Georgian BayIt's been a while, but I'm back.....back from a time out online, and co-incidently, back from my first kayak "workout" in some time.
Over the past two winter's I've had two surgeries, one on each shoulder to repair rotator cuff damage, long term damage due to weight bearing....I carry much heavy gear in my "day job" and it has taken it's toll on my 50 plus yr old shoulders.....both surgeries were successfull, but the recovery is a year long process.......excuses...excuses......
To make a long story short, I took part in a Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor / Guide school at White Squall (www.whitesquall.com) with the gracious consent of Tim Dyer who with his wife Kathy and son Jessie hosted my stay.
The Whitesquall guide school offers Level 1 Instructor certification, Guide certification and Level 2 Skills assessment as required. The seven day program includes a five day trip on Georgian Bay including classroom sessions before during and after, teaching clinics and ongoing skill assessment.
My left shoulder, (the most recent surgery), proved painfull on the first day of serious paddling and once we made camp at Snake Island, I decided to forgo the more difficult paddling in favor of healing. Teaching sessions on land and water were a go, and lighter paddling too, so I came home with a wealth of new experience, new paddling friends (an amazing group) and a mitt full of photos!
Here's a taste..........
Loadin' up!
Over the past two winter's I've had two surgeries, one on each shoulder to repair rotator cuff damage, long term damage due to weight bearing....I carry much heavy gear in my "day job" and it has taken it's toll on my 50 plus yr old shoulders.....both surgeries were successfull, but the recovery is a year long process.......excuses...excuses......
To make a long story short, I took part in a Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor / Guide school at White Squall (www.whitesquall.com) with the gracious consent of Tim Dyer who with his wife Kathy and son Jessie hosted my stay.
The Whitesquall guide school offers Level 1 Instructor certification, Guide certification and Level 2 Skills assessment as required. The seven day program includes a five day trip on Georgian Bay including classroom sessions before during and after, teaching clinics and ongoing skill assessment.My left shoulder, (the most recent surgery), proved painfull on the first day of serious paddling and once we made camp at Snake Island, I decided to forgo the more difficult paddling in favor of healing. Teaching sessions on land and water were a go, and lighter paddling too, so I came home with a wealth of new experience, new paddling friends (an amazing group) and a mitt full of photos!
Here's a taste..........
Loadin' up!
Squeezin' in...
Takin off!
Ahhhhh......
Landfall! Snake Island.
Study Lounge.
Stowed.
Red Sky.....
See the yaks....to the right of the island.
The perfect classroom!
Another perfect classroom!
....back to our roots...
Solstice Sunset 1
Solstice Sunset 2
Departure.
Lunch Break.
Welcome Back (Massasauga Rattler)This greatgroup all passed with honors! They are now all Level 1 Instructors certified by Paddle Canada, and full fledged Sea Kayak Guides! Congratulations all!
***
Posting this I've decided to wait (like my surgeon suggested) for the full year before taking on any "serious" kayaking challenges, I'll teach Paddle Canada Level1 Skills this year and work on regaining my shoulder strength and skills paddling where and when I can!
***
Cya on the water!
****Note*****
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