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I have just returned for the 5^th annual Downeast sea kayak symposium run by Mark and Mel Rice-Schoon at Carpe Deim Kayak Company and it was a blast ! The event drew participants from throughout the Northeast of U.S.A. and Canada, and as far away as California.

Like most symposium’s this event focuses on skill development at all levels. Mark and Mel have created a symposium which provides exceptional balance for all participants. The range of skills offered through the sessions at this symposium ranged from basic strokes, navigation to technical rock and ledge paddling skills and tidal currents.

In addition to being able to participate and teach several of these skill clinics, I was also able to paddle my newest P&H Sea Kayaks team boat – the Cetus LV if you a smaller paddler this is the boat for you. I had a great play in the tidal race and around the rocks. Love the new day hatch, great for your camera and extra bits.

The wide range of skills that were offered through the sessions at this symposium is only possible due to the expansive pedigree of the coaches involved. Mark and Mel brought in some exceptional talent for this year’s event. Nigel Robinson from Wales, P&H Team members – John Carmody, Steve Maynard, Russell Farrow and Suzanne Hutchinson (P&H team member and Kokatat New England representative). Along with the coaching staff, the volunteer efforts of Warner Moss, Nate Hanson and several students from the expedition planning program at Plattsburg University has certainly not gone unnoticed, great job everyone !.

If you have not had the chance to paddle in the Bar Harbor area I would highly recommended it. You can find many day trip areas In and around Mountain Desert Island. The coast line is littered with larger rock cliffs as well as rock outcroppings, which provide ample opportunity for skill progression and fun. For those of you interested in tidal paddling, the tidal stream at Sullivan Fall’s is well worth the trip. The falls forms standing waves on both the ebb and flood. One cannot forget Acadia National park and everything else the Bar Harbor area brings with it, great pubs, local beer and great people. This area was featured in Eastern Horizons http://reelwaterproductions.com/ a paddling film produced by Bryan Smith Team Kokatat and P&H team paddler.

From the feedback I received, people at the event were very pleased with the clinics offered, the atmosphere and the overall logistics and organization of the symposium. At the end of the event I know many people were tired but content. On behalf of P&H Sea Kayaks and Kokatat, I join Mark and Mel in thanking all the sponsors for their gracious support of this symposium and the advancement of the sport of kayaking. A full list off the sponsors can be found at. Carpe Deim Kayak Company

Highlights of the event:

BAR-B-QUE at Mainely Meats, Great Weather, Great people, great paddling

Submitted by Christopher Lockyer

P&H Sea kayak Team Member

Kokatat regional representative

Owner of Committed 2 the core Sea Kayak coaching www.committed2thecore.com

Caving

I went for a ‘training’ paddle with my buddy Bryant Burkhardt the other day, as part of our preparation for our attempt to visit all eight of the Channel Islands of California next month (see http://www.expeditionkayak.com/content/?page_id=303).

Our ‘training’ consisted of a huge ferry glide under the Golden Gate Bridge from the north to the south tower against a powerful flood tide and then a playful paddle out to Seal Rock off the Cliff House adjacent to Ocean Beach, San Francisco.

We played in the tide and swell pushing through the spectacular natural arch at the north end of Ocean Beach before crossing to Point Bonita to play in the caves and arches there. Good times!

And today I paddled the boat I will be taking on the trip for the first time. She’s a beauty. A Cetus MV, with a metallic white deck and cool team graphics. We launch from Gaviota near Santa Barbara on Friday. Fingers crossed for calm winds and no fog!

Thanks to the guys at P&H for building such a beautiful boat. She handles like a dream – fast, playful and stable – the perfect balance.