Welcome to my page, where I can let you in on some fabulous places to go while visiting my state. After only a few years in our sea kayak, my husband and I have learned quite a lot about the sport and love to share what we know. Maine is the perfect place for the sport, considering its over 7000 total miles of coastline and many harbors.
Northeast Harbor, up Somes Sound, stopping at Valley Cove
Lamoine to Grindstone Neck
Northeast Harbor to Seal Harbor
Seal Harbor to Otter Cliffs
Pretty Marsh to Bass Harbor
Anywhere in Deer Isle/Stonington
The Mt. Kineo area, Moosehead Lake
Buying Tips ...
We have a 17' Wilderness Systems tandem, which is very stable and great to learn in. Some general equipment-buying tips are:
When buying your first kayak, don't be swayed by those who will try to get you into a fiberglass boat. Yes, they are flashier, but also much more expensive than the "plastic" (polyethylene) boats. Plastic boats will be much more forgiving in the case of rocky landings, and they are much more reasonable in price. I recommend Wilderness Systems' "Seacret", Boreal Designs' "Muktuk" or the Old Town "Egret". With this last boat I would recommend installing a rudder.
When buying your paddles, however, don't skimp--buy the lightest ones you can afford! The wisdom of this will become apparent after your first all-day expedition. I love my Aquabound "Trippers". Try out as much equipment as you can during your first guided tour or at a kayak demonstration offered in your area.
Maine Outdoor Adventure Club
Old Town Canoe and Kayak
Downeast Magazine (Maine Calendar of Events and lot of other info)
DeLorme Map Company (best maps of Maine out there)
Waterproof Charts (greatest things ever invented!)
Maine Island Trail Association
Acadia Canoe and Kayak Company
(Rentals and guided tours on Mt. Desert Island)
Wilderness Systems Kayaks
VisitMaine.com-Maine's Office of Tourism
Maine Island Kayak Company- Portland-area Guided tours
Bring with you: a first aid kit, a flare, twice the amount of water you think you will need, plenty of food, sunblock, a flashlight, compass and charts.
Don't wear any cotton anywhere--once wet, it will make you cold and keep you cold!
Wear plenty of orange and yellow clothing and gear for optimum visibility.
Easterly winds almost always signal stormy weather.
Early morning is the best time to avoid large ocean waves. Just remember that there are few natural waves large enough to break up boat wakes then, so wakes will be very
strong. Approach all wakes head-on.
