Introductory Kayaking Course - Maine
June 18, 2025 — 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
Last day to register: June 15, 2025
Head out on the water with TVOP this year for multiple thrilling LGBTQ+ trips and events, guided by L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Program! We’re celebrating all that early summer has to offer with a kayaking course off of Maine’s rugged coastline.
This course begins with a brief introduction and safety talk from L.L. Bean’s exceptional paddling instructors, who will share their knowledge gained from years of kayaking. They'll outfit you with a personal flotation device (PFD), kayak and paddling equipment, giving you insight on the best ways to set up your boat. Then, you'll receive instruction on a variety of paddling techniques. All experience and fitness levels are welcome here.
Once you feel comfortable on the water, you'll set out in a kayak on a guided, interpretive tour with our group. You'll experience the freedom of skimming across the water, learning about the ecosystem and history of the area.
All necessary paddling equipment is provided.
This event is open to ages 8 and up and is intended for the LGBTQ+ community. All folks under 18 must be registered and accompanied by an adult. All participants must register and sign all waivers in order to participate. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Freeport area, ME (Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy) land)
Parking: Parking at event site
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends remain home on this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: June 18, 2025
Cost: $20-50 sliding scale. Estimated value: $35 per person.
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Weather-and activity-appropriate clothing (preferably synthetic), activity-appropriate closed-toed shoes, personal prescriptions such as EpiPen or inhaler, one quart of water (no glass bottles), sunscreen, insect repellent
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Our sliding scale is meant to make our trips and events more accessible for those who have financial barriers. Paying a higher amount allows us to provide more opportunities to others. Paying a smaller amount is recommended for those who would not otherwise be able to afford the estimated value. Please choose an amount that you will be able to pay, but will not hinder your ability to afford food, housing, etc. By paying as much as you can, we are able to serve more of our community members.
The estimated value for this event is $35 per person.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
