Paddling Planet

Ganges, de la Vida a la Muerte

2012-02-06T18:58:49+00:00

El rio Ganges es el rio de la vida, el rio en el que los hindues nacen, viven y mueren. La purificacion del alma pasa siempre por la obligada visita a este rio donde confluyen pasado, presente y futuro.
Un lugar donde cohabitan 700 millones de personas, tiene que ser, de por si, muy importante.
El recorrido ha sido de 2.500 km en trekking, biking y kayak, desde el nacimiento del río Ganges en el glaciar Gaumukh, Himalaya, hasta su desembocadura el Golfo de Bengala, océano Índico…
El recorrido se ha hecho en base a otro que tiene como referente la expedición “From Ocean to the Sky”, capitaneada por Edmund Hillary en 1977, en la que fue remontado el río Ganges con barcas motoras, pero en este caso ha sido en sentido contrario y evidentemente sin motores.
El gaditano Gonzalo Suardíaz, junto a la esquiadora sueca Elin Benhard y el corredor madrileño Juan Antonio Alegre con una beca de la BBK han podido realizar este sueño.
Cronica:

Una vez recogidas las canoas en Allahabad, a donde llegamos en bici, las botamos en los barrizales de la orilla del río Yamuna. Cargados de comida y agua hasta los topes, y con un fétido olor acompañando la maniobra, comenzamos a remar junto un búfalo flotando, y no precisamente porque nadara. Navegamos por Sangan, lugar sagrado donde el río Yamuna se une al Ganges. Esta lengua, donde ambas corrientes fluyen, es lugar supremo de purificación hindú. Mientras remamos multitud de paisanos se zambullen en busca de limpieza espiritual. El último festival Kumbamela atrajo a setenta millones de peregrinos.

No fue fácil acampar en las orillas de los arrabales de Allahabad pues son un nauseabundo basurero. Donde mejor pudimos montamos las tiendas en compañía de los perros salvajes que merodean por las orillas… chacales y lobos tampoco faltan. Acabábamos de ver arrojar varios cuerpos de difuntos a medio incinerar por lo que rápido comprendimos el por qué de su presencia. Las familias que no disponen de dinero para comprar suficiente madera para la ‘pira’ no llegan a completar la incineración del cuerpo y lo arrojan prácticamente integro. A lo que hay que añadir que, según la creencia hindú, niños y mujeres embarazadas no deben ser incinerados por lo que son directamente arrojados agua.

Cada mañana toca remar con ganas porque al mediodía el sol es insufrible y además la corriente es prácticamente nula. A menudo vemos cadáveres a la deriva sobre los que se posan grandes cuervos, que como los perros son auténticos carroñeros. Impresiona ver los rostros destrozados por los picotazos. Definitivamente el desayuno se nos atraganta. Por la tarde será la merienda… por la presencia del cadáver de un niño flotando. Aunque se conocen estas costumbres la realidad siempre supera lo esperado. Frente a esta imágenes vienen a la memoria las palabras del coronel Kurtz en la película Apocalipsis Now: “¡El horror, el horror!, el horror y el terror tienen rostro y hay que familiarizarse con él. El horror y el terror son tus amigos sino se convierten en enemigos de verdad, enemigos indestructibles”…

Desde luego este tramo del río tiene mucho que ver con un “inframundo” muy real a la vista de un occidental. Y lo que ya te deja KO es el necro-canibalismo que practica la secta Aghori. Sus venerados devotos creen que comer la carne cruda o quemada de los cadáveres que flotan en el río Ganges les confiere poderes sobrenaturales…

Por el contrario, es muy gratificante ver a los delfines de agua dulce saltando y resoplando. Son casi ciegos y se mueven por ecolocalizacion. Llegan a medir dos metros y son de color gris. Sólo quedan unos dos mil en el Ganges debido a la caza ilegal y a la contaminación. Se estima que el agua contiene 1.5 millones de bacterias coliformes fecales por cada 100 ml... cuando lo normal para bañarse de forma segura rondaría las 500 bacterias. Mejor no tragar agua.

Además de compartir corriente con los delfines, es muy entretenido navegar por las orillas de las inmensas islas de arena que surgen después del monzón. Son ideales para acampar y están repletas de todo tipo de aves. La rutina ha sido una constante esta semana. Horas de remo, parada a mediodía por el intenso calor, búsqueda de agua para potabilizar y por la tarde rastreo de playa para acampar. Los atardeceres son de postal pero en cuanto el sol se oculta una manta de humedad empapa todo.

¿ Todavia tienes ganas de ir a la India? Puedes apuntarte para el siguiente reto...

Barsebäckshamn

2012-02-06T18:54:27+00:00

Inte vidare skridsko- eller paddelvänligt men mysigt kvällsljus

Kort promenad i Barsebäckshamn i finfint kvällsljus. Isen har börjat lägga sig i skyddade vikar.

Hamnpiren sedd norrifrån

Gardskagi, Do not roll!

2012-02-06T18:18:52+00:00

The wind continued to increase... ...so we nosed into a sea loch for a bit of shelter. We were not the first to seek shelter here... ...Ian noticed a strange object on shore. It was Gardskagi: 64⁰02,57N 22⁰55,93V a Dutch weather buoy. It was over 1200km out of position. Its normal station is off the SW tip of Iceland. It had some good advice on the top. Do not roll - trail

VIDEO: Stika's 60 brick rolls

2012-02-06T17:02:09+00:00

To celebrate a major milestone in his life Stika wanted to perfect his brick roll. One of Stika's passions is Greenland style rolling and he has slowly been chipping away at the apparent endless list of rolls one can do in a kayak. While there are some of his own invention (like the Vegemite roll and the rest can be seen here) the brick roll seems to be a particularly tricky one: an 8lbs. brick

VIDEO: Rollabout

2012-02-06T17:02:09+00:00

A short video on Greenland rolling in South-East Queensland starring Stika and Toddy. This video is under license from Geggamoja Industries Camera and rolling: Greg and Moira Schwarz (additional footage by Tess Dodd) Paddles: Greg Schwarz custom laminated hollow-core Western Red Cedar .

... one more from the sea!

2012-02-06T16:52:15+00:00

Oggi il mare e' da godere e non ci accorgiamo della pioggia ... Today the sea is to be enjoyed and we do not notice the rain ...

Winter time....is kayak time!

2012-02-06T16:52:02+00:00

Dicembre. 4 amici in kayak a Bergeggi. "Solo sul mare si è davvero liberi." Eugene O' Neill December. 4 friends in kayak at Bergeggi. "Only on the sea you are really free" Eugene O' Neill

æ®¶'îÖ²

2012-02-06T16:51:39+00:00

Una magnifica giornata di novembre in kayak intorno al promontorio di Portofino A wonderful kayak day trip around Portofino Headland

Clinics: Week of September 18 to 21: Saturna Island, Canada

2012-02-06T15:45:16+00:00

Date: The week of September 18 to 21

Location: Saturna Island, Canada

Description: More information soon.

Contact: info@greenlandorbust.org

Fort Worden Weekend with Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer: September 15 and 16, Fort Worden, Washington

2012-02-06T15:14:53+00:00

Date: September 15 and 16

Location: Fort Worden, Washington

Description: This is a full weekend consisting of Yoga for Paddlers, Simplifying the Roll, Performance Paddling, Greenland Rope Gymnastics, a slideshow presentation, Combat Rolling (or Fun, Balance, Games and Rolling) and Currents and Waves.

Private classes are available on September 17.

Contact: info@greenlandorbust.org

Come to Jesus Moment – Ryan Rushton Guest Post

2012-02-06T15:12:20+00:00

Come to Jesus Moments

Most of us have had at least one “Come to Jesus” sea kayaking experience. That watershed moment where your paddling life is “re-born”. Perhaps you were at death’s door either figuratively (sucking in aerated water while your boat is mercilessly “windowshaded” in a big wave) or literally (on a swim in the rough waters of Portes de Morts Passage on Lake Michigan), or both. Or more simply, you paddled outside of your club, or circle of kayaking mates and found out it was a big sea and you were a smaller fish than you realized.

These moments are crucial in every paddler’s progression. The awareness that you don’t know anything close to what you should know.

My “Come to Jesus” experience was as an instructor attending an update. There were no harrowing tales of high seas or epic rescues, but simply a trainer who was a better paddler and more knowledgeable than I’d known before. I had become gotten my paper three years prior to this update, admittedly undeserving of the level of the award earned. I had athleticism, leadership experience from other outdoor activities, ability to perform skills recently learned, common sense and rough water survival skills from a whitewater background (all good things to have). This allowed me to get a pass. Armed with a Level 4 certification, I had the false impression that I was truly at that level. Uninspired to learn further, I took my certification and put it to good use, leading trips on Lake Superior, in the Florida Everglades and even Alaska. I picked up new skills (self-taught) along the way, taught and lead quality trips/courses without incident. However, exposure to new thoughts and new ways of teaching created the awareness that my knowledge and level of skill as a paddler and teacher was not satisfactory (to me). This one experience has spurred what many paddlers could consider a lifetime of learning and betterment over the course of the past 6 years.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen paddlers come to this crossroad and go down the path of least resistance…satisfied to stay the same or even letting their seemed “failures” drive them away from the sport. Although regrettable, I don’t see this as the current trend in our sport. I see other paddlers who have achieved certification searching out opportunities to better themselves. This past year’s Gales Storm Gathering was the highest level of participant skill that I’ve ever witnessed at an event. Coaches from the west coast remarked that the Great Lakes were on par with level of coaching and skill as they witness back on their home turf.

