Anders Thygesen – Born 1971, Married with 4 children. Originally from from Denmark, but has lived in Norway since 1992. 3 years’ education as an outdoors guide, and 3 years’ education as an arts&crafts teacher.
Founded the company “Kajakkspesialisten” in 1996 and has since then worked full-time on building traditional kayaks and paddles, teaching others to build traditional kayaks and giving kayak technique courses. Involved with the Norwegian Canoe Association since 1998 as a member of the Technical Committee for Sea Kayaking. Among other duties, I was responsible for the sea kayak instructor education in the Canoe Association.
I have never “converted” to Greenland paddles as for me, sea kayaking is something you do with a stick! Of course, I have learnt the use of modern paddles as well over the years, but when I was first introduced to Sea kayaking it was in a Greenland kayak with a Greenland paddle! Thank god! It really got me hooked – I remember as if it was today and the feeling is still the same – pure joy, and a strong feeling of connection to nature itself, and the elements around me.
Beside my work as a kayak and paddle maker, I still spend a lot of time paddling my home built kayaks – Greenland kayaks of various designs, baidarkas, and sometimes odd mixtures and experiments. My favorite paddle design for all-round use is a simple shouldered Greenland paddle. My next big project is to paddle the entire Norwegian coast (nearly 3000 km) in a canvas covered baidarka and a simple Greenland paddle.
Website: Kajakkspesialisten.co
Email: anders.thygesen (AT) kajakkspesialisten.no
Love your kayaks and paddles Anders!