GRAND MARAIS -- The 26th annual Sea Kayaking Symposium in Grand Marais was the perfect opportunity for amateurs to get their feet wet.  Over 200 people flocked to the event Wednesday through Sunday to do just that.

Throughout the week, safety and technique classes were taught by seasoned pros.

"The instructors are excellent," said participant Sally Carlson from Milwaukee, WI.  "They're very helpful and they're very supportive, they're non-judgmental."

"I go out, I get wet, I have fun, I come up here and I learn a lot," said participant Brian Goetz of Battle Creek, MI.

There was something for everyone at the event--not just beginners.  Lake Superior's water was calm for rookies in the lower harbor, but for experts, a bigger surf was just beyond the breakwater.

Professionals came from outside the area, the state, and even the country to attend the symposium, like German instructor Freya Hoffmeister, who circumnavigated Australia on her kayak.

"It's rewarding and inspiring for people and for me, so it's kind of nice," said Hoffmeister.

But participants left the symposium with much more than a kayaking lesson...they also left with friendship.

"It's a big gathering," said organizer and Down Wind Sports co-owner, Bill Thompson.  "It's almost like a family reunion of friends that come together and share the passion of the sport."

The five-day symposium cost $189 to attend.  If you missed this year's event, Down Wind Sports is hosting it again next year, the third week in July.