Blog Action Day: Water

It's Blog Action Day!

Water. Who needs it? What's it good for anyway? These sound like silly questions, but when one looks around, it's clear that many of us don't seem to know the answers to these questions. The owner of the pedalo in the photo above didn't seem to get it. He or she discovered that it was fun to be out on the water in the pedalo, but when it disappeared from wherever it was stored, it seemed like it was out of sight, out of mind. Just one more toss away item, it would seem. It ended up at this spot and remained there for a week or more. Finally, helped by my cousin, we towed it to a small nearby beach, drained most of the water out of it and pulled it onto dry land. Last time I paddled in the area, it had gone. Was it the original owner, or someone else who took it? I suppose that's another way water serves us: passing things along!

Another interesting thing about water is it's double edge. What can nourish us can also kill us. What might look like a crystal pure drink may contain deadly organisms. Sea ice, another form of water, allows seals to be seen by an Inuk hunter, but when it forms a thin skim layer on the surface, it can tear the hull of a boat to pieces. Steam, the vapour form, will make a delicious espresso coffee, or burn you. The double edge of water is never far away.

Keeping this ying/yang concept in mind, we need to treat our water with care and vigilance. It will keep us well or kill us. Never turn one's back on water! Like the pedalo, one can be pulled in and set adrift. Unlike the pedalo, landing on a distant beach can be a life or death experience...

Ontario Greenland Camp

Most folks into Greenland style paddling and rolling know about QajaqUSA's fall retreat called Delmarva and many have made the annual trek to meet up with friends and share their knowledge and skills. Well, now we have the makings of a similar event in Canada. Learn To Kayak, two people from the Toronto area with the help of friends and businesses put on the first annual Ontario Greenland Camp last weekend. Space was reserved for 50 kayakers and mentors at Camp Tamarak in the Muskokas and we got down to business.


Skill sessions were held in a number of areas including rolling, of course, forward strokes and harpoon throwing. In the photo above, a rolling demo was put on for us to enjoy. I missed the games event which was re-scheduled, but it included a race taken right out of Knud Rasmussen's movie, 'The Wedding of Palo'. I understand it was lots of fun although the weather conditions were somewhat better than that seen in the film!

All in all, a fun event! I hope to return next year... If you're a FaceBook member, lots of photos from the event can be had on the Learn to Kayak page.

Dory Racing in Gloucester

While these dories were designed for fishing on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, for the past 50 years and more they have also been used in international rowing competitions between the towns of Gloucester, Mass and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. This is a proud tradition which lives almost in obscurity except to those who love the sport and regularly take part. There are two sets of races each year. Teams will re-assemble in Lunenburg in September to have another go at each other.


The photo above is a shot of the winning ladies team, sisters from Nova Scotia. Most of the races are over a half mile course with a 180° turn in the middle. Below is the winning men's team from the USA. This particular race is open to all and stretches to a mile in length, again with a 180° turn at the half mile mark.

Grand Banks Dories

This past weekend a little piece of history was brought up to date once again when the two towns of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and Gloucester, Massachusetts went out racing in Grand Banks dories.


The dories rowed in the races use a traditional design originating from Lunenburg. These boats were designed primarily for fishing on the Grand Banks off off Newfoundland back in the days when schooners were used to transport the catch back to port. Weighing around 400 pounds, dry, they are still built in the old way with flat bottoms and copper nails and painted in traditional colours.


Today an international committee oversees the races which are held twice a year, once in Gloucester in June and then in Lunenburg in September. It was a pleasure to see people still rowing these remarkable boats today, following in a tradition of racing which goes back over 50 years. Sadly, the remaining schooners no longer race, but they still can be seen in the two ports and visitors can get to sail on them during the summer months.

Let The Dogs Out!

