The Adirondack Canoe Symposium 2017
July 13 – 16
Paul Smith’s College
Paul Smith’s, NY
The Adirondack Canoe Symposium offers excellent instruction in a quiet water venue for people wishing to improve their paddling and boat control skills. Courses are offered for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers, in both solo and tandem canoe. Classes are based on Freestyle techniques, i.e., using body, boat and blade physics to add efficiency and ease to your paddling. The ACS is designed to be an enjoyable weekend, where you can receive coaching from experienced American Canoe Association Instructors, who will assess your skills and allow you to learn at your own pace. Non-paddling friends or spouses are encouraged to attend; we can provide info on activities such as hiking, biking, historic tours, shopping, etc.
The Adirondack Freestyle Symposium, organized by Tom MacKenzie, began in 1985 at Paul Smith’s College. For 2017, we have decided to go back to our origins and hold the ACS at Paul Smiths. Our event will take place concurrently with the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association Assembly. We will have the opportunity to participate in some of their offerings, and they in ours.
Classes will be offered from Friday morning, July 14 through Sunday noon, July 17. On Thursday, July 13, we will offer optional paddling trips and other special classes on local rivers/lakes. Can’t arrive until Friday evening? No problem. You can still fit in more than enough instruction on Saturday and Sunday.
LODGING: There are several lodging options:
Paul Smith’s College Dorm – The Upper St. Regis Dorm offers “suite style” accommodations. Each air conditioned suite contains 4 single bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room and full kitchen.
RVs – there are hookups for RVs on the Paul Smith’s Campus.
Although it is highly recommended that participants stay on Campus, there are motels/hotels/cabins and campgrounds in the Lake Clear, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid area.
MEALS: Meals will be available at the Paul Smith’s Dining Hall. You can choose from a full meal plan or choose which meals you prefer. Since the Dorms have kitchens, preparing your own meals is an option.
GEAR/EQUIPMENT: Bring a canoe, paddles, PFD (to be worn at all times when on the water), and kneeling pad. Instructors will teach you in the canoe that you bring. If you need to rent a canoe, paddles, PFD and/or kneeling pad, please let us know ASAP, since rentals are limited and
EVENING ACTIVITIES: Evening activities may include a “chalk talk,” the Interpretive Freestyle Exhibition, music (bring your instrument), and a Candlelight Paddle on the lake. We can also participate in selected events sponsored by the WCHA.
The Adirondack Canoe Symposium is an event for paddlers of all ages, levels and tastes. Whether you are an experienced paddler, a beginner or just an enthusiastic fan, our event offers activities and classes for you. Our environment is non-competitive and strictly about immersing oneself in the joys of paddling. For more information, you can visit our website at
www.freestylecanoeing.com, or contact Robyn at
Catboat3@gmail.com or 201-314-4462.
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