Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Transfer of Learning

Skill acquisition doesn't always need to follow an obvious path and variation in a learning scheme can enhance transfer (Bransford et al, 2000)

The YouTube clip attached to this blog entry is entitled Dr Palmer's Canoe Poling Clinic

If you want to read more about canoe poling there is an interesting piece by Tom Sibbald

Monday, May 26, 2008

Monday Morning Wave


Photographer: Scott Dickerson

I don't know what to say about this photo. It blows my mind and leaves it blank - as clean as the new-driven snow!

Hardcore Alaskan surfer/photographer, Scott Dickerson, rendered speechless in the face of another empty Alaskan attraction.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Wildlife

Its great to be reminded from time to time what attracts us to sea kayaking...........




Monday, May 19, 2008

Monday Morning Wave


Photographer: Rusty Priesendorfer

"Seize the moment ? if it looks good... go!"

- Rusty Preisendorfer -
surfer, shaper, appreciator

Intoxication comes in many forms. Indo smoothy.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Happy Birthday NikWax

1978 saw the birth of the first test tube baby, Space Invaders infiltrating arcades and Nick Brown successfully fulfilling his first Nikwax order. It's difficult to believe that 30 years have passed since Nick concocted a non-softening waterproof wax - but what a brilliant 30 years they have been! Hot on the heels of Nick's wax he created the Nikwax Water-Based Range, a new and unique way to waterproof outdoor clothing without damaging the environment. Nikwax has now grown to deliver product solutions for a multitude of uses by a multitude of users. From ropes to tents to boots - almost anything that needs regular care to maintain its water repellency - Nikwax delivers a suitable and effective product. And our 30th year sees the launch of Nikwax's Travel Solutions range; handy portable tubes of Nikwax's leading products and the SkitoStop™ range. Here's to another 30 years of market- leading cleaning, waterproofing and protecting solutions!


Monday, May 12, 2008

Monday Morning Wave

Photographer: Russell Ord

Courtney Brown about to be engulfed in more than just "arvo glow", Cyclops, Western Australia.

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

The Anglesey Experience


The Anglesey Symposium has been running now for 25 years and should be on the 'must do' list of every sea kayaker, be they neophite or grand poobah. The experience is quite something, in fact I'd go as far to say unique. It really is a worthwhile event to attend for all the richness and energy everyone gives to it.


It takes a tremendous effort to organise participants, guest coaches, transport as well as factoring in the tides and weather to ensure that activities run successfully, on-time and safely. It never ceases to amaze me how despite there being over 100 people on the water at any given time so few incidents actually occur. One mystery that is never solved is how, when 12 people sign up, does a workshop end up with 25 participants?


For me one of the great features of going to the symposium, whether I helping out with a water clinic or glad handing the folk who might just want me to test some kit, is the fact that are always some symposium veterans and stalwarts mixed in with the crowd of wide-eyed neewbies. I think its some kind of universal law that there should always be someone on the beach who can say "When I was here in the '80's it all seemed so much simpler, " or words to that effect. The right mix of participants strikes a balance between the 'wonder of it all' and the open skepticism of 'emperor's new clothes syndrome'.


Then of course there is always the chance meeting with one of the growing band of celebrities without whom sea kayaking would be just another outdoor activity. I highly commend the efforts of those who have put themselves forward as part of the growing pantheon of elite. It takes a great deal of sacrifice, hardship and motivation to paddle such vast distances or in remote, hostile environments whether alone, in pairs or as a team. These figureheads form the inspiration for future generations to pick up a paddle and go for it.

However, putting aside the imparting of wisdom from those that know to those that feel they don't. The hob nobbing, the glitz of shinny new boats, the allure of new toys and the wealth of personalities. What I feel it comes down to is how social sea kayaking is and what a great network of paddling folk we have. Not matter who you are, where you've been and how far you want to go, everyone is on the water doing something and generally having a lot of fun doing it. Testimony to this is the level of chat that goes on afterwards round the bar or tent entrance. Friendships are made and new horizons ready to be sought.


.........remember, first weekend in May annually and in perpetuity. Get it in your diary and go, at least once :0)

Monday, May 05, 2008

Monday Morning Wave

"We start going downhill as soon as we stop taking risks" - Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton is known as the guiding genius of crossover board sports, and he is truly amazing in the water. His size - six-foot-three, 215 pounds - makes him seem indestructible. 'Laird is the elder son of 60's surfing legend Bill Hamilton, and is a throwback to that time when surfers prided themselves on being all-around waterman. He learned to surf between the ages of two and three on the front half of a surfboard, and at age eight, his father took him to the 60-foot cliff at Waimea Falls where Laird looked down, looked back at his dad, and jumped. 'He's been bold since day one,' says Bill, 'and hell-bent on living life to the extreme.'