(Charleston, SC) – Calling paddlers of all ages and skill levels! Immerse yourself in the technique, hands-on experience, history and fun of canoeing and kayaking at the 21st Annual East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival (ECCKF). One of the premier paddlesport events on the Atlantic Coast, the festival will be held at James Island County Park on April 15-17, 2011.

Each year ECCKF brings together paddling enthusiasts of all levels with world-renowned instructors and equipment manufacturers. The action-packed festival features a multitude of on-water classes, lectures and demonstrations directed to the novice and the experienced paddler. Plus over 40 commercial exhibitors will be on-hand to give you a chance to try the latest equipment before you buy.

This year’s featured speakers will be Nathalie and Alain Antognelli, a Monegasque couple who are both professional photographers and passionate nature enthusiasts. The Antognellis will speak on Greenland, climate change and their adventures in sea kayaking.

The heart of the festival is the simultaneous running of four classrooms throughout the three-day event. Refine your skills in a master class presented by many of the paddling world’s leading experts. Learn new strokes, rescues or rolls with expert instruction. Meet other knowledgeable paddle sport enthusiasts. A wide variety of topics include slide shows of exotic paddling locations, how-to sessions on navigation, selecting or repairing equipment, safety and preparing gourmet cuisine fresh from your dry bag.

A family-friendly weekend, children are welcome to the festival and are free with a paying adult. Learn how to paddle as a family in clinics, compete in a cardboard canoe race, or register young paddlers in canoe and kayak camps (ages 6-12), featuring hands-on sessions, nature walks, crafts and more.

Make plans now to participate in this exciting event! Come meet your paddling peers throughout the weekend and enjoy food, beverages, music and of course, canoeing and kayaking! And visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to stay overnight at the park’s campsites.

For just the $1 per person admission to the park, visitors can come to James Island County Park and enjoy the sights, sounds and shopping at the festival. Registration packages range from sampler passes to full-weekend passes – perfect for all levels and abilities! For more information, schedules and to register call (843) 795-4FUN or visit our website at www.ccprc.com/ecckf.