I should have been on this one a bit earlier as the race is already underway, however for those into racing traditional eastern arctic style dog teams, here it is! This year's race is around the shores of western Ungava Bay, from Quoartaq to Kuujjuaq. The last I heard, the leading teams had already passed through Kangirsuk, my old home town and are headed south. You can catch the updates by clicking here.

How To Race Dog Sleds

Dog sled racing has come a long way since the Inuit raced out of Siberia and crossed the Bering Strait. Today's dogs are breed as sprinters. They're lighter and fasters than the dogs used by traditional Inuit. Their dogs were breed for strength, stamina and usefulness on the hunt.

Here is what you need to race today...

Harness your dogs and attach them to the sled-line...

Get the dogs to the Start line and have someone hold each dog so it doesn't run off prematurely...

Try to avoid fouling your dogs with over-eager spectators...

Once clear, try to hang on until the finish line appears...

In wooded sections, attempt to steer dogs all on same side of trees...

Cross finish line and check to see if you've won anything...

There you have it. These photos were taken last weekend in Burke, Vermont and show a variety of different races with from four to eight dogs per team. Obviously I jest, when I imply the sport is simple. I was impressed with how well trained everyone was, dogs, children, adults all included. A great event to see if you ever get the chance. These folks just love being outside in the snow having fun!

Dragons Come to Sherbrooke

Even since I got to go out in a Dragon boat in July, I've been fascinated with these multi-paddler craft. There is a thrill both paddling and watching these boats skimming across the water. A series of races was held in Sherbrooke, Qc yesterday and, naturally, I had to have a look.


First the boats...


Then the paddlers...


Then they're off...
I'm working on some video footage, a little collage of the races, which I'll post on Vimeo (or see the sidebar link) later when it's done. In the meantime, enjoy the photos!

Update! Video is now online. Click here.

Rowing Races in 'Cranky' Boats

If you paddle it isn't very long before you're racing. Even solo paddlers race against themselves! People who row are the same. I know of at least two traditional rowing races held on the east coast each summer. One goes back a long way to the fishing rivalry between Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and Gloucester, Massachusetts. Now known as the 'International Dory Race', this year's event is held on June 20th in Gloucester.

A month later another rowing race, this time in Newfoundland fishing punts, will continue from Fogo Island to the Chance Islands and back. This is a tough 16 kms race on the open ocean and not for the feint-of-heart! Recently a documentary video was made showing some of the contestants as they prepared for and took part in a recent race. Check out the trailer from the video called 'Cranky'and see if you're ready to race! If you are, this year's Fogo Island Regatta race is set to go on July 28!

Fogo Island punt photo by Janice Thomson

Rendezvous à Piopolis

For several years now, Québeçois paddlers have met at the campground in Piopolis on the shores of Lac Mégantic east of Montréal to kick off the summer paddling season. I went up there yesterday to see what was going on. As usual, there was lots to see and a windy lake to paddle on.


Maelstrom kayaks were there with both of their models. Doesn't the Vitäl look stunning in black and yellow? I'm getting more and more excited about my Vaag being delivered. The keel has been laid at the factory so it won't be long now. With the new partnership between Boréal Designs and Maelstrom, it's going to be easy to try out the Vaag and Vitäl by looking up your local Boréal dealer!


Another activity was to build a Greenland style skin-on-frame frame over the weekend and raffle it off. Work was well under way and when I left mid afternoon, cross-beams were going in, mortises for the ribs were done and the new owner was being measured for final fit!


Of course, a new boat requires a paddle, so several were being made.


Some finished sof boats were hanging around waiting for their owners to get out on the water.

Paddling Fun in Palmer Rapids

Many of you have picked up Adventure Kayak, the Canadian kayaking magazine. This same company does more than publish kayaking magazines, they host kayaking events as well. For several years this event has been mostly aimed at the white-water crowd, the reason being that in the town of Palmer Rapids, Ontario there are a number of drops which provide ideal sites to learn the skills required to white-water kayak. Within easy reach of the camping area are three rapids I would label 'easy', 'moderate' and 'advanced'. It's a perfect site.


