Portland Boat Show 2026
If you’re counting down the days until ice-out and long lake days, we’ve got something to get you officially stoked for summer. The Portland Boat Show is back at the Portland Sports Complex from February 26 – March 1, and it’s the perfect way to shake off winter and start dreaming about boat season.
This is one of our favorite events of the year—and not just because we get to hang out and talk lake life all weekend. The show is family friendly, conveniently located, and offers plenty of FREE parking, which makes it an easy yes for a day out. Whether you’re seriously shopping for a new boat or just looking for something fun to do with the kids during late winter, the Portland Boat Show delivers.
One of the best parts? You can actually climb inside the boats. Open compartments. Sit at the helm. Stretch out on the seats. Imagine yourself cruising Long Lake or anchoring up with friends. If you’re in the market to purchase a boat, this is an incredible opportunity to see a wide range of models all under one roof. You can compare layouts, ask questions, talk to dealers, and gather real information without having to drive all over the state. It’s early enough in the season that there’s plenty of inventory to choose from, and you can get ahead of the spring rush.
And even if you’re not boat shopping? It’s still just plain fun. There’s something about walking through rows of shiny new boats in February that flips the mental switch from winter mode to summer mode. It’s a reminder that dock days, sunset cruises, and tubing laps are closer than they feel.
Of course, we’ll be there—like always—with our Sun Sports+ booth set up and ready to go. You’ll find a curated selection of our favorite tubes, Coast Guard–approved life jackets, watersports equipment, Bogg Bags, and other lake-day essentials. It’s a great chance to see gear in person, ask questions, and start planning what you want behind your boat this summer.
We’ll also be running Boat Show Special Pricing, which means you can save a little money while you’re getting dialed for the season. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tube, replacing old life jackets, or grabbing a few new accessories, this is a smart time to do it. Early season shopping = better selection and better deals.
More than anything, the Portland Boat Show is about getting excited again. It’s about walking the aisles with your kids and hearing them say, “Can we get this one?” It’s about picturing friends piled into a tube, sunscreen on your nose, and the sound of the engine pulling you into another perfect Maine summer day.
So mark your calendar for February 26 – March 1 at the Portland Sports Complex. Bring the family. Climb inside the boats. Ask all the questions. Start making your summer plans.
Come see the Wizard. We’ll be there.
Waterskis, Wakeboards, or Kneeboards: What’s Best for Beginners?
If you’re new to boating or watersports, choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming. The good news? There’s no wrong place to start—just different learning curves.
Kneeboards are often the easiest option for true beginners. Riders start on their stomach in the water and gradually pull themselves up onto their knees. The low center of gravity makes balance easier, and many people are riding confidently within minutes.
Combo waterskis are the classic choice and what most people picture when they think of watersports. They’re versatile, familiar, and great for learning fundamentals. While they require a bit more technique to get up, they’re a tried-and-true option for families and first-time boat owners.
Wakeboarding is the “cool” factor of watersports—but it can be tougher to learn, especially if the driver or coach hasn’t done it before. That said, with patience and the right board, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Not sure which one is right for you? We rent all of this equipment. Try before you buy and find what you love.
Conclusion:
Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.
How to Fit a Life Jacket: Safety, Comfort, and the Right Choice
Life jackets are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll ever buy for the water—and making sure they fit correctly matters just as much as owning one. Whether you’re boating, tubing, waterskiing, or wakeboarding, the right life jacket keeps you safe and comfortable all day long.
A properly fitted life jacket should be snug but not restrictive. When zipped and buckled, it shouldn’t ride up past your chin or ears when lifted by the shoulders. Always size by weight and chest size rather than age alone, especially for kids. In Maine, children under 10 years old are required to wear a life jacket while on a boat unless they’re inside a fully enclosed cabin—making fit and comfort even more important.
There are two main categories of life jackets you’ll see in our shop: Coast Guard–approved life jackets and competition vests. Coast Guard–approved jackets are designed for safety first and are legally required for boating. Competition vests, while popular for advanced riders due to flexibility and reduced bulk, are not Coast Guard approved and should only be used by experienced swimmers in controlled settings.
Material also makes a big difference. Nylon life jackets are more affordable and durable, making them a great choice for families or occasional use. Neoprene life jackets tend to be softer, more flexible, and more comfortable against the skin—perfect for longer days on the water or active riding.
