If you have a paddle and a floating non-motorized watercraft, there is an event that you will not want to miss at The Nonantum Resort. From stand up paddleboards to kayaks, you can find them all in one place racing to the finish line together at the annual Paddle Battle. Any non-motorized vessels are welcome to enter and face off in one of the most fun and entertaining battles in Maine.
Not Your Average Resort Style Fun
When it comes to places to stay in Kennebunkport, The Nonantum Resort is known for its stylish water-inspired designs, beautiful venues, and picturesque waterfront views. The Paddle Battle, however, is not quite what you would expect to see when staying at a resort. Many competitors are far from professional and are out for a fun day of paddling to victory. People young and old come from all over to watch this exciting array of floating crafts go head to head.
When Is The Paddle Battle?
The Paddle Battle takes place around the first weekend of August every year. There are food and beverages served from 11:00 am and throughout the event at the Latitudes Bar. Music will begin at 2:00 pm while contestants make their way to the starting point and get ready. Paddlers hit the water at 4:00 pm, awards are held at 5:00 pm, and a fun dance is held on the Nonantum waterfront at 7:00 pm to wrap up the evening.
Anyone can watch the race happen from shore. The route takes paddlers from The Nonantum Resort to a music barge that is afloat just past the Mathew Lanigan Bridge and back again. Therefore there are great seats to watch the race all along the waters edge for roughly a mile.
How You Can Participate
Those that would like to enter the race and test their paddling speed can pre-register on the Nonantum Resort website, or on the day of the competition at the resort. If you need a stand up paddleboard or a kayak for the race, there are rentals that you can reserve at two different local businesses. Kayak Fish New England has fantastic kayaks while Aquaholics Surf Shop has a great selection of stand up paddle boards to choose from. Make sure you reserve one ahead of time though, many of them get scooped up by others hoping to take part in the Paddle Battle.
Staying With Us
Stay with us right at the resort for one of the best places to stay in Kennebunkport for this memorable event. You can experience it all without needing to venture far from your accommodations and rest easy knowing you have a cozy room only a hop and skip away when the night comes to a close. Call us or visit our website to book your stay during The Nonantum Resort’s Annual Paddle Battle.