Have you had a “Come to Jesus” moment? If, so… ”what was your watershed experience?” and “what have you done since that time?”

Ryan Rushton
Geneva Kayak

Synchronized video

2012-02-06T14:43:31+00:00

This weekend I had no goals for the pool session. I was suffering from a cold that had moved to my chest and was feeling under the weather. I decided to try some synchronized video work. I set up two cameras, one mounted of the stern of the Tahe, and the other mounted on a … Read more →

Behind the Lens – Salt Creek

2012-02-06T12:53:00+00:00

One of my favorite camping areas is a small county park near Salt Creek on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Been going there for years and there tire of it. If you search through the article published here you’ll come across many references to the place.

Kayaking from China Camp -- enjoy it while we can

2012-02-06T12:39:49+00:00

China Camp village beach provides best launch at low tide CHINA CAMP – This has to be one of the most kayaker-friendly spots on the north end of San Francisco Bay. It’s conveniently located, offers...

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Blackbird days: cold, snow and kayak!

2012-02-06T12:01:26+00:00

I "giorni della merla" sono i giorni più freddi dell'anno: narra la leggenda che per ripararsi dal freddo una merla, in principio tutta bianca, si rifugiò in un comignolo dal quale emerse tutta nera per la fuliggine. Per essere precisi, cadono alla fine del mese di gennaio, il 29, 30 e 31 del primo mese dell'anno, ma visto che la temperatura è precipitata nel corso della settimana, anche questo primo sabato e domenica di febbraio sono stati perfetti candidati per festeggiare i "giorni della merla"!
In kayak, ovviamente! E sul Lago di Como, il più freddo dei laghi del nord Italia!

Ci ha accolti una splendida giornata di sole, con temperature scese sotto lo zero da giorni e vento teso a raffiche di ben 50 chilometri orari. In 25 rispondiamo all'appello di Luciano Belloni e ci ritroviamo puntuali sul versante orientale del lago, imbiancato dal freddo vento del nord che gonfia le vele e fa sibilare le sartie.
Un giornalista ci ha scattato un gran numero di foto per un articoletto comparso sulla Provincia di Lecco del giorno dopo: una ventina di impavidi in kayak sul lago...
Ci imbarchiamo dopo avere brindato al varo in acqua dolce di un nuovo kayak arrivato da Trieste, quello di Beatrice, felice come una bambina nella sua muta stagna rossa: ora le manca solo una bella pagaia groenlandese per completare il quadro!

Pagaiamo giusto un paio d'ore tra Dervio e Bellano, in un tripudio di stalattiti di ghiaccio che risplendono al sole e decorano le sponde del lago, cristalli affusolati che pendono da rami, traversine e foglie di edera.
Il vento, ovviamente, rinforza sulla via del ritorno, ma il gruppo procede diligente in ordine sparso ma compatto, con la tromba di Luciano che ogni tanto richiama i più veloci ad attendere i più lenti.

Dopo uno spuntino al bar, fantasticando di nuovi viaggi e raduni e traversate, ed una escursione culturale alla Abbazia di Piona, ci "ritiriamo" in albero a Dascio, dove ci raggiungono altri amanti delle pagaiate nordiche per una cena coi fiocchi a base di pizzoccheri: ciliegina sulla torta, il regalo di compleanno consegnato a Mauro, con una settimana di ritardo ma con l'accompagnamento di un bellissimo poema del menestrello lariano, esperto tanto con la pagaia che con la penna. Capace persino di interrompere il borbottio di Mauro, che per tutta sera è andato avanti a bofonchiare che non c'è proprio niente da festeggiare nel passare degli anni!

Il raduno è proseguito anche la domenica, con un nutrito gruppetto di oltre 20 kayakers pronti a sfidare le temperature polari per il secondo giorno consecutivo.
Noi, invece, siamo tornati a malincuore verso casa, per riprendere le letture e gli esercizi di riabilitazione!

An interesting winter meeting in the most cold lake of the North Italy, with temperatures below zero for the entire week-end and a strong wind of more than 20 knots. Here in Italy we call these days "Blackbird days" because a folk story tell about a white dove living in a chimney for a few days to keep out of the cold weather: at the end, the bird was full of soot and from that days on we call the end of January, on 29th, 30th and 31st of the month, the "Blackbird days". The first week-end of February, despite a week after, was really perfect to celebrate it because the low temperatures and the strong winds made this two days the most cold days of the year (maybe). We were 25 kayakers and paddled just for a couple of hours between Dervio and Bellano, but it was a great little adventure with a marvelous scenary full of big icicles!
Than, we spent the rest of the afternoon in a pub and a long dinner in a restaurant, eating a delicious local dish called "pizzoccheri". Mauro receive a birthday gift a week after his brithday to be sympathetic with a week late on the "Blackbird days".

Paddling into history at China Camp State Park

2012-02-06T10:55:09+00:00

"Grace Quan" sails out of China Camp, where past and future may be on a collision course Rack that kayak for a paddler’s ideal day trip and your drive might end on San Pablo Bay in Marin County. At...

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2012-02-06T10:40:00+00:00

Summer Holidays

There is always a sense of excitement when the summer holidays are booked. Today we booked our flights and are heading north west into some of the finest sea kayaking waters in the world. Disko Bay, Greenland. We will spend 3 weeks exploring this pristine environment off the west coast of this Arctic Island. 4 of us have been before but for 2 of the group it will be a totally new experience.
We meet in Copenhagen on Saturday 21st July, ready to embark on what will probably be the highlight of our sea kayaking year.

Uummannaq Island, courtesy of British Airways en route to Seattle. The red gneiss peak dominates the village which is reputed to be the sunniest spot in Greenland. We are flying into here on a helicopter to pick up the sea kayaks.

Qaarsut, on the northern side of the Nuussuaq Peninsula, nestles in the broad valley. The runway is just visible to the left of the valley. The population is just 240 and hopefully we will be able to call in here to catch a glimpse of life in a small settlement.

The western end of the Nuussuaq Peninsula. The open water is at the western entrance to the Vaigat, the channel we will follow into Disko Bay. The land in the distance is Disko Island, which we hope to visit for at least a day.

One of the pleasures of kayaking in Greenland is the way that bergs are eroded, creating a magnificent backdrop.

With views like this from the camp sites in the evening it is hard to think of places which are more dramatic for sea kayaking.

Looking across towards Disko Island, hopefully a visit is possible but it will be necessary to dodge the numerous bergs which are heading towards the Davis Strait.

Nicky enjoying Disko Bay sea kayaking. Looking forward to another 3 weeks this summer.

An uplifting morning

2012-02-06T10:21:20+00:00

After a comfortable night in our five star lodgings we scrambled down to the shore before sunrise and sorted our kit in the frigid morning air.

The forecast on the radio was for freshening wind through the day, the widescreen forecast in the bothy showed a calm sea and clear skies for the moment.

Our day would begin with an open crossing. We got on the water as the sun began to fire the hillside adjacent to the beach - it was going to be a great day.

The dawn flush was still in the sky as we warmed up by paddling steadily out into open water....

To greet the sun as it rose. There was little warmth and a chilly breeze was starting up against us. We chatted on our crossing, reflecting on how fantastic it was to be out on a day like this.

After an hour or so we neared our first shoreline and got into the lee of the land and out of the chilling breeze. Fresh snow was capping the tops of the surrounding mountains. The scene was upliftingly beautiful; we drifted along and drank in the views.

Feb 5th - Port Renfrew (#11)

2012-02-06T08:44:29+00:00

I went for a short surfing session at the north end of Port Renfrew's beach. There were a bunch of surfers there in the best spot, so I had to accept occasional good waves! However, I did get some great rides and had fun! Another beautiful sunny, calm winter's day! On the way home we stopped for a nice walk at Sandcut Creek.

click to enlarge

5 km, YTD 108 km

Fen 4th - Port Renfrew (#10)

2012-02-06T08:40:50+00:00

Monica and I went for a paddle up the San Juan River. The tide was on its way out so it was quite an effort to paddle up stream! It was a beautiful afternoon! After we got back to the beach by the lodge, I went for another short surf and again had a few nice rides!

Click to enlarge

8 km, YTD 103 km

Feb 3rd - Jordan River (#9)

2012-02-06T08:37:52+00:00

I went for a quick surf with Gerhardt and James at JR on our way to Port Renfrew. The Delphin and GP performed well and I had some fun rides.

click to enlarge

3 km, YTD 95 km.

