Re: [Paddlewise] Whos Kayak Fest is the biggest Kayak fest

Derek wrote:

> I am curious how this event compares with other kayak
> events out there.  Who's kayak fest is the biggest? 
> The most comprehensive?  The most attended?  Thoughts?

I've attended White Squall's symposium twice, years ago.  It was 
essentially a one day event, but the open house on Saturday and the 
concert Saturday evening made it feel like a weekend event.  It's one of 
the smallest kayak events around and it's very low key.  That doesn't 
detract from the quality in general.  You're lucky - Fred Eaglesmith is 
back and his concerts are good even if you are a fan of other sorts of 
music.  His country&humour style is funny and entertaining and the 
hurtin' songs will tug at your heart while you chuckle (sample song 
title - My Baby's Got Big Hair).  If Mark Schriver is instructing, take 
his forward stroke clinic; it's one of the best (Schriver is a former 
world champion in WW rodeo open canoe).

Other symposia are bigger and the instruction at others I've been to has 
been higher calibre.  The Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Symposium in Grand 
Marais MI every July is a very good one.  Lots of stuff going on and 
some of the best instructors I've come across.  Sweetwater would have 
been just a week ago or so (anyone attend?) - never been but it's a big 
one and apparently attracts a lot of northern paddlers looking for a 
break from winter.  The East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival near 
Charleston, SC is another excellent one (April).  I don't know the 
numbers but I felt is was comparable in number of attendees to the GLSKS.


Mike
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