First-ever Wis. Freesty Canoeing Symposium, May 25-28

Freestyle canoeing, which combines precision paddling with elements of dance, is coming to the upper Midwest. The first Wisconsin Freestyle Symposium, hosted and organized by Chicago-area freestyle canoeing instructors Tracy Hunt and Paul Klonowski will take place in Plymouth, Wisconsin, May 25-28.

Freestyle canoeing is the "art and science" of quietwater paddling. It emphasizes smooth, efficient flatwater paddling and complete boat control. Freestyle can be applied to all canoeing situations. Many freestylers paddle to music, creating an interpretive art form.

The symposium will offer instruction in a quietwater venue for people wishing to improve their paddling skills Courses will be available for all skill levels, both solo and tandem, and taught by ACA-certified instructors. Each instructor will take on no more than five students per session. Participants are encouraged to bring their own canoes, paddles and PFDs, although rental equipment will be available on a limited first-come first-served basis.

The festivities will commence on Memorial Day Weekend, beginning around dinner time on Friday, May 25, at Camp Anokijig near Plymouth, about 45 minutes north of Milwaukee.

Family-style cabins, tent cabins as well as campsites and small RV sites are available. Meals and regular camp activities (archery, horseback riding, crafts, etc) will be available for paddlers and nonpaddlers.

Registration forms for housing, meals and classes will be available around the first of the year at www.freestylecanoeing.com. For now, the put May 25-28, 2012, Wisconsin Freestyle Symposium on your calendar.

For more information, contact Tracy Hunt at tj.hunt@sbcglobal.net or Paul Klonowski at pklonowski@comcast.net.