Past Workshop Descriptions

At a glance: (click on a title for a more detailed description).

Morning workshops run 9:00am-12:00pm.

Afternoon workshops run from 1:00-2:00; 2:15-3:15; 3:30-4:30

Not all workshops are available in each time slot.  Please check the schedule below.

Water Based Workshops

Mixed Novice Skills :

If you’ve only been in a kayak a few times or never before, this is the skills course for you. You will learn the basics in this three-hour course, beginning with the wet exit. Once it’s time for lunch, you will be able to control a kayak in flatwater conditions with ease.

Women’s Novice Skills :

A beginner-friendly course taught by women paddlers for women paddlers. This session will get you confident with the fundamentals of sea kayaking in a comfortable, testosterone-free environment.

Mixed Intermediate Skills

If you have been paddling for a year or so and are familiar with first time or novice paddler skills, then this is the morning workshop for you. We’ll focus a bit more on the technical components of each stroke with the objectives of enhancing your boat control, padding safety and enjoyment.

Mixed Advanced Skills

You’ve been paddling for a number of years and want some pointers to amp up your game. In addition to using your edge and an efficient forward stroke, you’re going to work on combining turning strokes in wind, bow draws, running draws, moving high and low braces. We’ll also try out some more advanced rescue options.

Family Paddling Program

This program allows you an opportunity to make the symposium a family affair. Using mostly double sea kayaks you’ll cover the basics with a focus on fun, safety and shorter attention spans. All day Saturday and tour on Sunday.  For families with kids 8 yrs and up.

Personal Stroke Improvement:

Can't get enough kayaking? Think of this informal session as private lessons to work on the strokes you’d like to improve. Topics could include refining the forward stroke, working on combining strokes to improve manoeuvrability, or practicing bracing strokes.

Finding your Edge/boat control:

Understanding initial and secondary stability and paddling your kayak on edge are fundamental intermediate skills. In this session we find our edge and integrate it into the standard repertoire of paddling strokes. Your kayak will dance! You’ll get the most from this session if your kayak fits snug at the hips.

Efficient Forward Stroke:

An efficient forward stroke is the foundation for strong intermediate and advanced paddling skills. In this session we’ll explore high and low angle paddling techniques, catch and release, and the efficient paddler’s mantra, “Torso Rotation”

Intermediate Turning Strokes:

In this session we’ll strengthen your sweep strokes by adding an edge. Then we’ll review stern and focus on the bow rudder. Finally we’ll join the strokes together to most effectively turn your boat according to wind and sea state.

Intermediate Braces:

Kayak Guru says, “One with bomb-proof brace has no need for bomb-proof roll”. In this session we’ll focus on developing powerful and effective low and high braces.

Advanced Braces:

Sculling and static braces blend the transition between underwater and above water. To master them requires confidence, balance and presence of mind and an intuitive understanding of the dynamics between your boat, the water and you. This session is designed to help you make that connection.

Novice Rescues:

Perfect the rescues you learned in your Skills Two course. In this 60 minute workshop you’ll gain a thorough practical knowledge of the fundamental deep water rescues for sea kayakers: The T-rescue and the paddle float self-rescue. If time permits we’ll look at other rescue options as well.

Intermediate/Advanced Rescues:

In this session we’ll explore more advanced rescues and their applications. This may include scoop, Hand of God, Eskimo rescues, your boat/my boat, all in, and paddle float rescues. Be sure to dress for immersion!

Intro to Rolling:

Rolling has been called the most effective means of self-rescue. Whether you’ve never rolled before or are looking to bombproof your roll, this session is for you. Small class sizes ensure individual instruction. Limited to six participants per session.

Advanced Rolling

So you’re hitting your roll 50 – 75% of the time and could use a few pointers to help put it all together. We’ll explore the C to C and Sweep rolls more fully and if they fail we’ll cover two techniques for re-enter and roll. Dress for immersions. Bring nose plugs and goggles if you have them

Tow systems and towing:

In this session we’ll review the various tow system options and how they work, then head out on the water to test their application in real situations. Systems include tow belt, pigtails, contact tows, tow rope, etc.

Introduction to Greenland Style:

Learn the basics of the hottest trend in sea kayaking. In these sessions we will cover the fundamentals of paddling with a Greenland-style paddle: The forward stroke, sweep strokes and braces. We supply the paddle. Limited to 12 participants per session.

Blindfold Stroke Improvement:

For novice paddlers. By eliminating vision, one markedly increases proprioceptive demands and has to rely on kinesthetic sense or "feel." Our newly certified TMWBNFMJT™ instructor will help you improve your learning curve with this amazing new Thought Muscle Water Body Neuro, Field Muscle Joint Technique: We’ll start on land then move to the water.

Stand-Up Paddling:

SUP is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. It entails standing on a longboard and propelling yourself with an elongated canoe paddle. It’s a great way to improve your core strength and balance, making it an ideal cross-training activity. Rossport will be its first introduction to Lake Superior!

Land-Based workshops

Rack 'n Roll:

Become a kayak jenga master or learn the basics for fastening your pride and joy to the roof of your vehicle. In this hands-on session we will describe you to effectively and safely car-top (or trailer) your sea kayak. Topics will include various roof rack styles, trailers and a continuation of the ropes versus straps debate.

All About Gear: Sea kayaks, paddles and paddling clothing:

Looking to purchase some new paddling gear? This workshop will familiarize you with the terminology and design features of the newest boats, paddles and clothing. Bring your shopping list and questions to get the most out of this workshop.

Planning an expedition in the NMCA:

This dry-land session will cover expedition sea kayaking in the National Marine Conservation Area from pre-trip dreaming to on-trip realities. We’ll talk about choosing your partners, menu and gear, planning your route, leadership and navigation.

Basic Navigation:

The course will introduce how to use a compass and a chart/map together to find your way on an expedition in the NMCA. Well take and follow berings, offset and introduce dead reckoning and piloting.

A Paddler’s Signalling and Communication Devices:

In this session we’ll cover all the ways a paddler can signal to or communicate with each other and the outside world. Coverage includes, paddle signals, whistles, flares, SPOT, and using a VHF radio.

Low Impact Camping:

Planning a trip in the National Marine Conservation Area? Low impact camping is the way to go. In this session we’ll cover the basic principlea of low impact camping with practical examples you readily adopt to your camping style.