In partnership with Sunrise Canoe, Downeast Coastal Conservancy hosted an Introduction to Kayaking Workshop on the Middle River in Machias.
On Monday, June 15th, 8 participants joined DCC’s Membership and Outreach Director Cathy for a workshop that focused on the basic kayaking techniques and paddle safety, followed by a guided group paddle on the Middle River.
The workshop was free and the kayaks, paddles, and PFDs were all provided by Sunrise Canoe. In addition to the gear Sunrise Canoe had Maine Guide, Michael Giudilli facilitate the evening along with his assistant Lexi. The participants were a varied bunch including some beginners, a few looking to brush up on kayaking best practices, and a young seven-year-old ready to get out on the water!
The evening began with Michael teaching the group how to properly wear our personal flotation devices (PFDs)—commonly called life jackets. Fitting and adjusting a life jacket is just as important as deciding to wear it so the group began to zip it, clip it, and snap it up! We all tighten our straps, creating a snug fit to ensure it would stay put when we tugged firmly on the shoulder straps.
If it’s too loose, it won’t provide the protection you’re counting on.
Next, we were all instructed to grab our paddles. Kayak paddles have three main parts to them. You’ve got the shaft, the power face, and the back face.The power face is the side of the paddle blade that catches the water when you take a forward stroke. We learn key tips to help us remember how to hold the paddle (secret tip: slap on sticker on it!).
After learning how to maneuver the paddles, Michael starting to review proper safety tips for entering and exiting our boats – as getting in and out of your kayak can be tricky, especially for beginners. One option was to place your boat parallel to you on land and sit down with your feet in the cockpit. While facing the bow and holding firmly to the edge, lower yourself decisively into the seat. Make sure your paddle is close, so you reach it after getting seated. Getting out of the kayak is as simple as reversing the above steps. Having someone help stabilize your boat will make these maneuvers easier and luckily Michael was there to help!
Whether it’s a sand or gravel beach, a dock or rocky shoreline, there are great techniques to safely launch and land your boat.
After learning and listening to all the safety tips, the group was ready to hit the water. One by one Michael and Lexi helped us drag our boats into the water and load up. The group then began to paddle down the Middle River practicing our new learned skills! Michael took the time to explain to us the history of the area including information on the Battle of the Margaretta! The evening was perfect and we only had one casualty as Cathy, DCC’s Membership and Outreach Director, lost her sunglasses to the river.
Everyone had a great time and our guides were amazing! For more information on Sunrise Canoe and to take a trip with them check out their website here: https://sunrisecanoeandkayak.com/. It is the perfect time to support your local guiding service and Michael noted that the guided sea kayaking trips almost always see some seals!
One of the many great ways to experience summertime in Maine is from the seat of a kayak out on the water!
To join DCC for more events check out our event calendar on our website.