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To learn how we conduct trips, read Paddling with NSPN
Upcoming Trips and Events
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Camp at Umbagog Lake
7/06/26 update: This trip is now full, and has 3 people on the waitlist.
We have a remote campsite at the lake in July! If you haven't visited this area before, think of a lake ringed by mountains. During the day we can explore the waterways which enter and exit the lake, do some hiking, and visit a beach. Evening sunsets behind the mountains are amazing, as is the nightly loon chorus, sometimes accompanied by a parade. The site can hold a maximum of 5 tents. Message me (Jody Harris) if you would like more details and are interested in joining the trip.
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- 9 comments
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Precision Paddling: Master the Tight Spaces
Take your boat-handling skills to the next level by learning to navigate with confidence in technical environments. This outing focuses on precise maneuvering in confined areas such as rocky shorelines, narrow channels, docks, pilings, and other obstacles commonly encountered on the water.
Participants will practice a variety of essential control strokes, including forward and reverse sweeps, draws, pries, sculling draws, edging, and pivot turns, to position their boats accurately and efficiently. Emphasis is placed on smooth, deliberate movements, proper body mechanics, and reading the water to make confident decisions before entering challenging spaces.
Through progressive skill-building exercises and real-world scenarios, paddlers will develop:
Fine motor control for precise boat placement
Efficient maneuvering in confined and technical environments
Improved edging and balance for tighter turns
Greater awareness of currents, wind, and obstacles
Increased confidence navigating around docks, rocks, pilings, and shoreline features
Whether you're preparing for more advanced paddling adventures or simply want greater control in everyday situations, this outing will sharpen your technical skills and make you a more capable, efficient, and confident paddler.
The venue will be on the North Shore but TBD white awaiting weather forecast.
oo
Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/o3njcpcnT6SoB6Kj6
- 2 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].
- 2 comments
Upcoming Trips and Events
-
Camp at Umbagog Lake
7/06/26 update: This trip is now full, and has 3 people on the waitlist.
We have a remote campsite at the lake in July! If you haven't visited this area before, think of a lake ringed by mountains. During the day we can explore the waterways which enter and exit the lake, do some hiking, and visit a beach. Evening sunsets behind the mountains are amazing, as is the nightly loon chorus, sometimes accompanied by a parade. The site can hold a maximum of 5 tents. Message me (Jody Harris) if you would like more details and are interested in joining the trip.
.
- 9 comments
-
Precision Paddling: Master the Tight Spaces
Take your boat-handling skills to the next level by learning to navigate with confidence in technical environments. This outing focuses on precise maneuvering in confined areas such as rocky shorelines, narrow channels, docks, pilings, and other obstacles commonly encountered on the water.
Participants will practice a variety of essential control strokes, including forward and reverse sweeps, draws, pries, sculling draws, edging, and pivot turns, to position their boats accurately and efficiently. Emphasis is placed on smooth, deliberate movements, proper body mechanics, and reading the water to make confident decisions before entering challenging spaces.
Through progressive skill-building exercises and real-world scenarios, paddlers will develop:
Fine motor control for precise boat placement
Efficient maneuvering in confined and technical environments
Improved edging and balance for tighter turns
Greater awareness of currents, wind, and obstacles
Increased confidence navigating around docks, rocks, pilings, and shoreline features
Whether you're preparing for more advanced paddling adventures or simply want greater control in everyday situations, this outing will sharpen your technical skills and make you a more capable, efficient, and confident paddler.
The venue will be on the North Shore but TBD white awaiting weather forecast.
oo
Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/o3njcpcnT6SoB6Kj6
- 2 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].
- 2 comments
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12AM
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Fri, Sep 9, 2016 01:00 PM Mon, Sep 12, 2016 07:00 PM
NSPN Downeast Paddle Retreat, Mount Desert IslandEvent details
Downeast Paddle Retreat; Mount Desert Island
September 9-12, 2016
Initiator: Peter Brady
This will be the third annual Downeast Paddle Retreat for NSPN. This posting will be updated in the weeks and months to come.
As in the last two years, this event will begin on Friday morning Sept 8 ,and wind down on Monday afternoon.
Every day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, to Monday) we will organize group paddles around Mt.Desert Island.
Our base of operations will be at LLangolan Inn , on Rt 3 near Hadley Point, between the bridge to the island and downtown Bar Harbor.
Accommodations and food are on your own. There will be a pot luck with music in the barn at LLangolan on Saturday night.
Recommended lodging :
LLangolan Inn: our base of operations
Hadley Point Campground: for those who prefer camping, this campground is adjacent to Llangolan on Hadley PointRoad
Robbins Motel: not far from LLangolan on Rte 3 ,for those looking for the most economical lodging.
Eden Village: a cottage resort similar to LLangolan, a short ways away on Rte 3.
Please PM PeterB with questions, interest. Or email at pbrady at neaq.org We'll develop an information sheet with details on the event and the area, to share with RSVPs as plans develop .
15 users have RSVPed :
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