2010 Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival

Classes / Presentations

Friday, Oct. 29 Wednesday, Nov. 3
Saturday, Oct. 30 Thursday, Nov. 4
Sunday, Oct. 31 Friday, Nov. 5
Monday, Nov. 1 Saturday, Nov. 6
Tuesday, Nov. 2 Sunday, Nov. 7

 

Saturday, Oct. 30:

  • Great Outdoor Adventure Day along the Great Calusa Blueway at Lover's Key State Park 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Coastal Kayak Rescues

    Chris Boland and Jay Rose, certified ACA Kayak Instructors from Naples Kayak Company, will be demonstrating the hierarchy of rescues and breaking down each one of them. They will work with individual students on a first come first serve basis. They will also be going over various rolls and demonstrate those as well. This is a great thing to see if you've never tipped over your kayak or if you just want to get better at getting back in.

    Level:  All skill levels. Resuces from easiest to most difficult.

    Kayaking For Fitness

    Brian Houston will teach this course based upon Epic Kayaks "Forward Stroke Technique" as taught by two time Olympic Gold Medlaist Greg Barton. The lesson will begin with an on shore stretch and discussion on kayak fitness, proper cockpit fit, form and technique of the forward stroke and then move to the water for real application and fun!

    Level:

    FUNdamentals of Foundation Strokes - 10:30 AM

    Topics:

    Safe Unloading and carrying kayaks
    Getting into and out of your kayak

     

    Basic Boat Anatomy
    Paddle Basics
    Beginning Edging
    Beginning Bracing - getting a temporary outrigger
    Recovery - Staying Upright (even if . . .)
    Turning Easily & Efficiently
    Moving Forward
    Going Straight
    Stopping (quickly and easily)
    Moving Backwards under control
    Efficiently Turning Backwards
    - reverse bow rudder
    Moving Sideways

    Level - Beginner on up. Our revolutionary, new-school teaching, and expert personalized feedback teach paddlers far more than they expected.  We've had people with over 20 years experience take this class and were amazed how much they learned.
    Cost - $50, plus $25 for a kayak rental (rental reservations due by Thursday, 10/28)
    Registration (Class size limited to 10)

    Conducted by Don Thompson, Big D’s, Oct. 30 at Lovers Key State Park.

    Bracing, Sculling, and Recoveries - 1:30 PM

     

    Paddlers with some prior experience will see greater results in this class.
    Bracing concepts
    - Low
    - High

    Sculling
    - Horizontal
    - Vertical
    - In between and even 360°

    Fundamental Recoveries
    - Low
    - High

    Braces While Moving
    - Low
    - High
    - Sideways
    - Low & High Brace Turns
    - Bow Rudders (the easier way)
    - Hanging Draw

    Level - Beginner on up. Our revolutionary, new-school teaching, and expert personalized feedback teach paddlers far more than they expected.  We've had people with over 20 years experience take this class and were amazed how much they learned.
    Cost - $50, plus $25 for a kayak rental (rental reservations due by Thursday, 10/28)
    Registration (Class size limited to 10)

    Conducted by Don Thompson, Big D’s, Oct. 30 at Lovers Key State Park.

 

    Kayaking A to Z - Lovers Key - Greg Stamer

    This program starts on land and covers a variety of topics from basic kayak design to paddling gear. The instructor then gets on the water to demonstrate paddling techniques. Starting with basic paddle strokes and progressing through intermediate stroke combinations to advanced rolling and self rescues. The program is audience driven and questions are encouraged.  After the program there will be time for individual questions and some instruction. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
    Oct. 30 at Lovers Key and Oct. 31 at San Carlos RV Resort

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Sunday, Oct. 31:

  • Circumnavigate Lover's Key 9 a.m.

    9 a.m.

    Be in your kayak and ready to go

    Circumnavigate Lover's Key

    Trip sponsored by the Paradise Coast Paddling Club and the Southwest Florida Paddling Club

    Trip Leader: Terri Krass

    Place: Dog Beach, just south of 8700 Estero Blvd. – Lover’s Key State Park Main Entrance . Launch site is on the west side of Estero Blvd, and under the bridge at the Dog Beach Parking lot. Free parking, portable toilet.

    Advanced Sign Up Required: Trip will be limited to 20 kayaks. Sign up by emailing the trip leader – krass@maine.edu and leaving contact information (name, email or phone number) You must receive confirmation from Terri to be registered for this trip.

    Description: Paddle through the pass into the Gulf of Mexico and head north toward Ft. Myers Beach. We will have a brief stop along the beach at Lover’s Key before heading east under Big Carlos Pass Bridge and paddling through the Back Bay returning to the launch site. Approximate distance is 6 miles.

    Equipment Required: All regulation safety equipment including a PFD that must be worn, sun screen and hydration, plus spray skirt due to open water and the possibility of high winds. Trip route may be modified for weather related or other safety reasons.

