If you’ve wanted to learn how to stand-up paddleboard (SUP), the good people of Portland Paddle can help with a lesson.
If you’re already an experienced paddleboarder looking to meet fellow SUPers and have an excuse to get on the water early every week, well, Portland Paddle can help with that, too.
Portland Paddle is again hosting free weekly early morning SUP paddles. Weekly early morning SUP paddles start June 6 and will continue all summer, from 7-8:30 a.m. every Thursday. Portland Paddle staff will lead the group, but it’s worth noting that this isn’t a guided trip, so everyone is responsible for their own safety. That said, Portland Paddle staff are experienced and welcoming paddlers who will certainly share their expertise out on the water. These group paddles will let you meet new people AND glean pointers, so you can become a better paddler.
[If you prefer to/also kayak, check out the Tuesday-evening sea kayak skills sessions taking place every Tuesday 5:30-7 p.m.]
Even neater, these group paddles are free if you have your own board. If you need a board, you can rent one from Portland Paddle for $15 (that’s $10 off the usual rate). Why is Portland Paddle offering free paddles early every Thursday morning? They just wants to see more people on the water. That’s it.
Paddles start from the Portland Paddle location near the East End Beach parking lot and boat launch (at the bottom of the hill – look for the sandwich board and the racks filled with kayaks). The destination will be decided each week based on the conditions and the group itself, and paddles will last about an hour.
So grab your paddleboard (don’t forget the all-important PFD), set your alarm if you need to, and hit the water every Thursday.
Free weekly early morning SUP paddle
7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays, starting June 6
Meet at Portland Paddle, down by the East End Beach parking lot and boat launch
Free if you bring your own board, or rent one from Portland Paddle for $15.
FMI: portlandpaddle.net and www.facebook.com
