Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium
JULY 15th-18th 2010 Grand Marais Michigan
The oldest kayaking symposium on the Great Lakes! Grand Marais Michigan, has a protected harbor that is ideal for class sessions and skills practice while offering a perfect starting point for unforgettable trips along the scenic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Whether you are being introduced to kayaking for the first time or you have been on the water for years, attendees will enjoy learning from a team of qualified, highly experienced individuals who are passionate about the sport and eager to share their knowledge in a non-competitive, supportive, and encouraging atmosphere. All abilities are welcome!
DOWNLOAD THE 2010 BROCHURE!
STAY CONNECTED BY JOINING THE GREAT LAKES SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM GROUP PAGE ON FACEBOOK!
FREYA HOFFMEISTER IS
PRESENTING AT GLSKS!
BAD NEWS......GOOD NEWS!
Just found out the Jon Bowermaster can't make it to GLSKS as he has just committed to a paddling trip to Greenland. Good news is that Freya Hoffmeister will be taking his place! Freya will be presenting on her latest paddling trip- A Circumnavigation of Australia! Spread the word as this will be a "Can't Miss Show"!
Check out the latest on Freya at:
http://qajaqunderground.co m/
SYMPOSIUM UPDATES AND INFO
UPDATE 5-13-10
JUST ADDED!
Long time GLSKS instructor Ron Smith has graciously agreed to offer two amazing classes for the symposium. Check them out below! We will announce dates and times at the symposium sign up
Unlocking the Secrets of the WING
Since it's inception in the 1970's the Wing paddle has been thought to be restricted to sprint racers. With Freya Hoffmeister's recent circumnavigation of Australia exclusively using the wing paddle maybe the Wing Paddle will get some respect as a viable touring paddle. But wait!.. one must unlock the secret of paddling the Wing to benefit from the unique attributes of this paddle. This class will explore the proper technique for using a Wing paddle through a variety of strokes including bracing and rolling with the Wing. Limited Wing paddles are available so please borrow, buy or steal one (just not one of mine) for the class. Noted explorer, Jon Turk, switched to a Wing paddle for his expeditions upon having taken this class...maybe you will too!
Hey, I'm Over Here! ...Signaling for Recognition and Rescue
Whether you simply want to be noticed by the powerboats around you or trying to get the Coast Guard chopper to pluck you out of the soup on Lake Superior, a combination of the right gear and knowledge of how and when to use it is vital to your safety. This lunch and learn mini session will review the proper equipment that should be carrier by sea kayakers on open water. Equipment including whistles, lights, mirrors, flares, dyes and distress flags among others will be discussed.
Contact Info
For any questions about the symposium or registration please contact GLSKS at 906-226-7112 or www.downwindsports.com.
Contact Numbers
Don't count on your cell phone working in Grand Marais! If you are staying in cabins or someplace else that has a telephone, you should provide your family with that number so they can contact you if necessary. If you are camping or staying somewhere without a phone, the following numbers are possible contact numbers. Make sure your family understands that these numbers are to be used for EMERGENCIES ONLY.
Urgent, but not Emergency Messages
Woodland Park Campground (906) 494-2613
Emergency Messages
Alger County Sheriff (906) 387-4444
Bill Thompson Event Organizer 906-361-0083
GRAND MARAIS NEEDS OUR HELP!
We're almost there, but we need your help! The Grand Marais breakwall project is nearing the homestretch. Once again, we need you to show your support for this project. The environmental assessments have been completed, and we have until February 28th to submit a final round of comments on this project to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please submit your letters of support! The environmental assessment and a printable letter of support are online at: www.saveyourharbor.com OR www.grandmaraismichigan.com