Ontario Backcountry Canoe Symposium

Got the chance to attend the annual Ontario Backcountry Canoe Symposium held in Kitchener-Waterloo this past weekend. It was my first time coming to this popular event which draws the  community together at the start of each paddling season. The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association had a table with info and copies of Wooden Canoe journal to give away. I brought along the paddle display made for the WCHA assembly last year. During the intermissions between speakers we had quite a few visitors and spread the word about the organization.

Photo with WCHA Canada Chapter Head, Alex Guthro

Photo Credit: Emily Guthro

Discussing history with a fellow attendee
Photo Credit: Emily Guthro

Amongst the attendees were Mike from Badger Paddles who are celebrating their 10th anniversary in the paddle making business. Also got to meet with Milan from Hunter & Harris, another paddle making company based in Bradford, Ontario. We exchanged some ideas and I got to learn more about some of the future plans and design ideas from these quality handcrafted makers.

Photo of Hunter & Harris booth

Photo Credit: Emily Guthro

Hunter & Harris Paddle Display

Photo Credit: Ontario Backcountry Canoe Facebook Page

Canoes were obviously well represented by the folks at Swift as well as John from BackCountry Custom Canoes, maker of skin-on-frame canoe designs that have become popular of late. Turns out a scouting group, the 2nd Kingsville Scouts are raffling off an all cedar Langford Canoe in a draw to be held on August 11, 2019. The canoe was setup on the speaker stage for everyone to admire. Tickets are a very reasonable $20. More info on their Facebook page.

Photo of Langford Draw Canoe

Photo Credit: Emily Guthro