Waterlines: Kayaking & Paddling in Maine and Beyond

License to Paddle

2008-05-08T06:50:00.008-05:00

A lengthy recent discussion at Paddling.net focused on whether the idea of requiring training and licensing of paddlers is a good idea. The argument in favor of licensing holds that the number of costly rescue operations is increasing -- and that requiring paddlers to be trained and licensed would reduce the number of required rescues as well as providing a source of funds to pay for the rescues that do take place.

Those who operate powerboats over a certain length are required to have licenses, so requiring paddlers to be licensed could be seen as an expansion / extension of that law.

While I encourage kayakers to get training commensurate to the kind of paddling they will be doing, I believe that this kind of increased regulation of kayaking would would be wrongheaded, ineffective, and unenforceable.

For some, kayaking means lengthy unsupported solo night crossings between distant points of land. For others, kayaking means floating in a shallow pond on a sunny summer day, while never venturing more than 100 yards from camp. What single standardized mandatory basic safety course could possibly be helpful to each?

My point is that paddling is an incredibly varied activity -- and that no standard basic training course could effectively prepare the wide range of paddlers for the types of paddling they will be doing. At its simplest, paddling is an elemental activity that is little more sporting or dangerous than taking a walk around the block. To subject those who take a daily walk around the block to a new set of safety developed to protect mountaineers would be ridiculous. To certify prospective mountaineers with a basic safety course oriented to walkers would be equally ridiculous and falsely enabling.

The fact is that paddlers die each year because they fail to wear their life jackets, venture out on cold water without proper clothing, don't pay attention to weather conditions, or paddle in conditions above their abilities. It would be great if we could reduce the number of these deaths, but I'm not convinced that regulation is the way to get it done.

Some of the Best Things are Close to Home

2008-05-02T06:53:00.004-05:00

Most of Little River in Belfast, Maine is nothing more than a shallow stream for about 355 days of the year. The other 10 days it turns into something else -- sometimes something very nice.

Heavy spring rains (2 inches within a 24 hour period) brought the river up to a fun but manageable level for paddling.

Who knew one could have that much adventure on a sunny spring afternoon -- all within 4 miles of my house and of downtown Belfast? My little trip on Little River involved a 0.7 mile drive to the put in, a scramble down a steep bank to launch, a fun half mile stretch of Class I rapids (with a tiny bit of Class II), paddling the length of Resevoir #1, a brief portage, a scramble down an extremely steep bank, a quarter mile section of Class II - III whitewater, another mile of flatwater, and then a 3 mile run along beautiful riverside trails back to my car.

Sighting: grey heron (1), beaver (2), ducks (several), other people (0). All this on an afternoon after work. Maine --- the way life should be.

Why I Love the Kenduskeag

2008-04-15T10:01:00.004-05:00

I've competed in 5-K and 10-K road races, cross country races, xc ski races, and triathlons, but I haven't found a form of racing I enjoy as much as kayak racing. I've paddled all kinds of rivers -- and raced on at least a half dozen of them, but I haven't found a river race I enjoy as much as the annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race.

Part of it is the number of canoes and kayaks involved -- more than 400 on most years. Part of it is the length and difficulty of the race -- 10 miles of flatwater followed by 6.5 miles of whitewater -- made all the more difficult by fatigue. Part of it is the tradition -- the race has been around for more than 40 years now, and the returnees each year include notables such as the Gumby boat (photo) and Zip Kellogg, who wears a coat and top hat and paddles much of the race standing up.

A combined flatwater / whitewater race such as the Kenduskeag is a triathlon in itself. The first event is the 10 miles of flatwater, which tests your physical and mental stamina and your ability to get in a groove with your paddling stroke. The second event is the whitewater, a combined test of strategy, skill, and pluck. The third event (actually interpersed with the second one) is the two mandatory portages, in which competitors stagger ashore in wet gear, and labor their way through crowds of park-goers and spectators, carrying their suddenly clumsy craft through the mud.

How to survive it all. How to go fast the whole time and still leave enough to get to the finish. How to keep focus through those inevitable moments when, disoriented by fatigue, you forget you are in a race at all -- and it is just you, your boat, and that river shining under the spring sunlight.

