Training In A Time Of COVID-19

@NREMT @NAEMT #EMS #EMR 

#LifeIsPrecious #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Big Day Birthday

New Beginnings in 2020

I have been told I am courageous, but I feel scared. 

I have been told I am brave, but I feel anxious. 

I have been told I am sweet, but I feel bitter. 

I have been told I am wonderful, but I simply wonder. 

2020 is a new decade for this century. 

It will soon be a new decade for me.

2020 will also be a new beginning for me. The magic comes from my friends and loved ones whom I trust when they say ‘it will be okay’.

#LifeIsPrecious #NewBeginnings #ReflectivePractice

The Camas Centre, Ross of Mull, Scotland

In the summer of 1989 I took my first steps down the track to Camas Tuath, they were not my last either, and part of me has never left. Being at the Camas Centre, and on Iona, that summer transformed my view of the world as a young man and those initial experiences continue to shape my approach to outdoor learning, even now.

It was in these places I discovered the joy of working in remote settings and real community living. I was able to reflect upon ways my faith could grow and was equipped with the means to understand my own spirituality as I progressed in life. These experiences and subsequent times spent at Camas inspired my career choices to become an outdoor educator.

The Camas Centre plays a crucial role in the lives of the young people and adults that visit the centre, by offering them the opportunity to see core-values being lived out on a daily basis via the resident team, thus enabling them to manage any future tides of change in a positive way, by modeling what they experience at the centre.

And regardless of how we use it to promote aspects of social learning, being at Camas also helps us all embrace good environmental stewardship to preserve what there is to enjoy by simply being there. The sense of connection with nature that is achieved by working on the land, exploring the water, and the shared enjoyment of Camas is both powerful and transformative.

I firmly believe that participating in a week of community living at Camas can act as a catalyst for change within an individual by creating a sense of connection with and an awareness of others as well as the environment in which we live together.

Go to: The Camas Centre

#LifeIsPrecious #Camas #Adventure

NOLS Wilderness First Responder

 

Wilderness first responder training courses focus on teaching the students to assess a situation, improvise solutions using available resources to stabilize the patient and identify the best way to get the patient to definitive medical treatment.

Go to: www.nols.edu

#WildernessMedicine #WildernessFirstResponder #CPR

FEMA Introduction To Incident Command System ICS-100

This independent study course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training. It describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the system. This course also explains the relationship between ICS and NIMS.

#FEMA #IncidentCommandSystem #CrisisManagement

ACA River Rescue Technician

This course is aimed at Professional Rescuers: Firefighters, BLM Rangers, Search and Rescue Personnel, Whitewater Guides, Trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring opportunities to develop their rescue skills. Themes of this dynamic course revolve around the recognition of hazards, critical judgment, and rescue awareness. 

Emphasis is placed heavily on self-rescue techniques and approaching rescue scenarios simply and safely. Apply new and refined skills in mock-rescue scenarios using a minimal amount of gear. These scenarios create an opportunity for participants to practice skills individually and with a team context. 

Scope and content of the course will vary, based on participant needs, interests and experience. Topics covered include extricating pins, using rescue vests, managing strainers, dealing with entrapment, and proficient swimming skills.

Go to: www.wilderness-rescue.com

NOLS Professional Instructor Course

The primary purpose of this course is to train and evaluate potential NOLS instructors who already have extensive experience teaching in the outdoors. 

Each participant’s skills and abilities are assessed and evaluated by the course instructors with the intent of determining their potential as an instructor. 

On this course, participants will develop and refine the teaching and leadership skills needed for professional positions at NOLS.

This course is conducted in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. Because the environment and terrain are representative of many NOLS programming areas, the Winds are ideal for introducing NOLS' field practices. 

The course includes three components: a three-day leadership module taught in town, an eight-day backpacking expedition, and a three-day section of top rope rock climbing training.

Go to: www.nols.edu

Leave No Trace Master Educator

This course provides participants with comprehensive training on Leave No Trace skills and ethics with practical applications during a field-based course. Participants learn minimum impact techniques through multiple methods including discussions, scenarios, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. 

