Contact the trip initiator before joining a trip.
Only Paid Members can join trips, send messages, or post or comment here.
Before you join a trip, sign the Participant Agreement.
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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12PM
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Tue, Jul 25, 2006 12:00 PM
Rolling Class with Karen Knight & Bob FooteTime: 4pm-8pm
Location: Mystic Lake
ROLLING: It is fun, a way to cool off and the best way to recover from a capsize. And you can impress all your friends!
Karen and Bob are teaming up to introduce paddlers to the technique of rolling and to assist paddlers with a roll in progressing as far as their skills allow. Sign up now because rolling classes always fill up fast!
REQUIRED SKILLS: Participants must be comfortable performing a wet exit. If you are a novice, please come to a few NSPN practice sessions before the class so we can help you!
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: a kayak with adequate flotation, a paddle, a sprayskirt, a PFD, a paddlefloat, pump and sponge. Nose plugs are also a good idea.
FEE: $40 for NSPN Members
NOTE: Your check made payable to NSPN is your reservation. If you wait until the last minute the class may be full.
CLASS SIZE: Maximum 8
TO REGISTER send an email to the class facilitator, Kevin Beckwith, at [email protected] and Include your ACA #, boat description, emergency contact name/phone number and your phone number where you can be reached during the day & evening. Kevin will tell you where to mail your check and keep the registration and waiting lists. Kevin will only hold your slot when he receives your check made out to NSPN. If you cannot attend you will receive a refund only if your slot can be filled from the waiting list.
The club makes every effort to provide classes at below market prices. In the highly unlikely event that the class is canceled due to extreme weather, there will be no refunds. Lightning will obviously keep us off the water, but much can be learned from these talented teachers on shore.
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:
Karen Knight is an accomplished educator and paddler with the demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and direct students of varying ages and abilities. With attention to details, a creative spirit, and strong desire for excellence, she strives to provide an environment that enables students to discover their potential. Karen is an ACA Instructor Trainer in Coastal Kayaking and Freestyle Canoeing. She is also a Registered Maine Guide with over 17 years experience in outdoor leadership and instruction. Karen has also been the ACA National Women’s Champion in Interpretive Freestyle Canoe (dancing on water).
Bob Foote is an Instructor Trainer in coastal kayaking, whitewater canoeing and flatwater canoeing for the American Canoe Association and a BCU 4 Star. Bob is the whole package - someone who can not only do, but also teach. Whether it’s in coastal kayaking, whitewater canoeing or freestyle paddling, beginner to advance, he has the ability to demonstrate and break down the most complex skills and information into parts and steps that are easy for students to understand and follow.
1PM
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Tue, Jul 25, 2006 01:30 PM
Mystic Lakes Practice SessionsTuesdays 6/6 to 9/26
5:30PM to 7:30PM
Mystic Lakes Boat Ramp -- http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=213384.
Individual and group practice, peer instruction, group instruction. We will be on the water at 5:30PM. Latecomers please paddle out to David on the water to sign in. Those who leave early will also have to sign out with David.
For those new paddlers that show up (please do!), we will do some shallow water basics first.
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)