About Maine Paddling Connection
We know that paddling forms meaningful connections to the outdoors. Our background is rooted in the desire to become better paddlers and explore more waterways. We’re here to help others do the same by providing opportunities for learning, gaining experience and exploring in the Belgrade Lakes Region. We were officially formed in 2019, but our start goes back to 1999.
About the MPC Team
Matt Palmariello
Instructor / Owner / Paddler
Matt first started sea kayaking in 1999 while earning a Recreation Management degree at the University of New Hampshire. He was hooked right away and spent the next five years developing foundation skills and gaining experience with the help of a mentor and the American Canoe Association (ACA).
In 2006 he moved West and began working for the US Ski Team producing ski & snowboard events. He continued paddle sports training with the British Canoe Union (BCU) and a new mentor in Southern California. By 2008 he got into open canoeing and standup paddling while working for a paddling school in San Diego. He continued developing skills on the sea, in the surf and in whitewater and was becoming a well rounded paddler.
In 2009 while living in Berkeley, California he c0-created the Golden Gate Sea Kayaking Symposium to bring high level sea kayaking training opportunities to more people. He traveled Oregon, California & Baja guiding, coaching, training & working on events. By 2010 he had earned his 4* Sea Paddler and Level 2 Coaching Certificate with the BCU.
In 2011 he participated in the first ACA SUP certification workshop on the West Coast, earning his Level 2 Instructor Certification. By 2013 he was certified as a SUP Instructor Trainer for the ACA and as a Level 3 Whitewater SUP Instructor and Level 3 Surfing SUP Instructor.
In 2015 he re-located to Maine and settled permanently in Belgrade Lakes. He started Maine Paddling Connection in 2019 to bring more paddling opportunity to Central Maine.
Trisha Cheney
Instructor / Paddler
Trisha has had a love for the water her entire life, which began as a child sailing with her family in New Brunswick. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Science and a Graduate Degree in Policy & Management and spent the better part of two decades working in both the scientific and policy realms at various academic, research and governmental institutions.
Today, Trisha is a Broker at Lakepoint Real Estate in Belgrade Lakes specializing in waterfront property. Her educational background and specialized skill set helps her excel at meeting her clients needs. When selling waterfront property in the Belgrade Lakes Region she implements an analytical approach to thoroughly evaluate each property against an individual's specific needs to ensure the property is an ideal fit. Paddling the lakes she services is part of that equation.
Being an avid standup paddler, canoeist and outdoor enthusiast, she has spent a substantial amount of time on Maine’s coastline, lakes & ponds. She is an awesome SUP Instructor and loves helping people learn to paddle.