CKF Paddle Fest - 2002
On Sunday May 19th CKF held our first annual Paddle Fest at Alamitos Bay, Long Beach. Our attendance exceeded our expectations and a grand time was had by all. A variety of short seminars were held covering such subjects as rescues, kayak loading, kayak fitting -- along with two exciting competitions. The first was the backward race - out to the floating buoy - turn around the buoy and return. There were about 20 paddlers. Duane Strosaker out-paddled two visiting professionals and won the event. Perhaps they were just being kind? Steve Holtzman provided excellent downfield blocking as Duane scored a touchdown in this event. Thence onto the true test of kayaking skills. How many times can one complete a full roll in a one-minute period? Duane took second completing 12 rolls. Peter O'Sullivan, the retired fire captain from Oxnard, rolled his boat 14 times and was the unanimous winner. Pete's nose is still running.

Afterwards gift awards were given out to all of the winners and then a grand raffle was held and many more gifts were spread among all of us. The gifts were very generously provided by:

Afterwards, a great pot luck was set up and we all feasted to contentedness. And then to prove we could still fit into our boats we paddled around the Naples islands and enjoyed the conviviality of fellow CKF'ers.

This was the first CKF FEST held in the history of CKF. The event enabled members from the various regions to meet folks who had spoken together via email but had never met on the water. We all had a great time, so much so, that another CKF FEST is planned for October.

Photos submitted by Mike Brown: Click on picture to see larger image
Duane's custom fit clinic
Steve's paddle float re-entry clinic
Steve climbing in "toes first"
Wayne offering some words of wisdom
Wayne and Steve in the assisted re-entry clinic
Wayne rescues Steve
Peter's Eskimo roll clinic
Peter rolling back up
Paula's packing a kayak clinic
When Len speaks we all listen...
Carol trying out Chris's handbuilt boat
Ann & Paula demonstrating the changing robe

Photos submitted by George Miller: Click on picture to see larger image
Len making a proclamation
Mike Brown is back
Steve Holtzman lecturing on rescues
Paula reveals secrets of kayak packing
Wayne Horodowich, USK, rescuing Steve Holtzman
John hand rolling with discs
Duane does 11 rolls in 30 seconds
Peter's stunning winning performance- Rolling contest
Duane doing slow motion roll
Jen Kleck, Aqua Adventures, hand rolling in a full sized sea kayak
Chow line at lunch time-good stuff!
Post pig-out conference- Madeline, George K., Steve H.
Steve, Dave and Steve reminiscing
Where's our leader?
Paddling Alamitos Bay
Group raft-up

Photos submitted by Ray Roux: Click on picture to see larger image
Sell/Trade items
Wayne & Hadley's USK booth
Duane's customizing clinic
Steve & Wayne
rescue clinic
Paula's packing clinic
George Miller recording
Jen Kleck doing hand rolls