When our train pulled up to the station in Ronde, Denmark we stepped out to a fresh layer of snow and a strong breeze. We were here for the DGI Sea Kayak Winter Festival, a symposium for kayak instructors. This was our first year at the event, and we were thrilled to not only be there, but to be there in the winter.

Definitely a winter festival.

Michael Sorensen organized the event, and guest instructors were Jeff Allen, Trenk Muller, Mark and myself. The forecast for the weekend was for snow, rain and strong wind. This being a winter festival however, we were prepared to get creative to minimize exposure to the elements.

Participants arrived at the fantastic event headquarters, Lergravgaard & Brugnaturen, on Friday evening for a wonderful dinner and social gathering. On Saturday morning I ran Yoga for Paddlers, and was impressed that 16 people dragged themselves out of bed early to participate. Several people were there to take a weekend-long first aid and CPR program. Those that were left split into two groups. Jeff took one group for a towing class. The second group split in half, with me instructing how to teach rolling, and Mark and Trenk teaching paddling technique. In the afternoon I traded groups with Mark and Trenk, and the following day, we switched groups with Jeff. This was a great format, because it meant that everyone had the opportunity to participate in all of the classes.

Mark and Trenk take their group to the water.

Wind provided a great learning environment.

Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Jeff talks about the many ways to tow a kayak.

My class stayed indoors and worked on the fundamentals of teaching rolling.

As much as this event was for instruction, it was also a fantastic social gathering. This was clear Saturday night when we had a communal dinner cooked over open flames in the Viking Banquet Hall.

The veggies were not only tasty, but colorful as well.

There were lots of choices for both meat and veggie lovers.

Michael did a fantastic job of keeping everyone fed.

I had a chance to play Jeff’s Native American flute.

For those that were up long enough, a wood burning hot tub awaited.

Thanks to Michael for taking such good care of us. We had a wonderful time!

Pictures by Trenk Muller and Mark Tozer.