Greenland - Reading Material and Other Resources

Photographer: Bendt-Moses Jensen.

Expedition participants often ask us about recommended reference material so they can learn more about Greenland, so we have complied a list of books and resources that may be of interest to you. 

Please help us keep the list relevant and let us know if you think something that should appear here.

Factual Reading:

The Sledge Patrol (1957) by David Howarth.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic (1995) by E. C.  Credit Bendt-Moses Jensen.

A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife (2012) by Richard Sale.

Travel Writing:

An African in Greenland (2001) by Tété-Michel Kpomassie.

This Cold Heaven - Seven Seasons in Greenland (2003) by Gretel Ehrlich.

Greenland - The End of the World (2010) by Damjan Koncnik.

Arctic Explorers:

The First Crossing of Greenland (1892) by Fridtjof Nansen.

Greenland by the Polar Sea (1921) by Knud Rasmussen.

Dancing on Ice - A Stirring Tale of Adventure, Risk and Reckless Folly (2009) by Jeremy Scott.

Fiction: 

Eskimo Folk Tales (1921) by Knud Rasmussen (Ed).

No One Thinks of Greenland (2002) by John Griesemer.

The Greenlanders (2005) by Jane Smiley.

Films:

The Wedding of Palo (1934) - It tells the contest between two rivals for the love of an Inuit woman. The forces of nature will decide the winner.

The Journals of Knud Rasmussen (2006) - European explorers change the lives of an Inuit community while exploring the Arctic in 1922.

Village At The End Of The World (2012) - A witty, surprising and ultimately feel good portrait of an isolated village of 59 people and 100 sledge dogs, surviving against the odds.

Maps: 

www.scanmaps.dk

Websites:

www.atasteofgreenland.com

www.greenland.com

www.greenland-travel.com

Acknowledgements: We are grateful to past expedition participants for helping us refine this information. 

Photographer: Mark Tozer

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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

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Anglesey Adventure - April 6 to 10, Anglesey

Date: April 6 to 10, 2015

Location: Anglesey, Wales

Guides: Helen and Mark are both accomplished paddlers and frequent guest coaches at symposia and kayaking events across the U.S., Europe and the rest of the world. They have lead trips together in the US, UK, Europe and Greenland.

Description: North Wales is renowned amongst sea kayakers all over the world for its rugged coastline, tidal features, historic sites and outstanding wildlife. In particular, the coastal waters and spectacular scenery around Anglesey make this area an ideal location for some great boat-based adventures, and it is the perfect setting for improving essential paddling skills too. Our aim is to complete a number of classic Anglesey sea kayak adventures over the five days.

We are offering the opportunity to complete the following BCU qualifications during the trip: BCU 3 Star Sea Training and BCU 3 Star Sea Assessment where appropriate

Considerations: Weather will be the deciding factor when it comes to which trip we complete each day. If the weather is too poor there are alternative activities available to us. Distance achieved each day is dependant on tides/winds and overall group ability.

Prerequisites: From the challenges offered by ‘The Swellies’ to the scenic cliffs of Holy Island to the lighthouses of Penmon and South Stack, there is plenty to see and explore as we kayak around the island. Strong tides and winds of Force 3 to 5 are often encountered, so to get the most out of this 5 day adventure it is important that participants have experience of paddling in these conditions and are fit, active paddlers. We advise using the BCU 3 Star / ACA 3 syllabi as a means of benchmarking personal skills.

Contact: For more information, program costs, boat hire and accommodation options or to book a place, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

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Spirit of Antarctica Expedition - December 31 to January 28, Antarctic Peninsula

Join Helen and Mark of Greenland or Bust onboard the Spirit of Sydney in Ushuaia, Argentina for a voyage of a lifetime to the Antarctic Peninsula that will include sailing, sea kayaking, mountaineering, visiting historical sites, camping, and nature watching.

Dates: December 31, 2015 - January 28, 2016

What this includes: Once aboard the ‘Spirit of Sydney,’ your food, drinks (including beer and wine), port fees, permits and IAATO passenger fees are included. You need only bring some US dollars for buying souvenirs at the Antarctic bases we may visit and for gratuities. During the sea kayaking phases you will be supplied with a Current Designs ‘Storm,’ a paddle, paddle mitts, spray deck, pump, lifejacket and VHF. Dry suits can be hired should participants not have their own.

What this does not include: Travel to and from Ushuaia; travel insurance; accommodation and meals in Ushuaia prior to and after the expedition; personal clothing and equipment; Argentinean Reciprocity Fee for US / Canadian citizens; medical exam; Iridium communications while on board.