Conclusion:
Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.
Welcome to Sun Sports+: A Local Watersports Staple in Naples, Maine
If you’ve spent any time around the lakes region of Maine, chances are you’ve seen our sign, our boats buzzing by, or our crew helping families gear up for a day on the water. But if you’re new to the area—or new to boating altogether—welcome. Sun Sports+ has proudly been part of the Naples, Maine community for over 31 years, and we’re excited to (re)introduce ourselves.
Sun Sports+ started with a simple mission: make life on the water more fun, accessible, and memorable. What began as a small watersports shop has grown into a full-service watersports and lifestyle retailer specializing in everything towable behind a boat. From water skis and wakeboards to tubes, kneeboards, and paddleboards, we outfit locals and visitors alike with gear that turns lake days into core memories. We’re conveniently located near Long Lake and Brandy Pond—right where summer happens.
Beyond performance gear, Sun Sports+ is also your go-to lifestyle shop for lake life. We carry a wide range of sunglasses, swimwear, casual apparel, footwear, floats, toys, and accessories that feel just as good dockside as they do out on the boat. We stock trusted brands that are built for sun, water, and adventure—because Maine summers don’t wait.
What truly sets us apart, though, is our team. We’re a locally owned shop with staff who actually live the lifestyle we sell. We ski, wakeboard, tube, paddle, and spend long days on the water—just like you. That hands-on experience means honest advice, real recommendations, and gear that’s right for your family, your boat, and your skill level.
Whether you’re gearing up for your very first boat season, replacing well-loved equipment, or just looking for something fun to add to the day, Sun Sports+ is here to help. We’re open 7 days a week from the end of April through October.
Conclusion
Have questions or need help choosing the right gear? Stop by Sun Sports+ in Naples, Maine, give us a call, or reach out through our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you get ready for the water. Summer will be here before you know it—let’s make it a good one.
How to Properly Size and Fit a Life Jacket
A common issue we find in the water sports industry is that people don’t know how their life jacket should fit. We often see people reaching for vests that are too big because they feel more comfortable on dry land. But once your vest gets wet, it will stretch a little bit. So here are some big key points for how to properly size and fit a life jacket.
CGA vs. NCGA: What’s the difference?
The most common vest you’ll see out on the water is probably a Coast Guard Approved vest. The law requires you to have them in your boat. Children are required to wear them up to a certain age. (make sure to check the rules in the state that you’re boating.) The state of Maine requires children 10 and under to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets or life vests at all times while on a boat. Although adults are not required to wear life jackets while in and around a boat, everyone is required to wear them when performing water sport activities behind the boat. The life jackets you wear behind a boat can be either a CGA or NCGA vest. CGA vests consist of more foam and multiple buckles. It’s a bulkier vest in general. They offer greater floatation. Maine state regulations require that there is a CGA life jacket on board for every person on the boat.
Connelly Men’s Classic CGA Vest
O’Brien Women’s Flex V-Back Neo Vest
NCGA Vests, or as we like to call them “competition vests” are a thinner, lighter weight life vest. Their focus centers around performance. They offer your greater range of motion in your arms and shoulders. Comp Vests are not considered life jackets because they do not offer you the same floatation as a CGA vest. They are perfectly legal to wear while waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, or wakesurfing.
O’Neill Slasher Comp Full Zip Vest
O’Neill Women’s Slasher Vest
How should my Life Jacket fit?
Your CGA vest should feel snug against your body. Once you zipper it, synch the buckles down for a closer fit. CGA vests are going to cover a wider range of body shapes and sizes because the buckle is there to tighten up the vest when you need it.
Comp vests fit best when they fit like a wetsuit. You should have to work a little to get the zipper to zip. That means that you need to pull the two sides of the vest together in order to zip it.
Key Points:
CGA vests offer greater floatation, and you are required to have them on the boat with you. Kids under the age of 10 are required to wear CGA Vests at all times on the water. Comp vests are not coast guard approve but they do however offer maximum comfort and a greater range of motion. Whatever your preference for life jacket fit, we can help you find it at Sun Sports+.
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Do you have more questions about life jacket fits? Then come visit us at Sun Sports+! We can show you how to properly size and fit a life jacket. Our expert staff can get you rocking the right vest. Shop online or in store! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Call us at 207-693-3867. Email us at info@sunsportsmaine.com. Read our Blog!
