Trip

Description
Come out and learn to paddle on a true multi day kayak tour. Learn how to plan for multi day overnight trip, pack for kayak touring, fit it all into a full sized touring sea kayak, and paddle one of these loaded beasts! Paddle to Jewel Island is style, and explore the rich bays, estuaries, that surround the islands of Casco Bay. Unpack, set up camp and cook your dinner in the rustic outdoors with the ocean sounds all around you. On our multi day overnight trips we teach each participant to be self sufficient but to also work together as a group in order to maximize the overall experience. Each Island within Casco Bay has its own rich character and history. Enjoy hiking around and exploring the forts and buildings on Jewel island and imagine what life was like on the islands before it became a world renowned kayak touring destination. This jammed packed adventure will leave you with a wealth of knowledge about kayak touring as well as an appreciation of the all the work that is being done to preserve these great natural resources!

This trip leaves from Cousins Island, Me and takes you out to paddle around and explore the islands in Casco Bay. Depending upon weather, group dynamics, tides, desires and many other factors; the plan is to paddle out into this picturesque bay and find one of the many Maine Island Trail Island Campsites to land on and set up camp for the night. On the second day we will plan to paddle to Sir Admiral's Perry Museum at Eagle Island and enjoy a unique journey through this renowned explores life and accomplishments. This is truly one of those must do trips!

Our experienced guides and instructors will provide the knowhow and the equipment to make this a great overnight experience!

Camping location will be determined by
Kayak experience, availability of campsite, and weather considerations.

Essential Kayaking Equipment is provided
Kayak
Paddle
Spray Skirts
PFD
Pump and float
Wetsuit
Booties
Paddle jacket

Camping Equipment will be provided
Tent
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Stoves
Pots and pans

Prerequisites
No previous kayak expereince required to participate in this trip.

**BRINGING YOUR OWN KAYAK? Kayaks 12ft or larger with floatation in front and rear are acceptable (i.e. sealed bulkheads in front and rear). No sit on top kayaks or recreational kayaks smaller than 12ft please.

Does Not Include
Paddlers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather. Pack a lunch and snacks for the day. Water bottles should be filled before arrival.
Transportation
Personal gear and clothing

Meeting Location

Sandy Point Park on Cousins Island, Yarmouth, Maine
Take exit 17(from north or south) off I-95 and head south on Route 1. Be ready to take the first left onto Route 88. Follow Route 88 to Gilman Road. Make a left onto Gilman Road and follow towards Cousins Island Bridge. Go over bridge and immediately after make a left into Sandy Point Park on Cousins Island.


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Itinerary

Day 1
9am- Meet at Cousins Island to load boats
10am- Learn to pack and load boats
12am- Lunch
1pm- Depart for Island
5pm- Set-up campsite area
6pm- Dinner

Day 2
8am- Breakfast
9am- Depart for a day of paddling and instruction. Explore other islands, hike, have lunch and relax. Learn rescues and advanced strokes. Learn advanced touring skills.
4pm- Afternoon break and snacks
6pm- Dinner
8pm- EVENING PADDLE!

Day 3
8am- Breakfast
9am- Pack equipment and clean campsite
3-4pm- Arrive back at Cousins Island launch

Meals

Day 1 Bring your own lunch. Dinner is provided and cooked as a group. Dishes may include chicken or meatballs, pasta and salad.

Day 2 Breakfast is provided and cooked as a group. Preferred dishes are oatmeal, bagels, cream cheese and hot beverage (coffee, tea, hot coco). Lunch is provided and may include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips and fruit. Dinner is provided and cooked as a group. Dishes may include chicken or meatballs, pasta and salad.

Day 3 Breakfast is provided and cooked as a group. Preferred dishes are oatmeal, bagels, cream cheese and hot beverage (coffee, tea, hot coco). Lunch is provided and may include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips and fruit.

Gear List

Required Gear and Clothing
Please come dressed for the weather and prepared with the appropriate gear and clothing for your kayak program. Below is a list of gear and clothing recommended by the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School. If you have any questions please call 800-310-4504.

Long or Short Sleeve Top Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. *Spray jackets and wetsuits are available from the Kayak School for spring and fall paddling. Drysuits are used for cold weather paddling.

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Shorts or Pants Dress appropriately for the days weather. Any non-cotton material is appropriate. *Wetsuits are available from the Kayak School for spring and fall paddling. Drysuits are used for cold weather paddling.<

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Water Shoes Paddle booties can be provided by the Kayak School upon request. No open toed shoes please.

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Food and Water Lunch and snacks (sandwich, chips, bars, etc.) and 1 liter or more of water.

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Headlamp

Additional Items
Personal Toiletries
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Bug Spray
Camera
Dry Bag
Dry change of clothes and towel

EMS Kayak School Provides
Tents
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Stove
Pots and pans
Dinner and breakfast

Kayak Tsunami 120, 125, 160, 165; Tempest 160, 165, 170, 175 *availability of specific kayaks/ sizes subject to change. **Tandem kayaks also used for tours.

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PFD Type III, Coast Guard approved.

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Paddle

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Booties

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Spray Jacket Optional.

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Spray Skirt

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Farmer John Wetsuit Optional.

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Drysuit For cold weather paddling only. Goes over all your clothes to keep you dry.