2009 Seminars
- All About Rolling
- Choosing a Canoe
- Choosing a Canoe Paddle
- Choosing a Kayak Paddle
- Choosing Your First Kayak
- Efficient Forward Stroke for Kayakers
- Getting Started in Whitewater
- Kayak Fishing
- Transporting Your Canoe/Kayak
- Wilderness First Aid
- Women's Paddling Forum
All About Rolling
Rolling a kayak is an extremely useful safety skill for sea and whitewater kayakers, especially for those seeking out more challenging conditions. But it can also just be a fun way to cool off on a hot day! If you have an interest in learning how to roll, or have previously struggled in your attempts to learn, Sherri will give you lots of helpful pointers on how to improve your chances for success. Don't miss this presentation at 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Choosing a Canoe
Canoes are NOT all the same. Differences in length and width are just the beginning. Hull shape, degree of rocker, volume, and hull material all combine to produce a wide array of models each suited for different purposes. Whether you are looking for a canoe to fish from, camp out of, run rapids, race, or take the family out on a calm lake you will benefit from this presentation on canoe design. Wenonah Canoes, located in nearby Winona, Minnesota is known for the large number of canoe models and designs that they manufacture and for the effort they put into educating consumers. Almost the half of the Wenonah catalog is devoted to articles explaining hull design and materials. A representative from Wenonah Canoes will give this seminar at 10:30am on Saturday.
Choosing a Canoe Paddle
No matter what kind of canoeing you do, your paddle is the piece of gear that contributes most to your enjoyment of the experience. That said, it's really important to have the right paddle, but with so many choices of length, blade, grip, shaft, and materials, how do you know that you are getting the right paddle? Bending Branches has been manufacturing canoe paddles since 1982 in Osceola, Wisconsin. A representative from Bending Branches will be here at 11:30am on Saturday to answer your questions and talk you through your choices in canoe paddles.
Choosing a Kayak Paddle
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. Heidi Erland 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 twice, 12:30pm on Saturday and again at 2:30pm on Sunday.
Choosing Your First Kayak
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 and 1:30pm on Saturday, and again at 12:30pm on Sunday.
Efficient Forward Stroke for Kayakers
Gary returns to Paddlefest again this year to give a new and updated version of his extremely popular talk on the forward stroke. Gary Simon is a retired ACA and BCU certified sea kayaking instructor with a current passion for racing. Regardless of whether you paddle a recreational kayak for relaxation or want to compete at the highest level, Gary can help you find ways to make your forward stroke more efficient and and less tiring. Don't miss his seminar at 11:30am on Saturday.
Getting Started in Whitewater
Don't let the title fool you. This seminar is not just for beginners with questions about how to get started in the sport of whitewater. Experienced kayakers will likely learn some things as well. Rob Smage is a well-respected local paddler with years of experience running local rivers. As he always does, Rob will gear his talk for the level of experience in the audience. If you're a beginner, Rob can give you some good advice. If you're more experienced, he can share some of his favorite local play spots. Sea kayakers should also seriously consider attending this talk at 12:30pm on Sunday since whitewater kayaking skills can greatly enhance rough water paddling.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing pro, Dan Dalton, will be at Paddlefest this year courtesy of Old Town Canoes and Kayaks. He will be giving a talk at 1:30pm on Saturday on using a kayak for fishing. If you enjoy paddling and fishing, or you are looking for a new way to reach out-of-the-way fishing spots, kayak fishing may be for you! Following the talk, Dan will continue his seminar with an on-water demo beginning at 2:30pm on Saturday. You'll want to see his fully decked out fishing kayak!
Transporting Your Canoe/Kayak
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 12:30pm Saturday and again at 1:30pm on Sunday.
Wilderness First Aid
Whether you kayak, backpack, rock climb, or just camp at the state parks with your family, it's a good idea to have some background knowledge of first aid. It's even better to have training in Wilderness First Aid. Most first aid courses assume that you will be in an urban environment with medical help just a quick phone call away. Wilderness first aid teaches you to handle situations when medical assistance may be hours or days away! Presenter John Browning is an EMT, a Wilderness EMT, and an ACA Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainer. You're sure to learn a lot of valuable information at this presentation held 1:30pm on Sunday.
Women's Paddling Forum
Women often have unique questions and concerns that they may be hesitant to voice in front of the guys. This is your opportunity to ask those questions and get answers from experienced female paddlers who have probably faced some of the same difficulties and have worked out solutions. We have a list of possible topics to discuss in case you forget what you wanted to ask. This forum will convene at 11:30am on Saturday.