Keel Strip Alternative--Durabak

2008-03-25T17:19:00.002-05:00

The carbon/kevlar layup of my Ruahine Swallow multisport kayak is very thin, and while I've managed to keep it off the rocks so far, it felt like I would be pushing my luck to continue to paddle it down through Class II and Class III rapids without adding a little extra protection.

A keel strip was the obvious solution. But then I read about using a rubberized truck bed coating such as Arma Coatings. Searching Paddling.net for more information on the topic, I came across a useful thread. Rather than get a commercial application, I decided to purchase a product called Durabak 18 on eBay from a company called Newlinesafety.com. The folks at Newlinesafety were very helpful in helping me chose the right product (smooth rather than textured) for this application and even warned their product would create a small amount of drag.

With that warning in mind, I decided to apply a very narrow strip in my initial application. I figure I can always go back and widen the band of Durabak as my kayak hull begins to show more wear.

Durabak can be purchased in quart sized containers. My cost, including shipping, was about $50.00. The company warns that once opened and exposed to air, the product hardens rapidly. I resealed it the best I could. If I don't get any further use out of that quart, the cost will likely be more than $1.00 per square inch. But it was easy to apply -- and if it creates some good karma as I rock'n roll my way down the river, it will have been worth it.

Swimming the St. George

2008-03-16T20:50:00.003-05:00

An early season "swim" is always good for helping maintain humility. Maybe I was feeling a little too confident after my clean run down the St. George on Friday.

The river level dropped about 8 - 12 inches in the last two days, which made the rapids a little more technical. And somehow (see photo above) a large log has positioned itself in an unfortunate spot, just below the drop immediately upstream from the Ghent Road bridge. As my bow nosed off the drop, it hit the submerged portion of the log, the rest of my boat swung sideways, and over I went.

So be careful out there, y'all. Scout those tricky sections even when you don't think you need to. The river is always changing.

St. George River (Searsmont, Maine) Open!

2008-03-15T08:30:00.003-05:00

"Oh, to have been a fly on the wall and seen the action in this valley for the last 300 years." --Zip Kellogg, Canoeing, Volume 1, Eastern & Coastal Rivers

Paddled the 6-mile section of the St. George between Searsmont and North Appleton yesterday. The river level can be described as "the high side of medium." I touched no rocks on the entire trip -- but I've definitely been on the river when the current was stronger and the standing waves were bigger.

The river is clear of ice on this entire section. Took the drop above the Ghent Road bridge on river right as usual. The drop at Magog is clear of obstructions -- and frothy enough to be a lot of fun.

Following is the description of that section from Delorme's Maine Geographic Canoeing Guide, Vol. 1:

The river remains gentle for two miles below Searsmont to Ghent or Robbin's Mill, formerly known as Dyer Mills. Saws have been cutting lumber, staves, and shingles here since the early 1800's. In the summer of 1982, the dam was removed, so scout this site carefully. The rapids just upstream of the bridge can be strong. Class II rapids continue below the bridge. The current is strong in this section of the river too, so be careful . . . be prepared to stop and scout Magog, a difficult rock-obstructed drop which may not be runnable, depending on the water level. A brick and lime kiln and quarry occupied this site many years ago. After another 1.25 miles of fairly calm waters, you'll pass under the Route 105 bridge at North Appleton.

Parking is available on the west side of the Route 105 bridge. Take out just past the bridge, along the right bank. The shuttle (or bicycle ride) is about 5 miles back to the put in.

The annual St. George River Race (on this same section of the river) is in two weeks.

Training for the Whitewater Race Season

2008-02-27T18:48:00.003-05:00

The St. George River Race (Searsmont, Maine) is just 4 weeks away. Beginning this week, I'm officially in training. Today I got up off the couch, did 20 situps, and got back on the couch!
Those planning to compete in the Maine whitewater race circuit, please do not read beyond this line.

Actually, I stay pretty fit during the winter. It's all cross training, I like to believe. Shovelling my 250 foot driveway, cross country skiing, playing indoor soccer, a little bit of weight training and indoor rowing, and keeping up with my two daughters is all part of the picture. But now, with the first race 4 weeks away and the big one, the Kenduskeag, 7 weeks away, it's time to get serious. My goal is to paddle 2 - 3 days per week in the coming weeks, and to increase my workouts on my nonpaddling days as well.

