If you want to build your kayaking skills, there is a new venue for Chesapeake Bay area paddlers this fall. In late September (23rd, 24th and 25th) a small symposium will be held in Kiptopeke State Park at the southern end of the Eastern Shore.  It should be a great time, and I’m teaching some advanced and open water skill sessions on Friday and Saturday.

You can get more information at this Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172884259425377.  and here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiptopeke-Sea-Kayaking-Symposium/208928695802834?sk=info.  I’ll post more details as we get closer to the date, but go ahead and mark your calendar now.

Here are the courses I will be teaching (so far):

Life on the Edge and Beyond: Take your boat control to a new level and find out just how far you can edge your boat.  This session is all about building confidence and boat handling skills, and discovering new ways to manuever your kayak, particularly as the conditions get rough.  We’ll spend the first part of the day with edging and blending support strokes together to help with seamless transitions and efficiency on the water.  We’ll also cover bracing in conditions, rough water rolling (including the surf zone) and rescues.  Not for the faint at heart, or newer paddlers.  A reliable roll is encouraged; self- and assisted rescue experience required.  A helmet is required.  Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

Open Water L4 Skills Day: Heading out beyond the surf zone and into open water requires more than good paddling skills.  Our L4 skills day is designed to build on your solid flat/protected water skill set in a fun, creative way, exposing you to navigation techniques, advanced rescues/contingency/group management scenarios and boat control in open water.  In addition to paddling skills development, topics include tide & chart interpretation and use, radio use, marine and shipping hazards, and more.  This is a great way to get exposure to open water paddling, or learn some new techniques and tips if you’re already paddling in open water.  L4 Skills Assessment available for qualified candidates.

Participants should have a solid foundation in basic strokes, braces and rescues. Experience with self and assisted rescues. Eskimo roll is helpful, but not required. A helmet is required.