I’m back home in Wales after a tour that was at once exhausting and exhilarating. Over 19 days away, I gave 19 presentations in 11 different locations! It wasn’t quite quite one every day as I had the luxury of 2 days without presenting (and the day I arrived in Chicago). But at the bigger shows of Canoecopia & Jersey Paddler, I gave 2 or 3 talks within a few hours.

It was great to see familiar faces  – some of whom I see less than once a year. I met people I’ve heard about from mutual friends & folks who inspire me. One of my favourite comments was from a man who said that my films aren’t elitist and they ‘bring people along with me’. If that’s true then that’s a great achievement.

I was struck by what a community the paddlesports industry is – or can be. At the big shows, rival brands tout their wares next-to-each-other, then go for a beer together in the evening. We are all trying to have fun & make a living.  If we can work together to increase excitement for paddlesports then that has to be a good thing for businesses & participants.

I’d like to thank everybody who helped to arrange a presentation – lots of people worked hard to get things organised & to the friends and occasional kind stranger who put me up for the night. Thanks to the following shops for hosting talks – Rutabaga (Canoecopia) – Riverside Kayak Connection, Michigan – Alder Creek, Portland (OR) – Bay Creek, Rochester (NY) – Complete Paddler. Toronto – Trailhead, Ottawa – Canoe Imports, Burlington (VT) – The Kayak Centre (RI) & Jersey Paddler.

Thanks to Shawna & Leon from Body Boat Blade & Melinda Moree for spearheading the Seattle talk which raised well over $1,000 for the Washington Water Trails Association. Big thanks to Rob Avery & Valley Sea Kayaks who kindly paid to hire the magnificent Mountaineers building & Hilleberg – who sponsored me with a great tent and tarp for Tierra Del Fuego. Petra Hilleberg came along and donated 2 of those great tarps to the raffle. Local Olympian Greg Barton, who is featured in the DVD, came and donated a $100 voucher towards any Epic purchase. Kokatat donated a PFD.

I also had some play time, including a fun morning kayaking with Shawna, Leon, Seth & Erik at Deception Pass. And I enjoyed some fresh powder with Cheri & Turner, managing to get some snow time on 3 days, despite only having 1 day off. Thanks to Cheri & Turner and 4 Maine kayak shops for organising a great showing in Falmouth.

Thanks to everyone who came to a presentation – it wouldn’t have been much fun without you! The different crowds of enthusiastic people helped keep me excited about sharing the films, despite all the travelling. Thanks to Mark Morel for 2 Seattle photos & Kelly from Complete Paddler for the photo from his shop. Thanks again to the main sponsors, Kokatat & Valley. Valley Sea Kayaks generously sponsored the tour & paid for my internal flights & rental car.

This Saturday, I’m closer to home – presenting the DVD at Summit to Sea on Anglesey. If you are near by then come along and see some films! 6.30 for 7pm. The presentation will be about 70 minutes, followed by a curry.