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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Sea Kayaking Fundamentals with Todd Johnstone-Wright
This two-day clinic welcomes paddlers of all levels who want to develop or refine their sea paddling skills. Through a learner-centered, learning-focused approach, we’ll unpack the fundamentals of paddling and learn to interpret signals from the environment, water, boat, blade, and body. Participants will leave with tools to self-assess, so they can continue improving their technique whenever they are on the water.
Beyond fundamental paddling skills, we’ll also explore decision-making, rescue techniques, and best practices for the gear and equipment we rely on in sea kayaking. The goal is to build confidence, awareness, and a foundation for a safe, efficient, effective, and fun time on the sea.
Venue will be local to the North Shore, and will be chosen with consideration of conditions.
Further details and registration to follow soon.
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 full. To join the waitlist, write [email protected].
- 1 comment
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New to Sea Kayaking Workshop
This introduction to sea kayaking event is jointly sponsored by North Shore Paddlers Network (NSPN) and AMC New Hampshire Paddlers. On-the-water guides will be from NSPN. This event is designed for you, whether it's your first time in any paddle craft or if you have paddled a kayak or canoe on lakes, rivers, estuaries or on the sea. Regardless of your experience, if you are interested in learning more about sea kayaking, this is a great opportunity. At this workshop, we will be paddling sea kayaks in the protected waters of Portsmouth Harbor. You will get a general overview of sea kayaking, look at boat options, paddles, other essential gear, clothing, and more.
NSPN or AMC membership is not required. This Introduction To Sea Kayaking Workshop is FREE but you must register.
*****Because this is a jointly sponsored event, registration through both AMC and NSPN is required, due to insurance and liability considerations.****
Current club members who wish to help out with this event, either by advertising around the North Shore, or joining the on-water teaching team, please message Jody or Fred to coordinate.
Workshop details
Date - June 20, 2026
Time - arrive at 9:00 am, so we can fit you in a boat. An early arrival will let us get on the water sooner. The event will end around 2:30-3:00 pm
Meet at Seven Rivers Paddling, 185 Wentworth Rd, Portsmouth, NH
Questions - Email [email protected]
NSPN Registration - NSPN New to Sea Kayaking Workshop
AMC Registration - Click HERE
Kayaks - Rent or bring your own
P&H sea kayaks with paddles and PFD are available to rent from our hosts at Seven Rivers Paddling. $65 (to be confirmed)
Participant supplied kayaks must be seaworthy, at least 12.5 feet in length with deck lines and front and rear flotation–either sealed bulkheads or flotation bags. If you bring your own kayak, you must also have a Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket) and your own paddle. Spray skirts are not required but are recommended. A $5 launch fee will apply.
What to bring
Dress in wool or synthetic layers and bring a jacket. No cotton, no blue jeans. If you have more robust cold water gear, a suitable wetsuit or neoprene layers, bring them.
Hat with a brim
Sunblock
Sun glasses
Strap for glasses if you wear them.
Lunch, water, drink (pack in a drybag or ziplock bags)
Questions or course!
NTSKW On-Water Topics
What is sea kayaking - try it for yourself!
Get a good look at a variety of kayaks
Paddle options
Essential gear kayakers carry and wear
Kayak specific clothing
Other Topics
Info handout for "Before Getting on the Water": weather considerations, chart use, general route & paddling capacities
NSPN club membership & benefits
Find people to paddle with, sea kayak with NSPN… a variety of trips are posted during the paddling season and beyond
Methods of carrying, lifting and transporting kayaks demonstrated live as we get on and off the water
- 0 comments
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Summer Solstice paddle (minus 3 minutes) - A club paddle to celebrate summer
Paddle and early dinner. Join fellow club members for a paddle from Cape Neddick and an early dinner at the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound Restaurant to celebrate the Summer (one week late). Folks would be responsible to pay for the dinner of their choice. More details to follow...