The Master Educator Course is also designed to prepare participants to be the best possible teachers of Leave No Trace regardless of setting. This is done by exploring and practicing various teaching styles, effective communication techniques, and by having the participants prepare and present a Leave No Trace lesson for their peers. Successful graduates of a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course are qualified to offer both the Leave No Trace Trainer Course as well as Awareness Workshops.

Go to: www.lnt.org

NREMT Emergency Medical Responder

Emergency Medical Responders provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical services system. EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. 

EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. Under medical oversight, Emergency Medical Responders perform basic interventions with minimal equipment.

Go to: www.nremt.org

AHA Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Provider

Basic Life Support, or BLS, generally refers to the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway.

Go to: American Heart Association

NOLS Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness first aid training courses focus on preparing students for the unexpected, taking a hands-on approach to learning about applying first aid skills in the backcountry. 

Participants are taught how to provide effective treatments for common injuries and illnesses in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.

If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.

Go to: www.nols.edu

SGS USA - Class Timetable

Storm Gathering USA 2017

Following are the class choices for each day at Storm Gathering USA 2017.

Friday Session Choices 1 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.

All Levels - Developing Boat Control DBC1

All levels - Surfski Paddling SSP

..................................

Level 1 and 2 - Storm Paddling Essentials SPE

Level 1 and 2 - Surf Zone Fundamentals SZF

..................................

Level 2 and 3 - Intermediate Rock Gardening IRG1

Level 2 and 3 - Unscrambling the Scramble UTS 1

Level 2 and 3 - Long Boat Surfing LBS1

Level 2 and 3 - Short Boat Surfing SBS1

Level 2 and 3 - Moderate Water Boat Handling MWBH 1

..................................

Level 3 - Rough Water Boat Handling RWBH 1

Level 3 - Tricky Launch, Tricky Landing TLTL1

..................................

Saturday Session Choices 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

All Levels - Simplifying The Roll STR

All levels - Surfski Paddling SSP

..................................

Level 1 and 2 - Fundamentals of Rock Gardening FRG 1

..................................

Level 2 and 3 - Situational Rolling & Bracing SRB1

..................................

Level 3 - Tricky Launch, Tricky Landing TLTL1

..................................

Saturday Session Choices 1.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.

All Levels - Wild Harvesting WH

All Levels - SurkSki Paddling SSP

..................................

Level 1 and 2 - Coastal Journey CJ1

..................................

Level 2 and 3 - Intermediate Rock Gardening IRG2

Level 2 and 3 - Moderate Water Boat Handling MWBH 2

..................................

Level 3 - Rough Water Boat Handling RWBH 2

..................................

Saturday Session Choices All Day

Level 1 and 2 - Fundamentals of Sea Kayak Leadership FSKL

Level 2 and 3 - Practical Leadership and Group Dynamics PLGD

Level 2 and 3 - Incident Management IM

Level 2 and 3 - White Water of The Sea WWOTS

Level 3 - Rock Garden Safety and Rescue RGSR

..................................

Sunday Session Choices 9.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

All Levels - Developing Boat Control DBC1

All levels - Surfski Paddling SSP

..................................

Level 1 and 2 - Fundamentals of Rock Gardening FRG 2

Level 1 and 2 - Coastal Journey CJ2

..................................

Level 2 and 3 - Ocean Journey OCJ1

Level 2 and 3 - Short Boat Surfing SBS

Level 2 and 3 - Unscrambling the Scramble UTS 2

Level 2 and 3 - Situational Rolling and Bracing SRB2

Level 2 and 3 - Long Boat Surfing LBS2

..................................

Level 3 - Rough Water Boat Handling RWBH 3

Level 3 - Tricky Launch, Tricky Landing TLTL2


To register, click HERE.

For more information, e-mail, info@greenlandorbust.org.

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The Storm is Coming…

Storm Gathering USA 2017

…and the Gathering is Happening!

To register, click HERE.

For more information, e-mail, info@greenlandorbust.org.

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December's Newsletter

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.

Later in February, we head to the UK for the 8th UK Storm Gathering Symposium, which takes place on Anglesey in Wales from February 20 to 22. The main event will be followed by BCU and ISKGA Week.