Krush it Next Summer with this Wakeboard
What’s a go to wakeboard in the shop for women riders? One of my favorites is the Ronix Krush. Back again for 2023 the Krush features two molded fins on either side of both the tip and the tail of the wakeboard. It also has center removable fins that you can pop out if you want to focus on surface 360s and butter slides. The Krush features awesome graphics that are anything but flowery and girly. This board will have you ripping around the lake and tossing tricks in no time. Krush it behind the boat with this board under your feet.
Why is this board a good choice for me?
Anytime we have new riders in the shop, it’s beneficial to have those extra removable center fins. They will add extra drag for when you’re first learning, which will stabilize the wakeboard. But once you’re comfortable riding and jumping, you can remove those fins for a more playful feel. The board features a 3-Stage rocker design, which is more conducive for getting “air”. That type of rocker line means there is a flat spot between your feet which will hit the wake first shooting you up into the air. Rocker lines like this are great for smaller wakes too because they boost you higher. You’ll krush it, seriously.
The Krush comes in a variety of sizes
| SIZE
(CM) |
HEIGHT
(INCHES) |
STANCE
(INCHES) |
CENTER
(INCHES) |
SURFACE
(SQ INCHES) |
WEIGHT
(LBS RANGE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | 2.3 | 18-24 | 16.3 | 733 | Up to 110 |
| 130 | 2.4 | 19-25 | 16.4 | 757 | Up to 125 |
| 135 | 2.5 | 19.5-25.5 | 16.7 | 787 | 120-160 |
| 140 | 2.6 | 21-27 | 16.9 | 836 | 150-190 |
All in all, it’s a great wakeboard
But don’t just take my word for it. Click here to hear what the Wizard has to say about the Krush! Be sure to read more of our Blog. Shop online here. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more water sports content. Email us with questions at info@sunsportsmaine.com. Call us at 207-693-3867 with questions.
Fliteboard 101: What to know before you Flite
Flite leads the industry in eFoils. With the longest lasting battery life, you’ll cruise longer and further than your muscles can handle. So, let’s get going. Here’s Fliteboard 101: a miniseries. Everything you need to know before you Flite.
The 100L Foil Board:
This is the best option for riders > 200lbs or a very conscious beginner. With huge buoyancy and stability, you can balance and correct yourself without much retaliation from the foil itself.
The 100L Board in Ash
The Pro Board:
Think of it as a smaller, more compact version of the 100L. This board suites riders < 200lbs. Even if you have little to no foil experience, or even wake surf experience, you can learn to ride on this board. What will make a huge difference is if you have water sports experience. Being comfortable in the water is extremely important. So is being mindful of what’s going on around you.
The Fliteboard Pro Board in Black
When starting out
When you’re learning to ride, you’ll start out on your belly. It will feel much like getting up on a kneeboard. You have the controller in your hand, and you engage the speed with your pointer finger, much like a video game consul controller. As you pull back on the trigger, the motor will engage and you’ll shoot forward. We recommend that everyone stay far forward, over the nose of the board. As you work up to your knees, keep your hand gripping the nose of the board. This will help you keep the board stable and low against the water.
Flite Controller
When the board gets up on plane, you can scoot onto your knees. It should feel surprisingly stable. If it doesn’t then you don’t have enough weight on the front of the board. You want to keep the nose down while you get a feel for the board and your balance point. Once you’re comfortable, you can speed up, or rise up out of the water. If you start to panic, like most first time riders, think about putting a lot of weight on your front foot. The board will dip towards the lake. Even if it hits the lake, all that happens is you bounce. But if you can remain calm, you’ll save yourself from falling.
Foil wings
For the most part, the wings that we sell at Sun Sports are the flyer 800. Think of it as an all purpose wing, easy and stable enough for anyone to use. Medium cruising speeds. Carving and riding swell. Also built for cruising and stability. The wing attaches to a long mast. The longer mast length allows smooth riding high above the chop and allows for an extreme turning angle without the board touching the water.
Batteries:
We sell two different kind of Fliteboard batteries that you can customize with your efoil package. The first is our personal preference: the Explorer. With 30 more minutes of battery life, the distance you can travel is nearly endless. At least on a lake. The trade off is the extra weight. You’ll notice this difference when carrying your foil on shore. The second battery is the sport battery. Truly a performance upgrade, in the sense that you’re more maneuverable. The lighter weight nature of the battery allows you to be quicker in and out of turns and more agile on the water.
