Paddle Smart event April 10

    BANGOR – The ninth annual Paddle Smart from the Start safety symposium and primer for the annual Kenduskeag Stream Race will debut April 10 at a new location, Husson University’s gymnasium. The free event will run from 5 to 9:30 p.m.     The university’s swim coach, Jeff Wren, is partnering with us this year allowing us the use of Husson University’s Newman Gymnasium pool area.
    The organizing committee for Paddle Smart has worked hard to present this year’s information-packed symposium featuring pool rescue demonstrations, static and interactive displays in gym area and a smorgasbord of presentations in the facility’s three large pool-level classrooms. Free parking and easy building access add to the appeal of this annually popular event aimed at paddlers of all skill levels.
    Paddle Smart promises to deliver – with everything from in-pool rescue demonstrations for kayakers and canoeists to instruction on how to build your own Greenland-style kayak paddle. Karen Francoeur of Castine Kayak Adventures will demonstrate the finer points of partner and self rescue for kayakers.
    Classroom presentations include topics like how to survive a capsize by Registered Maine Guide Paul Travis, and a PowerPoint tour of  the Maine Island Trail by Dave Mention, trail director of Maine Island Trail Association.
    Other presentations include: race preparation and outfitting by Jeff Owen of the Maine Association of Canoe Kayak Racing Organization and how to pick the right boat for your paddling needs.
    Ben Fuller of Searsport will show you how to outfit your boat and how to dress to be seen on the water.
    New this year is the opportunity for in-pool boat try-outs. Epic Sports will have kayaks available to demo prior to the symposium’s start — from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Epic will also have paddling gear for sale at the event.
    Back by popular demand is a canoe track for paddlers who are planning to compete or participate in the Kenduskeag Stream race the following weekend, April 18. Learn about preparing for the race and outfitting your canoe from Jeff Owen of the Maine Association of Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization or members of the Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society.
    Interactive and static displays include those by the U.S. Coast Guard, Maine Marine Patrol, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society, Penobscot Riverkeepers, Penobscot River Restoration Trust, the Maine Island Trail Association, the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors, Fields Pond Nature Center and others.
    Lt. Robert “Bryan” Hollis, Chief, Sector Intelligence, Northern New England, U.S. Coast Guard, will give a presentation on kayaking/canoeing and required/recommended safety gear.  
    Check out http://www.castinekayak.com/paddlesmart.htm for details.l