In between shoots, James Roberts is sweeping drifts of colorful leaves from the cedar deck overlooking Ontario Sea Kayak Centre’s (OSKC) waterfront on the Seguin River. His breath condenses in puffs of vapor in the sub-zero morning air. Why sweeping? Even with full thermal long underwear and his trademark Icelandic sweater layered beneath his drysuit, it’s an essential way to stay warm after repeatedly demonstrating the sculling brace and scramble self-rescue for Adventure Kayak TV cameraman, Dan Caldwell.
Together, Roberts and his partner, Dympna Hayes, have built OSKC into one of the country’s leading sea kayaking schools. Along with White Squall Paddling Centre, a 30-year institution on Georgain Bay, we couldn’t think of a two better ambassadors to star in an exclusive new Rapid Media video skills series featuring Ontario outfitters.
Earlier this fall, Adventure Kayak travelled to Parry Sound, Ontario, braving squally autumn weather and icy temperatures to film with Roberts, Hayes and Brian Pettinger of White Squall for the premier season of this new video series. Pettinger demonstrated several key strokes, while Hayes rounded out in-water rescues with an easy introduction to the fastest self rescue: the re-enter and roll.
Watch for the first episode of Adventure Kayak’s new video skills series, rolling out on Adventurekayakmag.com December 2014.
