BCU Paddlesports Weekend in Burlington

[brwells]

Just got back from this event and needed to write a bit about these fabulous three days. Held at St. Michael's College, the paddling was at several beautiful spots on and around Lake Champlain. It's nice to see mountains while paddling on a lake that looks as large as the ocean.

Lisa Macdougall came up with me and we met a new NSPN'er, Marc Parsons, while there. We got to work with Mark Schoon, Ben Lawry, Steve Maynard, John Carmody, Peter Casson, and other top coaches. All were as wonderful as you have heard. Spending hours on one aspect such as the forward stroke, or edging, gives one a new perspective - and a realization that there is so much more to learn and practice - on the skills. The patience and expertise of these coaches, their enthusiasm and advice, made the intense full days a joy.

Lisa attended a White Water session for a full day - ask her about it and see the smile. We took classes on rolling (still stuck with a Pawlatta, but have a fresh understanding of the problem with my sweep roll), edging, rescues, forward stroke, and fundamentals.

All is highly recommended - and many of these same coaches will be attending the Downeast Symposium in September and the Sea Kayak Camp in October. Yes, sounds like an ad I suppose, but I cannot say enough about how fantastic this kind of experience is for one trying to better their kayaking skills. And to work with such great coaches.

Brian

P&H Capella 163

Red/White/Black trim

NDK Explorer

Melon/Teal/White

[Gillian]

Brian, great trip report and I'm so glad you had such a blast up there. It was great to see you and Lisa up there and I'm only sorry we could only stay up there 2 nights! It sounds like the other trainings you attended were amazing! I'd like to see you practice the Mark Schoon trademark hula hoop, loosey goosey hips in your boat move next time we paddle