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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West beach
Paddle from West Beach now that it’s open again to non-residents. Maybe out to the islands, maybe left along the coast. Optional rock play if there’s any to be had - bring a helmet. Not a super long day, maybe 8-10nm tops.
PM with questions or to sign up and I will make a float plan.
930 launch
- 0 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!
- 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.
- 8 comments
Upcoming Trips and Events
-
West beach
Paddle from West Beach now that it’s open again to non-residents. Maybe out to the islands, maybe left along the coast. Optional rock play if there’s any to be had - bring a helmet. Not a super long day, maybe 8-10nm tops.
PM with questions or to sign up and I will make a float plan.
930 launch
- 0 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!
- 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.
- 8 comments
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11AM
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Sun, Mar 7, 2004 11:00 AM
Greenland Comes to ReadingBurbank YMCA in Reading
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Registrar: Karen Gladstone email: [email protected]
The March 7 Reading Pool session will be devoted to Greenland-style paddling. If you are curious about trying it or want to explore some more advanced maneuvers, sign up now - details below. The number of available slots is limited!
Sanjay Gulati will demonstrate some advanced Greenland rolls and maneuvers to inspire you, then he and Adam Bolonsky will teach you how to get started. We will have extra Greenland paddles on hand and lots of spotters.
If you want to just come, stay dry and observe, that is fine too. The Reading pool even has bleachers. No need to sign up to observe.
Registrar: Karen Gladstone email: [email protected]
Equipment for this pool session, includes:
* PFD - required, as always
* Spray skirt - required, if you want to accomplish anything
* Goggles or a face mask -- highly recommended for practice that involves immersion, since
chlorinated pools can be hard on the eyes.
* Paddle float – optional, but not really needed for this session
* Pump – optional for practice involving capsized or swamped boats
* Greenland paddle. If you do not have one don’t let that stop you. We will have loaners.
PLEASE NOTE:
NSPN requires that payment for the pool sessions must be made in advance of the pool session. Your Registrar will provide you with the details that you need to know. Pool sessions are non-refundable.
When you inquire about a pool session, please include: Your name, phone number, NSPN membership number, expiration date, emergency contact and their phone number in the email.
Directions to Reading YMCA
Burbank YMCA
36 Arthur B. Lord Drive
Reading, MA 01867
<781> 944 7989
From Route 128
Take 128 to Exit 40, Reading/Wakefield Route 129
Coming off exit, go around rotary until turnoff for Route 129 West to Reading
Proceed to intersection at Reading Town Center
At traffic light, turn right onto Route 28 North
Go north on Route 28 for less than 1 mile
At 1st set of lights, turn left onto Birch Meadow Drive
Take 1st right onto Arthur B. Lord Drive
YMCA is your immediate right
From Route 93
Take Route 93 to Route 129 this is Lowell St.
Follow Lowell St towards Reading for 1/2 mile to the set of lights.
This will be the intersection of Grove and Willow.
A convenient store will be on the left.
The next street after the convenient store parking lot is Intervale Terr.
Take a left onto Intervale Terr. follow until it ends and take a left and follow that road around Birch Meadow Park. The YMCA is on the North side of the park.
Take a left onto Arthur B. Lord Drive the YMCA is your immediate right
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)