The Fliteboard motor emits a quiet hum, much like a Tesla motor. It’s slightly freaky when you first get on it, because you’d expect it to be much louder. It’s actually rather relaxing to listen to. It’s just enough noise to remind you that there’s a board beneath your feet.
No feeling quite like it.
There’s no feeling quite like it. It’s totally and completely freeing. It has obvious elements of wake surfing attached to it but it also has the solitary therapy of snow skiing. Much like snow skiing, you see and hear others around you, but you’re not riding with them. You’re just riding among them.
Want to learn more?
Call us at 207-693-3867. Or email us at info@sunsportsmaine.com. We are here to answer any and all questions that you have about foiling. Shop online or in store! Check out our website for more.
Closed for the Season. See you in the Spring!
The time has finally come. Summer is over. There is a chill in the air. Winter is coming. The lake will soon freeze which means that we have to lock the doors and pack up shop…for now. Though we are closed for the season, we are always reachable. You can shop online all winter long with us, and follow us on social media to see all the new product as it arrives at the shop. You see, we don’t just pack up and head south when the summer ends. We keep grinding to make sure that the incoming summer is still the best summer that you’ve had yet. And we will see you in the spring.
The off season is not just a time to relax and unwind for us. (though we do a lot of it). It’s a time for us to write orders, receive product, and stock the shelves. There is a lot that goes into the summer time and it happens behind the scenes.
So for now, we bid you farewell. But you can call on us any time you need! Email us at info@sunsportsmaine.com. Call us at 207-693-3867. We will answer all year long. Summer magic doesn’t happen just during the warm weather. We work hard to ensure you see the best version of us at all times. Follow us on instagram. Like us on Facebook. Check out our YouTube Channel! We will see you in the spring.
All you need to know about iKayaks
Inflatable kayaks you say? What could possibly be the advantage of those? Well let me tell you. iKayaks are the next wave in paddle sports. Featuring lighter weight designs, accessory friendly, and durable designs, these are the last kayaks you need in your life. We sell three different models at Sun Sports+. We’ll call them the good, the better, and the best. Let’s get into it.
The Chinook Series
The Chinook 90 is Aquaglide’s shortest open cockpit kayak that provides exceptional maneuverability for calm rivers and shorter trips on flat water. With its compact 9-foot open bow layout, the Chinook allows for easy transitions in and out of the boat. If you are looking for a lightweight recreational boat that’s easy to set-up and provides easy transitions in and out of the water, the Chinook 90 is for you.
How does it feel to paddle:
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this kayak. It has a narrow channel for the paddler to sit in, which was very comfortable for me. I’m 5’5 relatively small build. It was very comfortable to sit in. The Chinook 90 might not feel super comfortable for larger adults. But it tracked straight and handled well in a little wind. All in all, the Chinook is a great series of iKayaks.
Features:
Best For: recreational 1-person flat-water paddling.
Capacity: 1-person | 250 lb. (113 kg) max weight.
Warranty: 1-year limited against any manufacturing defects.
Dimensions: 9’ (274 cm) L x 35” (89 cm) W x 12.5” (32 cm) H.
Weight: 19 lb. (8.7 kg).
Includes: kayak, seat, quick-release fin, storage bag, and repair kit.
Not Included: footrest, pump, paddle, and PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
Requires Boston and Small Boston (Stem) Valve adaptors to inflate properly.
The Deschutes Series
Named after the famous Deschutes river in Bend, Oregon, the Deschutes Series of ikayaks fly through flat water with a straight rocker and are as rugged and diverse as the river it’s named after.
Built with cutting edge technology and EVA floor, the lightweight Deschutes allows for more compact packing. Duratex construction, paired with inflatable thwart and EVA floor creates rigidity and lightweight efficient performance.
How does it feel to paddle:
The floor of the kayak is my favorite part. It’s sturdy and rigid. The seat was a little more comfortable than the Chinook. But the Kayak is super wide. I felt pretty small within it. Again, I’m only 5’5. So the kayak felt wide for me. But it was super comfortable. It seemed a little lighter in weight than the Chinook and the wind seemed to blow it around slightly more. But if you were paddling in calm waters, you’d enjoy the Deschutes more so.
