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About Us

Guides since 1973Established in the early seventies as a traditional eastern Maine guiding outfit, Sunrise's operations now encompass itineraries ranging from the vast Arctic frontiers of northern Canada to the desert canyons of the American Southwest.

There also continues to be emphasis on exploring the more unique--and lesser traveled--rivers of eastern Canada, particularly Quebec, and of course... Maine. Known and respected nationwide for combining the best elements of traditional northern guiding and canoemanship with contemporary whitewater and expedition techniques, Sunrise has, over the years, attracted some of the finest professional canoeists and expedition river guides. Catering to a distinct clientele who seek unusual river destinations, our trips are run with integrity in respect to aesthetics, instruction, and personalized service. Whitewater technique, particularly solo paddling and poling, has been our specialty for over 35 years.

Recommended repeatedly by numerous publications and used by the National Geographic Society, our quality and style can be attested to by our clientele, many of whom come back loyally, year after year, to try new and different rivers.

CORPORATE AND PRIVATE GROUPS are a specialty.

OUR TRIPS

Dawn Paddle - St. Croix RiverWe have always considered canoe voyaging an art, and the guiding and outfitting of small parties of open canoeists has always been our primary business.

Although Sunrise is known for offering the most extensive selection of itineraries of any outfitter in the specialized field of canoe tripping, our heritage remains that of the professional Maine Guide - stressing care and respect for the welfare of our clients. However, unlike some tripping outfits, we are definitely technically oriented; instruction in all facets of canoe handling and living comfortably outdoors is an integral element of all of our trips.

Baffin Island Fly-InAll is included in the trip price: canoes, all river running and camping gear, meals, ground and/or float transportation and, of course, the services of some of the most versatile, seasoned and dedicated veteran professional river guides in North America. (Staff to participant ratio is approximately 1:4.) All you need to bring is your own clothing and sleeping bag. We pride ourselves on our meals. Fine food and company complement beautiful riverside settings. Dinner is accompanied by fresh baked goods, salads, and wine. Special dietary needs and preferences can generally be accommodated.

CampingMost trips are conducted at a fairly leisurely pace. We camp each evening at choice spots along the river, putting into camp early enough in the day so there is ample time to swim, fish, and just relax.

Rio Grande - Lower CanyonAs concerns to trip logistics, specific information on each river, packing list, recommended reading, etc., will be forwarded to you upon receipt of your deposit. (Typically, you arrive the evening prior to the trip starting date to facilitate final packing and other details.) Our personalized service extends to an office staff that is exceptionally responsive, thorough, and experienced in assisting with your other travel and administrative arrangements.

IcelandIn addition to scheduled trips, customized arrangements are welcome for private, family, group, or corporate parties; with the itinerary, menu, daily pace, and level of service constructed to fit the needs and style of the individual party.

OUR INSTRUCTION

Our InstructionYears of practical experience teaching canoeing has led to a system of instruction that is both thorough and concise; and which provides our clientele with a solid background for good river performance in a relatively short time. We feel that, given the proper coaching, most people can be taught to run easy to moderate whitewater (class I-II), with grace and confidence, within a few days' time. Should you already have some skills and experience, this could be the opportunity to develop truly dynamic technique and to refine your form. Our strong and effective style combines decades of canoeing influence; it merges the traditional skills and attitudes with the latest contemporary whitewater methods. You can learn either tandem or solo, although we encourage solo canoeing as it allows for greater personal freedom and style. Poling has always been our trademark. A little bit of instruction goes a long way.

POLING...

PolingFor many years the setting pole was the accepted method of propelling a canoe in the rivers and streams of the north country of Maine and eastern Canada. It was a skill passed on from one generation of rivermen to the next. Lately, there has been a renewed interest in poling - with competitive poling in particular capturing canoeists' interest. Offering a level of control and visibility not always possible with a paddle, poling can range from an immensely practical and efficient method of upstream and shallow river travel to an elegant downriver art form, combining the best elements of surfing and downhill skiing. It can be delicate or daring, but most significantly it offers The best means for understanding the subtleties of river current. Simply put: poling will make you a better paddler and certainly a more versatile canoeist overall. If you are interested, we'll pass it on.

CORPORATIONS AND PRIVATE GROUPS

Corporate and Private GroupsSunrise has successfully adapted the group format to suit the diverse needs of corporate clientele, whether it be for incentive travel, relaxing executive retreats, to provide an environment to complement staff development programs, or just plain "R&R", we have the ability to package first-class trips and itineraries to accommodate a broad range of requirements, and requests. You are only limited by your imagination as to the possibilities; river trips can be excellent vehicles for fostering group skills and communication - not to mention just "blowing off steam." On all private, family, group or corporate trips, the itinerary, menu, daily pace and level of service can be constructed to fit the needs and style of the individual party. We're quite flexible in this regard. Past experience, however, has indicated that relatively easy rivers, such as the Saint Croix or Cascapedia--or, if challenge is more a priority, possibly the Bonaventure or Rio Grande--best lend themselves to groups of mixed skill, where social experience is a primary consideration. Corporate references and price quotes available upon request.

For reservations and other information contact us at:
Sunrise International
4 Union Plaza - Suite 2 • Bangor, ME 04401 • U.S.A.
800-RIVER-30
(207-942-9300) • Fax: 207-942-9399
info@sunriselocations.com
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