Paddling the 2026 Peaks to Portland Swim for Kids

Renting a kayak for the Peaks to Portland Swim on July 18, 2026

Every year, tons of swimmers brave the cold Maine waters for Peaks to Portland Swim for Kids, an annual event that benefits the YMCA of Southern Maine. Participants swim from Peaks Island to the East End Beach. Many swimmers are accompanied by a “spotter” in a kayak who paddles alongside them. Portland Paddle always opens early for the event to rents kayaks to those who’d like to spot swimmers on their 2.4 mile challenge.

On the day of the race, Portland Paddle opens by 6:00 AM so that those renting our kayaks have time to paddle to Peaks Island well before the race starts. We suggest giving yourself about an hour to paddle to Peaks Island, though it takes many people much less time than that.

If you prefer to take your kayak on the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island, you will need to pick up your kayak and transport it to the ferry terminal. (On most days we will deliver to the ferry terminal, but this morning is an exception). We suggest picking up your kayak the evening before the race if you plan to take the ferry.

A few things to know if you plan to rent a kayak for the race:

• All of our kayaks are often reserved for the race several weeks in advance. After that point we can put you on a waitlist. You can reserve a kayak online here by clicking on the book button and selecting a half-day rental for  the 6:00 AM or 6:15 AM time slots on July 18.

• Our kayak rentals include one paddle, one lifejacket and one drybag. If you need an extra lifejacket (for the swimmer), there will be a $5 fee. If you would like a sprayskirt, that is included for free.

• You are responsible for your own safety when renting our kayaks. Please dress for the water temperature and be prepared to deal with a capsize. We recommend paddling the route prior to the event so that you are confident when the day comes. Consider taking one of our lessons to ensure you have the appropriate sea kayaking skills.

• If you have preferences in terms of which kayak/SUP to rent, let us know in advance. Many of our kayaks can accommodate a fairly wide range of body types, but we also have some kayaks that work especially well for people on either end of the height/weight spectrum. A question will appear as you make an online reservation that asks your general size to help us choose a boat that works for you. However, if you have more specific preferences, feel free to let us know.

• Consider renting a tandem kayak with a friend. If you can find someone to come along you’ll have even more fun! (Plus one person can paddle while the other takes photos of the swimmer).

Need a kayak spotter? Want to be a kayak spotter? Use our matching tool to find somebody!

Every year we hear from swimmers who are having trouble finding a kayak spotter to paddle alongside them, and from paddlers who are eager for any chance to get on the water. So we created this spreadsheet to facilitate some matchmaking. Just enter your info in the spreadsheet and/or reach out to somebody who’s already on the list.