This year seakayakers were invited to come and learn their set of skills in the same area, yes, even including the white-water sections. A good crowd turned up and played all weekend in spite of the chilly, rainy weather. The main camping area was crammed with tents and assorted gear. I chose to stay up-river where I could park my micro-trailer on level ground next to the upper rapids. It turned out to be an excellent choice where I enjoyed meeting an interesting group of fellow paddlers, and where the sounds of tumbling water lulled us all to sleep. Sure beat the sound of pounding rain!

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2009 Tour

A few days ago I attended the Banff Mountain Film Festival. I think I've been attending for about five years now. Over those years, there have been some truly memorable films of adventures in often exotic locations, although few tour films have involved seakayakers. As I left to go home I began to wonder what criteria are used when choosing the films both for awards as well as those which travel the Festival route around the world.

Certainly we're into 'extreme sports' these days so danger and near death thrills factor into the decisions. Exotic locations also seems important and does improve the visuals at least at first glance. Still, there needs to be something more, but what?

When I think of the films which have moved me over the years, I suddenly realised that the key was the 'human story'. Films which open you into another person's world, which get you to feel the emotion of being with the characters on the screen, seems to be the key or at least, one of them. Seeing the emotional and physical changes which take place as the adventure unfolds is what makes the film memorable. Simply showing one incredible camera shot after another isn't enough, nor is 'interviewing' the people involved. It won't last in your memory or move the viewer to think further or feel deeply.

The lack of much development in this key element in this year's tour choices, left me with a flat feeling as I left the theater. Great films, amazing stunts, super locales, but nothing really memorable. The films did make me think about the making of my own videos and forced me to wonder how to get that key story element into them. Hmmmm...

Photo from Journey to the Center by Jens Hoffman

Paddling Sardinia!

Last evening I was in Montreal to once again attend a presentation by Soirées Aventures, a group which puts on a film or slide show for fellow adventurers. The bias is decidedly on the side of kayaking and last night was no exception.

Nathalie Dyke gave a slide-show presentation of her recent trip to the northeastern coast of Sardinia. I was blown away with her photos! What a wonderful place to explore by kayak. It had gorgeous sandy beaches, white cliffs dotted with green pines, caves and grottos, goats clinging to rocky ledges high about an azure sea. All with water that looked to die for, warm and so swimmable!

If you've been wondering where to paddle next, put Sardinia on your list. I understand there are a number of outfitters now in place on the island to get your dream underway. They're just a google-click away...

Photo by Nathalie Dyke. Used with permission.

Beer, Pizza, Kayaks!

I almost chickened out when I read the weather forecast: high winds, rain and snow. Not the kind of conditions for making the 150 km trek into Montreal, but the prospect of seeing friends, eating excellent pizza, sipping micro-brewed beer and having my first opportunity to see Justine's TITS-4 video, was too strong a draw. It turned out to be over-forecasted. A bit of wind, some rain and hardly any snow.

There's no need to repeat what every review of Justine's latest video offering has already said. In my opinion, she only gets better and better. The images, the stories and the intimacy of the viewer experience is wonderful. In fact, even more than in any of the previous videos in this series, I really felt I was alongside for the adventure. Perhaps it's because I had the chance to meet Justine last summer in Toronto, but more likely because her ability to tell a video story keeps jumping up a few notches with every DVD she produces. There's a lot of material in these videos for those of us who take videos on the water to learn from a real master.

My thanks to the organizers of the Soirées Aventures for hosting this showing!

Look Ma, No Pictures!

I spent the weekend on - or near - Seneca Lake in New York State. The purpose of paddling over there was to take in a Greenland style paddling clinic given by Turner Wilson and Cheri Perry. I've joined their classes on several previous occasions and without fail I've come away a better paddler. This past weekend was no exception, especially in the stroke department.

