8TH UK STORM GATHERING SYMPOSIUM
GREENLAND EXPEDITION • ICE BEARS AND ISLANDS
Happy Holidays! We at Greenland or Bust wish you, your family and your friends a wonderful festive season.
Here in Northern California the ran has been falling, which is great, because we certainly need it. On top of that, the wind has been howling, which has made it really nice to curl up indoors and work on our 2016 schedule, which is filling fast! We don't have it all up on the website yet, but for a sample of what's happening in 2016, click
HERE
In November, Helen taught Traditional Paddling and Rolling and Simplifying the Roll at Horseshoe Cove in California. Mark ran some BCU and ISKGA programs in Cornwall, England and on Anglesey, in Wales.
In December, we've got classes in San Diego, Marina Del Rey and Dana Point (all in California). And then 2016 starts...
In January we've got some local programs running, and Helen will be completing her Wilderness First Responder. In February there's
Paddle Golden Gate. It's an awesome event, and well worth checking out, if you haven't done so already.
After that, Greenland or Bust and
Kokatat are bringing Jaime Sharp to Eureka, California for Ice Bears and Islands, a presentation on Svalbard's world first sea kayak circumnavigation.
For more, please see the flyer below, or e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.
Finally, our next Greenland expedition takes place in the Disco Bay/Ilulissat area from July 20 to 31, 2016, and there are only a couple of places left! Contact us at info@greenlandorbust.org for more information.
As usual, visit www.greenlandorbust.org for more information, our current
Events calendar and
Blog postings. You can also find us on
Twitter. For questions, comments or to schedule us in your neighborhood, email info@greenlandorbust.org.
Happy paddling!
Helen and Mark
Dr. T's Coaching Corner
Proper Planning And Preparation Will Prevent a Poor Performance - Get to know the area where you will be tested. Paddle it a few times in different weather/tidal conditions, so your chart is there as a backup, not as your primary means of knowing your location.
Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail - Set out lots of 'desk-top' plans beforehand, so when on the water you can create several 'deck-top' plans in your head, at any one time: a five minute plan, a 30 minute plan and a one hour plan. Your aim is to be implementing the 5 minute plan, working towards the 30 minute plan, and keeping the one hour plan in perspective.
Be Brave. Take Risks. Nothing Can Substitute Experience - If you are 'experienced' then it stands to reason that you will draw confidence from having built up a breadth of personal knowledge, thus enabling you to make sound judgment calls as and when they are required.
Come Prepared To Take The Helm - If you are not so 'experienced' then you need a bombproof game plan or live on your wits, which will be stressful! This is the hardest way of passing; a good examiner will detect a candidate's lack of flexibility and will try to force judgment calls, potentially then forcing mistakes to be made. After all, they need to see if a candidate is safe in any situation.
To Prepare Is Half The Victory - Be ready to use your safety equipment, especially your towline, more than once and often in quick succession. Sort out an effective roll and be ready with a quick re-entry; this is a set piece and really highlights good paddling skills, or lack of. Make sure the kit you have is functional, accessible but also easily stowed and secured. Stay calm and do what you always do, not what you think someone else wants you to do.
"Be prepared, work hard, and hope for a little luck. Recognize that the harder you work and the better prepared you are, the more luck you might have" - Ed Bradley.
Program Schedule
Simplifying the Roll- December 12, San Diego, California
Simplifying the Roll- December 19, Dana Point, California
Simplifying the Roll- December 20, Marina Del Rey, California
(Programs running in 2016 will be posted soon.)
Working on your roll and need a little help?
Simplifying the Roll with Helen Wilson and
Yoga for Outdoor People are available from our on-line store
HERE.
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Copyright © 2015 Greenland or Bust, All rights reserved.
Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer • (707) 834-5501
info@greenlandorbust.org
