tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82499208260713482182024-03-12T20:28:24.878-07:00MackayakWhat I talk about when I talk about kayaking.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-25181863138616133992018-05-18T13:40:00.001-07:002018-05-18T13:40:12.447-07:00Scottish Womens Paddle Symposium 2018After a fair while out of the game injured I got myself off sooth to this years SWPS to help folk learn some foundational skills for Greenland rolling.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vILP4jp2fo/Wvs4WYzTG6I/AAAAAAAACHg/vprwXNLtePgdR7tMuigzd3LeZmDckGFRwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/_20180514_070145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vILP4jp2fo/Wvs4WYzTG6I/AAAAAAAACHg/vprwXNLtePgdR7tMuigzd3LeZmDckGFRwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/_20180514_070145.JPG" width="200" /></a>Van broken, Tahe on car with 'stealth' mode interrupted we set off ...<br />
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Arisaig is an iconic paddle destination on the west coast of Scotland not far from Fort William. With sandy coves and skerries and amazing views of Skye, Rum amd Eigg to the west - it turned out to be an ideal location for our sessions. </div>
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It was a pleasure meet up with everyone and help them get their rolling going, or see just how much had been achieved since the last time we met. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Using the avataq to slide on to the surface of the water.</span><br />photo: Geri O'Sullivan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Floating in a balance brace position.</span><br />photo: Geri O'Sullivan</td></tr>
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<br />Coaching the first steps to rolling requires very slow transitions through the body movements and is like putting my roll in for a service and getting it fine tuned after a long winter - a great way to start a new season of rolling. Looking forward to the next time already.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-41825586958058895202015-08-12T12:05:00.004-07:002015-08-12T12:11:14.096-07:00Scottish Sea Kayaking E-Group Greenland Skills weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Alan Forsyth explains paddles.</td></tr>
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The latest Greenland Skills weekend at Bute and Cowal was another great success with five of us mentors sharing the knowledge and understanding we have developed so far with returning enthusiasts, and introducing some new learners to paddling and rolling with a stick.</div>
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We also got the chance to meet up and make the acquaintance of three accomplished traditional paddlers from Ireland, admire Peter's paddle making skills and have a chat about rolling.</div>
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Thank you guys. </div>
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The conditions in the bay at Port Bannatyne were perfect for Alan to lead a session on paddling and turning with a Greenland paddle.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhiannon demos in her Qannaq and Alan describes.</td></tr>
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Next it was on to rolling and we worked up a few land drills before hitting the water.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam and Alan show what is going on inside the kayak, Julia observes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cath and Rod working it out.</td></tr>
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After watching Rhianon's demonstration we spent the afternoon working through the foundations of lay back rolls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7Ufh9cpbqs/VcuVQKcE59I/AAAAAAAACFs/VsPmn_s_0fg/s1600/Rhiannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7Ufh9cpbqs/VcuVQKcE59I/AAAAAAAACFs/VsPmn_s_0fg/s320/Rhiannon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan and I talk through a demo by Rhiannon.<br />
This was as close as I got to immersion...</td></tr>
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This year injury has meant I have had to avoid immersion. This meant I had to think through my contribution a little differently. Perhaps describing and explicitly sharing what I do to support learners will be a useful tool to take away and use with a supporter at home. I hope so.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Observing and advising from the shore at Loch Eck.</td></tr>
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Returning to a favourite fresh water rolling spot at Loch Eck, day 2 was all about following up and building on the foundations of the day before, tweaking and troubleshooting... </div>
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It was also time for us mentors to help each other a little with 'sticky' issues...</div>
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Alice polished up her SGR without and with her regular paddling paraphenalia.</div>
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This year we had a good selection and number of paddles around - there was a time when we had to share and take turns with a couple of paddles - gradually folk have bought and made their own.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of happy converts with their new paddles.</td></tr>
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Finally - we couldn't leave without removing some of the litter which had been left behind by previous campers, anglers and picnickers. </div>
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Thanks Alice for taking it away.</div>
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We know many kayakers around the world do this when they can.</div>
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Keep on rolling....</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-47308274327090574992015-05-24T01:41:00.002-07:002015-05-24T01:52:03.875-07:00Scottish Women's Paddle Symposium 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UT4yk6vJGvo/VWGG_lrIMMI/AAAAAAAACDc/AN2z0TOWY7o/s1600/Village%2BHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UT4yk6vJGvo/VWGG_lrIMMI/AAAAAAAACDc/AN2z0TOWY7o/s400/Village%2BHall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to roll with my trusty Joe O paddles.</td></tr>
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This year's multi-discipline symposium at Findhorn included whitewater paddling, open canoeing, sea kayaking and Greenland rolling. As everyone dispersed each morning to their launching points and to set up shuttles, we decided to stay close to our base . The strong breeze and occasional squall and cold shower,characteristic of the cold Scottish Spring weather this year, made our decision to stay close to our base at the village hall an easy one. An ideal location for all day immersion with the ability to retreat indoors when it all became a bit too chilly. </div>
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Having the pier walls to observe from was really useful - looking down at body position gives a better mental picture of what you are trying to do.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor classroom - photo Kirsty Murfitt</td></tr>
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The onshore breeze which meant a human anchor (Anne) was necessary to keep the kayaks from running aground on the beach during practice. The tide ebbed through the day within our comparatively sheltered little basin, but we ran out of water and grew too cold to continue at about the same time... </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Shore based Kirsty took some great images throughout the two days...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo - Kirsty Murfitt</td></tr>
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Starting off with the Avataq..</div>
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Deborah moves on to just holding the paddle...</div>
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Once folk had discovered how important flexibility and body position is they understood how decks and BAs restrict movement, and decided to try rolling without a bouyancy aid </div>
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- with dramatic results </div>
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voila!</div>
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With avataq and BA...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Anne Young </td></tr>
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and without...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Anne Young.</td></tr>
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Everyone achieved a lot over the two days, learning to brace and butterfly roll in conditions that were less than flat. Its great fun to help folk make the short journey from watching a demonstration and thinking "Yeah right! No way I will be able to do that" to floating about happily in a brace position, capsizing and opening up into a brace without using a paddle... and then realising it looked effortless because it feels effortless when it works. If these paddlers take their Greenland paddling no further than that I do think it will have altered the way they think about their relationship with the water, and immersion, when they are paddling.</div>
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Now looking forward to a slight rise in sea temps for Paddle Orkney, then balmy Bute in August. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-51252370369164929892015-04-22T13:18:00.000-07:002015-04-22T13:31:19.531-07:00SCA volunteer coaching conference <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First trip doon the road this year to the SCA Volunteer Coach Conference at Glenmore Lodge.</div>
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Amazing weather brought out the best in the stunning scenery - beautiful trees, mirror calm loch, snowy mountains, blue skies and sunshine. It was very tempting to just take a walk up the hills, but unfortunately the first evening and following full day were spent indoors...</div>
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After attending the swimming pool training on Friday evening I spent Saturday in or around the pool with a group coached by Donald Macpherson of <a href="http://www.explorehighland.com/team-explore-highland/">Explore Highland</a> at the rolling clinic and learning how to coach rolling.</div>
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I know... I know... but I wanted to revisit how the folks who paddle in short kayaks with big blades approach the process. The idea was that there are foundation skills which you can take on to WW, freestyle or polo, and of course sea kayaks. As usual I learned a lot about the coaching process just by being a participant in a similar activity. It was good also to take time to reflect in depth on what I do, say, demonstrate and the pace of the day when I am coaching rolling. The physics remains the same whatever kind of kayak but there are fundamental differences in approach. </div>
