With a paddle: High adventure, inspiration focus of film fest

Peter Kobs, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
·2 min read

Apr. 25—TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan's first showing of the 2024 Paddling Film Festival is tonight at Howe Ice Arena at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center starting at 6:30 p.m.

Paddling enthusiasts of all sizes and skill levels are invited to attend the event, which highlights "the world's best paddling films of the year," according to the county Parks and Recreation Department, which is hosting the screening.

The event features a selection from the 29 films shortlisted for the festival's current world tour, with a total run time of about two hours.

"Whether you're into kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding or any other type of paddling, I think you'll have a great time," said Parks Director John Chase.

Audiences will be treated to tales of "hair-raising whitewater action, sea kayaking along remote coastlines, northern river canoe expeditions and inspiring environmental documentaries," according to producers at Rapid Media of Palmer Rapids, Ontario.

One of the most interesting films in the festival captures a sea kayaking adventure in Iceland.

"We really wanted to show off the versatility and sea worthiness of sea kayaks for exploring the stunning coastline of Iceland," said James Stevenson, an instructor with Online Sea Kayaking based in the United Kingdom. "We saw glacial lagoons, snow-capped volcanic peaks, enormous sea cliffs and, of course, stunning wildlife, including humpback whales."

When he's not running the county's parks department, Chase also spends time as a paddling instructor and instructor trainer with the American Canoe Association, the nation's oldest and largest paddle sports organization. Each year, the ACA sponsors more than 700 events. It also provides safety education, instructor certification, waterway conservation and public information campaigns.

"Paddling is one of the best ways to enjoy nature up close and get exercise at the same time," he said. "You can be challenged as much or as little as you wish, from a casual float on a local lake to a real whitewater adventure. I've been doing this for more than 20 years and I absolutely love it!"

The Howe Ice Arena is located at 1125 W. Civic Center Dr. just east of downtown Traverse City. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.