“…a very nice affair, indeed…”
After 2 plague-addled years, hopes are high that 2022 will allow a full and complete schedule of FreeStyle Symposia to resume once again.
The FreeStyle season starts with an event that is actually not a FreeStyle event per se, but one which is certainly related – a “cousin” to the Symposia, you might say. This is the Western Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous, always the first full weekend of June at Cooper’s Lake Campground in Portersville/Slippery Rock PA. June 3/4/5 2022 will mark the 14th edition. As the name implies, this event focuses on solo canoes in particular, but tandems are certainly welcome too, and they are always part of the mix.
The Rendezvous features a number of the very best of contemporary canoe manufacturers who’ve brought demo boats for folks to test paddle to their heart’s content, along with a number of privately owned classic boats, some of which you just don’t see that often. The ability to compare numerous boats back to back, side by side, and over and over again, is a big part of the Rendezvous’ raison d’etre.
Kathie Buhl attended our 2021 event for this very purpose, and later sent along this short description of her experience which she entitled Worth the Trip –
I made my first trip to the Rendezvous this year and am so glad I did. I had been in the market for a solo canoe lighter than my current boat and after much online research was ready to travel far and wide to actually paddle some boats. I was so excited when I realized that in one trip I could test all the canoes I was interested in (plus a few more) – at the Rendezvous! What an advantage to be able to paddle the different models back to back for comparison, and the wealth of knowledge among the vendors and other attendees was extensive and invaluable in choosing my new canoe. If you are searching for the right boat – go to the Rendezvous – these people know canoes!
Even if you already have your dream boat (or no boat), it is a wonderful event. Attending anything by yourself can feel awkward, but from the moment I arrived I felt truly welcomed and over the course of the weekend made several new friends. Everyone was so friendly and ready and willing to share their boats and knowledge. Cooper’s lake campground was an excellent venue with easy access from the highway and plenty of room to spread out for camping. The grounds and facilities were clean and well kept. I definitely see more Rendezvous’ in my future!
While not a dedicated FreeStyle instructional event like the Symposia, the Rendezvous has from its start had a very strong FS presence and flavor. There are always a number of FS instructors on hand to offer some informal classes in basic FS techniques, and there is usually an exhibition performance of Interpretive FreeStyle.
The Rendezvous is an excellent early-season opportunity for those new to FS to get a taste of what it’s all about, tune up your paddling skills, and learn something new. A chance to hang out with canoes and canoe folks to the exclusion of all other reality.
For more information, visit the Rendezvous website here: WPASCR
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!