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Of course I believe Greenland rolling is a harmonious balance of body, kayak and bouyancy, and a blade that doesn't impede, what more could you want when you roll a sea kayak?</div>
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It was nice to catch up with friends too in the process.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CK_Zjhqx55I/VTf1uRcDjnI/AAAAAAAACCE/d4WMmsJTy4s/s1600/GL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CK_Zjhqx55I/VTf1uRcDjnI/AAAAAAAACCE/d4WMmsJTy4s/s1600/GL3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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The famous GL food and afternoon cake was just as good as ever!</div>
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On Sunday it was off to Cromarty to do sea leadership skills with Calum McKerral.</div>
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It felt counter-intuitive to drive north for an hour knowing I was going to turn round and go back sooth at the end of the day. </div>
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The cliffs around Cromarty are interesting - lots of birds, even a puffin.</div>
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There were even a couple of nice short kayak width passages with plenty of headroom on our short journey.</div>
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I had challenged myself to stick to the big blades all weekend, and I did - the first time for a good while. Managed fine after a short period of getting accustomed again, but looking forward to using my Greenland paddle after this personal challenge. Quite a few folk asked about my Joe O paddle on the deck - there was a lot of interest, particularly when they actually picked it up and experienced that magical lightness and balance.</div>
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We discussed the best way to get through a narrow space - apparently I've been doing it all wrong! </div>
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Ah well... </div>
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A little further along the remains of a WW2 installation complete with bridge made me feel at home. I hadn't realise the navy kept its fleet here before moving up to Scapa Flow.</div>
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On the way back the tide had turned and the wind behind us was not enough to aid our paddling efforts against it so we got out of the flow and crossed at a narrower channel. Everyone had different leadership styles - I guess this reflected not just the section of the journey we were leading but also our own experiences of club ethos and group dynamic and being lead ourselves. This was the most valuable part of the day for me - getting some advice about group dynamics and decision making.</div>
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All too soon it was time to head back to the Lodge arriving just in time for the evening classroom session. Ooops! I think I'm the Event Safety Officer - how did that happen?!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-80651478636266036452015-04-01T09:01:00.001-07:002015-04-01T09:01:17.301-07:00Still indoorsThere are two main seasons here in Orkney. Summer and winter - defined more by day length than temperature. Though wind in Orkney is not restricted to any particular season its been pretty relentless. So far I have not ventured outside to seek immersion, waiting in vain for a day which allows for two criteria to be in place - little or no wind and a some encouraging sunshine. The snow showers and gusting squalls are too bitter to induce me to immerse my head in 7 degree water (that is surface temperature - I am convinced you can knock off a few degrees for the depth my face gets to).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTKjCqA_ImI/VRwVulWyErI/AAAAAAAACBU/ZEO1oP7L2WA/s1600/Greenalnd%2Bcoaching%2Bat%2Bpool%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTKjCqA_ImI/VRwVulWyErI/AAAAAAAACBU/ZEO1oP7L2WA/s1600/Greenalnd%2Bcoaching%2Bat%2Bpool%2Bcollage.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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This winter for the first time I have been coaching Greenland skills specifically by request, which is a first for me here at home. Usually I suggest aspects of the Greenland approach to rolling to troubleshoot or help the development of rolling with a Euro blade, but my new student is keen on all things 'qajaq' and its been fun to supporting someone develop over a period of time significantly longer than a weekend. Since it will be a while before outside temperatures allow for sustained learning its fine to be indoors for a little bit longer...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-83624725583664631232015-02-22T02:01:00.000-08:002015-02-22T02:01:14.791-08:00The Year of the Tuiliq<div style="text-align: center;">
I have begun my own celebration of the lunar new year by reviving the blog after a winter hiatus!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I have occasionally<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>borrowed Reed
tuiliqs from friends and mentors when I have travelled to the balmy southlands
beyond Inverness in summers past. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However at the Reed Chillcheater stand in Perth at last October’s
Big Paddle Show I had a chat with Chris about fit and cut and now have a
tuiliq slightly altered around the face of the hood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the moment I am only able to get into the pool with my Tahe
Greenland about once a month so I have had to wait patiently to try the new
gear. Looking forward to a cooler and lighter experience it was with great
anticipation that I took to the water in the new tuiliq.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MssPLbZlcRc/VOmmwwLDC6I/AAAAAAAAB_8/B0T41N51L1E/s1600/tuiliq%2Bmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MssPLbZlcRc/VOmmwwLDC6I/AAAAAAAAB_8/B0T41N51L1E/s1600/tuiliq%2Bmain.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaah that's better...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lightness and freedom of movement the tuiliq gave was
great. Using a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>neoprene tuiliq principally designed to
keep you warm when rolling in freezing conditions outside, means pool sessions can get increasingly
hot and heavy. By contrast the Reed tuiliq allowed me to stay cool throughout
the whole hour I was rolling. What I hadn’t anticipated was the freedom of
movement which the Reed tuiliq gave me. I am sure that without the bulk of the
neoprene tuiliq (and without wearing a drysuit underneath), I was able to
increase my range of movement slightly, particularly when tucking forward and
when bending my arms behind my head. I certainly felt like I was able to fine
tune a few positions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjOHnHX7RMo/VOmm_kvPfsI/AAAAAAAACAE/x_KdKIzBxmw/s1600/Reed%2Bpool%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RjOHnHX7RMo/VOmm_kvPfsI/AAAAAAAACAE/x_KdKIzBxmw/s1600/Reed%2Bpool%2Bcollage.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hood fits well and kept water out of my ears - the adaptation
of having the edge of the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hood go further
back under the chin certainly gave me a feeling of having no constraints at all
around my mouth and jaw. I really like this sense of being able to breathe
easily when you have a nose clip on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like the idea of having a light tuiliq which I can paddle
in, pull the hood up and roll with. This is not possible with the neoprene
tuiliq which is too bulky to get a BA with all your kit in over the top, and
which is very tiring to paddle any distance in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm looking forward to taking the
Reed tuiliq outside…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-74326127053791309422014-11-09T08:43:00.003-08:002014-11-09T08:56:11.945-08:00Honouring Inuit Day - Inuujunga<div style="text-align: center;">
After a summer of excellent trips away mostly to coach rolling sooth, the seasonal drawbridge between Orkney and mainland Scotland is closing. Travelling conditions become more unpredictable and daylight is restricted. However, on the bright side, our pool sessions have re-started and we have an hour a week in warm water to get rolling. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbwzwD60c6k/VF-U9lobpRI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/qfNatcepByM/s1600/PB070452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbwzwD60c6k/VF-U9lobpRI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/qfNatcepByM/s1600/PB070452.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first pool session of the season was on November 7th - Inuit Day- which felt appropriate. I am keen to respectfully acknowledge that my hobby is borrowed from the heritage of another culture.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuGXVAPb8Lk/VF-VHI72o1I/AAAAAAAAB_g/4B3AYNNmsQU/s1600/PA260432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tuGXVAPb8Lk/VF-VHI72o1I/AAAAAAAAB_g/4B3AYNNmsQU/s1600/PA260432.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ᐅᐱᒋᑦᑎᐊᕐᓗᒍ ᐃᓄᐃᑦ ᐅᑉᓗᕆᔭᖓᑦ - Upigittiarlugu Inuit Uplurijangat</td></tr>
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At the 2006 <a href="http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/about-us/permanent-participants/inuit-circumpolar-council">ICC </a>General Assembly in Barrow, Alaska, November 7th was proclaimed as Inuit Day to honour the birth date of ICC visionary, Eben Hopson, Sr.. Inuit Day encourages “all Inuit governments, agencies, and communities to annually proclaim this day as Inuit Day, and conduct appropriate ceremonies and celebrations.”</div>
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Other folks across the pond have also shared their gratitude in a timely video,<br />
'Qujanaq Greenland' or 'Thank You Greenland'.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="250" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/110696982" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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...and a 'Thank you!' from me too Greenland.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-42548137434462567192014-10-27T14:33:00.000-07:002014-10-27T14:34:55.707-07:00An Fheis Mhor - Scotland's Festival of Paddlesport<br />
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Each year the Scottish Canoe Association organise a weekend of films, talks, workshops and retail stands in Perth. Occurring simultaneously on the Saturday, dozens of people take part in the River Tay Descent in a variety of craft. For the first time this year the show also had a pool organised for folk to come and try paddling, watch canoe polo matches or slalom. </div>
