We encourage you to bring your own boat/board, so you can learn in what you own and leave with a more intimate relationship with your craft. We do have some guidelines on boats/boards.
Beginner Track Kayak: For those interested in taking classes in this track, our minimum length is 12 feet. If using a recreational kayak without a front bulkhead, you must have a floation bag for the bow. Although we want you to enjoy your own kayak, rescues in a kayak without a front bulkhead is time consuming for you and very challenging for your instructors and peers. Considering the rental option could help you get the most out of the symposium, while giving you solid skills to bring home to your kayak.
Intermediate + Advanced Track Kayak: For those interested in taking classes in this track, we require light touring to touring style boats no shorter than 13 feet. These must have bow and stern deck lines and either bow and stern bulkheads or secured air bags.
Canoe Track: No limitations for Canoes.
Pack Boat Track: No limitations for Pack Boats. We strongly encourage owners of ultra-light models to consider borrowing or renting a more robust model, if planning on taking the “Capsizes and Rescues” course. Demo boats may be available through the Vendor Village, but cannot be guaranteed.
SUP Track: For the ability to keep pace with the class, all SUP boards must be 10’6” or longer. You must bring a SUP leash that is at leash 10' long.
Gear: If you are using your own boat or board in classes, you need to also bring:
Other items you may want to consider:
Paddle Clothing: Welcome to the Adirondacks! Air and water temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit so being prepared is in the best interest of you getting the most out of your classes. Average air temperatures range from 50-70 for June in Saranac Lake. Average water temperature for the Adirondacks in June is 60-65.
This means, when wet and the sun goes behind the clouds, it can be chilly sitting in your boat. For classes that will have you immersed, again you can find yourself getting pretty chilly pretty fast.
Beginner Track Kayak: For those interested in taking classes in this track, our minimum length is 12 feet. If using a recreational kayak without a front bulkhead, you must have a floation bag for the bow. Although we want you to enjoy your own kayak, rescues in a kayak without a front bulkhead is time consuming for you and very challenging for your instructors and peers. Considering the rental option could help you get the most out of the symposium, while giving you solid skills to bring home to your kayak.
Intermediate + Advanced Track Kayak: For those interested in taking classes in this track, we require light touring to touring style boats no shorter than 13 feet. These must have bow and stern deck lines and either bow and stern bulkheads or secured air bags.
Canoe Track: No limitations for Canoes.
Pack Boat Track: No limitations for Pack Boats. We strongly encourage owners of ultra-light models to consider borrowing or renting a more robust model, if planning on taking the “Capsizes and Rescues” course. Demo boats may be available through the Vendor Village, but cannot be guaranteed.
SUP Track: For the ability to keep pace with the class, all SUP boards must be 10’6” or longer. You must bring a SUP leash that is at leash 10' long.
Gear: If you are using your own boat or board in classes, you need to also bring:
- PFD and whistle
- Paddle
- Spray Skirt (for kayakers)
- Leash (for SUPs)
- Safety Gear
- Paddle Float
- Hydration
Other items you may want to consider:
- Dry bag- snacks, extra clothes.
- Tow line
- Eye glass/ sun glass retention.
- Sun screen
- Bug Spray (we were pretty good during classes, but when we got into the wilderness for Tour Monday, it got interesting: plan accordingly)
- Snacks
Paddle Clothing: Welcome to the Adirondacks! Air and water temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit so being prepared is in the best interest of you getting the most out of your classes. Average air temperatures range from 50-70 for June in Saranac Lake. Average water temperature for the Adirondacks in June is 60-65.
This means, when wet and the sun goes behind the clouds, it can be chilly sitting in your boat. For classes that will have you immersed, again you can find yourself getting pretty chilly pretty fast.
- PFD (Personal Floatation Device) Participants of the Symposium must be wearing a certified PFD while participating in any on water classes.
- Footwear- Is a must at all times. Flip flops are not a good option. You want a sturdy choice that can protect the foot in and out of the boat.
- Headwear- sun protection is always a safe choice, especially considering we will be on the water for 6 hours each day.
- Insulation HydroSkin- designed for paddling, will move with the body, eliminate chaffing, insulate when wet. This is a great choice for all participants and should easily handle the conditions we will see during the Symposium.
Wetsuit- For Intermediate Track classes, SUP or for any participant that foresees a lot of time in the water. Surf suits are not recommended, as they are not cut for paddling. Look at paddling specific Farmer John or Jane style suits. - Splash Wear- A splash top, short or long sleeve, will be greatly helpful if we get wind and rain. These can be worn over base layers or HydroSkin / Wetsuit.
- Dry Wear- For the Intermediate Kayak Track, for SUP or for any participant foresees a lot of time in the water. This would be a case if you already own a dry suit or dry top or you were already looking to buy one for your next paddling adventure. It should not be something necessary for the Symposium, unless you are someone who runs very cold.
- Note- dry wear is insulated with the same base layers you would use for Winter sports. You do not put dry wear over wetsuits or HydroSkin.