Site Logo

Kayak symposium for everyone from beginners to experts

Published 4:06 am Friday, April 11, 2008

By Michele Mihalovich, for Peninsula Daily News

By Michele Mihalovich, for Peninsula Daily News

PORT ANGELES — Whether you’re an experienced sea kayaker who paddles around the San Juans or a first-timer new to the sport, the eighth annual Port Angeles Kayak Symposium, which begins today and runs through Sunday, has something for you.

The three-day event, sponsored by Olympic Raft & Kayak in Port Angeles, hosts clinics, entertainment, races and slide shows at Hollywood Beach, the Red Lion Hotel and various other locations around town.

Dave King, owner of Olympic Raft & Kayak, said there is much to see and do for every skill level.

“We’re very novice friendly, so this is a great place for newcomers to learn kayaking skills,” he said.

King also pointed out that for people who are thinking about purchasing a kayak, dealers are bringing about 80 different kayak models for people to “test-drive” in the water at Hollywood Beach.

“That way people get to feel what’s right for them before they make a purchase,” he said.

King said the most popular events are the slide shows, which have instructors who highlight trips they’ve taken around the world.

“The instructors are also teaching advanced skills,” he said.

“You can never stop learning when it comes to kayak techniques.”

Some of the featured events include:

  • Sea kayaking clinic for the beginner, Hollywood Beach, today, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., $5.

  • Cold water immersion and hypothermia clinic, Red Lion Hotel, today, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., $5.

  • Live music with Deadwood Revival band, Red Lion Hotel, today, 8:30 p.m. to midnight, $5.

  • For women only clinic, instruction on emptying bladders discreetly, Red Lion Hotel, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12;3o p.m., $5.

  • Deep water rescues clinic, Paddle Park at Ediz Hook, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., $20.

  • Eskimo rolling clinic, Port Angeles City Pool, Saturday, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., $25.

  • Digital photography from a kayak, Red Lion Hotel, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., $5.

  • Building a woodstrip kayak clinic, Red Lion Hotel, Sunday, noon to 2:30 p.m., $10.

  • Third annual Coho Dodge and Dash Kayak Race, sponsored by Olympic Raft & Kayak and Olympic Peninsula Paddlers Club on Sunday.

    The race begins at 9 a.m., so participants need to be there a half-hour early to register. Prizes will be awarded for first and second places.

    Admission to beach events is free, but sponsors are requesting a $5 donation or non-perishable food items for the local food bank.

    For more information on symposium events, phone 360-452-1443 or go to RaftandKayak.com.

    • You Might Like