Ranger down - some relfections on the final check out

2012-02-06T07:41:03+00:00

In the past few days I've been confronted with a number of end of life related topics. One of my close friends, a grandmother herself, lost her grandma after a number of years in long term care. I got to evaluate my own demise as I weighed the nuances of every little detail in the long term care insurance policy I purchased, and the school of 'what the heck, let's go for it ' sea kayaking lost its Professor Emeritus when Eric Soares left us late last week. The VOR and I attended an annual party near Madison this weekend, a party that's older than many of it's attendees, and the topic of how we'd like to check out and the route to that final check out was discussed around the bonfire.

The one thing that everyone pretty much agreed upon was that they like the idea of the Thelma & Louise plan. No nursing home or long term care, just pile off the cliff yelling yeeehaa! We also determined that the best route to achieving that goal was to stay active. One of my early deer hunting mentors was found by his son, dead in his tree stand of a heart attack at age 76. Ronnie told me that at the funeral that every single person from our old camp came up and told him they would sign up for that method of demise, no questions asked. It seems, and various studies confirm, that when a person quits doing activities because they consider themselves to be 'too old' the long slide to the drool cup, adult Depends, and soft bland food begins. Sadly, some friends who had regularly attended Woodyfest, as the annual party is known, quit attending because they felt that standing around a bonfire, drinking keg beer and watching illegal fireworks in the snow, was something more 'appropriate' for college aged people. The Guardian had an article on the biggest regrets of terminal patients. Number one was a failure to be true to oneself and number two was a wish they hadn't worked so much. Five years ago I got a call from No1 Son in mid October. "Dad, I just heard that Loveland (ski area in CO) got a two foot dump and the Pack plays the Broncos on Monday Night Football. Lets head out, ski 3 days, then scalp tickets and hit the game". I regretfully told him I had meetings and appointments scheduled as well as some other stuff that I'd put off, and that we would just have to do it another time. I hung up and then called him back 5 minutes later and told him to take care of the motel and I'd take care of the air. Some times you just gotta go for it and I realize now, after reading the Guardian article, that by doing so I had given regrets No 1 and 2 'the finger'.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Eric Soares in person but we exchanged a bit of correspondence regarding various blog posts. I liked his outlook on paddling and how it fits with and complemented his life in general. One of his last blog posts, the Ten Commandments of sea kayaking, was one of the best and spot on. His 4th of July post on the hunt for stars and levels resonated with me as well. I've watched level xx certified instructors that not only can't develop a connection with their students, but in my opinion should not be allowed out on Lake of the Isles alone in anything over a 10 knot breeze. On the other hand I've been taught by men and women that have passed on the certification route, yet have developed the skills and an ability to pass them on that makes them excellent instructors. The main thing I got from Eric Soares was the attitude and mindset to go for it. Take your precautions, have your out, have the right gear, but push the envelope a bit and give it a shot. Early reports said he took a fall skiing at Tahoe that exacerbated an aortic condition he'd had surgery on before, a condition he openly discussed in yet another excellent blog post. My best to all that knew and loved him but I have to think he went out doing one of the many things he loved.

I guess the 'moral' of this somewhat disjointed ramble around these end of life issues is to stay active, play smart, and for God's sake be true to yourself and others. Be inquisitive, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and push the envelope just a little bit. If you don't fall on the ski slope, get knocked over by that big wave, or make that extra effort to hang with your buddies, you are cheating yourself. In other words, go for it. Something tells me the Eric Soares had no worries about the five regrets in the Guardian article when he finally left us, and I sincerely hope that none of us do either when the time comes.

Out In The Blue

2012-02-06T04:11:00+00:00

Sunday dawned a little cloudier and cooler than we had hoped, but the sun was poking through a light cloud cover. A slow flood and a slight north breeze suggested that we should have some nice conditions of the water. The breeze was forecast to pick up around noon as a squall passed through so we should have had a couple of hours of calm if cool conditions.

Louise and I met up early with Paula for a paddle at Cadboro Bay, joined by Mark and Robyn from Gecko Paddler. They're new to kayaking, but the bug has bit them hard. They purchased their kayaks last fall, and jumped right into paddling with both feet.

Our plan was to paddle out of Cadboro Bay, island hop to Flower and Jemmy Jones, then cross to Chatham Island....

...but on the way Mark spotted an otter relaxing on the shore.

We avoided the sail boats...

...but as we headed across, the 12 o'clock squall roared in about two hours early, so we decided to turn back. We saw the eagle that usually sits in the tree on the island joined by another eagle. Some sort of eagle ruckus ensued. Louise was the closest and had the best few. She was pretty sure that they had been mating. Here they are enjoying the afterglow.

So instead of crossing, we continued up to Cadboro Point. While quite calm along the shore, we could that the exposed northern shore around the point was getting the full blast of the wind. So we just paddled around the rocks at the end of the point, and Mark had his first taste of paddling in waves.

I think he liked it - he said he said get himself a surfing boat!

We headed back...

...and naturally the wind died off and the sun came out as soon as we hit the beach, but at least we were now able to enjoy our-post paddle coffee with Robyn and Mark at an outside table.

Trip Length: 7.29 km
YTD: 10.57 km
More pictures are here.

Estonian Trivia (and how a simple run to West Marine for classroom materials turned into Major Vacation Plan-O-Rama!)

2012-02-06T01:47:00+00:00

Map of Estonia, from the Nations Online Project.

Estonian Trivia!

I had a very busy work day on Friday, but I just HAD to say something about the sudden emergence of an Estonian sailing vacation when my boss sent the official OK to my vacation request ('cause without that it wasn't going to happen) that day.

I then had a quite wonderful day checking in on my Facebook wall, where people were posting all sorts of great Estonian trivia all day (mostly true, even).

I'd kicked it all off by saying:
"Did you know that the Estonian coastline has over 1,500 islands and islets?" and followed it up with "And it's right across the way from Finland" and that was about all I had time for.

Retired friend to the rescue!

After asking (1) if I was actually going (I'd posted on Facebook that I was invited, but I wouldn't have mentioned it if it had fallen through, so the answer there was a YES!) and (2) if this was for the Estonian Sunfish National Championship (answer - NO, this is one of those boats you can nap on), Tillerman went after a bunch more trivia for me.

"Did you know that Estonia is the second least religious country in the world, with 75.7% of the population claiming to be irreligious?" (my response - "I may not get TQ to come back" - he's quite irreligious himself)

"Did you know that Estonia is ranked as the most free country in the world on the State of World Liberty Index? (USA is 8th.)" (my response was along the lines of "I may not come back myself" - and before much longer I had somebody calling dibs on subletting my nice little [lily]pad here in Brooklyn so, hmmm...)

"Did you know that the 1980 Olympic Sailing Regatta was held in Estonia?"

My friend Stevie jumped in with: "A favorite pastime of Estonians is to take the "Love Boat" from Helsinki to Stockholm and back, or at least it seemed like it last time I was there."

Now, I'd gotten myself sucked into the Susan G. Koman fracas at one point, and around the same time as he was getting trivia for me Tillerman said something about it being too bad that the very basic services for so many poor and/or uninsured women depend on Planned Parenthood have to be provided by a not-for-profit, not just a basic right - naturally I had to ask how Estonia was on that front and the answer was:

"Estonia has universal lifetime healthcare, funded mainly through taxation and costing (as a % of GDP) about a third of what the US spends on healthcare.

And did you know that upon giving birth, the Estonian government grants one of the parents 100% of their former salary for 18 months. After 1.5 years, the parent has the right to resume her/his former position."

Jeeze. Can't help wondering about who covers the new parent for the 18 months, but wow, that would certainly make having a kid a much less potentially scary thing, wouldn't it?

Tillerman got back to a less serious vein with his next trivia, which also involved sub-trivia:

Trivia: "In Estonia they have something called a 'porkuni' barrel race where two people sit in a large wooden vat and use kayak paddles. We will need to see pictures of you and TQ doing that". Subtrivia: "Did you know that if you do a Google Image Search on "Porkuni Barrel Race" you only get 16 results and none of them are of people paddling in a barrel? Post the right image on your blog, Bonnie, and you could be the #1 website on the planet for people searching for images of the Porkuni Barrel Race!"

And somewhere in there O-Docker (the napper himself) threw in this little gem:

"Sailboat racing was invented in the Gulf of Finland. Boats crossing from Estonia to Helsinki were said to cross the 'Finnish line'."

BA HA HA HA HAAAAA!

This all made for some very entertaining breaks during an otherwise crazy-busy Friday - thank you all!

Oh, yes, and I think I promised some actual details.

I was so delighted with O-Docker's first comment on the blog post, "Estonia sailing invitations - aisle four, next to the anchors, right?" that I claimed that yes, that's exactly what happened, but what REALLY happened was that I got there, I quickly collected the items I was there to buy, and then I remembered that I'd wanted to get little floats of some type for manuevering practice and wandered back towards the area I thought they might have kids' toys - just as Captain Kat, one of my friends from the days when I had a part-time job crewing on the Schooner Adirondack, came walking down the same aisle from the other end. So really, O-Docker wasn't too far off, it actually started in Aisle 1, between the lifejackets and the signalling devices! She was browsing around waiting for the salesman to finish working on a transaction involving a gift card and a refund for faulty spotlight. I totally forgot about the toys as we got to talking about who was still working for Classic Harbor, who'd moved away, who was going for their captain's license (yay M!), etc. etc. etc. - and then right at the end, her face lit up and she said "Oh - do you want to go sailing in Estonia?"

