July 12th, 2026
Inclusive Whitewater 207
Penobscot River, Greater Bangor Area
Join us for a powerful and joyful day on the water, led by Alejandro Strong, owner of Packraft Maine, and Saige Purser, an experienced Indigenous river guide and educator, and Skowhegan Outdoors. This event is designed to create a welcoming space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQIA Folks, as well as their allies, to connect with rivers, build confidence in whitewater paddling, and reclaim our relationships with land and water through adventure, community, and care. We anre organizing a Community Paddle, an Introduction to Whitewater, and a Paddler Meetup
Community Paddle is an unguided group paddle for intermediate and experienced boaters. This is a chance to meet other paddlers and enjoy a beautiful Class II stretch of the Penobscot from Orono to Veazie.
Introduction to Whitewater is for people looking to try whitewater for the first time, or improve their confidence on the water. We have a group of instructors and safety boaters excited to get people on the water!
Paddler Meetup meet up with other paddlers after paddling to share stories and plan your next paddling trip!
This is a free event to get more people on the water. Don’t have your own gear? No worries, we have boats and paddling gear for people!
Feel free to reach out with questions and ideas!
Alejandro Strong- acstrong@packraftme.com
Saige Purser- saige.purser@maine.edu
Call for Support
-
Volunteer
Are you excited to show how inclusive Maine’s boating community is? We will need help promoting the event organizing activities on shore, leading paddling groups, and with on the water safety.
-
Partners
Does your organization support diversity in Maine’s outdoors? Let’s talk about how we can work together to support this event and the work you all are doing.