September's Newsletter

CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF JAMAICA • ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Our Nordic Tour began on May 24, and we've had a wonderful summer running classes in Sweden, Norway and Denmark (with a break in the middle to guide an expedition in South Greenland). We're writing this from our last stop on the Nordic Tour, Sandhamn, Sweden. Throughout the summer we've had bright and sunny days and warm water. Now the evenings are darker, the skies are cloudy and both the water and air temperature are dropping each day. It's still beautiful, but summer is coming to an end. In August we ran classes in Nynashamn, Stockholm, Mora, Karlstad, Malmo, Karlshamn and Sandhamn (Sweden) and Hundested and Svendborg (Denmark). The tour is sponsored by Rebel Kayaks.

On Sunday the tour ends, and Mark heads to the UK while Helen heads to Minnesota for The Traditional Paddlers' Gathering. In late September and early October we'll be running classes in Wales and Scotland, then later this year we have classes and symposia scheduled in the U.S., Wales, Scotland, Israel and Mexico.

After all of that we're going on vacation, so naturally, we're going paddling. We'll be meeting up with Wes Moses, and the three of us will attempt to circumnavigate Jamaica, the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean. To our knowledge, we will be the first people to attempt this circumnavigation. We plan to finish in late January… just in time for the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium.

Interested in joining us for an expedition? Our Antarctic expedition dates are set for December 31, 2015 to January 27/28, 2016 (these do not include travel days to and from Argentina). Our next Greenland expedition is set for summer 2016. For more information on either of these expeditions, email info@greenlandorbust.org.

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

Helen's Mentoring Madness 

Practice makes perfect, and that practice is especially important when learning a roll, whether it's your first roll or your 50th. If you participate in a rolling class, you will hopefully pull off a new roll or two, but after that, it's up to you to practice to make that roll work for you every time. Once the roll is learned it takes about two times a week of practice for a month to make that roll consistent. 

When practicing, keep your brain focused. Quality is more important than quantity, and it's better to do one good roll and take a break than it is to do ten rolls with the hope that a couple of them will work. A good rule to remember is that a roll performed badly three times in a row will reinforce bad habits, so keep your brain focused. As instructors, our goal for our rolling students is for the student to know why the roll works when it works, why it doesn't work when it doesn't and how to practice… after that, it's up to the student.

Program Schedule

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 – Hundested, Denmark

• August 20 to 21 – Svendborg, Denmark

• August 23 – Malmo, Sweden

• August 24 – Karlshamn, Sweden

• August 29 to 31 – Sandhamn, Sweden

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

Lumpy Waters: October 10 to 12, Pacific City, Oregon

…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.

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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

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

July's Newsletter

SOUTH GREENLAND • THE NORDIC TOUR CONTINUES

Every now and then life reminds us that no matter how much we plan and prepare, the unexpected can happen when you least expect it. July's newsletter is a little late this month because we've had one of those unexpected months, and it has taken us a few weeks to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Over the past few weeks our Nordic Tour has taken us to Bergen, Fitjar, Bekkjarvik and Oslo in Norway, Rungsted and Copenhagen in Denmark and Grebbestad in Sweden. It has taken us to many incredible places, such as Naeroyfjord and Preikestolen in Norway. We've caught up with old friends and made new ones and have had many wonderful days teaching on gorgeous seas and lakes. For the most part the weather has been hot and sunny, a reminder that summer is in full force, and evenings outside under a summer sun that never truly sets have been magical.

Unfortunately, June also brought about a bad car accident for us, which resulted in minor injuries and the loss of our vehicle and two kayaks. After this incident, the kayaking community helped us out immensely, picking us up and getting us back on our feet. Thank you to everyone for your support, love and kindness. It is wonderful to be part of such a large global family.

Now we're in the first week of July, and things are looking more positive. Our injuries are mostly healed, and Rebel Kayaks has loaned us a car and two new kayaks. The first part of the tour is over, and we're now in route to South Greenland where we'll be guiding a 12 day expedition. The expedition will take us to several villages, some natural hot springs and the Greenland National Kayaking Championship. This will be our fourth trip each to Greenland, and we can't wait to be back. Greenland is a wonderful place, and in less than a week we'll be experiencing the serenity and magic of Greenland as we paddle around majestic icebergs and relax on secluded beaches. For those who are interested in joining us for a future trip, our next Greenland expedition is planned for the summer of 2016.

After Greenland the second part of the Nordic Tour begins with classes in Nynashamn, Sweden on July 24. The remainder of the tour takes us to several locations in Sweden and Denmark. The tour continues through August 31. For tour dates and locations, please visit the Events page of our website.

Later this year we have classes and symposia scheduled in the U.S., Wales, Scotland, Israel and Mexico. We've also got a rather exciting expedition planned in December, but more on that later…

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

Happy paddling!
- Helen and Mark

Helen's Mentoring Madness

In recent weeks we've heard a lot of people talking about "rolling kayaks." Essentially, a "rolling kayak" is a kayak that is designed to be easier to roll than a standard sea kayak. So is a rolling kayak a good thing? The answer is yes and no. With good technique, a roll can be done in any type of kayak, which is why it is best to never take away a student's kayak. If a student tells you that their kayak doesn't roll, get in it and show them that it does. This is better than putting them in in a kayak that will roll up when using poor technique. A beginner roller needs the feedback that a standard kayak provides. If they come up, the roll was done right. If they don't, then technique needs to be adjusted.

So who should use a "rolling kayak?" Those with good technique already. A rolling kayak will be gentler on the body during extended rolling practices, will be more comfortable during some of the more complicated rolling maneuvers and the low profile of these kayaks makes them look very slick. Plus, they're fun to roll. So remember, if you use a "rolling kayak," focus on good technique. Enjoy your "rolling kayak," but make sure you're doing the rolls correctly.

Program Schedule

• South Greenland Expedition: July 9 to 20, South Greenland

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

• 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

============================================================
Copyright © 2014 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 •