Portland Paddle Owners Zack Anchors & Erin Quigley Stand By The Paddle Van
By Carol McCracken (Post # 1,424)
“I’ve talked to a lot of people who would love to get out on Casco Bay, but live in apartments and have no place to store a kayak,” said Zack Anchors earlier today on Munjoy Hill. “We want to give Hill residents a way to access Casco Bay in a way that’s safe, convenient and affordable.” That’s why Zack and his business partner, Erin Quigley, decided to bring this unique business to East End Beach – starting Saturday, June 1st.
Both entrepreneurs are Registered Maine Guides with Quigley just learning of her success this morning. Quigley, 31, has been paddling on lakes and rivers in New Hampshire and Maine for years. She’s a consultant for Maine Island Trails Association and in the past worked for Northern Forest Canoe Trail. (It extends for 740 miles – from the New York Adirondacks Moutains of eastern New York to Ft. Kent.) From Old Town and now a Hill resident, Zack has always had a passion for the ocean. He’s been a Registered Maine Guide since 2000. Currently, he’s taking the summer off from his Ph.D studies in American History from UNH, Durham. “We decided to do it this summer since we actually have the time to do it,” said the petite Quigley a former Hill resident as well.
The two and their several employees will be offering lessons in kayaking, rental of them as well as tours of the Casco Bay area off East End Beach. Available for rent are two sizes of kayaks; one 14 ft. to 17 ft. for one person and then tandem kayaks intended for two people to paddle. They purchased 16 kayaks from the same company that owns the venerable Old Town Canoes, in Old Town. Sunset tours of the area off the Beach will also be available, even for inexperienced kayakers. At the end of the season, the end of September, the kayaks will be for sale. Much more information is available on the website: portlandpaddle.net Reservations have already been received from the public for rentals via the website.
Hill residents will be given a special discount price of 10% off with some form of address identification appreciation. Portland Paddle will be open for business seven days a week from 10 am – 6 pm. This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, etc.
Speaking of weather conditions, bring on the sunny, warm weather – we are all waiting to get out on Casco Bay in Portland Paddle kayaks!
Call them at 207 – 370-9730 and visit portlandpaddle@gmailcom