FREEPORT — As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, L.L. Bean will attempt to get 100 employees into a uniquely built kayak that is nearly 500-feet long during its 31st annual PaddleSports Weekend.
This could be a world record for the longest modular kayak ever and, if successful, L.L. Bean will submit it to Guinness World Records for consideration.
The kayak being used for the attempt, the Point 65N Modular Kayak, can be joined together in sections.
The record attempt will be made on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the L.L. Bean Paddling Center on Lower Flying Point in Freeport. The public is welcome to attend, as well as all of the other activities at the center over the weekend.
Free shuttles will be available to take people to and from the flagship store in downtown Freeport.
“What a perfect, fun way to infuse the essence of our 100th anniversary, as well as our outdoor spirit into this event,” Scot Balentine, L.L. Bean’s senior developer for outdoor equipment, said in a news release. “The 100 employees that are taking part are very excited to be sharing in this fun and historic moment. To set a new world record would simply put an exclamation point on what will no doubt be an already exhilarating experience.”
Other event highlights for the PaddleSports Weekend include a variety of waterfront activities at the L.L. Bean Paddling Center just minutes from the store on Saturday and Sunday, such as a free oceanside cookout, and free boat testing with hundreds of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes.
The public will have the chance to speak with industry vendors and experts. In addition, there will be live music, with Eric Bettencourt on Saturday and Putnam Smith on Sunday, craft making for kids and more.
The L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools will also offer 90-minute kayak tours of Casco Bay for $35 and an “Intro to Stand-Up Paddleboarding” course for $29. The school will also be offering its “Kayaking Discovery” course all weekend for $20. Space is limited, so call 888-552-3261 to reserve a spot.
At the L.L. Bean campus of stores in downtown Freeport, there will be demonstrations and clinics on everything from how to get into stand-up paddleboarding, paddling techniques, as well as nonprofit guests, vendors and much more.
Special promotions start Friday and include 20 percent off the purchase of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and Thule car racks.
For additional information, visit www.llbean.com/freeport, or call 877-755-2326.
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