Ken Bruland of Beaver Island is kayaking about 85 miles through northern Lake Michigan and Lake Huron this week to raise money for the Beaver Island Food Pantry. When he reaches his destination in the Les Cheneaux Islands, he will give instruction at the third annual Hiawatha Paddling Festival in the Les Cheneaux Islands. Professional kayak instructors, like Mr. Bruland, are gathering at Cedar Campus east of Cedarville Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, to teach beginner and novice paddlers kayak safety techniques.

The paddling symposium is designed to help improve paddlers' judgment when entering the water and teach what to do in potentially dangerous situations, like if their kayak flips over in open water, said instructor Jessie Hadley of Hessel. She said it is also designed to help people enjoy the surrounding natural and cultural treasures wherever they may be paddling.

"It's mostly just to build kayakers' skills," she said.

She has been kayaking since 1997. Her kayak travels have led her all over the Upper Peninsula as well as to Honduras, the Bahamas, and the Pacific Northwest. Ms. Hadley, along with instructors Mr. Bruland and Lori Stegmier of Grand Rapids, will be teaching advanced paddling strokes, bracing and rolling development, group rescue, and self and assisted towing skills.

Participants can register up to the fist day of the symposium. Ms. Hadley said she expects 15 to 20 people to attend the weekend event. Admission costs start at $100 per participant.

Kayakers should bring their own kayaks, paddles, personal floatation devices, wet or drysuit, and bilge pump. Rental kayaks will also be available.

Mr. Bruland has been kayaking since the 1980s and has instructed at the festival since it began in 2006. In the past, he has driven to the festival, however, this year, he is paddling to raise money for the Beaver Island Food Pantry and hopes to raise $5,000.

He left Beaver Island Wednesday, September 2, and expects to reach Cedar Campus in Prentiss Bay after a week of paddling, leaving him a few days to relax before the symposium begins.

"The most you average is about three miles per hour in a kayak," he said. "I've got a loaded kayak. I'm just going to take my time."

He packed a tent and camping gear and plans to camp in several spots along the way, paddling 10 to 15 miles each day. He is mailing additional food and supplies to the post office in St. Ignace to pick up when he passes through.

An experienced kayaker, Mr. Bruland has made long trips like this before, and said he is well prepared for this trip. He has been in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard in St. Ignace and has an emergency locator and flares if he runs into any trouble on the water. The only time he'll be in open water and away from shore is from Hog Island to Waugoshance Point and under the Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace. The remainder of the trip he will be within swimming distance to shore.

He said the paddling festival is a good way for beginner and novice paddlers to gain experience in a sport that is fairly easy to get involved with.

"There's just so many people getting into it and an awful lot are not taking the time to learn these [safety] skills," he said. "The real problem comes when the boat goes upside down. I just think it's important to teach people early on. There's just so many people that aren't getting lessons."

To register, call Ms. Hadley at Woods & Water Ecotours, (906) 484-4157.