She named a time of year that I didn't think was going to be too good for work, so my first response was "Probably not" - but I asked her to go ahead & send me the details so I could at least daydream, knowing that any trip she plans is likely to be wonderful material for that particular past-time. After all, she's the one who arranged that wonderful trip to the BVI's that I went on back in November 2005 - this is just the sort of thing she likes to arrange, she's been doing it for years & she's really, really good at it.

Setting out from Road Harbor aboard the Carina, Nov. 2005 - Captain Kat at the helm - yep, that's the same wheel that's featured in my current profile picture!

That BVI's trip remains one of my favorite vacations of all time (neck and neck with the one I took to Hawaii for my 25th reunion and three that TQ and I have taken - Cape Cod, Washington State and Rhode Island were all spectacular) - so when she sent me the details the next day, and I looked at the specific dates and found that they actually fell within the one teeny window during which I could actually possibly sneak away from work for a week, I started to think that this wasn't one to let slip past. The bare-boat charter is very reasonable; plane fares were slightly gasp-inducing but I was able to get my breathing back under control fairly quickly (looking at some maps of the area helped) and with both bosses agreeing to my vacation request on Friday...wow.

It looks like I'm going sailing in Estonia!

Forward Finishing Rolls

2012-02-05T22:46:03+00:00

Question: I have a Current Designs Solstice GT, with what I would consider a high back deck that does not lend itself to a standard lay-back finishing Greenland roll. What roll would work so that I don’t have to finish laying back? Obviously I’m talking about a forward finishing roll, but which would be the most reliable, easiest to do?

Answer: The Current Designs Solstice GT should be fine for the Standard Greenland Roll. Next time you’re in that kayak, let your head hang back so that your chin is in the air. Allow your back to arch naturally, and relax to the point where your body settles as if you were asleep. If your forehead is on the back deck, then great! If not, but you’re relaxed, then that is great too. Remember that you don’t have to finish the roll touching the kayak, you only need to finish it in a relaxed position.

That said, if you want to start playing around with forward finish rolls, I’d suggest the Storm Roll as your first. It’s the most common forward finish Greenland Roll, and I think that it’s the easiest. If you have my DVD, there are directions on that roll in the bonus section.

Outdoor Retailer Trade Show: August 2 to 5, Salt Lake City, Utah

2012-02-05T22:37:13+00:00

Date: August 2 to 5

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Description: The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is the world’s largest outdoor sports industry gathering in the world, bringing retailers and media together with over 1,000 brands in the business of producing and selling the active outdoor lifestyle.

Contact: www.outdoorretailer.com

Fun, Balance, Games and Rolling (During the GGSKS): February 19, Sausalito, California

2012-02-05T21:31:03+00:00

Date: February 19

Location: Sausalito, California

Description: Fun, Balance, Games and Rolling is an excellent way to learn boat control while developing a stronger relationship between the body, the kayak and the water. Throughout the day we’ll play with rescues, balance control, rolling and games in flat water. This is a fun class with emphasis on laughter and water play. Students will learn to think outside the box while developing necessary balance and bracing skills. Scenarios will be given that, as a group, we’ll find solutions to. This is an excellent class for those hoping to develop confidence in the water while working on skills in a playful way. Join Helen Wilson for this class and dress warm as there will be immersion.

Contact: www.ggsks.com

Sun 05/02-2012 Day 160

2012-02-05T21:00:59+00:00

Pos: here Loc: Bahia Cordes Acc: tent Dist: 0 km The forecast for today got worse this morning – the weather window to pass those 20 km until I was sure to find a safe landing bay again felt too short – plus when I woke as usually at 5.30 am, it was raining cats [...]

Actus et brèves... février 2012

2012-02-05T20:15:00+00:00

05 Février 2012

Canoter au parc national Quttinirpaaq

Un titre qui est déjà un voyage, il tient ses promesses en nous emmenant en kayak sous les glaces du Nunavut...

05 Février 2012

Un ferrie qui nargue Kermorvan et rase La Vignotière

Il n'ont pas tardé à emprunter dès novembre leur nouvelle route :
la Brittany Ferries à la Pointe Bretagne

05 Février 2012

Portrait d'une baroudeuse

Hadas Feldman, une kayakiste pleine de vie, au visage éclatant de rires et de tâches de rousseur. Sa virée au Kamtchatka m'a marquée, avec Justine Curgenven et un jeune russe (cf This is the sea).

Christian Scalbert nous dévoile dans quel endroit improbable il l'a rencontrée :
à découvrir sur Manche-Ouest...

01 Février 2012

Préparation à la rando - épisode 1 : la sécurité

28 janvier 2012 - Ria et barre d'Etel - soleil et vent Nord 4 Bft - coeff 72 - BM 14h38 port Etel

Cette année, j'ai proposé à un groupe de mon club, le CKCV - Canoë Kayak Club de Vannes , un projet qui doit nous conduire à être autonome pour préparer et vivre des projets de randonnée en kayak de mer en Bretagne.

Ce programme consiste en 4 journées thématiques dont l'aboutissement est de partir ensemble 3 jours sur un weekend de mai 2012.

Nous sommes 8 à nous retrouver 1 fois par mois, accompagnés en plus d'un encadrant confirmé de notre club.

Ce samedi 28 janvier, nous avons ouvert le projet en beauté avec une journée "sécurité"!

Matériel de sécurité règlementaire

L'embarquement s'est fait à Saint-Cado en ria d'Etel.

1ère étape : avant d'embarquer, on se parle...

Quelles sont les conditions du jour ? état de la mer, t° de l'air et de l'eau, vent, prévisions météo, horaires et coefficient de marée, parcours envisagé...
Quelle est la composition du groupe, niveau et forme de chacun ?
Les tenues vestimentaires et le matériel sont-ils adaptés ?

2ème étape : on navigue ensemble

Après échauffement on peut y aller !
De Saint-Cado on a mis le cap vers la barre d'Etel, on en a profité pour jouer dans les courants et contre-courants formés par les roches qui parsèment le parcours.

Arrêt sur les spots de jeu de la ria

On continue en se mettant d'accord sur les règles de la navigation en groupe : rester à portée de voix, comprendre les signaux sonores et reconnaître les signaux de pagaie.

On continue à descendre la rivière en 2 groupes en utilisant les VHF à tour de rôle : communications entre 2 groupes, prise de météo. On en profite pour observer le CROSS d’Etel sur notre route.

Une halte inévitable Cimetière à bateaux Le Magouër

Enfin nous voilà aspirés vers la barre d'Etel par la marée descendante et le vent de terre. La houle y est bien présente et déferle sur les bancs de sable, on fait demi-tour avant que la situation ne devienne critique pour certains, mais on est vraiment aspirés vers le large dans ces conditions.

3ème étape : revue du matériel de sécurité

Après 2 dessalages ce matin, la pause est bienvenue. On s'abrite comme on peut du vent, à la sortie de la ria sur la rive droite, et le soleil se rend indispensable.

Ensuite nous passons en revue le matériel règlementaire pour une navigation jusqu'à 2 milles, puis 6 milles. Chacun a apporté ce dont il dispose, c'est l'occasion de faire le point et d'échanger sur des variantes de matériel.

Avant de ré-embarquer, on met au point l'amarrage correct d'un bout de remorquage chacun sur nos kayaks. On est prêt pour enchaîner avec les exercices !

4ème étape : les méthodes d'intervention

On rentre vers Saint-Cado et en route on met en place des situations de remorquage, soit en intervenant seul pour assister quelqu'un qui a un malaise, ou à plusieurs pour remorquer quelqu'un qui aurait le mal de mer par exemple...

Nous voilà presque rentrés, il est temps de se jeter à l'eau ! La température oblige à des récupérations rapides, c'est bien l'objectif visé !
Chacun s'exerce à la récupération efficace d'un dessalé, et on recommence en mettant cette fois en place un remorquage pour éloigner le couple sauveteur/dessalé d'un danger.

Le meilleur pour la fin

Après s'être changés, encore dans ce vent du nord pinçant, le petit bar, sur la place face à la fameuse "petite maison" de Saint-Cado, nous a procuré un chocolat chaud au coin du feu bien mérité, et opportun pour échanger sur notre journée.

Conclusion

La sécurité, pour nous kayakistes, c'est un ensemble de choses :

des choix pertinents de navigation
un état d'esprit, une façon d'être ensemble
un équipement et des matériels adaptés
des techniques maîtrisées d'intervention

C'est la combinaison de tous ces éléments qui doit nous amener à nous prémunir du danger N°1 en mer : l'hypothermie.

En savoir plus :

Pagayeurs marins : documents règlementation et sécurité
CK/mer : ressources sécurité

Le CROSSA d'Etel : Centre Régional Opérationnel de Surveillance et de Sauvetage pour l’Atlantique

>>> janvier 2012 : Vœux, agenda, actus...

