We have moved for 2025! We have combined locations with our retail Division Sand Beach Outfitters at 113 Main st.
Find answers to your questions and learn about our policies. Clear, concise information to guide your adventure.
Both are awesome venues for SUP and suitable locations for any ability level. We recommend that families with younger kids and those with any trepidation about falling in go to the lake, which is much warmer. While the harbor is certainly more scenic and requires less travel, the water is cooler and you will may want to wear a wetsuit. We DO NOT take you into waves or surf, preferring to stay in calmer, more sheltered water near shore.
The best times are usually early morning or evening. Although warmer, the wind often picks up during the afternoon. We do our best to avoid windy areas and stay near the shore areas at all times, but we make no promises. We have access to very sheltered lake and ocean locations and do our very best to set you up for success. If you have kids, we strongly suggest booking the morning trip when there is the best chance for calmer winds.
We use a few different spots depending on the time of day, wind conditions, and what our permit from Acadia National Park allows us. We make our decision on where to paddle just before the trip so we can take all these factors into account. However, most of the time our lake lessons take place on either Echo Lake or Great Long Pond on the Western or “Quiet Side” of the island. Both destinations are about a 20-minute drive from our downtown shop and offer an ideal environment for SUP.
While there are obviously no guarantees, the majority of people do not fall unless they want to. However, this is a water sport so you should be prepared to get wet and have an adventurous time.
Its really not. This may be the most common misconception we battle every day. The lakes of Acadia are PERFECT for swimming and summer water temps frequently get up into the upper 70s. While the bay is certainly more refreshing, our full length wet suits and booties (included free in the cost of any trip) are very high-quality and …in fact you may get a little hot wearing one. Regardless, we are always happy to provide a wetsuit for any reason, to any venue, and at any time of the year if that is what you prefer.
You do not have to wear a wetsuit unless air and water conditions would make it unsafe go without one. However, if on the ocean, we recommend one if you worry about falling in or are skiddish about being cold. You can always jump in the water if you start to get hot. For lake trips, they are not necessary at all and unless its spring time or a random chilly day, will likely try our best to talk you out of it.
Ideally, you want to come already dressed to get wet. We do have a changing room at the shop, but there are no facilities at the launch spots. It is also helpful to bring a towel and simple change of clothes for after the trip.
Not at all. If you are a novice we do recommend going on a trip rather than renting. No previous experience is necessary to go on our trips and you get a solid foundation from our professional coaches. The majority of our trips are run private and allows us to focus more on you, personalized instruction and moving at your pace.
We have no way to assure that everyone is at the same ability level. We think we are pretty good at being flexible in trying to meet everyone’s needs and encourage you to approach the trip with the same flexibility in your expectations. While we certainly try, due to the often diverse nature of groups and inability to control the wind we can’t guarantee a fixed itinerary. That’s okay though! You don’t have to go very far on a paddle board to get a workout or have fun and we love showing people all the fun that can be had without having to go anywhere. Our private sessions move at your pace and can be personally catered to your goals.
Group trips are a mixed bag of ability levels; so while it is true that our trips begin with a basic orientation, the instruction and safety talk we provide at the start of all our trips is geared to be fun, engaging, and designed to pass on a few golden nuggets of info and technique that will set everyone up for success. There will be AMPLE TIME for paddling around, sightseeing, and playing on the boards. People thank us all the time for helping them get better and comment how much they enjoyed learning a few new things they may not have figured out on their own.
While we find that the vast majority of people (either knowingly or unknowingly) benefit from and enjoy the format of our group trips, we also provide the option to book a more customized private trip or strap boards to the top of your vehicle and rent on your own.
Nope. Paddle boards can easily be maneuvered either kneeling or sitting. While we encourage you to try and provide plenty of coaching, there is no requirement or pressure to stand up. If you are having fun and being safe, that’s all we care about. Everyone comes from their own unique situation so please don’t let worries about your age, balance, fitness, or weight deter you from trying SUP.
You do not have to be a great swimmer but you should not be afraid of the water and you should be able to float. We require everyone to wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD at all times. Paddle boards themselves are huge flotation devices and you will be leashed to your board so it can never go far away. Getting back on your board is easy to do and you may even find that falling off the board into the water is fun.
Just about anyone can learn to SUP. Part of the draw towards stand up paddle boarding is fitness and getting in better shape. We can’t guarantee that you won’t be tired and a bit sore because in fact that’s part of the point! However, we are not out to build character. We move at a slow and easy pace that is comfortable for all. 99% of our customers are standing within 30 minutes and have little to no difficulty getting back on the board if they fall in.
