Fifth Annual Whitewater Symposium Slated
Want to hang with the big boys of the whitewater world? Want to learn paddling tips from the likes of EJ, Ken Whiting, Mary DeReimer and, believe it or not, squirt-meister Woody Callaway?
Then head to the Fifth Annual Whitewater Symposium in McHenry, Maryland, October 19-22, 2007, for a three-day event that uses inter-active presentations and open-forum discussions to generate new ideas for promoting whitewater kayaking. The country’s foremost paddling professionals, instructors, manufacturers, retailers, journalists, and program leaders will descend on the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) for the fifth running of the event, which has already been held in California, Colorado, Vermont and North Carolina.
Through exploring quality instruction, state of the art equipment, best practices in safety, positive media images, and a broader range of paddling opportunities, the Symposium offers a unique meeting of minds who are passionate about paddling and who strive to be pro-active in fortifying its future.
“One of the greatest benefits of this event comes from the variety of networking opportunities and the number of contacts to be made,” says event co-founder Kent Ford. “Attendees include an impressive Who’s Who of the paddlesports world and everyone has something interesting to share.”
Among this year’s 30-plus top-notch presenter line-up will be: Eric Jackson, Woody Calloway, Ken Whiting, Jim Snyder, Anna LeVesque, Joe Pulliam, Mary DeRiemer, Sam Drevo, Joe Jacobi, and many more. Even Paddling Life’s Eugene Buchanan will be on hand giving talks on PR in Paddlesports and a slide show/book signing of the art of landing grants through his new title, Brothers on the Bashkaus by Fulcrum Publishing. Topics will touch on teaching, risk management, industry trends, programming, marketing, stewardship, and venue development among others.
While past symposiums have held whitewater clinics of all walks on such rivers as the Nantahala, Deerfield, American and Colorado, this year’s event will take place on an artificial course for the first time at ASCI’s brand new mountain-top, recirculating whitewater venue.
A number of catered meals are part of the Symposium program and special lodging arrangements will be made available for participants. It’s three days packed with inspirational presentations, compelling dialogue, and a river full of fun (and, of course, the necessary debauchery). Find out more and register at: www.WWSymposium.com
