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- SMSKN Social Gathering Event:Sea Dog Brewing Company Topsham, Topsham, ME
We hope you enjoyed our first social gathering and building on that success we have planned another.
Please join us for the second Social Gathering, at Sea Dogs Brewing Company https://maps.google.com/?cid=9136752934612156265 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Topsham, Thursday July 17th, 6.30pm to continue those conversations, start new ones and meet new people. Just look for the Red Paddle
We will provide a variety of pizzas so everyone can each enjoy a slice or two, and people can grab their own beverages and whatever additional food they want themselves.
Please RSVP on MeetUp so that we can provide the brewery with an accurate headcount.SMSKN Social Committee.
Edwina Ducker, Aaron Kiander, Don Gorman, Harry Nelson and Deb Walsh. Contact any of the committee members thru MeetUp or at the event if you have questions, ideas for activities or would like to join the committee.
The club has a geographically diverse membership and to honor that, we are striving to move the social events around our catchment area so nobody feels that “they always have to drive the furthest” The committee is working on a variety of future different social events, watch this space for more fun. Heads up we are planning a late Summer Social details to follow soon - Courtesy Post - 2 Kayakers Needed to Follow 2 Swimmers in Peaks to Portland SwimP2P Launch, Peaks Island, ME
Courtesy Post: While at SMSKN's Rolling Practice at SMCC, I met a Portland resident who has 2 family members coming from out of state to swim the Peaks to Portland (P2P) race to qualify for future triathlons. They are racing in different classes, so they each need a volunteer experienced sea kayaker to accompany them on the swim.
I am posting on behalf of the family member, so I don't have any additional information. Please use the contact information below to volunteer. While the race is in July, they would like to confirm paddlers asap.P2P Swim:
The swim is on July 26 and is starting at 8 AM on Peaks, so obviously, you will need to get started earlier. The swim ends at the East End Beach in Portland.If interested, and for more details, please contact Barb Linnehan Smith
blslinnehansmith@gmail.com
Or text 207/ 712-3104
Do NOT reply to this post on Meetup.Feel free to share with other interested groups.
Post will be updated when Barb lets me know we have confirmed 2 volunteers.
Participation is a great way to live the SMSKN mission!
Thanks for any and all help!Additional Information:
Peaks to Portland, A Swim for Kids
Calling all open water swimmers! The Peaks to Portland, one of the world's oldest swims, is returning once again! This historic 2.4-mile challenge traverses the scenic Casco Bay from Peaks Island to Portland's East End Beach. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a recreational swimmer looking for a unique adventure, the Peaks to Portland offers an unforgettable race experience that benefits the YMCA of Southern Maine.Not open
