Announcing the 2026 Women at Sea Expedition!
This summer, Portland Paddle is excited to launch our new Women at Sea Expedition, led by and for female-identifying paddlers. This three-day trip will include island-hopping along the Maine Island Trail in Casco Bay while developing sea kayaking skills and enjoying the natural beauty of Maine’s coast. With the return of our annual Women at Sea Workshop, these experiences offer participants a safe and supportive space to challenge themselves and build community within a male-dominated sport.
To help explain why we feel these experiences are so meaningful, we asked long-time Portland Paddle Guide and Instructor, Suzanne “Frankie” Blackburn, to share what excites her about guiding, instructing, and paddling in community with other women.
Suzanne paddling with with friend and fellow P2 guide, Janet Robinson
When did you start sea kayaking? Were you able to find a strong community of female-identifying paddlers at that time?
I started whitewater kayaking in 1980. When I moved to the coast, I made the transition to sea kayaking. I love the additional challenges of sea kayaking; tides, the ocean floor topography, and weather play such important parts in my experience. I’ve found the kayaking community to be very male dominant, though there are some highly skilled female paddlers. Sea kayaking is accessible to any gender, any age and any size person. Skill and knowledge are the great equalizers.
How has your paddling community changed since then?
I don’t think the balance of gender has changed very much, but I do see women taking on more challenges and developing higher skills. I have a terrific community of kayaking friends that includes several very talented women.
What are some of the common challenges or barriers faced by women getting into sea kayaking?
As in any setting which is dominated by men, women tend to fall back and defer. This dynamic makes it more difficult for women to challenge themselves and grow.
Why do you think it is important to host these experiences specifically for female-identifying paddlers?
It’s important to have a setting where people don’t feel inhibited. We need to feel good about reaching beyond our comfort levels. We need to take risks, to fail or succeed, and risk again because we feel so supported.
What have been some of your favorite memories of leading the Women at Sea workshop?
Several years ago I was on a trip with a woman who stated that she just couldn’t understand navigation. She said she would never be good at it. I asked her if she would be willing to take on a challenge with my support. She said yes, so I asked her to lead the next leg of the trip. I asked her to figure out the right compass bearing to take us to a specific point of land. I showed her how to do it. She did it — she got the right bearing. We crossed and landed exactly where she planned. She was so excited and now she has a new narrative about herself.
What excites you about the new Women at Sea Expedition?
I love working with groups of women so much! There’s nothing more fun and exciting. There’s just something light and wonderful.
Anything else you want to share?
The sea is our best teacher. We learn best when we feel safe and supported. A group of women can do that for each other.
Interested in joining the Women at Sea Expedition?
Visit this page to learn more and book your spot.