‘Helen’s Blog’

A couple of days after returning home from Denmark, where Mark and I were running classes, I hopped in the car to make the three-hour drive over the mountains to Whiskeytown Lake for a couple of weekend rolling classes. At home the weather was cool and foggy, typical weather for a summer day in Humboldt, but when I opened the car door in Redding I was hit by a wave of heat… 111 degrees of heat that is. Throughout the weekend there would be record breaking temperatures and not a cloud in sight.

With weather this hot it felt wonderful to be fully immersed in the cool lake.

Lita works on a first roll.

The water at Whiskeytown Lake was cool, which felt nice under the heat of the sun. Some people worked on first rolls, others on advanced rolls and others wanted to watch demonstrations from shore of some of the more complex rolls. I was happy to oblige, as being under the surface felt wonderful during this incredibly hot weekend.

Tom works on a brick roll.

I demonstrate a double elbow roll.

This was year four of running classes for Just Kayak More, and each year I’m thrilled to see return participants and to see how far they’ve come. Thanks to Jason and Kasumi for hosting me!

A hand spine roll is a great roll for a fun challenge.

After spending the weekend in Redding I had a few days home. During this time my son Alex graduated high school, which was wonderful to see. Congrats Alex, I’m REALLY proud of you!

My parents were in town because of the graduation, and it was good to catch up with them as well.

Before leaving for the summer I also had time to catch up with my good friend Michael Morris. We spent a morning at Trinidad, bouncing around in some choppy water. It was a great day, and a nice way to relax before heading off for the summer.

A morning at Trinidad.

Michael enjoys a day on the water. It was good to catch up with you Michael!

Now Mark and I are in Europe and about to begin our summer tour, which starts tomorrow in Copenhagen. We’re looking forward to a fun summer in Europe!

Photos by Jason Montelongo and Helen.

After leaving the West Coast Water Festival in Sweden, Mark and I made our way to Copenhagen. Copenhagen is a wonderful city and one of our favorites, so we spent a couple of days there between classes. Among the places we visited were The Natural History Museum and Tivoli Gardens. The Natural History Museum has a wonderful and extensive traditional qajaq display. No matter how many times we visit it, we always learn something new. Tivoli Gardens is good fun, and we spent an afternoon riding the roller coasters and playing in the fun house.

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen has a very active biking community.

The Lego store is a great place to stop and play.

An Umiak on display at the Natural History Museum.

Mark checks out the traditional qajaqs.

There was lots of gear to marvel over.

One of many beautiful norsat.

I was intrigued by the Inuit games that were on display.

After leaving Copenhagen we met up with Michael Schuh from Kajakgaarden. Over the weekend we ran two Yoga for Paddlers sessions and four rolling classes. The weather was gorgeous, and despite a little wind and a thunderstorm or two, the sun dominated the weekend. When off the water we had a wonderful time hanging out with Michael and Jane, who took very good care of us. Thanks to both of you!

A little wind wasn’t going to faze these enthusiastic paddlers.

Mark talks about hand position.

A happy paddler.

Learning the Balance Brace.

Working on a Butterfly Roll.

A successful Storm Roll.

Photos by Michael Schuh, Mark and Helen.

Last weekend Mark and I headed to Tanumstrand, Sweden to instruct at the West Coast Water Festival. It is one of three symposiums that Outside Magazine organizes. This was the first year of this symposium and it was a fantastic weekend! The sunny weather, enthusiastic paddlers and superb location all added to the fun.

A superb location for a kayaking event.

Throughout the three-day event I ran two Yoga for Paddlers sessions, and Mark and I instructed several rolling classes together. Mark also made his way around part of the archipelago during his Coastal Navigation class. Sunday afternoon we joined in the fun in Nigel Foster and Kristin Nelson’s “Fun with Foster” class, then we headed out for a paddle around the islands.

Yoga for Paddlers.

One of five rolling classes.

Mark helps a participant work through the steps to get her first roll (she got it)!

James Stevenson discusses incident management before heading out on the water.

Nigel talks about wind and its effects on a kayak.

The event had demo boats to try out, as well as several vendor booths.

Guido from Outdoor Research and Mats from Teva enjoy the sunny day.

