Port Austin Sea Kayak Symposium

 

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About and What to Bring

The Port Austin Sea Kayak Symposium hosted by Riverside Kayak Connection welcomes paddlers of all ages and abilities for a weekend packed with fun and learning opportunities.  Whether you are being introduced to kayaking for the first time or you have been on the water for years, attendees will enjoy learning from a team of qualified, highly experienced individuals who are passionate about the sport and eager to share their knowledge in a non-competitive, supportive and encouraging atmosphere. 

There will be instructors from many areas of the Midwest as well as Justine Curgenven and Barry Shaw from Wales.  This is a great opportunity to hone in your paddling skills and meet great paddlers from all around.  What better place than at the "Tip of Michigan's Thumb". 

What you’re going to need…
This sea kayak symposium has events for all levels of paddling—beginners through advanced.  No matter your level of paddling expertise, there is something for you!  There is some essential gear you’ll need to pack no matter what you’ll be doing.


Essentials
On-water class participants are responsible for providing their own kayaks and equipment (see below for rental information). A PFD AND A WETSUIT OR DRYSUIT MUST BE WORN WHILE ON THE WATER. Kayaks must have bulkheads or adequate flotation, deck lines and a pump. 


Equipment List

  • Double bulk-headed touring kayak 14'-18' long (Kayaks greater than 16' in length are recommended for Advanced trips)
  • PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
  • Paddle
  • Whistle
  • Appropriate light for paddling after dusk
  • Bilge Pump
  • Spray Skirt (neoprene or neoprene/nylon recommended for rolling classes)
  • Appropriate footwear
  • Waterproof cases or dry bags
  • Wet suit or neoprene separates
  • Dry top or Dry suit (optional, but highly recommended)
  • Tow Rope/Throw Bag (recommended, not required)
  • Paddle float
  • Drinking water (for while on the water)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat / Sun Screen
  • Insect Repellant

                                            Rental Equipment
If you don't have your own gear, rental arrangements must be made prior to arriving in Port Austin.  There will be no on-site rentals available. Rental equipment is available from Riverside Kayak Connection, LLC at (734) 285-2925 or Black Parrot Paddling (734) 878-3689.


For kayaks from Riverside Kayak Connection Plastic Sea Kayaks are $125 and Fiberglass Sea Kayaks are $175.  This includes the kayak, spray skirt, PFD, whistle, paddle, paddle float and hand pump.   You can request a certain kayak but all kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please call by June 12 to make rental arrangements.

 

Quick Info:

When: June 17th-20th

Where:Port Austin Michigan

32 Different Classes You Can Attend

9 Day Trip Options

Many Social Events

Demos Demo kayaks made available by vendors