Resources for training include Simon River Sports' Training Tips and a couple of Training Plans from Kayak Race.

Surfing Upstream on the Web

2008-02-27T18:17:00.002-05:00

Too much time on the web lately. Too little time on the water! I've been working on a few website design projects including a redesign of the MaCKRO website.

Just over 5 weeks until we put our paddles in the water under the bridge at the start of the annual St. George River Race.

A Lesson in the Importance of Bulkheads

2007-11-19T10:35:00.000-05:00

During a family gathering at a friend's lakeside camp last summer, after deciding I could bear life as a landlubber no longer, I shoved off in a borrowed Dagger rec kayak to play around for a few minutes. With no life jacket or skirt available, I restricted myself to shoulder-deep water just offshore. My playing around became a lesson in several things: (1) it is very possible to roll a kayak without wearing a skirt. In fact, the water scooped up by the cockpit as you roll may lower the center of gravity, actually making it easier to roll; (2) Bulkheads were invented for a reason (this model, like many rec kayaks, did not have any bulkheads); (3) If at first you succeed, quit!

The impromptu video of the moment was posted on Youtube and then re-edited by DeepSixDave and posted as an informational video on the importance of bulkheads. Dave's other videos are here. His blog is here.

DeepSixDave's re-edited version of my video is below:

Kayaking & Camping on Nicatous Lake, Maine

2007-09-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

Nicatous Lake (location T3 ND, Maine) can be accessed by driving about 12 miles southeast from Burlington, Maine (Delorme Map #34). We put in at the public landing on the north end of the lake (and paid $2.00 a day to park our car in a nearby private lot). Google Map here.

Nicatous offers miles of unspoiled shoreline, sandy beaches, wilderness campsites (including several island campsites), good fishing, and plenty of wildlife. Just one of many Maine lakes that are just waiting to be paddled!

We Make the Times!

2007-08-27T22:25:00.001-05:00

Paddling Down East From Inn to Inn

By CLAIRE MARTIN

Published: New York Times, August 24, 2007

THE tides and wind were against us and the sun was in our eyes as we paddled into the harbor at Rockland, Me. My friend Kira and I emerged from the marina in our life jackets and spray skirts, lugging paddles, nautical charts and clothing across the street to the Old Granite Inn, our shoulders sore and heads aching from two hours of paddling in the heat.

--photo by Herb Swanson for The New York Times

We were so tired we thought about going straight to sleep — but then someone told us about a local restaurant, one of the best in Maine. Within the hour, we were seated at its elegant copper bar, drinking strawberry-and-rhubarb cocktails, mixed with ingredients from the garden out back.

We had paddled a quarter of the way up Penobscot Bay, starting about 60 miles northeast of Portland, because I wanted a sea-kayaking journey on the Maine coast. But I also wanted hot showers and a warm bed. I didn’t mind doing some of the hard work (the paddling), but I didn’t want to do all of it (the cooking). The answer: an inn-to-inn kayaking trip . . . [to read the full article, see Paddling Down East From Inn to Inn, The New York Times.

Hurricane Island Photo Highlights II

2007-07-28T13:12:00.000-05:00

1. Stand-In Point, on the western tip of North Haven, a 9 mile crossing from Camden Harbor.
2. Ocean surf on the ledges south of Hurricane Island.
3. Along the shore of Little Hurricane Island, looking north toward the White Islands.
4. Mark Island, last stop before making the 4.6 mile return crossing to Camden Harbor.

Hurricane Island Photo Highlights

2007-07-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

1. Sunrise over Camden Harbor: 5:22 AM.
2. Young guillemot on Robinson Rock, south of Mark Island. This guilly was surprised as I was to find the two of us in such close proximity. He seemed to take comfort in thinking that if I didn't look at me, maybe I wasn't really there.
3. Seals sleeping in the morning sunlight on the bouldered beach between the ledges of Robinson Rock. As soon as I saw them (well-camoflauged as they are), I backed out of the cove as quietly as I could.
4. Navigation marker at Fiddler ledge, off the western tip of North Haven.