There was a full schedule, which included an on-water show.

Nigel demonstrates boat handling skills during the on-water show.

After Nigel’s act I rolled a Hobie kayak.

Then Nicolai Ilcus demonstrated some incredible balance.

The on-water show ended with Nigel, Nicolai, me and Adam Hanson rolling a four-person kayak.

There were evening presentations as well, which included an informative presentation by Adam Hanson of Greenland on the Greenland National Kayaking Championship.

Adam talks about the championships.

Thanks to Glenn Mattsing and Ulrika Larsson for keeping us fed and watered and taking such good care of us!

Glenn, me, Kristin and Nigel.

Pictures by Helen and Mark.

At home, in Northern California, water moves up and down. Once past the surf zone, you can sit and “ride the elevator” as our friend Michael often says.

The River Dee.

Mark and I have spent the past week paddling in Wales. From most launch points the water appears as flat as a lake, but don’t let it fool you, because this is where water moves sideways… and I’m starting to really like it!

A great way to spend an evening.

Our week began with an evening canoe trip down The River Dee. Due to some recent rain, the river had a nice flow, and Ali Othen treated us to an evening of fun as we made our way down the scenic river.

Crossing Penmon Sound to Puffin Island.

The following day we drove to North Wales where we’d be conducting rolling classes over the weekend. Upon arrival we decided to squeeze in an afternoon paddle around Puffin Island. From the parking lot the water looked flat, and I was expecting a lazy paddle around the island. Once in my kayak however, I realized that crossing to the island had to be done with determination, and a little knowledge of moving water. We ferried across, and began the journey around the island, encountering several puffins along the way. At the far end of the island the seals made an appearance, and we were quickly surrounded by them. Their heads peaked out of the water, and it wasn’t long before they were swimming under us and touching our kayaks with their pointed noses.

We came across several puffins.

At the back end of the island are some overfalls. On this day they weren’t very big, but we bounced around in them for awhile, enjoying the company of the seals, which would poke their heads out of the waves to watch us.

A curious seal checks us out.

We made our way through the overfalls and to the other side of the island, and enjoyed a leisurely paddle back, with a group of seals following closely behind us. The current had picked up, and the sideways movement of the water from Puffin Island to the mainland was now visibly noticeable. We ferried across, riding the front wave for awhile before landing on the beach.

Seals watch us from every angle.

Water moving sideways.

Over the weekend we ran rolling classes on Anglesey, followed by a paddle to the rocky shore just west of Rhoscolyn Beach. Here we played in slots, tunnels and caves. At home I am very familiar with rock gardens, but here they are different. In Wales slots are often used as escape routes from tide races and overfalls. The water in the caves was flat and smooth, and it was easy to explore and enjoy the magnificent, and often colorful rock formations.

The view from a sea cave.

Making our way through one of several slots.

Another slot.

Our final day of paddling took us from Soldier’s Point to North Stack, South Stack, Penrhyn Mawr and back. We worked with the tide, hitting the overfalls at North Stack and the tide race and overfalls at Penrhyn Mawr. The tides weren’t running fast this day, but it was good fun, and a fabulous day to be on the water. The curious thing about surfing in a tide race or overfalls is that the waves stay in place. This took some getting used to because I’d see the mound behind me and paddle forward waiting for it to catch up to me. In reality, I was actually paddling away from it. After a few tries I got used to backing into the wave then moving forward with enough speed to catch it.

The water was incredibly clear and often colorful.

Rhoscolyn Beacon.

A slot (often called a chicken shoot) which can be used to take a break from the fast moving water in the tide race and overfalls at Penrhyn Mawr.

On the way back to Soldier’s Point the wind had picked up a bit, and wind and overfalls at South Stack made for an exciting few minutes going around the headland. From there back to the beach it was smooth sailing. After only paddling these waters a few times, I can see why Wales is a top sea kayaking destination.

Heading out to Penrhyn Mawr.

South Stack.

Last weekend Mark and I headed to Southern England to run one of our Kayak Immersion Weekends at Swanage in Dorset. Although the weather was a bit gusty, we had a wonderful time instructing for the Chiswick Pier Canoe Club.

Yoga for Paddlers.

Simplifying the Roll.

