The story of Greenland Paddling in pictures and words - told by some of the most experienced practitioners. From the revival of interest in Greenland, through the spread of the 'movement' round the world, you will come to understand what fun you can have with this dimension of kayaking.

There's more to this title than meets the eye...
John sets the stage for the weekend, with a wake-you-up-and-make-you-think session.

The many areas you must consider if your trip is going to be a happy one. Using a case-study approach, this session touches on basic safety, weather, food, choice of destination, etc – all important factors in getting home with a smile on your face.

If you're an old hand at trips, you may want to consider going to Paul's advanced session later in the day.

Three wise men show us the options for sailing into the west (or East - in Colin's case). Fore-and-aft rigs, collapsible masts - just some of the lateral thinking and broad experience of this adventurous threesome.

Presented by Colin Quilter, Gerry Maire and Kevin Dunsford- this will be a 'show & tell' session.

At the last Symposium, in 2004, the session with DoC (NZ’s Department of Conservation) was very much enjoyed. Attendees were very positive about the opportunity to hear DoC's plans and to respond with ideas and opinions from the perspective of the Sea Kayaking community

Two years on, it’s time to see what has been achieved and what is now in the pipeline. We look forward to an update on DoC's progress and plans for the facilities in the region.

DoC have promised to bring staff from the Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, & Waikato Conservancies – so we anticipate an even wider scope than in 2004.

Moderated by Debbie Dunsford, this session will inform us - the paddling community - and allow us to voice our hopes for DoC's way forward. Come and contribute to the future.

DoC Personnel:
Matt Ward (Auckland), Lynnell Greer (Northland),Peter Carter (Coromandel), Trevor Hornby (Waikato).

Expedition-level trip planning. What to focus on and how to use your trip planning time to foresee and prepare for the challenges of a major trip.

If you’re only just getting into trips – or happy doing weekend ones – the Basic Trip Planning session (earlier in the day) might be of more use to you.

Paul Caffyn should need no introduction, as he has virtualy defined modern long-distance kayak expeditions. Circumnavigations of NZ, Australia, Japan, UK, etc more than equip him to tell us how to do it.

How to keep your kayak happy. Not to mention you !

Covering prevention and repair, this session will talk about pre- & post-season upkeep, what to do during and after each paddle, tools and spares you should consider carrying on trips, fixing minor and more serious problems (Scott says he'll bring a grinder !). In short, pretty much everything a plastic or composite boat-owner needs to know.

Scott has a background of years in Kayak retail, rental and running guided tours - in several locations in NZ and Canada - so he has a wealth of practical experience to keep kayaks 'happy'.

Presented by Scott Waterfield, MD of Paddling Perfection, this will be a 'show & tell' session.

"I clenched the small spotlight between my teeth allowing me to keep both hands on my paddle ready to brace. It's sharp beam illuminating a crevasse on the back wall.  Dave waits, his eyes sharper still, for the trough to expose the small opening enough to allowing him to pass into the blackness beyond."  Shear lunacy and other tales of the Northern California Coast.

Marcus is a visiting American Instructor - engaged in a several-month-long paddling holiday round New Zealand. He will share his experiences of some of his home waters - with words and pictures.

A very practical session on making an extremely good paddle from a lump of wood. Detailed instructions will be accompanied by exhibits of paddles at various stages in the construction process - and a good discussion of what not to do, and how not to do it.

Presented by Carl Brown, Steve Levett and Neil Watson - this will be a 'show & tell' session.

• What is a greenland paddle?  (5 minutes) - The session looks at the construction of a west greenland paddle.  This style of paddle is one of many.  See handout showing different styles.  Outline general characteristics. - narrow blade, loom, shoulders.  West greenland is good for general paddling, rolling, etc.  Storm paddles.  Neil. 
• Why use a greenland paddle? (5 minutes) - Pros and cons.  Cost, fun, versatility, easy on the body, etc.  Carl. 
• Making a paddle - Materials (5 minutes) - Types of wood (exotic & native), grain orientation, standard stock size  off the shelf  eg. 90 x 40 x 2.4m cedar, shoulder and tip armouring, laminating, glues, etc.  See samples of wood, etc. Neil. 
• Making a paddle - Tools & safety (5 minutes) - See tools used.  Pros and cons of equipment.  Safety aspects - sharp tools, dust, epoxy (clean up with vinegar), oil soaked rags combusting, etc.  Introduced by Carl. 
• Making a paddle - Dimensions  (5 minutes) - How to determine overall length, loom length, blade width, loom diameter, shoulder shape, tip shape, etc.  Neil. 
• Making a paddle - Cutting & shaping (15 minutes)  - See paddles completed to various stages.  Carl and Steve will set up and demonstrate cutting stages and shaping using various tools.  Carl. 
• Making a paddle - Finishing, protection and maintenance (5 minutes) - Discuss finishing and protection methods.  Pros and cons.  Sanding, oiling, varnish, epoxy, etc.  Neil. 
• Greenland paddle technique (10 minutes) - Different strokes, blade angle, power, hand position, etc.  Greg Stamer introduced by Steve Levett & Neil Watson. 

Women have distinct advantages rolling a kayak. Heavier hips and lighter shoulders make women natural rollers. We will discuss and explore how to make the most of your combination of strength and flexibility.

Why build one ? How would you set about it ? Would you enjoy the process and/or the result ? Come along and find out !

Modern skin-on-frame construction substitutes less evil-smelling materials for seal-skin, but captures the lively & responsive performance and the minimalist flavour of their Inuit origins.

Presented by Tony Calvert, Steve Dorrington and Pete Notman - this will be a 'show & tell' session.

The Greenland four - with some help from local friends - will show us what it's all about.
The big decks and grassy banks at the Waterwise complex will let us all watch the show.

Copyright © 2005 Coastbusters Sea Kayak Association Incorporated
PO Box 101-257,
NSMC, Auckland, New Zealand
www.coastbusters.org.nz
redteam@coastbusters.co.nz