Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club upcoming events

Sea Kayak - Kiptopeke Scouting Trip II (April 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST, PLEASE CONTACT TRIP SPONSOR/LEAD: TONY PASCUZZI izzucsap@yahoo.com

· Trip Level: L3+
· Mileage: 8-15 miles/day
· Maximum Currents: <3 kts typically but stronger currents (3-7 kts) may be encountered in the inlets.
· Pace: 2.5 – 3 kts
· Availability: 12 (18 capacity)
· Sponsors & Trip Leaders: Tony Pascuzzi
· Assistant Leaders: Dave Nord, Jim Heichelbech, Linda Decker

NEW L3 TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!!!

James Kesterson, an ACA L5 instructor and his wife Bev, have joined HCKC and our trip! James is graciously offering (with club assistance and support) up to registered paddlers on this trip the opportunity to participate in a Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment.

Assessment Dates are TBD but will be during this event.

PLEASE RESPOND BY FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd if you wish to be assessed. Contact David Nord: nordfamily@hotmail.com and I will pass the information along so that you can be registered.

See below for a link to the ACA document that explains the specific skills and requirements. https://americancanoe.notion.site/Level-3-Coastal-Kayaking-Skills-Assessment-7464563853f048f3a559459d4a7a7b72

L3 assessment response list:

1)Dave Nord, 2)Tony Pascuzzi, 3)Linda Decker, 4)Jim Heichelbech, 5)Kathy Estes, 6)Phyllis Malpas, 7)Mark Schneider, 8)Wade Dougherty, 9) Vaughn Swanson, 10) Dan Cavins, 11) Nava Segall

Update: Due to the level of interest in assessment, we will do our best to accommodate all folks interested. I expect we will have 2 groups on different days, but we may be able to exceed the 5:1 ratio by assigning course assistants for each group.

Participants will need to reserve their own campsites, which will go quickly. Several of us have reservations in the B & C loop (sites B05, B34, B35, C10, C16). See link below for camping reservations. Arrive Friday evening, 4/17 (or sooner) and depart Sunday, 4/26. Paddling, hiking, biking, and sightseeing.

Leader’s notes:

We're going back to Kiptopeke! This trip will have more emphasis on surfing and rough water excitement. We'll also explore some new places to paddle. We will also make the requisite stop a time or two (or more??) at Cape Charles Brewing.

We will base camp at Kiptopeke State Park campground and do day paddles on Chesapeake Bay and the ocean. Bay side paddles will range from flat calm and protected to windy with 1-2' waves. Ocean side paddling will be more challenging with surf, current, tide races and the wave train. There are also plenty of islands to explore as well on the ocean side with moderate currents and tide to contend with.

Currents through Smith Island Inlet can run from 3 - 7 kts, so the we'll have to go through the inlet with the currents.

This trip will also offer participants casual opportunities to practice surf launching & landing, paddling in wind, turning in wind, draw strokes, rudder strokes (bow & stern), bracing, edging and boat control, rolling and sculling. We hope to encourage some fun learning opportunities as we explore. Due to the weather and other factors, the itinerary will be determined each day and communicated to participants as far in advance as the forecasts reasonably allow. All day trips are subject to change to maintain kayaker safety. Participants can choose whether or not to join each day’s scheduled trip. Trip Leaders may restrict or redirect individual participants on any given day, if necessary, to maximize individual and group safety. If the weather makes padding unreasonable, there are lots of biking and hiking opportunities nearby.

Required Equipment

Sea kayaks 15’ or longer with full perimeter deck lines, sealed fore and aft bulkheads and/or floatation in both ends of the kayak·
USCG approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Drysuit or wetsuit with dry top/splash top
Spray skirt
Bilge pump with floatation
Self-rescue paddle float
Waterproof whistle
Appropriate clothing for the conditions encountered seasonally
Storm cag or poncho
Extra food and water
Sunscreen
Change of clothes
VHF Radio (recommended), InReach or PLB (if you own one).
Everything not mentioned above but listed in the following link is good to have: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials

Participants must be able to:

Safely exit their kayak while wearing a spray skirt and participate in an assisted rescue.
Maintain a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph in L3 conditions in any wind or wave direction.
Paddle for up to 3 hours without landing. (Expect 4-7 hours of paddling each day)

Trip Level Guide 1-2021.docx

Registration is conditional upon final approval by the Trip Leader. The Trip Leader may communicate with you to assess whether your skills & equipment are appropriate for the conditions. Please contact the trip leader with any questions.

