Well, it certainly has been a busy start to the year so far.  With the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show, The Quiet Water Symposium (Michigan), and the Ottawa Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show already under our belts, it was time to head to Kitchener-Waterloo for the KW Canoe Symposium.

I have been to five of the six Symposiums and even had the opportunity to give a presentation on Woodland Caribou Provincial Park one year.  This year I was back as a sponsor with Paddling Adventures Radio. Attendee, Presenter, Sponsor. I must like the event. 🙂

Organized by David Bain, the KW Canoe Symposium is a one day event that showcases people that incorporate canoeing into their lives in some fashion. Whether it is as a canoe tripper such as myself or a musician that writes songs of the canoe and paddling, the presenters David lines up each year is sure to please the audience. This year was no exception.

The line up for the 2017 KW Canoe Symposium:

Jeff McColl  “Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands: A History”

Jeff talked about his lifetime spent in and around this newest Ontario Provincial Park.

Drew Czernik  “100 Lakes 100 Days”

Drew realized he had not seen as much of Algonquin Park as he would have liked. To fix this, he set a goal to paddle 100 lakes in 100 days in an effort to make up for lost time.

Stephen Orlando  “Path of the Paddle Stroke”

It is one movement that all canoeists are familiar with. Stephen presented his canoe light painting photo series that revealed the beauty of the paddle stroke.

The Tumpline Symphony  “Campfire Songs”

The musical interlude for the day.  A couple of acoustic guitars, a bass guitar, and a violin. Throw in some vocals and what a great set. Organizer David Bain was one of the guitarists. The set featured Stan Roger’s Northwest Passage which many of the audience members joined in singing the chorus.

Christina Scheuermann  “Camper Christina”

Christina related the adventures and misadventures of her first canoe trip.  Having barely paddled a canoe and having no idea what going on a backcountry trip involved, she muddled her way through and came back with a taste for more.

Jim Baird  “Kesagami River to James Bay”

Jim told his story of a solo trip he took down the canoe eating rapids of the Kesagami and then along the tempestuous James Bay Coast. As much as we all hope our trips go well and without difficulties, Jim leaves nothing out. He shared the good, the bad, and the ugly.

A great line up with great presentations. At the end of the day I think everyone was ready for the warm weather to start and eager to get out on the water.

Until next year’s Symposium, thanks to David, the presenters, and everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.

Sean