Both days started with Yoga for Paddlers, and throughout the weekend we took the group through Simplifying the Roll, towing exercises, Simplifying the Rescue, open water skills, exercises in group management, surf launches and landings and a few on-water scenarios.

Learning a Balance Brace.

Mark talks about tow lines.

On Monday we headed north to Liverpool to present for the Liverpool Canoe Club. The presentation included the Greenland National Kayaking Championships in 2008 (Qaqortoq, Greenland) and 2010 (Nuuk, Greenland) as well as an expedition that we guided in East Greenland in 2012.

Discussing where to attach the tow line.

Working on some handy knots.

It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic paddlers at both events, and we look forward to seeing you all on the water soon!

A nice paddle through Swanage.

Talking about risk assessment and consequences.

Between instructing at the East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival and running programs in the UK, which is where Mark and I are now, I got to spend a couple of weekends in our home waters of Northern California. Our local kayaking club, Explore North Coast, had lots of activities going on these two weekends, and it was nice to be around to join in the fun.

Brent checks out an abundance of mussels.

Kelp pickles.

On a foggy Saturday morning I hosted Yoga for Paddlers and Paddle Day, which was a great physical and mental warm up for all of the activities that were scheduled to take place over the next few days. The following day Club members Georgianna Wood and Bruce Hales hosted a wild harvest paddle out of Trinidad. Those with fishing licenses harvested mussels, and everyone gathered seaweed and watched as crab pots were pulled.

Making chocolate pudding from seaweed.

Mussels.

We then gathered on the beach to cook up all of the goodies that had been collected. Additional ingredients had been brought by Club members in an organized potluck. As a starter we had kelp pickles. For the main course we had a seaweed and mussel based stir-fry over rice and a mussel based pizza. For dessert we had chocolate pudding, which was thickened with Turkish Towel, a strangely textured seaweed. It was wonderful to catch up with club members on the water and the beach during this tasty feast.

Seaweed stir-fry.

Dinner.

More dinner.

The following weekend was Explore North Coast’s Fourth Annual Social. This four-day event features paddles in several locations in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The purpose of the non-commercial gathering is to bring California kayaking clubs together for a weekend of paddling and socializing.

A gorgeous evening at the Stone Lagoon spit.

The first day consisted of a paddle across Stone Lagoon to a sand spit overlooking the ocean. Once there we had a fantastic potluck while enjoying the unusually warm weather. The second day consisted of a paddle out of always popular Trinidad, followed by an evening barbecue. On the third day, some paddlers ventured north to Crescent City, others went out of Trinidad again, and a third group went for a relaxing paddle from Big Lagoon to Maple Creek. That evening the group met for dinner at the Seascape in Trinidad, which hosts a wonderful view of Trinidad Harbor. Binoculars hang over each table in case diners want to get a closer look at all of the fantastic marine mammals that live in the area. The final day was back to paddling at Trinidad, followed by surfing in Humboldt Bay. I missed most of the paddles because I ran private classes all weekend as part of the event, but I did make it out a couple of times and enjoyed catching up with paddlers during the evening gatherings.

A paddle-in potluck at the beach… yes, Explore North Coast likes to eat.

A whole beach to ourselves.

Some new rollers came out of the weekend as well.

Thanks to Mike Dedman for organizing this fun event!

A few days ago I returned home from the East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival, which is an awesome event that takes place in James Island County Park, located in Charleston, South Carolina. This was my second time instructing at this event, and both times I’ve found South Carolina to be unique and wonderful.

Vendor booths around the lake.

I arrived at the event early, and spent some time exploring. It was the first time in months that I’d been somewhere warm enough to wear shorts, and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the park.

Chariot races.

The event started on Friday, April 19, and after instructing Fun, Balance and Games in a warm lake, I made my way around the many vendor booths to catch up with people, meet people and check out the latest in outdoor gear. The event had some extra attractions this year, which included rock climbing, mountain biking and archery.

Look, no hands!

On Saturday I instructed Advanced Greenland Rolling with Dubside, and the class had a blast learning new rolls in the warm water. On Sunday I instructed Simplifying the Roll, and despite some wind, we were able to find a calm corner to roll in.

