SMSKN Pool Session: Bowdoin College, Brunswick

Please join other SMSKN paddlers for a two-hour session in the Bowdoin College Greason pool (35 Watson Dr, Brunswick, ME 04011 - see below for more specifics). 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 specific instruction is not necessarily offered, you will always find others willing to help with skills and offer top tips.

We are following the same approach as last year. We will not limit the number of sign-ups–you may arrive at any time in the two-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 in the stands. Please arrive with clean gear and unload boats at the back entrance of the pool and then park in the main lot.

For insurance purposes, all who attend this session must have signed two waiver documents prior to getting in the pool:

1. If you have not done so already, sign the SMSKN participant agreement, which you can do online: Participant Agreement - Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network
2. The American Canoe Association (ACA) waiver form. The appropriate form must be completed online prior to the pool session. SMSKN strongly encourages all its members to join the ACA (annual membership dues $40: Join the ACA)
3. ACA members: ACA Member Waiver
4. Non-ACA members ($10 per pool session): Non-Member Waiver

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 address any questions to John Haile.

Important additional information: we must enter the pool through the back doors. The best way to access these doors is from Coffin Street extension (which dead-ends at the pool). Heading south from Brunswick on Route 123 (Harpswell Road), turn right on Longfellow Ave. Look for Coffin St. in a couple of blocks. Turn left on Coffin St. and go through the gate at the end and onto the small access road. The rear door of the pool is on your left.