Registration: Register here and e-mail Tony Pascuzzi @ izzucsap@yahoo.com

Reference / Reservation links:

· VA State Parks - https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/reservations

· Eastern Shore Virginia Water Trails map - https://virginiawatertrails.org/eastern-shore/

· Deep Zoom for currents and tides - https://www.deepzoom.com/

NON-HCKC EVENT -- TRAQS (April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

NON-HCKC EVENT -- TRAQS (Traditional Qajaqers of the South)

Do you want to learn how to efficiently paddle using a traditional "skinny stick"? Trying to learn to roll or finally perfect that forward finishing hand roll? Always wanted to throw a harpoon or paddle a traditional skin-on-frame qajaq? TRAQS is the event for you whether you're just starting or you're an advanced paddler.

TRAQS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to spread the joy, benefits and cultural aspects of Greenland paddling in Florida. We adhere to the Greenlandic and Qajaq USA principles of mentoring and sharing our passion, skills and knowledge.

TRAQS 2026 will take place April 30-May 3 2026 at the beautiful Lake Placid Camp and Conference center in Lake Placid, Florida. Registration for TRAQS 2026 is now OPEN.

We will have a terrific roster of new and returning Guest Mentors as well as some new fun classes. We are extremely excited to welcome Adam Hansen from Aasiaat, Greenland. Adam was the organizer of the 2017 Greenland Qajaq Championship. He has been a Special Guest Mentor at several Qajaq USA events due to his excellent kayaking and communication skills.

The world famous Cheri Perry, Greg Stamer and the indomitable Dubside along with new mentor Pete Kuhn will be joining us. Chris Raab of Tuktu Paddles will be leading our paddling making class this year.

Keep checking this site for further announcements.

TRAQS 2026 will be our 10th annual immersive Greenland kayaking weekend that includes paddling and rolling skills, presentations, morning yoga, kayak games, exposure to Inuit culture and of course our auction with items generously contributed by businesses, mentors and participants to help sustain this event.

TRAQS is also a terrific opportunity to meet other kayakers. Join us in a warm (temperature and atmosphere) and nurturing environment. Enjoy the camaraderie while learning and sharing kayaking techniques and skills.

Whether you are local to Florida, or are looking for a personal or family winter get-away, this event, modeled after The Delmarva Paddlers Retreat, offers a paddler a wonderful weekend of enjoyment.

Come join us and be a part of a growing paddling community.

https://traqsfest.org/

NON-HCKC EVENT -- QAJAQ CAMP (May 14, 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

NON-HCKC EVENT -- QAJAQ CAMP

2026 Camp Dates: May 14 - 17

on Lake Pepin in Lake City, MN

Qajaq Camp is a non-profit based in Minnesota. Our mission is to organize kayak events with the purpose to preserve, study and promote the traditions and techniques of Greenland kayaking while seeking to further the appreciation and development of Greenland-style kayaking in the United States.

https://www.qajaqcamp.org/

Learn new skills.

All-inclusive access when you register to:

Rolling mentors
Strokes & manuvers mentors
Yoga classes
And more!

Camp location.

The camp is held at Hok Si La Regional park. The facility includes exclusive use of a huge heated and air-conditioned dining hall for all Qajaq Camp members. We use the hall for meals, evening events, yoga, movies, games, kayak build competition and other shenanigans.

Park | Southeast Minnesota - Hok-Si-La

Book a rental facility and create happy memories at our campground and park in Southeast Minnesota. It offers sp...

Camping, dining hall and warm showers are all within feet of the fabulous sandy beach.

East Fork State Park - Kayaking and Overnight Camp (May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

SK: East Fork State Park / Wm Harsha Lake, May 15-17th, Friday - Sunday

Group Size: 12

Join us for a weekend of paddling, skills, and camping at East Fork State Park. This is an introductory class for learning kayak camping skills.

This trip to EFSP offers the opportunity to kayak camp at the primitive backcountry camp sites located around the lake. We will also be working on rescues and rolls on the water while enjoying the scenery. If you prefer not to primitive camp please feel free to utilize the front country campsites at the campground and we can meet up when we put out on the water.

