdoor businesses, nonprofits and professionals, hosted its 5th annual Saco Paddle event on July 17.

Due to forecasted thunderstorms, the 4-mile paddle was canceled and replaced with games, river floating, and business networking at the Beach Camping Area. The event was supported by the NH Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development (ORID) and sponsored by Saco Canoe Rental Company, Tuckerman Brewing, Buena Gave, Rooted Rose Recreation & Wellness, NH Audubon, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Appalachian Mountain Club and Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“Modifying quickly and erring on the side of caution when there is the potential for inclement weather is particularly important for adventurers in New Hampshire,” said Sam Trombley, marketing manager for Granite Outdoor Alliance, in a press release.

“Our contingency plan for the Saco Paddle put New Hampshire’s Wildly Responsible principles into action — showing how we can adapt to conditions while still engaging safely and responsibly with the outdoors,” said Janel Lawton, director of ORID, in a statement. “The change in plans didn’t dampen the energy at all.”

Lawton also introduced ORID’s new Workforce Tool kit for the Outdoor Lifestyle, which helps employers leverage outdoor assets for talent recruitment. Business leaders including Chris Proulx, Rudy Glocker, Chris Thayer, and Hilary McCloy shared insights on outdoor-driven workforce development.

Upcoming Rocktails & Streams events, which combine outdoor recreation with professional networking, include the Seastoke Cruise in Portsmouth on Aug. 28 and Wheels Down at Highland Mountain Bike Park on Sept. 11. Visit www.graniteoutdoor.org for details.

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