News and updates from Pinniped Kayak, Sea Kayak Instruction and Adventures. Nate Hanson, ACA certified instructor, BCU 4-star Sea Leader. Offering Sea Kayak courses and adventures in eastern Maine, including Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Stonington, Penobscot Bay, and Isle au Haut.
Hello Paddlers,
Though it may have snowed again yesterday, we’re bound to find ourselves on the water in warmer conditions eventually, so it’s high time I reached out to fill you in on my winter, and share some spring paddling updates with you all!
Hello paddlers!
It’s unmistakably still winter up here, but in between the snowy hikes, expansive skating adventures and cozy evenings by the fire, I’ve managed to finish up plans for the upcoming kayaking season!
In the quiet moments between your own winter adventures, I’m sure you’re starting to make plans for the paddling season ahead. As you fantasize about your upcoming kayak adventures, have a look at everything we have on offer at Pinniped Kayak this year, and if you have questions about any course listings, or any custom requests, don’t hesitate to reach out.
You’ll find many of the regular favorites have returned this year. Our Foundations courses are an approachable starting point for those who are just getting their feet wet, or beginning to get more serious about basic sea kayak skills.
On the wilder side, Todd Wright and I will once again be teaming up on two courses that make the most of the paddling challenges here in the Mount Desert region - Rough Water Play, and Risk Management in Rough Water
Curious about how the other half lives? Whitewater for Sea Kayakers, is an opportunity for capable sea kayakers to expand their skillset to whitewater boats, and have a blast paddling in a river environment, up in the beautiful north Maine woods.
As fall approaches, we’ll reprise what’s become the marquis rough-water event of the season. Join Todd and Nate for 4 days of advanced skills and leadership training in Lubec (with lodging in an old lifesaving station!) at the Downeast Skills and Leadership Weekend, Sept 11-14th.
Lastly, we’re excited to announce year two of our inclusive paddling event, Chasing Water Downeast, scheduled on October 12-14th, 2024. We look forward to continuing to build community and expand skills at all levels at this cozy event, co-hosted in Ellsworth, by Nate, Josh Hall, and Todd Wright. Registration for Chasing Water Downeast will open next Monday, Feb 26th!
That’s not everything, but it’s enough to give you a taste of what’s coming up at Pinniped Kayak this year. To see the whole schedule, click here.
Be sure to drop us a line and let us know what you think, or to just give me an update on your paddling life. I’d love to hear from you!
Cheers,
Nate
Hey Paddlers,
It’s been a great season so far, and I’m happy to have spent time with many of you on the water!
Looking ahead, we’ve got a couple really exciting events coming up.
Want to gain confidence and understanding in rocky, wavy, and moving water environments? There’s still time to join the next Rough Water Skills Development course - 3 days in the Mount Desert Island area, August 16-18.
Ready to kick off the fall paddling season with 4 days of thoughtful coaching and big adventure paddling with Todd and Nate? Only three spots left for our Lubec Skills and Leadership Weekend, Sept 15-18!
Lastly, Paddlers of all sorts will find an inclusive learning atmosphere at our new fall event, Chasing Water, Oct 13-15. Join Coaches Todd Wright, Josh Hall and Nate Hanson for fun and learning in around the waters of Acadia National Park.
Boat Deals!
Though there’s still lots of paddling time left, you can already get great end-of-season deals on in-stock P&H kayaks at Pinniped. Virgos, Delphins, Scorpios and one last Cetus! You’ll find in-stock boats listed in the Gear Store, then get in touch with me directly for up-to-date prices!
As always, I’d love to hear how how your paddling season is going so far, and what you’ve got planned for the fall. Drop me a line at nate@pinnipedkayak.com or call 207-669-2174.
Thanks!
Nate
Welcome back paddlers! We’ve got another half foot of snow in the forecast tomorrow, but it can’t stick around too much longer. Paddling season is right around the corner, and it’s time to have a look at our 2023 Course Schedule and start making plans!
We’ve got lots of fun planned this year, with courses for all levels of padders. Our Foundations courses provide an on-ramp for newer paddlers; ACA Instructor training and certification is available at various levels; Whitewater fun in the North Maine Woods, and lots and lots of our signature splashy rock garden and tidal falls courses. I’m looking forward to collaborating with Todd Johnstone-Wright, of Synaptic Sport on a number of our more exciting courses, including a repeat of last fall’s biggest hit - 4-days of Skills and Leadership Training in the Lubec area.
Whatever goals you’re setting this season, we’re ready to help you find more adventure, more confidence, more understanding, and definitely more fun! Have a look at the schedule and please get in touch if you’d like help finding the right courses for you.
Gearing up for the paddling season? The Gear Store has a variety of kayaks in stock, both Whitewater and Sea, including a beautiful new P&H Cetus MV, Lightweight Kevlar/Carbon Vacuum Infusion $600 off! We’re carrying WRSI Helmets this year, and we’ve got plenty of Immersion Research Skirts and Werner paddles in stock.
I’m looking forward to seeing you on the water in the warmer months to come. Until then, have a great spring!
Cheers, Nate
Happy winter! The ground is hard, good ice is in the forecast, and my kayak racks are organized for the snowy months. (To help lighten those racks, you can check out the big DECEMBER GEAR SALE! Details below.)
It’s been great to paddle with so many of you already this year. After a busy summer, and a wonderful bit of time off in August for boating, biking and being outdoors with my family, I’m looking forward to what the rest of the sea kayaking season has in store! Fall is a great month to find adventures on the Maine coast.
Hi Everyone!
Downeast Maine is bouncing around somewhere between fool’s spring and third winter up here, but, nonetheless, it feels like we’re making progress towards paddling season! I’ve enjoyed quite a few days on the ocean with College of the Atlantic already, and my family has been taking to the rivers in a canoe lately, instead of on ice skates.
Good morning, Fellow Kayakers!
It’s March, and a season of paddling adventures is finally coming into view, just over the horizon!
