
What we’re about
Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network (SMSKN) is an organization for ocean-going sea kayakers to meet paddling friends, learn about safe paddling, and plan trips together. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit and have been active since 1992. Our trips are mostly in the open ocean along the wild and beautiful coast of Maine. Except for some training sessions, all trips are on tidal waters.
We are an active group with trips, training sessions, and monthly membership meetings where we socialize (mostly on-line at this point) and hear interesting talks about many aspects of ocean paddling. Additional information, including recordings of past meeting presentations, are on our website, **smskn.net**, so check there for additional paddling resources. Sea kayaks with sealed bulkheads and static deck lines are required for our trips, as is the use of spray skirts, PFDs, and appropriate immersion protection and safety gear.
Most of our activity, including joining, event planning, and paying dues, is handled through our Meetup page, so please browse the upcoming and past events to learn more about us and what we do. If you're a long-boat ocean sea kayaker looking for paddling friends and skill-building opportunities within a fun and active year-round paddling community, you're in the right place. Come join us!
To join, please complete two steps:
- Join using your full name, please, on the Meetup profile. (The full name is for safety purposes.) Membership is $20 annually and helps pay for coaches, speakers, pool sessions, and other paddling resources.
- Please sign our online Participant Agreement, https://www.smskn.net/membership/participant-agreement/. Again, for safety purposes, this is required of all members.
Glen Gordon, President
Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- #12 Lobster Buoy Car-Camping weekend, Inter-club (NSPN/SMSKN) #2, Aug 23-25Needs location
PLEASE DO NOT RSVP UNTIL YOU HAVE SENT YOUR PAYMENT FOR THE GROUP SITE ONLY.
Come join us for this second inter-club kayak camping event with NSPN and SMSKN. Home Base will be Lobster Buoy Campsites in S. Thomaston, Maine, gathered at the Group Site. Arrive early Saturday, depart Monday. Paddling options abound: NE to Owls Head, SE to Muscle Ridge, or SW to Port Clyde. These trips are not appropriate for beginners. Do not overestimate your abilities. Minimal skills to participate include wet exit, self and assisted rescue, and previous experience in ocean paddling with conditions of wind up to 15K, waves to 2 feet, and crossings up to 2.0M. I will set a limit FOR THE GROUP SITE ONLY. Your spot will be secured when I receive payment ([$12.00 per person + $8.50 per car]/NITE) X 1.09 (tax; most will pay $22.35/nite) via paypal (PREFERRED; gyork at tdsdotnet) or check (Email for address glyork@pm.me).
If you prefer a private site, contact campground directly (280 Waterman Beach Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858 Phone: (207) 594-7546).You must E-sign the SMSKN liability waiver for the current paddling season.
When you RSVP, please send me a private E address for group correspondence.
Link to album of our previous outing 10 years ago HERE
PLEASE DO NOT RSVP UNTIL YOU HAVE SENT YOUR PAYMENT FOR GROUP SITE ONLY.
You will receive full refund for your trip only if you cancel before 9 PM. on August 16, OR CHOOSE TO DONATE (ANY AMOUNT) TO ELLIE /LOBSTER BUOY CAMPSITES.