News and Events
The Paddling Guru: Demo Days
Apr 25, 2011
It's time for Demo Days!
Spring and summer months are the perfect time to check out your local, or not-so-local, paddlesport dealer's demo events. Many dealer's across the country host demo and educational events to better educate the paddling community and give paddler's a “try before you buy” option. In attendance are generally many knowledgeable folks from the local educational organizations, parks and recreation, paddling clubs and more. These events sometimes coincide with a store sale and offer nice incentives for people who are just getting into the sport or the seasoned boater looking to add to their “fleet.”
These weekend events generally hub around an on-the-water boat and paddle demo where the public can come and try out many of the boats a dealer will have in stock. Paddling a variety of boats side-by-side can help you decide on the boat you like the best. Many times the regional manufacturing company representatives will be on hand with a fleet of the demo boats this company produces. They maybe assisted by any number of other company employees, from factory people, R and D or sales team members to professional paddlers and instructors. If you have questions about the product this is the place to get answers.
Most of these events will also have some paddlesport educational opportunities tied in with the demo and sale. If you're a beginner it pays to do some preparatory homework. Best to figure out what style of paddling is probably going to suit you and maybe even pick out a few boats to become familiar with. Before the event it's a good idea to visit the dealer and talk with a few folks about your goals. A trip to the product company website will help familiarize you with enough information to get you started. A few of these events, called symposiums, focus mainly on the education aspect and bring in instructors and coaches from all over the world to teach. The opportunity to demo boats and gear and possibly try them in a class setting is there but the main focus is on classes scheduled through the day. Regardless of which style event you attend there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about paddling and get wet.
Speaking of getting wet - come prepared for a day on the water. While PFD's and paddles are provided, plan on wearing clothes and shoes that can get wet. Cotton jeans and fancy shoes are never in order! If the weather is nice this may mean a pair of shorts a t-shirt and some river shoes or sandals, but if it's cool or rainy, appropriate shell clothing and insulation will keep you more comfy throughout the day. You will be climbing in and out of a lot of boats and sliding in and out of the water so it's handy to have this skill down so you won't be depending on anyone having to push you out or drag you up the beach. Dry clothes for afterwards is a necessity and makes the rest of the day and drive home much more enjoyable!
Many events will have food and water available, but many don't, so be prepared with provisions! This can be a pretty fun, strenuous day jumping from boat to boat and taking a few classes and will definitely make you hungry and thirsty. Sun protection is also a “must have” as it is anytime you're on the water.
So if you are trying to decide what style of paddlecraft is going to best suit your needs, be it fishing, fitness or FUN, check out some of the countries paddlesport demos and educational events! CYOTW.
One with the Flow,
The Paddling Guru