One of the things that I always find fascinating when visiting Europe, is the incredible sense of history that grabs a person as they walk down the old brick lanes. Castles and impressive churches are plentiful in many areas, and statues line the roads.

On June 12 I arrived in Europe for a month long teaching tour. I had the chance to rest and get acquainted with the time zone, and so spent the day exploring Lund, Sweden with my wonderful host Christer. The following day I instructed in Malmo, Sweden, a seaside town with an impressive “twisted” building looming above the white sand beach. An enthusiastic group of paddlers showed up to work on their rolls for the afternoon.

Mats von Wowern of Tillsätt Bara Vatten!! (Just Add Water).

The following morning I was picked up by Freek and Andre, a couple of active paddlers from Holland. We went on a fun road/ferry trip through several countries and ended up at a wonderful campground in Holland where I taught four classes over the next two days. The location was unlike any that I’d instructed at before, as I felt like I was teaching in a water park. The spot was complete with water playgrounds, waterslides, moving platforms that served as bridges and playful water spouts that sprayed out of the lake creating tempting spots to play in a kayak.

Freek and crew set up the tent faster than I'd ever seen one set up.

Fun place for classes.

My last evening in Holland was spent exploring the canals of Amsterdam by kayak with Mariette. Seeing the city by kayak was both a unique and magical experience for me, and Mariette was a ton of fun!

Paddling in Amsterdam

Next I hopped on a plane to fly to Lofoten, Norway, a set of islands just above the Arctic Circle. Lofoten is spectacular, with steep and breathtaking snow covered mountain peaks looming over incredibly clear water and charming houses…not to mention the incredible local seafood and desserts. Over two days I taught six classes for Jann Engstad, owner of Lofoten Kajakk.

Then I jumped on one more plane to Copenhagen for a couple of days of rest and relaxation with Mark. We explored the city by foot, got sucked into the impressive display of Greenland kayaks and traditional gear in the Natural History Museum and even rode the roller coaster in Tivoli. And now I’m on a train making my way to Kalmar, Sweden, where Johan Wirsen and I will be teaching classes together tomorrow.

Playing in Copenhagen.