OKF'96 Update

April-May 1996

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

 

Festival organizers are busy refining a comprehensive program of on-water and on-shore workshops, developing a graded series of courses from beginner to advanced levels, to start you off right or advance your skills.

They are also putting together an impressive Trade Show. It will be an opportunity to try out many of the best new kayaks on the market and talk to designers, manufacturers, retailers, and tour operators... and to get some great deals on kayaks and gear.

This year will will have two featured speakers -- Jason Hawkins and Brenda Taylor. Jason will speak about his paddling trip from Australia to Papua New Guinea. Brenda is an Olympic gold medalist rower. Be sure to come early Friday so as not to miss these talks.

OKF'96 also falls on International Oceans Day (June 8) this year. In honour of the event, we will be celebrating the ocean and its many inhabitants.

There will be Oceans slideshows after dinner on Saturday evening by the Marine Life Sanctuaries Society and the Georgia Strait Alliance, then we will be holding an auction of kayaking gear, with proceeds to support BC Marine Trail Association's efforts to establish a trail for paddlers enthusiasts through BC waters. Look for some great bargains.

Following the auction, we'll clear the dining hall for a dance with a great band.

Festival registration includes use of kayaks and gear, meals Saturday and Sunday, workshops, slideshows, featured speakers, the auction, and the dance. Last year we sold out early, so don't forget to register soon!

If you do miss out on registering for the whole event, you can drop into the Tradeshow on a Day Pass, to try out boats and gear, and catch some of the Festival flavour (but no workshops, speakers, meals, entertainment).

For information or registration contact:

Jennifer Lash, Festival Coordinator
629 Lambert St.
Nanaimo, BC V9R 3N9
Tel/fax: 604-753-6494
E-mail: jenlash@island.net