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I was pleased to be asked to contribute a demonstration of Greenland rolling to the activities in the pool.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rc1wHguR-7Q/VE62_hi17MI/AAAAAAAAB-o/zWowXFez8dM/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rc1wHguR-7Q/VE62_hi17MI/AAAAAAAAB-o/zWowXFez8dM/s1600/me.jpg" height="121" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was great to be able to bring a flavour of the 'roots' of the wider sport to the big show in Perth. Though a bit of a daunting prospect, Rhiannon and I decided that we would make it clear that we are enthusiasts, and not experts, and try our best to be good ambassadors for traditional skills. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCwXZs-GXEA/VE63kZkLiVI/AAAAAAAAB-w/KvxSs_egCsE/s1600/audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCwXZs-GXEA/VE63kZkLiVI/AAAAAAAAB-w/KvxSs_egCsE/s1600/audience.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a practice in the pool on Saturday with a few onlookers from the balcony, I was acclimatised to being indoors again. Thanks to Nick I had a Tahe Greenland kayak exactly like my own to use. </div>
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On Sunday our audience was at the poolside with Rhiannon providing the commentary and describing what I was demonstrating. We made sure to articulate our respect for the cultural origins of our sport, and acknowledge how the Greenland Games is helping to perpetuate this intangible cultural heritage. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUSuevQyveI/VE63x6cVxOI/AAAAAAAAB_A/rPfu7DKItK8/s1600/Rhiannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUSuevQyveI/VE63x6cVxOI/AAAAAAAAB_A/rPfu7DKItK8/s1600/Rhiannon.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
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I worked my way through a progression of foundation skills which provide the basis for layback rolls, then demonstrated a few of these rolls starting with the avataq in a balance brace position and ending with hands only. Then I demonstrated a few of the layback rolls finishing off with elbow and brick roll. We repeated a similar progression for forward finishing rolls, starting with static brace 'face down' and recovering on to the front deck. I deliberately stuck to a range of rolls which I know I can do reasonably well, omitting those which are in my zone of proximal development! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I622FuLfFsU/VE63uvMZqCI/AAAAAAAAB-4/iqjkR0rhzQE/s1600/balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I622FuLfFsU/VE63uvMZqCI/AAAAAAAAB-4/iqjkR0rhzQE/s1600/balance.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Mummy! Mummy! She's stuck!' (heard on the balcony)</td></tr>
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In the audience there were a few familiar faces, including Duncan Winning, which added a little to the pressure felt by this demonstrator. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkCII1lxj_o/VE636noRUpI/AAAAAAAAB_I/aVOtVBRK4zY/s1600/brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkCII1lxj_o/VE636noRUpI/AAAAAAAAB_I/aVOtVBRK4zY/s1600/brace.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Duncan, inspired by the original kayak brought to Scotland from Greenland by <a href="http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/taylor_kayak/art_kt's_kayak.htm">Ken Taylor in 1960</a>, was involved in the designing and building of kayaks that many of our modern sea kayak designs<em> </em>originate from<em>,</em> so it felt like we were part of squaring the circle at this Scottish celebration of paddlesport. Nice to be part of it!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-7009780243696016152014-10-07T14:15:00.001-07:002014-10-09T05:22:32.485-07:00Rolling in Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back to Bute for a weekend coaching Greenland rolling skills in the first couple of days in October.</div>
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Alan Forsyth started things off on Saturday morning by describing the materials and qualities of a Greenland paddle before getting on the water to demonstrate the canted stroke.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practising the movements on shore.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan demonstrates.</td></tr>
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With plenty of Joe O Blenis's paddles to try out, and one of Alan's own too, everyone got a chance to try a stick. Starting out with a GP can sometimes be a bit disconcerting, but after 'listening' to the paddle, feeling when it fluttered, and becoming aware of just how much work the control hand does, even the hail could not persuade people to come ashore.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JB8MZezTpPg/VDREGdg7JtI/AAAAAAAAB9c/dSiAZd8_cAo/s1600/PA040424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JB8MZezTpPg/VDREGdg7JtI/AAAAAAAAB9c/dSiAZd8_cAo/s1600/PA040424.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hail showers provided an authentically icy context for learning .</td></tr>
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Next I demonstrated the foundation skills for layback rolls with Alan describing the body movements.</div>
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Then it was time for a warm up and a break.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaks abandoned during a cake break.</td></tr>
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After stretches and land drills we got into pairs and tried out the floaty stuff with and without added buoyancy. For the rest of the day everyone worked on using body movement and feeling the support that the water gives in a balance brace position. Add a tuck and capsize, and you have a butterfly roll. Extend the paddle and establish a pivot hand and you have a Greenland roll.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDQrvl0MlGs/VDREGCW3pwI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/_O8bqGBnvwc/s1600/PA040443%2B(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDQrvl0MlGs/VDREGCW3pwI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/_O8bqGBnvwc/s1600/PA040443%2B(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the second day Julia Darby came to help with rolling. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dHbtBPSx9k/VDREHUtB2eI/AAAAAAAAB9o/yHRQ32UEzpo/s1600/PA050445%2B(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dHbtBPSx9k/VDREHUtB2eI/AAAAAAAAB9o/yHRQ32UEzpo/s1600/PA050445%2B(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And demonstrated body movement...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02HqpyqYM7g/VDREWZ1GqlI/AAAAAAAAB94/727LxCoubiM/s1600/PA050465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-02HqpyqYM7g/VDREWZ1GqlI/AAAAAAAAB94/727LxCoubiM/s1600/PA050465.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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with grace and style!</div>
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Nick swapped his Anas Acuta for Julia's comfy 'pipeless' Isel and just didn't stop rolling...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwRTjEQbB6s/VDREeP2zmCI/AAAAAAAAB-I/xl1qgk08N5U/s1600/nick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwRTjEQbB6s/VDREeP2zmCI/AAAAAAAAB-I/xl1qgk08N5U/s1600/nick.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This last photo kind of sums up what its all about. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkemFYum26M/VDREeqqtGHI/AAAAAAAAB-M/WlVMiUijGpE/s1600/smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkemFYum26M/VDREeqqtGHI/AAAAAAAAB-M/WlVMiUijGpE/s1600/smile.jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well done folks. I hope everyone continues the learning journey - enjoy!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-32751920019572322772014-08-28T13:51:00.004-07:002014-08-30T11:16:17.222-07:00Womens Scottish Sea Kayaking Festival 2014<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The third <a href="http://womensseakayakfestival.co.uk/">Women’s Scottish Sea Kayak Symposium</a> was held this
August in Bute at Ettrick Bay – right
beside the Tea Rooms which cater for the event and are famous for kayaker
appropriate portion sizes and amazing cakes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Setting off for the 600+ mile journey in the van I decided
to take the scenic route through the Highlands, pausing at Glencoe to take in the
moody atmosphere.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajhzMaRgQjM/U_-ON8-ccBI/AAAAAAAAB7A/icB8Dx7akzg/s1600/IMAG0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajhzMaRgQjM/U_-ON8-ccBI/AAAAAAAAB7A/icB8Dx7akzg/s1600/IMAG0015.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I set up camp<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– one
of an impressive turnout of camper vans – along the shore road with Arran
providing a picturesque view from the van door for a couple of gloriously sunny
days. Summer, which had vanished from
Orkney at the beginning of August, had moved to Argyll and Bute!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YygZHrM0bA/U_-O-IbQ9YI/AAAAAAAAB7I/y_q7eipbL9o/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YygZHrM0bA/U_-O-IbQ9YI/AAAAAAAAB7I/y_q7eipbL9o/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the van - Arran from Ettrick Bay, Bute.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the obligatory brew and nosey around other folks’ van
outfitting, it was time to have a van meal and a yarn before the event proper
began. As usual Roddy had assembled an attractive fleet of Tiderace kayaks and
a quiver of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jo<a href="http://www.joeopaddles.com/">e O’s beautiful laminatedpaddles.</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34toM_UskFc/U_-P5Gry8MI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/vwxaVTIbJOk/s1600/P8240397crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34toM_UskFc/U_-P5Gry8MI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/vwxaVTIbJOk/s1600/P8240397crop.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yh4Ltlc-sM/VAITcoMdtYI/AAAAAAAAB8o/cFFZsMMEfxQ/s1600/IMG_0177%2B(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yh4Ltlc-sM/VAITcoMdtYI/AAAAAAAAB8o/cFFZsMMEfxQ/s1600/IMG_0177%2B(Medium).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'What would you like to do today?' and a bit of a stretch..<br />
Photo Rhiannon George</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first day’s workshop was on the east coast at the little
bay at Kerrycroy. Not strictly Greenland but rather entitled ‘Love the Wet
Stuff’, we managed to fit in quite a few balancing (‘kiss your kayak’) activities
and getting in and out of your kayak, low brace support and turning strokes.
