Name – Sean Smith (Fat Paddler)
Location – Sydney, Australia
Website: FatPaddler.com
Years paddling – 1
Favourite Paddle Craft – Valley Aquanaut HV RM
Greenland Paddle Suppliers – Adanac Rock Garden Series (Full GP and Storm), Elver Horizon, CohoKayak Greenlander
Why do you like the GP – It just feels so warm and comfortable in my hands, feels effortless through my shoulders and offers a quiet stealthy ride. Plus they annoy the paddling establishment and just look cool – haha!
Favourite place to paddle – Sydney Harbour, it has a little of everything
Most memorable paddle – I trekked into the backwoods of Alaska, with a folding kayak in a backpack, to the glacial lake of Bear Glacier (the biggest in the Harding Icefield). Once there I spent days paddling with seals amongst 10,000 year old icebergs. Truly incredible!
Most embarrassing paddling incident – First day paddling, came off my SOT kayak off Balmoral Beach and everytime I climbed back on, I fell back out. After 2 hours swimming I was towed to shore by a doctor that specialised in weight-reduction surgery who lectured me the whole way about my excessive weight. Then as he pushed me towards shore at the end of the tow, I fell in again in front of an old couple fishing who cracked up laughing.
What is your dream paddle trip – Antarctica, Greenland, British Columbia.. take your pick!
Final Comment – I don’t care what anyone says, I just love my greenland paddles!
I too am a slightly top heavy paddler currenty in a Q Kayaks Tui Excel and a Western Greenland style wooden kayak by Patrick Livens who also made the lovely laminated Greenland paddle and storm paddle that I normally use in both boats.