The Squam Lake Paddle Challenge in Sandwich, New Hampshire, offers a true test for paddlers eager to engage with a lake that is fiercely itself. This event traces a route across Squam Lake’s winding waters, demanding not only stamina but a keen sense of reading the lake’s personality: currents pushing forward, winds shifting with purpose, and shorelines that shift from gentle to sharply forested edges. Covering roughly 12 miles of open water, this challenge demands steady paddling along often unpredictable stretches. Participants start on the calm southern bay, where the water invites an easy rhythm but soon meets the mid-lake zone—where waves raise their voice and wind dares you to keep pace.

Unlike a leisurely paddle, this challenge requires attention to detail and practical preparation. Expect the water temperature to remain brisk through early fall, pressing for layered gear and a reliable hydration strategy. The terrain along the shore is dense with pine and birch that lean toward the lake, creating a visual corridor that both shelters and teases the breeze. Wildlife keeps a watchful eye — loons call from hidden coves, and occasional herons take flight with a stately grace.

Planning your approach matters: launch points cluster around the Sandwich town docks, where secure parking and convenient access meet the lake’s edge. For safety, paddlers should map out rest stops on the islands dotting the route, spots where the lake’s temperament calms briefly. Time your trip to avoid mid-afternoon gusts, often intensified by shifting temperatures in the White Mountains looming nearby.

Gear selection is far from trivial. A sturdy, seaworthy paddleboard or kayak, layered moisture-wicking clothing, and a personal flotation device are non-negotiable. The challenge’s length means fuels and electrolytes must be on hand, along with knowledge of how to read both weather and water cues—changes can come fast, demanding quick adjustments in stroke and strategy.

Ultimately, the Squam Lake Paddle Challenge is a dialogue between paddler and lake, a dance of respect and resolve. This is an adventure that rewards those who arrive prepared, attentive, and ready to match the lake’s steady will. Whether this is your first multi-mile paddle or your hundredth, the experience sharpens skills and stirs an authentic connection to New Hampshire’s vibrant waterway wilderness.