The Isle of Man Annual Sea Kayaking Symposium took place in the last week of September and this year attracted over 70 kayakers from the United States, Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Spain and the UK, as well as part of the growing number of local kayakers. Island kayakers. The symposium is hosted by the Adventurous Experiences Adventure Sports Center and sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
Keirron Tastagh, Director of Adventurous Experiences and Head Coach, said: “The island is now firmly recognized as a world-class site for sea kayaking. This year many international kayakers have visited us for the first time. , their feedback on what the island has to offer has been amazing. ”
Keirron also said: “The symposium is only possible with the sponsorship of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and the support of Sea Kayaking UK”.
The event allows visiting kayakers to train in the wide range of conditions encountered on the island under the supervision of renowned sea kayaking coaches, supported by the local Adventurous Experiences coaching team. A circumnavigation of the Calf of Man and excursion to Chicken Rock Lighthouse, tide racing practice in Calf Sound and surfing in Gansey Bay are various highlights of this year’s event.
Launched in 2003 to promote the Isle of Man as a sea kayaking destination, the annual Isle of Man Sea Kayak & International Training Weekend Symposium is now a sister event to the Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium in May, hosted by Nigel Dennis. Nigel, a world sea kayaking explorer held a conference at the Claremont, Douglas hotel over the weekend on the development of modern sea kayaking and some of the incredible expeditions he has been on including the very first circumnavigation of the Great Britain in 1980, bypassing Cape Horn in 1992 and several crossings from Gibraltar to Morocco.
Mark Woodward, Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, said: “This is a strong event that showcases the variety of sea conditions available around the island. The Steam Packet Company is especially happy to be involved in something that helps expand tourism and brings money to the island’s economy during the quieter shoulder period. “
Photo – some of the participants at this year’s Symposium.