Ahhh, good ole summertime, a time for sleeping in, BBQs, and… time to go outside in the sunshine and get active!
New England is an outdoor playground during every season, but especially so in the summertime. Check out these fun summer sports to try out in New England this summer. P.S. don’t forget the sunscreen!
Paddle Boarding
From whitewater rivers to swimming holes and the ocean, New England is a water lover’s dream in the summer months.
If paddle boarding is your thing, check out New England for breathtaking scenic views and glimpses of wildlife.
Just think, Maine has over 2,677 unnamed lakes and many are accessible by logging roads. You can have an entire lake to yourself and maybe do some trout fishing from your paddleboard!
If saltwater is what you crave, paddle Merrymeeting Bay, the largest estuary north of Chesapeake, and catch a glimpse of bald eagles and other birds and wildlife. Be warned, tidal currents are present, so paddle into open water only if you are skilled enough to do so!
If you are a beginner, Squam Lake, New Hampshire is known for its calm smooth water which makes for great kayaking or paddle boarding experiences.
Rafting
If you are ready for an adrenaline rush after leisurely paddle boarding around New England, some of the most exciting outdoor adventures that you can find in New England are in Maine’s rapidly flowing waters—whitewater rafting. In Maine, you can whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River, the Kennebec River, and Canada Falls, each with stunning waterfalls, gorges, and rapids to row. Maine has some of the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast.
The best part? No matter your age or experience level, there is a place for you to raft in Maine!
Canoeing
Thanks to New England’s glacial landscape there are a lot of possibilities with thousands of lakes and rivers to choose from for a leisurely canoe trip on a hot summer’s day. Don’t forget to bring a picnic!
If you would rather take a more rugged canoe or kayak camping trip, consider Lincoln, New Hampshire, or North Conway, New Hampshire where you can find several outfitters that offer canoe trips.
Surfing
Before doing any surfing in New England—even in the summer—invest in a wet suit as the water is quite cold! From the untamed coastline in Maine to New Hampshire’s white sands, and Rhode Island, New England offers some great surfing.
The surfing in New England might not be like Hawaii or Costa Rica, but they still get some decent waves. If you want to catch some waves, you must know where the best spots are, and when to go. The east coast is lined with nice breaks, but many are closely guarded secrets.
In Massachusetts, check out Cape Cod National Seashore for near-endless wave breaks in the outer Cape, with the best waves between Coast Guard Beach and Newcomb Hollow Beach.
Check out Ogunquit Beach in Maine for waves that produce one of the longest rides anywhere in the state.
Jenness Beach in New Hampshire has only 18 miles of coastline but is renowned for its variety of surf. The best waves can be found during high tide, and North Beach may be the most consistent surf spot in the region.
Finally, Point Judith in Rhode Island is the epicenter of surfing in New England since some of New England’s biggest waves make landfall here.
Surfs Up: 10 East Coast Surf Spots
Kayaking
While there is an abundance of lakes and rivers to kayak in New England, you might want to give sea kayaking a try this summer!
When it comes to sea kayaking in New England, it is hard to find a better place than Boston Harbor with its rich history and access to the city. If you are looking for something more remote, there are plenty of amazing options throughout New England.
Just a mile off the coast of Portland, Maine are the Casco Bay Islands, where you can enjoy a multi-day kayaking tour or just a simple day trip.
Next, check out Portsmouth Harbor, New Hampshire, but be warned that the tidal currents are challenging and dangerous if you are a beginner. Check the tide tables the day before your kayak trip and paddle with the tide or during slack tide. Portsmouth Harbor is a beautiful place to paddle and is full of interesting things to see!
Last, check our Thimble Islands, Connecticut for breathtaking kayak routes that rival their neighbors to the north. The islands are sculpted from pink granite that seems to erupt straight from the ocean floor. Interestingly, the base of the Statue of Liberty is made from this very same granite!
Be aware, nearly all of the Thimble Islands are privately owned, so this kayak trip doesn’t allow as much exploration on land, but you’ll still get to weave in and out of the different islands taking in all the scenery.
Get Ready for Summer with 3 Rad Kids
Inspired to get out in New England’s sunshine to paddleboard, surf, or skateboard this summer? Get equipped with 3RK! With our easy lease-to-own program, you can purchase the gear you need to have an epic summer at a fraction of the upfront cost! Apply today!
image courtesy of offmetro.com
