By Robert and Sheila Hanford
Our first experience with the FreeStyle canoe symposiums was in June this year, at the Wisconsin Canoe Symposium. It was a wonderful experience, and we were highly anticipating attending late summer’s Midwest Canoe Symposium in Ohio. We arrived on Thursday evening, the day before the formal start of the event, and joined in an informal “welcoming” dinner at a restaurant in the tiny village of Peninsula with many of the Instructors and students who would be participating. It speaks to the closeness of this community that paddlers and former paddlers came together during the weekend for the camaraderie and friendship. We enjoyed seeing “old” friends and meeting new people, as well as hearing lots of stories.
We appreciated the broad range of classes for all levels. Sheila is a newer canoeist and recently began freestyle paddling. She really enjoyed learning from a variety of teachers and teaching styles and appreciated the instructors’ friendly and encouraging manners. We both found it very helpful when Jandy H was working alongside the instructors as an instructor-in-training. Robert is a more experienced FreeStyle canoeist and was encouraged by several instructors to try paddling along with music as an aid to helping develop a relaxed cadence and practice
linking various moves (thanks Molly G. and Bob M. and whomever else might have been
involved in that plot). He was quite resistant at first because he works as a professional musician and values the silence that comes along with paddling. However, once he tried it, it was a revelation! It stuck, and he has since found himself practicing with music.
While there were barracks-type sleeping arrangements available in the main building, we chose to camp and found a lovely site on the grounds and close to the action. Mealtimes and meals were wonderful—thanks to Manon, Jim, and their assistants—together with interesting conversation and company.
The exhibition was delightful. We were not only impressed to watch the seasoned veterans but also inspired by the excellent student and “apprentice” performances. Maybe that will be one of us someday??
We both appreciate being welcomed into this close-knit and yet very open community. Our lives are often full and chaotic. It was profound to escape the “busyness” of life in such a meaningful way–the symposium was three days of truly being in the moment and at peace. We look forward to the next event!