MEC paddlefest

MEC paddlefest was held in Toronto June 12-13th at great location at Sunnyside Beach. Dreary weather didn't dampen the spirit of the event - lots of paddlers showed up from all over and the instructors provided extraordinary amount of expertise in packed sessions. Set just west of the downtown core Sunnyside Beach is easily within reach of the rowing club, yacht club and with some contrasting views of the highrise scenery as well as surrounding parkland.

Toronto Luminato 2010

Timing was perfect for a trip to Toronto - not yet too hot, green grass, pools just being opened, Luminato, AGO and paddlefest. Plus no security hassles to deal with the G20 - coming to Toronto, in the next two weeks. The G20 was the subject of considerable debate while I was in Toronto. Not just because of the enormous cost to taxpayers, but the phenomenal inconvenience for commuters, airport traffic and just getting around. Plus a few absurdities like building an artificial lake in the media centre.

Greenland Paddle Clinic at Terra Nova

We were very fortunate this year to have a great set up for the clinics at Sandy Pond in Terra Nova. A well protected shelter with wood stove fire, donated soup and chile were provied for folks coming off the water. Lots of volunteer help was the key to success. Sean for example,brought about a dozen hand made greenland paddles for folks to use in the clinics. Sharon pulled together a chili and Donna made a mean Black Bean Soup. Volunteers clinic leaders included: Malcolm Rowe - Turning into the Wind, Chris Lockyer - Towing Techniques, Greg Stamer - Greenland Paddling

Terra Nova KNL Retreat

The long Victoria weekend found one hundred and some kayakers in Terra Nova park for the tenth annual retreat.
Many gathered at Splash n Putt for meetings, breakfast and to recuperate.
Saturday was a great day - clear but a bit windy for the trip back.
We set out from Traytown and puttered along the Northeast Arm.

Hypothermia

Earlier this week Michael Pretty(Wilderness First Aid Instructor)presented some very useful reminders regarding hypothermia at our final KNL education session.
And he supervised a burrito wrap.The photo is from another source but the concept is similar. Additional points: control head, be gentle with person in hypothermia as they can be easily injured, remove wet clothes(particularly cotton), wrap in dry clothes, use a garbage bag and duct tape to create a diaper, climbing rope under wrap to create a weave in case the person has to be lifted.
You need: tarp next to ground, rope under tarp, foil wrap next to person, blanket.
Take off shoes.
Wrap like a burrito: which means bring bottom up, tuck corner, pull left then right sides in. Weave rope. Optional use of heat sources can be used: for example chemical heat padscan be placed under armpits. If the person is able to sip - warm water mixed with jello powder can recharge. But, water should not be hot otherwise it is counterproductive.
The consensus of the group is that we should practice these effective means of managing hypothermia throughout the summer,since even a short time in the Atlantic can lead to hypothermia.
Plus the ideal action would be to take a Wilderness Safety Course.
See: http://www.prettysafe.ca/

Forward stroke

Kayak Essentials: Forward Paddling (Long Boat) from Kayak Essentials on Vimeo.

Came across this interesting video.

Judo Tournament Success

The NL Provincial Judo Tournament was held last weekend - Nick was the lone representative from Kokoro Judo Club but managed to win a gold medal.