Smile...

2012-02-05T19:35:18+00:00

Every once in a while we have a photograph taken of the crew. Boathouses around the country are full of this sort of thing...mostly sepia toned photographs of men in flat caps and wooly jumpers from the days when men were men and lifeboats had oars.Today we had a new one taken as there have been many changes to the crew since our last one. Paul(Shilo), one of our resident photographers,

2012-02-05T18:12:00+00:00

Canoeing and Kayaking Books

I have finally completed cataloging my paddling book collection as I was finding it more and more difficult to keep track of the titles I already owned so deciding whether to buy a particular title when it became available was a real challenge. My final tally was 539 titles, the challenge now is to ensure that it is kept up to date as each new title arrives through the door.
It has proved to be a fascinating exercise and I re-discovered many kayaking gems which I had read years ago but which had slipped from my memory over the years. In particular I have been motivated to read again many of the books which describe canoeing on the rivers of North America, some from the early part of the 20th century whilst others are more recent. One of my favourite paddling books of all time must be "Water and Sky" by Alan Kesselheim, it is well worth seeking out a copy.
Although it is not a definite bibliography of canoeing and kayaking it is a fairly comprehensive list so if anybody would like a copy, perhaps as a starting point for their own collection, then please get in touch and I will forward you a copy.

A selection of sea kayaking titles, most from North American authors, although clearly there are a number by British authors such as Derek Hutchinson. The sea kayaking titles alone occupy nearly 4 metres of shelf space on their own.

A few recently acquired titles including a French sea kayaking manual. The older titles, for example the classic "Canoe in Australia" by Raven Hart, first published in 1948 can often be found in sites such as ebay but regular monitoring is required plus a pre-set budget otherwise you could get really carried away.

The glass fronted bookcase for some of the more delicate/valuable titles. This was a necessary purchase as I ended up with quite a valuable title in 1996 which I wanted to protect. A first edition of "Northern Lights" by Spencer Chapman, which is signed by the author and inside was the original cutting from The Times of the 7th September 1932 announcing the death of Gino Watkins, whilst kayaking off the east coast of Greenland.

I did tell the BCU about the book, as it was in an antiquarian book sellers in London, and I happened to be at a meeting in Nottingham later the same day. The BCU declined the offer of this important title but fortunately my wife decided to purchase the book for Christmas for me.

Many people are surprised by the number of paddling books which are available and it is a market which is growing all the time. It is just another aspect of this hobby of ours.

·V§wt

2012-02-05T16:52:47+00:00

Greenland 550 CS Canoe A greenland kayak, looking quite similar to a Qaanaaq despite the different size, 5,50 m x 50 cm. The cockpit is a keyhole type,75x40 cm, the fit is precise. The front hatch is 10" and is installed perfectly flush to the deck.The rear hatch is oval and allows to fill larger objects. Anyway the storage space is limited. The boat has a medium rocker, bow and stern are slim. The sides are well flared, according the east greenland style. This should give a good speed expecially upwind. Same for the rolling, it should be quite easy. Si tratta di un kayak di concezione groenlandese ispirato al Qaanaaq ma decisamente diverso nelle misure (5,5 m per 50 cm) Il pozzetto è molto ampio, quasi un key-hole,75x40 cm, aggancia molto preciso, ottimo il sedile fisso avvolgente. Il gavone anteriore è da 24 cm perfettamente incassato. Il gavone posteriore ha il tappo ovale che permette di far passare gli oggetti più lunghi. Lo spazio sotto i ponti è comunque poco. Il rocker è medio, poppa e prua decisamente filanti. I fianchi sono ben sfilati, in accordo allo stile delle barche east greenland. Ciò conferisce una buona velocità e capacità di risalire il vento. Idem per il rolling. Filmed with camcorder GE DV1

·V§wy

2012-02-05T16:52:34+00:00

Greenland 515 CS Canoe 48 cm x 5,15 m e 195 litri Peso 12 kg Greenland kayak in Karbon/kevlar East Greenland, hard chine

2012-02-05T15:22:33+00:00

You can buy it...but

Can you own it?

There are some cultures (I believe Native Americans is/was among them) that do not believe in an individual owning land since it belongs to us all. "We are all related" is an expression that includes all living things. (It is not unusual in some cultures for one to refer to brother crow).
Our neighbor tells us that her family used to own a large farm which was sold, divided up and is now the lots on which many of the nearby homes exist. We each "own" the land...or, do we? It pretty much rains when it rains, it doesn't ask for our permission. If left alone, the grass (lawns) grow when it rains and turn brown when it doesn't. With the next rain it starts growing again...whether or not we tend to it (true, weeds may pop up; but they, too, are on their own.

Coyotes, fox and other animals wander through our yard at various intervals, and none have ever asked permission. Only fences cause them to change their routes. Seems they are more at one with Mother Nature than are humans. The land is indifferent to who walks, plants or sits on it.

I suspect the water feels the same about us.

Paddle safe...

Winter Weather on the Thames

2012-02-05T14:47:23+00:00

The briefing by the trip leader prior to our paddle from Putney to Wapping and back. Be careful what you wish for. . . . just a week ago I was lamenting the lack of Winter, and here it was, cold hands, cold feet.

Down the Thames under a wintry sky.

Darkness came very early under that leaden sky,

as we pushed onward down the Thames with the last of the tide.

On the beach at Wapping waiting for the tide to turn, luckily the Prospect Of Whitby had its access steps to the river open and we could retire into the warmth, hot chocolate was much more popular than a cold pint.

Once the tide was running nicely with us we set off upstream. Snow started,

flurries at first,

heavier and heavier,

finally settling on the boats. On the stretches into the wind, the flakes stung the eyes, we couldn't see much, but once clear of the Clippers in the Pool of London, we had the river to ourselves.

Eventually, we arrived back at Putney.

So, so cold loading the boats and slipping out of the drysuits. Mid winter madness? or was that what was afflicting everyone except us, watching Celebrity Whatever and missing out on the snow and the river. Now there was just the drive home!

Fearless

2012-02-05T11:00:00+00:00

Most of us can't remember all the things we've done during the course of a whole year, but when it comes to 2009, Freya Hoffmeister shouldn't have that problem because during that year she essentially did only one thing: she kayaked around Australia. Staring in January of that year, she paddled nearly 14,000 km and became the second person to circumnavigate Australia by kayak, completing the journey in 332 days, beating the record of Paul Caffyn, the first person to complete the trip, by almost a month.
Joe Glickson's account of Freya's trip is an engaging and enjoyable read, although it must be said that Joe seems almost pathologically determined to mention every time that she paddled topless. Which was apparently quite a bit.
While Joe is able to describe the details of Freya's expedition, he is by his own admission much less successful when describing Freya who at times seems to be a reticent subject. We learn that she's, well, fearless, but we spend precious little time behind the façade of the so-called Woman in Black. But while insights into why a person would want to spend a year of their life on such a journey are few, the details are fully covered, and there's no question that Freya accomplishment was amazing. And the book's pretty good, too.

Muddy Purbeck dawn

2012-02-05T10:52:39+00:00

This was the very welcome view that greeted me in the last mile of this mornings’ very gruelling run. Home was at last in sight!

I’d started out under starlight with the intention of running a full 26.2 mile marathon distance around the Purbeck hills, but the going was really heavy after last night’s heavy rain (I even found myself crawling on hands and knees along a streambed at one point) and my legs were telling me that they hadn’t fully recovered from last Sunday’s long run.

I decided to listen to my body (i.e. bottle out) and cut the run short (at c19 miles). Lots of rest needed I think, before I face the real thing in two weeks…

www.everyclick.com/ultramarathon

Now, it’s time for late brekkie.

Filed under: Chris, Corfe Castle, Dorset, Purbeck, Running

The 2012 Ocean River Gear-Up Sale....

2012-02-05T10:30:00+00:00

...is on March 17 and 18. Start lining up now!

A winter paradise.

2012-02-05T07:00:03+00:00

We rock-hopped along the remote... ...coastline until we came to... ...the point round which some big swell stopped play. The wind increased so we... ...decided to take a break... ...on a lovely white shell sand beach. e had transported ourselves to a winter paradise.

Valö med lite isantydan

2012-02-05T06:35:11+00:00

Bosse på väg ut från GKF, Saltholmen

Tisdag till onsdag blev det en sväng till Valö med Bosse från Trollhättan. Pia stannade hemma och jobbade lite. Jag och Bosse sågs vid GKF på förmiddagen och det var en 6-7 minusgrader. Isen hade börjar lägga sig vid kanotbryggan men var ändå klart paddelbar.

Finväder och horisont

Paddlade ner till Valö i riktigt gött väder med solen mitt i nyllet och lite svag vind från öster. Fantastiskt fint att runda Valö på sydsidan innan vi landade på superhala klippor. Strax efter vi landat kom Johan farande. Blev lite mat i soluppvärmd Lillstuga (flera plusgrader) och lite tjöt innan vi tog en promenad. Johan drog sig sen vidare mot landbacken igen medan vi fixade fram lite ved för kvällen.

