Maine Sea Kayak Guide Course

Interested in leading sea kayak trips along the Coast of Maine? Then register for our Sea Kayak Guide Course designed to help you prepare for the State exam.  Taught by H2Outfitters' Head Honcho, Cathy Piffath, one of the State's first Master Maine Guides and co-owner of H2Outfitters.  Cathy has been a guide for over 35 years,  has led countless trips along the Coast of Maine, in Canada, and abroad, and has a depth and breadth of outdoor experience that provides her with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that she is passionate about sharing.  The first two days will be held indoors covering topics such as chart reading, navigation, trip planning, food prep and management, risk management planning, gear and equipment, weather, and more. The final 3 days will provide practical experience on the water including camping for two nights on a nearby island integrating on land presentations at camp with on-water practice. Participants will have a chance to run through a mock exam to provide experience with answering questions and solving problems. This format will give you first-hand experience with all aspects of guiding a group on Maine’s coastal waters.

Topics to be covered include
Paddling skills, rescue & towing techniques, group management and leadership on the water, chart and compass use, safety equipment, trip planning, food preparation and considerations, and more. You'll identify the challenges of leading groups on the water that differ from on land, and through on water scenarios and case studies become better prepared for a variety of situations. There will be both on and off water time throughout the course with the primary goal of developing you as a strong competent and confident paddler/leader on the water.

NOTE: One does not have to apply for a guide's license to take this course and may wish to pursue taking the state exam at a later date. The course is strictly designed to help you prepare for the exam and develop you as a guide. Participation in this course does not guarantee that you will pass the State Guide Exam and receive your guide's license.

In order to become a Registered Maine Sea Kayak guide, you must submit a guide application with a $100 application fee to the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, with a current CPR and First Aid card, You also need to have a background check done which does take some time so it is recommended that you start the application process as early as possible. in order to take the test. It is also now required to be fingerprinted so the state can do a criminal background check on each candidate. Please visit https://www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/registered-maine-guides/becoming-guide.html for details.