Absolutely!! We love teaching kids how to paddle and it is one of our specialties. We allow children as young as nine on our group lake sessions and kids as young as 12 on ocean sessions. For private sessions, we take kids as young as 6 on their own boards. (Most kayak tour companies will not take children that young.) We find that kids have a blast with us and we try to make sure each trip provides plenty of time to swim, play, and learn fun paddle board tricks. We regularly have families coming back to paddle with us a second or third time because it is the highlight of their trip to Acadia.
We allow kids 16 and older to go alone on normal group trips. Kids under 16 can still go without and adult, but you will need to book a more personalized private trip. If there are several younger children we may require a supervising adult to participate for safety reasons. Please call to discuss specifics of your situation.
Sadly, no. The reason is mostly due to logistics. Our store is not located on the water so a short hourly rental doesn’t make it worth your money once you factor in all the time it takes you to get the board to and from the water. If you only have a short amount of time or don’t have a vehicle, signing up for a trip is about a three-hour total commitment and we will handle all the details.
We only offer drop-off and pick-up in the evenings by appointment for multi-day and weekly rentals. While we wish we could, due to limited resources, we aren’t able to offer delivery and pick-up services for short-term rentals.
While it may seem to be more convenient to rent from different outfits lucky enough to be located directly on the water, it’s our opinion that as the only specialty SUP shop in Maine that we indisputably provide not only superior equipment but a superior experience to others. Our attention to detail, access to a more diverse selection of paddling spots, and knowledgeable staff of professional instructors definitely makes a difference.
If transportation of boards is an issue, we recommend signing up for a trip where we can drive you to and from the location and do all the loading and unloading of the boards for you.
With over 3 million visitors a year to our small island parking does pose a challenge. During the summer most residential side streets are permit parking only during the day. Paid parking is available on most main streets and public parking lots. If you will be riding with us and need to park in town please budget for 3-3.5hours as you will not be able to feed the meter while out on the water.
Acadia Stand Up Paddleboarding LLC has a STRICT, NO EXCEPTIONS CANCELLATION POLICY
FOR ALL TOURS: Cancellations must be made 24 hours before the start time of your trip or full charges will apply. No refunds are given for same day cancellations, no shows, or reductions in party size.
FOR ALL RENTALS: Cancellations must be made by 6pm the day before you are set to take possession of your rental or full charges will apply. No refunds are given for same day cancellations, no shows, or reductions in party size. The equipment is reserved the entire duration of your rental. We do not offer refunds or credits for early returns or late pickups.
FOR BIKE RESERVATIONS: In order to service and charge the bikes at the end of the day, there is a $45 late fee for all E-bikes returned after 5pm
All participants will be required to sign standard liability waiver. Minors under the age of 18 will need the signature of a parent or guardian on all forms.
To ensure the best customer experience, our minimum age requirement is 16 years old for all public group trips, 12 years old on private ocean trips and 8 years old on private lake trips. Please call us for prior approval for kids younger than 8 or weighing under 50 lbs. Minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult on all trips. Any exceptions to our standard trip policies are made on a case-by-case basis.
All clients are REQUIRED to wear a US Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device and safety leash at all times while on the water.
SUP is a water sport and a great rainy day activity. Trips run rain or shine, in light to moderate winds, and in locations that are sheltered from huge exposure and waves. Decisions on where to paddle are made by your guide with considerations in mind for the best place to paddle so we generally cannot guarantee a specific location. Come prepared and ready to get wet. If your session is canceled by Acadia SUP for any reason, you will be offered a full refund and/or given the opportunity to reschedule for another time.
Full payment is required at the time of your booking. We accept all major credit cards.
A gratuity for your instructor/guide is not included but always appreciated. If you wish to leave your instructor a gratuity, please bring cash and give it to them directly at the end of the trip.
Entry into Acadia National Park is NOT free or included. All customers going to the lake are expected to have procured their own National Park Pass prior. Vehicle tags are valid for one week and good for all people in your vehicle. Entrance passes may be obtained seasonally at the following Acadia National Park fee stations: Sand Beach Entrance Station, Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Bar Harbor Village Green, Thompson Island Information Center, Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, and Park Headquarters.
You may also purchase your park pass online at www.recreation.gov. Acadia SUP will not be held responsible for any tickets or fees incurred as a result of your failure to procure a valid and current pass.
Come already dressed to get wet:
SUP is a water sport, and you need to come prepared to get wet. Not everyone falls off their board into the water but many people do and that’s okay!! Falling off is part of learning to SUP and its bound to happen eventually. If you need a swimsuit, we sell them at the shop.