Payment Schedule: Due to the advanced planning necessary for an expedition of this nature, a part payment deposit of $5,000 is due by March 30, 2015 when booking with two more instalments that will complete full payment by September 30, 2015.

Ethos: This is very much a ‘hands on’ expedition and participants will need to be motivated and engaged. All live aboard tasks are shared including: sailing, helming, anchoring, cooking and domestic chores. Our plan is to take like-minded people on an experience of a lifetime, and the expedition will work best if everyone is prepared to lend a hand and be a part of the crew.

Experience: This expedition is designed for agile and active people who have an adventurous and positive outlook. Participation is the key to enjoyment. No sailing experience is required, but previous participation in wilderness voyages and a good level of sea kayaking skills are a must.

Acknowledgements: We are grateful to Cathy and Darrel from the Spirit of Sydney for their help in preparing this information.

If you have any questions, queries or concerns please contact us at Greenland or Bust - info@greenlandorbust.org

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Sea Kayakers of The Caribbean

Jamaica is a land rich in culture, history, music and, of course, it’s known for the rum too. With a population of nearly three million, the island is the largest English speaking country in the Caribbean and the third largest in the Western Hemisphere, excluding the United States and Canada. It gained its independence from the British in 1962. The native inhabitants of this beautiful island are believed to be the Arawaks, also called Tainos. They came from South America 2,500 years ago along the Caribbean archipelago and aptly named the island Xaymaca, meaning “land of wood and water.”

In January 2015, the sea kayaking team of Wes Moses, Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer will attempt the first complete known circumnavigation of this historic and popular Caribbean island. The expedition will provide the team with the opportunity to experience both the grandeur and nature of Jamaica while facing the challenge of completing the journey within 30 days of setting off.

Jamaica is replete with verdant hills, majestic mountains, crystalline rivers and white beaches edging onto a turquoise sea. In Jamaica, nature intertwines effortlessly with bustling towns and sleepy villages, with a coastline stretching for nearly 650 miles. From the Blue Mountains made famous by the coffee that bears its name to Pedro Bank, one of the world’s largest suppliers of queen conch, the country’s natural heritage is its most valuable resource.

The island is home to a highly influential music industry which produced such legends such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, whose socially conscious music has served as the soundtrack to various sociopolitical movements on the island and the world at large. Jamaicans dominate the sprinting world in track and field with the recent greats of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Yohan Blake, Aleen Bailey, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Bridgette Hilton-Foster, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater.

Jamaica is also the birthplace of Rastafari – an Afro-Caribbean spiritual and political movement that came into existence in the 1930s, based on the teachings of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero, and is widely popular across the globe. “We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is your only ruler, sovereign. The man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man who uses his mind” - Marcus Garvey

The expedition team will navigate a coastline that is full of contrasts. The shores on the northeast have been severely eroded by the ocean. There will be many small inlets, but no coastal plains to speak of. The southern coast is lined with black sand beaches, which are backed by limestone cliffs. In some places the cliffs drop 900 feet straight to the sea. The north coast is reported to contain the island's finest beaches and hotels, and the team will negotiate suitable campsites along the way.

Being a tropical climate, the team is expecting to experience high temperatures and humid weather, which will play a key part in their paddling and planning logistics. One consideration will be the need to launch early in the morning before the trade winds begin to blow and create more intensified conditions on the water. The intended voyage has been scheduled to avoid hurricane season, but the weather will be what it is in January, and the team will deal with it accordingly.

Dengue fever, Chikungunya virus and Leptospirosis present health risks to travellers in Jamaica, as well as possible tropical infections like Leishmaniasis, so the team will be taking necessary precautions, such as using mosquito nets and insect repellant, as well as sourcing clean water on a daily basis. Jamaica has eight native snake species, though none of them are venomous. If they are lucky, the trio might get to see the crocodiles that live in the mangrove swamps or the manatees that populate the water on the south coast. There is a chance that they will come across a variety of marine life such as barracudas, stingrays and sharks.

As for gear, the team will be using gear provided specifically for the expedition by Kokatat, Snap Dragon Design, Barz Optics and WindPaddle Sails. Helen also be using gear provided by the following sponsors: Outdoor Research, Gath Helmets and Joe O' Paddles. Mark and Wes will be using paddles provided by Celtic Paddles.

As anyone can imagine there are variety of reasons within the team for engaging in this expedition. However, they all see this attempt to sea kayak around Jamaica as being more than just about physical endurance. It will be about opening up new horizons and keeping our natural spirit of exploration alive. Like many such adventures, this expedition offers a great opportunity to explore a dramatically beautiful and sometimes wild location.