I've paddled for years with a Greenland style paddle and really thought I knew most of what there was to know. Wrong! Turner had more to offer me. Cheri did as well in the rolling and bracing department. Unfortunately for me, the heat had got to me and I didn't do as well as I had hoped. I'm an old arctic hand, as they say, and really like to have a bit of ice in the water or in a nearby glass, at least, to get the most out a paddling experience!

All to say, if you have the chance to take a clinic with either of these two people, don't hesitate. Great instruction given by two very generous and knowledgeable people!

Oh, and the fact I don't have a picture of all this fun is mostly due to the fact I was too busy enjoying the day to bother taking pictures...

MEC's Toronto Paddlefest 2008

First stop on my recent jaunt was PaddleFest, an event put on by Canada's Mountain Equipment Coop chain in various cities across the country. I chose to head up to Toronto to meet Justine Curgenven and Dubside, not to mention anyone else who wanted to smile back in my direction.


It was a happy gathering of the water world. Water craft of every description were out on the bay enjoying the day, the boats and the instruction. I ran into Dubside, caught up on his news - he's incredibly busy these days - and we discussed his latest video production, a sort of history of Greenland paddling and Delmarva for the past several years.

Justine was as charming a person as you could ever hope to meet. We watched, listened and interrupted as she led us around New Zealand's South Island. It was a story on her blog account, but to hear her tell it, it was so much more. Truly a grand adventure!

After a fun-filled day, I headed northwards to Killarney Provincial Park for my own little adventure. I'll spend the next few days showing you what I saw there.

Kayaks, Kayaks And More Kayaks!

My SOF seen here down at the water's edge was in excellent company last weekend! One of the fun things about attending a kayaking event is the chance it provide of trying out a variety of boats which are new to you. The Rassemblement provided a wealth of boats, some familiar, but never paddled, and some totally new to me.






Among the boats were Boreal's new Baffin, a plastic kayak with a nice, flat rear deck which I liked.









There were several of Valley's new plastic boats as well, specifically a Nordkapp and an Avocet. They seemed well made and nicely laid out and equiped. A couple of older Anas Acutas were also present. There were some Swedish boats in attendance including this blue plastic Point 65° seen here next to the red Avocet on the right.


I went out for a brief paddle in this CLC Shearwater 16, the original narrower version. I'd thought about building one of these kit boats earlier in the spring and was happy to try it out before taking on the task.


It was a big surprise to see one of the new Skim's, a beautifully made composite boat which I took out for a spin. My first impression was it's amazing length. Looking over the foredeck gave me a real sense of being in a powerful craft that really wanted to travel! I'd just paddled one of the new Maelstrom boats, so was a bit intimated with the Skim's size, but once underway I was pleasantly taken with it's speed and easy manoeuvrability. Lay-backs were easy as well as balance braces. The quality of finish and the brilliant yellow and red striped finish was an awesome sight both on and off the water.

Tomorrow I'll give my impressions paddling the new Maelstöm kayaks!

Grand Rassemblement 2008!

Ever wonder where you could go for a few nights of lakeside camping with a couple hundred friends, paddle all you like, take part in workshops, listen to information sessions, trip accounts and try out lots of new kayaks all for only $25? This year I spent my money at Québec's Grand Rassemblement 2008 kayaking event in Piopolis. To make the event even a bit more interesting, I took my brand new (to me) Go-Camp mini-trailer. I picked it up north of Montreal last Friday afternoon and was on the road ready to paddle on Saturday morning. I am extremely pleased with how well the Go-Camp tows behind my light car. The gas mileage seems to be no worse that when car-topping my kayak alone! It is comfortable, airy and pleasant to be in. Not at all what one might think of life in a small box on wheels!


Here is the view of the beach and waterfront from the municipal camp-grounds. Over the next few days I'll post more information on the event and some of the boats I got to paddle. Some of them are brand spanking new boats from new companies, and others were very rare examples, seldomly seen in North America. It made for a very interesting weekend!

