2010 Seminars

Choosing a Kayak Paddle

Kelly Blades, Werner Paddles

Don't overlook this very important piece of accessory gear when buying a kayak! Anyone who kayaks can attest to the importance of using a light and efficient paddle. If you already own a kayak and have been dissatisfied with your paddling experience, it may well be that you don't have the right paddle. Kelly Blades from Werner Paddles will explain the differences in blade shapes and materials and then help you determine the correct style and size paddle to suit your needs. This presentation will be offered at 11:30am on Saturday.

Choosing Your First Kayak

Sherri Mertz

Before you head out to do some test paddling, stop in and listen to Sherri's presentation on Choosing Your First Kayak. Sherri has been the paddle sports manager at Laacke & Joys for the past eight years, an ACA-certified kayak instructor for the last 10 years, and a sea kayaker for over 20 years. She can tell you about the differences in kayak types and materials, and how hull design features will affect performance. Sherri's talk will be given at 10:30am on Saturday, and again at 12:30pm on Sunday.

Kayaking for Door County Smallies

Bill Schultz

Bill Schultz lives in New Berlin, WI and is on a variety of Pro Staffs, including Wilderness Systems Kayaks. His seminar, "Kayaking for Door County Smallies", is something he knows a great deal about. ince 1995 Bill has spent 130 days catching and releasing 3,500 smallmouth bass in the beautiful clear waters of Door County. When you add his river fishing he has caught and released over 12,000 smallies during the past 15 years. In his seminar Bill will share what you need to know to have a successful fishing experience on one of the top smallie fisheries in the country. You will learn where to launch, where to fish, what lures produce and how to use them. The bonus is these techniques work on any waters holding smallies. He will also discuss fishing kayaks and related equipment to optimize your Door County fishing experience. This seminar starts at 12:30pm on Saturday

Intro to canoeing

Dana Henry, We-no-nah Canoe

Whether you are looking to get started in canoeing or if you are just looking for ideas for the next trip, come meet with Dana from We-no-nah Canoe. Dana will be going over the basics of paddle strokes and boat manuvering and will then show a presentation on canoeing the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. This presentation will begin at 1:30pm on Saturday

Transporting Your Canoe/Kayak

Emily Rach, Yakima

Once you have a canoe or kayak, you will need a way to transport that boat to and from your favorite waterways. Emily is a sales representative for Yakima, maker of multi-sport car racks. She can help you to find a transportation solution to fit just about any vehicle. Learn to carry your boat safely and securely on the highway. If you are looking for ways to make it easier to load a kayak by yourself, Emily can give you some ideas and show you options. This seminar will be offered at 2:30pm on Saturday.