And here's the schedule!

It's definitely winter here on Union River Bay - over 5 feet of snow has fallen in the past 2 weeks - but I've found time between all the storms to complete our schedule of courses for this spring, summer and fall. 

You can find what we have to offer this year on the Pinniped Kayak website.  From Tidal Currents to expeditions along the Bold Coast - take a look at the trainings and adventures we have planned, and let us know what catches your interest.  If there’s something else you’d like us to offer, just drop me a line - as usual we've left some room in the schedule to cater to special requests.

Since many of you traveled quite a distance to paddle with us last season, I’ve made an attempt to cluster classes by skill level, so that if you wish to sample the “best-of-the-region” you can take part in a handful of classes during your visiting.  For example, between July 6th and 9th I plan to teach Rocks & Ledges, Tidal Currents, and Incident Management, followed by a Journey in the Petit Manan area (puffins!).  Or if you just want to wail on the reversing tidal falls, for which the downeast coast is known, join us for 3 or 4 days of Tidal Currents during one of two special training events.  You’ll find groupings like this throughout the calendar this year to allow you to get the most out of a visit to the area.  

We have also expanded our Journey series for 2015.  These courses-on-the-move provide the opportunity to apply the skills you’ve been working on, and refine them in the context of exploring some stunning paddling destinations in our area.  These journeys range in length from single day itineraries to a week-long training expedition along the easternmost coastline of the United States. 

As we wait for spring, I hope you all find someplace warm to paddle this winter (whether that’s in the pool, or off in the tropics) and I look forward to seeing all of you in the upcoming year, paddling together in Downeast Maine!

- Nate Hanson