Welcome to the Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network (SMSKN)!

Who are we? 

We are an organization that enables ocean sea kayakers to meet paddling friends, learn how to paddle safely, and plan trips together. Active since 1990, we are an all-volunteer, non-profit group focused mostly on paddling the beautiful coast and islands of Maine. Network members range from novice to advanced paddlers. Paddling trips are organized by and open to all members.

How SMSKN’s Meetup site works

SMSKN operates primarily through our Meetup page, which is where you can find and post paddling trips and events and join the club for the very reasonable price of $20/year. On this webpage we have more detailed information about the club and have many useful resources for paddlers. For more information about how we work as a club, please check out the ABOUT US page on this website.

Critical guidance for Meetup settings: SMSKN uses the Meetup messaging function for intra-group communications and trip coordination. However, in order to enable these messaging functions, you must configure your Meetup profile to allow certain permissions. See guidance here on how to configure your Meetup Settings to maximize your SMSKN engagement!

How does the group connect?

In addition to paddling trips and events, we also have monthly membership meetings that are typically held during the third week of the month via Zoom, in the non-summer months only. Meeting programs include trip accounts, safety and training lectures, and other fun and relevant topics. We are always interested in meeting ideas, so if you have trip slides or other information to share, please get in touch with the President or any Board member through Meetup. See past meeting presentations here.

Do I have to do anything? 

All club members must complete our Participant Agreement as a condition of membership. This document is on this website under Club Documents and can be signed online, where it will be retained. Note that we do not provide guided trips by trained leaders; rather we simply provide a way for paddlers to meet one another, self-organize trips and go paddling. While trip organizers or other members of the Network may have skills and/or knowledge greater than yours, we are all responsible for our own safety.

The wide and beautiful ocean is our playground. Come join us!

Upcoming Events on Meetup

How to Plan and Post a SMSKN Paddle

How to Plan and Post a SMSKN Paddle

April 29, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
If you've never posted a SMSKN trip, or maybe you have but its been a while - this meeting is for you. John Haile and [...]
"Custom Fitting Your Kayak" with Tom Bergh of Maine Island Kayak Co.

"Custom Fitting Your Kayak" with Tom Bergh of Maine Island Kayak Co.

May 4, 2025    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
A well-fitting kayak enhances your comfort and your ability to control your boat. Learn how to fit out your own boat in this demonstration. Fit [...]
3rd Annual SMSKN Ocean Kayaking Dryland Spring Kickoff & Boat/Gear Swap

3rd Annual SMSKN Ocean Kayaking Dryland Spring Kickoff & Boat/Gear Swap

May 17, 2025    
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
SMSKN is holding its 3rd Annual "Stone Soup" Kayak Gathering ... Stone Soup is a dryland, "kick-off" party, social gathering, skill sharing, and boat/gear sale/swap [...]
Muscongus Bay Melange

Muscongus Bay Melange

June 3, 2025 - June 5, 2025    
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join SMSKN friends for three days (and two nights) paddling the waters of Muscongus Bay! Our home base for this adventure will be the beautiful [...]
Paddling Skills with Nate and Simon: Intermediate to Advanced

Paddling Skills with Nate and Simon: Intermediate to Advanced

July 26, 2025 - July 27, 2025    
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
July 26-27, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. each day. In conjunction with SMSKN, Nate Hanson of Pinniped Kayak will host international coach, Simon of Online Line [...]
Paddling Skills with Nate and Simon: Experienced Beginner to Intermediate

Paddling Skills with Nate and Simon: Experienced Beginner to Intermediate

August 2, 2025 - August 3, 2025    
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
August 2-3, 2025, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. each day. In conjunction with SMSKN, Nate Hanson of Pinniped Kayak will host international coach, Simon of Online Line [...]