For expedition updates and team news while the journey is underway, follow the expedition's blog: www.greenlandorbust.org

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Greenland or Bust - 2014

Happy Holidays! Instead of putting together our usual monthly newsletter, we've put together a fun little video of 2014. Enjoy!

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December's Newsletter

STORM GATHERING USA • FIRST TIME CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF JAMAICA

Here at Greenland or Bust, we are incredibly excited about the coming year. First off, registration for Storm Gathering USA starts on Monday! This three-day event is based off the other event that we organize, the UK Storm Gathering. The website is up and running, with complete event information, including coaches, sponsors and the schedule. Check it out, and ask us if you have any questions.

Another major thing that's coming up is our attempt to circumnavigation Jamaica. We fly there on Dec 28, meet up with Wes Moses and spend the next few weeks paddling around the place. Special thanks to our awesome sponsors for supporting the expedition! Helen will be using gear provided by Kokatat,  Snap Dragon,  Barz Optics, WindPaddle Sails, Outdoor Research and Joe O' Paddles. Mark and Wes will be using gear provided by Kokatat, Snap Dragon, Barz Optics, WindPaddle Sails and Celtic Paddles.

In other news, we are putting together our 2015 Rebel Kayaks sponsored Nordic Tour. We have confirmed classes scheduled in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The tour will be from May 23 to August 30. The complete schedule will be posted in early next year.

We are also guiding an expedition in Antarctica from December 31, 2015 to January 27/28, 2016. Wanna go with us? E-mail us at info@greenlandorbust.org for details.

Storm Gathering USA, planning Jamaica and setting up the Nordic Tour have kept us really busy throughout November, although we did have time for a few other activities. Helen led a Traditional Skills Paddle, a surf and crabbing session and did a presentation titled "South Greenland Expedition and the Greenland National Kayaking Championship" for our local kayaking club, Explore North Coast. Mark ran two Canoe Wales 'Coaching Matters' programs - "Who's Leading Who" and "Overcoming Anxiety With Action," as well as BCU 4 Star courses on Anglesey, Wales.

In December, we have Simplifying the Roll classes taking place in Dana Point and Marina Del Rey. We'll also be spending some time catching up with family before heading to Jamaica!

We hope that you have a fantastic Holiday season. Don't forget to register for Storm Gathering USA on Monday. That's one water based party you don't want to miss.

As usual, visit www.greenlandorbust.org for more information and our current Events calendar and Blog postings. For questions, comments or to schedule us in your neighborhood, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

Happy paddling!

Helen and Mark

Dr. T's Coaching Corner

Paddling performance is said to be influenced by the interaction of technical, tactical, physiological and psychological factors (TTPP).

This 'TTPP components model' (BCU, 2006) can be used to structure long-term practice and help individuals identify which dimension(s) may need further development in order to achieve optimal performance on the water.

Technical represents the individual skill that, when executed well, forms the technical template of 'best practice' for a stroke.

Tactical represents how we apply those skills in any given environment through our understanding of timing, angle, edge, trim, speed, cadence, use of water features… and so on.

Physiological represents a paddler's endurance, flexibility, strength, ability to hydrate and balance nutritional needs.

Psychological represents our ability to overcome anxiety, manage arousal, determine self-belief / confidence and motivational reasoning.

Being able to assess obstacles within each factor can help us adopt the right tools and tactics, such as goal setting, variation of practice, strength endurance use of imagery and self talk to help us achieve the greatest gains in overall performance.

Future newsletters will highlights some of the strategies we can use to develop each domain. Stay tuned!

Program Schedule

Simplifying the Roll: December 13, Dana Point, California

Simplifying the Roll: December 20, Marina Del Rey, California

Jamaica Circumnavigation Attempt: December 28, Jamaica

Storm Gathering USA: March 6 to 8, Trinidad, California

Simplifying the Roll: March 28, Anglesey, Wales

Combat Rolling: March 29, Anglesey, Wales

4 Star Sea Training and Coastal Navigation: March 30 to April 3, Anglesey, Wales

Anglesey Adventure Week: April 6 to 10, Anglesey, Wales

Simplifying the Roll: April 11, Anglesey, Wales

Combat Rolling: April 12, Anglesey, Wales

Paddle Marathon Laguna Bacalar 2015: May 1 to 3, Bacalar, Mexico

…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. 

Yoga for Outdoor People can also be purchased as a download from the Digital Goods Store.

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

Copyright © 2014 Greenland or Bust, All rights reserved.