The Key user features in the Deschutes 130 kayak are:
- Quick release fin
- Core 2 seat
- Drain plugs
- Molded handles
- Halkey-Roberts type valve
- 400lb capacity
- 21lbs
The Chelan Series
The Chelan 120 is a premium choice for all types of paddling. The unique combination of rugged Duratex™ tube construction with a drop-stitch, hard-bottom floor results in a rigid and responsive open cockpit inflatable kayak. Regardless of skill level, the Chelan 120 is capable of traditional hard-shell kayak performance for years of worry-free effortless paddling. The Chelan comes in a tandem too if you want to paddle with a friend!
What does it feel to paddle:
The Chelan felt just like a hardshell kayak. The inflatable seat is the highlight of this kayak. You can let air out of the kayak to sit lower in the boat. You can inflate the seat more to sit up higher. The rigid floor is sturdy enough that you could stand upright in the boat in the middle of the lake without flipping over.
Features:
Best For: 1-person performance touring.
Capacity: 1-person | 300 lb. (136 kg) max weight.
Warranty: 2-year limited against any manufacturing defects.
Dimensions: 11’-3” (344 cm) L x 32.5” (82.6 cm) W x 11.5” (29.2 cm) H.
Weight: 28 lb. (12.9 kg).
Scotty Mount Screw Specs: Not Applicable
Includes: kayak, seat, fin, storage bag, Halkey-Roberts Valve adaptor, and repair kit.
Not Included: pump, paddle, and PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
What does it feel like to actually paddle an iKayak?
The Chinook is a very comfortable ride. It is incredibly buoyant and floats like a small boat. But it paddles and turns quickly. The Deschutes will get you a harder floor and a more comfortable seat. The Deschutes is just as durable, but feels wider when you’re sitting in it. This would be a great choice for larger adult riders, or someone looking to adventure with more equipment. The Chelan is the biggest step up. It is a drop stitched inflatable floor which feels super sturdy. The seat is inflatable as well so you can adjust how high or low you sit in your iKayak.
These iKayaks track straight in the water. I preferred to paddle in calmer water as the wind seemed to push them around in a storm and cause you to drift off course. The best part about these kayaks is how easy they are to get into. You can literally sit on the side wall of the kayak and swing over into it. They are that sturdy! Even the tandems surprised me – they were comfortable, sturdy, and all in all a great ride.
iKayaks at Sun Sports+
We carry all three types of iKayaks as well as different sizes of each version. We keep them inflated on the showroom floor so you can see what the models look like, sit down inside them, and pick them up. Once you feel how lightweight they are, you’ll never go back to a hardshell kayak again.
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Columbus Day
We are giving summer a little encore. The store will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Columbus Day! Fridays & Saturdays the shop is open from 11-6 and Sundays from 11-5! We still have crazy deals available in store. 20-40% off nearly everything in store. That’s just 3 more weekends left to save big on clothing, apparel and equipment. Shop online in the mean time here.
What are some deals going on?
- 25% off all of this years hottest clothing and apparel styles
- 30% off your favorite sunnies
- 25% off the best of water sports equipment
- 20% off foam core and inflatable paddle boards
What does Sun Sports+ do in the off season?
That’s a great question. Once we close the doors and lock them on summer time, we do an inventory count of everything that’s left in the store. It’s tedious, but we still manage to have some fun. All the clothing gets packed away for next summer and we make room for the new products to arrive in 2023. The Wake Wizard is busy at this point writing orders for new wakeboards, waterskis, surfers, and more. Believe it or not, all those orders get submitted before the calendar year is even close to over. Once all that is complete, we sit back and catch our breath.
We will swap our waterskis for snow skis and hit the slopes during the winter also. And we will get on the snowmobile and cruise around. We make the most out of winter even though summer is really special to us. The shop is still accessible in the off season. It’s cold in there for sure, (the building isn’t insulated) but believe it or not we still meet people there upon request! We are always accessible. You can call us 365 days out of the year and odds are that someone will answer the phone. If you send us an email, you’ll get a reply!
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Columbus Day!
In the mean time, you can shop online! Follow us on Instagram or like us on Facebook for more water sports content. Check out our YouTube Channel for great content on and off the water! Stop by the shop this weekend and say hello! And if you’re not around, then we will see you in the spring.