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Sea Kayak Institute Features Demo Day and Round the Island Race

PLATTSBURGH, NY__ Ever wanted to try out a sea kayak, perhaps take one on a quick spin on Lake Champlain? Then the Lake Champlain Sea Kayak Institute's Demo Day is just for you. Demo Day, which will be held Friday, July 28, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Valcour Kayak Center, located at Valcour Educational Conference Center on Rt. 9 South, is free and open to everyone.

A great opportunity for anyone interested in kayaking, Demo Day will feature local and national vendors who will make a wide variety of boats and other equipment available for use.  Sea Kayak Institute faculty will be in the water to serve as safety boats and to offer professional advice.

"This event is unusual because it is not a retail event," said Dr. Larry Soroka, director of the Adirondack Experience at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and organizer of the Sea Kayak Institute. "It's an excellent opportunity to talk to sales people and company representatives and paddling instructors without the pressure of sales. I encourage anyone interested in testing out a sea kayak to stop by on Friday, July 28."

Demo Day is part of the annual Lake Champlain Sea Kayak Institute, which includes "bring your own boat" clinics and a four-day sea kayaking course.

The clinics will be held on Sunday, July 23, at the Valcour Kayak Center.

Morning clinics include:
* Intro Clinic - An intensive foundation course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
* Rescue and Recover I - Standard rescues from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
* Forward Stroke from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
* Hand rolling from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     
Afternoon clinics include:
* Intro Clinic from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
* Rescue and Recovery II from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
* Rolling from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
* Refresh and Refine from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Each clinic costs $50 and rental equipment is available. For more information or to register for a clinic, contact Dr. Soroka at 518-564-5292. Only a few spaces remain - call immediately for information.

The four-day class has it all -- skill development, daily tours on Lake Champlain, food, fun and lots of paddling.

"By the end of the four days, participants will have paddled more hours than some recreational paddlers might in a summer, all the while learning strokes, rescues and even getting an introduction into rolling," said Soroka.

The class meets Monday, July 24 through Thursday, July 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $550 for the non-credit option. The class may also be taken for two college credits at a cost of $595.10 for in-state residents. Out of state residents wishing to take the course for two credits should call for cost. Space is limited. Call Dr. Soroka for more information.

On Saturday, July 29, the Lake Champlain Sea Kayak Institute winds up with the Round-the-Island Race for kayakers of all skill levels. This seven-mile citizen's race is an opportunity to enjoy the recreational company of other paddlers, to circum-paddle Valcour Island and enjoy the beautiful mountain views of New York and Vermont. Registration, which costs $10, begins at 8 a.m. at the Valcour Kayak Center with the race starting at 9 a.m.

For additional information or directions, visit http://www.plattsburgh.edu/academics/adx/lcski.php or call 518-564-5292.
     
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