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.
- 4 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.
- 4 comments
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5AM
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Sat, May 19, 2007 05:00 AM
Trip Leader Training9am - until we finish
Training course for anyone NSPN member who wants to lead official club trips.
Who: NSPN members interested in leading official trips.
Location: Cape Ann with details to follow Directions below.
Fee for workshop: $125 (for both days)
Overview: Trip Leader Training
For course description - please see ACA overview here: http://www.americancanoe.org/PDF/2007%20CKTLA%20Overview.pdf
Note: there is a pre-req to the TLT course. Participants need to have taken a basic coastal kayak course OR have the equivalent skills to what's described here: http://www.americancanoe.org/PDF/CKLevel2.pdf
RSVP please: Kevin Beckwith Email [email protected] to RSVP. Please include your ACA number, email address and phone number. This event is open only to NSPN members and membership will be verified.
Directions: details to follow
2PM
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Sat, May 19, 2007 02:00 PM
Ipswich Pool Session6-8pm (Directions below)
Arrive early please and bring a clean boat
Are you ready to practice your roll? Do you want to perfect your re-entry technique? Are you afraid that time spent without practicing a high-brace will leave you high and wet? Or do you just miss being in your boat?
All of our pool sessions this year will be the "Open Practice" format where you can learn from your peers. Things that can be practiced in a pool include skills, techniques and strokes that do not need an expanse of water, such as:
* Wet exits;
* Rescues, assisted and unassisted;
* Equipment testing, exploration, shakedown, usage or just getting
comfortable, for example, using a paddle float for rescues;
* Strokes not needing an expanse of water, such as draw and pry;
* Rolling, bracing, balance bracing, sculling, etc.
Equipment for pool sessions includes:
* PFD -- required for anyone in a boat in a pool session.
* Spray skirt -- required for the vast majority of skills to be
practiced.
* Paddle float -- optional, for rescue practice, rolling practice, etc.
* Pump -- optional for practice involving capsized or swamped boats
* Goggles or a face mask -- highly recommended for practice that
involves immersion, since chlorinated pools can be hard on the eyes.
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.
rhazard48 at gmail dot com for the reservation and Robert Hazard, 50 Coffin St West Newbury, MA 01985
$20 for members, $40 for non-NSPN members
From Route 128 N or 128 S, take Route 1A North to Ipswich.
In Ipswich you will pass the Whittier Hotel and O'Keefe Chevrolet on your right and Ipswich Ford on your left.
The YMCA will be immediately on your right.
YMCA Website:
As always, plan to arrive early to get in the water on time at 5:45 p.m. and move quickly to get cleaned up and out of the YMCA as quickly as possible when the session ends.
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)