Trip Sponsor/Leader: Michelle Hoffman

Park map -https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/parks/parkmaps/eastforkparkmap.pdf

Front Country Campsites - https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/parks/parkmaps/eastforkcampmap.pdf

Itinerary:

Friday Night: Camp at Primitive campsite #5. Evening kayak paddle (2 white/navigational lights required)

Sat: Breakfast and discuss paddle agenda. Break camp and load kayaks, Paddle to Primitive Camp #2. Make Camp.

Sunday: Breakfast and discuss paddle agenda. Break camp and load kayaks. Paddle to Harsha Boat ramp and takeout.

Please test fit/pack your kayak BEFORE the trip to ensure your gear fits and have the proper dry bags.

Required Gear:

· Shelter

· Sleep gear

· Camp stove and pot

· Water filter (our group can share if needed)

· Food (mountainhouse or make your own)

· Change of clothes

· Water bottle/bladder

· Flashlight

· Toiletries (camp trowel is required to bury poop)

· Camp Shoes

· PFD

· Kayak Lights

· Kayak pump

Contact: Michelle Hoffman at this link

Wilderness First Aid (May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wilderness First Aid SOLO

This is a 2 Day Class May 16 & 17 2026

Linda Decker: lsdecker2018@gmail.com

WHY IS WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND CPR TRAINING IMPORTANT? Accidents and unexpected medical emergencies happen. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. People get hurt, sick, or lost. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry and on-water emergencies are preventable, but when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things even worse. By learning how to quickly assess a person’s conditions and a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one-and maybe even save a life.

WHO IS WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) FOR? The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. The 2-day SOLO WFA certification meets the ACA guidelines.

WHAT IS TAUGHT? The WFA class is 16-hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.

CPR focuses on rapid response to Cardiac and Respiratory emergencies.

Instructors: Danyele Green,

Saturday, May 16 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday, May 17 9:00 am–6:00 pm (last hour will be CPR Recert)

Location Fort Harrison State Park, Camp Glenn Rec. Building 701 (near the Visitor Center & Park Office). We will send detailed directions to our venue about one week before the class.

WHAT TO BRING –Participants should bring a sack lunch each day. Beverages will be provided. We will send out an e-mail with things that students should bring prior to the first class.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Wilderness First Aid Course with CPR

HCKC Members $100

Note: There is a day entry fee for Fort Benjamin Harrison Park unless you have 2026 State Park Pass.

The Registration will close at 20 participants

IS THERE AN EXAM? Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there are written assessments throughout the course.

DO I GET CERTIFIED? Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification which is valid for two years. You will earn a 2-year CPR certification if you complete the CPR class.

A new edition of the training book will be provided. CPR materials will be sent to participants prior to the class for review.

For questions contact Linda Decker HCKC lsdecker2018@gmail.com

NON-HCKC EVENT -- WMCKA Symposium (May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

2026 WMCKA Kayak Symposium

Memorial Day Weekend • YMCA Camp Pendalouan • Montague, MI

Ready to kick off your paddling season in style? The WMCKA Kayak Symposium is three days of adventure, learning, and community—all set on the warm, clear waters of Big Blue Lake. Whether you’re brand new to kayaking or looking to sharpen your skills, this event is your chance to dive in, level up, and connect with an amazing paddling community.

Learn • Paddle • Play

Our Symposium is designed for beginner and intermediate paddlers who want to build confidence and have fun on the water. With an exceptionally low student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll get personal attention from passionate, certified coaches. Saturday morning, the paddling groups will form. The group will decide what they want to learn for the weekend. The coaches will focus on those items and create a weekend of learning for the group.

Some examples of what might be covered:

Essential strokes and boat control
Rescue and re-entry techniques
Comfort while paddling (being confident while paddling)
Tips for taking your paddling to bigger water, safely

For All Ages

Kayaking is for everyone!

Adults can dig into full-day skill sessions.
Youth ages 7–14 join their own specially designed program packed with on-water fun, camp games, and adventure.