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.

============================================================

Copyright © 2015 Greenland or Bust, All rights reserved.

Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer • (707) 834-5501

info@greenlandorbust.org

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November's Newsletter

8TH UK STORM GATHERING SYMPOSIUM • GREENLAND EXPEDITION 2016

Kayak 'season' is only just now slowing down for us here at Greenland or Bust. It has been a WONDERFUL year. We've run classes and taught at symposiums in Wales, Mexico, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, England and the U.S. (South Carolina, California, Minnesota and Oregon). In addition to all of this, we also had our first Storm Gathering USA event, which took place in Trinidad, California. Now we've got a little time to reflect on the past twelve months and get working on next year's schedule.

October started with Simplifying the Roll and some private classes on Anglesey, in Wales. Then we went to Cornwall, England for the Sea Kayaking Cornwall Symposium. After that, Helen headed to Pacific City, Oregon, for Lumpy Waters. This weekend she hosts a Halloween Campout at Stone Lagoon (California) for our local club, Explore North Coast. Mark remained in Cornwall to teach various BCU and ISKGA (http://www.iskga.com) programs before finishing the month with some sea kayak skills development courses, including an ISKGA Fundamentals Level 1 in North Wales.

In November, Helen will be teaching Traditional Paddling and Rolling and Simplifying the Roll at Horseshoe Cove in California. Mark will be working on some BCU and ISKGA programs on Anglesey. After that, both of us will be spending the month wrapping up our 2016 schedule.

In December, we've got classes in San Diego, Marina Del Rey and Dana Point (all in California). And then 2016 starts...

2016 will be a very busy year, but there's two events that you should lock into your calendar now. February 20 to 22 is the 8th UK Storm Gathering Symposium, which takes place on Anglesey in Wales. The main event will be followed by BCU and ISKGA Week. Second, our next Greenaland 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

Q & A with Helen

Progression from the Butterfly Roll to the Hand Roll

Question: I am doing fine on my standard roll, but my easiest roll has always been the Butterfly Roll. I have been looking at some Greenland roll videos online, and the hand rolls look very similar to me to the Butterfly Roll. Do they feel very similar? Any advice before I try one?

Answer: A hand roll is very similar to a Butterfly Roll. To progress to this roll, it's a good idea to first fine tune your Butterfly Roll. Following are the steps to a solid Butterfly Roll (described with a right side recovery).

- During the capsize, keep your paddle in contact with the kayak. Your paddle should remain in contact with the kayak throughout the underwater set-up position.

- Once there, explode, opening your left arm and driving with your right knee at the same time. Opening your left arm should put shoulders square to the surface of the water.

- Put your chin into the air, and slide onto the back deck.

When you feel that you are ready to move on, hold a norsaq in the center, just as you would when doing a Butterfly Roll. It’s the exact same roll, so all of the same rules apply.

When this is easy for you, try doing the same roll while holding the smaller end of the norsaq. The Greenlandic name for this roll is Norsamik Nerfalallugu (Throwing Stick, Front to Back).

And finally, once this roll feels natural, remove the norsaq and do the same roll. That’s your layback hand roll (Assammik Nerfallallugu).

Program Schedule

Halloween Campout at Stone Lagoon

(for ENC)

October 31 to November 1,

Stone Lagoon, California

Traditional Paddling and Rolling

November 7, Horseshoe Cove, California

Simplifying the Roll

November 8, Horseshoe Cove, California

ISKGA Expedition Skills

November 10 to 12, Falmouth, Cornwall

BCU 4 Star Sea Assessment

November 13 and 14, Anglesey, Wales

BCU 4 Star Sea Assessment

November 23 and 24, Anglesey, Wales

BCU Open Water Navigation & Tidal Planning

November 28, Anglesey, Wales

Simplifying the Roll

December 12 and 13, San Diego, California

Simplifying the Roll

December 19, Dana Point, California

Simplifying the Roll

December 20, Marina Del Rey, California

…And Finally

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.

============================================================

Copyright © 2015 Greenland or Bust, All rights reserved.

Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer • (707) 834-5501

info@greenlandorbust.org

• Find Us On Facebook • Follow Us On Twitter • Read All About It • Visit Our On-Line Store •

October's Newsletter

GREENLAND EXPEDITION

8TH UK STORM GATHERING SYMPOSIUM • 2016

We're writing this newsletter from Anglesey, Wales. Here on Anglesey, it's starting to feel like Autumn. Temperatures are dropping, clouds are filling previously clear blue skies and t-shirts are being replaced by warm hoodies. Despite the weather change, there are lots of kayaks on the water. We hope that this also holds true in your neighbourhood.

September began with us traveling home from a busy summer of classes and events in Norway, Sweden and Denmark during our sixth annual, Rebel Kayaks supported Nordic Tour. After a couple of days of rest and relaxation, Helen then headed to Lake Carlos State Park in Minnesota to mentor during the Traditional Paddlers' Gathering. She then made her way to Whiskeytown, California for a couple of Simplifying the Roll classes, and then traveled down the coast to run private rolling classes during Mendo Madness in Mendocino, California. Meanwhile, Mark ran a BCU 4 Star Sea Training Week, which was then followed by a BCU 4 Star Sea Assessment. Both were in Pembrokeshire, Wales. In addition to all of this, we've been working on our 2016 schedule, which is already filling up FAST.

October started with Simplifying the Roll and some private classes on Anglesey, in Wales. This week we head to Cornwall, England for the Sea Kayaking Cornwall Symposium. After that, Helen heads to Pacific City, Oregon, for Lumpy Waters, then to Eureka, California for an Intermediate Sea Kayaking class. She ends the month with a Halloween Campout at Stone Lagoon, an event which she's hosting for our local club, Explore North Coast. Mark will remain in Cornwall to teach various BCU and ISKGA programs before finishing the month with some sea kayak skills development courses back in North Wales.

Most of our winter programs will then be in California (Horseshoe Cove, Crescent City, San Diego, Marina Del Rey and Dana Point). In February, we head back to Anglesey to run the 8th UK Storm Gathering Symposium. Will you be there???

As usual, visit www.greenlandorbust.org for more information and our current Events calendar and Blog postings. You can also follow us on Twitter. For questions, comments or to schedule us in your neighbourhood, e-mail: info@greenlandorbust.org.

Happy paddling!

Helen and Mark 

Dr T's Coaching Corner

Over the past few months, we have been looking at the various factors which make up the ‘TTPP model’ (BCU, 2006) as they relate to paddling performance. In December, we introduced the model. In April, we covered the ‘Technical’ element. In June, we addressed the ’Tactical’ aspect and, in August, we talked about the ‘Psychological’ dimension.

This month we finish by looking at how knowledge of the ‘Physiological’ concepts that apply to all paddling disciplines, and the relationship between how our body creates energy

for exercise and our diet, can also help address performance issues. 

To recap, this element represents our ability to develop endurance, maintain flexibility, generate strength as well our balance nutritional needs depending on the level and intensity of the activity we are participating in. It also relates to the application of sound training principles and adopting specific fitness strategies.

For example, a lack of muscular endurance, aerobic fitness, or poor nutrition while paddling could undermine our physical ability. These areas can be addressed by scheduled aerobic exercise, circuit training, along with a review of food and fluid intact during activities to see if any useful changes can be made. 

Whether training to compete or training for health, everyone has different needs. People vary in height, size, shape and preference. Therefore, even though they have the same goals they may not reach them by the same means. However, the following areas often need addressing in some form or another.

Core Strength: This can be developed through exercises that enhance the muscles required for rotational movements of the trunk and abdominal areas. For example, you can build strength in your lower body by using squats and leg extensions. For abdominal strength and torso rotation try crunches using a balance ball. 

Cardiovascular Training: Cardiovascular fitness for kayaking requires some discipline specific training so consider the duration and distance of each trip. For example, plan to kayak for a set distance in one direction and then return to the starting point. Therefore encountering different conditions. On the next outing increase the distance. During the paddle, aim for a consistent cadence of stroke, or pace. Incorporating staged bursts of speed, either for a set time or number of paddle strokes, will also help with improving speed. 

