Canoeing and Kayaking

New England is one of the finest locales for canoeing and kayaking in both salt and fresh water. You can go for a romantic meander on a gentle river or go for an adrenaline high, white water kayaking on the Kennebec River. Whether you're an expert or a rank beginner in these splendid outdoor activities, you'll find something useful and interesting in the Web sites listed below. The first two things you will want to know before setting out are the weather and tide schedule. Sites providing inland weather, marine weather, sea conditions, and tide schedules are listed below. Additional sites provide information on many aspects of canoeing and kayaking. (photo: Kelly Rinck, Paddler Magazine).

Maine Harbors
www.maineharbors.com
Tide and weather for the New England mariner. For ocean canoers and kayakers - tide charts from Downeast Maine to Connecticut, coastal marine conditions and forecasts from the Canadian Maritimes to Sandy Hook, NJ plus offshore and high seas forecasts, Cape Cod Canal, Buzzards Bay-Vineyard Sound currents, New England nautical links, and Moon phase. A truly marvelous site.

The Weather Underground
www.wunderground.com/US/MA
One of the better weather forecasting sites. Before you head out, get a solid weather prediction.

American Canoe Association (ACA)
www.acanet.org
"Founded in 1880 by a group of avid canoeists, the ACA has grown into the nation's largest and most active nonprofit paddle sports organization. Today the ACA is dedicated to promoting canoeing, kayaking, and rafting." Features "Paddling 101" - a guide for beginners, tips for buying a kayak or canoe, river and stream levels (real-time data from the USGS), weather, tides, and a list of paddling clubs throughout the United States.

Paddler Online
www.paddlermagazine.com
Online version of Paddler Magazine. Paddler is associated with the American Canoe Association and is a source of information on rivers, clubs, and paddling schools.

Canoe & Kayak
www.canoekayak.com
Online version of the magazine Canoe & Kayak.

Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network (SMSKN)
www.smskn.org/
A network of sea kayakers who get together to paddle, learn, and socialize. An all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Network members range from novice to advanced paddlers.

Paddling Links of SMSKN
www.smskn.org/Links.htm
Many links to online kayaking resources.

North Shore Paddlers Network (NSPN)
www.nspn.org
"NSPN is a sea kayakers club dedicated to safe, fun, and frequent paddling. We are a New England club centered in the North Shore area of Massachusetts with members from Rhode Island to Maine. We recognize that group paddling opportunities can sometimes be difficult to find, particularly for novices and beginners. Whether it's your first time out in your new boat, or you are a veteran of the high seas with skills to share, come join us out on the water." Trips are planned for almost every weekend year-round.

Paddling Links of (NSPN)
www.nspn.org/links.html
Many links to online resources, international federations, clubs, and individuals.

GORP
gorp.away.com/gorp/activity/paddling/pad_guid.htm
GORP (Great Outdoor Recreation Page, is one of the best Web sites for all sorts outdoor activities. Top sea kayaking, top forty American whitewater, top global whitewater, top river journeys, top ten canoe camping, top ten family canoeing, top flatwater rivers, premier rrban rivers, regional paddling guide, world-wide trips, gear guide,

Folding Kayaks
www.foldingkayaks.org
An introduction and guide to the world of folding kayaks - description, manufacturers, and where to purchase.

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