Next years Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (Coastbusters) symposium in the weekend 5 -7 March will have a home built kayak component. Currently being planned is a workshop covering the 3 main types of kayak building (SOF, S&G and Strip) and a covered display area. Like last years Coastbusters, next years will also be based at Owera north of Auckland.

If you have never been to a KASK symposium before, you won’t be disappointed. There are workshops given by some of the most knowledgeable paddlers in NZ and cover everything from navigation to paddling technique. The symposiums are extremely well organized and are a lot of fun. It is well worth making the effort of travelling to Auckland to attend. Further details will be posted on the KASK web site http://www.kask.co.nz/Events.shtml

The 2004 Coastbusters will be a great opportunity for kayak builders to meet each other, exchange ideas, inspect and maybe even try out different designs. It is also the best time to promote kayak building to other paddlers. In America there are the Meet at the Beach and R2K3 events for home builders, next years Coastbusters will be the closest thing NZ will have to these get togethers.

What is needed is a show of hands of those who plan to attend and will be bringing their home built kayak. This will enable the KASK symposium committee to judge the amount of interest and help in planning the activities associated with home built kayaks.

If you are thinking of coming along please either post a reply here or email me direct at grantglazer@clear.net.nz. If you are unable to attend but know of somebody who will be interested, please pass this message on.

See you in March,
Cheers
Grant