Maine Outdoor Journal

There was a distinctly autumnal quality to last weekend's Maine Canoe Symposium, and that observation triggers a few additional thoughts. Canoeing has deep and continuing roots in this state's culture, conjuring up mental images of Henry David Thoreau, Joe Attean, Cornelia "Fly Rod" Crosby and the tradition of Registered Maine Guides. But the popularity of canoeing seems to be eclipsed by kayaking. When I run inland paddling trips for the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club, it's common for the kayakers to outnumber canoeists by ratios of 3:1, 4:1 and more. Look at the ratio of kayaks to canoes on this paddle-n-picnic trip I ran for the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club a couple of years ago. SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO So it's good that there's an established ongoing forum where canoeing is promoted and new participants can be introduced to the sport. The lessons and clinics at the symposium teach many skills that might otherwise be lost to future generations, such as canoe poling. The world's No. 1 canoe-poling guru, Harry Rock, shows how it's done at last weekend's Maine Canoe Symposium. SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO Participants in last weekend's Maine Canoe Symposium were exposed to marathon racing. Shawn Burke (above) recently completed a 70-mile one-day race. SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO Paul Edwards and Cherie Perkins check out Shawn's 18-foot marathon boat, while the owner explains rigging details. SCOTT ANDREWS PHOTO In addition to instruction and introduction, the evening paddle-logues by the Hide-Away Canoe Club vastly expand participants' mental horizons. And speaking of new horizons and new canoeists: The symposium boasted a full roster of activities for the children of the adult participants, thus ensuring the continuity of the sport. And speaking of kids, let me also add that Camp Winona in Bridgton, the site of the symposium, certainly harks back to a simpler age, when boys were encouraged to spend their summers in traditional outdoor activities that will last a lifetime -- such as canoeing. I had a nice chat with "Uncle Al" Ordway, Winona's director, who shares my desire to perpetuate this distinctively Maine way of life.