Updates & News From Portland Paddle

When you’re kayaking on the coast of Maine, you’ll be sharing the water not just with fellow paddlers, but a menagerie of wildlife, especially seabirds. Seabirds are birds that are adapted to marine environments, and spend much of their life foraging or breeding at sea. To help you get better acquainted with some of the…

A closer look at the most commonly spotted marine mammal on the Maine coast If you’ve been on the ocean in Maine, whether by paddle, oars, motor, or sail, you’ve probably spotted at least one seal. But did you know that Maine is home to four different kinds of seals? Some of these blubbery creatures…

Sea kayaks. Recreational kayaks. SUPS. Canoes. Rowboats. With so many kinds of paddle craft out there, it can be hard to know where to start, or which one can best help you achieve your paddling dreams. Read on to learn the difference between each type of vessel, and how and why to choose the one…

Paddlesports have been part of the Summer Olympics for almost as long as the modern Games have been held. In fact, paddlesports made their Olympic debut 100 years ago in 1924 at the Paris Olympics, meaning this year is the centennial of their inclusion!  The XXXIII Games will again be held in Paris, France (and…

Award-winning author Jenny O’Connell is joining Portland Paddle this summer to offer an adventurous three day writing retreat on Casco Bay’s islands. We sat down with Jenny to learn more about her career, the workshop, and other adventures she has gotten up to recently. Eric Nathanson: How long have you been a guide? Jenny is…

Join us for early morning community paddles this summer! All kayakers and stand-up paddlers looking for a chance to get on the water with others are invited! Kayak on Tuesdays at 7:30 am SUP on Thursdays 7:30 am WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays, June – August, 7:30 am (please arrive 15 minutes early) WHERE: Portland…

On June 9th, Joe Guglielmetti will attempt to paddle a solo kayak from Boston to Portland in under 24 hours, a distance of 90+ miles Portland Paddle guide and Maine paddling legend Joe Guglielmetti is at it again. Having previously set the speed record for paddling the entire Maine Coast (in 4 days!) and having…

These beautiful marine reptiles make frequent visits to the Maine Coast! Have you ever asked yourself, “what is that giant, dark shape in the water below?” Maybe it was a shark or ocean sunfish passing underneath, or maybe you were just paddling over a sinking driftwood log. There are a myriad of possibilities–and even a…

Paddle as Often as You Like, All Summer Long, for a Flat Rate! Sign up by June 15th! This year we’re making it easier and more affordable than ever for locals to paddle regularly on Casco Bay. When you purchase a membership you get free rentals for four months – and lots of other benefits….

Renting a kayak for the Peaks to Portland Swim on July 20, 2024 Every year, tons of swimmers brave the cold Maine waters for Peaks to Portland, an annual event that benefits the YMCA of Southern Maine and happens to be one of the world’s oldest swims. Each swimmer in the event needs a “spotter”…

Upcoming Events in Greater Portland to Get You Excited About Paddling Season! Portland Paddle partners with a number of excellent non profit organizations around the greater Portland and Casco Bay region to preserve natural and open space, protect wildlife and ecosystems, and spread the joys of outdoor recreation. We are excited to share just some…

An Interview with P2 Community Member Cathy Nugent This winter we’re sharing a series of conversations with Portland Paddle guides, each one focused on a specific topic related to paddling the Maine coast. Today we’re talking with Cathy Nugent on falling in love with paddleboarding and getting started in SUP racing. Comments have been edited…