- by Maks Zupan

As a paddling enthusiast , who covered over 200.000kilometers in almost 50 years of competition and touring around the world, I warmly welcome the Riverfest on my wonderful little local river, the Sydenham.

The Sydenham river is one of the most colorful back to nature paddling locations I have ever seen. Clean water, majestic trees, so many birds, even a view of the escarpment. I kayak about every second day, on the river or  on the bay from March to November. And every day the river is different. For me,nothing matches the tranquility of being on water, feeling it with my body, propelling the little craft with just my body and feeling in full harmony with mother nature. The sound of water, the sun and wind caressing my body, the hypnotic parting of the water around the bow, the ever present sights and sounds of the wildlife.

I see so many kayaks and canoes on the river banks, but not often enough on water. We humans too often take the best of our life for granted. Perhaps the above could convince some ever busy people to more often enjoy this mentally and physically invigorating experience.

Paddling a bit more vigorously is also an excellent whole body exercise. Just adjust your foot rest, - to use your legs and hips fully. Use a lot of upper body rotation and not just your arms- and you are into joyful, not mind over matter fitness. For a solo paddler, kayaking is more simple and efficient than canoeing, for a double is a matter of choice. You can "walk" or "run" in any paddling boat, the choice is yours!

So, I am looking forward to see many boats on the river on Sunday, July 9, and see you at the dam at 11:15. All information is available at www.riverfest.sydenham.com