Boiled peanuts, a tasty South Carolina treat.

Evenings were spent socializing and eating tasty southern food, and there was no shortage of demonstrations and presentations to watch.

Dubside looks for alligators in the rice fields.

On Monday I instructed private rolling in the lake, and Tuesday was play day. Event organizer Diana Belknap took me and Dubside out for a really fun day. When asked what we wanted to do the decision was mutual… find alligators. Diana thought this was funny, but found us alligators, and we made our way around the rice fields, spotting 13 of the magnificent reptiles.

A mother alligator enjoys the afternoon with her three offspring.

After a fun afternoon of alligator hunting Diana had more treats planned for us, and we ended up at the McLeod Plantation, which she is the caretaker for. We had the opportunity to explore both inside and outside the plantation, which is currently under study and restorative repair. It was wonderful to explore a place with so much historical significance.

The McLeod Plantation.

Thank you to all of the organizers, and especially to Diana for taking such good care of us!

A very old grand piano adds personality to one of many spacious rooms.

Pictures by Helen and Diana Belknap.

The following blog was previously posted on September 27. It is possible that these kayaks have been in hiding for the winter, and with warming temperatures they may just show up for sale in your neighborhood. Please keep an eye out. Thanks for your help!

I don’t think that there’s a person out there who hasn’t had one of “those” weeks. The week where everything seems to go wrong, and just when you think it can’t get any worse… it does. Mark and I are having one of those weeks, which compounded when we walked out of our hotel room this morning to discover a cut lock, cut cam straps and two missing kayaks.

The kayaks were stolen from our car sometime during the night of September 25 to 26 while we were staying in a hotel in Surrey, B.C., which is located just north of the U.S. border.

Both kayaks are Tahe Marine Greenland LC’s. Both are a carbon, kevlar, fiberglass blend, and both have black keel strips. The black one has (had?) large stickers on the side saying “Tahe Marine Expedition.” It is (was?) marked with Greenland or Bust stickers and is about three years old.

The second kayak has a white deck and a black hull which has the carbon fibre pattern on it. On the front of the deck it says TCI Lite. It is (was?) also marked with Greenland or Bust stickers. It is new. If you see these kayaks, please contact us at info@greenlandorbust.org (taking into consideration that they may have been sold to an unsuspecting person), or contact your local police department.

Please help us to spread the word to the Canadian and U.S. paddling communities.

Below are pictures of the stolen kayaks. Thanks for your help.

Helen and Mark

After several weeks of intense work on our upcoming DVD, Mark and I took a road trip to Scotland to work on logistics for the 7th UK Storm Gathering, which takes place in Oban on November 9 to 11, followed by BCU Week. We left England in the afternoon and drove for a large part of the night before falling asleep in the back of the camper van.

A gorgeous spring day in Scotland.

In the morning we opened the van door to an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. It really did feel like we had crossed into a different place.

A leisurely paddle around some of the islands.

Occasionally a distant castle would appear in the background.

Throughout the next few days we explored the area by both land and kayak. The air was crisp and calm, with an occasional gentle breeze winding its way around the islands. The potential for rough seas was there though, and this felt like the calm before the Storm Gathering.

The water was incredibly serene at times.

We spent some time chatting with local paddlers, playing around town and tasting some of the local cuisine. An afternoon was spent touring a distillery, followed by an evening paddle from the Kilbowie Outdoor Centre, which will serve as this year’s home base. We got back just after the sun had set and enjoyed some tasty local seafood at one of the many restaurants in town. We also checked out the Falls of Lora, which will no doubt be a popular rough water feature during the event.

Watching the sunset.

Our overall impression was that this venue really does have everything that the Storm Gathering requires, lots of exposed water, currents, tides, waves, an enthusiastic paddling community, tasty food, even tastier whiskey, and most importantly, it has a special vibe to it that confirms that this year’s Storm Gathering will be absolutely incredible.

The waterfront base camp for this year’s Storm Gathering.

Logistics are falling into place, and registration will open soon. So wherever you live on this watery planet, we hope you’ll consider joining us in Scotland.

The Bridge Over the Atlantic, which several people jokingly stated is older than the United States.

Of course there’s lots of places to explore on land as well.