About us
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
5
NSPN Speaker Series: Pen Godber - The 77 Islands Project
·OnlineOnlineJoin us for an inspiring talk with Welsh kayaker Pen Godber, who has set herself a remarkable challenge: to paddle to and camp on 77 islands by the time she turns 78 (end of October 2028).
Pen's journey celebrates adventure, friendship, and giving back. With each island visit, she donates £10 to Àban, a Scottish charity that introduces young people to outdoor adventure. Her islands range from tiny unnamed dots on Welsh rivers to Shetland, Skye, and the Scillies.
Register here. This event is FREE and open to NSPN & SMSKN members and non-members alike. Zoom Link will be provided for virtual meeting.
(Note: Daylight Saving Time begins March 8 - remember to spring forward!)
What to Expect:
- The inspiration behind the 77 Islands Project
- Discovering Àban charity and its mission
- Stunning photos and stories from island expeditions
- Q&A session
About the Speaker:
Pen believes adventure doesn't have to be exotic or far from home - it's about exploration, discovery, and making connections with people and places. Her project demonstrates that age is no barrier to pursuing meaningful challenges.
- Learn more about Pen's journey: www.77islands.org
- Learn more about Àban: https://aban.scot/about/about-aban
Questions? Contact bridie.napier@gmail.com
10 attendees
Presentation by John Connelly on his 1500 Mile Canoe/Kayak Adventure
·OnlineOnlineJoin John Connelly and SMSKN on March 11th, 7 pm for a John’s presentation of “Dying Out Here Is Not An Option”, John’s book chronicling his 1500 mile, 75 day Solo Canoe & Kayak Odyssey. John will be talking about the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Saint John River, Bay of Fundy and the Maine Island Trail. Included in the talk about what he experienced, his preparation, gear, etc. There will be a Q&A at the end which will afford more technical and specific questions about whatever is of interest to the group.
John is a well-known adventure guide, tourism professional and outdoor author. John’s accomplishments are many, both in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states as well as internationally. John is responsible for developing L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Program, the brands’ educational and experiential retail business, and sea kayak operations in Maine, North Carolina and Florida. Internationally John has been working extensively throughout Japan to develop sustainable adventure tourism by training and educating guides, outfitters and tour operators on best practices.
John will share his insights into planning and executing his adventures. He is semi-retired adventure travel, safety and risk management consultant to the outdoor industry. After five decades he continues to guide commercial whitewater rafting trips, sea kayaking and his own adventures in Maine and beyond with his wife Nicole.
For more information about John Connelly check out www.connellyoutdoors.com.Zoom Link : https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8362877071?pwd=LWME4XoEEK3HNUk4R1frGqt1JJzOlb.1
28 attendees
SMSKN Pool Session Wiscasset
Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset, ME, USIMPORTANT: LIFEGUARD EXTREMELY ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS. PLEASE DO NOT BRING PEANUTS OR PEANUT BUTTER IN ANY SNACK. THANK YOU.
Please join other SMSKN paddlers for a three-hour session in the Wiscasset Community Center pool (242 Gardiner Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578). The session offers the chance to work on rolls, self and assisted recoveries and other activities designed to strengthen skills for our open-water paddles. Though no specific instruction is offered, you will always find others willing to help with skills and offer top tips.**
As last year we will not limit the number of sign-ups. You may arrive at any time in the three-hour session, but be aware that you may have to wait to get into the pool. Only ten boats will be allowed in the pool at a time. As one boat leaves, another may enter. Feel free to share a boat with a friend. Please stay in the water as long as you wish, but be aware of others who are waiting to get in. While you’re not in the water–before or after your practice–enjoy the opportunity to talk with fellow SMSKN members and share a snack [provided]. Please arrive with clean gear.
If you have not done so already, you must complete the SMSKN participant agreement: Participant Agreement - Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network
While these sessions are free to SMSKN members, donations in any amount are welcome to help defray the cost to the club (and thus allow us to offer more sessions). Donations may be made in cash or check (made out to SMSKN) and given to the coordinator at each session.
Please be considerate of other members: if you register and cannot attend - please update your RVSP and/or notify the organizer!14 attendees
Past events
873
Group links
Organizers
Members
208
