South Carolina
Paddlesports Industry Association

SCPIA News & News Archives

Look here for news of upcoming events and SCPIA business.

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS:
9/11, 2010 – 4th Annual Berkeley Blueways Paddlefest

NEWS ARCHIVE:
2/25, 2010 – SCPIA Officers & Board Elected
4/9-14, 2010 – ACA Coastal Kayak IDW/ICE, Levels -1-4
4/16-18, 2010 – 20th ECCKF
2/17, 2010 – MS Society Presents Award to Nature Adventure Kayak
10/24, 2009 – Berkeley Blueways Festival
09/18-21, 2009 – IDW/ICE Being Offered in Charleston
07/15, 2009 – In Memoriam: Richard Mikell, 1946-2009
01/07 2009 – 2009 SCPIA Annual Conference & Meeting details posted
12/31 2008 – New web site launched

4th Annual Berkeley Blueways Paddlefest

The South Carolina Paddlesports Industry Association (SCPIA), is sponsoring the Berkeley Blueways Paddlefest, September 11, 2010 at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, SC (843) 899-5200 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Featured Booths
South Carolina Paddlesports Industry Association
Black River Outdoors Center
River Rats Canoe Rentals
Low Country Paddlers
Palmetto Conservation Foundation
Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
Nature Adventures Outfitters
Sea Kayak Carolina
Time Out Sports
US Forest Service Paddling Trails

Scheduled Program of Events
11 a.m. - 12 noon “Kayak Demos -Types and Outfitting” - Recreational, Sea, Day Touring, Extended Touring, Sit-On-Tops, Kids Kayaks, Tandems - Nature Adventures Kayak & Canoe Outfitters

12 noon - 1 p.m. “Sea Kayak Rolling Demonstration & The Importance of ACA Courses” - Sea Kayak Carolina 

1 p.m. - 2 p.m. “The Art of Fly Fishing from your Kayak” - The Charleston Angler

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. “Paddleboarding Demonstration & Try outs” - Charleston Watersport Outfitters

3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. "The Best Kayak Fishing Boats & Equipment” -Time Out Sports

3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. “Low Country Paddlers Club Outings, Benefits & Invitation to Join" – Todd Beach - LCP President  


Used and New Kayak & Canoe Sale – featured all day long at information, equipment and gear booths

Kayak & Canoe Trips Scheduled -
2:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Call the phone numbers below or email to register for these trips!  $35/ adults ages 13 and up ~ $25/ kids ages 12 and under

Lake and Lock Trip - Sea Kayak Carolina
843-225-7969 info@seakayakcarolina.com

Wadboo Creek & Swamp - Nature Adventures
843-568-3222 or nao@att.net

Dennis Pasture Cypress Grove and Islands of Lake Moultrie - Palmetto Conservation Foundation 803-771-1531 or dane@palmettoconservation.org

2010 SCPIA Officers & Board Elected

The following individuals were elected to the South Carolina Paddlesports Industry Association Executive Committee on February 25, 2010:

President, Scott Szczepaniak - Sea Kayak Carolina, Charleston, SC
Vice President, Cheryl Cummins - Calm Water Kayak Tours, Ware Shoals, SC
Secretary, Marie Frick - River Rats Canoe Rentals, Scranton, SC
Treasurer, Ralph Earhart - Kayak Charleston,  Charleston
 
The following individuals were confirmed as members of the Board of Directors:
 
Chair, Kathie Livingston - Nature Adventures Outfitters
Vice Chair, Kristina Poole, Outgoing SCPIA President
Member at Large, Dave Hamilton - Time Out Ski and Sports
Member at Large, Steve Morrone - Kando Adventures
 

Nature Adventure Kayak Recognized by MS Society

The National MS Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter has awarded Nature Adventures Kayak, Canoe and Hiking Outfitters, Inc. "The Outstanding Corporate Partner Award for 2009".  Nature Adventures has helped raise thousands of dollars every year during their annual "Kayak for the Kure for MS" paddle each fall in hopes to rid the world of MS.   Nature Adventures will be recognized and will receive the award on February 17th, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Charleston Airport during their Celebrate.Inspire.Move awards ceremony.

Level 1-4 IDW/ICE Offered April 9-14

ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) / Instructor Certification Exam (ICE), Level 1 (Intro to Kayak) – Level 3 (Basics of Coastal Kayaking) – Level 4 (Open Water Coastal Kayaking). Contact Sea Kayak Carolina at (843) 225-7969 to register or for more info.

April 16-18 2010, 20th Anniversary
          East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival

Join the excitement at James Island County Park this April — Immerse yourself in a full weekend of the history, technique, hands-on experience, and fun of canoeing and kayaking. Celebrating 20 years in 2010, the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival will include lectures, on-water classes, and demonstrations directed to the novice and the experienced paddler.
›› ECCKF homepage
↑ to top

Berkeley Blueways Festival, October 24th 2009

The 2009 Berkeley Blueways Paddlefest will be held Saturday, October 24th – the event will open to the public at the Old Santee Canal Park at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. — vendors pay no fees and will be assigned 20x20 display spaces on a first come, first served basis (application order, not the order of arival on the 24th!). Vendor set-up to begin at 8 a.m. There will be events (guided tours by outfitters at other locations,) but no exhibits on Sunday, the 25th.
Vendor applications, photo and art contest details have been posted on the Blueways Friends section of Facebook (link below).
›› Berkeley Blueways homepage
›› More about the Paddlefest on Facebook

Sea Kayak Carolina Running Sept. IDW/ICE

An American Canoe Association (ACA) Coastal Kayak Instructor Development Workshop and Certification Exam has been scheduled for September 18, 19, 20 (Level 1 - Level 2) with and additional day (Sept. 21) for Level 3.
The workshop is an awesome training experience, suitable for any paddlers who want to improve their skills, understanding and confidence on the water — for aspiring guides, tour leaders and instructors, it is a must.
›› More about this IDW/ICE on the SKC website.

