Free Public Spring Paddle Festival    April 25-26, 2009

Every year Alder Creek offers a place to get beginning lessons, try gear, take clinics, talk to manufacturer representatives, check out paddling organizations and chat with waterway conservation group members – all for free. This two day festival is held in teh Portland area on Vancouver Lake in Vancouver, Washington. This is a unique opportunity to try, risk free, kayaking or canoeing in a safe environment with experts standing by. It is also an opportunity for more seasoned paddlers to expand their horizons by trying out different gear and talking with the reps about the different models and styles available.

Paddle Festival by Day

Saturday, April 25th, 9AM-4PM

The Paddle Festival starts with a chance to talk to  representatives from some of the best known paddling gear companies. Try boats and pick the brains of the experts in the field. Alder Creek will have over 100 boats to try and staff to help you get the best fit. All day long clinics and seminars will be taking place from “Dream Trips of the Northwest” and “Car Topping Your Kayak” to “Which Boat is Right For You?” and “Forward Stroke Clinic”. Food will be available to purchase from Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro.

Sunday, April 26th, 9AM-3PM

The second day of the Paddle Festival will be more classes, talks, clinics and seminars such as “Edging and Bracing”, “Kayak Fishing”, “Family Paddling”, “Paddling for Women” and “Assisted and Solo Rescue and Recoveries”.  There will be a class on basic canoeing and a tour of Vancouver Lake. There will also be 50+ boats to try and Alder Creek’s expert staff to help you with all your paddling needs – all for free.