The Adirondack Canoe Symposium, 2019
Maura McNamara
I have attended the Adirondack Canoe Symposium at Paul Smith’s College twice. In 2018, I was looking for an opportunity to improve my technique in preparation for the Adirondack Canoe Classic 90 Miler in a solo boat. I’d successfully completed it the year before in a tandem and was concerned about making the cut off times as a solo paddler. I heard about the ACS and got in touch with Robyn and Lynn to see if the schedule could accommodate me as an outlier- paddling double bladed/a pack boat. Happily, they could! I received excellent instruction from Lynn Dominguez and Ron Young. I also was introduced to Freestyle canoeing which, I confess, I didn’t even know was a “thing.” I completed the 90 Miler faster than the previous year when I paddled tandem. My technique had improved a great deal, though I also give credit to having a lightweight pack canoe on the portages!
After the 90 Miler was complete, I became more interested in touring and decided that I wanted to work on single blade technique. I’d met Charlie Wilson at ACS 2018. Via email, he graciously offered information and his thoughts on technique, boats and paddles. In June 2019, I was able to demo a boat and speak more with Charlie during the Adirondack Paddling Symposium in Old Forge. I deliberated selling my pack boat to buy a model more oriented to touring. Per Charlie: How many boats do you need? Answer: Just one more! So, I purchased a solo canoe. Due to a family schedule change and accommodation from Robyn and Lynn, I was able to attend ACS again. I was thrilled to be able to set some solid habits right away- my new boat arrived on a Tuesday and I headed north that Friday!
There was a choice of classes focusing on Freestyle techniques as well as special topics such as: Wind & Waves, Heeling & Kneeling, Pack Canoe, Touring Technique. This summer, I took Essentials, Touring Technique, and Forward classes with Tracy Hunt, Ron Young, Tim Burris, Lynn Dominguez, Molly Gurien and Bob Mravetz. Each offered their own perspective, as well as a clear passion for paddling, Freestyle and teaching these paddling skills to others. Class sizes ranged from 2-6; the larger classes had two instructors to give each student individual attention and suggestions. The feedback offered was clear, helpful and focused. My brain was certainly full by the end of the weekend, but I never felt overwhelmed.
The WCHA Annual Assembly featured centenarian canoes at the Friday Evening Parade. It was a treat to see all of the boats and hear a little bit about the history of each during the course of the evening. Some paddlers went the extra mile and donned period dress!
Saturday evening we assembled at Church Pond to watch the Freestyle Demo. Marc Ornstein’s Cross Forward class started the evening off by demonstrating three maneuvers they had worked on during their morning session. Instructors and participants shared choreographies featuring, among others, a more technical focus (Tim Burris’ ‘Ode to the Side Slip’), lyrical interpretations (Marc Ornstein), and theatrical performances with costume changes (Ron Young, Bob and Elaine Mravetz).
Paul Smith’s is a great location for the event with the Lower St. Regis and Church Pond adjacent to the campus. The dorm accommodations are clean, convenient and equipped with kitchens for those who prefer to cook rather than take advantage of the meals available. There are ample opportunities to socialize during meals and in the evening. Robyn and Lynn keep things running smoothly, attending to the numerous details of running such an event. They consistently check in with participants and dialogue with teachers to adjust class placements to ensure that participants have the most beneficial experience.
Several days after the Symposium, I went out for an evening paddle and felt much more confident in my ability to maneuver the canoe. The water was calm, but having that foundation in place will help when there is a bit of a breeze or chop. And, I can sign up for the Wind & Waves class next year!
The Adirondack Canoe Symposium is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is looking to improve paddling technique and/or delve deeply into Freestyle. Happy paddling!