Paddle 'til You Drop (Or Where a Guide Goes on a Day Off)

2007-07-27T07:59:00.000-05:00

It had been a day set aside to do some work around the house, but when the forecast came in -- temps in the high 80's, sunny skies, 5 - 15 knot breezes out of the southwest, 0 percent chance of precipitation, 1-3 foot seas -- it became clear that this would be an ideal opportunity to do what I call a "one day blast." On a summer that is going by all too quickly, this would be summer's summer. The goal was to be on the water at dawn and off the water at sunset . . . and to see what I could see.

After having some quality map time, scoping out places I hadn't paddled yet, and reviewing the calculus of driving time and paddling time, a destination emerged, as if from the mist, Hurricane Island, off Vinalhaven Island, in the center of Penobscot Bay. Hurricane Island looked far, even very far, for a day trip. But remember, the weather was going to be ideal, and I wanted to paddle all day.

The rest of the story soon, but in the meantime, here are the numbers and a slideshow (below):

Hurricane Island by the Numbers:

36.1 Distance of trip (in land miles).
12.75 Total time of trip in hours.
3.5 Hours of sleep before the trip.
5:15 AM. Arrived at launch site.
5:22 Time of sunrise.
4.8 Longest crossing in miles.
4 Number of crossings of that length (round trip).
3 Sets of porpoises sighted.
3 Dozens of seals sighted.
2 Other kayakers encountered.
0 Other kayakers encountered on open water.
20 Islands paddled past (apx.)
5 Islands set foot on.
196 Photos taken
4 Applications of sunscreen
1 Gallons of liquid consumed.
2450 Calories consumed
1200 Estimated calorie deficit.
8.5 Time spent paddling in hours (estimated).
3 Attempted power naps on islands.
7.3 Maximum speed (mph).
2.8 Average speed of trip (including stops).
9.5 Hours of sleep after the trip.

Kayak Tour Highlights -- June 2007

2007-07-02T22:10:00.000-05:00

Point 65 Rocker Rocks

2007-06-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

One of the best parts of my job ("job" is a euphemism here), is paddling new boats. Me taking a new kayak out on the water for the first time is a lot like Christmas morning for my kids. The Point 65 Crunch Rocker did not disappoint. Paddling the Rocker out in Belfast Harbor on Monday (1 knot tidal current, 10 - 15 knot wind, slight chop), I was impressed by the speed and tracking of this boat. No matter which direction I pointed it, the Crunch Rocker held course.

The Crunch Rocker is actually the poky little sister of the Crunch Rocket. But poky it is not. In fact with its narrow beam, fine ends, v-ed hull, and sculpted deck it is the sleekest, sharpest polyethylene kayak I have seen. Put that together with its extended waterline and moderate rocker and it may also be the fastest. Very easy to set on edge, the Rocker turns well once leaned and is thus a great boat for rivers as well as for ocean paddling.

Which gets me thinking that the record time for the touring/rec category on the Kenduskeag River could fall next spring. Rocket or Rocker? Hmmm . . . I'm not sure it's even fair to to put the Rocker and Rocket in the same category as conventional plastic touring boats. But then again, there is nothing in the category rules that states that a rec/touring boat has to be rounded, blunt, slow, and beamy. More on the Crunch Rocker here.

Warm Weather, Cold Water, Safe Paddling

2007-06-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

--photo from Maine Island Trail Association website
As the weather gets warmer (70 degrees today in midcoast Maine), it's natural to want to venture further offshore than during those first few spring harbor forays. No denying it's a beautiful time of year to paddle out to Maine coastal islands. The danger, well-known to experienced paddlers but often neglected by novices and by the less careful, is in being lulled into complacency by friendly summer-like breezes. The fact is that sea water temperatures off midcoast Maine have just topped 52 degrees (see GoMoos for water temps in other northeast locations). And as friendly as the air temps are, if your kayak overturns unexpectedly in 50 degree water, you face a potentially life threatening situation.