Gradually getting wetter as the morning went on. Boy did sitting in the cockpit
feel solid and secure after all that paddling and balancing out of it…!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OACeIdlq3fE/VAITaghiN-I/AAAAAAAAB8g/mbCKEM_RyUo/s1600/IMG_0161%2B(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OACeIdlq3fE/VAITaghiN-I/AAAAAAAAB8g/mbCKEM_RyUo/s1600/IMG_0161%2B(Medium).jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracy tries out A Joe O paddle and, guess what?, ends up paddling the next day with one of her own.<br />
Photo - Rhiannon George.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The afternoon was more about how the water can support your
body and your boat ( rather than your blade and the boat as we had been doing
in the morning) - floaty stuff being encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paddles by this time had been adjusted to
zero feather and folk were ready to give static or ‘balance’ bracing a go. The
emphasis was then clearly on thinking of the water as a friend and to embrace, not
resist immersion…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pqxCOerI9Y/U_-RG597cWI/AAAAAAAAB7k/91ScJHFImOE/s1600/FB%2BWSSKF%2Bcollage%2B(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pqxCOerI9Y/U_-RG597cWI/AAAAAAAAB7k/91ScJHFImOE/s1600/FB%2BWSSKF%2Bcollage%2B(Medium).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretch, balance and float.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After an excellent meal on Saturday night, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day two followed a similar pattern – both
groups had mentioned similar things they wanted to try in the morning – but in
the afternoon Rhiannon helped support learning of Greenland body position for
butterfly roll and standard Greenland Roll. Some good rolling was starting to
develop<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>before the afternoon was out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okNvJ8odrzs/U_-SHm3_RuI/AAAAAAAAB70/VP4K-NLk7xE/s1600/wettest%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okNvJ8odrzs/U_-SHm3_RuI/AAAAAAAAB70/VP4K-NLk7xE/s1600/wettest%2Bcollage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progressive degrees of immersion throughout the day.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then it was time for me and Rhiannon to get a little
practice while we had each other to discuss issues with – but we were getting
tired so, aware of wanting to finish (usually forward) well we quit before
things started to deteriorate. The beach had been busy with families and dogs
and kites and picnics and sand-castles all day! I am not used to such a
bustling background to practice against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpCeXBz_pPQ/U_-TWEuE7NI/AAAAAAAAB8A/x5FWvFVD4Zc/s1600/Sunday%2B16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OpCeXBz_pPQ/U_-TWEuE7NI/AAAAAAAAB8A/x5FWvFVD4Zc/s1600/Sunday%2B16.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Festival was a good chance to share <a href="http://www.joeopaddles.com/">Joe O's paddles.</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After Sunday’s evening meal Jus<a href="http://www.cackletv.com/2014/08/22/101-days-in-alaska/">tine gave her slideshow andtalk</a>. Fresh from Alaska it was odd to see her in real life after following the
101 day adventure with Sarah Outen online. The whole Aleutian adventure is just
amazing – I am full of admiration and a little bit envious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXg2yPwY7p8/U_-Ropyw5kI/AAAAAAAAB7s/GSkDOirFhzE/s1600/bute%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXg2yPwY7p8/U_-Ropyw5kI/AAAAAAAAB7s/GSkDOirFhzE/s1600/bute%2Bcollage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good cakes and great craic - lots of laughter.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was great to see old paddling pals and make a few new ones
and, if not<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spead the Green virus a
little bit more, then maybe show how your relationship with the water can
change by relaxing and altering body position, maximising flexibility and range
of movement, adjusting buoyancy and … just taking time to float about a bit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi_W9AXUoWI/U_-UQaxpLXI/AAAAAAAAB8I/hergLlwdsJ0/s1600/Sunday%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi_W9AXUoWI/U_-UQaxpLXI/AAAAAAAAB8I/hergLlwdsJ0/s1600/Sunday%2B7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah's gets soggy...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks to Sarah McIlroy for the photos of Sundays
shenanigans - most of the photos of the sessions on this post are hers. You can see more of her excellent photos and read about her adventures over at her blog <a href="http://sarahs-soggy-scenarios.blogspot.co.uk/">'Sarah's Soggy Scenarios'</a>, thanks also to everyone who threw themselves into the ‘wet stuff’’...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and thanks Roddy, Alice and Laura for organising.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-84537926394147612382014-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:002014-07-26T14:48:02.763-07:00Out from Achnahaird<div style="text-align: center;">
A few more pictures of the last day in the North West Highlands. </div>
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It got so hot we called it a day early.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMfA-b1QkzQ/U9QbwAVp5iI/AAAAAAAAB5g/eoW1iy6mGLo/s1600/Garvie+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMfA-b1QkzQ/U9QbwAVp5iI/AAAAAAAAB5g/eoW1iy6mGLo/s1600/Garvie+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Garvie Bay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ6LRJHS6fU/U9QcFJjz2hI/AAAAAAAAB6U/4OuCa2EuSRU/s1600/P7220384+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ6LRJHS6fU/U9QcFJjz2hI/AAAAAAAAB6U/4OuCa2EuSRU/s1600/P7220384+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Garvie Bay - perfect location for rolling...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NptZkPq1Xg/U9QbzcLY4HI/AAAAAAAAB5o/FetsMcJL5Ek/s1600/mountains+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NptZkPq1Xg/U9QbzcLY4HI/AAAAAAAAB5o/FetsMcJL5Ek/s1600/mountains+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain backdrop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3igKn0w5R8/U9Qb36kiD5I/AAAAAAAAB5w/UdsY3vXIpd0/s1600/mobbed+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3igKn0w5R8/U9Qb36kiD5I/AAAAAAAAB5w/UdsY3vXIpd0/s1600/mobbed+(Medium).jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobbed by a pair of aggressive oystercatchers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPXQaasEzuY/U9Qb6OBXGlI/AAAAAAAAB54/Roddx0ffLHw/s1600/birds+1+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oPXQaasEzuY/U9Qb6OBXGlI/AAAAAAAAB54/Roddx0ffLHw/s1600/birds+1+(Medium).jpg" height="140" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Garvie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UA18AQtqQmw/U9QcKBsa8LI/AAAAAAAAB6k/2ojuSNl0Lj4/s1600/cooling+off+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UA18AQtqQmw/U9QcKBsa8LI/AAAAAAAAB6k/2ojuSNl0Lj4/s1600/cooling+off+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cooling off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isEEU9i2Hn0/U9QcMAUmrzI/AAAAAAAAB6g/u9rvY7xYMuM/s1600/journeys+end+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-isEEU9i2Hn0/U9QcMAUmrzI/AAAAAAAAB6g/u9rvY7xYMuM/s1600/journeys+end+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Journey's end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XXyzqTkhYQ/U9QcTSMdO7I/AAAAAAAAB6w/f0XGF5KKcEM/s1600/P7220372+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8XXyzqTkhYQ/U9QcTSMdO7I/AAAAAAAAB6w/f0XGF5KKcEM/s1600/P7220372+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great paddle!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-87475043579357895972014-07-24T14:41:00.002-07:002014-07-24T14:41:58.069-07:00Summer Isles sunshine.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MC0-vBHcPDM/U9Fw_Z9vZ-I/AAAAAAAAB4I/hJJV1ZfazXE/s1600/P7210325+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MC0-vBHcPDM/U9Fw_Z9vZ-I/AAAAAAAAB4I/hJJV1ZfazXE/s1600/P7210325+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towards Tanera Mor</td></tr>
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We set off for Tanera Mor and Tanera Beg on an amazingly glassy sea. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMuliaiyiQc/U9FxAw86ZhI/AAAAAAAAB4M/UNeVpftLRdI/s1600/crossing+to+Tamera+Mor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMuliaiyiQc/U9FxAw86ZhI/AAAAAAAAB4M/UNeVpftLRdI/s1600/crossing+to+Tamera+Mor.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the way out... Tanera Mor behind me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nFwZ8GwoFI/U9FxBzq0xeI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Ysa1ZM-P4JY/s1600/P7210326+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nFwZ8GwoFI/U9FxBzq0xeI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Ysa1ZM-P4JY/s1600/P7210326+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the Post Office</td></tr>
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Arriving at the Post Office we sent the obligatory post card with the unique Summer Isles stamp before escaping the crowd disembarking from the <em>Summer Queen.</em> Passing the 5 enormous salmon cages as quickly as possible, we set off round Tanera Mor in a clockwise direction and landed on a pebbly beach for lunch.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn6fs530ONo/U9FxEwP1wfI/AAAAAAAAB4g/4mvuF_BA0Ws/s1600/Tanera+Mor+beach+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn6fs530ONo/U9FxEwP1wfI/AAAAAAAAB4g/4mvuF_BA0Ws/s1600/Tanera+Mor+beach+(Medium).jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
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We know kayakers stop here as we found a copy of the Pesda Press Scottish Sea Kayaking book submerged in the shallows. </div>
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Perhaps someone looking for directions to the famous arch on Tanera Beg.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6UPOhTvxU8/U9FxOrxcsTI/AAAAAAAAB4w/kfsD4xSftKM/s1600/arch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6UPOhTvxU8/U9FxOrxcsTI/AAAAAAAAB4w/kfsD4xSftKM/s1600/arch+2.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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At Tanera Beg we posed for the obligatory 'arch photo'. There was a charming symmetrical quality about this arch which made it seem as if it had been built for a film set.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtrRC0vwP3M/U9FxI_YeriI/AAAAAAAAB4o/MpLi-58ieJ4/s1600/arch+Mr+M+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtrRC0vwP3M/U9FxI_YeriI/AAAAAAAAB4o/MpLi-58ieJ4/s1600/arch+Mr+M+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a quick chat with a German family out paddling in their kayaks we moved on at a leisurely pace through the series of small islets that lie between the two larger islands.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIShpzu11R4/U9FxURQ7LaI/AAAAAAAAB44/agfPvs-bC7k/s1600/behind+you+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIShpzu11R4/U9FxURQ7LaI/AAAAAAAAB44/agfPvs-bC7k/s1600/behind+you+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'they're behind you...'</td></tr>