In Memory — Richard Mikell, 1946-2009

Richard Mikell, 62, longtime owner of Adventure Carolina in Cayce, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2009 after a brief illness.

A Eulogy — presented by Kathy Livingston, representing the SCPIA, at Richard's funeral, July 18, 2009 —

Richard Mikell was a founding father of Paddlesports in South Carolina.  He led us as President of the Paddlesports Association for countless years.  Richard was known as the "Papa Bear" of Paddlesports. 

His gentle spirit and kind heart led us all.  He was a true friend to each and everyone of us and there was nothing he would not do for any one.

He gave to us by sharing his love for the outdoors, the rivers, the woods, the lakes and he wanted all of us to enjoy it as he did.

If ever there was a man for all of us to look up to it was Richard.

He led the Paddlesports Industry in the State of South Carolina with dignity, compassion and respect.  He set an example for all of us to follow and to be kind and helpful in every way and he gave us all the gifts of love and friendship.  His legacy will not be forgotten.

Hi face will be remembered as always smiling.

His heart will be remembered as always loving.

His soul will be with us on our journeys down each and every river. 

We will remember him in his canoe, on his knees with paddle in hand and his endless smile will endure in our hearts forever. 

May God rest his soul and may "His Spirit of the River" always be with us. 

SCPIA 2009 Annual Conference & Meeting

Palm Key is an Award Winning Retreat, known for its pristine setting in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. It is also very active with its Education programs in conjunction with “The Institute at Palm Key”. Palm Key is known as “The Nature Getaway”     PalmKey.com
DIRECTIONS: Palm Key is located just 5 minutes off of Interstate I-95 (Exit 28) in the historic Lowcountry of South Carolina, on Knowles Island where Indians dwelled more than 3,000 years ago. They are at the head of the Broad River, not far from the ocean if you go down-river. Up-river you'll find three magnificent blackwater rivers and cypress swamps, perfect places for kayak adventures. Palm Key is just 30 miles from famous Hilton Head Island; even closer to historic Beaufort, SC; convenient to both Savannah and Charleston.      ›› online map

Conference Itinerary:

Monday, February 9th, 2009 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Conference Registration at Palm Key

Lunch offered at palm key $5 each: 12 noon – 1 p.m. (we will need to know if you want lunch – see registration pdf)

Field Trip 11:00* a.m. – 3:30 p.m. “3 Rivers” Kayak Tour with Palm Key Naturalist & Kayak Guide. On this beautiful kayak tour we’ll travel down the Tullifinny River to the Broad river and then on to the Coosahatchie where we’ll end at an old Railroad Tressel. On this 3 ½ hour trip we’ll see Eastern shore birds, raptors and possibly dolphin! You are encouraged to bring your own kayak, however some Kayaks are available through Palm Key and are mostly sit-on-tops so bring waterproof pants and a windbreaker or rain poncho if possible in case we get a little wind. Space is limited! Bring your own kayak or sign up for one first come first serve for the first 15 participants who need kayaks. (these are sit on tops).
* Meet at Palm Key Kayak Yard at 10:30 a.m.! (Please be on time to carpool)

5:30 – 10:00 p.m. – Social- Bonfire with music, beer & wine

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Silent Auction
In conference room - next to bonfire social

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m..- Oyster Roast
With Chili and sides next to Conference room outside

8:15 p.m.-8:20 p.m. - Announcement of Auction Item Winners

8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. “ Full Moon Marsh Kayak Tour” *
Meet in kayak yard at Palm Key-
Bring bottled water, shoes that can get wet, (possibly bug spray) and lights (flashlights and/or deck lighting). Bring a dry bag to put things in just in case! Layer your clothing and in the outdoors this time of year. “ABC” clothing is recommended. (Anything but cotton). Synthetics like, fleece, nylon, neoprene or polyester and or wicking materials are suggested. For kayakers, we suggest waterproof or at least windproof pants and jackets or at least a change of clothes for when you are finished.
*Also bring a towel.
 

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 Conference Agenda

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.- Breakfast – Cafeteria

8:30 and 9 a.m - Check Out of Palm Key rooms

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.- Welcome
SCPIA 2008 President Kathie Livingston

9:10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. - "Risk Management in Paddlesports"
Attorney John Tate
John is from the Columbia area of South Carolina and is also an avid paddler. He has worked in the industry, represented Paddlesport businesses and has addressed many seminars on this subject. John will address different factors in Risk Management in paddlesports including insurance, release forms, employee and client risks, and will have lots of handouts for us.

10:30 - 10:45 a.m. - Break

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. - "Guide Training, Rescues and Techniques."
Scott Szczpaniak with Sea Kayak Carolina
Scott comes to the SCPIA with 18 years of experience as an Open Water ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor. He will share with us the importance of training, technique and rescues for Paddlesport members. Scott will also provide an overview of the ACA Instructor Training and Kayaking Courses.

12:00 noon – 12:50 p.m.– Lunch in Cafeteria

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - "Rescue Demonstrations" Sea Kayak Carolina
In Pond adjacent to Conference Center

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Break

2:00 p.m.- 2:45p.m. - SCPIA Open Forum Crackerbarrel Sessions
(20 minutes each)

Topics Include:
1) Marketing
2) Greening your Paddlesport Business -
*Lots of handouts given to members on these topics!

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - 2009 SCPIA Annual Meeting
Topics Include:
   - Business Meeting Agenda;
   - Overview of SCPIA Bylaws and
   - Elections of new Executive Positions (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Member at Large)