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

info@greenlandorbust.org

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August's Newsletter

SOUTH GREENLAND EXPEDITION • THE NORDIC TOUR • WALES • SCOTLAND

When Mark and I began our Nordic Tour on May 24 the summer seemed very long. Now, with just over three weeks left of the tour, we can't believe how quickly it has gone. The tour has taken us to numerous places in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. We've spent lots of days in the bright sun and warm water. We've taught classes on lakes and seas, and our days off have been spent with friends, riding roller coasters or sightseeing. It has been a wonderful summer, and there's still more of it to come!

The tour is sponsored by Rebel Kayaks, and in July we ran classes in Oslo, Norway and Grebbestad, Sweden. Then we hopped on a plane to South Greenland to guide a 13 day expedition. Our paddling team came from the U.S., Israel and Sweden, and we enjoyed the diversity that each team member brought to the expedition. Greenland is a magical place, and we feel refreshed and renewed now that we've gotten our Greenland fix. Our next guided Greenland expedition will take place in the summer of 2016. Would you like to join us?

After Greenland we headed to Nynashamn, Sweden for nine days of instruction, which included a three-day tour with a combined EPP and BCU assessment. It was great to catch up with Pelle and Carina of Nynäs Kajaks. They are also the Europe distributors of our DVD, Yoga for Outdoor People, so if you need a few copies for your store, get in touch with them, info@nynaskajak.se. After leaving Nynashamn, we headed to Stockholm, which is where we are now. We've got one more day of classes here, and then we'll finish the tour with classes in Mora, Karlstad, Malmo, Karlshamn and Sandhamn (Sweden) and Frederiksvaerk and Svendborg (Denmark). Then Helen is off to Minnesota for the Traditional Paddlers' Gathering, and Mark heads to the UK to prepare for classes that we'll be running in Wales and Scotland in late September and October.

Later this year we have classes and symposia scheduled in the U.S., Wales, Scotland, Israel and Mexico. We've also got an exciting expedition planned in December, and then we'll we preparing for the U.S. Storm Gathering Symposium, which takes place in Trinidad, California on March 6, 7 and 8.

As usual, visit www.greenlandorbust.org for more information and our current Events calendar and Blog postings. For questions, comments or to schedule us in your neighborhood, email info@greenlandorbust.org. 

Wherever you're spending the rest of the summer, we hope that you're enjoying some good water time. Happy paddling!

- Helen and Mark

Dr. T's Coaching Corner

Most sea kayakers would agree that some form of towing system, whether participating in a coastal journey or venturing out on the open ocean, is an essential item to have as part of their safety equipment.

Towing systems come in different forms, they can be waist mounted; boat mounted and chest mounted. Make sure to fully test the system you go for and be aware of its limitations. The system that is right for you is the system that works for you, without fuss or fumbling, so practice with it on a regular basis.

When shopping for a towing system, or even making your own, consider asking the following questions: does it come with floating line? is the line long enough? can the length of line be adjusted easily? does it have a quick release mechanism? does it have a large enough bag so the line can be restowed quickly, even with cold hands? is the clip large enough for handling in rough water; and is it made from a corrosion resistant material? Whatever you choose, make sure to adapt it so the system works for you in all situations.

Once you have selected a towing system, it is just as important to know how and when to deploy it. Towing can be a means to assist an incapacitated paddler and get them to a safe location. This might be a short distance or a couple of miles in open water. Doing this quickly and efficiently can make all the difference in preventing a situation from worsening.

You might wish to tow someone on their own for a short distance, but for longer distances it might be preferable to raft them up with another paddler. You may want to share the load of towing by adding more tows in-line with the original towing kayak. For even greater distances, having a effective method of swapping paddlers around who are doing the towing is an important consideration.

Towing systems can also be used to help anchor a paddler performing a deep water rescue on a fellow kayaker to prevent them both from drifting into rocks or being taken away by the current. Other uses can include using them as stirups to help a tired paddler climb into their boat; acting as a sea anchor; a tarp line; and for use as a short, quick release contact tow.

Every system has it merits and disadvantages. Learn to use the one you choose and train with others to test each situation and explore the possibiities so that when you need it for real it all works smoothly.