According to Minnesota Sea Grant, the expected time before exhaustion or unconsciousness in 50 - 60 degree water is 1 to 2 hours. 1 to 2 hours sounds like a lot of time, but please consider: (1) ability to effectively use fingers, hands, arms, legs, and your ability to think clearly will begin to deteriorate almost immediately after entering the water . (2) the conditions that caused your capsize will still be present after you successfully right and re-enter your boat.

We believe 100 percent that paddling the Maine ocean waters in June can be a safe activity. Here are some things you can do to make sure it is safe:

Wear a lifejacket
Dress for water temperatures (not for air temps.) as much as possible. This time of year, this means a wetsuit or drysuit for anything more than a harbor tour.
Avoid paddling alone, especially when heading for more ambitious destinations.
Know and practice a variety of solo and assisted rescues including eskimo roll, t- rescue, and more.
Keep a attentive eye on weather forecasts, sky, wind, and sea conditions.
Leave a float plan that details where you are going and when you intend to return.

Happy and safe paddling!

Some Like it Rough: New Book on Rough Water Paddling

2007-05-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

Alex Matthews' new book, Sea Kayaking Rough Waters, is intended for those who end up paddling in tough conditions either by design or by chance. Either way, it will help you improve your confidence, your ability, and -- hopefully your enjoyment -- of kayaking in challenging conditions. The book is highlighted by awesome photos that just make you want to get out there.

Among other things, the book includes a section on the High Brace Lean Turn, a stroke I have not seen described in many other places. Other information new to me included "The Rule of Thirds" -- a method of determining tidal currents at different stages of the tide cycle. (O% at slack, 50% at 1 hour after slack, 90% at two hours after slack, and 100% at 3 hours after slack).

Following is an excerpt from a section on landing in surf: "Once you've made the decision to go, you really have two options. You can ride a wave right into shore. This means following on the heels of the last wave of a set. To chase a wave in, you'll let the last wave of a set pass and then sprint in behind it all the way into shore. If timed correctly, this approach negates the need to control a dynamic surf ride, or at least it will allow you to avoid the worst of the impact zone . . ."

Sea Kayaking Rough Waters and other books from Heliconia Press area can be purchased online from our website.

Belfast Harbor Tours This Summer!

2007-05-24T22:38:00.000-05:00

In addition to our day tours to the Muscle Ridge Islands, Camden, Rockport, and Jonesport, we'll be offering tours of Belfast Harbor this summer.

These 1.5 hour late afternoon tours are ideal for those new to kayaking, families, and those wishing to explore a beautiful midcoast Maine town from the water.

As always, instruction will be provided -- and we'll carefully choose a boat suited to your size and ability. Discounts available to those who decide to sign up for another tour with us. Belfast features a picturesque harbor filled with sailboats, views of the Camden Hills, Islesboro, and Sears Island, and opportunity to paddle either out the harbor or up the Passy River. Depending on weather and tides, tours will be offered in the mornings, late afternoons, and occasionally for sunset and moonrise. Details coming soon.

Belfast, population 6870, has been named one of the top 5 "culturally cool towns in America" by USA Today. Come find out why. More on Belfast at the Belfast Area Chamber.

Passy in the Spring (Passagassawakeag River, Belfast, Maine)

2007-05-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

The 2 most local rivers here (the Passy and the St. George)are relatively small Class I and II rivers that go dry by summer. So each time I paddle them, I do so thinking it may be the last trip of the year. On the other hand, if we have a rainy June, you know where to find me.

Rain or Shine

2007-05-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

After being an ocean paddler who only dabbled in rivers, I've crossed over to the point where I consider myself a river paddler as well. I started paddling the rivers earlier this year and have kept right on paddling them. Maine ocean waters are cold this time of year and the rivers can be more inviting, especially on a cool rainy day in May). The two inches of rain we've had this week has extended the local whitewater paddling season -- and now I find myself wondering if I can stretch it out a little longer. I've begun keeping an Excel spreadsheet on reported and actually experienced river conditions. There no USGS or NOAA streamflow reports on the rivers I paddle most frequently, but my hope is that I can correlate the USGS data for other local rivers with what I observe on the Passy and St. George Rivers and thus be able to have a good idea of what conditions will be like before I pull out of the driveway.