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We spend a while letting the local youths play a game of 'chicken' with us. </div>
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Some of them got pretty close...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVhjz0KJ1qQ/U9FxiJl44MI/AAAAAAAAB5I/gqIq1vTVJdE/s1600/return+from+Tanera+Mor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVhjz0KJ1qQ/U9FxiJl44MI/AAAAAAAAB5I/gqIq1vTVJdE/s1600/return+from+Tanera+Mor.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning to Achiltibuie with Stac Pollaidh and Ben More Coigach in the distance.</td></tr>
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Once out of the islands we were again aware of the mountains, dramatically dominating the landscape.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7rrZZuvHhY/U9Fxj31JUMI/AAAAAAAAB5M/lmsQDGgP_6U/s1600/badentarbet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7rrZZuvHhY/U9Fxj31JUMI/AAAAAAAAB5M/lmsQDGgP_6U/s1600/badentarbet.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at Badentarbet</td></tr>
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A very relaxing paddle - soaking up the scenery.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-29060447542785130602014-07-23T13:36:00.002-07:002014-07-24T11:02:00.872-07:00Reiff and Isle Ristol<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDkAvV5wqXs/U9AUXUQmMEI/AAAAAAAAB2E/IbDWMeJ4cMA/s1600/IMAG0527+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDkAvV5wqXs/U9AUXUQmMEI/AAAAAAAAB2E/IbDWMeJ4cMA/s1600/IMAG0527+(Medium).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking the Summer Isles.</td></tr>
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A window of lovely weather out on the west coast of mainland Scotland beckoned, so we packed the van and headed sooth on the first available ferry, hopeful of warmer temperatures and sunshine in Wester Ross.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cN7FFgE9yw/U9FIKTrJpOI/AAAAAAAAB2k/WERsSpveaH0/s1600/camp+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2cN7FFgE9yw/U9FIKTrJpOI/AAAAAAAAB2k/WERsSpveaH0/s1600/camp+(Medium).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Base camp was at Port A Baigh, Altandhu across from Isle Ristol.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L99QM7uSJt8/U9ATglmwekI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/bZcNmi0rHUc/s1600/Isle+Ristol+2+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L99QM7uSJt8/U9ATglmwekI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/bZcNmi0rHUc/s1600/Isle+Ristol+2+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advance landing party at the beach on Isle Ristol.</td></tr>
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The following day we crossed to Isle Ristol with Anne, another visiting paddler we met at the campsite. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFGxXNEoXu0/U9FIN40ZfQI/AAAAAAAAB2w/wPxiw33bTks/s1600/setting+off+for+reiff+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFGxXNEoXu0/U9FIN40ZfQI/AAAAAAAAB2w/wPxiw33bTks/s1600/setting+off+for+reiff+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
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From there on to Reiff for lunch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgoIQImo3B8/U9ATiPMr05I/AAAAAAAAB1c/CObPOfQArRk/s1600/Reiff+1+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgoIQImo3B8/U9ATiPMr05I/AAAAAAAAB1c/CObPOfQArRk/s1600/Reiff+1+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockpools at Reiff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN6Nn_lKQnQ/U9ATjKjCLyI/AAAAAAAAB1k/owocGPE3KRE/s1600/Reiff+2+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN6Nn_lKQnQ/U9ATjKjCLyI/AAAAAAAAB1k/owocGPE3KRE/s1600/Reiff+2+(Medium).jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back to Isle Ristol from the picnic spot.</td></tr>
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The wind calmed, the clapotis subsided, and we had a very pleasant return journey.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r9Ikqq7Pfk/U9ATnWkIY3I/AAAAAAAAB1s/Gmm-TbqpAOY/s1600/Reiff+3+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r9Ikqq7Pfk/U9ATnWkIY3I/AAAAAAAAB1s/Gmm-TbqpAOY/s1600/Reiff+3+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDnji5Gb6c0/U9ATq1MqN5I/AAAAAAAAB10/3uPNP-S0xYs/s1600/Reiff+4+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDnji5Gb6c0/U9ATq1MqN5I/AAAAAAAAB10/3uPNP-S0xYs/s1600/Reiff+4+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne with Mr Mackayak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVY28A5Y6bE/U9ATfrnqA2I/AAAAAAAAB1U/5JncVOIQviI/s1600/Isle+Ristol+1+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVY28A5Y6bE/U9ATfrnqA2I/AAAAAAAAB1U/5JncVOIQviI/s1600/Isle+Ristol+1+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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We rounded the island, and my focus was drawn again to the mountainous skyline of Assynt and Coigach - dramatically different to Orkney.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu_2Aw-_UrQ/U9Ag6jiDedI/AAAAAAAAB2U/yFn2mJKvPMM/s1600/P1040342+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu_2Aw-_UrQ/U9Ag6jiDedI/AAAAAAAAB2U/yFn2mJKvPMM/s1600/P1040342+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Loch an Alltain Duibh between Altandhu and Isle Ristol.</td></tr>
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Isle Ristol once was a herring fishery base like many of the islands in this part of the world. Now it is a Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve with important wildflowers growing in the machair.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBkREY-sjko/U9ATt9SjfsI/AAAAAAAAB2A/vdhovJOh2lc/s1600/Reiff+5+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBkREY-sjko/U9ATt9SjfsI/AAAAAAAAB2A/vdhovJOh2lc/s1600/Reiff+5+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Return to camp.</td></tr>
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A very pleasant paddle - thanks to Anne for the added company and conversation. </div>
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We knew the forecast was set to improve... and it did!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-71462055393215131662014-07-17T12:33:00.000-07:002014-07-17T14:56:19.965-07:00Kayak Ways Intensive 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
Setting off for the ferry sooth I got incorporated into the Commonwealth Games baton proceedings, as it headed to the same boat. Much later I was free of the various and many vehicles of the baton 'crew' and police escort which had accompanied me across the Firth and throughout the north of Scotland. The temperature warmed up significantly and I went through the ritual of stopping at Inverness to cast my Orkney summer layers. Much, much later I arrived in leafy Argyll and met up with lovely organisers and hosts, Pam and Alan Forsyth and Julia Darby, and our amazing mentors Cheri and Turner.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQOCy5NEPOk/U8gOhCvwEaI/AAAAAAAABzE/tf8oJlx2NZY/s1600/P7120222+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQOCy5NEPOk/U8gOhCvwEaI/AAAAAAAABzE/tf8oJlx2NZY/s1600/P7120222+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Both days were held at Ardentinny, where the customary cluster of kayak carrying cars conglomerated. The weekend's sessions were all about rolling for me and it was great to work through the fundamentals for all rolls and forward finishing rolls in particular. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rmUBNcETcXw/U8gQ2oSmakI/AAAAAAAABzo/RMbdGP3QlaI/s1600/P7120212+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rmUBNcETcXw/U8gQ2oSmakI/AAAAAAAABzo/RMbdGP3QlaI/s1600/P7120212+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhiannon focuses on her hip.</td></tr>
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Land drills are extra helpful in putting together the movements which go on inside the kayak with the timings of what you can see happening above the deck. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKFSLDFDha4/U8gP1nVuirI/AAAAAAAABzQ/UA8O0G9d3FA/s1600/land+drills+collage+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bKFSLDFDha4/U8gP1nVuirI/AAAAAAAABzQ/UA8O0G9d3FA/s1600/land+drills+collage+(Medium).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheri demonstrates finishing forward - flat shoulders/face down.<br />
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Cheri and Turner demonstrated and talked throughthe importance of body position and the timing of the movements we had practised in relation to each other.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ObbIAsmhI/U8gTW2TxjNI/AAAAAAAABz8/VTFteXlv58Y/s1600/aft+finish+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ObbIAsmhI/U8gTW2TxjNI/AAAAAAAABz8/VTFteXlv58Y/s1600/aft+finish+(Medium).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The principles of aft finishing rolls.<br />
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Then it was my turn to get some feedback on the homework I have been doing since last time... A year is a long time! Plenty of time to consolidate new skills but also unfortunately when you are practising alone, its plenty of time to develop bad habits. In a short time Cheri had worked out why I was finding some things sticky or difficult, erratic or inconsistent and got me practising specific sequences to sort it all out! What a difference. Its the magic of Greenland rolling - when you do it properly it feels effortless. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yugYB-mBkSU/U8gYZbnwQHI/AAAAAAAAB0M/k_cxuagHjPo/s1600/my+turn+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yugYB-mBkSU/U8gYZbnwQHI/AAAAAAAAB0M/k_cxuagHjPo/s1600/my+turn+(Medium).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my turn! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a98ylZKwGaI/U8gaIYxuNwI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/6aLn438U9PE/s1600/Rhiannon+collage+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a98ylZKwGaI/U8gaIYxuNwI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/6aLn438U9PE/s1600/Rhiannon+collage+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhiannon's reverse sweep.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5BpqfCqVzg/U8gbVnjmYhI/AAAAAAAAB0k/rs-YgH0EdjY/s1600/day+2+(Medium).jpg" height="218" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Ardentinny</td></tr>
