Shetland Kayak Courses

So far the summer has been pretty good with several spells of nice sunny days and calm conditions.
Trips round Muckle Roe, Papa Stour, Whalsay and the Out Skerries have given us some good days out and we've had several sightings of whales in the Whalsay sound.
Local paddling will continue up to the 25th June - I am then away to Greenland with two groups until 10th August.
Business as usual from then on.
Two extra NDK Explorers, food and equipment have been shipped out to Greenland ready for the summer and we are looking forward to exploring some new areas within the Ammassalik region - if conditions allow the first team hope to visit the 1930/31 base camp used by Gino Watkins team during the British Arctic Air Route Expedition.
The second trip is then heading about 100 miles north for Tugtilik (Lake Fjord) where Watkins died in 1932.

NEW ROCKPOOL WEB SITE

Mike has at last updated the Rockpool website and I am pleased to say several of my photo's have been incorporated into it.
Rockpool continue to develop and manufacture quality sea kayaks in a range of sizes to meet your requirements - the Alaw and Menai 18 were successfully put to the test during last years Greenland expeditions. www.rockpoolkayaks.com

Extra Greenland trip for 2009

Both this summers trips to Greenland are fully booked - as a result I am offering extra dates in August for any interested paddlers and taking bookings for 2010.

Flights to Iceland

Icelandair are about to cancel their service from Glasgow to Iceland KEF.
As a result all clients traveling out to Greenland next summer should book or re arrange their flights through either Manchester or Heathrow.

Palm Kayak Boots

I have just been testing out some boots from Palm. Sorry no picture. But visit http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/ to find out more.
The Nova and Kola are high leg neoprene boots like wellies - with a good ankle strap for security when walking or hauling kayaks.
They are well made and warm / dry, so long as you don't go over the top.
In the past I have used wellies but find them too cold.
I have used both types - the Nova is a little tighter on the calf but I can still pull it over my dry suit and thermal layers.
If the top strap is done up they are fine if swimming - water does get inside.
The Nova with the fabric top is a bit quicker to dry / air out.
I found them less bulky than the lace up Chota boots and far superior to the Chota pull on boots we used on our 2006 Greenland trip.
Cheaper too!!
I recommend you ask Santa for some if needing to replace your footwear this winter!

Shetland kayak Base

I am pleased to announce the recent link with Nigel Dennis www.seakayakinguk.com and the addition to his list of UK expedition centres.
Kayak courses and guiding services available to paddlers visiting Shetland.
Fleet hire also available to organised groups with their own leaders.
Accommodation and logistical support.
The fleet consists of 10 x NDK single kayaks - 2 x doubles and trailers.
Transport and pick ups also available.
info@seakayakadventures.co.uk

Greenland 2009 / 2010

There has been a lot of interest in these guided trips - the word has got around from folk this summer!

There are now three trips in the pipe line for next year - one has been fully booked since Nov 07 however there are a few places left in early July and mid August if you are interested - contact me for full details. info@seakayakadventures.co.uk

Nearer to home trips in Shetland are always available. www.seakayakadventures.co.uk