Just in case you want to try this at home, the USGS streamflow data -- both gauge height and flow -- is at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/rt
The chart for the Ducktrap River shows a nice peak flow for May 19th. Happy paddling!

Surfing Belfast U.S.A. (Well, not quite).

2007-05-17T21:33:00.001-05:00

Inspired by the inch of rain we got since yesterday, I thought I'd try my new pro-deal Riot Boogie 50 surf kayak on the Passagassawakeag River. Prior to this, the only time I'd ever been in a whitewater kayak (or any kayak less than 12 feet long) was during a rolling session in an indoor pool. The flat hull of the Boogie 50 (think surf board flat) made me initially think I was back in the cardboard box boat I built a few years ago. (You haven't paddled hard chines until you've paddled a box, but that's another story). A bit unsettling! Within a few minutes, however, I began experimenting with using the boat's sharp edges to grab the water and carve aggressive turns.

The whitewater sections of the river were bony; waves were scant. Probably more suited for a creek boat. The flatwater sections were sluggish and made me long for the powerful glide of my usual sea kayak. But mostly I got what I wanted -- a couple of hours on the water and a chance to get to know the Boogie 50 a bit before trying it out in the surf.

The Boogie 50 is described as being high in launchness and planing speed, low in bounceness and looseness -- just as a good surf kayak should be. Guess I'll have to work on my vocabulary as well as on my paddling. Mostly though, it's all about the fun-ness.

Different Day, Different River (Again down the St. George)

2007-05-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

"You cannot step in the same river twice," says Heraclitus. I would add that you can never paddle the same river twice. Six weeks ago the St. George River was a shining filament amidst a winter forest stamped with deer trails. Four weeks ago, the St. George was a muddy torrent roiling with the weight of spring rains. Yesterday, the St. George was a glassy passage through a forest newly soft with spring buds.

Not just the river changes. At the put in, I am a bit tired and world weary, purpose-driven, edgy, wanting something I know not what. Just six and a half miles downstream, I have forgotten almost all of that. Time has folded over into a new dimension. Whatever it was, that was pressing on me is gone somehow. It is not the same man who pulls the kayak out of the river. And from the moment on, my life will never be the same, because in subtle ways I have changed. I am different for the time I have spent on the river.

Making You Fall in Love with America All Over Again

2007-05-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

--Image from Skypic.com

After a day of outside projects, went for a bike ride (instead of paddling for once) in the late afternoon light. Rode down to the waterfront and through our several waterfront parks, then crossed both bridges and worked my way back through neighborhoods and woods before returning home.

Belfast, Maine is a good place to live in the wintertime -- but I sometimes wonder -- in spring, summer, or fall -- why anyone would want to live anywhere else.

Belfast has a combination of natural beauty, genuineness, progressiveness, friendliness, and outdoor opportunities that is hard to beat. Where else can you mountain bike down a logging road through a beautiful pine forest less than half a mile from downtown? (It's not an official trail yet, just a place you can ride). We've got a colorful an active waterfront complete with tugboats, a real old fashioned main street that includes the oldest shoe store in America, a new $4 million dollar footbridge you can stroll across (or fish for mackerel from), some great restaurants, an active art scene, a healthy mix of natives and people from away, great hiking, skiing, paddling opportunities all around, and the best pear-almond muffin I have found.

For paddling enthusiasts, we are within day trip distance of Acadia National Park, Deer Isle, Isle au Haut, Camden-Rockport, the Muscle Ridge Islands, and Muscongus Bay. Or you can paddle from the Belfast waterfront, either up the Passy River or north along the coast to Moose Point State Park. Y'all come visit this summer. You won't regret it. And, as Marion Betancourt says in her article by that title, this town may make you "fall in love with America all over again."

Sea Kayak Rescue Technique Videos

2007-05-03T18:55:00.000-05:00

Doing my best to catch up with the latest technology, here are a few kayak rescue videos. Comments are welcome!

The video below shows a C-to-C Eskimo Roll from several angles. Following that is a short clip on emptying the boat alone:

Other videos are at
Re-entry and Roll (2 different techniques

Paddle Float Self-Rescue

Hand of God (Unconscious Paddler Rescue)