Greenland Paddler Mini-Profile: Christopher Crowhurst

Name – Christopher Crowhurst

Location – Minnesota, USA

Website – www.christophercrowhurst.com

Years paddling – 32

Favourite Paddle Craft – Tahe Greenland

Greenland Paddle Suppliers – Betsie Bay Kayak, Joe O’Blenis

Why do you like the GP – There is more to paddling a GP than just paddling, it evokes a different feeling in me than simply sticking a piece of carbon into the water and accelerating my kayak. The feel of the wood, the craftsmanship of the paddle and the tradition of the strokes, rolls and rescues all create a wonderful feeling on continuing the evolution of a mode of transport that has become a sport. And let us not forget its better on my bones, joints, ligaments and muscles.

Favourite place to paddle – Kauai, Na Pali coast.

Most memorable paddle – Paddling a double up the Hanalei river and for the first time my wife Jacquelyn getting the real feeling of the forward stroke. To celebrate we rode the current out into the ocean and surfed back in on her first ever wave over the bar – she was squealing with delight!

Most embarrassing paddling incident – Every paddle is a learning moment, but the best has to be launching in Lake Superior last summer and ending up going over headfirst into 37F water without my butt even making it into the seat. My daughters laughed so hard I though they were going to fall in too.

What is your dream paddle trip – My family in our fleet of kayaks paddling on a warm summers day across the lakes, sharing a picnic rafted together and taking a post lunch swim in the warm water.

Final Comment – There is no better feeling than teaching your children how to be safe afloat, and then sitting on the shore with a glass of wine watching them messing about in boats.