The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ninth District Training Symposium will be hosting Jeremy Oyn, Director of the Safety, Education and Outreach Department of the American Canoe Association. Mr. Oyn will be speaking on the future of paddlesports and paddlesports education. His presentation will focus on the current state of the sport, future trends, best practices and the partnership opportunities established under the new Memorandum of Agreement between the American Canoe Association and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Paddlesports is the fastest growing segment of the recreational boating community, a trend that is likely to continue in the current economic climate. The National Marine Manufacturing Association (NMMA) reported in 2009 that the sales of canoes and kayaks totaled 343,600 nearly eclipsing the number sold the previous year. Currently, there are no mandatory state boater education requirements for paddlers despite the fact this user group continues to experience significant growth.

The American Canoe Association has long offered premiere hands-on education for new paddlers. With the explosive growth of this sport however, classroom education now becomes a necessary and essential alternative. The new partnership with the Coast Guard Auxiliary will help ensure that as many novice paddlers as possible have the opportunity to develop an understanding of safe paddling best practices and risk assessment while on the water.

Auxiliary members attending the Ninth District Symposium are encouraged to attend this presentation. Mr. Oyen will be speaking on Friday, April 1, 2011. For additional details on this presentation consult the Symposium training schedule.