Nordic Tour:

• May 23 to July 4 and July 24 to August 31

• May 24 to 25 – Helsingborg, Sweden

• May 30 to June 1 – Bergen, Norway

• June 7 to 9 – Fitjar, Norway

• June 14 to 15 - Bekkjarvik, Norway

• June 26 - Rungsted, Denmark

• June 27 to 29 – Copenhagen, Denmark

• July 1 to 3 - Oslo, Norway

• July 4 to 5 – Grebbestad, Sweden

• July 24 to August 4 – Nynashamn, Sweden

• August 5 to 7 - Stockholm, Sweden

• August 9 to 10 – Mora, Sweden

• August 12 to 14 – Karlstad, Sweden

• August 16 to 17 – Frederiksværk, Denmark

• August 20 to 21 – Svendborg, Denmark

• August 23 – Malmo, Sweden

• August 24 – Karlshamn, Sweden

• August 29 to 31 – Sandhamn, Sweden

Program Schedule

Traditional Paddlers' Gathering: September 4 to 7, Lake Carlos State Park, Minnesota

BCU 4 Star Sea Assessment: September 13 to 14, Anglesey, Wales

Intermediate / Advanced Leader and Trip Planning Training: September 22 to 26, Anglesey, Wales

Simplifying the Roll: September 27, Anglesey, Wales

Combat Rolling: September 28, Anglesey, Wales

Qajaq Immersion Weekend: October 4 to 5, Bute, Scotland

…And Finally

Working on your roll and need a little help? Simplifying the Roll with Helen Wilson and Yoga for Outdoor People are available for purchase by clicking HERE.

============================================================
Copyright © 2014 Greenland or Bust, All rights reserved.

Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer • (707) 834-5501
info@greenlandorbust.org

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March's Newsletter

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Greenland or Bust Expeditions: South Greenland

Photographer: Glenn Mattsing/Outside Magazine.

Considered by many as the birthplace of the Inuit qajaq, Greenland’s coastal waters offer a sea kayaker some of the finest paddling, probably anywhere in the world. Whether gliding over mirror-like fjords at sunset or battling through moving pack ice in stormy tidal passages, time spent traversing the coastline will not be easily forgotten. The wildlife, miles of unpopulated wilderness shoreline, the calving glaciers and icebergs as well as stunning light conditions make for a rich and varied experience.

Dates: July 8 to 22

Location: South Greenland

Guides: Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer

Description: Greenland or Bust is offering a 15-day guided expedition in South Greenland. 12 days will be spent on the water. There will also be an opportunity to access the surrounding mountain ranges and visit local Greenlandic communities.

What is included?: Access to essential expedition equipment: sea kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids, spray decks, and group safety items.

What is not included?: Flights. Personal expedition clothing, camping equipment and day food.

Pre-requisites: Able to be a competent group member of a guided sea kayaking expedition – BCU 3* Sea is a comparable standard, though rolling skills are not essential. Experience of wilderness camping. Be paddle fit at the start of the trip as there may be consecutive days of 20+ km paddling, sometimes in moderate winds. A flexible nature and good sense of humor along with a group-focused approach are all vital.

Contact: For more information and expedition itinerary, cost or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

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Greenland or Bust Expeditions: Anglesey

Dates: April 1 to 4, 2014

Location: Anglesey, Wales

Guides: Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer are both accomplished paddlers and frequent guest coaches at symposia and kayaking events across the U.S., Europe and the rest of the world. They are based out of Northern California, U.S. where they offer coaching and trips via Greenland or Bust - www.greenlandorbust.org.

Description: North Wales is renowned amongst sea kayakers all over the world for its rugged coastline, tidal features, historic sites and outstanding wildlife. In particular, the coastal waters and spectacular scenery around Anglesey make this area an ideal location for a boat-based expedition, and it is the perfect setting for improving essential paddling skills. Our aim is to attempt a circumnavigation of Anglesey, a trip of approximately 70 miles, in the five days.

We are offering the opportunity to complete the following BCU qualifications during the trip: BCU 3 Star Sea Assessment, BCU 4 Star Sea Training, BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning.

Considerations: Weather will be the deciding factor in successfully completing the whole trip. If the weather is too poor we can operate from a base camp, and suitable day trips will be offered. Distance achieved each day is dependant on tides/winds and overall group ability. To save on weight and equipment we recommend participants pair up with camping and cooking equipment.

Prerequisites: From the challenges offered by ‘The Swellies’ to the scenic cliffs of Holy Island to the lighthouses of Penmon and South Stack, there is plenty to see and explore as we kayak around the island. Strong tides and winds of Force 3 to 5 are often encountered, so to get the most out of this multi-day camping expedition it is important that participants have experience of paddling in these conditions and are fit, active paddlers. We advise using the BCU 3 Star / ACA 3 syllabi as a means of benchmarking personal skills.

Contact: For more information, expedition costs, boat hire options or to book a place, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

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