Liquid Trails

by Sara Caron – 

With summer around the river bend, it’s time to start dusting off the old kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Maine has no shortage of lakes, rivers, and ponds to get outside and test the waters. Paddle boarding has been a passion of mine since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. My partner ordered an inflatable paddle board online to give me something to do during the pandemic besides mope. It was a socially distant activity that could be done alone or safely social-distancing with a group and required little preparation and planning, and I loved it.

Over the years, my passion for paddle boarding has grown stronger. I enjoy sharing my love of it and want to offer some basic pointers to help people get started. Paddling on a board, kayak, or canoe is a peaceful way to be outside and reset one’s brain when it becomes cluttered with thoughts.

Finding Your Fit

Paddling is easy, but finding the right equipment can be a challenge. My first paddle board was an inflatable model that folded and fit into its carrying backpack. I’d highly recommend it for any beginners. Each time you paddle, you’ll have to pump up the board. You have to fully inflate them to the recommended PSI, or the board will bend, dip, and be more challenging to balance. The inflatable boards are light – about 25 pounds and can travel anywhere pretty easily – no roof rack required. They are also more affordable than fiberglass ones.

I learned through trial and error during my first summer paddling. For beginners, it is best to find someone to help fit them to the right board or kayak. Tim Morin of Shaker Hill Outdoors says that choosing the wrong size or style of board or kayak is a common mistake.

Morin suggests that when shopping around, you should go to a specialty store because you’ll get expert knowledge on what to purchase for your size and type of activity.

“When someone comes in to purchase a kayak, canoe, or paddle board, we first have to determine the use,” says Morin.

“After fifteen years, it’s pretty simple. By selling a variety of brands, we are able to get the customer exactly what they need,” Morin shares. “We stock gear for recreational paddlers in many sizes and types. We also have paddles and life jackets. We carry kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for people of all sizes and budgets.”

Getting Started

Once you have the right equipment, you’ll be hooked. After my first season, I purchased two more inflatable boards to take friends and family out on the water. For beginners, I would like to share that however you feel comfortable paddling is the “right way” to paddle. If sitting or kneeling feels better, then go with that. If you prefer to stand up – and the water temperature permits – feel free. A spill into the April waters of Maine can be a real shock to the system. I also suggest getting a roof or surf rack for your vehicle. In my second season, I picked one up for my car, which made it a little easier on my back and biceps. I was able to leave the boards mostly inflated and popped them up on the roof rack to make a quick departure to my favorite pond.

Oh, the Places You Can Go

There are many hidden gems in and around Androscoggin and Oxford counties where a person can easily drop in and spend a peaceful afternoon on the water. Some of my favorite spots are within 20 minutes of the Lewiston/Auburn area. You can also support the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry by purchasing an annual parks pass, which gives access to many state parks with water access.

Range Pond State Park in Poland is a perfect beginner’s pond. There is a limit to motor sizes on any boats in the water, which helps keep traffic and wake down. There is quick access to the boat launch from the parking lot, and lots of inlets and beaches to pull onto if you need a rest from paddling or want to come ashore for a while. There is a gate to the parking area for Range Pond, so you’ll need to be aware of the closing time of the boat launch and park so that you don’t get locked in.

Public boat launches are a great spot to put in your kayak or board. Most larger bodies of water attract bigger boats, so avoiding the larger lakes is best until you are more stable. Upper Range Pond boat launch is a beautiful spot. You can paddle without worrying about being off the water at a certain time, though paddling after dark without a light is not recommended. It is a perfect spot for watching sunrises and sunsets and is a quieter pond with many private camps and very respectful boaters.

In Turner, there is the Pleasant Pond Dam boat launch. You have to keep an eye out for the small parking lot, or you’ll miss it. This beauty is tucked away with private camps and a golf course on the far end of the pond. If you’re interested in taking a quick swim, there is a quiet little sand bar midway down this narrow pond. There are also a lot of loons on this pond, making it a great bird-watching location. The locals are quite friendly.

Readers can stop by Shaker Hill Outdoors and pick up the book “Paddling Southern Maine,” written by Maine author Kim Bennett and her writing partner Sandy Moore. This is an amazing resource with launch locations and descriptions of what to expect on many bodies of water in Southern Maine.

It’s no secret that Maine really shines in the warmer months. Paddling is a fantastic way to get some exercise, see more of Maine’s beauty, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of her waterways and woods. I’d encourage anyone interested in paddling to rent or borrow a board or kayak this summer to see if water sports are for you! You may be launching yourself into a fulfilling new hobby. Happy paddling!

Shaker Hill Outdoors
Poland | shakerhilloutdoors.com