Old Town Canoe, New Tricks
by John & Barb Kersey
We aren’t exactly new to canoeing. We’ve been successfully navigating streams, rivers and lakes for about 40 years and can competently get to where we want to go. Then, on a windy afternoon in mid-August, at the USCA National Canoe Races in Warren PA, we were treated to some exhibitions of FreeStyle Canoeing. Now that looked interesting, and worth exploring further! We found out there was a symposium in Ohio coming up the first weekend of September so we signed up for some lessons; Building Blocks of Free Style to be exact.
We arrived at Camp Butler on a sunny Friday afternoon and were warmly greeted by Elaine and Bob Mravetz. Our first class was to begin at 1:30 with Lynn and Ron. We were their only students and they got right down to business. They assessed our abilities and began showing us some moves. Each new move was followed by practice time and questions. Interesting to note that the bow paddler has a much more expanded role in FreeStyling. The biggest challenge for the bow paddler in our previous experience was looking for obstacles under the water and giving plenty of warning. Not so with FreeStyle. We learned the side-slip, axel, wedge, post, cross wedge – oh, so much new terminology…. So much to think about. By the end of our first lesson we were looking for a special dictionary with terminology spelt out.
Back at camp we had a communal dinner where we sat with all the other paddlers and instructors and discussed the day’s events. A common question directed to us newbies was “Do you have any questions?” It was fairly apparent to us that we didn’t know enough to even ask a question. Evening saw us at a community sing and then off to our tent for some well- deserved rest.
Saturday started with a warm breakfast, then two new instructors for the morning class. Plenty of practice time, a filling lunch and then back to the water for our afternoon class. Each class session gave us a different perspective from experienced paddlers in Free Style technique. Saturday afternoon was also a time to try out different boats. We were able to try out other paddlers’ canoes. John Diller, founder of Savage River Canoes, had brought a number of boats for all to try out too.
During the communal meals we were able to discuss the days’ lessons with others and get tips on techniques. By Saturday afternoon, the terminology was becoming more familiar and we were comfortable asking questions with our tablemates. Saturday evening we were back at the lake for some more exhibitions of FreeStyle paddling to music. Our instructors make each move so graceful it looks like they are dancing with the boat.
Sunday came all too soon with our final class and packing up after lunch. Everyone was extremely welcoming and willing to share their knowledge and expertise. We had a great time and learned much. We will be back to share good times with this welcoming group of people. We look forward to fitting in one of the other Symposia into our schedule, too.
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Ed. notes:
1) John and Barb are paddling a 1916 Old Town Ideal model canoe, restored by John. It was first shipped to Warren PA, where they live, so it hasn’t moved far from its original destination!
2) 2019 marked the 20th annual Midwest Canoe Symposium, which Elaine and Bob Mravetz have put together for its entire life! In recognition of this remarkable achievement, longtime FreeStyler Anita LoVan made a quilt, using the T-shirts from each of the 19 previous years’ events! Elaine invited everyone to sign the blank space, where the 20th T-shirt would have been, had it been available! 
3) A tremendous amount of assistance in putting this event together has been provided by the Executive Chefs, “Church Ladies”
Karen Studd and Diane Meckes.
THANK YOU, Elaine & Bob, and Diane & Karen!