    Level: Experienced recreational kayakers who enjoy open water conditions. Boat traffic can be expected in the passes.


  • Paddlers’ Club Picnic with San Carlos RV Resort.
    1-6 p.m. classes/demo/speakers/food/live music
    Click here for presenters and times

    Ticket information call 239-466-3133 or 800-525-7275
    Tickets purchased by Oct. 22 will be $12, after that date they will cost $19.

  • Twelve Hundred Miles Around Florida in Thirty Days, or less

    Meet Author and Paddler Warren Richey


    Journalist and author Warren Richey will discuss his book, Without a Paddle, and the crazy race that inspired the book.

    The race is a 1,200-mile, round-the-clock circumnavigation of Florida with a 40-mile portage. Race organizers bill it as the toughest expedition-style small boat race in the world, but participants remember it fondly as the last time they could feel their fingers and toes.

    The rules are simple. First one back to the launch beach wins. Paddle and wind power only. Also, don’t die.

    Without a Paddle is a travel narrative and memoir of how a 50-year-old journalist enters the race in a sea kayak and paddles, claws, or otherwise finds his way back from a failed marriage. He navigates through moonless nights, driving rain, and blazing sun, across shark- and python-infested waters, not knowing if he can make it even halfway to Lostman’s River. Then, out there alone on the water, something strange happens. His boat begins to fly.

    How To Know Which Kayak To Buy

    Jay Rose and Chris Boland from Naples Kayak Company will begin just like a beginner coming into our shop. First we find out what style kayak you are looking for (Sit In vs. Sit On) and then go from there depending on your paddling style, what you want from the boat and how much you will use it. At the end we will touch on paddling gear and paddles as well.

    Rick Storesberg
    Rolls and Rescues:
    Greg Stamer
    Join us for a demonstration of some Greenland style rolling techniques and various rescue procedures. There will also be an open discussion of how you can adapt these rescues to your special needs. This is a very informal program and questions are encouraged. Time permitting you may be able to try your skills in the pool, so be prepared to get wet.

     

     

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Thursday Nov. 4:

  • How to pack your kayak for camping at Hilton Garden Inn, Fort Myers 6 p.m.
    • Cash bar, complimentary desserts
    • Donation gets you admission and a blueway wristband
    • 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239) 790-3500
               6 p.m.

      How to pack your kayak for camping

      Sponsors: West Marine & Hilton Garden Inn

      Notable Southwest Florida paddler, Terri Krass, will present how to pack your kayak for camping.  Her presentation will discuss the planning and preparation for 2-3 day kayak camping trips.  Camping gear will be demonstrated along with checklists that individuals may use for personal trip planning. Topics covered will include meal planning, clothing and equipment needs, and how to pack your gear to achieve a safe weigh and balance. Terri will discuss tips that she has learned from fellow campers as well as from her experiences.  West Marine will be displaying some of the their unique equipment that will add to the kayak camper’s safety and comfort.

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Saturday Nov. 6:

Photo Contest Reception at Matlacha Community Park Noon-1:30 p.m.

    Presentation by outdoors photography speaker, painter and photo contest past winner Jeanette Chupack.

    Presentation "Florida Time Forgot" by nature photographer Mark Renz

    4577 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha, FL 33993 (239) 229-7367

    Florida Time Forgot

    Author, off-beat nature photographer and fossil guide Mark Renz will present a slide show called "Florida Time Forgot."

    Jeanette Chupack’s “Painting and Photographing Florida’s Wild Places”

    “Kayaking to Photograph and Paint Florida’s wild places:” How to take photos while kayaking to get the best compositions, and how to turn them into paintings. 


Sunday Nov. 7:

    Grenn Living Project Logo
    "Sustainability Across Central America"

    Date options:            Sunday November 7th, 2010 All Day
    Duration:                    45-60 minutes throughout the afternoon

    Join us for this multi-media event on cutting-edge sustainability-related projects from Central America to Maine! This is a must-see event for any adventure traveler, Latin America enthusiast, or sustainability advocate. This inspiring showcase features unique projects across Costa RicaNicaraguaPanama, and Maine! Experience the expedition team’s journey and witness the latest efforts in marine conservation (leatherback turtles), hut-to-hut trail networks, adventure eco-lodges, ‘voluntourism’, urban sustainable tourism (geo-tourism), indigenous communities, renewable energy (wind, solar), education, sustainable agro-forestry, and more. Come learn about sustainability, responsible tourism, and how you can get directly involved with these exciting projects!For more information, please visit www.greenlivingproject.com


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© 2007-2011 Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival
Photographs courtesy of Lee County Visitor & Convention Buearu and Lee County Parks & Recreation Department
The Great Calusa BluewayLee County Department of Parks & Recreation Lee County Offical Website
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