News

Last Summer we were excited to support a group of local Maine paddlers as they took a source to sea journey down the Crooked River, across Sebago Lake, down the Presumpscot River, and finally to Casco Bay. The group’s goal was to learn about themselves, and raise awareness for, the importance of the Crooked River…

Winter is fast approaching, and for many paddlers this means the end of the paddling season. Want to store your boats and paddle craft safely during the colder months? Check out our hot (actually cold!) tips below.  (And for all of you year-round kayakers, be sure to take a look at our post on cold weather…

Open Positions Include Sea Kayak Guides, Staff Manager, Site Supervisor & Shore Staff Portland Paddle is staffed by a talented team of folks who are passionate about paddling. Many of our staff members return every summer, but we’re also seeking new members of our team for the 2025 paddling season. OPEN POSITIONS SEA KAYAK GUIDE:…

Join us for an early morning Community Paddle this summer! Every summer we host group paddles on Tuesdays and Thursdays for sea kayakers and stand-up paddlers. 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 Paddle’s…

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…