Spring 2023 Workshop Series
Welcome to our Ocean Skills Workshop series! On these pages you’ll find many resources related to the topics we’ll be discussing in our online meetings. We will update this page the day after each class with recordings of the sessions and a copy of selected slides. Two weeks after our final session we will close this page.
Please click on the button above (or use this link) to join our workshop on Zoom. If you have any trouble logging on please email us at [email protected]
Each session starts at 6:30pm and ends by 8:30pm. Please log on a few minutes early for the first session in case you have technical issues. We will ask you to mute yourself for most of the session, but there will be times when you are placed in a “breakout room” with other students so that you can work together.
Course Schedule and Handouts
SESSION I: FUNDAMENTALS OF OCEAN PADDLING
February 1
SESSION II: SEA KAYAK NAVIGATION
February 8
SESSION III: TIDES, CURRENTS AND WAVES
Feruary 15
SESSION III: TRIP-PLANNING ON THE MAINE COAST
February 22

Session I Recording
Click below to view our recording of our first workshop. The recording starts a few minutes into the presentation and there are a couple brief gaps due to technical issues. We did not record the “breakout sessions” that involve completing exercises in small groups. You can find a link to the presentation slides above.
Session II Recording
Session III Recording
Sea Kayaking Resources
Nautical Charts
- NOAA Chart Viewer: Access any U.S. nautical chart using this webpage from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Use the navigation tabs at the top of the map to select the file format.
- Casco Bay Chart (PDF): The main nautical chart we are using for the purposes of this workshop series.
- Coast Guard Guide to Aids to Navigation: A detailed guide to the various aids to navigation
that are used to mark boat channels and aid boaters in other ways.
- Nautical Chart No. 1: A guide to all of the symbols and abbreviations that are found on nautical charts.
Weather
- Live Global Wind Map: A live map showing the current direction that winds are flowing throughout the world.
- Marine Forecast: The marine forecast for our local region, broken down into specific sections of the coast and offshore waters.
- Data from Buoy 44007 in Casco Bay: This is a link to the data page of just one of many observation buoys that are scattered throughout the Gulf of Maine.
- Windy App: A very useful app focused on wind conditions, both current and forecasted.
- Beaufort Wind Scale: A system used to categorize the strength of wind conditions.
- Halfway Rock Light webcam: One of many webcams throughout the coast that can be used to gauge current sea conditions.
- Portland Head Light webcam: One of many webcams throughout the coast that can be used to gauge current sea conditions.
Tides
- Portland, Maine Tide Chart: A chart of this months high and low tides, with additional information included.
- NOAA Tides & Currents: Tidal information for all locations in the U.S. can be found on this site.
Safety
- Sea Kayaker Float Plan: An example of a float plan that can be left behind when you head out on a trip.
- Coast Guard Boat ID Stickers: All kayaks should be identified with the owner’s name and contact info. These stickers offer an easy way to do that.
- Launch site checklist: An example of a checklist that could be used to ensure that you have all the gear you need when you head out on a trip.
- Emergency Contacts: Important numbers to have on hand when paddling in southern Maine.
- Leave No Trace principles: Sea kayakers in Maine apply these principles in ways that are specific to our unique environment.
Gear
- Recommended Equipment List: The standard equipment that sea kayakers carry when they are paddling on open coastal waters in Maine.
- “Thoughts on Fitting, Demoing and Choosing a Sea Kayak”: A great article by Tom Bergh of Maine Island Kayak that details some of the most important considerations when choosing a sea kayak.
Coastline Access & Camping
Casco Bay Access Map: A map (almost fully up to date) showing all shorelines on Casco Bay that are open to the public.
- Maine Island Trail Association: The awesome non-profit organization that created a water trail linking publicly accessible islands along the entire Maine coast.
- Maine Coast Heritage Trust Preserves: A conservation non-profit that protects and ensures public access to many gorgeous islands on the Maine coast. Reservations can be made for a few campsites on these islands.
- “Public Shoreline Access in Maine: A Citizen’s Guide to Ocean and Coastal Law”: A booklet produced by the state of Maine and other organizations detailing the legal issues surrounding coastal access.
Sea Kayaking Incidents
“Kayaker’s Voyage to Florida Starts with Rescue off Maine Coast”
“Deadly Portland Kayaking Trip: Young Women Die in ‘Very Cold’ Bay”
“Sea Kayak Guide and One of His Clients Die During Downeast Excursion”
More Deep Trouble: More True Stories and Their Lessons from Sea Kayaker Magazine
Casco Bay Sea Kayak Rescue Video & Analysis (Youtube Video)
Connecting with the Sea Kayaking Community
Southern Maine Sea Kayak Network: A very active paddling club that offers many ways to get on the water with others.
Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors: This site lists most of the sea kayak outfitters and guides working in Maine
Portland Paddle Meetup: We host weekly group paddles once a week during the summer (free with your own boat)