PAUL SMITHS COLLEGE
PAUL SMITHS, NEW YORK
July 17 – 20, 2025
While sitting at the edge of the lake, you notice a canoe paddling straight as an arrow. When the boat nears a partially submerged stump, it mysteriously “slides” to the right to avoid the obstacle. When the canoe approaches shore, fully loaded for a camping trip, it turns gracefully and again “slides” to shore, parallel to the beach to make unloading an easy chore for the happy paddlers. How did this all happen? Was it magic? Or just good paddling skills?
The Adirondack FreeStyle 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 AFCS is designed to be an enjoyable weekend in the scenic Adirondacks, where you can receive coaching from experienced United States Canoe Association Instructors, who will assess your skills and allow you to learn at your own pace.
AFS 2024 will return to Paul Smiths, New York. The Symposium will he held concurrently with the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association’s Annual Assembly.
WHEN: Classes will be offered from Friday morning, July 18 through Sunday noon, July 20. Registration will open Thursday evening and continue Friday morning. Participants are invited to come earlier in the week to take part in the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association’s Annual Assembly events.
WHERE: Paul Smiths College, located in the Adirondack Park, is the heart of prime canoe country. Although it truly feels like wilderness, thirty minutes away you can find fine restaurants, interesting shopping, galleries and more in Saranac Lake. Lake Placid, a premier tourist destination, is a few more miles down the road.
This year our event will be held in conjunction with the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association’s Annual Assembly. They will be handling the registration for food and lodging at Paul Smiths College. We will have the opportunity to participate in some of their offerings, and they in ours.
Class registration will be handled separately by Molly Gurien.
LODGING AND MEALS:
This year Lodging and meals will be arranged through the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association:
We recommend staying on the Paul Smiths Campus, but there are several Airbnbs/hotels/cabins/campgrounds in the area.
Meals are a community gathering time and are served buffet style in the Paul Smiths Dining Hall. You can choose from a full meal plan or choose which meals you prefer. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Some of the dorms have kitchens so preparing your own meals is an option.
CLASS REGISTRATION:
Classes will be offered from Friday morning, July 18 through Sunday noon, July 20.
Select the desired courses and complete the Online Registration and Medical and Emergency form. NOTE: Online registration is now closed. For more information, email Molly Gurien, or text or call: 740-707-6655.
Note that waivers, for insurance purposes, will be available at the site, and must be signed by all participants.
Please make checks out to Molly Gurien and mail payment to Molly Gurien, 5118 S Shoreline Drive, Floral City, FL 34436. Please note that there is a $65 AFCS registration and insurance fee that is required for all participants whether you sleep on site or choose to take classes. Early registration discount until May 30th
Registration closed on June 24th. Documents for 2025 will be posted when they’re available… probably in late April.
Online Registration for 2024
For any questions and information or inquiries on rental equipment please email Molly Gurien or text or call: 740-707-6655.
EVENING ACTIVITIES: Evening activities may include a “chalk talk,” the Interpretive Freestyle Exhibition, music jam sessions (bring your own instrument) and a Candlelight Paddle on the lake.
GEAR/EQUIPMENT: Bring a canoe, paddles, Life Jacket (to be worn at all times while on the water), and kneeling pad. Instructors will teach you in the canoe that you bring. If you wish to rent a canoe, paddle, PFD and/or kneeling pad, please let us know ASAP, since rentals are limited and will be provided on a first-come-first served basis. Additional items to bring include bug repellent, flashlight/headlamp, camp chair, sunscreen and a water bottle.
CLOTHING: The weather is generally pleasant in the Adirondacks in July; days can be warm, and evenings are often cool. Cold snaps are possible, so you should be prepared with warm clothing. Good rain gear is a must. We paddle unless it is storming.
The Adirondack FreeStyle 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.
Non-paddling friends or spouses are encouraged to attend; we can provide info on activities such as hiking, biking, historic tours, shopping, etc.
See what 2018 participant Dan Hammen had to say about ACS: HERE
…and what Maura McNamara had to say about ACS 2019
…and about Michael Howard’s experience at ACS 2022
… and Judi & Larry Fordyce’s review of ACS 2023