- 5 comments
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Skills Practice Paddle
Announcing a Skills Practice Paddle! This is exactly what those three words imply: we will practice some skills by going on a paddle somewhere.
This paddle is open to members at all skill levels. Everyone benefits from practicing, and we'll work in pairs or small groups to help each other:
If you are just getting started on a skill, you'll get to spend some time learning the basics from someone first.
If you know how to do something but would like to do it better, you'll benefit by practicing it with others.
If you've mastered a skill, you can learn even more by helping someone acquire it.
We will determine where to launch and what skills to work on shortly before the date, since this depends so much on the weather and sea state. However, we'll try our best to do this somewhere in northeastern MA that doesn't cost too much.
Please indicate your interest by signing up for the form here. To make the most of the experience, this trip will be capped at 8-10 paddlers. However I'm going to leave the signup open so that there is a waitlist in case of cancellations. I'll confirm attendance and post reminders as we get closer to the date.
(Note: I will not be monitoring those "I'm interested!" comments. If you're interested, please sign up using the form!)
The rain date for this paddle is Sunday, July 12.
Here are some things we might practice... but we'll select no more than a few on the actual date!
safety/rescue:
wet exits
assisted rescues
self-rescues with assistance on hand
towing
strokes:
efficient, powerful and comfortable forward and backward strokes
sweep strokes for turning the boat while moving
draw and pry strokes to move the boat sideways
rudders to hold the boat in place along some direction
boat handling:
edging the boat
bracing for stability or turning
stopping the boat
stern and bow weighting
adapting to wind
adapting to waves
trip planning / navigation:
chart and compass usage
route selection
wayfinding based on landforms and markers
Hope to see you there.
- 0 comments
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Camp at Umbagog Lake
We have a remote campsite at the lake in July! If you haven't visited this area before, think of a lake ringed by mountains. During the day we can explore the waterways which enter and exit the lake, do some hiking, and visit a beach. Evening sunsets behind the mountains are amazing, as is the nightly loon chorus, sometimes accompanied by a parade. The site can hold a maximum of 5 tents. Message me (Jody Harris) if you would like more details and are interested in joining the trip.
.
- 1 comment
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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].
- 1 comment
Upcoming Trips and Events
-
Sea Kayaking Fundamentals with Todd Johnstone-Wright
This two-day clinic welcomes paddlers of all levels who want to develop or refine their sea paddling skills. Through a learner-centered, learning-focused approach, we’ll unpack the fundamentals of paddling and learn to interpret signals from the environment, water, boat, blade, and body. Participants will leave with tools to self-assess, so they can continue improving their technique whenever they are on the water.
Beyond fundamental paddling skills, we’ll also explore decision-making, rescue techniques, and best practices for the gear and equipment we rely on in sea kayaking. The goal is to build confidence, awareness, and a foundation for a safe, efficient, effective, and fun time on the sea.
Venue will be local to the North Shore, and will be chosen with consideration of conditions.
Further details and registration to follow soon.
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 full. To join the waitlist, write [email protected].
- 1 comment
-
New to Sea Kayaking Workshop
This introduction to sea kayaking event is jointly sponsored by North Shore Paddlers Network (NSPN) and AMC New Hampshire Paddlers. On-the-water guides will be from NSPN. This event is designed for you, whether it's your first time in any paddle craft or if you have paddled a kayak or canoe on lakes, rivers, estuaries or on the sea. Regardless of your experience, if you are interested in learning more about sea kayaking, this is a great opportunity. At this workshop, we will be paddling sea kayaks in the protected waters of Portsmouth Harbor. You will get a general overview of sea kayaking, look at boat options, paddles, other essential gear, clothing, and more.
NSPN or AMC membership is not required. This Introduction To Sea Kayaking Workshop is FREE but you must register.
