For the seventh straight year, a coalition of Bangor-area paddlers, instructors, guides and outfitters is presenting the Paddle Safe Symposium to launch the summer canoeing/kayaking season and kick off National Safe Boating Week.

The seventh year of Paddle Smart Symposium, an evening of fun and education that focuses on paddling safety, is slated for Friday, April 13 in Bangor
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY CASTINE KAYAK/KAREN FRANCOEUR

It's an evening of fun, information and interaction, held this Friday from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Bangor YMCA on Hammond Street. It's a freebie, but if you'd like to make a donation to defray the considerable costs involved, you'll have an opportunity.

There's a big slate of programs, including pool demonstrations of self-rescue techniques, as well as booths and tables set up by all stripes and types of paddlers. Lakes? Rivers? Oceans? They're all there.

Karen Francoeur, owner of Castine Kayak, is among the prime movers; click here for a big album of photos of last year's event.

Another driving force is Brad Ryder of Epic Sports in downtown Bangor. An Old Town kayak will be raffled off as part of the festivities.

During the Friday evening symposium you can try on gear, size yourself up to boats and learn about the latest designs in paddling gear and clothing. Talk with experienced paddlers about life jackets that they prefer to wear, or about places to paddle, clubs to paddle with and where to get paddling instruction.


Talk with the experts at info tables set up by outfitters, clubs and conservation organizations

This year's event will feature digital photo presentations on trip planning for the Allagash River by Allagash Wilderness Waterway Superintendent Marilyn Turtelotte, how to plan and safely execute a canoe expedition by Reinhard Zollitsch of Orono, bird watching from canoes and kayaks by Bob Duchesne of Hudson (an avid birder with Audubon) plus a two-month adventure down the Mississippi River by local paddlers Jason Walsh, Darian Higgins and Rachel Knoblock.

If you've never paddled but are curious or if you've been paddling for a short time or even if you've been paddling for years, there's sure to be something for you at this fun and interactive event.

Pool demos are popular

Displays set up in the gym will lend themselves to interactive discussions with experts who'll be on hand to share their knowledge and love of paddling.

Numerous concurrent 45-minute workshops will be offered throughout the evening. A schedule will be provided at the beginning of the event for participants to choose which ones they'd like to attend.

And as always, there will be on-water safety demonstrations in the pool where you will be able to see how various canoe and kayak designs perform in emergency situations.


Learn how to self-rescue by watching an expert