I'm on the lookout for some good sea kayaking symposiums to attend this year. Palmerfest, Palmer Rapids, Ontario is (so far) not on my list this year.
On my wish list: It should be well-organized, a good choice of courses for all levels that aren't mostly cancelled and you only find out when you arrive, a good location for launching (steep rocky drops and a short beach for 80 paddlers to hit the water all at once does not count as good), a good selection of boats to demo and reps that show up, no hoards of black flies, decent and clean facilities (over-flowing outhouses next to the food tent and parking lot don't count as good), facilities that can support the number of people attending, good food (simple is always OK), parking on solid ground - I won't need a hitch to get pulled out!, a plan for security and safety (knowledgeable staff with walkie-talkies keeping an eye on things and ready to respond if need be), a variety of sleeping options (camping or B&B), access to firewood that actually burns rather than smokes, and cross-fingers - nice weather. Is there such a thing, or is this too much to ask?
How often have you wasted your time, resources, and patience with events that were long on promises and short on delivery? I'm looking for the jewels. I know they're out there. The best thing we can do as a sea kayaking community is to find and share the best with the rest!
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