Name: Helen J. Wilson
Location: Arcata, California
Website: www.greenlandorbust.org
Years paddling: 3
Favourite Paddle Craft: That depends on my mood and what I’ll be doing with it. I paddle a Tahe Marine Greenland, a Valley Anas Acuta, a west Greenland skin-on-frame and a Necky Chatham 16.
Greenland Paddle Suppliers: Joe O’Blenis Paddles
Why do you like the GP: I enjoy paddling with something that has so much history behind it. I like the organic feel, the beauty and the simplicity of it. The GP, if custom made for the paddler, becomes an extension of the body. It is an ideal tool for all kinds of sea kayaking (surf, flat water, touring, rock gardens, rolling, etc). I also find that a GP is much gentler on the body than other style blades. With a GP there is no right way up, backwards or forwards, you just put it in the water and go.
Favourite place to paddle: I have paddled in many places around the world, and enjoy them all, but there’s something comforting about returning to my home spot… Trinidad, California.
Most memorable paddle: Wow. They are all memorable. Every location that I have paddled has offered something that sticks in my memory. I have paddled around the volcanos in the Aeolian Islands in Italy, listened to the crackle of icebergs in Greenland, watched the sunset over a never-ending lake in Michigan, had salmon jump around my kayak in the inlets of Alaska, rolled under the Golden Gate Bridge, swirled around in whirlpools at Deception Pass… I could go on and on.
Most embarrassing paddling incident: I haven’t really had that many of them (now that I wrote that, I’m sure that I will). As a new paddler I would capsize a lot (as in several times per paddle). I’d roll up and look around really fast to make sure that no one saw me fall over… again. I was constantly reminded by more experienced paddlers that I needed to work on my bracing skills.
What is your dream paddle trip: I have many. I am looking forward to a short expedition that Dubside and I are planning in Spring 2010. I am also excited about paddling in two locations in Iceland in May, returning to Italy in the summer and hopefully a Faroe Islands expedition.
Final Comment: I have lots of them in my blog, www.greenlandorbust.org 
Welcome to the site Helen. Nice looking paddle by the way
Cheers…Joe O’
Thanks for posting your profile! What amazing paddling experiences you have had!
Nice paddle too!
PS Just saw Dubside in the This is the Sea 4, looks like the coolest guy!
Having paddled and taught classes with Helen, I just want to remark on what an accomplished paddler she is and that I regard her as one of life’s truly inspirational people.
Helen is a considerate and skilled teacher as well as being a virtuoso performer in a boat. Whilst people may connect helen with her obvious rolling talents, it should not be overlooked that she has the sort of coaching qualities that would make any kind of workshop or clinic enjoyable and engaging.
All the best to one of a kind
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