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Needless to say there was an awful lot to remember after one day of rolling. As usual I felt like I would not be able to remember it all... but after sleeping on the new learning day 2 dawned sunny and positive and we revisited my 'homework' sequence with a great drill, flipping from sculling for support palm up, to chest sculling moving the kayak and your body lower and higher. This movement doesn't mean a lot if like me you are used to just floating face down and mostly prying to finish forward, but once I got the hang of it I knew it would become part of my regular practice routine.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6xpme3t5JE/U8gek6kfWKI/AAAAAAAAB0w/sNzp3NdfkOU/s1600/P7130275+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6xpme3t5JE/U8gek6kfWKI/AAAAAAAAB0w/sNzp3NdfkOU/s1600/P7130275+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class in session.</td></tr>
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This photo of Alan's kind of sums up the weekend!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8b7wzt57Ho/U8ghWim83CI/AAAAAAAAB08/ql9ZSCI-kRs/s1600/Liz+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8b7wzt57Ho/U8ghWim83CI/AAAAAAAAB08/ql9ZSCI-kRs/s1600/Liz+(Medium).jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: Alan Forsyth</td></tr>
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A brilliant learning experience shared with old and new tuiliq wearing friends.</div>
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Its hard to sum up the significance of the Kayak Ways Intensive experience but if you get the opportunity to find out for yourself - take it!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-87942929591572961972014-07-06T13:57:00.004-07:002014-07-06T14:04:23.719-07:00A quick session at Scapa<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week I am preparing to set off sooth to meet up with
some of the lovely people I have met through paddling ‘traditional style’ at
the Kayak Ways sessions at Loch Eck in Argyll. These trips away are about much
more than learning new things - catching up with the group of friends I have
made through Greenland paddling is one of the high points of the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As usual and as far as I know, I am the only person who
currently paddles and rolls with a stick, or ‘stick-person’, here in Orkney
though I am ever hopeful that someone may join me… The closest kindred ‘stick-
people’ are in Shetland (maybe time to have an Orkney and Shetland Traditional
Paddlers’ event?). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With my new Canadian paddles from <a href="http://www.joeoblenis.com/">Joe O Blenis</a>, Orkney
Greenland Kayaking Club went out to Scapa for a quick practice session in the
company of regular OGKC attendees - the dunters (eider ducks) and the
occasional selkie (seal). Although our capsize and recovery methods are
different we all have to come up for air - some of us sooner than others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life and weather dictate how much I prepare before heading
off each year. I feel I should advance my skills as much as possible so that I
don’t go over old ground with Cheri and Turner, but instead learn new things
and take home ‘fresh’ homework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
reality is though that I often do my best rolling at the beginning of a session
after a break from practising for a while, and when I’m not taking it too
seriously…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/100053062?byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-33352484167576385662014-06-22T11:43:00.001-07:002014-06-22T11:43:31.283-07:00Thunder Bay to South Ronaldsay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An early start on the morning after the solstice, from Sandwick in South Ronaldsay to Saint Margaret's Hope. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkF0H2-qV_c/U6cYQUWlwqI/AAAAAAAABxI/bC-Ta6WLSrY/s1600/P6220160+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkF0H2-qV_c/U6cYQUWlwqI/AAAAAAAABxI/bC-Ta6WLSrY/s1600/P6220160+(Medium).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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with my fabulous new paddle from Joe O Blenis!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTtPR9CQJoQ/U6cYRYst2AI/AAAAAAAABxY/eYHRpxUBsfU/s1600/P6220163+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTtPR9CQJoQ/U6cYRYst2AI/AAAAAAAABxY/eYHRpxUBsfU/s1600/P6220163+(Medium).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not only beautiful to look at but exactly the measurements to fit me and very satisfying to paddle with.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y87eHJmmTtg/U6cYjlK4NKI/AAAAAAAABxw/TJTq5Fpmuk0/s1600/sooth+crop+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y87eHJmmTtg/U6cYjlK4NKI/AAAAAAAABxw/TJTq5Fpmuk0/s1600/sooth+crop+(Medium).jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking sooth towards the Pentland Firth</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcN8KYOPo_M/U6cYW6pjqAI/AAAAAAAABxg/OM5EN4o-RHE/s1600/P6220177+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcN8KYOPo_M/U6cYW6pjqAI/AAAAAAAABxg/OM5EN4o-RHE/s1600/P6220177+(Medium).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">incredible sandstone rock striations</td></tr>
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Reassuringly we passed plenty of nesting seabirds around Harrabrough Head,</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BkImhOJMj0/U6cYMpvoTWI/AAAAAAAABxE/Bm_01qSKg0E/s1600/altar+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BkImhOJMj0/U6cYMpvoTWI/AAAAAAAABxE/Bm_01qSKg0E/s1600/altar+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">approaching the Altar</td></tr>
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and felt the tide gently but effectively draw us north as we left the Altar.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYkKyB5X44s/U6cZb0JLLuI/AAAAAAAABx8/7Kl-Ewgeweo/s1600/inside+altar+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYkKyB5X44s/U6cZb0JLLuI/AAAAAAAABx8/7Kl-Ewgeweo/s1600/inside+altar+(Medium).jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from inside the Altar.</td></tr>
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Across Widewall Bay and past Hoxa Head.</div>
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we eventually arrived in Cromarty Square in The Hope.</div>
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The first 15 km of many with my new stick.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-81347664106659144842014-06-09T10:14:00.002-07:002014-06-09T12:53:38.681-07:00Home Ground<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYdEd118rO4/U5XgKnHSX9I/AAAAAAAABwE/ldvRiFCN-p8/s1600/R1+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PYdEd118rO4/U5XgKnHSX9I/AAAAAAAABwE/ldvRiFCN-p8/s1600/R1+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back in Orkney the sun shone and the wind abated long enough to explore some caves and tunnels at Rerwick. While it rained a couple of miles away and thundered in Birsay in the north west, we were far enough out east to stay in the sunshine all afternoon. In sheltered spots the sea was glassy and very clear. Clear enough to see top shells grazing on the kelp. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Fyo3UhPNg/U5Xgq8SuytI/AAAAAAAABwI/ktt_Q5YFry8/s1600/R10+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Fyo3UhPNg/U5Xgq8SuytI/AAAAAAAABwI/ktt_Q5YFry8/s1600/R10+(Medium).jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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The rock strata picked out by erosion provided ledges for scarfies who launched themselves with inelegant gusto as we approached. Steep sided geos and deep fissures punctuate the the rock face. Its easy to miss the arches and tunnels unless you are paddling close into the cliff.</div>
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A slight swell on a smooth sea broke on rocks and skerries providing rockhopping opportunities. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS8o3bSuqHU/U5XgsZ_oKMI/AAAAAAAABwU/hoarRB1Bq1c/s1600/R12+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS8o3bSuqHU/U5XgsZ_oKMI/AAAAAAAABwU/hoarRB1Bq1c/s1600/R12+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
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The cliffs face east so it is usually a place of dark and gloomy stone walls topped by a WW2 battery of searchlight foundations, gun emplacements, battery observation tower, magazine building, engine room and the remains of accommodation and dug outs...</div>
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and the occasional otter....</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-17092887977990732222014-06-07T11:37:00.002-07:002014-06-09T12:53:01.989-07:00Scottish Women's Paddle Symposium 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
This year I attended the SWPS at Findhorn for the first time and coached a couple of rolling sessions over the two days. Although I didn't spot another paddler dressed in a tuiliq or sporting an avataq there were a couple of skinny stick users in the sea kayaking crowd and plenty of interest in trying a different approach to rolling. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeVAnQM4B2E/U5NUiG-3fkI/AAAAAAAABuw/ixxM4H4RSXo/s1600/Hopeman+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeVAnQM4B2E/U5NUiG-3fkI/AAAAAAAABuw/ixxM4H4RSXo/s1600/Hopeman+(Medium).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The weather was glorious (reminder to self - apply suncream <em>after</em> rolling demo), the location for the rolling sessions at Hopeman harbour was perfect - an outdoor swimming pool sheltered on all sides and with a nice sandy bottom. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImTSUcfz8ZM/U5NUlDDSEhI/AAAAAAAABu8/HgzDUsS8jIw/s1600/back+deck+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImTSUcfz8ZM/U5NUlDDSEhI/AAAAAAAABu8/HgzDUsS8jIw/s1600/back+deck+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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To start with we had a think about body movement and flexibility and then went on to compare kayaks and paddles. Thanks to <a href="http://www.kayakacrossthewater.co.uk/">Pam and Alan Forsyth</a> I was able to show a range of paddle designs and materials. I also got to try out the new Gearlab paddle which one of the participants was using - interesting! However as usual my faithful roll friendly paddle is my <a href="http://www.joeopaddles.com/">Joe O'</a> stick, which is perfect for sharing with others too.</div>
