Sea Kayak Guide Association To Offer Basic Kayak Skills Training

The Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, is the professional organization that represents Maine’s registered sea kayak guides. Each spring, the association holds a members-only training event in preparation for the upcoming season. It’s an opportunity for guides to refresh, learn and practice the techniques necessary to keep clients safe while out on the water.

In the last two to three years, association members have seen a growth in the number of people kayaking on coastal waters. While the association supports the growth in the sport, members have noticed that a large number of these people do not seem to have been adequately trained to handle the complexities and dangers that can exist in the ocean environment.

In an effort to improve this situation, the group decided to focus a portion of this year’s spring training to introduce new kayakers to some basic safety and rescue techniques.

The training will be open to anyone and consist of two hours of on water instruction and practice, followed by a two-hour round table discussion with some of Master Maine Guides. The event will finish with a barbeque, where new kayakers will have an opportunity to talk and learn from guides in an informal setting.

There will be a nominal charge of $10/person to cover insurance costs, but this fee is waived for American Canoe Association members. Participants should bring their own sea kayak (14 feet or longer), a life jacket with whistle attached, and a paddle, and should be dressed for immersion in the cold water.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 8 at the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Park. Check in for participants will start at noon with the on-water portion starting at 1 p.m. Activities should wrap up by 6 p.m.

Pre-registration for this event is required. More information and event registration can be found at eventbrite.com/e/maskgi-spring-training-2024-tickets-877280147537 or at maskgi.org/news/events.