More Than Just Classes

When you’re not on the water, the Symposium is all about community:

Evening gatherings, campfire laughs, and inspiring trip stories
Panel discussions and presentations
Great meals shared in the Camp Pendalouan Lodge
Plenty of time to relax and connect with paddlers from across the country

Stay Your Way

Bring your tent or small RV (limited spots), or cozy up in a cabin for the weekend. Meals from Friday dinner through Monday breakfast are included, with vegetarian options available.

Why come? Because in one weekend, you’ll paddle more, learn more, and laugh more than you thought possible. Whether you’re 7 or 80+, this is the place to push your skills, meet lifelong friends, and fall even more in love with kayaking.

Join us this Memorial Day weekend—your next adventure starts at the WMCKA Kayak Symposium

https://wmcka.org/symposium/

This has been running for over 30 years and focuses on beginner and intermediate paddlers. There is a level 3 section which is currently filled but taking a waiting list. There is also a very good children’s program. In the last few years they have grouped paddlers by level through the weekend for continuity of instruction, and this has worked well.

This is a very friendly gathering with a lot of really good instructors.

Open Water Rescue & Intermediate Skills (June 05, 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Open Water Rescue & Intermediate Skills

Friday June 5th - Sunday June 7th

Location: Summit Lake State Park

Instructor Sponsors: Linda Decker & Jim Heichelbech

Join us for a fun training weekend focusing on kayak skills and open water rescues. It is a great chance to get to know other paddlers, learn what to do in a rescue situation and improve your skills. If you can’t come for the weekend, come for the day you choose..

Reserve Campsites Early. Registration is now open. Jim & Linda will be in site 38 Thurs-Sun

Itinerary:

Friday June 5th Arrive to camp Options: afternoon paddle, practice rolling, group campfire

Saturday June 6th Day will focus on rescues, towing, managing emergencies Launch Time tbd

Sunday June 7th Intermediate Skills – strokes, edging, bracing, Launch Time tbd

Location: Summit Lake 5993 N. Messick Road New Castle, Indiana South Boat Launch Near Harvey Shelter (Enter Park and go left at the T intersection and follow the signs to the boat launch)

We will be practicing kayak handling and rescue techniques. We will focus on how to manage your boat to keep from capsizing, and how to get yourself and your friends back into their boats when the inevitable happens in open water. There will be plenty of time to work on strokes, bracing, balancing, towing, and rescues.

This clinic is an opportunity for new paddlers to learn open water rescue techniques and a chance for more experienced paddlers to compare techniques and practice them in a safe environment. This clinic is important since kayakers need to regularly practice these skills, so they are “fresh” when we get into a real rescue situation. You want to know how to get yourself or someone else back in their boat quickly and on your first attempt. Open water paddlers should take this course before attempting any "big water" adventures.

Rescue Course Content:

· Wet exiting your boat

· Solo Reentries (Paddle Float, Cowboy, Stirrup, Reenter and Roll)

· Assisted Reentries (T-Rescue, Scoop Rescue)

· Towing - contact tows, short tows, and regular tows. Will discuss when to start towing and when towing may be needed to assist a rescue (W will bring extra tow ropes if you don’t have one.)

Communications During an Emergency

Required Equipment:

· Touring or Sea Kayak - Kayak must have flotation in both bow and stern either sealed bulkheads or flotation bags

· Spray Skirt

· Life Jacket

Radio if you have one

· Kayak Safety Gear - Bring the kayak safety gear that you normally carry: pump, paddle float, stirrup, tow line. Please do not buy this equipment just for this class since you can borrow from other participants to see what works for you before you buy.

An Indiana DNR 2026 Non- Motorized Sticker is required for each boat $5 at the gate or can be ordered in advance online

For questions contact:

Linda Decker lsdecker2018@gmail.com

Jim Heichelbech gem5610@gmail.com

Introduction to Kayaking Skills for HCKC Members (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Kayaking Skills for HCKC Members

This training is designed for new or existing paddlers that want to learn or refine basic kayaking skills and boat control to make your paddling easier and more efficient.

The instructors will first lead a discussion on basic equipment, body mechanics and safety. You will then quickly get on the water to learn how to move your boat forward, backwards, and sideways. Additional skills include turning your kayak and prevention of capsize. You won’t intentionally be getting into the water at this clinic unless you want to.

8:00-8:30am Meet at Geist Park on Florida Road and move kayaks and gear to the water.

8:30-9:00am Review basic equipment and body mechanics.