Valös sydsida är alltid lika fin

Snart brann brasan och massa ljus. Skön kväll i stugan, riktigt stjärnklart och fint men inga längre mörkerpromenader då det var tokigt halt både här och där.

Solnegångar är nästan alltid lika fascinerande

Kvällsljus

Stadsljuset lyser upp trots att det är en bit bort

Långfrukost i stugvärmen och sen lite vedsamlande, vedsågande och vedklyvande innan vi satte oss i kajakerna igen. Hade egentligen tänkt paddla lite längre på tillbakavägen men samtidigt ville vi vara inne i skaplig tid och var ju inte riktigt säkra på hur det var med isläget så det blev bara en kort extrarunda. Lunchpaus i lä och sol på Långholmen, riktigt gött i solen även om det var svalt men med hel dundress utanpå torrdräkten frös inte jag i alla fall

Lite vinterkänsla

Klar och frostig morgon

Varma finskor och finbyxor

Bosse vid Vrångö

Inne vid GKF hade det lagts sig mer is, första biten gick det att få igenom paddeln men sista hundra metrarna blev det isdubbar istället.

Go tur. Blev det dock inget februaridopp…

Sakta framåt genom/på isen

Ränna in till GKF

Jag drar mig sista biten upp på bryggan. Foto: Peter Kane

Sat 04/02-2012 Day 159

2012-02-04T21:00:30+00:00

Pos: here Loc: Bahia Cordes Acc: tent Dist: 0 km As I decided yesterday, this day was a weather rest day. During the night, it started to rain heavily, and strong wind came up. Fortunately, my tent was pitched in a bit of wind shelter, but not in shelter from the rising water! It was [...]

2012-02-04T20:31:00+00:00

A Gneiss Paddle

Just under 3 miles north of Greve de Lecq lie the Paternosters, a reef which for many sea kayakers offers their first opportunity for heading offshore. Although the tidal streams can run with surprising speed towards low water the crossing can be reasonably direct and straightforward, which is what we had planned for today. Leaving just before low water slack and hopefully taking a fairly direct route.

At high water only four summits are left protruding from the swirling waters but at low tide an extensive reef is uncovered. Great Rock, which is ten metres high and Sharp Rock, four metres high, are the largest rocks and are situated in the middle of the bank. Our plan was to have a drink and some food on the north side of Great Rock in the weak winter sunshine, taking advantage of a lull in the wind before the possible gales arrived in early evening.

The origin of their name is said to be due to a ship on its way to Sark, in the 16th century, striking one of the rocks and a number of women and children drowning. As a result it became common practice for fishermen to say a Pater Noster or a prayer as they passed close to the reef. Although they have two names it is the Paternosters that has been accepted into everyday use. A more recent ship wreck occurred on the 16th September 1961. A Dutch owned vessel, the Heron was en route to Portsmouth when it sank, with the loss of 3 lives. The wreck lies in about 30 metres of water to the south of the reef.

On the beach at Greve de Lecq, ready for departure. The Paternoster's are visible on the horizon, just over 2.5NM offshore.

Heading out from Greve de Lecq, the Pats visible on the horizon. This is one of a number of photos taken using a GoPro. I used on the setting for one photograph every minute, I kept a few with most in the Trash.

John the "Commodore" of the Jersey Canoe Club approaching the Pats. Although it was an impromptu paddle we still had 11 members turn up. Not bad for a morning when the temperature was below freezing.

Even closer to the reef. The white kayak is a late 1970's Anas Acuta which was virtually buried for years but about 18 months ago was dug up, it has been refurbished and is as good as new.

Ideal paddling conditions for the first weekend in February.

The classic approach to the Paternosters, a ferry glide. The tide was just starting to run from right to left. A well known jump is from near the summit of the main rock. Conditions were a bit too cold for such activity today.

I explored the north side of the reef and then threaded my way through some shallow channels. Other members of the group are visible just above the bow of my kayak.

Looking down from the highest point of the reef. The rocks are gneiss which is metamorphosed granite, a type of rock which isn't seen anywhere on the main island of Jersey.

We are about to jump on the tide towards Plemont headland. Although it was only a neap tide we averaged 5 knots on the 2NM crossing to Plemont headland.

From this distance it was difficult to distinguish most of the details of the Jersey coastline.

Looking along the coast. Mainly in the shade but with a few glimpses of the sun through some of the gaps in the cliff top.

Nicky heading along the coast. We had seen numerous Razorbills along this section of the coast plus some very inquisitive Fulmars.

Landing back at Greve de Lecq, a great morning out followed by a well earned pint in front of the fire at the Moulin de Lecq.

2012-02-04T20:03:42+00:00

BoréalDesign Bankrupt?

A few posts today including this one suggest that BoréalDesign is filing for bankruptcy on Monday.

As proud owners of two of their kayaks, this is a sad day for Canadian design and manufacturing talent. Let's hope someone seizes this opportunity to keep the dream alive by investing into this proven brand.

No word yet on what that means for Maelstromkayak, another outstanding product line.

In the lee of snow capped mountains.

2012-02-04T19:33:51+00:00

The temperature under the clear sky at dawn was freezing and felt even colder in the wind... ...which whistled down from the mountains that were deep in winter's grip. We made steady progress but it was a long cold crossing... ...to a distant coast. It was a relief when we got to the other side and into the lee of the snow capped mountains.

SOF Build: Paint!

2012-02-04T18:45:45+00:00

Hours of work yesterday ended in one back stitch that had finally secured my skin onto my frame.

As my wife worked away at sewing the last few stitches I had ran to home depot and purchased a heat gun. The wrinkles quickly disappeared becoming drum tight under the heatgun. Truly impressed with the tool. I had done some testing on a few strips of excess polyester I had cut off the boat. I quickly found it's melting point; and the "Goldilock" zone.

I allowed it to cool down and at 1am I began painting...

5am the kayak painted with it's first coat I went and took a nap.

Next post...

Paddling the Qajaq.

Mauvaise nouvelle

2012-02-04T16:50:00+00:00

La fin d'une très belle aventure

Is på sundet och rom i badkaret

2012-02-04T16:13:38+00:00

Idag tog Helene och jag en liten lunchtur upp längs sundet. Öresund är väl inte världens mest upphetsande plats att paddla på, men just idag var det verkligen fantastiskt. Det gäller att ta vara på chanserna! Kall och klar luft, vit iskant längs vattenbrynet och perfekt fikaläge vid Hittarp. Ute i vattnet här och där lite issörja och till och med några små isflak.

Gott!

Bara att njuta.

Hoppilandmössa och varm choklad.

Istapp i botten på min kajak. Sånt händer när det är -10 grader.

Postat i:Övrigt Tagged: öresund, varm choklad

An SKUK Expedition Center in Illinois?

2012-02-04T16:05:43+00:00

When we think about Sea Kayaking UK Expedition Centers, we think about Wales, Scotland and Cornwall -- places situated in the UK and on the sea. Turns out there are 16 Expedition Centers in North America, too, but they're primarily situated (not surprisingly) on the coasts: Maine, North Carolina, San Francisco, Washington.

Except for two: Living Adventure on Lake Superior in Wisconsin, and Geneva Kayak Center* in Yorkville, IL.

Geneva Kayak Center in Yorkville, IL

Yorkville? We had to ask co-owner Ryan Rushton how this came about.

Ryan Ruchton at Geneva Kayak Center.

Q: How did you earn this designation?
A: Each Expedition Center has to be staffed by at least one BCU 5-star Sea Leader award holder. We actually have two on staff; Scott Fairty and I are the only 5-star paddlers in the region to the best of my knowledge. Being assessed as a BCU 5-star paddler requires years of sea kayaking in different environments, ability to handle your boat unconsciously in advanced conditions and possessing high levels of leadership and seamanship.

Q: What about location?

A: The other prerequisite for becoming an Expedition Center is that your center is located in a
beautiful, amazing place to paddle. Nigel [Dennis] wanted to give paddlers from around the world the option to use his boats and Lendal paddles in places like Alaska, Greece, Newfoundland, Maine, Iceland, Norway, Georgia and Baja. Beyond using his boats, he wanted to make sure they would have the top leadership for courses and expeditions when paddlers traveled to these locations.

Chicago is a great place to paddle and an excellent training ground for sea kayaking.

Q: You aren't exactly on the coast. So how does that work?

A: While Chicago is a great place to paddle, we do not have the venue that other SKUK Expedition Centers have. The major hurdle was simply putting an expedition center in Chicago. Our top level programs on the local and regional level, combined with our regional, national and international adventure paddling programs put us over the top.

Geneva Kayak Center offers paddling trips far beyond Chicago.

Q: What will this mean for Chicago area paddlers?

I hope that this will be an additional factor in bringing more national and international exposure to paddling in the Chicago area as well as the Great Lakes. Chicago's Lakefront is a seriously good sea kayak training ground. The variety of landforms and fetch in multiple directions gives paddlers the conditions needed to improve as sea kayakers. Combined with focused training on high volume whitewater rivers, Midwest paddlers can come to GKC for training that will prepare them to paddle anywhere in the world.

