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
-
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.
- 9 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.
- 2 comments
Upcoming Trips and Events
-
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.
- 9 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.
- 2 comments
- With 'NSPN Calendar'
- Download iCalendar export
- Subscribe to iCalendar feed
ALL
DAY
-
Sun, Jun 26, 2016
Solstice PaddleNSPN Solstice Paddle
A yearly club paddle held on or near the solstice and always followed by a Post Paddle Potluck across the street at Devereux Beach.
Launch site: Riverhead Beach in Marblehead
There will be different trip levels offered as separate postings on the Trips Forum.
More details to come soon!
-
Sun, Jun 26, 2016
Solstice Paddle L3 TripSolstice Paddle Level 3Trip
Sunday June 26th - Riverhead Beach Marblehead, MA
Beach Briefing at 9:30am
Launch at 10:00am
This is the L3 part of the NSPN Solstice Paddle. Traditionally this paddle heads out into Salem Sound to the area of Bakers Island and back, but float plan can be determined on group and conditions that day More information to follow as we get closer to the date. There will also be L2 and L2+ pods from the same put-in (please see separate posts for those trips). The trip departs from Riverhead Beach at 10:00 AM and is timed to return to the beach by @ 3 Pm for the potluck under the picnic pavilion across the road at Devereaux Beach.
Please RSVP right here("I'm going') in the L3 Calendar Posting if you are interested in joining the L3 trip .
12 users have RSVPed :
-
Sun, Jun 26, 2016
Solstice Paddle L2/ L2+ TripSolstice Paddle Level 2 and Level 2+ Trips
Sunday , June 26th. Riverhead Beach, Marblehead, MA
Peter Brady: initiator
The Solstice L2 and L2+ trips are part of the NSPN Solstice Paddle on June 26th .
The L2 trip stays in the protected areas around Marblehead Harbor, and Dolliber Cove & Brwns Island , at the head of Marblehead Harbor, with the option to venture a bit further along Marblehead neck or up towards Salem sound, depending on conditions and the preferences of the group. Total mileage will be @ 6 miles.
The L2+ Trip is for people who would like a bit more exposure and longer mileage than the L2 trip, but prefer something more mellow and shorter mileage than the L3 paddle, which usually goes over to Bakers Island. Total mileage will be @ 7-8 nautical miles.
If you are interested in the L2 or the L2+ Meet at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead, 10:00am for beach briefing, and a 10:30am launch: The L2 and L+ groups will have a beach briefing together and probably launch together.
We will proceed to the mouth of Marblehead Harbor where we may part ways with the L2 group and, depending on the weather, group size and preferences, either cross Salem Harbor to the Willows, where we’ll stop for lunch, and return by the same route, or cross to Children's Island and stop there for lunch, and return by the same route.
The total mileage will be about 7-8 Naut. miles.
Depending on group size, we have a number of options: if group size is small and everyone is game for the L2+ float plan, we can combine with the L2 paddle, if group size is large we can stick to the separate L2 and L2+ float plan. We'll return to Riverhead Beach by @ 3pm, to get our boats squared away and get changed for the grand potluck under the pavilion at Devereaux Beach, just across the road from Riverhead Beach.|
Please RSVP (I’m going”) right here for other the L2 or the L2+ trips in the June 26th in the calendar posting
If you have any questions, please send a personal message to PeterB on the message board
3 users have RSVPed :
1PM
-
Sun, Jun 26, 2016 01:30 PM 07:00 PM
L3+ Solstice "ROCKS & LEDGES" Marblehead NeckSolstice Paddle L3+ "ROCKS & LEDGES" Circumnavigate Marblehead Neck
Low 10:17 am & High 4:34 pm (at Salem Harbor)
Co-Leaders Bob Levine & Doug Mogill
Helmets are mandatory and tow systems should be worn if you own one. Radios should be monitored on ch72 and within reach.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Bob or I via PM or phone.
Beach briefing "PROMPTLY" at 9:30am. We will return via Devereaux Beach.
SeaYa
Doug
5 users have RSVPed :
To see older events, click on Monthly view ( above)