Participants may test boats from approximately 40 exhibitors. Lodging for the event can be found at nearby hotels on and off the beach as well as the scenic James Island County Park campground, which hosts the symposium. Meal options are available upon registration. Manufacturers and Alaska outfitters hold boat and equipment demonstrations on a big lake. Native guides are on hand to assist attendees planning trips to Alaskan waters.
Lodging is available in on-campus housing, area hotels, and a local youth hostel.
The instructional program is limited to the first 150 registrants. The primary focus of the West Michigan Coastal Kayaking Symposium is teaching and instruction, with special emphasis on the Greenland technique, including the Greenland roll and Greenland sculling braces. Also included will be classes on use of the Euro blade and a surf-kayaking class conducted on nearby Lake Michigan. Other activities are designed for children. There will be many presenters, including Doug Van Doren, who has just completed his new video on Greenland Paddling Techniques.