Clinics & Demos:
Kayak Clinic Series
Oct 26 between 1 and 5 pm
Bowditch Point Park on Fort Myers Beach
This FREE series of "how to" clinics will take place outside on the patio picnic area. It is open to all novice and expert paddlers as a opportunity to learn more ways to use your kayak for adventures. Please note that the new kayak launch area at Bowditch Point Park will be open to the public by October 2008, and that there is a per vehicle parking fee of $1.00 per hour at all times at the Bowditch Point Park.
 
1 pm: How to Build Your Own Skin-on-Frame Kayak - with Don McCumber and Mike Devlin
Mike Devlin (President of Paradise Coast Paddler's Club - Naples, FL) and Don McCumber (longtime local paddler with numerous kayaking videos on You Tube, as "Woodkayaker") will give an informative presentation on the history of kayaking, and how it relates to today's paddler.   They will do an on-the-spot assembly of a skin-on-frame kayak, from the individual parts, to the completed frame... inside of an hour!  They will explain their new-concept kayak kit designs, and how they are combining kayak history with 21st century technology... creating some super-lightweight, high performance kayaks.  Don't miss this unique presentation. They will have several completed kits for people to test out after the talk

2 pm: How to Begin Fishing From a Kayak - Bill Stewart, Tournament Committee Chair - Kayak Fishing Classic
Bill Stewart and Ben Homola will review the basics of kayak fishing. Topics covered will include basic rigging of the boat, including rod holders, anchor trolleys, storage, coolers, and other items. We will also include information about mounting fish finders and GPS units. Various options for landing and measuring fish will be discussed, including catch and release techniques. Basic fishing techniques will be covered, and several examples of rigged fishing kayaks will be displayed.

3 pm: The Greenland Paddle: Fad or Function? - Ed Engel, Kayak Nature Guide - Grande Tours
Ed will compare the narrow traditional paddle blade to that of modern high tech wide blade paddles.

4 pm: How to Plan and Pack for Camping from a Kayak - Terri Krass, Member - Gulf Coast Backwater Paddlers and Paradise Coast Paddler's Club Packing your kayak for camping can be challenge when you want comfort and convenience but have a very limited cargo space. There are many options when purchasing gear and some items are perfect this type of camping with only small modifications. Terri will demonstrate the gear that she brings and how she packs her kayak for three day trips. She will also share some of the sources that have helped her put together her collection. Most of her camping experience has been with the members of the Southwest Florida Paddling Club who often plan trips to the 10,000 Island area. Every trip provides an opportunity to learn about another piece of gear and perhaps a new technique. Sharing information is one aspect that makes kayak camping so much fun.

5 pm: How to Use a GPS System for Geocaching - Mike Hammond, Park Ranger - Lee County Parks & Recreation
Mike will provide an introduction to geocaching in Lee County Parks ...the how's and where's and the do's and dont's of setting up a cache. Please bring and have working knowledge of your own GPS unit.
 

Basic Kayaking and Tour
Oct 27 at 10 am
Shipwreck Motel on Fort Myers Beach
Learn the basics of kayaking and enjoy a tour on the Orange River - for beginners. $40 per person.
Reservations needed through GAEA Guides at: 239-694-5513
 
Orange River or Hickeys Creek Basic Clinics and Paddles
Oct 25 through Nov 2
Manatee Park & Caloosahatchee Regional Park Campground
Sponsored by Lee County Parks & Recreation
Plan a clinic and paddle for your own group ... any day, any time!
"Guided Paddling Clinics for Groups"
Minimum of 6 participants required. Ten (10) days notice requested.
For reservations and more information, please call (239) 690-5030.
 
 
 
© 2008 Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival - Photographs courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Buearu and Lee County Parks & Recreation Department
The Great Calusa Blueway ‡ Lee County Department of Parks & Recreation ‡ Lee County Offical Website
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