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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Portsmouth LMP Mon 9/7 Launch Ft Stark 10:30am
Meet at Ft. Stark at 10am for a 10:30 launch. High tide at 8:30am Low at 2:30, so may be a bit of a carry out. Planning 8-10nm, plan on 4-5 hrs. We will either go up the coast towards Rye, or down to Braveboat depending on preference. Winds offshore at 8-10, waves 1-2 ft at 10s. Looks like a beautiful day.
The usual kit needed, an ocean kayak with bulkheads and decklines, a PFD, spray skirt, hydration, sunscreen, food and hat, or helmet if you want to play in rocks. If you have a VHF radio, tow belt, extra paddle and kits to repair boats and bodies, bring them along, but not required.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/gCMrifA6X7QZkFNE7
- 0 comments
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Misery Island, Salem Sound
Planning on paddling on Wednesday Sept 9. Leaving at 10:00 AM from Water Street in Beverly https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLZo8P2yeu31zYxF6 parking off the street. Will paddle along the coast of Beverly, MA to Misery Island, have lunch, hike the path and return or paddle to other islands in Salem Sound, depending on energy and weather. Join me if you wish - sign up here
Time: In the water ready to paddle by 10:00 AM. We should be back by 3 PM
Reminders regarding club posted trips:
1) Participants must be a NSPN club member and have signed the club wavier.
2) The usual kit needed, an ocean kayak with bulkheads and decklines, a PFD, spray skirt, hydration, sunscreen, food and hat, or helmet if you want to play in rocks. If you have a VHF radio, tow belt, extra paddle and kits to repair boats and bodies, bring them along, but not required.
- 7 comments
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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!
- 7 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
Upcoming Trips and Events
-
Portsmouth LMP Mon 9/7 Launch Ft Stark 10:30am
Meet at Ft. Stark at 10am for a 10:30 launch. High tide at 8:30am Low at 2:30, so may be a bit of a carry out. Planning 8-10nm, plan on 4-5 hrs. We will either go up the coast towards Rye, or down to Braveboat depending on preference. Winds offshore at 8-10, waves 1-2 ft at 10s. Looks like a beautiful day.
The usual kit needed, an ocean kayak with bulkheads and decklines, a PFD, spray skirt, hydration, sunscreen, food and hat, or helmet if you want to play in rocks. If you have a VHF radio, tow belt, extra paddle and kits to repair boats and bodies, bring them along, but not required.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/gCMrifA6X7QZkFNE7
- 0 comments
-
Misery Island, Salem Sound
Planning on paddling on Wednesday Sept 9. Leaving at 10:00 AM from Water Street in Beverly https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLZo8P2yeu31zYxF6 parking off the street. Will paddle along the coast of Beverly, MA to Misery Island, have lunch, hike the path and return or paddle to other islands in Salem Sound, depending on energy and weather. Join me if you wish - sign up here
Time: In the water ready to paddle by 10:00 AM. We should be back by 3 PM
Reminders regarding club posted trips:
1) Participants must be a NSPN club member and have signed the club wavier.
2) The usual kit needed, an ocean kayak with bulkheads and decklines, a PFD, spray skirt, hydration, sunscreen, food and hat, or helmet if you want to play in rocks. If you have a VHF radio, tow belt, extra paddle and kits to repair boats and bodies, bring them along, but not required.
- 7 comments
-
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!
- 7 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
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1PM
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Sat, Jun 27, 2026 01:00 PM
New to Sea Kayaking Workshop **Date changed**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
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
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)