PORT ANGELES — More than 100 new and used kayaks will be on display at Hollywood Beach this weekend for the annual Port Angeles Kayak Symposium.
Now in its 10th year, the event draws paddlers from around the region who come to test-drive different boats, attend skills clinics and hear speeches from some of the leaders in the kayak community.
The three-day event, hosted by Olympic Raft & Kayak, begins today and runs through Sunday afternoon near the Red Lion Hotel at 221 N. Lincoln St. in Port Angeles.
Dave King, owner of Olympic Raft & Kayak and event organizer, said turnout has varied over the years.
“Last year was slow,” he said.
“We’re hoping to rebound from last year.
There are 28 clinics, ranging in price from $5 to $40, offered at Hollywood Beach, hotel conference rooms, the hotel pool and Crescent Beach.
Nine manufacturers will showcase their kayaks at this year’s symposium.
For a complete list of the clinics, speakers and kayak manufacturers at the symposium, click on the Port Angeles Kayak Symposium Web site at tinyurl.com/y3phqu9.
“We’ve got some different boat manufactures and reps that are going to be on the beach than we’ve had in the past,” King said.
“Some clinics have changed. The keynote speakers on Friday and Saturday night, those are definitely new.”
Northwest kayaker and author Ken Campbell will share stories and images of top paddling destinations in North America at 7 tonight.
Brent Sund, president of the Washington Kayak Club, and Bill McKenzie will discuss the club’s first international expedition to Wales when he speaks at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Keynote speakers typically draw between 60 and 90 people at the Peninsula Room at the Red Lion Hotel, King said. The cost of both keynote speeches is $5.
Admission to the demo beach — where paddlers of all skill levels can test an assortment of kayaks in Port Angeles Harbor — is $5.
The cost is waived with a donation of nonperishable food to the Port Angeles Food Bank. Life jackets and paddles are provided.
“We created it to get people to come out and test drive different kayaks,” King said.
“It’s a good venue to be able to do that, to try out a bunch of kayaks and rate them.”
The demo beach will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. today, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Part of the reason that the event has been so successful over the years is the inexpensive instruction and the sheer number of kayaks at the demo beach, King said.
“We get people from all around,” he said.
Other highlights of this year’s symposium include a beach party at Hollywood Beach tonight and Saturday night, and a 3.6-nautical-mile race at 9 a.m. Sunday.
People who don’t have a kayak and wish to participate in a water clinic are encouraged to rent a boat in advance.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
