[Paddlewise] Charleston Paddle Fest

April 16, 2003
Charleston, SC

Just finished attending my first East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival (their 
13th), in charleston, SC.  Friday's weather was 54 F., cloudy and threatening 
rain.  Saturday and Sunday were glorious (sunny seventies).

I really enjoyed the small group classes with Wayne Horodowich and Derek 
Hutchinson; and watching control demos by Nigel Foster.  Traveling like we 
do, I haven't had much exposure to profecient paddlers and can see that I 
have a lot of homework to do!  I also have to figure aout a way to get back 
here next year.

I've now attended four separate paddling festivals: West Coast (Port 
Townsend, WA); SW Harbor (Mt. Desert Isle, ME); Ausin, TX; and this one, East 
Coast (Charleston, SC).  As far as learning opportnities go, this one has 
been my favorite.  There was a great selection of "on-the-water" classes, 
expert demos, and seminars.  Pre/post festival events included ACA & BCU 
advanced training and certifications.  It has also been the most convenient; 
great campground and access to the small lake (where most events took place).

There was also the opportunity to demo a wide variety of new boats and to 
pick out my next one, a Current Designs Gulfstream.  Having space for only 
two boats, I have to sell my wife's old one first (she gets mine). 

I hope it sells soon!

Chuck Flanaan


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