NAV4 Symposium - 14/15th February 2009

The inaugural NAV4 Symposuim will take place on 14/15th February at Longsleddale Outdoor Pursuits Centre in The Lakes.

What is a Symposium? 'The term Symposium originally referred to a drinking party (the Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together") but has since come to refer to any academic conference or a style of university class characterized by an openly discursive rather than lecture and question–answer format.' ...

..... although in our terms it will be a combined social and training weekend open to all adventure racers. It is intended to have a simple Symposium Supper on Saturday night, and the after Supper discussion about all things 'AR'. Maybe I'll be able to entice a guest speaker to kick off the evening but whatever the outcome it will be a fun, informative and an enlightening evening.

Day time activities can involve a wide range of things; walking, MTB, running, even paddling or 'ropes', but it will work like this... either, do your own thing , or sign up for a workshop, or two.

I hope many people will wish to come and join the fun, even if you wish to do your own thing rather that join a workshop, as Longsleddale OP Centre is ideally placed for excellent MTB trails, access onto The High Street Range of fells. We have original pre-marked 2005 KIMM maps for you to use .... plenty for everyone to do.

A flat rate will be charged for two nights' bunkhouse accomodation (Friday and Saturday nights) with free porridge each morning and a simple Symposium Supper. The cost of this is guesstimated to be around £35-40 per person. tbc.

Alongside that we hope to provide a number of skill 'workshops' focusing on what ever people want to do, ie, Intro or Micro Navigation, Advanced Score and Route choice strategy, MTB Navigation and racing skill, etc. 'Ropes Skills' or 'Paddle Skills will be offered if the demand exists. There will be an aditional charge for participation in any tutored workshop but the cost of this will be in the regionof £30-35 per 'short' day session and epending upon activity type, equipment, etc.

More details will follow in due course, but I need your suggestions and commitment to make it happen. Please be aware that the number and type of workshops and places on offer will depend upon the level of interest and bookings.

If you are interested please get back to me asap ..... I look forward to hearing from you in the New Year. Have fun.

Joe