Cross Training: As with any activity that requires cardiovascular endurance, cross-training using high-intensity aerobic exercises, such as cycling and running, can improve fitness levels. While the movement patterns for biking or running do not simulate kayaking movements, developing endurance ensures a kayaker won't be stranded on the water too tired to paddle to safety or back to shore.

Flexibility: This refers to the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints that is attainable in a momentary effort with the help of a partner or a piece of equipment. Flexibility in some joints can be increased to a certain degree by stretching.  Stretching improves the muscle's felt elasticity and reaffirms comfortable muscle tone. The result will be a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility and range of motion.

If you are not training for a particular paddling discipline, then you need to consider your height, weight, gender, body shape, and goals before you choose a suitable fitness program. However, it is worth applying the FITT Principle once a training structure has been set. For each type of exercise during your session, think about the following. 

Frequency - How often you do the exercise (be it an individual set or the whole session).

Intensity - The difficulty of the exercise: it could be the amount of weight, or the speed you move.

Time - The duration of the exercise: for fitness, this should be at least 20 minutes a day.

Type - What kind of exercise: vary what you do to keep it interesting, and to work all the different muscles.

Nutrition and Hydration: Optimal nutrition is attained with sound dietary practices that are applied on a continuing basis, not just before a long paddle. Getting into a good eating pattern long term and fueling-up with the right energy sources not only provides a nutritious diet but will help prevent fatigue when out paddling and allow you to continue to perform at your best for longer. One aspect to avoid is dehydration, which is one of the most important factors that can cause early fatigue during exercise. It decreases performance, impairs cardiovascular function and can pose serious health problems. For proper hydration, drink before, during and after exercise and before you feel thirsty.

A balanced training programme develops good cardio fitness and body strength while adding finesse to your paddling efficiency. Effective stroke techniques increase as you put in more time on the water.

…And Finally

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.

============================================================

Copyright © 2015 Greenland or Bust, All rights reserved.

Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer • (707) 834-5501

info@greenlandorbust.org

• Find Us On Facebook • Follow Us On Twitter • Read All About It • Visit Our On-Line Store •

September's Newsletter

THE NORDIC TOUR • GREENLAND EXPEDITION •

8TH UK STORM GATHERING SYMPOSIUM

We're writing this newsletter from a hot and sunny Malmo, Sweden, the second to last stop on this year's Rebel Kayaks supported Nordic Tour. This year's Tour ends tomorrow, and we can't believe that it's almost over. It has been a wonderful summer! We've met lots of great people, seen lots of fantastic places and worked with over 1,000 incredibly awesome people. THANK YOU to everyone that has been part of our summer!

Throughout August we ran Simplifying the Roll and a BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning class during Värmlands Paddelfestival in Karlstad, Simplifying the Roll and an instructor training day in Helsingborg (both in Sweden), Simplifying the Roll in Rungsted, Simplifying the Roll and technique classes in Frederiksvaerk and Simplifying the Roll during the Gronlandsk Symposium in Svendborg (all in Denmark). This weekend we'll be running Simplifying the Roll, Simplifying the Rescue, Incident Management and Yoga for Paddlers in Malmo and Simplifying the Roll in Karlshamn (both in Sweden).

Later in September, Helen will be teaching Simplifying the Roll at Big Lagoon, in California, and then heading to Minnesota for the Traditional Paddlers' Gathering, taking place at Lake Carlos State Park. After that she'll be teaching Simplifying the Roll and Simplifying the Rescue at Whiskeytown Lake in California, followed by a trip to Mendocino to run private rolling classes during Mendo Madness.

Meanwhile, Mark will be running a BCU 4 Star Sea Training and Assessment in Pembrokeshire, Wales, followed by a BCU 4 Star Sea Assessment on Anglesey, also in Wales.

Later in the year we'll be teaching Simplifying the Roll and Combat Rolling together on Anglesey, then heading to the Sea Kayaking Cornwall Symposium in Southern England. Helen then heads to Pacific City, Oregon for Lumpy Waters. Most of our winter programs will then be in California, until February, when we head to Anglesey to run the 8th UK Storm Gathering Symposium. Will you be there???