9:00-10:30am On the water strokes demo and practice.

10:30-11:00am Snack break and discussion on safe paddling practices.

11:00-12:30pm On the water skills and a short paddle.

Location: Geist Park 10979 Florida Road, Fortville, IN

What to Bring:

Kayak, paddles, PFD (life jacket) and water shoes
Dry/warm clothes in case you get wet
Water, a snack. Sunscreen

For questions contact instructors:

Linda Decker lsdecker2018@gmail.com or

Jim Heichebech gem5610@gmail.com

This skill training has the added opportunity to stay for a Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club Demo Day and Picnic (please also register for the picnic if you plan to stay) Club members will bring boats and equipment that you can try on the water and gear they want to sell. You can meet other club members at the HCKC Picnic at 2:30.

NON-HCKC EVENT - QAJAQ TC (August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

QAJAQ TC (Training Camp)

August 27 - 30, 2026

Registration opens April 1

Founded in 2002, Qajaq TC (Training Camp) is an Official Qajaq USA event. It takes place at Camp Lookout, near Frankfort, Michigan. There is no road access to the camp. Our only access is by kayak or pontoon boat, making this a true full-immersion Traditional Greenland Kayaking event. With only around sixty attendees and a very high mentor-to-student ratio, coaching is flexible and focused on helping everyone succeed, whether you have never been in a kayak before, or have decades of experience. With the exception of youth scholarship attendees, this event is intended for adults.

Please note that you do not need to have a roll to attend camp. We have people for this.

Qajaq USA has fleet gear that we will have on-site for you to use for the weekend. The minimum requirement is that you bring your own PFD (life jacket). Throughout the weekend you are welcome to try different pieces of gear in our fleet. However, if you do need to borrow any gear for the full weekend, please email us in advance so that we can be sure to make appropriate arrangements.

https://qajaqtc.org/

Contact Tony Pascuzzi at this link

NON-HCKC EVENT -- TRADITIONAL PADDLERS GATHERING (September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

NON-HCKC EVENT -- TRADITIONAL PADDLERS GATHERING

* Save the Date *

Thursday September 10th – Sunday 13th 2026

Have you ever been out paddling and seen someone using a paddle that looks like a 2×4? That is a Greenland stick! If you have ever been intrigued with the beauty, grace and effortless motion on how to move across the water this is the place for you. You do not have to own a Greenland stick; we have some available to share. Opportunities abound to understand the design and appreciate the construction and responsiveness of the traditional skin on frame kayak and how they differ from more modern designs.

Our event is held in beautiful Northern Minnesota. It is a small, affordable event and you have the option to sleep in a CASTLE with hot showers. All meals are provided and there is a Minnesota potluck Thursday night. Break out those tater tots. In addition to working on strokes and rolls, you can participate in learning how to throw a harpoon and give it a try on both the Greenland ropes and on the water. You may come to learn how to paddle with a Greenland stick and work on your first roll or maybe a more advanced roll. You will leave as a member of a new and welcoming family.

Location

Parker Scout Reservation and the Miller Castle

Set amongst 256 acres of mixed hardwood and conifers, the Reservation is located on North Long Lake, in Nisswa/Merrifield, MN. The camp features a medieval castle with bunk rooms, a kitchen, restrooms and a grand hall with a stage. Theres a pavilion for our outdoor presentations, miles of hiking trails and 2000 feet of shore line of which approximately 200 feet is sand. North Long Lake is 6143 Acres of shallow, clear, clean and warm water. The camp is on a small quiet arm of the lake, and conditions are possible with a 15 minute paddle to the main lake.

There are several options for lodging at the Parker Scout Reservation. You may camp (tent) at four different sites. Although there are no hookups, we have several spots that will accommodate your camping trailer (12′ or less extended, please). You may also stay in the Miller Castle bunkhouse. The medieval bunkhouse has several semi private rooms with private baths, (2-4 people) and four large bunk rooms which we will limit to 8 campers each. There are four large bathrooms with showers, and two commons areas. Available semi private rooms will be assigned to families with children and ADA persons first, then to the earliest registrants at 2 people to a room. No matter how you decide to sleep, the price remains the same, just be sure to indicate your preference at registration. For more information on the Parker Scout Reservation visit www.bsacmc.org/parker-scout-camp.

https://qajaqmn.org/