Lumpy Waters 2016

The beginning of October rolled around, and we closed Liquid Fusion Kayaking for the week and journeyed to Pacific City, Oregon to coach at Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak's annual Lumpy Waters Symposium.  If you haven't been to Lumpy, mark your calendars for October 6-8, 2017 and make it happen.  Lumpy has classes and fun for all skill levels.  Registration is open now and you can save $$$ by registering by the end of the month.

This was my sixth year coaching at Lumpy Waters.  Lumpy is my favorite sea kayak symposium.  It is an extremely well organized event that permeates with excitement and enthusiasm.  I think that this is a trickle down effect from the event organizers - Suzi Elle, Dave Slover, and Paul Kuthe.  Suzi, Dave, and Paul are fun loving folks who teem with energy and enthusiasm.  To compliment their enthusiasm, they rally a stellar crew of kayak coaches, support staff, sponsors, and students.

Sea Kayak Surf Zone Class at Lumpy Waters. Photo by Cate Hawthorne

My favorite element of Lumpy is the stoke.  Whether working or participating in the event, everyone is there to have FUN!  And to share the fun with others.  Students come to class ready to learn and to participate in the coaches creative games.  At times the games and drills appear silly; however, powerful learning is occurring.  Lumpy always gets my creative juices flowing.  Each year, the spontaneity of teaching eager students in a fun environment inspires me to try out new games and drills.  Students and coaches alike laugh and play and learn.

Cate Hawthorne leading the surf zone congo at Lumpy Waters. Photo by Kim Granfield

A huge thanks to Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak for inviting me to coach and rallying quality folks to the event.  Each year, I enjoy the reunion of paddlers that come together for Lumpy.  I have made many friends at the event that I look forward to seeing at least once a year at Lumpy and potentially at other sea kayak symposiums or at home on the Mendocino Coast.  We share tales of adventure, tales of life, recipes, and trip ideas.  I always leave Lumpy with new friends and inspired to paddle new places.

Lumpy students practicing their Wave Warrior cries! Photo by Cate Hawthorne

The venue of Cape Kiwanda RV Resort facilitates much of this camaraderie.  Most participants and coaches are staying on site or within walking distance. We share meals, happy hour, and evenings around the fire together.  A huge thanks this year to Ninkasi Brewing Company for joining on as sponsors and providing plenty of excellent beer to help us unwind after a day on the water and to fuel stories around the campfire.

Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff and Cate just off the water and getting their Happy Hour Brews from Ninkasi. Photo by Andrew Romanelli

A huge thanks to event sponsors who help to make Lumpy happen.  This year Maui Jim Sunglasses stepped up with a couple of pairs of sunglasses and some swag for the event raffle. Thule, Werner, and Ninkasi sponsored happy hours.  Other sponsors included Sterling Kayaks, Jackson Kayak, Current Designs, Kokatat, NRS, Airstream, American Canoe Association, and Paddlesports North America.

Lumpy 2017 is October 6-8, 2017.  Be sure to mark your calendar and register early to secure your spot (register this month and save $$$ too).