Trip Reports
Looking back in time, SMSKN has done a LOT of trips up and down the coast of Maine. Take a look at the wonderful postings below to get inspired and informed!
As you read through these trip reports, it may be helpful to read up on SMSKN’s Trip Rating Guidelines. (Link here) This is a great way to get a sense of whether a particular trip is a good fit for your paddling skills and interests.
Trip Report: Surfing in the Rain at Higgins Beach
2023 SMSKN Summer Event by: Aaron Kiander I was glad to have my dry suit on when I pulled up to Higgins Beach because the rain was already coming down. It was April fools day and the forecast was for a warm but rainy morning. I walked my kayak down to the beach and...
Trip Report: SMSKN Summer Party and Rodeo!
2023 SMSKN Summer Event by: John Haile On a lovely Saturday, July 22, SMSKN held its annual summer gathering at Mitchell Field in Hapswell. In addition to the usual cook-out and social time, this year’s gathering featured a special event: the Richard Rotnem bequest...
Alone on Casco Bay
By Joe Guglielmetti North north east. Rare wind. Just strong enough to matter. Wrinkling the sea just enough for people to stop saying things like “great day for it” to paddlers. Little Diamond raw with snowless February. Lone caretaker assesses beach damage, prodding...
My first roll
By Aaron Kiander So there I was, sitting in my kayak, floating in the pool. My goal was to learn how to roll this winter, and the first pool session finally arrived. After weeks gathering advice from anyone willing, I had visions of pulling off a roll on my first try....
Trip Report: 2022-12 Post Christmas Camping on Jewell Island
Post Holiday Camping trip on Jewell Island by: Joe Herlihy On Monday, December 26, a small group of SMSKN regulars including myself, Joe G., Vick and Zach, decided to work off the fattened Christmas goose and got out on Casco Bay for an overnight to Jewell Island. I...
Trip Report: 2002 – Paddling with Whales
Paddling with Whales, August 2002 Disclaimer: The following Trip Report was written in August 2002 and is re-presented here for new paddling ideas and general interest. However, the specific trip details such as boat launch, parking, and other such things should be...
Trip Report: 2002 – Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island Trip Report, August 2002 Disclaimer: The following Trip Report was written in February 2009 and is re-presented here for new paddling ideas and general interest. However, the specific trip details such as boat launch, parking, and other such things...
Trip Report: 2000-10 – Fort Williams Fireworks Paddle
Fort Williams Fireworks Paddle, October 2000 Author: Bill Ridlon It’s 5:30 on Thursday, June 29th. I’ve rushed home from work, put the boat on top of the truck, grabbed the kayaking gear, and headed the few miles to Willard Beach. I’m the fi rst one here but others...
Trip Report: 2000-10 – Blackburn Challenge
Blackburn Challenge Trip Report, October 2000 Disclaimer: The following Trip Report was written for the October 2010 SMSKN Newsletter and is re-presented here for new paddling ideas and general interest. However, the specific trip details such as boat launch, parking,...
Trip Report: 2009-02 – Great Wass & Mistake Island
Great Wass & Mistake Island Trip Report, February 2009 Disclaimer: The following Trip Report was written in February 2009 and is re-presented here for new paddling ideas and general interest. However, the specific trip details such as boat launch, parking, and...