Persistence of Muscle Memory
by Jesse Souza
It had been quite a few years since I had the opportunity to put a canoe in water and try to remember what to do with the paddle that propels that vessel. No vacation time between my medical job and volunteer fire fighting led me to forget there is a power face to a paddle.
The Wisconsin Canoe Symposium is the closest of the freestyle events for me at a quick 1160 miles and only 17 hours away. Since I had past experience with the skills of the staff who would be instructing me, there was no hesitation in my plan to once again become familiar with the joys being on water that is not trying to flip me in a class 3 whitewater rapid. I’m not young, the clocks are somewhat melting around me and it was intimidating to see all the beautiful canoes with people around that know how to use them.
Pictures from WCS 2018:
Staying at the Wildwood campground was a joy. There was a nice spot for my van and good solar collection at the site. Very nice clean hot showers was a perfect complement at the end of a good workout on the lake. There is a nice trail from the campground to the lake which is a great way to keep legs from getting stiff after working on canoe behavior skills. Also a shore spot where it is possible to paddle from the camp to the class area. Not sure if I could stay upright, I did not take advantage of this option but after time spent with Bob Man, Ron Young, and Lynn Dominguez, it is a definite possibility the next symposium I venture into.
The instructors can pinpoint a better paddle position, a better posture position, all while moving a nervous paddler safely around the lake. The instructors bestow praise although I know my clumsy paddle strokes did not warrant it. I’m working on not holding my breath or biting my lip, Lynn.
Watching the demonstrations is amazing. There is so much to learn but progress comes with each session due to the ability of highly skilled and patient instructors. The Giant Schlalom was too intimidating for this time around but those prizes awarded will motivate me to try it in the future.
I cannot comment on the food since I brought my own meals to save on the overall cost. The participants were well fed and the camp did a great job of organizing the feeding of camp kids and paddlers.
Music is a bonus. The registration encourages everyone to bring our instruments. I was the only one to bring an ukulele. I’m not a performer but the warmth of the people dissolve nervous amateur thoughts and it’s ok to play the wrong note. Some can play every instrument with strings. Some can rip a great guitar solo, They let me in anyway. Live music – just the best. There was nothing to be afraid of. It’s easy to fit like a favorite pair of shoes with the freestyle group. It was great to get those shoes wet again.
Ed. note: Jesse got the award for having the longest drive to the event!