Nynashamn, Sweden
After our South Greenland Expedition, Mark and I made our way to Nynas Kajak and Upplevelse, located in Nynashamn, Sweden. One of the things that we love about Nynas Kajak is the people. The owners, Pelle and Carina, are wonderful, and over the years have become our good friends.
We instructed there for nine days and had a wonderful time. During the nine days I ran six days of Simplifying the Roll and Traditional Skills, and Mark ran BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning, a two-day BCU 4 Star Training, and he helped Pelle with a EPP Yellow course. I also ran eight sessions of Yoga for Outdoor People, and Pelle, Mark and I ran a three-day BCU 3 Star Training and Assessment combined with an EPP Blue Training and Assessment. Of course, evenings were spent catching up with Pelle and Carina, and we all took a day off to ride the roller coasters at Grona Lund in Stockholm.
Participants work hard during the BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning class.
Of course charts are also good when planning a real trip. Here the BCU 3 Star and EPP Blue candidates look at the proposed route for their three day training and assessment.
The seas were mostly calm, but wash rocks created a little chop to practice turning strokes in.
Candidates learn the dos and don’t of towing.
Towing put to use.
Our campsite was a little tricky to get to, and included a rocky landing and a short climb with fully loaded kayaks.
The campsite was well worth it though.
The following morning we took advantage of the calm sea state and made our way to this lighthouse, which is usually much trickier to get to.
On assessment day Mark climbed a rock to watch the candidates demonstrate maneuvering strokes.
Lotta demonstrates directional control.
Congratulations to the successful candidates.
I ran Yoga for Paddlers for the kayakers and guests at the hotel.
During the Traditional Skills class we talked about many things, including the features of a Greenland paddle.
A happy group of successful EPP Yellow candidates.
There’s no better way to spend a day off than riding a roller coaster or two.
And of course, spending the day with friends. Thanks Pelle and Carina!
