4 Favorite Ways to Hit the Water in New England

As summer heats up, check out our favorite spots in the region for these popular water-based activities.

White Water Rafting

Take a 15-mile, class-V wild ride past Maine’s highest peak, Mount Katahdin, on the rapids of the Penobscot River. Northern Outdoors’ expert guides provides lunch along the banks, shortly before plunging down Nesowadnehunk Falls’ 11-foot, horseshoe shaped drop. Gulp.

207-663-4466
Katahdin Adventure Base Camp, Baxter State Park Road, Millinocket, Maine

TECHNICOLOR PAUL/CREATIVE COMMONS

Newport

Sailing

From America’s Cup to the Volvo Ocean Race, Newport, Rhode Island, has always been a magnet for sailing pros and amateurs alike. Recreational sailors can rent J-22 or Rhodes 19 vessels from Sail Newport and head out into Newport Harbor.

401-846-1983
72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, R.I.

PADDLE BOSTON

Paddle Boston

Kayaking

In New England, scenic places to kayak or canoe are, fairly, abundant. But, our favorite option sits squarely in downtown Boston for both its freshwater and saltwater kayaking options, and skyline views while doing so. Paddle Boston hosts guided tours, classes and rentals for both the Charles River and the choppier waters of Boston Harbor.

617-965-5110
7 area locations, including 15 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge, Mass.

PEACE LOVE SUP

Stand-Up Paddleboard

If you haven’t tried SUP yet, you should. It can be done on fresh or saltwater, and Cape Cod, with its many kettle ponds and peninsula geography, affords a variety of pretty and natural backdrops. Peace Love SUP leads tours, lessons, fitness and yoga sessions—all while you stand or move upright on a paddleboard—even, one monthly paddle lit by the light of the full moon.

508-360-6032
Multiple locations based on activity

Leigh Harrington

Leigh Harrington is an experienced writer and editor, currently serving as Exhale's Managing Editor. Over the years, her work has appeared in various media outlets, including Muscle & Fitness HERS, Huffington Post, Boston Herald, The Augusta Chronicle, The Topeka Capital Journal and Amarillo Globe-News. Previously, she was Regional Editorial Director for Where travel brand, and is the author of "100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die."