Q: What will it mean for Geneva Kayak?
A: Designation as an Expedition Center is a big step for Geneva Kayak. In 2011 we were designated as an ACA [American Canoe Association] Pro School, which gave GKC national recognition for our kayak school. International recognition of our excellence in sea kayaking programs is a big step for us.

Q: So what's next?

A: We will continue to build both our school and travel offerings. We hope to be training paddlers and taking them to amazing destinations for a long time!

*Full disclosure: We teach for Geneva Kayak Center.

Desembocadura Río Piedras (El Portil, Huelva)

2012-02-04T13:20:37+00:00

(Río Piedras, a la izquierda la barra, a la derecha al fondo El Rompido)

Por una vez, dejo Punta Umbría y me dirijo al cercano pueblo de El Portil. Recuerdo como en mi niñez, El Portil era solo un pequeño grupo de apartamentos y chalets, pero hoy en día, parte de los extensos pinares han dejado paso a urbanizaciones...
Aún así es un lugar precioso para visitar y navegar. El Portil, se encuentra justo en la desembocadura del río Piedras, situado al E de la localidad de El Rompido. La dinámica litoral, junto con los aportes del río Piedras, han ido conformando una barra de arena, perpendicular a la costa, y que a lo largo de varios kilómetros separa las aguas del Atlántico de las del río.

(Dunas, pinares y enebrales)

Esta barra de arena, llamada "La Flecha" del Portil, va creciendo cada año, siendo necesario dragar la ría para evitar que los bancos de arena obstruyan el paso de las embarcaciones de mayor calado.

Gracias a sus marismas, y a la proximidad de una laguna de agua dulce, podemos ver una gran variedad de aves acuáticas...

Pinares, enebrales, y una gran variedad de fauna Garzas, Ostreros, Gaviotas, Charranes, etc...

Tengo poco tiempo, pero como es invierno, la playa está desierta, y puedo aparcar a placer. Ponco rumbo ría arriba hacia el Rompido, aunque no tengo tiempo para llegar, no importa, lo importante es alimentar los sentidos, disfrutar de la calma de la ría y el calor de los rayos del Sol.
Un sitio más que recomendable, y donde podreis encontrar a parte del grupo de kayakistas de El Rompido y El Portil. http://rompidokayak.esforos.com/

(Gaviotas sobre la punta de La Flecha)

(¡Aqua sobre el agua!)

(La playa de El Portil...que tranquilidad!)

Var kommer besökarna från?

2012-02-04T08:10:12+00:00

Antalet besökare är såklart en sak, men var och hur hittar besökarna till kajak.nu?

Här är en lista på de största trafikkällorna till kajak.nu under 2011 med en kort kommentar

Google är absolut störst, inget snack om det

Direktrafik ligger på andra plats, alltså de som skriver in adressen eller har sidan bokmärkt/sparad

Feedburner ligger på tredje plats. Feedburner är den tjänst som håller ordning på RSS-feeden. För övrigt en smidig tjänst som ger statistik på RSS.

Bing är med. Redan här är vi nere på mindre än 10% av trafiken som google ger.

Facebook såklart, inte helt oväntat är det en av de källorna som ökar mest och det gör väl Facebook med.

Johanssonkajak – Ulfs fina bilder och byggen lockar.

Kajak.se är i princip bara en domän som står på vänt…

bloggen.motionspaddla.se – några raktframpaddlarna är allt lite nyfikna ändå

utsidan.se – vore väl konstigt annars även om vi inte är så aktiva där och paddlingsforumet är lite trött

clapotis.se – Johans fina byggen lockar både besökare och ger trafik, skojsigt.

thomassondesign – björn har mycket trafik men har gömt länkarna lite

Twitter – ökar inte som Facebook, men visst rör det lite på sig

yahoo – inte för att deras sök är så stort längre, men några användare verkar det finnas.

eniro – använder för egen del kartorna där ibland.

mkklångfärd – Malmö Kanotklubb är skapligt aktiva både på vattnet och på nätet och har många medlemmar

richardatpoint65 – tyst här, men har visst en del besökare

kanot.com - svenska kanotförbundet länkar ibland

robsonblogg – Robert bloggar lite lite men det kanske kommer igång igen?

komud.dk - danske långpaddlaren Erik

paddlingplanet - samlingsportal för massa kajaksidor

kayakr.net - peter bloggar på

whitewater-bg.org - dyker upp lite länkar från forumen ibland

eskilstunakanot – med på länklistan

och sen finns det såklart ett par tusen källor till, men då är vi nere under 250 besökare per år. Men med tanke på den långa svansen så.

When the going gets tough...you invite the boats inside.

2012-02-04T05:58:23+00:00

I can imagine few things more trying to the patience

than the long wasted days of waiting.

- Robert Falcon Scott

"Yes, of course we feel so much better...just knowing that you're here with us.
How be I fix the four of us some nice hot, green tea?
Honey and ginger for everybody?"

Well, I'm no Robert Falcon Scott, facing the unimaginable, frigid harshness of the unforgiving Antarctic wasteland, not to mention starvation, and exhaustion beyond..."beyond" - but I've had a rare bad cold this past week.

The point is, we've haven't been able to get out paddling. I noted that a number of you haven't been able to get out either. For some it's been weather. For others, it's been impenetrable ice at the launch site. For still others, well, day time vocations do sometimes get in the way of a good paddling day.

So, in our case, what to do? Well, eventually you just need to cosy up to something that will provide warmth, comfort, reassurance, and the promise of better days to come. So I, with my spouse's blessings, invited the boats inside. I certainly feel much better. It was also a good opportunity to do minor maintenance and adjust / tighten / change "rigging".

I recommend this course of action. No, not a cure for the common cold, but it helps with the "patience factor." One doesn't feel quite so far from the water. And sometimes it's nice just to sit in them...and visualize.

Is this all rather strange? Some of you will understand. Some may even roll their eyes, but I will forgive you if you do. :)

Pax,

Duncan.

Quebec Kayak Manufacturer, Boréal Design Files for Bankruptcy

2012-02-04T01:28:42+00:00

Big news from the outdoor industry. I just heard the sad news from Joe O'Blenis and Bryan Hansel that Quebec kayak manufacturer, Boréal Design has closed its doors and will be filing for bankruptcy on Monday.

From La Presse.ca:

Director of the shop, Frédéric Patry said that attempts by the company management to find new investors were unsuccessful. Forty-five people lost their jobs.

Realistic, Frédéric Patry nevertheless retains a slim hope that a takeover could save the brand.

It’s a shame to hear about them go under. Boréal made fantastic boats and their construction and craftsmanship was second to none for sure. Over the 20 years in business, Boréal expended their company by purchasing accessory company, Beluga. They also developed a fantastic partnership with Maelströmkayak to manufacture and distribute their high-end sea kayaks.

From a business perspective, their product lines were appealing to paddling shops as they were able to offer both boats and accessories for the entire spectrum of paddling; from absolute beginner on a slim budget all the up to the highest end.

I have no idea of how the bankruptcy of Boréal will affect Maelströmkayak as they are a separate company with a factory to build their boats. I reached out to them for comment but haven’t received a response yet. I will update this post if I hear back.

Update [Feb 4, 2012]: I receved an email from Charles-Alexandre Desjardins one of the owners of Maelströmkayak. He said, "We learned about it the same way you did, which is unfortunate. That's about all I can say for now. Maelströmkayak is still very alive and we intend to continue our business."

Update [Feb 6, 2012]: I have written to Boreal Design looking for a statement as nothing has been posted on their website as of yet. I will post if/when I receive it.

Flickr Photo Credit: Pub de Boréal Design? Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Fri 03/02-2012 Day 158

2012-02-03T23:00:31+00:00

Pos: here Loc: Bahia Cordes Acc: tent Dist: 39,5 km Start: 6:40 End: 16:45 The whole day was hard work, much tougher than yesterday. The first section to Bahia Woods was the easiest, with moderate head wind and a bit of shelter in the bays. In Bahia Wood was a small fishing boat, which drove [...]

Paddle on the wild side

2012-02-03T22:56:08+00:00

The sun shone on a calm sea as Barry and I paddled into the bay surrounded by steep mountains that houses Ushuaia – the town at ‘the end of the world’. Since turning the ‘SE’ corner and heading west along the southern shore of “Isla Grande”, we had become accustomed to starting paddling at 5am and [...]

2012-02-03T22:09:00+00:00

A Quick Reminder

As we hope that winter is perhaps having her last attempt to keep us off the water many paddlers thoughts are turning towards the warmer months of summer. I have received numerous e mails about potential sea kayaking in the Channel Islands, which I am always prepared answer but if you are interested in paddling in Britain's south sea islands then why not have a look at the Sea Kayaking Guide which is available for the Kindle and other e readers from Amazon.

Comments will be appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you in the Channel Islands in 2012.

