Kayak Extravaganza at Ocean Auction Paddling enthusiasts are in for a special treat at the Georgia Strait Alliance's "Year of the Ocean" Auction in Courtenay (Vancouver Island, BC), Saturday May 2nd. While the auction features over 130 great goods and services for ocean-lovers and landlubbers alike, there will be some particularly enticing bargains on kayaking trips, lessons, gear and events for both novice and seasoned paddlers. Leading the list of kayaking items on the auction block are two full registrations to the 12th annual Coast Kayak Symposium, May 15-18 on Thetis Island. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to kayak or to improve your paddling skills, with a full range of on-water and on-shore workshops, meals, accommodation, private ferry for those coming from Vancouver, lessons, gear and a lot of fun included (approximately $700 value). Among the many other valuable kayak items that have been donated are: * a multi-day trip in the Johnstone Strait area with Coast Mountain Expeditions * a weekend tour for 2 in the southern Gulf Islands aboard a 45-ft "Mothership" sailing ketch by Windrunner Ocean Adventures * a Gulf Island weekend for 2 from Gabriola Cycle & Kayak * a kayak clinic for 2 from Island Escapades plus accommodation on Salt Spring Island * introductory day trips, lessons and kayak rentals from Comox Valley Kayaks, Tree Island Kayaking and Ecomarine Ocean Kayaking Centre * 3-day Hike, Bike, Kayak Weekend adventure from Cowichan Bay, Saltspring Island, to Carmanah Valley plus deluxe B&B, with Eco-West Adventures * one week in small, well equipped cabin on Nootka Island for up to 4 people, plus use of kayaks * Introductory Kayak Lessons with Western Wildcat Tours * an Aqua-Bound Expedition fibreglass paddle and life jackets * kayak equipment from North Island Water Sports Besides kayaking, the auction promises plenty of other exciting items for all tastes. "Great Getaway" vacations will be offered including luxury weekends at Whistler and Hollyhock Retreat Centre and weekends on five different Gulf Islands along with other destinations. Other items on the auction block include great music and theatre events (including your very own house concerts with two of the West Coast's most popular musicians), seafood, original art, jewelry and crafts, a private plane ride, a middle Eastern dance performance, autographed books and CDs, yard and garden supplies and many useful services... and even a life-sized mermaid! The event features live and silent auctions, live music, door prizes, delectable desserts and refreshments. Best of all, the proceeds of the auction go to aid the marine environment. The event takes place on Saturday, May 2 at the Florence Filberg Centre (upper hall), 411 Anderton Ave. in downtown Courtenay. It starts at 7 pm. All are welcome. For information call 250-337-5412 or 339-9895 in the Comox Valley or GSA's Nanaimo office at 250-753-3459. Or visit http://www.onenw.org/~gsa/events.html. For information on the Coast Kayak Symposium call Mercia Sixta at 604-853-9320 or 604-597-1122. Or visit http://www.wie.com/~wavenet/events.html. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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