25th West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium

Milner, BC: Mark your calendars! Preparation for the 2008 West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium is already underway. September 19, 20 & 21 at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, WA we will celebrate our 25th Anniversary.

”For 24 years the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium has been THE paddling event to attend west of the Rockies. No where else have paddlers been able to find the same concentration of world class on-water instruction, seminars, presentations, and boats to demo. Next year TAPS is introducing the same exciting symposium format to the Northeast. This will be a great opportunity for both paddling novices and enthusiasts to explore the sport, improve their skills, and have a great time.” Tim Rosenhan, President TAPS’ Board of Directors

The location: For Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
http://www.parks.wa.gov/fortworden/

Water Access: Salt Water on Admiralty Inlet over 1200′ of sandy beach

Accommodations: Fort Worden State Park has camping available. Beach camping must be reserved through the Fort. The upper campground can be reserved through the symposium. Officers Housing and Dormitories can also be reserved through the symposium and Port Townsend has a wide variety of accommodations available from bed and breakfasts to hotels. Check out the Chamber of Commerce site at http://www.ptchamber.org/

Amenities: The town of Port Townsend has many restaurants, accommodations and all necessary amenities.

Transportation: Jefferson County Transit and Washington State Ferries

“ The 25th anniversary Symposium is a great opportunity to look back at where we’ve come from and also take a look at the future. Sea Kayaking has grown from a small, interested community to an activity that mirrors much of the diversity of our wider world. We’ve all benefited from this growth; improved equipment, professional instruction, and a richer and deeper paddling community have sustained sea kayaking over the years. The WCSKS is in many ways a mirror for these changes. As our sport continues to evolve so will the WCSKS. I am honored to host this event and look forward to seeing everyone there again next year. ” Michael Pardy, Executive Director TAPS

Jon Bowermaster will be our keynote speaker on Saturday night in the McCurdy Pavilion featuring his latest adventures in Antarctica
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The instructional component will comprise of beginner to advanced level kayak instruction from industry leading instructors and regional outfitters. We will have a wealth of seminars, clinics and talks covering all aspects of paddlesports from talented and accomplished enthusiast paddlers.


“Along with my amazing organizing committee and TAPS I am so excited that we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium in 2008. This event has been key in the history of sea kayaking in the Pacific Northwest and we plan to have all the things that paddlers expect and more this coming year.” Nikki Rekman, Show Director.


TAPS – the Trade Association of Paddlesports – is a non-profit trade association supporting the paddling industry in North America and the world. TAPS’ members are industry leaders and are dedicated to providing paddlers with the best in equipment, services, and experiences. TAPS represents manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, instructional centers, publications, and more throughout the Paddlesports industry, encompassing canoes, touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and rafts. TAPS also has Associate members, businesses that support the Paddlesports industry through legal, insurance, financial, online, and other services.