|
Sponsored by
 |
|
|
 |
SK Newsletter: September 1, 2009
By Paul Riek
Advertising and Promotions Manager |
Sea Kayaker magazine has been associated with the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium (WCSKS) for 25 years now and it has always been a very special event for us. Back in 1983, when this event was at the brainstorming stage, our publisher, Michael Collins, was part of the discussion that led to the formation of the event. Since that time we have loyally supported both the symposium and the trade association behind it, The Trade Association of Paddle Sports (TAPS, formerly the Trade Association of Sea Kayaking). I am currently a board member of TAPS.
For these past 25 years we’ve seen a lot of changes in this event, but the one thing that always stands out about it is that it is for many, manufacturers and attendees alike, the last great hurrah of the summer. We are excited about returning again this year and hope to see as many of you as possible at the event. Putting the symposium together is an enormous effort by the staff and volunteers. The woman at the helm this year is the new show director, Bambi Krieg.
What was your previous position at WCSKS and what is your new position?
For the last five years I've been on the organizing committee as the volunteer coordinator. This year I'm the event director. My new position has brought in many changes and challenges.
WCSKS has seen many changes over the last 26 years of its history of being held at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, WA. It started out small with kayak enthusiasts, manufacturers, retailers and outfitters who wanted to get together at the end of the season. It is widely thought of as a meeting of the clan. From the beginning people have gathered at the WCSKS for instruction, an opportunity to try out new products, talk with leaders in the industry and meet new friends.
When will the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium be held this year?
This year's event will be September 25th through the 27th at Fort Worden State Park, in Port Townsend, WA.
Are there any changes coming up this year?
This year we will be having a few new items of interest. For the first time in the symposium's history we will be offering surf-ski and wing-paddle instruction. We'll also have rolling lessons in an indoor pool.
There will be a raffle for an Epic kayak, and for a kayak rack offered by Suspenz Kayak Storage Racks.
This year's event will be downsized from that of years past. We'll have a lot of folks who are first-timers attending, as well as some new vendors on the beach.
|
|
|
|
|
){kind=link}