Bagging The Calendar Islands

Sea Kayaking in Casco Bay

BAGGING THE CALENDAR ISLANDS

One of the reasons The Wild Outsiders wanted to move to Maine was to take advantage of the fantastic sea paddling available in the region. Since moving to Portland, Teton has made it his priority to explore Casco Bay by kayak. Paddling island to island in his 12' Dagger, Teton has logged well over 200 hours in the Gulf of Maine. It is his intention to paddle and visit as many of the 365 islands scattered throughout Casco Bay as he can. Listed below are the islands he has landed thus far...

TETON'S TIPS FOR CASCO BAY PADDLING:

1. Start Early!

Choose to paddle in the morning when the sea is generally the calmest. As the day progresses the sun warms up the atmosphere creating winds and weather which affect paddling conditions.

2. Watch the tides

The tides can have a great affect on water conditions in the bay. Low tide is generally calmer (less water = less powerful movement), while high tide can bring stronger and more powerful currents. Time your paddling with tides, go out while ebbing (high to low) and in while flooding (low to high). Keep track of the daily tides by using handy apps like TidesPlanner that are available in the app store. The tidal flow around Casco Bay can be quite aggressive and the difference in water levels between high and low can mean an ever-changing shoreline, be aware of hidden land bars and shallow shores that can drain and force you to travel long distances by foot in order to return to your once sea side launching site.

3. Familiarize yourself with the area

Purchase a NOAA Chart and study it! The islands of Casco Bay can seem far too numerous and overwhelming to the novice eye, but with a little review, it can become a very manageable area flooded with helpful navigational landmarks. Learn about your surroundings and what you are looking at and you will find it quite challenging to get lost.

4. Don't get in over your head

The sea is a very powerful and mysterious being and it must be respected as such. Keep an eye on the weather, wind, and changing water conditions. Know when to call it quits and seek shelter from the water before things get too rough. Set up and know evacuation routes throughout your excursion. Many of the larger inhabited islands have ferry or taxi services that can be utilized in an emergency. Be smart and be safe.

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5. Bring plenty of water and consume calories

Pack and drink more water than you think you need! It is imperative that you stay hydrated when paddling. There is nothing more debilitating than cramping up due to lack of H2O so stay on top of the hydration game. Worries of frequent urination is null and void. There are plenty of places to land throughout the bay and doing so will give you an opportunity to get out and stretch your legs. Staying loose and stretched throughout your paddle is very beneficial and will keep you more comfortable in the long haul. Eat. It is easy to become tired or worn during repetitious workouts. It is much easier to stay on top of your calories by consuming foods throughout the day; it takes much more effort to make up for lack there of later on.

6. BE aware of your surroundings

Casco Bay is a busy place. Lobster boats, fishing boats, commercial tankers and recreational vessels frequent the area. Be safe by being cognizant of who and what is traveling around or near you. Self propelled vessels such as kayaks sit very low in the water and can be hard to spot by other larger vessels. Play it safe by yielding to all traffic. By waiting your turn, you can guarantee safe passage for you and your party.

7. Invite a friend and have fun!

Paddling with a partner can add to your experience. An additional body in your party can add confidence to almost any situation and can benefit you greatly in the event of an incident. Sharing experiences with others also means having things to discuss and memories to share when back on land.

Teton's first mate Corduroy takes a break on the shore of Upper Green Island.

View Suggested Paddle Routes

1. Diamond Island Ledge (fort gorges)*

2. Little Diamond Island

3. great Diamond Island

4. Cow Island

5. Mackworth Island*

6. Richmond Island

7. Cushing Island

8. Ram Island

9. Ram Island Ledge (Ram Island Light)

10. Cousins Island*

11. Little Moshier Island

12. Moshier Island

13. French Island

14. Little Whaleboat Island

15. Whaleboat Island

16. Upper Green Island

17. Bowman Island

18. Crab Island

19. Little Bustins Island

20. Little French Island

21. Lower Goose Island

22./23. The Goslings (West & East Gosling Island)

24. Irony Island

25. Shelter Island

26. Upper Goose Island

27. Sister Island

28. Williams Island

29. Pettingill Island

30./31. Sow and Pigs

32. Bustins Island

33. Lanes Island

34. Sturdivant Island*

35. Basket Island*

36. Clapboard Island*

37./38. The Brothers*

39. Crow Island (off Merepoint Neck)*

40. White Island*

41. Birch Island*

42. Little Birch Island*

43. Little Iron Island*

44. Scrag Island*

*Solo paddle

Bagging The Calendar Islands