Put your paddles together for all the kayakers, canoers and SUP-ers. The 7th annual Nonantum Paddle Battle in Kennebunkport was on August 11, 2019 – truly a Sunday fun day on the Kennebunk River. Hundreds of kayaks, canoes, surfboards and SUPs graced the waterfront at The Nonantum Resort for a fun race up and down the Kennebunk River. The Paddle Battle has not taken place since.
This family fun event, The Paddle Battle is traditionally hosted at The Nonantum Resort. It expanded and grew by leaps and paddles since the first Nonantum Quest for the Cup canoe race back in 2008. While the “Paddle Battle” sounds like a competitive event, and it is for those in the front of the pack charging the River, the day’s goal is fun, and fundraising for the Kennebunkport Fire Department’s Water Division.
Nonantum’s Paddle Battles of past years have brought everything from glassy calm waters to a strong breeze and a stiff tide for the paddlers on the Kennebunk River. The reward for a strong tidal fight one way is riding the swift tide in the other direction. One of the big obstacles is passing under the Mat Lanigan Bridge.
Spectators cheer from the banks of the river, The Yachtsman, Arundel Wharf and The Boathouse Waterfront Bar. Folks also line the Mat Lanigan Bridge and watched paddlers navigate under the bridge and around a barge, before the race back to the riverfront resort, a 1.7 mile course total. The Nonantum hosts a bbq with a live band, the Kennebunk River band, under a big top tent on the lawn during the event. Kayak and SUP demos are available during the event as well. To celebrate the winners, both adult and kid categories, prizes are awarded for best times in each category, plus a Crazy Costume and Crazy Craft divisions.
Paddle Battle was named a top summer fun event by Sports Illustrated Kids’ magazine.
Some of Kennebunkport’s Paddle Battle local sponsors include Weirs Motors, Kennebunkport Bicycle, Kayak Fishing New England, and Aquaholic Surf Shop, and Sam Adams beer which is served at the event.
Another fun way to get out on the water, is to board The Rugosa Tours scenic lobster boat trips, or sail away with Pineapple Ketch which provides beautiful sailing excursions. Both these tour boats depart from the Nonantum docks daily, reservations are highly encouraged for these relatively small charter, scenic boat trips.
Or get onboard a wild ride with New England Eco Adventures, a fast open-air rib boat to race around harbors and out to sea at high speed, visit lighthouses and see seals, maybe whales too.
Coming from away to Kennebunkport, the place to stay is The Nonantum Resort– its an historic grand hotel on the riverbanks, with a lively entertainment and activity schedule, great dining and the friendliest staff in town. The Nonantum has an ideal location, 95 Ocean, a short walk to Dock Square, and to Walkers Point, former President Bush #41 and President 43 George W. Bush’s summer estate on scenic Ocean Ave.
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