The complete registration packet for FCS (Florida Canoe Symposium) 2013 is now posted on the freestyle site (http://www.freestylecanoeing.com/ ).  This year's Florida Canoe Symposium will run from March 15 - March 18, 2013.

The event format is similar to last year's with one big exception that is highlighted by the name change. We've rebranded the symposiums from "Freestyle Symposiums" (the old) to "Canoe Symposiums". This is more than a name change. It reflects a significant shift in how we teach and in our class offerings.

You we now offer a class called Canoeing Basics for folks either just getting started or who have never had any formal training and would like a solid foundation upon which to build.

A brand new offering is Canoeing for Kayakers. This class is designed to build upon the skills that Kayakers have already developed and translate them to single blade technique. Canoeing for Kayakers will begin with a chalk talk on Saturday morning, where we will discuss the differences between the two craft, the pros and cons of each, some terminology, and basic differences between double and single blade technique. We will then move to the water where we will begin developing single blade, canoeing techniques, while building upon skills that the students already have. By the end of the class, students should have a good grasp of flat water canoeing fundamentals, and feel confident that they now have another option for on water travel or recreation. Note: This class will be in solo canoes.

Creekin Freestyle is a class we began a couple of years ago and has been very popular. It's goal is to teach the practical application of freestyle technique in real world settings. It's freestyle, without being showy. Without the fancy stuff. Heel and Pitch are used in moderation. Freestyle maneuvers are used in moderation, to nudge the canoe this way or that around bends in the river. Although we teach in a "flat water" environment, there will be some current and how that current effects the canoe will be utilized to advantage. This will be taught as part of an up and back trip on Lofton Creek, a short distance from the symposium site.

Food is an important part of any symposium. Running an out of town event presents some challenges. After much research and having received several proposals, I have selected "Jack and Diane's Cafe", from nearby Fernandina Beach to cater FCS this year. Their menu options seem well suited to our situation and should provide a bit of local flavor to the event. http://jackanddianescafe.com/

If you have any questions about any aspects of the symposium, please email me at mornstein@frontiernet.net or call at 585 698-5773. I hope to see all y'all in March.