And finally, are you interested in joining us for a Greenland expedition? The dates and location have been set! Next year's expedition will take place in the Disco Bay/Ilulissat area from July 20 to 31, 2016. Contact us at info@greenlandorbust.org for more information.

As usual, visit www.greenlandorbust.org for more information and our current Events calendar and Blog postings. You can also follow us on Twitter. For questions, comments or to schedule us in your neighbourhood, e-mail: info@greenlandorbust.org.

Happy paddling!

Helen and Mark 

Q & A with Helen

Front to Front Norsaq Roll

(Norsamik Masikkut)

Question: My forward/forward norsaq roll only works the following way. First, I must open eyes and watch the outward sweep until the point of the “back down and under to touch the hull” part. Secondly, I can’t seem to leave the left hand touching the Qajaq. Only when I touch the back of the sweeping hand with the one that’s supposed to be left touching the gunnel, does it work. Thoughts?

Answer: It sounds like you’re doing a two handed norsaq roll. If that’s the only way this roll is working for you, then you’re using too much “arm” and not enough “body.” When I do this roll I find that the power comes from my abs. From your description, it sounds like you’re recovering on the right side of your qajaq, so I’ll describe it with that recovery:

– Extend directly out to the right side of your qajaq as far as you can.

– Reach up with not only your norsaq, but the top of your head as well. Try to get your eyebrows out of the water. This should put a nice arch in your back.

– Meanwhile your left hand should be doing nothing. I hold the bottom of my qajaq. It’ll slide a bit during your extension, but just try to keep loose contact with the qajaq.

– When you think that your body is in the right position, focus all of your energy on the crunch. Basically, picture every internal organ squeezing into a spot a couple of couple of inches to the right of your belly button. Lift your knee to hit that spot, and slide your hunched upper body over the front deck. Your shoulders should stay square to the sea floor and then to the qajaq deck.

– With the norsaq, from the extended position, and while you’re doing all of the body movements described above, push it through the water to get some lift. Follow through until it hits the bottom of your qajaq. By this time, the rest of you should be up. As with any roll, this really has way more to do with what you do with your body than what you do with whatever object you’re holding.

Program Schedule

Nordic Tour 2015:

May 23 to August 30, Norway, Denmark and Sweden

May 23 to 24 Asker, Norway

May 29 to 31 Oslo, Norway

June 5 to 7 Fitjar, Norway

June 9 Bergen, Norway

June 10 to 11 Glesvaer, Norway

June 13 to 14 Austevoll, Norway

June 18, Skudeneshavn, Norway

June 20 to 21 Stavanger, Norway

June 26 to 29 Copenhagen, Denmark

July 3 to 4 Grebbestad, Sweden

July 9 to 12 Stockholm, Sweden

July 16 to 18 Mora, Sweden

July 22 to 26 Nynashamn, Sweden

July 28 to 30 Sandhamn, Sweden

August 1 to 3 Karlstad, Sweden

August 8 to 9 Helsingborg, Sweden

August 11 to 12 Rungsted, Denmark

August 15 to 16 Frederiksværk, Denmark

August 22 to 23 Svendborg, Denmark

August 29 Malmo, Sweden

August 30 Karlshamn, Sweden

And The Rest...

Simplifying the Roll

September 5, Big Lagoon, California

Traditional Paddlers' Gathering

September 10 to 13,

Lake Carlos State Park, Minnesota

BCU 4 Star Training

September 14 to 18, Pembrokeshire, Wales

BCU 4 Star Assessment

September 19 to 20, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Simplifying the Roll

September 19 and 20, Whiskeytown, California

Simplifying the Rescue

September 19, Whiskeytown, California

Private Rolling Classes during Mendo Madness

September 25 to 27, Mendocino, California

BCU 4 Star Assessment

September 26 to 27, Anglesey, Wales

Simplifying the Roll

October 3, Anglesey, Wales

Combat Rolling

October 4, Anglesey, Wales

Sea Kayaking Cornwall Symposium

October 10 to 11, Cornwall, England

Lumpy Waters

October 16 to 18, Pacific City, Oregon

Traditional Skills Paddle (for ENC)

November 1, Stone Lagoon, California

…And Finally

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

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