Spring Newsletter - Stir-crazy Edition!
What follows is my usual spring update, drafted a couple weeks ago and suspended in limbo since. Clearly, Covid-19 has overtaken our attention as we adjust to a new reality for a while. Caring for our families and those in our community has rightfully been the priority. Some of you may not be thinking much about kayaking at the moment, understandably, and perhaps others are keen to distract themselves with some plans for outdoor adventure. Do what feels right for you, and I look forward to getting back on the water with you when you’re ready.
Hello from Downeast Maine!
It definitely feels like late-winter here - and not a beautiful, bright snowy late-winter. More of a mucky rainy one, but we’re remaining positive, knowing that the rain is filling the rivers, and warming the sea. I know I’m itching to get out on all kinds of water, and I’m looking forward to paddling with many of you again this year.
I’ve published a schedule of courses on my website, including ocean skills courses, leadership training, instructor training and certification, as well as options for whitewater training.
For folks from NYC I’m offering a training right in your area in mid-June. This two-day course offers you the opportunity to start your season with individualized coastal instruction, without having to travel. I’ll work with each of you to build comfort and confidence in coastal conditions, and identify strategies to help you grow towards your paddling goals through the upcoming season. You can find more details here.
Back in my neck of the woods, I’ve got two multi-day skills courses offered in July and August. These have been a great way for paddlers to experience a variety of amazing venues in the Mount Desert Island area, and work with me in tidal currents, rock garden and rough-water environments. Those three to five day options are listed here.
Whitewater training for sea kayakers is once again a signature offering at Pinniped Kayak, and this year we’ll offer two levels of training. We’ll offer our Whitewater for Sea Kayakers in Vermont on the White River again in early June. Paddlers who have already take WW for Sea Kayakers, or who have previous WW experience can join us in August for a “Step 2” WW training on the Penobscot river and tributaries, deep in the woods of Maine!
There is a wide variety of Instructor and Leadership training at Pinniped Kayak this year, including ACA, British Canoeing and Maine Guide License programs. Todd Wright will be providing our upper-level ACA programing, as well as BC coach education programs. If you’d like to discuss which of these options will best suit your needs, please give us a call or email.
As you wait for the weather to warm up, get that equipment ready! Touch up your gelcoat, check your gaskets, and consider whether you want to update any of your gear. As always, I’m happy to get you into a sparkly new P&H Sea Kayak, Kokatat PFD or Drysuit, SnapDragon Skirt, or Werner Paddle. There’s still time to get stuff to you in time for this season, so let me know how I can help!
Though it’s hard to know how the Covid-19 situation will play out this spring, we’ll continue taking course registrations as normal. As usual, if we need to cancel a course, all deposits will be refunded. Additionally, if you feel you need to cancel for health reasons, your course deposit will be refunded ANYTIME before a course.
Be well, stay in touch, and get out for some great hiking with family this month. We’ve found that to be helpful for us here in Ellsworth this week. I wish you all good health and peaceful minds.
- Nate
