Well, how did you expect me to open today’s post with a picture like this?? Now, while I have your attention I’d like to let you know that yesterday we learned that Freya Hoffmeister will be attending Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin this spring, along with our other famous female sea kayaking glitterati. Freya will be doing a rolling demo as well as showing off her new Rockpool Underground. In addition, she will be joining a women’s panel at the show and possibly offering some rolling lessons in the are as well. I’ll certainly post that info when I have it. Now, if you’ve not heard of the new Rockpool “Underground”, it is a 3 piece, very low volume fiberglass rolling boat that her and Aled Williams have been working very hard on over the last while. It’s really quite a big deal, and something I’m quite excited about. As far as I know this will be the first time any Rockpool kayak will be on display at a paddlesports show in the states. Guys, Just remember that when you tell your partners why you’re hanging around the “Rockpool” table all day. . .

Repeat after me

; “Yes, honey I really have been thinking of getting into traditional kayaking for sometime. . Sure, I have too mentioned it before. . . remember that time when the kids were fighting and running through the house?? Yeah, and the dog ran out the door. . and the cat yakked on the couch. . . I told you all about it then. . Remember!?. . . but darling, it’s a Rockpool!!!”

Oh, and good luck! To make your story believable you’d better either put in your order for your new Rockpool right then and there, or at the very least buy a new traditional paddle at the show. (those are the ones that look like 2×4s. . . ). I also suggest you learn to use the word “Tuilik” pronounced too-e-leek, in a sentence. As in, “I really find Tuiliks fashionable” . . ” Somehow I still doubt you’ll get away with it.

But maybe this will help. It’s not written in stone yet, but Freya may also bring along her buddy, pal and special friend, Greg Stamer. (wow, feels good to get that out!!) For those of you out of the “traditional” loop, (that’s where we spell Kayak with a “Q”) Greg is really one of the pioneers of traditional paddling in the US and the man behind QajaqUSA.org. Greg came into the culture of Greenland kayaking much on his own in the beginning. Greg is proof that the truly determined can learn from books! Later he was mentored by John Heath and Greenland Champion Maligiaq Padilla. When the Greenland Championships were first opened to foreign kayakers Greg was right there. Competing in 2000 & 2002, he collected two gold and two bronze medals. In both events Greg earned the most points in the individual rolling event for his age group. In fact in 2000 he was the overall champion for his age group. It will be a real honor for us if he is able to join Freya. Certainly today’s rapidly growing traditional paddling culture owes so much to Greg for his tireless work to promote the sport throughout the states. Here in Wisconsin traditional kayaking is really just now taking off.

You know, now that I find myself looking at that picture again. . . . (sorry, really. . .) It got me wondering. . Does Freya make Reeds look good or do Reeds make Freya look good? Well, you know what a perfect match is don’t you? It’s when together, you bring out the best in each other. Reed and Freya are certainly a perfect match.