Sea water temperatures in Bar Harbor vary from the low 50s in June, low 60s in July and August and high 50s in September. Take home message….this isn’t the tropics. Your safety and comfort are very important to us, so we would rather you be slightly warm than overly cold. In order to provide you with comfort and assurance we provide high-quality full-length wet suits for you to use free of charge. Plus, we can provide wet shoes for you to wear so your toes stay warm. If the lesson will be occurring on a lake, you will not need to wear a wetsuit as the lakes are much warmer than the ocean.
In addition, because you will be wearing a leash around your ankle, your board can never go far away…so if you get hot…just jump in the water, cool off, and then climb back on.
Bring only the personal items you really need:
Items to bring include water, sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes, and some cash (for a gratuity to give your instructor if you so choose.) Most of these things are available for sale in the shop.
Show up early:
You will need to show up at the shop a minimum of 30 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork, finalize payment, travel/carpool to the lesson site, and start gearing up for the session. Please be courteous to others in your session by showing up on time and ready to go.
Use the restroom before you arrive:
There are no restroom facilities at our paddling spots so please plan accordingly.
Have an upbeat attitude:
Stand up paddling is a blast, and smiling, laughing, and swimming are inevitable! You are likely to get a bit of a workout, but our goal is to have fun. Trying new things can be frustrating sometimes and your instructor is there to help. Don’t be afraid to check that ego at the door and open up to learning a few things you may not already know. You’ll have a ton more fun that way.
Acadia Stand Up Paddleboarding LLC has a STRICT, NO EXCEPTIONS CANCELLATION POLICY
FOR ALL TOURS: Cancellations must be made 24 hours before the start time of your trip or full charges will apply. No refunds are given for same day cancellations, no shows, or reductions in party size.
FOR ALL RENTALS: Cancellations must be made by 6pm the day before you are set to take possession of your rental or full charges will apply. No refunds are given for same day cancellations, no shows, or reductions in party size. The equipment is reserved the entire duration of your rental. We do not offer refunds or credits for early returns or late pickups.
FOR BIKE RESERVATIONS: In order to service and charge the bikes at the end of the day, there is a $45 late fee for all E-bikes returned after 5pm
Paddle Board Rentals:
A tough durable stand up paddle board from Glide SUP, a high quality Werner paddle, a PFD, a safety leash, a set of pads/straps to put the boards on your vehicle, a free orientation to proper use of the equipment, and a map with recommended paddling spots.
We do have a 2-3 boards per vehicle limit. In some instances a truck or vehicle with a proper rack may fit up to 4 boards. Please call to discuss your options if you are looking to transport more than 2-3 boards or are worried about your type of vehicle.
E-Bike Rentals:
Rentals come with a fully charged bike, helmet, lock, and map of the trails with suggested routes. We do not offer delivery or bike transport so they will need to be ridden from the shop.
Paddleboards:
You must be at least 18 years old to rent a paddle board. Minors must be accompanied by and adult on the water at all times. All renters are required to sign a waiver and fill out a float plan with our staff.
For safety and liability reasons, it is generally intended that you will take your rental to one of the local lakes. Reasons for this include but are not limited to: colder water temperatures, large tides, greater exposure to wind or waves, unpredictable fog, and potential boat traffic. Renters wishing to paddle in tidal water should be prepared to have a conversation with our staff about their experience and ability level.
We reserve the right to limit where you may paddle based on our assessment of your ability and daily wind and/or weather conditions. We do not offer refunds on rentals if we determine that where you plan to paddle is not appropriate to your ability level or the days weather conditions. Please keep your expectations flexible and remember that at the end of the day you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
E-Bikes:
You must be at least 18 years old to rent an e-bike. Minors 16 and older may rent but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All renters are required to sign a waiver. All renters agree to adhere to posted National Park regulations, speed limits, and local traffic laws.
With an advance reservation, drop-off and pick-up is available most evenings between 6-9pm in the Mount Desert Island area for multi-day and weekly rentals. We cannot provide delivery for half-day or full-day rentals. Please call to set up a delivery.
Early pick-up or next-day return on short term rentals is available for an additional charge with an advance reservation. Please call if you would like to discuss one of these options with us.
We do not offer delivery, late pickup or early delivery for E-bikes.
Maine State Law and US Coast Guard Regulations classify paddleboards as a vessel require that you have a personal flotation device for each person on your board.
We ask that all renters assume responsibility for their safety and for insurance and liability reasons, all customers on are asked TO WEAR their US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times while on the water or wear their helmet at all times why engaging in cycling activities.
A National Park Pass is required if launching or biking inside Acadia National Park. A pass can be purchased at many locations or online at recreation.gov
The following lakes and beaches do not allow paddle boarding because they are used for drinking water supply:
Please do not take your rental board to restricted areas. We reserve the right to limit where you may paddle based on your experience, wind, and weather conditions.
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