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 (2)
See all- SMSKN End of Summer PotLuck and Kayak RodeoWinslow Memorial Park, Freeport, ME
Hi Everyone:
Join fellow paddlers of the Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network for a day of fun, laughter, and food, while reminiscing about all the fun events you did together this summer, learning a new skill with others in the chilly spring water, or a day/weekend kayaking through picturesque landscapes and hidden coves. Reconnect with new friends and old and build those paddling relationships!Cost:
The park has a $3 entrance fee for non-residents and $2 for Freeport residents and, of course, camping is also an option.Where:
Winslow Memorial Park & Campground, Freeport, ME
See attached map for exact location.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rDtyaHCFcsrsZFsiWUo1Ze-3jrx7k42e/view?usp=sharing. Look for the SMSKN banner**What to Expect:
Arrival Time 10 am- Gear Swap/Sale
A space will be set up with a tarp on the lawn for any gear/boats you would like to donate, swap, or sell. Please make a sign including your name, item description, and offer terms to display with your item. - Potluck lunch: Please bring your favorite outdoor dish to share and a beverage of your choice. A grill be available and SMSKN will provide coals. See online sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4EAEA62DA2F49-58187629-smskn#
- SMSKN President Glen Gordon will say a few words before we hit the water
- Rodeo: After lunch we'll hit the water for team kayak games--Harry Nelson organizer: current plans
- Kayak Polo
- Shark and Minnows
- Tug O' War. We will use tow belts or simply tie boats together - stern to bow.
** Bring your boat with all your equipment, including helmet if you have one, and plan for immersion as we have no idea what else Harry has planned for us. LOL**
Cancellation: We will keep an eye on the weather. If we need to cancel the event, we will notify everyone by 5pm on Friday the 26th. The event will be cancelled on Meetup and the notice will go to all who signed up.
- Gear Swap/Sale
