What we’re about
This group is for local paddlers who want to connect with the paddling community and keep up-to-date on group paddles, special events and classes at Portland Paddle. We have free weekly gatherings during the summer, and we also have a full menu of classes, tours, and guided expeditions. Check out the calendar at portlandpaddle.net for more info. Participants MUST register through portlandpaddle.net to reserve a spot for ALL events. We cannot guarantee space in a class or tour if you have only RSVP'd on Meetup.
We do not conduct full operations between October and April each year. However, we do host occasional pool sessions and winter guided trips during the off season. Please keep an eye out for those updates.
If you love the water and paddling come check out Portland Paddle at one of our two awesome locations, Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth or the East End Beach in Portland. We offer paddleboard and kayak rentals, tours, and lessons! Additionally, we have some fun, free opportunities to help you get out on the water and build skills!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Skills Assessment part 1Needs location
American Canoe Association Assessments offer a way for a person to confirm that they have achieved a certain level of paddling competence. It can be useful in many situations to be able to point to an assessment as proof of your skill level. For instance, you may need an ACA assessment to apply for certain jobs, rent kayaks at some outfitters, participate in some events like adventure races and remote expeditions, or enroll in ACA workshops and instructor certification programs. Assessments also provide you with an objective, third-party review of your skill set, helping you to assess what paddling conditions you can handle and where you might need improvement.
Part 1: May 7th, 4pm to 8pm. part 2: May 10th, 4pm to 8pm.
Portland Paddle's L3 Skills Assessment will give sea kayakers the chance to show off their boat handling skills in moderate wind and wave conditions with a certified ACA Instructor/assessor. For full details on expected skills and conditions, please see the ACA curriculum. ACA members will receive a certificate proof of competency upon completion of the course. This or a comparable assessment is a requirement for Portland Paddle's ACA L3 ICW in June.
- ACA L3 Instructor Certification Workshop - with Pinniped Kayak (5 day course)Needs location
Join Portland Paddle and Nate Hansen of Pinniped Kayak for a fun, challenging, five days of kayaking and teaching skills development!
For additional details and to register, please visit our website.
American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor certifications are the industry standard within the world of paddlesports. These certifications are essential for professional instructors and are also valuable for paddling club members, summer camp counselors, and school outing club leaders. All instructor certification workshops are taught by ACA-certified Instructor Trainers. To learn more about the ACA instructor certification system visit this page of the ACA website.
Course description:
In this certification workshop we will explore a variety of approaches to actively support and promote learning in our students. This is a busy and interactive course, with exemplar sessions by instructors, and many opportunities for candidates to deliver practice sessions, receive feedback from peers and staff, and refine their approach to instruction.Through the week candidates will work towards demonstrating competency with the teaching, leadership, and personal paddling abilities required of L3 Instructors, and on days 4 and 5 we will assess those abilities authentically, by providing candidates the opportunity to teach a group of genuine practice students. This ICW utilizes coastal environments in the Casco Bay area, with moderate wind, waves up to 2 feet, small surf, and current up to 2 knots. A detailed description of the minimum topics to be covered by the course, as required by the ACA, can be found here.
Prerequisites:
- Proof of an ACA L3: Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment with an ACA certified instructor, meeting the criteria outlined by the ACA
- Comfort paddling in course appropriate environments, including 10-15 knots of wind, up to 2 feet of waves and surf, and up to 2 knots of current
- Prior experience with capsizing and recovering a sea kayak, and performing other rescue maneuvers
- Basic knowledge of navigation and seamanship
- Basic knowledge of paddling strokes, braces, and other fundamental techniques
- East End Race Series #1East End Beach, Portland, ME
The East End Race Series is a ten-week series of friendly competitions for kayakers and paddleboarders, with races scheduled every Monday evening, the first week of July through the first week of September!
The first nine weeks will be our regular evening series, with a tenth finale event on Labor Day afternoon (the first Monday in September). We encourage both “serious” racers and more casual paddlers to join the fun. It’s a great way to connect with other paddlers, train your paddling muscles, and enjoy an evening paddle on beautiful Casco Bay!Full details and registration on our website!
- $45 season pass (includes race t shirt)
- $12 single race entry
- Discounted rentals for race participants
Register now!- The Monday Evening Itinerary
- 5:00: Racers should plan to arrive to park and unload gear.
- 5:15-5:45: All participants should check in between 5:15 PM and 5:45 PM at the race check in desk. If you intend to rent a boat from us or to switch your class from the previous week please arrive on the earlier side.
- 5:50: A brief race meeting will occur on the main beach. Boats and gear must be ready by this time.
- 6:00: All “butts in boats” for the race start!
- 7:30-8:00: Race finishes.
- 7:45-8:00: There will be a brief “awards” ceremony at the end of race.
There will be a small ceremony each evening announcing the results of that night to the participants. Per tradition you must be present at the ceremony for your name to be read! Results and photos will be posted to the links at the bottom of this page each evening following the conclusion of events!
2024 Tentative Course Schedule
- Fort Gorges Sprint (~3nm)
- The Triangle (~4nm)
- Presumpscot River / Gisland Farm (~5nm)
- The Brothers (~5nm)
- Back Cove (~4nm)
- Little Diamond Shoreline (~4nm)
- Martin’s Point Sprint (~3nm)
- Race to Nowhere [Green Can 9] (~4nm)
- Fort Gorges Sprint (~3nm)
- Finale courses (4 nautical mile open race and 8 nautical mile champions’ race)
