Come join us at Chebacco Lake in Hamilton on Thursdays at 5pm until sunset though the summer. Work on fundamentals in a relaxing environment with the support of other paddlers. Practice strokes, rolls, rescues, falling out of your boat, or just watching kingfishers.  Dress for immersion.  A wetsuit is warm enough in early season, and keeps down the bruises from climbing back into your boat ten times a night.
We meet at the boat ramp at the south end of the lake, and hang out in the cove to the left of the ramp. You can either get off 128 at Pine st (exit 49) and head north, or find Chebacco road off Rt 22 in Essex. No entrance fees. Sign up below if you're coming.

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

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 longest day of the year (one week late).  Folks would be responsible to pay for the dinner of their choice. Parking is next to the restaurant on a grassy area marked Beach Parking - $10 cash - payable to the Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground across the road.
Meeting at 10 AM, we will be in the water around 10:30 (Come earlier if you need more time to setup). Depending on the group wishes and conditions we may paddle north towards Ogunquit. Perhaps with a little detour to the "Nubble Lighthouse" on the way back for those so inclined.
We need to let the restaurant know how many people are coming, so if you are planning to come, express your interest below.
HT 11:15 am at Cape Neddick
RSVP required

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.

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.

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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].