Poling Skills Class

Here is a list of topics we will cover in the 3 Minutes with a Maine Guide Poling class!

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Different Poles...Advantages & Challenges

Best Pole length and why

Poling stance Modern versus Traditional

Turning and Leaning drills

Cross Draw circle pole turns

Outside corner turn

Inside corner turn and slowing technique

Pry off the hip

Work the boat with your feet

Sweep

Power push and rudder

Walk up the pole

Windmill

Switch Power technique

Single hand drills for balance and technique

Weight in the boat and why

Common Poling mistakes...You can't pull a pole and you can't push a rope!

How to upstream and downstream ferry

How to Eddy in and out with a pole

Techniques for saving a boat in a rapid with a pole

Stopping and snubbing drills

Stance and balance drills

What makes a "good" poling boat and why
What gear works best for Polers
How to tell if ANY boat will be a good poling boat with a simple test anyone can do

Wilderness Canoe Tripping skills weekend September 13 - 14, 2025 will feature all the skills listed below. Learn how to set up a camp this cozy in the absolute middle of nowhere! Go to the booking page and save your spot today.

Paddle Technique

Learn the paddle strokes Guides use to move a loaded boat all day long!

Effective strokes for fighting a headwind.

Canoe strategies for lake crossing and headwinds.

How the load effects the paddle stroke

Learn the canoe stroke first nations taught to Guides.

Learn the Rocking Chair stroke

Learn an effective J stroke

Rotating grip canoe stroke

Draw & Cross Draw

Stern Sweep & Pry

How to "face" your stroke

How to use the canoe in your stroke

How to rest in a stroke

Knots & Shelters

Learn how to set up a tarp when it is blowing a gale! How to have a fire under those difficult conditions, how to keep a group warm and fed.

Learn a good working tarp setup for any wilderness kitchen. How to key into wind and weather in order to orient a tarp. What to look for when setting up.

Can you make a group this comfortable? Come learn the tricks of the trade so you can. 2 simple knots and a Guide to show you how is all you need!

Having a good working fire under a skilled tarp setup is the key to comfort and safety in the absolute middle of nowhere! Come learn it from a Guide who has done it everywhere from the Rio Grande to the Gaspe'Peninsula.

Cooking & Baking
over an open fire

Learn what it takes to cook over an open fire. How to choose the right wood and how much. What tools are the right tools. How to set up a solid fire pit.

Learn how to take this and the skills you will learn in this class to make an unforgettable meal.

Good food prep and cleanup tricks that are simple and compact. Sign up, I'll give away my secrets!

Whatever you like to eat, this class can show you how to build it without dirtying every dish in the cook box. How to get good food out to the table hot without a lot of trouble. This is a glorious Chicken Pad Thai.

We will cover food that has to be kept cold and food that doesn't. Learn how to keep ice days longer than you thought you could. If coolers aren't your thing, we will show you the foods and baking that works best for no coolers.

Our Summer 2025 classes are here! Go to the "Hands on classes" page and choose a date

Poling Skills Class

Scroll Down and find your Class

Paddle Technique

Knots & Shelters

Cooking & Baking
over an open fire

Subscribe Form

Our Summer 2025 classes are here! Go to the "Hands on classes" page and choose a date

Poling Skills Class

Scroll Down and find your Class

Paddle Technique

Knots & Shelters

Cooking & Baking over an open fire

Subscribe Form

Cooking & Baking
over an open fire