Pogo Jumping To New Heights!

We are absolutely living in 'extreme' times. Yesterday I went to watch my daughter's boy-friend's team of engineering students try out their newly designed pogo stick. Now pogo sticks have been around since forever, but these guys had taken the stick used for the 6 foot Guinness World Record jump and engineered it into an 'extreme' variant. Their new super-charged pogo stick was theoretically capable of doubling the current record and possibly more! In front of judges, press, friends and family, David Barabé pogo jumped himself over an 8 foot high bar, and bounced his way into the record books. I made a video of the jump and am waiting for the boy's permission so I can post it on YouTube. In the meantime, here's a look at the post jump champs posing for the press!

UPDATE! You can now see the record jump on YouTube!

Jesse Cook Came to Town

Canadian virtuoso guitarist Jesse Cook was in town last Saturday to give a concert at Bishop's University. He likes to tell the audience that he was actually conceived on the golf course behind the university some years ago and thus has close attachments to the place for obvious reasons!

While a guitarist versed in many styles of playing, I enjoy his rolling rumba tunes although his latest material is getting a long way from traditional flamenco. He played with three other musicians, another flamenco style guitarist, Nicolas Hernandez, an amazing Cuban drummer, Rosendo Leon and his old stage-mate Chris Church who plays violin and also appears on Jesse's latest CD 'Frontiers'.

To be honest, I enjoy Jesse best when he plays alone or with just cajun and/or palmas. The addition of a full set of overly amplified guitars, drum set and a violin just don't do it for me, although the packed house at Bishop's gave him several standing ovations and lots of cheering. I wished his sound man had used a bit more of a delicate touch in setting up the sound for the small intimate concert hall at Bishop's. Having done so in the past, I know it can provide a real flamenco night club atmosphere if it's done with care. That said, it was a warm musical evening, in spite of the snow blowing around outside.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2008

After a morning of driving rain then falling temperatures, I ventured out into a wicked evening of blowing snow and icy roads, to attend the local showing in the Banff Mountain Film Festival. I try to go each year and I was hoping to see Pacific Horizons, the seakayaking film made by Bryan Smith and partner Lise-Anne Beyries on Canada's west coast. Alas, it wasn't chosen for the tour, although it was a finalist at the festival itself. I'll have to break down and buy it, I guess...

What I did get to see was good, if somewhat repetitive. There was the usual helicopter skiing down precipitous slopes, whitewater kayakers plunging over waterfalls and through narrow rocky shoots, not to mention people hanging off cliffs by their fingernails all the while laughing at death. I can enjoy this type of thing, but don't really need a night of it. I like variety and some creativity mixed with my adventures films.


To my thinking, the best film of the evening was one called Trail and Error, about Ryan Leech's ramp bike trail through a threatened temperate rainforest. This was delicate mountain bike riding at it's best. The trail he's constructed has yet to be run successfully by anyone other than him. I guess he's the only person with a sufficient trial and error time on it to deal with it's intricacies!

The main feature - the longest film shown and the person jumping in the top photo - was an account of Norway's BASE jumper Karina Hollekim. Introduced to jumping off high cliffs in free-fall for several seconds before popping her canopy in her early 20's, she continued to jump for several years until the inevitable accident occurred which left her unable to walk.

During the film she talked at length about her sport and her need to push the envelope farther and farther to maintain the thrill it gave her.

Pushing our thrills, perhaps not to the same dangerous extremes, seems to be part of life for many of us. Let's face it, some days feeling that adrenalin surge is what can make a kayaking outing worth the effort. Karina lived for that rush and knew it wasn't going to last. I was impressed with how well she had learned to deal with the heady drug of publicity when her exploits become well known. How people handle that or not can sometimes cause problems for them, hampering their futures as much as breaking her legs on impact did for Karina. It's an interesting world out there though it's clear we must keep our wits together if we wish our passage through it to be filled with good experiences.