Maine Paddling Connection Blog
Portland Maine is a wonderful paddling destination. This year I once again ran a Level 1-2 American Canoe Association SUP Instructor Certification Workshop in Portland. Nine instructor candidates, myself and an assistant spent June 8-10 on Portland's East End completely geeking out on standup paddleboarding.
Read MoreThis group was no different and I've already spent time paddling with some of them. We had a pretty intense session over three full days with some very skilled and knowledgeable personalities. Group learning at its best!
Read MoreThis is the 2nd year I've travelled up to Acadia SUP in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine to run an ACA SUP ICW with Chris Strout, owner of Acadia SUP. He runs a great operation on the edge of Acadia National Park and is focused on quality instruction and safety.
Read MoreI've been working hard in the paddle sports industry for 15 years. In that time I've never considered it a career, although it has accounted for a large percentage of my income each year. I've met many wonderful people through this sport including many of my best friends.
Read MoreBack in November last year Tim Chandler of TRY Standup and myself started talking about an ACA L3 Surf SUP Instructor Certification Course in California. California is known for surf and this course has never been delivered in this state. A few months of back and forth emails and Tim was at work organizing and hosting the course.
Read MoreWhen three days disappear in a blink, you know it's fun. We had a solid group of eleven made up of eight candidates and three Instructors. The real kicker for this weekend is that every single person brought something to the course, most notably their fun personalities and willingness to learn and contribute.
Read MoreFifteen years ago when I was in my first year of paddling I got some great advice from a mentor. "Don't worry about the certifications" he said, "focus on your paddling." From that point on I've never taken an assessment until I was absolutely, positively sure I was ready and able to pass.
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