*****Because this is a jointly sponsored event, registration through both AMC and NSPN is required, due to insurance and liability considerations.****
Current club members who wish to help out with this event, either by advertising around the North Shore, or joining the on-water teaching team, please message Jody or Fred to coordinate.
Workshop details
Date - June 20, 2026
Time - arrive at 9:00 am, so we can fit you in a boat. An early arrival will let us get on the water sooner. The event will end around 2:30-3:00 pm
Meet at Seven Rivers Paddling, 185 Wentworth Rd, Portsmouth, NH
Questions - Email [email protected]
NSPN Registration - NSPN New to Sea Kayaking Workshop
AMC Registration - Click HERE
Kayaks - Rent or bring your own
P&H sea kayaks with paddles and PFD are available to rent from our hosts at Seven Rivers Paddling. $65 (to be confirmed)
Participant supplied kayaks must be seaworthy, at least 12.5 feet in length with deck lines and front and rear flotation–either sealed bulkheads or flotation bags. If you bring your own kayak, you must also have a Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket) and your own paddle. Spray skirts are not required but are recommended. A $5 launch fee will apply.
What to bring
Dress in wool or synthetic layers and bring a jacket. No cotton, no blue jeans. If you have more robust cold water gear, a suitable wetsuit or neoprene layers, bring them.
Hat with a brim
Sunblock
Sun glasses
Strap for glasses if you wear them.
Lunch, water, drink (pack in a drybag or ziplock bags)
Questions or course!
NTSKW On-Water Topics
What is sea kayaking - try it for yourself!
Get a good look at a variety of kayaks
Paddle options
Essential gear kayakers carry and wear
Kayak specific clothing
Other Topics
Info handout for "Before Getting on the Water": weather considerations, chart use, general route & paddling capacities
NSPN club membership & benefits
Find people to paddle with, sea kayak with NSPN… a variety of trips are posted during the paddling season and beyond
Methods of carrying, lifting and transporting kayaks demonstrated live as we get on and off the water
- 0 comments
-
Summer Solstice paddle (minus 3 minutes) - A club paddle to celebrate summer
Paddle and early dinner. Join fellow club members for a paddle from Cape Neddick and an early dinner at the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound Restaurant to celebrate the Summer (one week late). Folks would be responsible to pay for the dinner of their choice. More details to follow...
- 5 comments
-
Skills Practice Paddle
Announcing a Skills Practice Paddle! This is exactly what those three words imply: we will practice some skills by going on a paddle somewhere.
This paddle is open to members at all skill levels. Everyone benefits from practicing, and we'll work in pairs or small groups to help each other:
If you are just getting started on a skill, you'll get to spend some time learning the basics from someone first.
If you know how to do something but would like to do it better, you'll benefit by practicing it with others.
If you've mastered a skill, you can learn even more by helping someone acquire it.
We will determine where to launch and what skills to work on shortly before the date, since this depends so much on the weather and sea state. However, we'll try our best to do this somewhere in northeastern MA that doesn't cost too much.
Please indicate your interest by signing up for the form here. To make the most of the experience, this trip will be capped at 8-10 paddlers. However I'm going to leave the signup open so that there is a waitlist in case of cancellations. I'll confirm attendance and post reminders as we get closer to the date.
(Note: I will not be monitoring those "I'm interested!" comments. If you're interested, please sign up using the form!)
The rain date for this paddle is Sunday, July 12.
Here are some things we might practice... but we'll select no more than a few on the actual date!
safety/rescue:
wet exits
assisted rescues
self-rescues with assistance on hand
towing
strokes:
efficient, powerful and comfortable forward and backward strokes
sweep strokes for turning the boat while moving
draw and pry strokes to move the boat sideways
rudders to hold the boat in place along some direction
boat handling:
edging the boat
bracing for stability or turning
stopping the boat
stern and bow weighting
adapting to wind
adapting to waves
trip planning / navigation:
chart and compass usage
route selection
wayfinding based on landforms and markers
Hope to see you there.
