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To learn how we conduct trips, read Paddling with NSPN
Upcoming Trips and Events
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Downeast Paddling Retreat, Bar Harbor, September 24-27, 2026
The Downeast retreat has run for 12 years now, and will be happening again this year, though it hasn't been posted until now since I've been recovering from spinal injuries and uncertain about organizing a gathering that I may not be able to participate in at other than an L2 level.
The event starts on Thursday afternoon with participants gathering at Rose Eden Cottages, our base of operations as in past years. From there we share dinner and plan next days day paddles with options to paddle here and there around MDI, depending on weather, conditions, and group preferences. Our most common paddling venues have been the Porcupine islands off of downtown Bar Harbor, Bartlett Sound on the west side, and the Cranberry islands on the south end of the island. We have often paddled right off of Hadley Point, near Rose Eden, when weather is rough everywhere else.
We generally gather at Rose Eden in the evening for pot luck, take out dining, socializing and discussing the next days activities.
This year will likely be a smaller event due to this late notice ,so participants are encouraged to step up and help organize paddles or activities each day. It will be well suited to those looking for a variety of activities from ,paddling to hiking or biking on MDI's carriage trails, or touring MDIs many gardens.
At this time ,cottages have been reserved at Rose Eden by four of last year's participants. Accommodations are on your own; Mount Desert Island has gotten more crowded and expensive over the years, , so its advised to find accommodations asap. A good option is the Hadley Point Campground, just across the road from Rose Eden. We have great collective knowledge of the area, so planning each days activities will go very well.
If you are interested, please post an RSVP here in the Calendar Posting (Downeast Paddling Retreat, Sept 24-27) or please contact me either by PM here on the message board (Peter B) or by email Pbrady335 at gmail dot com, if you have any questions.
Hope to see you in September, when the weather is fabulous on the main coast!
- 8 comments
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Advanced Kayaking Skills with Todd Johnstone-Wright
This two-day coastal paddling clinic is designed for experienced paddlers who are comfortable in Paddle UK Moderate Water (wind to 16 kt, current to 2 kt, launch and land through 1 meter surf) or ACA Level 3 conditions and looking to take their skills to the next level.
Over two fun and focused days, we’ll dive into how to move, play, and travel efficiently and safely in dynamic coastal environments. You’ll build confidence in your technical paddling and rescue skills while exploring the judgment and decision-making that keep trips smooth when conditions get busy.
We’ll also look at leadership—how to make good calls, work as a team, and support both safety and fun on the water. The course follows a learner-centered approach, shaped around your goals and experience, ensuring that every paddler leaves more capable, confident, and connected to the sea.
Venue will be local to the North Shore, and will be chosen to take advantage of conditions.
Registration link to follow soon. Follow this event to receive updates.
Cost for this two-day workshop will be $185. Comparable training opportunities typically cost $170/day. This is in addition to our free (to members) peer-led skills sessions throughout the season, and will be a good complement to them.
This clinic is open to 10 participants. We need to determine demand. If you are interested in joining, respond HERE by March 21. We'll open registration later.
Questions? Ask [email protected].
- 6 comments
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Ogunquit (save the date)
Planning on a paddle from Ogunquit beach November 7, rain/wind date Nov 8. Likely will require cold water gear.
RSVP will be posted in a couple weeks but mark your calendars. Parking should be free by then.
- 6 comments
Upcoming Trips and Events
-
Downeast Paddling Retreat, Bar Harbor, September 24-27, 2026
The Downeast retreat has run for 12 years now, and will be happening again this year, though it hasn't been posted until now since I've been recovering from spinal injuries and uncertain about organizing a gathering that I may not be able to participate in at other than an L2 level.
The event starts on Thursday afternoon with participants gathering at Rose Eden Cottages, our base of operations as in past years. From there we share dinner and plan next days day paddles with options to paddle here and there around MDI, depending on weather, conditions, and group preferences. Our most common paddling venues have been the Porcupine islands off of downtown Bar Harbor, Bartlett Sound on the west side, and the Cranberry islands on the south end of the island. We have often paddled right off of Hadley Point, near Rose Eden, when weather is rough everywhere else.
We generally gather at Rose Eden in the evening for pot luck, take out dining, socializing and discussing the next days activities.
This year will likely be a smaller event due to this late notice ,so participants are encouraged to step up and help organize paddles or activities each day. It will be well suited to those looking for a variety of activities from ,paddling to hiking or biking on MDI's carriage trails, or touring MDIs many gardens.
At this time ,cottages have been reserved at Rose Eden by four of last year's participants. Accommodations are on your own; Mount Desert Island has gotten more crowded and expensive over the years, , so its advised to find accommodations asap. A good option is the Hadley Point Campground, just across the road from Rose Eden. We have great collective knowledge of the area, so planning each days activities will go very well.
If you are interested, please post an RSVP here in the Calendar Posting (Downeast Paddling Retreat, Sept 24-27) or please contact me either by PM here on the message board (Peter B) or by email Pbrady335 at gmail dot com, if you have any questions.
Hope to see you in September, when the weather is fabulous on the main coast!
- 8 comments
-
Advanced Kayaking Skills with Todd Johnstone-Wright
This two-day coastal paddling clinic is designed for experienced paddlers who are comfortable in Paddle UK Moderate Water (wind to 16 kt, current to 2 kt, launch and land through 1 meter surf) or ACA Level 3 conditions and looking to take their skills to the next level.