Boréal Design standser produktionen

2012-02-03T21:04:21+00:00

Det lader til, at Boréal Design, der har produceret kajakker i over 20 år, lukker. Lukningen omfatter også Boreal Designs tilbehørsfirma Beluga. Det er i det mindste hvad den fransksprogede avis LeSoleil skriver i dagens netudgave den 3. februar 2012. (LeSoleil er et tillæg til den canadiske avis LaPresse.ca).

Fabrikken ligger i Canada i Québec ved Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures og gik tilsyneladende konkurs i ugen og vil den 6/2-2012 (mandag) begære sig konkurs i retten i Québec.

Konkursen rammer også modeller fra Maëlström, f.eks. Vaåg, som Boréal Design producerer for Mælstrøm (som firmaet også kan skrives). Boreál Design har et partnerskab med Maëlström og deres kajakker bliver produceret på en selvstændig fabrik. Charles-Alexandre Desjardins, en af ejerne bag Maëlstöm, udtaler, at konkursen også kom bag på Maëlström, men at firmaet vil fortsætte uden Boréal Design.

Der arbejdes fortsat på en rekonstruktion af Boréal Design, men direktøren Frédéric Patry er ikke videre optimistisk. 40 ansatte står til at miste deres arbejde.

Swimming Lessons: 1930’s Style [Vintage Photography]

2012-02-03T20:58:05+00:00

I love this photo from the 1930’s of two kids learning how to swim. Somebody tell me that wasn’t how everybody was taught back then.

Via Black and WTF

Catch before Unwinding. How?

2012-02-03T19:36:14+00:00

Q: What would you suggest to someone who wants to unlearn unwinding before the catch and start to get good muscle memory for catch before unwinding.

Because the kayak is already moving I find myself unwinding – irresistibly! ;-( before catch. Apart from visualizing spearing a salmon, do you have other advice, tips, tricks, dry/ wet exercises etc to catch before unwinding?

A: When I do video analysis of students a common error is unwinding before the catch, or in other words, starting to apply power before the paddle is completely buried. This is a common power leak.

If you are “pulling” before the paddle is planted, not only is your stroke shortened (giving you less time to generate power), but the catch is often poor too (drawing air into the water — ventilation, and creating turbulence and making noise — “plop!”).

How short is a “model” stroke? For a wing you should be starting your exit when the blade reaches your knees and the blade should exit when your hand reaches your hip. Since the stroke is so short, you can’t afford to waste any of it. A Greenland paddle also exits when your hand is at your hip, but the blades are long, and will exit behind you.

The long blades of a Greenland paddle mean that your catch needs to be quick and precise, otherwise the stroke will be almost over before you have fully buried the blade, especially if you prefer a vertical stroke for speed.

Trying to “unlearn” existing muscle memory can be frustrating, but it can be done, so be persistent. When learning a new “choreography”, start slowly and deliberately until if feels natural. Being aware of what you are doing is half the battle. When you find yourself falling back into old habits (and you will), just bring your new-found awareness back to your technique, or go back to the drills.

Sequencing Drill — Wind-up and Catch: (kayak moving very slowly or stationary):

Fully wind up (spear the salmon position)
Quickly bury the paddle blade into the water ONLY (no other movement)
Remove the paddle, fully wind-up and perform on the opposite side.

Wind-up & Pause Drill: (kayak can be moving at speed)

Fully wind up (spear the salmon position)
PAUSE FOR A FULL SECOND (in the air)
Plant the paddle blade completely into the water
Feel your stroke-side foot engage the footbrace and apply power.

These drills will help isolate each movement, improve your catch, prevent applying power too soon, and are also good for working on your balance. Even on a normal stroke when I’m not doing a drill, I pause very briefly after winding up to prepare for a good catch.

A kayak ergometer is a very useful tool for working on these drills. You can perform them either very slowly or at speed, without worry about balancing and capsizing.

When you plant the paddle, do so fully. Wrap a piece of bright tape around the shaft where it meets the blade (Euro or Wing). You should bury the paddle to this tape mark, and no more, no less. Strive to keep the blade at this depth throughout your stroke. For a Greenland paddle you plant the blade almost up to the pinky finger of your pulling (lower) hand.
You can help keep the paddle at a constant depth by allowing the paddle to flare naturally away from the hull during the stroke, while maintaining good posture. This is only possible if your mechanics are sound and the paddle length is correct. Too long a paddle makes it easier to get the blade in the water for the catch, but the paddle may go too deep at the exit. A paddle that is too short is just the opposite.

The website below has some good coaching tips, excellent images of the different phases of a stroke, and some additional drills that you might wish to try: http://members.westnet.com.au/dshunter/Good%20Technique.htm

Exercise Smash and Fort Henry

2012-02-03T18:37:11+00:00

Fort Henry is an imposing concrete fortification overlooking Studland Bay in Dorset, built in 1943. The main building is about 30m long, with metre-thick walls. Several connected buildings are linked to underground tunnels extending backwards from the clifftop.

On 18th May 1944, Fort Henry played host to several VIPs; none other than Prime Minister Winston Churchill, General Dwight Eisenhower (Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces) and His Majesty King George VI. Fort Henry served as their viewing platform for Exercise Smash, a secret practice run of the D-Day landings involving live firing.

Exercise Smash thankfully did not degenerate into a catastrophe such as that which had occurred in Devon at Slapton Sands the previous month. However, the newly invented Valentine tanks were deployed during the exercise. These tanks were designed to travel through the water, being attached to rather flimsy canvas ‘boats’. Several sank to the bottom of the bay, at the cost of six lives. A memorial to these men was unveiled in 2004.

Filed under: Castles and Defences, Dorset, History

Fin de la belle aventure de Boréal Design

2012-02-03T17:22:00+00:00

C’est avec une réelle surprise et beaucoup de tristesse que j’ai reçu très tôt ce matin la nouvelle comme quoi le fabricant québécois de kayaks de mer Boréal Design fermait ses portes. L’entreprise dont le siège social est à Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures doit déposer les documents concernant sa failli ...

Paddling Planet

Ganges, de la Vida a la Muerte

Barsebäckshamn

Gardskagi, Do not roll!

VIDEO: Stika's 60 brick rolls

VIDEO: Rollabout

... one more from the sea!

Winter time....is kayak time!

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Clinics: Week of September 18 to 21: Saturna Island, Canada

Fort Worden Weekend with Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer: September 15 and 16, Fort Worden, Washington

Come to Jesus Moment – Ryan Rushton Guest Post

Synchronized video

Behind the Lens – Salt Creek

Kayaking from China Camp -- enjoy it while we can

Blackbird days: cold, snow and kayak!

Paddling into history at China Camp State Park

An uplifting morning

Feb 5th - Port Renfrew (#11)

Fen 4th - Port Renfrew (#10)

Feb 3rd - Jordan River (#9)

Ranger down - some relfections on the final check out

Out In The Blue

Estonian Trivia (and how a simple run to West Marine for classroom materials turned into Major Vacation Plan-O-Rama!)

Forward Finishing Rolls

Outdoor Retailer Trade Show: August 2 to 5, Salt Lake City, Utah

Fun, Balance, Games and Rolling (During the GGSKS): February 19, Sausalito, California

Sun 05/02-2012 Day 160

Actus et brèves... février 2012

Canoter au parc national Quttinirpaaq

Un ferrie qui nargue Kermorvan et rase La Vignotière

Portrait d'une baroudeuse

Préparation à la rando - épisode 1 : la sécurité

1ère étape : avant d'embarquer, on se parle...

2ème étape : on navigue ensemble

3ème étape : revue du matériel de sécurité

4ème étape : les méthodes d'intervention

Le meilleur pour la fin

Conclusion

Smile...

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Winter Weather on the Thames

Fearless

Muddy Purbeck dawn

www.everyclick.com/ultramarathon

The 2012 Ocean River Gear-Up Sale....

A winter paradise.

Valö med lite isantydan

Sat 04/02-2012 Day 159

BoréalDesign Bankrupt?

In the lee of snow capped mountains.

SOF Build: Paint!

Mauvaise nouvelle

Is på sundet och rom i badkaret

An SKUK Expedition Center in Illinois?

Desembocadura Río Piedras (El Portil, Huelva)

Var kommer besökarna från?

When the going gets tough...you invite the boats inside.

Quebec Kayak Manufacturer, Boréal Design Files for Bankruptcy

Fri 03/02-2012 Day 158

Paddle on the wild side

Boréal Design standser produktionen

Swimming Lessons: 1930’s Style [Vintage Photography]

Catch before Unwinding. How?

Q: What would you suggest to someone who wants to unlearn unwinding before the catch and start to get good muscle memory for catch before unwinding.

Because the kayak is already moving I find myself unwinding – irresistibly! ;-( before catch. Apart from visualizing spearing a salmon, do you have other advice, tips, tricks, dry/ wet exercises etc to catch before unwinding?

Sequencing Drill — Wind-up and Catch: (kayak moving very slowly or stationary):

Wind-up & Pause Drill: (kayak can be moving at speed)

Exercise Smash and Fort Henry

Fin de la belle aventure de Boréal Design

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