- 0 comments
-
Camp at Umbagog Lake
We have a remote campsite at the lake in July! If you haven't visited this area before, think of a lake ringed by mountains. During the day we can explore the waterways which enter and exit the lake, do some hiking, and visit a beach. Evening sunsets behind the mountains are amazing, as is the nightly loon chorus, sometimes accompanied by a parade. The site can hold a maximum of 5 tents. Message me (Jody Harris) if you would like more details and are interested in joining the trip.
.
- 1 comment
-
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].
- 1 comment
- With 'NSPN Calendar'
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ALL
DAY
-
Sat, Oct 21, 2023
Fall Club Paddle & PartyHi Folks,
Save this date for a Fall Club Paddle and Post Paddle Party ! We will launch from Winter Island Park (50 Island Road, Salem, MA 01970), accommodating all paddler levels. There will be no parking fee at the time of this event. Paddling pods will be organized by paddling experience and interests. Arrival time set for 10:30 am, with a launch by 11:00 am. If the weather is too inclement for one's taste, or if you don't have a cold weather/cold water kit (for example a dry suit), please come by for the party portion of the event! It's always fun to talk about paddling, share stories about our adventures and generate ideas for future trips, both local and afar ! The Board of Directors have rented the Function Hall for the after-paddle party, which will likely start around 4-4:30 and end by 7:30 pm.
Food provided by the club as follows: lasagna, eggplant parmesan (these 2 main dishes are meatless to include the sauce), salad, artisan rolls, tea and sparkling water. Participants are requested to bring one of the following: a bag of chips, 6 ounce container of either blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, a small batch of grapes (all fruits pre-washed at home) or cookies and the like, (no cakes please). Participants are allowed to bring adult beverages of choice into the Function Hall.
Remember to have your settings indicate you are "following" this event in order to get automatic updates directly to your email.
You must register by Thursday evening 10/12/23, as I need to place the food order the following morning.
Registration link here: https://forms.gle/e7Fx2GYbT1ssRSKh7
I hope to see you there!
Cheers, Sue
Traffic considerations provided by Ricardo Caivano, Salem resident:
Downtown Salem can be difficult in October, in particular during the last two weeks. We get a lot of visitors. An email from the Salem Police says in part: " Visitors to Salem in October should not plan to drive into downtown Salem, especially on weekends...there is a high likelihood that some closures will be made on Saturday October 28 and/or Sunday October 29...For real-time traffic and road closure notices, visit www.twitter.com/SalemMAPolice (@SalemMAPolice on Twitter), and www.twitter.com/CityofSalemMA (@CityofSalemMA on Twitter)."
Well, that was the warning. The good news is that you don't need to drive through downtown Salem to get to Winter Island Park.
An easy way to get to Winter Island from all points north is via Beverly, taking the beautiful Beverly-Salem Bridge, continuing on Bridge Street, left on Web St., continuing on Fort Ave, left on Winter Island Road and on to the park.
If coming from the south, perhaps it is better to avoid taking Route 114E (or the prior Lowell Street exit). Instead follow I-95 N and MA-128 N to MA-62 E/Elliott St in Danvers. Take exit 43 from MA-128 N, head towards Salem via the Beverly-Salem bridge and follow the directions above to Winter Island.
If coming from Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynn, etc. you could just paddle over ?, but if you insist on driving, take 114W, Lafayette Street, turn right on Leavitt St, left on Congress St, right on Derby St. and continue to Winter Island via Fort Ave. The corner of Congress and Derby will be busy.
"On October 21, the Devil’s Chase road race starts at 8 a.m. at the Salem Willows soccer field on Fort Avenue. No road closures are planned, however, expect traffic impacts until 10:30 a.m. along the route."
Attached is an2022+Devils+Chase+Athlete+Guide.pdf additional wrinkle just learned about, add this info to your approach plan for our Winter Island Event.
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