Am finally recovered and rested from an incredible weekend of teaching and paddling up at the Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium last weekend.  With weather that was anything but sunny and warm we had a chance to introduce participants to wind, waves, and paddling in the cold and damp.  The results were fantastic as personal comfort zones were pushed and skills that can only be taught in these conditions were learned.  Saturdays surf and wind paddling classes were so rewarding for both participants and instructors and the grin factor was off the charts!!!

I was finally able to see the west and north side of Grand Island, as our trip on Friday pushed through some interesting conditions and distances to be rewarded with views of the cliffs most don't see.  The cold, fog and reflective waves made the paddle that much more complex.  My group earned their beverage of choice that evening.

Saturday night's live music brought out the happy feet in the crowd and allowed for complete celebration of a day of great paddling.  Sorry I can't recall the name of the band but they are from Kalamazoo and played Irish or celtic traditionals blended into modern rock for a groove that was easy to stomp, hop, twirl and groove to.

Of course on Sunday the sun appeared, but for whatever reason(tired arms and legs??), many students didn't so a large group of us instructors who rarely get to paddle together for fun took advantage of the opportunity to get outside the harbor and play in the surf by the pier.  Two hours of great fun and pretty technical conditions used up any energy I had left.  As is always the case, it was difficult to load up and leave.

There was much gossip on the state of this symposium as the GLSKA club passed management over to the great folks at Downwind Sports out of Marquette.  Unless I completely mis-read the intentions of most of my fellow instructors and the energy from the participants, this symposium will be back again next season after what should be a seamless transition.  Don't miss this one next year.  There can be few spots on earth as well suited for a kayak syposium as Grand Marais.  Great trip options, great learning environment, and a community that loves it's paddling guests.  See you there!!!