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It was very rewarding supporting individual progress from static brace through to butterfly roll and beyond - hopefully the sessions allowed folk to get to grips with the foundation skills and the confidence to go away and practice, knowing a few reasons why certain things work well. </div>
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The weekend trip allowed also me to get van season underway, and get on the road on my own again. Once past Dunbeath and Berriedale Braes (graveyard of Orkney vehicles with any kind of lurking clutch problem) it was all good. It was interesting to hear what other women had to say about the various van sizes and their driveability', kayak carrying capacity and living space. Reassuringly quite a few folk had issues with reaching the carriers to secure them - another 'not just me then' moment. Unsurprisingly the weekend was punctuated by people saying things relating to strength or stature which I had already thought of more than once myself!</div>
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A women only event is a great way of meeting other women paddlers and coaches and supporting each other's personal development. It is reassuring to hear other folk have had similar experiences and issues in their paddling careers, quite often having shared preferences in learning styles. It also creates opportunities for meeting up with other paddlers later, and sharing future events like </div>
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<a href="http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/SEAKAYAKINGSYMPOSIUM/index.asp?pageid=4461">Paddle Orkney 15</a>.</div>
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Thanks to the organising committee, and Tania for the photos and helping coach on the second day.</div>
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Looking forward to next time!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-79296797389655892052014-05-15T05:23:00.000-07:002014-05-16T00:50:32.288-07:00Big blades and skinny sticks<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGY3BA6s2H4/U3SwXWxsqBI/AAAAAAAABuc/8Hq3uL1qRTw/s1600/Gloup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGY3BA6s2H4/U3SwXWxsqBI/AAAAAAAABuc/8Hq3uL1qRTw/s1600/Gloup.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At The Gloup, Deerness. Photo J.Johnston</td></tr>
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In preparation for the Scottish Women's Paddle Symposium at the end of the month I have picked my big blades off the back deck again and paddled a few trips with them lately. Using both Greenland and Euro on different trips, or swapping over on the same trip depending on conditions (and how I am feeling/ which kayak I am paddling) builds up a good understanding of their different qualities and the action needed to paddle and deal with different sea conditions. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aXIzKrTEAE/U3SoHHjyyhI/AAAAAAAABuM/fRL6THP4mfk/s1600/Scottish+Women's+Paddle+Symposium+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aXIzKrTEAE/U3SoHHjyyhI/AAAAAAAABuM/fRL6THP4mfk/s1600/Scottish+Women's+Paddle+Symposium+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aXIzKrTEAE/U3SoHHjyyhI/AAAAAAAABuM/fRL6THP4mfk/s1600/Scottish+Women's+Paddle+Symposium+crop.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a>This will be my first visit to the SWPS which is a multi-discipline symposium. It allows women to try new disciplines and get some top level instruction from our female coaches. Like other all women events I have been to I expect that the coaches will again be fantastic role models for us all and inspire us on to new challenges whatever our experience (or age!).<br />
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This is a great context to introduce folk to the joys of using a traditional paddle, particularly for rolling. Looking forward to it! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-2137669232811101362014-04-20T11:58:00.001-07:002014-04-20T12:07:45.019-07:00Orkney History Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWilsfjItZ8/U1QJ0ra7Y4I/AAAAAAAABsk/2Cgus97VtXU/s1600/WWII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWilsfjItZ8/U1QJ0ra7Y4I/AAAAAAAABsk/2Cgus97VtXU/s1600/WWII.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World War Two towers at Houton look out over Bring Deeps.</td></tr>
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A gentle 15km trip to start the paddling season off in fine weather from Houton at Scapa Flow into the Loch of Stenness. After leaving Houton we passed the three lookout towers which are situated on one side of the Flow. Between Houton Head and Scad Head in Hoy, there were anti ship and <a href="http://www.scapaflow.co/index.php/history_and_archaeology/the_20th_century/war/defences_in_and_around_scapa_flow/boom_defence_nets/">submarine boom defence nets</a> during the war the Second World War. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdxvDnmtwmw/U1QKBZSY98I/AAAAAAAABss/nELeINfe9zk/s1600/sandy+bottom+hoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdxvDnmtwmw/U1QKBZSY98I/AAAAAAAABss/nELeINfe9zk/s1600/sandy+bottom+hoy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear water and cold clear air. Great visibility above and below the surface.</td></tr>
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It was unusually still and quiet - after months of incessant wind and rain it was unusual to hear sounds of so many birds - fulmars, swans, eider, merganser, shell ducks, gannets, black throated diver, greylag geese, redshank, turnstones, cormorants...</div>
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The clarity of the water was mermerising. Tiny jellyfish bobbed along with the incoming tide.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcCbkzvsmFY/U1QKUB5IAwI/AAAAAAAABs8/Z8ZsnoN9LXg/s1600/Clestrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcCbkzvsmFY/U1QKUB5IAwI/AAAAAAAABs8/Z8ZsnoN9LXg/s1600/Clestrain.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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We passed the birthplace of the famous Arctic explorer <a href="http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/historicalfigures/johnrae/">John Rae.</a> </div>
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He grew up here and developed his sailing skills in Scapa Flow.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLfvm5p7o5E/U1QKfAOsvnI/AAAAAAAABtE/hO639MRnhow/s1600/hoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLfvm5p7o5E/U1QKfAOsvnI/AAAAAAAABtE/hO639MRnhow/s1600/hoy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoy hills.</td></tr>
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We stopped at Sailhouse Bay below the Hall of Clestrain. This must surely have been where John Rae and his brothers launched their sailing boats from, before racing each other between Orphir and Stromness.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailhouse Bay, with Hoy High Light on Graemsay, and Hoy behind.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QebaIIzUmbo/U1QK9pdMbcI/AAAAAAAABtc/AIqvNsXuWYY/s1600/Stromness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QebaIIzUmbo/U1QK9pdMbcI/AAAAAAAABtc/AIqvNsXuWYY/s1600/Stromness.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stromness ahead with the gateway to the Nor' Wast through Hoy Sound on the horizon. </td></tr>
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On past a few sleeping seals on the skerries and beaches up to the Brig O'Waithe, observed briefly from the water by an otter which was gone as soon as I was certain it was indeed an otter and not a piece of kelp or a young seal. In fact it was the movements and manner of its disappearance that made me pretty certain it <em>was</em> an otter.</div>
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Around the corner and on to the Standing Stones of Stenness with a brisker pace for a change, just to check paddle fitness, or lack of...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--QC2sMpKu3M/U1QLN5MUP4I/AAAAAAAABts/ScmwCAGWGU4/s1600/stones+of+stenness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--QC2sMpKu3M/U1QLN5MUP4I/AAAAAAAABts/ScmwCAGWGU4/s1600/stones+of+stenness.jpg" height="141" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have always meant to take this route - there is something novel about paddling from salt water to fresh on an island with no rivers - a uniquely Orcadian trip, paddling past remnants of WWII, the days of Hudson's Bay Company, to the neolithic.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--J9z_caFrbI/U1QLW5ctkpI/AAAAAAAABt0/SDH8H9Ezvjo/s1600/stones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--J9z_caFrbI/U1QLW5ctkpI/AAAAAAAABt0/SDH8H9Ezvjo/s1600/stones.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-8784236728042375612014-03-21T05:56:00.003-07:002014-03-21T05:56:23.527-07:00Getting there...<div style="text-align: center;">
Getting ready for the year ahead involves a lot of reviewing of resources, including time... Living up here on a peripheral archipelago means every trip planned takes extra time, and money, and is even more weather dependent. </div>
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Once upon a time Orkney was the centre of things - a kind of hub in the sea road...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_EymHgZ_7I/UywjnrZrRJI/AAAAAAAABqo/vHc0pZLaPQU/s1600/orcadcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_EymHgZ_7I/UywjnrZrRJI/AAAAAAAABqo/vHc0pZLaPQU/s1600/orcadcrop.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lib.umn.edu/apps/bell/map/OLAUS/MAP/indexm.html">Olaus Magnus' Carta Marina 1539</a></td></tr>
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Now a different Magnus helps us get across the Pentland Firth ...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67hy_1wcfEw/UywpKxs955I/AAAAAAAABrA/GbNKC8fcAB4/s1600/crop+northlink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67hy_1wcfEw/UywpKxs955I/AAAAAAAABrA/GbNKC8fcAB4/s1600/crop+northlink.jpg" height="152" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnus 'the Viking' - the new <a href="http://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/">Hamnavoe</a> livery.<br />
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Gear and equipment for trips needs to be checked over too after a winter in the store. This year it was time to splash out a bit on some new Lomo boots. Mary, I am finally stepping out of your second hand boots (one of which, presumed lost, lived in a creel for a winter until found the following summer)! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzuGISSOqWE/Uyw1qXHusqI/AAAAAAAABsA/iXHtRl1nIDk/s1600/boots+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzuGISSOqWE/Uyw1qXHusqI/AAAAAAAABsA/iXHtRl1nIDk/s1600/boots+(Medium).jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
