Paddling PLEASURES
A coastal cruise atop a stand-up paddleboard isn’t exactly like walking on water — but it comes
wonderfully close. The sport of stand-up paddleboarding has officially arrived in Maine, giving
paddlers the chance to stroll the ocean standing up.
Photo: Dustin Turin
CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /
23
Paddleboarding originated in Hawaii
several decades ago, and here in Maine
it has become increasingly popular with
outdoor adventurers who appreciate the
unique opportunity to tour local rivers,
lakes, and harbors with the water just
under their feet.
Paddleboards can cruise in shallow
waters or be paddled right up to an area
beach – places a boat simply can’t go.
It's a leisurely way to take to Maine's
scenic waterways. Paddle the mellow
Audubon preserve in Scarborough and
count shorebirds along the way, or take
to the Atlantic and keep your eyes
peeled for curious seals.
A paddleboard looks much like an
oversized sur-oard, and the longer,
wider dimensions give it stand-on
stability. They can tour flat water just
like a kayak, can catch waves like a
sur-oard, and can replace the canoe for
avid fishermen. Even for first-timers,
stand-up paddleboarding is incredibly
accessible. A little bit of balance is all
that’s needed, and new paddleboarders
might be surprised by how quickly they
pick it up.
SOPOSUP, a dedicated paddleboard
shop in South Portland, offers one-hour
lessons throughout the summer. They
also have paddleboard yoga classes and
“paddlebirding” – bird watching from a
paddleboard. Lessons often take place
in Cape Elizabeth’s scenic Kettle Cove,
where the rocky coastline serves as a
backdrop and a handful of moored fish-
ing boats keep a watchful eye. And if
balance should momentarily escape you,
enjoy a refreshing splash into water.
That's half the fun.
There’s also plenty of opportunity to
let your inner explorer lead the way.
Maine Island Kayak Company offers
full-day and half-day guided kayak tours
in and around the nooks and crannies of
Casco Bay’s many islands. Novice and
experienced paddlers can investigate the
craggy shoreline, Civil War-era forts,
and hidden beaches, or get an ecological
education on Maine’s amazing geologi-
cal history. And along the way – perhaps
after you’ve surveyed a lighthouse or
climbed the ramparts of Fort Gorges,
accessible only by private vessel – you’ll
find yourself hypnotized by the rhythmic
plunge of your paddle and by the sound
of the Atlantic lapping at your boat.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
LOCAL TIP
You can sail, surf, and paddle
throughout Casco Bay and the
Lakes Region but don’t miss the exciting
whitewater rafting on Maine’s
wild rivers or a carefree float trip
below the rapids.
