Comments on: Lynched

By: Gordon Brown

Gordon Brown — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 22:13:00 +0000

Now that I have a firm date for the book on the book shelves and all the final proof reading is out the way.... For the first time since that podcast I have had time to sit down and surf the web and see what controversy I seem to have caused. A number of the anonymous posters have hit it on the head. Now that I have a life (and a wife) back I hope to respond .

Any advice on where best to do this would be welcome as would any personal emails to info@skyakadventures.com

There was dug out canoe on the loch where where I started paddling which has been dated as 3000 years old - I'd love to see their paddles!

Happy Paddling whatever the flavour ( or should that be flavor?)

Remember we have been descibed as two countries separated by a common language

Very Best wishes

Gordon

By: Mike J

Mike J — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 06:03:00 +0000

Just got back from a day on the saltchuck with my GP. I have paddled over 600 mile this year with my GP, and some of it in quite nasty conditions. I have to say I felt much more comfortable with my GP (I had a euro paddle on the back deck as a spare and used it to surf on Nootka Island. For me, Greenland paddles just work better! They are gentler on my body and more fun. I do remember feeling put out when Derek Hutchinson (the designer of two of my boats) would not let me take a class with him using my GP!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 23:05:00 +0000

It seems Gordon’s comments have caused quite a stir on the other side of the Atlantic. Good is my reply to that. Why – we should never be afraid to challenge, provoke thought and reflection.

Modern in my opinion is something which embraces change, evolution and actively promtes experimentation with new approaches. Greenland style paddling doesn’t (as far as I’m aware) have this approach – yes the Inuit knew a thing or two about sea kayaking but preserving and maintaining tradition isn’t modern. It’s not second rate or to be looked down upon – it’s a equal within the sport of sea kayaking but modern isn’t a term which I would use to describe it.

As to Alex’s comments about it not being a wise move for one of the ‘head BCU guys’ in terms of PR – I would be worried if they all followed an ‘agreed’ standpoint and didn’t challenge things – that’s one of the greatest strength’s of the BCU coaching scheme.

Finally bear in mind that the English language and the way it is used to convey meaning and expressions varies greatly from one side of the Atlantic to the other. That said Gordon isn’t afraid of speaking his mind which is a good thing

By: Ross Mueller

Ross Mueller — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 15:02:00 +0000

I like Gordon Brown; he was very kind to me at a FL symposium.
I like my Greenland paddle; it was very good to me in heavy water on L. Superior.
Ross

By: derrick

derrick — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:59:00 +0000

Thanks Thomas. Yep, that’s the vein I wondered if GB would go down. Making such a “curt” remark tends to get the hotheads going. It would be nice to hear the reasoning. I may not agree with any of it, but at least it would be a discussion and not a battle.

Yeah, I’m off to the pool today myself. Spending this winter getting my offside stuff working. .