I hope this is of interest to Sydney-based packrafters:
On the evening of Thursday 8 October 2015, I will be presenting my Personal History of Packrafting in Tasmania. It will be similar to the version I delivered as the Keynote Address to the APA Packraft Roundup in Montana in 2014. The venue is The Stucco Cooperative, 197 Wilson Street, Newtown. 7:30pm for 8pm start.
I’ve popped a few more details on my neglected little web page: http://www.mclaine.org
Here’s the promo:
“Introduced to packrafting as a young man in 1981, John participated in the legendary effort to protect Tasmania’s Franklin River from damming. These successful efforts included a floating human blockade and several packrafting films that alerted Australians to the wilderness and whitewater at stake. During the “dark ages” of the 1990s, when Aussies lacked access to new boats and the sport all but died, John was one of a handful of Australian paddlers who carried the torch and continued to pioneer bold and creative packrafting routes.
In the new millennia, when the first modern packrafts became available in Tasmania, John led the “renaissance” and today our sport is again flourishing in the Tasmanian wilderness. John remains an avid packrafter and last year visited North America where he completed packrafting routes in Montana and Alaska, and was the keynote speaker at the 2014 Packraft Roundup.
Conceived in 2010, the American Packrafting Association Golden Paddle Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to packrafting through innovation, dedication, and conservation. John exemplifies the American Packrafting Association mission of conservation, safety, education, and access, and was the recipient of the APA Golden Paddle Award in 2015.”
I hope a few Sydney packrafters can make it on the 8th.
Regards,
John