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Knowledge of First Aid needs refreshing and reviewing.</div>
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Thank you <a href="http://www.georgefell.co.uk/firstaid.htm">George Fell.</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Aid Kit before ................and after George's course.</td></tr>
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Getting kayaks down the road also has its issues that need to be resolved. The van is a great mobile home, but its a bit high for me to wrangle boats on to safely. So this winter the day finally came for the Karitek kayak carrier to be fitted. </div>
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With a bit of modification here and there I think I've got it sorted.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFFwBMjI93s/Uywxc54RxYI/AAAAAAAABr0/Sl9i7qaiXXk/s1600/karitek+2+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFFwBMjI93s/Uywxc54RxYI/AAAAAAAABr0/Sl9i7qaiXXk/s1600/karitek+2+(Medium).jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm getting there...</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-60717268348712812732014-02-22T10:57:00.000-08:002014-02-22T10:57:23.896-08:00Kayak yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This winter in the pool I have been helping a couple of folk play with floating and sinking. Its a great feeling when you can confidently turn your kayak over on yourself and then come gently back up to the surface, and it helps to build in the idea that the water is your friend and will support you if you let it. It is no coincidence that the most successful first attempts at this are by people who are already supple and flexible and perhaps do yoga. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzaS2Paxwgk/UwjtToJOX5I/AAAAAAAABqI/iOi1-bkqOK0/s1600/P2040257+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LzaS2Paxwgk/UwjtToJOX5I/AAAAAAAABqI/iOi1-bkqOK0/s1600/P2040257+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On nights where it is my turn, I work through my rolling list a bit like a yoga sequence - first one side then the other - paying attention to correct posture, and of course breathing at appropriate points... </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuI6sPV2FIo/UwjtU1oZTCI/AAAAAAAABqQ/p4ocAZJrVbM/s1600/P2210289+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yuI6sPV2FIo/UwjtU1oZTCI/AAAAAAAABqQ/p4ocAZJrVbM/s1600/P2210289+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It doesn't always go smoothly. One week a particular roll is simple enough to do. The next week it can be troublesome. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0ZPp0pYNwo/UwjtWG_gM1I/AAAAAAAABqY/ZhapqK_NqWk/s1600/P2210290+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g0ZPp0pYNwo/UwjtWG_gM1I/AAAAAAAABqY/ZhapqK_NqWk/s1600/P2210290+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
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A lot of the time there is an underwater 'cat' lurking at the end of the pool, just thinking it through...</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-11241858531692544392014-01-19T02:51:00.001-08:002014-01-19T02:52:27.849-08:00Forward finish Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
This week everyone returned to try out forward finish rolls. We don't have a lot of time so our sessions are really an introduction to the fundamentals, with hopefully enough drills to take away and practice. It was invaluable to be able to look at <a href="http://youtu.be/viZuHfiWoSk">Cheri's and Turner's DVD 'This is The Roll'</a> - which explains how to use a Euro blade to build up the reverse sweep and the storm roll - before getting kayaks into the pool. I don't have enough Greenland paddles to share out or loan to folk who want to try them and most folk want to try to use their Euro blade, at least to begin with. However, it does seem that sometimes it can be easier to learn something new and different about rolling with an unfamilar paddle in your hands - its as if having your Euro paddle makes it hard to undo a learned response and muscle memory when it comes to being upside down.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hm35MiisBeI/UtuqPpnIy0I/AAAAAAAABps/O4qcR5979wg/s1600/ff+collage+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hm35MiisBeI/UtuqPpnIy0I/AAAAAAAABps/O4qcR5979wg/s1600/ff+collage+(Medium).jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheri and Turner demonstrate and explain forward finish on land at Loch Eck.</td></tr>
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After last week's session we were able to revisit the basics of body position and have a go at recovering with the avataq or paddle float on to the front deck and had a go at a pry using a Euro blade, then a continuous storm roll was the drill everyone wanted to try. With just enough time to get orientated underwater we never got round to the full storm roll. </div>
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Doing something different is good fun though.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwGD4maiBuE/UturdMZZR_I/AAAAAAAABp4/P1KGUu3Bt5Q/s1600/paddles+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwGD4maiBuE/UturdMZZR_I/AAAAAAAABp4/P1KGUu3Bt5Q/s1600/paddles+(Medium).jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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The outcome of these two sessions has been very positive. The Euro roll and the Greenland roll have been compared and discussed a lot. It was observed that Greenland style rolling is more to do with taking your time underwater, being well-orientated and using the support of the water in contrast to getting round, out and up asap, though a storm roll can be surprisingly quick and effective. </div>
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I hope everything we have done continues to help folk have fun playing with rolling whatever blade we end up using, and wherever we end up using it. We were using big blades in flat water so here is the very opposite for a bit of inspiration - James Manke tackling whitewater with a GP on his trip down the Grand Canyon.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73286013" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/73286013">James Manke... Grand Canyon... Sea Kayak... Greenland Paddle... Worked!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/kayaka">Kayaka</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-29210198245214210512014-01-11T02:43:00.002-08:002014-01-11T02:43:54.797-08:00Avataq<div style="text-align: center;">
Mentoring experienced paddlers and coaches is a great opportunity to share some of the skills and drills that help us, and the paddlers we coach, understand how important body position is in any type of roll, Euro or Greenland. I realise that everytime I do this I understand better the differences between the two types of roll. This time I've thought a lot about how paddle design, how and where it is gripped, where the blade travels, feather and so on can influence body position. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGMFQBvMMo8/UtEXGrDum8I/AAAAAAAABoo/etYnSMgm588/s1600/P1100234+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGMFQBvMMo8/UtEXGrDum8I/AAAAAAAABoo/etYnSMgm588/s1600/P1100234+(Medium).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the outset the avataq has been invaluable. It has really allowed folk to good feel for how body position and edging the kayak relate as you open out from 'cat' to 'cow' in the standard Greenland roll. </div>
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With some more pool time, the avataq would be great for playing around with this movement without a paddle, gradually working towards using body movement alone for recovery. </div>
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An avataq is not a piece of equipment that you <em>really</em> <em>need,</em> it can 'sort of' be substituted for with a paddle float or inflated wine bags in a net bag, but it is nice to be able to use and share an understanding of another authentic piece of equipment.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249920826071348218.post-88067735410741172772013-12-22T10:21:00.001-08:002013-12-22T10:21:31.093-08:00Karma monster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few folk have seen me rolling the Tahe Greenland in the
pool and nicknamed it ‘The Karma Monster’ because of the yoga-like practice I
use it for, and because its design is derived from a stealthy hunting qajaq.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">revolved triangle with legs together - 'right angled triangle'?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since Greenland skills have been getting a little more
exposure in the media, I have felt slightly less odd and eccentric in my
paddling preferences. It has also meant that a few folk are keen to find out
more about it, which is great. Living in a peripheral island community means events
and symposiums are less accessible, so there is more of an imperative to pass
on skills we bring home with us. </span></div>
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This autumn and winter in the pool more paddlers have been
asking me about Greenland rolling. What is it? How is it different from a Euro
roll?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, how it can help them with
their own roll? Pretty much everybody wants to learn to roll no matter what age and stage they are at.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">black lines perpendicular</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is great to be able to help with the learning process.
Some paddlers are returning to paddling, some are coming from another discipline to sea kayaking, some have had a solid roll in the past,
and some folk are self-taught and ready for some feedback. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even if paddlers have no ambitions to learn Greenland
rolling there is a lot that the process of practising skills and drills can
teach us all about all of our rolls, capsizes, paddles and beyond. If you find you are apt to get uptight and frustrated at not being able to do something
immediately, the process might mean only starting to make progress when you relax mind and
body. If you feel your roll has to be fast and furious to work well, then
trying Greenland rolling might mean seeing if it works when you slow it all down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I’m looking forward to January and
getting back into the pool after the holiday hiatus and starting a few structured
sessions. You never know, someone else might decide to join me over here on the
dark side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0