Over two fun and focused days, we’ll dive into how to move, play, and travel efficiently and safely in dynamic coastal environments. You’ll build confidence in your technical paddling and rescue skills while exploring the judgment and decision-making that keep trips smooth when conditions get busy.
We’ll also look at leadership—how to make good calls, work as a team, and support both safety and fun on the water. The course follows a learner-centered approach, shaped around your goals and experience, ensuring that every paddler leaves more capable, confident, and connected to the sea.
Venue will be local to the North Shore, and will be chosen to take advantage of conditions.
Registration link to follow soon. Follow this event to receive updates.
Cost for this two-day workshop will be $185. Comparable training opportunities typically cost $170/day. This is in addition to our free (to members) peer-led skills sessions throughout the season, and will be a good complement to them.
This clinic is open to 10 participants. We need to determine demand. If you are interested in joining, respond HERE by March 21. We'll open registration later.
Questions? Ask [email protected].
- 6 comments
-
Ogunquit (save the date)
Planning on a paddle from Ogunquit beach November 7, rain/wind date Nov 8. Likely will require cold water gear.
RSVP will be posted in a couple weeks but mark your calendars. Parking should be free by then.
- 6 comments
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5AM
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Sat, Jul 24, 2004 05:00 AM
Karen Knight - women's sea kayaking classKaren Knight
“Women’s Sea Kayaking Workshop”
Saturday, July 24
9 AM - 3 PM
Lake Cochituate in Wayland, MA
To be a skillful paddler, you do not need to be a certain height or build, nor do you have to have a lot of muscle mass or upper body strength. Kayaking is about technique, good judgment, and knowledge of your environment. In this all women’s workshop, we will strive to flow like water, graceful, and fluid with subtle power. In this course you will learn, develop and refine proper strokes, leans and bracing techniques as well as solo and assisted rescues. Then you will learn to link strokes and use leans and braces to maneuver your boat with grace and efficiency.
This course is open to women of all skill levels who have had at least some basic kayaking instruction. The instruction will be tailored to meet the skill levels of those participating.
Fee: $75 for NSPN members, $100 for non-members NOTE: First preference will be given to NSPN members. Any slots not filled 2 weeks before the class will be made available to non-members.
Class size: 8 maximum
TO REGISTER for this class send an email to the class facilitator, Suzanne Pritchett at [email protected].
Include your ACA#
Boat description
Emergency Contact name and phone
Suzanne will keep the registration list and a waiting list but will only hold your slot when she receives your check made out to NSPN. Write clearly on the memo line that the check is for Karen Knight’s WOMEN’S CLASS. If you cannot attend you will receive a refund only if your slot can be filled from the waiting list. If the class is oversubscribed Suzanne will ask if you want to be placed on the waiting list.
The Club makes every effort to provide these classes at below market prices. The club does not subsidize activities that benefit only the participants in classes with limited enrollment. Therefore, in the highly unlikely event that the class is canceled due to extreme weather, there will be no refunds. Lightening will obviously keep us off the water, but much can be learned from this talented teacher on shore.
Instructor Qualifications:
National Champion in Interpretive Freestyle canoeing from 1996 until her retirement in 2000, Karen Knight has been described as “a ballerina on the water.” An ACA Instructor Trainer in Open Water Coastal Kayaking and Freestyle Canoeing, as well as a whitewater canoe instructor and Maine Guide, Karen is a versatile paddler with over 20 years of teaching and guiding experience.
Jill Aaron may assist Karen (as a volunteer) in teaching this class. Jill is an ACA Certified Instructor in Coastal Kayaking
6AM
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Sat, Jul 24, 2004 06:00 AM
Knubble Bay CampingKnubble Bay Camping
July 23-25, 2004
Friday Morning to Sunday afternoon
Planned distances: 5-15 NM/day
Minimum Skill Level: 3
RSVP: [email protected]
Spend three days paddling between Bath and Boothbay and camping on secluded Beal Island in Knubble Bay. We will launch from Bath and follow the Kennebec and Back Rivers to Hockomock and Knubble Bays. We will explore Robinhood Cove and the Sheepscott and Sasanoa Rivers as well as Five Islands and Monstweag and Brookings Bays as time and interest permit.
11AM
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Sat, Jul 24, 2004 11:00 AM
Lendel - Werner Paddle Demoendal and Werner Paddles will be available to try out on Saturday, July 24 at 3:00 p.m. This will take place on Pavilion Beach in Ipswich. There will be plenty of paddles to try and Lendal rep, Nick Dyslin is donating a paddle as a door prize.
I am hoping that lots of people will attend. Plan to arrive early and paddle first. I am sure that there will be plenty of time for stupid kayak trips on the beach. If you have any questions, let me know - [email protected]
Directions:
Pavilion Beach is located where Plum Island Sound opens into Ipswich Bay. From here you can explore Plum Island, several tidal rivers, Crane Beach on Castle Neck, or perhaps paddle as far as Cape Ann.
To get there, go to Ipswich (from Rt. 95, take exit 54 onto Route 133 east; Continue through Ipswich on Route 1A/133 east, just 0.6 miles to a bend in road and continue through the center of Ipswich. At that bend, continue straight onto County Road. 0.9 miles on County, bear left onto Jeffreys Neck Road. 1.7 miles further, take the right fork onto Little Neck Road, continue on for about a mile to Pavilion Beach. The strip of land between Great Neck and Little Neck is Pavilion Beach.
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)