Living in and on the water

Here is an interesting video from the BBC's Human Planet, it gives another perspective to holding your breath under water:



Check out the article on the Neuroanthropology blog by Greg Downey.

Ice is off Long Pond - Happy Earth Day on Friday

Just ten days ago ice took up 3/4 of the pond. Yesterday water temperature was 5 degrees and not a chink of ice remains.

First major paddle of the season

Dean checking the gear





St.Phillips beach


Yesterday was a cold but sunny day. The air temperature was -2 and the winds were 20 km with forecast expected to be gusty later in the day. I launched with a group of kayak friends from the wharf in St.Phillips. Ideal location for a workout, especially early in the season. The water was choppy and a little chaotic, and was great practice. Then an odd thing happened - I was hit side on with a small to moderate wave, nothing exceptional, went to brace and the blade wasn't where I expected it to be. I am thinking the paddle which twists to adjust but doesn't lock, loosened and the feathered blade I usually have was transformed. I popped over and still underwater, tried to adjust my grip but could not and made a wet exit.
Great to have a fellow paddler - Dean, nearby, who ran the rescue. To say the water was cold would be understating things. My hands were numb and even though I have rescued others and been in the water lots practicing - when you end up in the water it is good to have a reliable partner. This was the first paddle of the year and the first time I ended up in the water unplanned.
This re-emphasized for me that you can never practice these scenarios too often.
And a reliable pair of gloves are important - to keep the hands warm.

Test and practice before the storm

Taking advantage of a sunny day to test the new dry suit and have a workout on the pond.

Maharaja exhibit at the AGO

The Maharaja exhibit was a fascinating insight into a part of Indian culture and history. It provides a glimpse into the Royal Courts of India. Some 200 incredible works of art are on display created for India's kings and include paintings, furniture, arts and jewelry. If you are in Toronto it is worth dropping by before it closes in April.

Greenland Paddling - Preliminary practice for the roll

Working on getting body positioning correct - shoulders flat in water, perpendicular to kayak.


Practicing with float on either side of paddle


Derrick putting all the skills together



We had a great opportunity to practice some Greenland paddling techniques strokes, braces and the roll. The pool was the ideal environment especially at this time of year. Neil Burgess shared some concepts he picked up last summer and walked us through some practical drills to get the feel for lining up perpendicular to the kayak, letting your go with the paddle, head control and body position in the water. In this session we paired up and worked through some practice drills, focusing in large part in developing the kinesthetic awareness to lie on the surface with your kayak on edge. For example - it always seems to me my body is in the position I want, but there is always tweaking to be done and that is where a partner and instructor were invaluable. Greenland paddling gained a few more converts - we may have enough for an official NL Greenland paddling chapter.
Video to come.

Tranportation Canada and Kayaks

The section below is taken directly from Transport Canada's website:

Attention Boaters There are Changes in Applying for a Pleasure Craft Licence Did you know that any pleasure craft powered by a motor over 10 hp (7.5 kW) must have a valid licence? A pleasure craft licence allows search and rescue personnel and other agencies to quickly identify your boat in the event of an emergency.

As of November 1, 2010, to get your free pleasure craft licence, you must mail the following documents to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre:

1.a completed application form;
2.proof of vessel ownership; and
3.a signed copy of a valid piece of government-issued identification. (Further information is available on the form.)
Application forms are available for download or for pickup in person through your local Service Canada Centre. For Service Canada locations, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca

www.tc.gc.ca

You must carry a copy of your Pleasure Craft Licence on board.


This new policy sparked considerable discussion among paddlers, since according to the definition provided - kayakers would meet the criteria.Thank goodness for some common sense.
It now appears there was a misunderstanding - see article below.


http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/946217--paddlers-to-enjoy-paperwork-free-summer