Author Archives: touringk

Downriver with a Twist: An Initiation into Slalom Kayaking

Posted on May 13, 2012 by touringk

Slalom, a race over a winding or zigzag course, isn’t just for skiers anymore. Canoers and kayakers get to slalom too. And they did — last Sunday in the annual slalom races at the Kenduskeag Stream Park in Bangor. Below … Continue reading →

Posted in kayak racing, kayaking, Maine rivers, paddling, whitewater | Leave a comment

A Kenduskeag Like No Other: This Year’s Race Will Present New Challenges

Posted on April 17, 2012 by touringk

Some of us have literally spent weeks worrying about low water.  No sense worrying any more or complaining about it any longer because it sure looks like that’s what we’re going to get.   The hoped for rain simply isn’t going … Continue reading →

Posted in Kayak Race, Kenduskeag, Maine rivers, race, whitewater | Comments Off

Seasonal Paddling — Part II

Posted on March 13, 2012 by touringk

The following is part two of a two (or three) part guest blog by Leslie Gregory of Swanville, Maine.   Paddling with Leslie, I am frequently reminded that when seeking adventure or beauty, it is not always necessary to look far … Continue reading →

Posted in Belfast, Maine rivers, paddling | Comments Off

The Walruses Have Landed — Walrus Kayaks Come to Maine

Posted on February 5, 2012 by touringk

One of the best things about owning a small kayak shop (besides scouting out new sections of the Maine coast as potential tour destinations) is having the opportunity to paddle new models of kayaks. I’ve had that opportunity recently, as … Continue reading →

Posted in kayaking, kayaks, sea kayaking | Comments Off

Seasonal Paddling

Posted on January 9, 2012 by touringk

The following is part one of a two-part guest blog by Leslie Gregory of Swanville, Maine.   Paddling with Leslie, I am frequently reminded that when seeking adventure or beauty, it is not always necessary to look far from home. ——————————————————————————————————————- … Continue reading →

Posted in Belfast, kayaking, Maine rivers | Comments Off

Source to the Sea — A Goose River Journey

Posted on November 13, 2011 by touringk

Many people have put in at the boat landing on Swan Lake Avenue and paddled Upper Mason Pond.  Some  have followed the winding course of Goose River south from Swan Lake.  Others have kayaked to the dam on Goose River … Continue reading →

Posted in Belfast, kayaking, Maine rivers | Comments Off

Life Jackets — One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Posted on October 26, 2011 by touringk

A middle-aged woman is relaxing in her kayak in a part of a lake that is only three feet deep. She closes her eyes and leans back, soaking in the summer sunlight. The fish aren’t biting and the day is … Continue reading →

Posted in kayaking, paddling | Comments Off

On the Water in Maine — Best of Summer 2011

Posted on October 2, 2011 by touringk

As the waters cool, the days shorten, and my schedule transitions from guiding to teaching, my relationship with the water changes too. I look longingly over the bay as I cross the bridge to East Belfast on my morning commute. … Continue reading →

Posted in maine, Maine islands, paddling, sea kayaking | Comments Off

Dance Floor by the Sea: A Kayak Trip to Baker Island

Posted on September 13, 2011 by touringk

If you were to view the Baker Island Dance Floor through the lens of a time-lapse camera, you would see that there is a dance going on — one that has taken place over centuries.  Calm bright summer days bring … Continue reading →

Posted in Acadia, maine, sea kayaking | Comments Off

From Ear to Ear: Kayaking Around Isle au Haut

Posted on August 7, 2011 by touringk

The southern tip of Isle au Haut, between the rocky islets of Eastern and Western Ear, is an otherworldly place of rock, ocean, and sky.   Along with the southern shores of Monhegan, Matinicus, Schoodic, and Great Wass, it is among … Continue reading →

Posted in Acadia, Deer Isle, Island Camping, Maine islands, sea kayaking, wilderness paddling | Comments Off