Chile and the 3rd South Pacific Sea Kayaking Symposium

To have been invited back in 2013 to the first Sea Kayak Symposium in South America, was very special.  Two years later and having just finished the 3rd SKPS I feel very privileged, to be part of a great coaching team, with a well organised event and to work with the wonderful Chilean people.

The first two events had been in November and this year, the 4 days were moved to December.  We had 3 super sunny days, although the Patagonian wind was still present on two of those days, the venue of Chaihuin provided suitable shelter and challenge.

Our first evening in Chaihuin, was very special and the local community were the food is served produced a cocktail buffet of local produce.  The time, effort and love each had put into the preparation was clear.  Many thanks.

The Great team of Eduardo Saldias, Jorge Muller Roberto Saldias (with the cap).

The first morning as sea kayaks arrived (high proportion of P&H) and were unloaded was colourful and my sessions for the 4 days ranged from Rough Water Rescues, Coastal Navigation and Tidal Paddling - practical and Rock Gardening x2 days.

I let the photos below tell there story ....

Paulo and his Rockpool Taran 16, who was my super interpreter for 2 days.  Many thanks my friend, it was hugely appreciated.

Working with James from Anglesey, UK (one on the left)  was great and we had some good conditions for the rock gardening.  The before, as the wave hits and ...

The after ....

My final day was working with Nick (from Anglesey, UK) and who's Spanish has really developed - nice one fella.  The day although bright and sunny had a stronger wind and a bigger swell was running.   Areas to work were chosen carefully!! It was also good to be working with students earlier in the week and to see their progress ....

After a fantastic surprise evening meal, in a beautiful venue - a wooden shack in the woods, with a big fire pit.  An Asado was cooked for us all.  This is a traditional Chilean bar b que of a sheep slowly cooked on a big spit.  It was so delicious and a really special end to the event.  Once again, I had left my camera behind, so no pictures, sorry!!

The next morning we said our good byes, as a few of the coaching team were going straight to the airport.  While the rest of us travelled back the hostel in Valdivia.  I'll write another Blog soon about my travels and adventures in Chile, but for now a BIG thanks to www.pueblitoexpediciones.cl  and the super friendly people of Chile, for such a wonderful time.  

Ciao, gracias.

Roger

www.coastalspirit.com

 

Getting to the Pacific ...

Today my aim was to get a bus to the Pacific Ocean and a small village called Niebla about 17k away and for 500 peso what a bargain (about 60p). I don't tend to do public transport as I've often got a kayak on the roof or a mtb in the back of the van, so my comfort zone was feeling stretched.

A walk down a short track and I was treated to this stunning view ... There was also a few pelicans drifting about to the right so I headed across. 

I sat and watched them for a hour or so, layer out on some flat rocks .. It's all about acclimatisation, isn't it?

Then headed on to the next beach round another small headland and I was treated to a small arch in a rock pillar ...

It was early afternoon and I was getting hungry and I fancied my chances of improving on the previous days food ordering and at the same time making sure I ordered no shellfish (due to reaction I had in Ireland, which I think was down do eating a fish chowder).  So Salmon with spicy mash potato and a beer ... Whoop, whoop happy days and it was all delicious. 

                          

I wandered back to the road and where I had walked on to the beach at the start of the day. It was now busier than before, It was hot and a swell was running which was dumping from time to time ...

I got a bottle of water and a ice cream, an essential element of acclimatisation and looked for the likely location that the number 20 would stop at for my return journey. 10 mins and I was back on a bus heading for Valdiva and happy with my days exploration. 

James Manke from Vancouver Island, Canada has just arrived at the hostel after a 16 hour or so flight. I'm sure it's just about to busier here ...

I came across a really interesting Blog which ringed true for me and it was about discomfort. Traveling to a Country where I speak very little to no Spanish, has felt uncomfortable at times, a different sort of challenge and also exciting. Having time and no schedule I feel has helped me to set the pace and adjust. Ordering the wrong meal  was ok, in fact I smiled and Iaughed. 

http://zenhabits.net/discomfort-ruin/

Roger

North Wales sea kayaking