Ocean Skills Resources in Maine

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.

Join Workshop Now Starts at 6:30pm

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

map — Taking a bearing from the East End Beach to Halfway Rock

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.