Thorfinn SUP

Get out and go wild with one of the fastest growing sports in America! Paddleboarding (SUP) is an amazing full body workout and an excellent way to cross train. From controlled lake paddling/instruction to fitness paddling, race training and ripping downwinders (power vessel assisted), Thorfinn SUP offers a mix of programs for any ability. Most importantly, we offer a unique way to explore Maine’s Midcoast and Acadia waterways. We also carry the best gear on the planet.

Our experienced staff (Thorfinn was the first SUP program in Midcoast/Downeast Maine) shape paddleboard lessons around participants’ abilities for a balance of fun and challenge. Our guided ocean tours are designed for paddlers with appropriate experience. With Thorfinn Expeditions, you can paddle and surf anything along our rugged coastline – to the glassy lake waters.

Rentals

* For lakes only unless you get Ocean Certified. Please inquire.

• $45 for up to 4 hours
• $60 for a full day
• $110 for overnight (2 days) – Each additional day $55 – $285 for a week

Rentals include board, paddle, pfd and leash if necessary.

Wetsuit Rental: $5 per 4-hour rental, $10 per day

Gear Drop-off: We can deliver boards in the greater Bar Harbor/MDI, Rockport, Camden, Lincolnville area. $45

Lessons

Midcoast — Acadia: Lincolnville Beach and Bar Harbor

Thorfinn SUP offers multiple SUP instructional programs from beginner lessons to ocean intro and race training. Most of our SUP programs operate on a custom basis so we can design an experience that meets your goals.

Our standard lesson/tour length is 1.5 – 2 hours — enough time for a thorough gear/safety orientation and plenty of time on the water. Shorter and longer sessions are available. Lessons can be private or up to four participants.

We are now in our third season teaching SUP and we were the first to do so in Midcoast and Downeast Maine. We have taught participants of all ages and abilities and our staff works hard to provide first class SUP education.

Beginner & Basic Instruction

We will teach you the basics of stand up paddle boarding—gear and safety, proper stance and paddle techniques. The price includes a board, paddle, PFD and a leash. We recommend you take a beginner lesson before a fitness lesson or tour. Buy a board and your lesson is free!

Max participants: 4
Duration: 1.5 hours

Cost: $55.00 per person

Fitness & Workout/Race Training

This fun and challenging session combines SUP skills with a fitness workout. In addition to paddling, your instructor will lead you through basic isometric exercises targeting specific muscle groups. Our race training sessions emphasize stroke technique, board control, and developing endurance/speed. You will feel the burn!

Max participants: 4
Duration: 1.5 hours

Cost: $55.00 per person

Intermediate — Advanced SUP

We offer intermediate to advanced SUP skill training on a custom basis. This allows us to adapt to your goals/abilities. We focus on developing more dynamic paddling skills, by combining weight transfer/stance with a variety of strokes that will allow you to maneuver and track in all conditions. We pay special attention to stroke technique and developing your efficiency. Board control in a variety of sea states is also covered. We will get you started on your “downwinder” skills. You will discover board trickery!

Max participants: 2-4
Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $75.00 per person

Ocean Intro

Our Ocean Intro course also operates on a custom basis. This is an appropriate course to take after our intermediate – advanced training. The focus is more on ocean judgment skills than paddling skills/board control. We cover Maine local knowledge (weather), navigation, tides/currents, wave dynamics, safety and gear. This program is designed for the individual who already has a solid skill base and now they want to start ocean SUP touring. The Ocean Intro sets you up well for the more adventurous Thorfinn ocean tours.

Max participants: 2-4
Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $75.00 per person

Maine SUP Tours — Lake And Ocean

Thorfinn SUP offers multiple Stand Up Paddleboarding programs from beginner lessons to ocean tours and race training. Most of our SUP programs operate on a custom basis so we can design an experience that meets your goals and ability level.

Lake Tours — Midcoast and Acadia

Lake tours are a great way to learn new skills and put in the miles in a safe and controlled environment. We recommend lake tours for anyone with limited SUP skills, a moderate fitness level, and the desire to get on a board and just cruise!

Max participants: 4
Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $65.00 per person

Ocean Tours — Primarily Acadia (Mid-May — November)

Ocean SUP Ocean Touring in Maine is world class! We look at the evolution of SUP as akin to skiing. People will seek out Maine as a place to tour and they will need a guide program/school that has excellent gear and staff. Thorfinn is developing one of the most comprehensive SUP touring programs anywhere. From island tours to downwinders and racing, Thorfinn has a SUP experience/program for all levels. We have access to some of the most beautiful paddling spots on the planet!

Note: We are very experienced paddlers (kayak, surfski, SUP). We’ve paddled and led trips all over North America. Here in Maine we paddle year ’round and undertake big crossings in all conditions. This level of experience gives us a solid perspective on guiding ocean tours on the Maine Coast. SUP is physically demanding and requires both skill and judgment. In our opinion the challenging conditions in Maine (fog, rockbound coast, strong currents, cold water and boat traffic) add to the SUP touring experience but these tours are not for everyone. SUP is different from sea kayaking. You are much more susceptible to the effects of wind and current.

Our guided ocean tours operate on a custom basis and are for participants with appropriate skills and fitness. Lake tours are for a broader group of participants. Mornings tend to be best for touring in Maine due to the generally calmer conditions. Skilled paddlers may seek out the breezier conditions and Thorfinn is psyched for that too!

Bar Harbor SUP Tours

Tours of Bar Harbor generally head out in the morning and evening, when conditions are more benign. Experience Frenchman’s Bay & the Porcupine Islands

Max participants: 2-4
Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $55.00 per person

Acadia Custom Tours

Lets plan and undertake something cool! Acadia/Mount Desert Island (MDI) offers so much spectacular paddling; downwinders in Somes Sound, secret gems on “the backside of MDI”, and multiple options in Frenchman’s Bay alone…Our Acadia custom tours are led by Thor Emory and are a highly specialized experience. Thor will incorporate your experience/goals with the weather/tides and create an amazing SUP experience. If you can wear Thor out then your trip is free!

Max participants: 2-4
Duration: 2 hours

Cost: $75.00 per person for 1st 2-Hrs, then $55.00 per person per hour

Ocean SUP with Power Vessel Support

We have access to several commercial power vessels (operated by experienced USCG-licensed Captains). By utilizing a power vessel we can access remote islands, do “Yo-Yo” SUPing (downwinders), and even combine SUP sessions with island picnics. Please contact us for details.

SUP and Sail

Pretty cool and unique! Charter our own Presto 30, the award winning Thorfinn for a full day and we will sail to a good spot in Frenchman’s Bay, drop the anchor, launch our boards and SUP! Thorfinn can even be beached, making for the perfect picnic SUP experience. When the afternoon winds build, we will set sail and tear home. Please contact us for details.

Sales

Tahoe SUP – Coreban – Hobie – Kialoa – Quickblade – C4 Waterman

The brands we represent in our store are ones that we use ourselves.  They are designed and built by some of the most accomplished paddlers in the industry.  Whether you are looking for something entry level or elite, our shop is stocked with the boards, boats, paddles and accessories you need; backed up by our staff’s experience and knowledge of each product. Get out. Go wild!