Price from:
80 USD
Great if you are new to Sea Kayaking!
**Fully booked? Give us a call to get on the waitlist!**
Duration
3 Hours
About
This course builds on the skills taught in Intro to Sea Kayaking Part I and teaches you about crucial resources and equipment that sea kayakers rely on while paddling the Maine coast. This course is only open to students who have completed the Part I course OR have taken a introductory kayaking lesson elsewhere. A major goal of this session will be to improve your overall control of your boat and efficiency of your strokes so that you’re better prepared when you encounter challenging conditions like strong winds or swift currents. This course will also dive deeper into the knowledge of the marine environment that essential for planning a trip on the Maine coast and minimizing risks. Your group will use a portion of the class to make a crossing on open waters to a nearby island, taking into account tides, currents and boat traffic. You'll leave completely ready for the next course in our progression: The Kayak Rescue Clinic, which will teach you how to reenter your kayak after a capsize.
**WHAT YOU’LL LEARN**
- How to predict and assess the conditions for coastal kayaking in Maine (tides, winds, waves, fog, etc.)
- How to make a crossing over open water on the Maine coast
- How to cope with winds and waves
- Techniques that can be used to maintain boat control and move efficiently.
- The essential gear that sea kayakers use
**PREREQUISITES**
- Completion of Intro to Sea Kayaking Part I
OR
- An introductory kayaking lesson from another organization or instructor
**WHAT’S PROVIDED**
- Kayak and other paddling equipment
- Wetsuit (please use your own if you have one)
Booking Notes
#We are looking forward to seeing you!
##Important Information
**WHEN & WHERE TO ARRIVE:** Please arrive ten minutes before your lesson is scheduled to start. You will see our signs at the end of Cutter Street by the East End Beach. Use the map above to find us or view the directions on our website.
**WHAT TO BRING**
- Water Bottle
- Footwear that can get wet
- Light Jacket (not cotton)
- Sun Protection
- Synthetic (non-cotton) clothing which is comfortable for paddling and swimming.
- A wetsuit Portland Paddle can loan out wetsuits if needed.
- Dry change of clothes and extra layers for warming up after your lesson
**WHAT TO WEAR:**
You will be immersing yourself in the cool waters of Casco Bay, so it is important you dress appropriately. We can provide you a wetsuit at no additional cost. Please bring additional non-cotton layers as well. We can also provide neoprene shoes for you to use if you do not have your own warm footwear.
**PARKING:** There is free all-day parking in the lot halfway down the hill on Cutter Street about 50 yards from Portland Paddle. When that lot is full you can find free parking on streets in the residential neighborhoods nearby. The parking spaces right beside Portland Paddle are limited to 5 minutes or two hours and some are reserved for vehicles with boat trailers.
**BATHROOMS:** There are public bathrooms and changing rooms that are open during limited hours. We have our own private portable toilet for customers. Most of the islands we visit do not have bathroom facilities, so it’s best to use the facilities before heading onto the water. If you need to go during your trip the best option is to find a relatively private spot along a shoreline.
**FOOTWEAR**: You may need to step in shallow while getting in and out of your kayak, so you should wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Water shoes, sandals and old sneakers are good options.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel one of our regularly-scheduled tours or lessons, or a rental booking…
- More than 48 hours in advance: You will receive a full refund.
- Between 2 hours and 48 hours in advance: You will receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 2 hours in advance: You will not receive a refund, and we cannot apply any amount paid to booking on another date.
If you need to reduce the number of people in your group within 48 hours of your booking we will reduce your total booking amount by 50% of the cost of each person that is being removed from the booking.
WEATHER
We will offer the option of a full refund if we decide to cancel your booking due to weather conditions. We usually do not cancel tours due to overcast skies, cool temperatures or scattered showers, but we do cancel when winds are too strong, when there is steady, heavy rain, or when sustained thunderstorms appear likely.
Please keep in mind that the weather along the Maine coast is unpredictable and quick-to-change. Forecasts made several days in advance are very frequently inaccurate, and it is very common for a single summer day to include several hours of ideal conditions and several hours of very poor conditions.
