About Us

THE OWNERS, a note from Diane. My husband, two daughters, and I moved to Groton in 1993 and immediately fell in love with the beautiful rivers and conservation lands in the area. These places have become such an integral part of our lives and we have grown to know them well over the years. In 2009, after managing Nashoba Paddler for 13 years, I and my husband, Pete, purchased Nashoba Paddler with the hopes of continuing its mission to introduce people to the river and to responsible paddling. We feel so fortunate to be part of this river community and invite you to join us in experiencing the beauty, the peace, and the fun that a day on the river provides.

OUR LOCATION on the NASHUA RIVER. Our riverside rental base is located on a friendly, forested flatwater section of the Nashua River where it's common to see turtles, blue herons, muscrats, beaver, osprey, and an occasional mink, owl, deer, or even bald eagle! The fishing is excellent. You can paddle for hours in either direction enjoying the surrounding conservation land.

A trip to Nashoba Paddler is not only a recreational outing, but also an opportunity for adults and children to learn something about the river environment! Our changing educational display provides information about river creatures and about issues affecting the river. Look though field guides to learn about what you just saw during your trip. Read the award-winning children's book, A River Ran Wild, about the amazing environmental history of the Nashua River as it transitioned from a pristine waterway inhabited by Native Americans to a severely polluted dead river and back to a beautiful fishable and swimmable river.

OUR MISSION. We are a small, family-owned, family-friendly business. Our goals are two-fold; first, to get people out on the river so that they can connect with nature and the river environment and become educated stewards; and second, to promote paddlesports as an activity that can be enjoyed at any age. Now in our 33rd season, we are dedicated to furthering river education and protecting the environment. In 2023, owner, Diane Carson received the Nashua River Watershed Association's Environmental Education Award "in recognition of her committment to introducing youth and adults to the wonder, science, and joy of the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers". In 2009 she was recognized at the NRWA's 40th Anniversary celebration for representing "the kind of work that has gone on each day over the past 40 years to protect the natural resources of the Nashua River watershed." In 1997, Neal and Gail Menschel, Nashoba Paddler's founders, received the NRWA's Greenway Award for "helping people to fall in love with the river and become educated stewards."

OUR HISTORY. Nashoba Paddler, LLC is owned by Diane & Peter Carson. Nashoba Paddler was founded by Neal and Gail Menschel in 1992, offering rentals, tours, and instruction. Diane began managing the business in 1996 and shared their hope for the future of Nashoba Paddler. They had a vision of a business that would introduce people to the beauty of the Nashua River in hopes that they would fall in love with it and become active stewards. It grew beyond just a rental business as the ideas of River Camp and River Classroom were brought to fruition. In 1998 River Classroom was given to the Nashua River Watershed Association to be part of their educational mission and the two organizations have continued to partner to provide watershed education canoeing field trips to hundreds of students and chaperones every year. River Camp continues to be a popular and successful summer experience for youth, ages 6-17, getting kids outside on the water, having fun adventures, and learning about nature.

OUR EQUIPMENT. We have a variety of Old Town canoes and kayaks and BIC stand-up paddleboards (SUP's). Our solo and tandem recreational kayaks are stable and maneuverable and our sit-on-top kayaks are set up for fishing. Our recreational canoes are also very stable and can accomodate three adults or two adults plus two children. We also have a couple of giant family canoes that hold six people. Our SUP's are great for beginners and accommodate a range of weights. We provide comfortable life vests and paddles for all ages.

OUR STAFF. Our rental staff is made up of paddling enthusiasts who are committed to the environment. They are known for their friendly, personal service, and are happy to share what they know and love about the Nashua River and about canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, including safety and paddling tips. Our qualified guides, instructors, and camp leaders possess various paddling and safety certifications and are personable, knowledgeable naturalists that can provide a very enriching paddling experience.

Our Guides/Instructors

Diane Carson Co-Owner of Nashoba Paddler, Director of River Camp, River Classroom collaborator and guide. Diane was honored to earn the Nashua River Watershed Association's 2023 Environmental Education Award. She has been an American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified canoeing instructor since 1998 with training in Swift Water Rescue, Adaptive Paddling, CPR & First Aid. Diane is actively involved in the river community including as a town representative on the Wild & Scenic Rivers Stewardship Council and a volunteer for the Groton Greenway River Festival. Diane loves having the opportunity to connect children and adults to the river environment by encouraging exploration and discovery.

Pete Carson Co-Owner of Nashoba Paddler, River Classroom guide, and River Camp leader. As an outdoor enthusiast who loves sharing that excitement with both kids and adults, Pete is a member of the Groton Greenway Committee and organizer of its River Festival, a member of the AMC Four Thousand Footer Club, and is on the board of directors of a rail trail organization- the Squannacook Greenways 501C. He holds certifications in CPR and First Aid and has been an ACA-certified Kayak Instructor since 2014.

Rachele Carbutt River Camp leader, former Camp Program Director. As an elementary school teacher with a BA in Environmental Studies and prior experience as a town Youth Activity Coordinator, Rachele loves helping kids to experience nature through canoeing and environmental enrichment. Having worked at Nashoba Paddler since 2011, attended River Camp for 6 years as a youth, and been a camp leader, Rachele has a strong foundation in and love for River Camp and its mission. She is a lifeguard and ACA-certified canoeing instructor.

Lisa McCarthy  River Camp leader, River Classroom guide. Lisa has been guiding canoe trips since 2014 and has been involved in River Camp for years, both administratively and as a camp leader. She is also a prior Nashoba Paddler Rentals Manager. Lisa is at home in the outdoors and enjoys sharing that love and natural curiosity with children. She is an ACA- certified canoeing instructor, certified in CPR and First Aid.

Katy Sutton-Brown, , River Camp leader. Katy has been part of Nashoba Paddler’s rental team since 2017 and became a River Camp leader and lifeguard in 2021. Katy is a natural in the outdoors with a background in early childhood education. Seeing families come and enjoy experiences out on the river and giving guidance and safety instruction to help them enjoy this natural beauty gives her such joy.