Paddling: Another trait that makes Folsom 'distinctive by nature'

Twenty years ago, all the talk about Folsom and how great it is to live here surrounded the 50-plus miles of scenic bike and pedestrian trails. Now Folsom has something else to hang its hat on. Tuesday morning at Black Miner's Bar on Lake Natoma, the city of Folsom launched a new brand as the "Paddling Capital of the West," as it cements its place as Northern California's premier on-water destination. The paddling campaign is a partnership of many groups, led by Visit Folsom and Choose Folsom along with the city of Folsom, California State Parks Boating & Waterways, the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, Folsom Historic District Association, Lake Natoma Paddle Rentals, Current Adventures Kayak School, SUP California and Lake Natoma Paddle rentals, among others. What makes this campaign possible, of course, is the waterways surrounding Folsom. Nestled within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Natoma features calm, protected and bordered waters, perfect for beginners, families and competitive paddlers. Upstream, Folsom Lake opens into a broader, more dynamic setting for those seeking adventure, distance and open-water exploration. The city was blessed with a picture-perfect day to open the campaign. "Can you picture a better chamber of commerce day than this," said Joe Gagliardi, CEO of Visit Folsom. "Today, we officially introduce Folsom as the paddling capital, some say of the West, I say of the world. It's more than a tag line. It's a reflection of the incredible natural assets that we have the benefit of having right here in our community." The waterways bring people to Folsom, and those people spend their money in Folsom. "Folsom is a place to stay longer, explore more and to experience something unique in Northern California; from time on the water to shopping, exploring the Historic District where our historic district partners and connects Lake Natoma to the outdoor adventure to one of our city's most vibrant local business areas," Gagliardi said. "For our residents, it reinforces what we already know - that we live in a place with unmatched access to the outdoors right here in our backyard; hence, the reason the city has a tag line of 'distinctive by nature.' " "For our local businesses, this initiative helps drive year-around visitation supporting our hotels, retailers, restaurants and outfitters and welcoming visitors after a day on a lake while strengthening our local economy. "Outdoor recreation is one of the fastest-growing segments of travel, and Folsom is perfectly positioned to lead. By leaning into what makes it special, we're not only enhancing the quality of life for our residents, we're creating economic impact for our community." Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel spent a moment on his paddleboard on Lake Natoma before speaking. "Any day I can be on the water is a great day," Raithel said. "It's a great day to be here at Lake Natoma. It's one of the many places that make Folsom a special community. This initiative highlights not only the beauty of Folsom but the experiences that bring visitors here and keep them coming back. Just as important is quality of life. Having access to places like this right in our backyard is something that sets Folsom apart." Brian Dulgar has worked at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center for more than 40 years. "Lake Natoma is one of the premier paddling and rowing venues in the region, if not the country," said Dulgar. "It's newly noted as one of the top three rowing venues in the country. Its calm protected waters make it ideal for a wide range of activities, from beginners paddleboarding, kayaking to competitive rowing." Years ago, there were not many people paddling on Lake Natoma. That's changed immensely in recent years. "I've watched the paddling population on Lake Natoma grow from virtually nothing in 1991. … I'd come out here with classes and there would be nobody on the lake anywhere, and now it's this incredible mecca for paddling," said Dan Crandell of Lake Natoma Paddle Rentals and Current Adventures Kayak School. "It's a testament to the fantastic features that Lake Natoma and the Folsom area have to offer to anyone who's interested in being in the water."