One year has passed

So far the year 2024 has not been among the best. But of course not all bad. Lots of good things happen, but there sure has been difficulties. Among the many positive things is the development of the paddle making business. I feel I have developed and mastered new ways of making very beautiful quality paddles. And it pays off... I'm shipping lots of paddles both inland and abroad. The typical feedback is that people are very pleased with the paddles they buy here in my web shop. The way they look and the way they perform. And people feel they get very good value for their money. Speaking of wich: the Norwegian currency has dropped value compared to almost all other bigger currencies, so when you shop from another country, you save quite a lot, compared to what things would cost you a year or two ago. If you know someone in need of a paddle, please spread the word!

Among the difficultiies is the development in the kayaking- and various build-class business. I can't remember ever having so few classes that I have had so far this year.  Speaking with others doing kayaking classes, it seems to be a general tendency, at least in Norway. I hope it won't last. That would make my work a bit dull in the long run.

One great class we did was in Jersey - paddle making with Jersey shore canoe club. We managed to see some of the island as well, and do a bit of paddling in the stunning and very special coastal environment surrounding the island. Many thanks to our great hosts, Nicky and Kevin Mansell.

Having a bit more free-time from courses, we have spent some time paddling, wich is good. Lots of little trips for amusement and exercise in our local waters. Some trips for fun and fishing to the near archipalago and some nice trips in Northern Norway again. Our favourite destination is still Brønnøysund. 

In the workshop apart from paddle making and some classes, There has been quite a bit of kayak building activity. Right now, there are these two beauties:

The double was built in a class many years ago, and deserved new skin. The tiny one is one of the new rolling kayaks I have made recently. You may think a rolling kayak is an odd product. But for some people, rolling is a serious sport that needs serious equipment. Jon David Jenssen, our local rolling champion came second in this year's official Swedish rolling championship. Wich was not good enough for him. So now we work closely together to make him his PERFECT rolling kayak.

Testing with temporary skin on (plastic) shows that we found the right size for Jon Davids new kayak.

...and today with real skin on. It will take some more coats of varnish before it is finished, but within a week or two, it's ready to roll.

It's already October, and we're getting ready to travel to our favourite kayaking event - the Delmarwa paddler's retreat.