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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8PM
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Sat, Jun 21, 2008 08:00 PM
10th Anniversary Solistice Party & PaddleYou're Invited!!! Come Help us celebrate 10 years of fun & friends!! Sunday, June 22nd!!!
This is our big summertime social event when you're likely to meet a bulk of us, much like our Winter Holiday party!
Traditionally this event consists of several paddling trips of differing skills levels all leaving early in the AM from Riverhead Beach in Marblehead, breaking en route for packed lunches. Various Trips will be posted by members on the Trips forum with RSVP & planning info. So far we have a L2 and a L3 trip being planned. (If you would like to initiate an additional Trip for this event, please contact me at [email protected].)
Upon return in the afternoon (most likely 3 to 4 ish), all groups pack up their gear, change and collect under the pavillions at Devereaux Beach across the street, and enjoy a pot-luck BB-Q style beach party for dinner! Non paddling friends and family are of course also invited to meet up with us there for the food friends & fun! Bring your on-water and beach games along for a full day of festivities!
Also, in honor of NSPN's 10th birthday this year, there will be t-shirts sold* to commemorate 10 years of friends and paddling fun! T-shirts were designed by member & contest winner Suwin Chan! Reflective stickers of the new NSPN logo will also be available!
So bring your gear, your love of paddling, and a yummy dish to share, and help us celebrate our 10th anniversary!!!
To see pics of last year's solistice event please click:
http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?autoco...bum&album=3
*while supplies last.
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Paddling Pods leaving from Riverhead Beach:
L2 Trip:
Trip Initiators: Gillian Beckwith & Brian Wells
Depart Riverhead Beach in Marblehead at 12:00pm. Beach Breifing at 11:30am!! We'll explore Marblehead Harbor and head out to Dolibers Cove. We'll practice some rock play along the coast and start to expand our boat handling skills. Skills Session and boat play for any interested parties back in Marblehead Harbor at the end of the trip. Approximate distance 5 or 6NM depending how much we stop to play along the way. This is a level 2 to 2+ depending on conditions. Low tide is at 8:26 am, high at 2:45 pm. Bring snacks and plenty of water - we'll stop to stretch our legs along the way. Any questions or concerns, email me at: [email protected]. No registration required for this trip.
L2+ Trip:
Trip Initiators: Patty Phelan & Liz Neumier
We're in for the Solstice paddle on Sunday June 22 We'll be launching from Riverhead Beach and paddling over to Salem Willows where we'll take a break, have a snack and soak up some sun. Then we'll paddle back to meet up with the other groups for the pot luck. This is a level 2+ trip. The wind tends to kick up in the afternoon and there tends to be choppy water. The distance is estimated to around 10 miles. There is also a long channel crossing that can be challenging with the wind and chop. Come early for a "butts in Boats time" of 11 am. Hope to see you all!
Patty
L3, 3+ Trip:
Trip Initiator: Bill Gwynn
Depart Riverhead Beach in Marblehead at 10:30 am and head out to Childrens, then over to the Gooseberries, around Bakers, and over to Misery for a snack break. Return to Riverhead via Eagle and a trip through Dolibers Cove. Approximate distance 12NM depending how much we stop to play along the way, we will be looking for fun spots, rocks/surf etc. as we go. This is a level 3 to 3+ depending on conditions. Low tide is at 8:26 am, high at 2:45 pm.
Come and join the fun!
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)