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Monday Night Rookies

🛶 Monday Night Rookies

Train hard. Find your stroke. Have fun. Your Monday night adventure starts here.

Event Details

  • Mondays, 5:45–7:30 pm
  • May–October (weather permitting)
  • Cedar Lake, Minneapolis (SW parking lot) Map
  • Free for MCA members, $5 for non-members
Cancellations for lightning, heavy rain, or extreme wind will be posted on our Messages.

What is Rookies?

Our weekly fitness paddle that sharpens canoe racing skills in a friendly, supportive group. Expect:

  • Coaching on technique, race starts, and buoy turns
  • Paddling in a pack and riding the waves
  • Strategy sessions and real-world race tips
  • Veteran racers ready to help you level up
  • A friendly ~20-minute race at the end of each session

Come ready to learn—and sweat!

What to Bring

  • Clothes that can get wet (launch is knee-deep)
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
  • Towel and a change of clothes
  • Dry bag with warm layers early/late season
  • Your paddle, life jacket, or canoe if you have them

We wet-launch every boat. Expect to get your legs wet every time.

Safety & Weather

We paddle in most conditions. If lightning, heavy rain, or extreme wind are in the forecast, check Messages before you head out.

  • Personal flotation devices required for all paddlers
  • Dress for the water temperature during shoulder seasons
  • Bring plenty of water

FAQs

Bring what you have. We have canoes, paddles and PFDs that you can use. If you're brand new, just come ready to learn.

Absolutely. If you'd like formal instruction first, check out beginner programs like Endurance United, I Can Paddle!, or Wilderness Inquiry.

We meet at the southwest parking lot at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. Use the Directions button above for precise location.

Ready to paddle?

Check the calendar and meet us on Monday night at Cedar Lake.