Ocean Skills Workshop Series

Learn Ocean-Related Skills That Are Essential for Ocean Paddlers in Maine

This 3-part workshop series covers topics ranging from sea kayak navigation to the dynamics of tides and currents

Sea kayakers rely upon a range of ocean-related skills that extend far beyond technical paddling technique – from reading nautical charts while plotting a course to predicting the flow of tides and currents before making a crossing. This series of indoor workshops will focus on these ocean skills, giving students a deeper understanding of the unique qualities of the Maine coast that make it such an endlessly fascinating and often challenging environment for kayaking.

Session I covers sea kayaking navigation, including how to use a compass and chart and the gear paddlers use to find their way, remain visible and seek help when needed. Session II focuses on the unique environmental dynamics of the Maine coast, including how to read and predict tides, currents, winds and waves. Session III ties the lessons of the first two sessions together with a focus on trip-planning on the Maine coast, including a detailed discussion of the resources available for planning multi-day expeditions.

We’re currently offering the 3-hour workshops in-person at the beautiful waterfront offices of the Maine Island Trail Association. (In recent years the workshops have been offered online only). We recommend taking all three workshops together, but it is okay to only take one or two if you have scheduling restrictions or are most interested in learning the topic in a certain workshop. Each workshop is indoors; we do not go on the water for this series.

Students will receive access to a course website with exercises and resources that we will discuss during our class. The course is taught by Suzanne Blackburn and Zack Anchors, both of whom are licensed Maine Sea Kayak Guides and ACA-certified coastal kayaking instructors.