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Learn about our New Registered Maine Guide Classes Below!
Kayak Programs
Thanks to grants by the York River Stewardship Committee, York Parks and Recreation is excited to partner with the York Land Trust to offer free kayak excursions. For questions, contact Parks and Recreation Director Pete Murray at pmurray@yorkmaine.org.
Trip Description
Come explore the upper reaches of the York River and Smelt Brook on these free kayaking trips. Trips will launch from the Scotland Bridge boat ramp and paddle up stream to experience the beautiful salt marsh and estuary. Each trip will be approximately 2 hours and include basic paddling instruction as well as education on the ecology of the York River and surrounding landscape. All necessary equipment will be provided. If you would like to use your own equipment, please let us know prior to the day of the trip. No paddling experience required. Please arrive at Scotland Bridge approximately 30 minutes prior to the trip to be matched up with lifejackets, kayaks and paddles.
2026 Trip Dates
These free kayaking programs are in high demand and we hope to give as many individuals as possible the opportunity to participate. We ask that you only register for one trip per season. If you would like to be put on a contact list for open spots, please email pmurray@yorkmaine.org.
Friday, May 22 - 4:00 p.m. Register
Friday, June 5 - 4:00 p.m. Register
Thursday, June 18 - 3:00 p.m. Register
Friday, July 24 - 7:30 p.m. - Moonlight paddle - Register
Thursday, August 6 - 5:00 p.m. Register
Friday, September 4 - 5:00 p.m. Register
Saturday, September 5 - 6:00 a.m. - Sunrise paddle - Register
Wilderness First Aid
May 16 & 17
SOLO is the longest continuously operating wilderness medical school in the country and they are a great resource.
SOLO WFA courses are a great tool for anyone who wants to spend time outside. This 16 hour, 2 day program will introduce you to patient assessment, treatment and management of injuries in backcountry conditions. You will learn to improvise splints and litters, stop bleeding, and other potentially lifesaving skills.
May 16 & 17, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mount Agamenticus Lodge - 21 Mount Agamenticus Rd. York ME 03909
Cost $225
To learn more about SOLO go to https://www.soloschools.com/home
Registered Maine Guide Training
April 18-20
Maine Outdoor Learning Center
Registered Maine Guide School
York Parks and Recreation is partnering with MOLC to provide this in depth 3 day training.
With 28 Years of Teaching the Maine Guide Program. YOU Will BE Prepared!!!
25 clock hours Registered Maine Guide Training
$495.00 per person
3 Days /Educational / Professional Instructors / 28 Years Teaching the Maine Guide Program and 40 plus years experience as a Master Maine Guide.
Saturday – Monday, April 18 - 20
9 am to 5 pm in Person (3-Days)
Includes:
- MOLC's 150 Page Maine Guide Handbook
- 500 Question Practice Tests
- Map & Compass Study Guide w/ Questions and Answers
- Silva Compass
- Professional Instruction for Recreation, Fishing, Hunting Guide Licenses
- 28 Years of Experience Teaching the Maine Guide Program
- 40 Plus Years as an Experience Master Maine Guide
Class will take place at York Parks and Recreation – 200 US Rte. 1
Maine Sea Kayaking Guide Training
May 2 & 3, 2026
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.
Registration and further details to be announced.