Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium

04/24/2026

Moment of gratitude for our coaches. Everyone brings with them their own unique background and experience and yet the common desire and pursuit of growth is shared by everyone.

Many of our coaches have been taking part in online teaching development cohorts, the connected coach. Every coach will take part in a training day before the symposium kicks off.

We’re all learning and growing no matter how long we’ve been paddling or coaching. It’s incredible to have a team who shares in their commitment to learning.

04/23/2026

Gear Requests are due NEXT week!

Thanks to our incredible sponsors, we're able to offer boats, paddles, sprayskirts, PFDs, drysuits and helmets to those who need them at no additional cost.

Check the GLSKS Hub on Circle for the gear request form. It can also be found in your email.

To ensure we can accommodate the request, we need all gear request forms completed by MAY 1st!

04/21/2026

Join us TONIGHT at 7pm for the GLSKS Newcomer Zoom. For those who are registered and have some questions or are just curious about what to expect - join us tonight, we can't wait to connect with you.

Check your email for the Zoom link or login to the GLSKS Hub on Circle to access the link.

04/18/2026

NRS has continued to support GLSKS over the years and we're grateful for their sponsorship.

Jeff Adler will be coaching and will serve as the NRS rep. Having access to their drysuits helps create opportunities for people to join the symposium without first purchasing all their gear. While drysuits aren't required, most people are most comfortable in them since Lake Superior is often quite chilling and we learn on and IN the water.

Be sure to complete your gear request survey before May 1st.

04/03/2026

P&H Sea Kayaks has been a longtime sponsor for GLSKS and we're incredibly grateful for their continued support of this event and the sport as a whole.

We're proud to offer P&H Sea Kayaks demos at GLSKS at no additional cost. If you need a boat be sure to complete the gear request form (found on the GLSKS hub and in your email) by May 1st. If you're bringing your own boat but want to demo a P&H boat while at the symposium, no need to complete the form; just shoot us a note or let your coach know during the event.

04/03/2026

Lake Superior is really a magical classroom with it's crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

04/01/2026

Here's an example of one of the teaching videos in The Connected Paddler's online course, Kayak, Canoe, SUP and YOU.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgeHHvJ-pj8

This course looks at the BIG picture and the FOUNDATIONAL pieces for all paddlers.

Last year, coaches were able to identify the paddlers in their pod who had taken TCP's course and those who hadn't. Not because they were told, but because of how the students absorbed and applied the learning.

Get the most out of your experience this year and take the Kayak, Canoe, SUP, and YOU course before you arrive and revisit it after the symposium.

HOW paddling works!

03/31/2026

There are tons of great opportunities for paddling and some amazing symposiums out there. We wanted to highlight a few for you.

West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association's symposium is in May!

Door County Gathering in July https://www.doorcountykayakgathering.com/photo-page.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ4rdpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLTkZ5SWp3NUVSSEZ3NURVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiKEJwtNxLYJFiK3QUznn8Pd3QnM01YUx0hI5TE9UQoWob6yJlxdkTslw_zP_aem_9jtyHJ7EclCBU8IMwfd-dw

Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium in October!

DOOR COUNTY KAYAK GATHERING

03/30/2026

Want to optimize your learning at GLSKS?

Take The Connected Paddler's online course before you arrive. This self-paced course is designed to accelerate your learning and give you the headspace to show up and absorb more of the learning in person.

Pa for the course once and it's yours for life.

GLSKS paddlers get a 20% off discount (code in email and in GLSKS HUB on circle)

https://www.theconnectedpaddler.com/launch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEVu5SCCyRg

Improve your paddling anytime, anywhere. Fast track your paddling now A glimpse Inside Why It WorksLearn with real instructors: Trey Rouss (ACA Level 5) and expert coaches bring decades of paddling experience.Authentic lessons on real water: Videos from rivers, lakes, ponds, and in-the-field setting...

03/25/2026

We know that coming to GLSKS for the first time can raise many questions and spark curiosity.

We are hosting a Zoom for those new to the symposium. This is not mandatory; it's just a space to ask your questions and get an overview of what to expect.

We will share the call recording in the GLSKS Hub on Circle.

Join us on zoom - April 21st at 7pm.