Acadia SUP in Bar Harbor

When Chris Strout came to Mount Desert Island in 2002, he thought it might just be a summer gig. Instead, the water and the outdoor lifestyle around it hooked him for good and what started as guiding sea kayaking trips while finishing college became a lifelong career and passion.

Chris eventually launched Acadia SUP, the first business to bring paddleboarding to Bar Harbor and downeast Maine. What began in 2011 with a truck, a simple website, and meeting people at the water with his truck, has grown into a vibrant Main Street surf shop that remains intentionally small, offering a boutique experience centered on quality and care. In 2024, Acadia SUP expanded to include e-bikes, which quickly became another favorite way for visitors and locals to explore Acadia National Park.

The heart of Acadia SUP has always been customization. Chris and his team keep groups small and personal, with a focus on safety, fun, and making sure every guest leaves with a memorable experience on the water or trail. They offer private and group paddleboarding lessons, scenic tours, sunset paddles, SUP rentals with delivery, e-bike rentals and guided e-bike tours. Families love that kids as young as four can learn to paddleboard here, and locals know they can count on Chris for honest expert advice when it comes to finding the right board or gear.

Chris says his greatest satisfaction comes from helping people discover a real connection with the water and the outdoors. As the only specialty paddle board shop in Maine, Acadia SUP is now famous for introducing thousands of people to paddleboarding and for holding the distinction of being the northeasternmost surf shop in the United States.

FAMOUS FOR:
Putting paddleboarding on the map in downeast Maine, offering highly customized outdoor experiences, and being the northeasternmost surf shop in the USA.

ADDRESS:
113 Main St in Bar Harbor, ME

WEBSITE:
acadiasup.com

photos by Peter Logue