The Stern Fathers

In today's modern world, a child still looks upon nature as a great mystery but with an immense disconnect. Good fathers put a child in the bow of their canoe and steer the investigation to ensure that immutable link to our natural world is established and understood. These are the "Stern Fathers".

___________________________________________________

"Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education." ~ David Polis

___________________________________________________

Daddy-Daughter Canoe Session with Fat Paddler from Fat Paddler on Vimeo.
Awaking in the dark, daddy and his nearly 7 year old daughter head off for a canoe adventure in the nearby Ku-ring-gai National Park. An adventure of discovery, bonding, and of course a hot breakfast out in the bush!

Proudly brought to you by FatPaddler.com and BADGER® Paddles.

___________________________________________________

Your deepest roots are in nature.  No matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of life you lead, you remain irrevocably linked with the rest of creation." ~ Charles Cook

___________________________________________________

So paddles up in gratitude to all the Fathers (like Poppa Badger!) who took their place at the stern and escorted us to those wild places, and who taught us that Nature is our teacher. A special thanks, also, to Sean Smith (a.k.a. The Fat Paddler) and his adorable daughter Gracie for sharing one of their very special and inspirational adventures, all the way from Australia, in honour of Father's Day. Plus an extra special thanks to our Mike for being Makobe's special friend, his protector, and his teacher - you are an exceptionally kind and loving Father to a boy with many exceptionalities. You, Mike, are truly a hero to me... and to your son.

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Poppa!

Testimonials - Getting To The Heart Of It

We have received many heartwarming emails from paddlers over the past few years about their Badger® paddle(s). Some even ended up serving as testimonials. Some of these testimonials make us feel pride in our work and relationships with other paddlers, others have wowed us, a couple have made us smile, one or two made us laugh, and the most recent messages received actually made us tear up with emotion!

It may sound a little weird to think that a customer testimonial could make a business owner laugh or get all teary eyed, but it happens! Especially when we put so much thought and effort into each paddle and what (in our case Badger®) our business stands for.... when each thing we do or make contains so much of us, ourselves. It becomes.... well.... it becomes very personal. For us, there really is a piece of ourselves in every paddle we make. So, yes, sometimes a person's reaction can evoke pretty strong emotions for an artisan. I can say this because I speak from experience. It really means a lot to us when our customers, clients, and friends, share their experiences and thoughts with us about Badger®.

Here is a small collection of those testimonials and messages that fall into some of the categories referred to above:

Read Sean Smith's full review here:Badger® Paddles Review - Fatpaddler.com

We first were wowed by the great and lengthy review from The Fatpaddler. We felt really lucky to have made it onto ( author and paddling adventurer) Sean Smith's radar. As fans of Sean's, and followers of The Fatpaddler blog, we were really excited to see our paddles in the hands of someone "down-under" and a welcomed part of Fatpaddler's web-based chronicle. (Besides writing the popular blog, Sean also wrote a book depicting his near-death experiences, his struggle within the abyss of depression, and finding his way out again with the help of taking up paddling and the support of his new and loving family. It is inspirational and a "must read"!)
Read Sean Smith's full review here: Badger® Paddles Review - Fatpaddler.com

But then... We were wowed again when we received this testimonial from Hap Wilson, artist, author, environmentalist, photographer and the Eco Trailbuilder, himself! Both Mike and I had read Hap's work and used his Temagami Guide book (the "bible" for canoe tripping in Temagami, ON) for years, and were in awe of his powerful history, his fascinating life and his impressive accomplishments.

"In this age of 'techno-gear' you don't often come across any hand-made products that really stand out. Badger Paddles is the exception. ... Every avid paddler needs a 'real' paddle, and I love my Badger" ~Hap Wilson

Read Hap Wilson's full testimonial here: Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials

We were just this past week also given another surprise testimonial from Hap Wilson, this time by way of an illustration to be published in his new Trans Canada Trail Path of the Paddle Guidebook. One of the scenes decorating the iconic map for the Maukinak Trail actually depicts two Digger paddles! WOW!

Take a look here: Maukinak Trail Map ~ Hap Wilson - Eco Trailbuilders.

Also... Mike Wenholz sent us a testimonial message a while back, and it made us smile really big!

"I bought a Sliver in cherry, and really like the paddle.  It's the first otter tail-style paddle I have owned.  I have been learning to paddle the canadian stroke, knifing the paddle back through the water on the recovery, often keeping the paddle in the water the entire stroke.  This paddle has made learning this stroke much easier.

Also, while battling significant whitecaps that were coming from two directions (across the lake and down an angling bay) the length of the paddle made it possible for me to keep us headed in the right direction with speed by reaching out wide to steer us through the angling waves." ~Mike Wenholz

Read Mike's full testimonial here: Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials

Scott's made us smile big too, we love when people feel the strength of our paddles:
“I've used the paddle on some trips. I must say I love it!
It's solid, sturdy and it produces power.
 I had little trouble fighting the current of the Vermilion River.” ~ Scott H.

We definitely felt a sense of pride when we read the following comments from Roger Parnis:

Photo credit: Roger Parnis

"Hi Fiona and Mike, I just got back from a 3 day trip to Little Trout Lake and I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the paddle you made for me. The oil rub on the handle and shaft make it grip wet or dry. This was the most important feature to me. I found I had more power and control over the canoe than my previous paddle. The glossy finish on the blade looks great on my wall too! So it's the best piece of gear I've bought in a long time. Thank you." ~ Roger Parnis

But then there was the Angelina testimonial from Marcus:

"Had a new paddle arrive this week,a Badger Paddles Sliver. Shape wise it's an elongated ottertail,the timber is cherry. It's the Angelina Jolie of the paddle world,very long,very lean and totally sexy!! Using it is an absolute joy,very easy to move through the water,very slick it made underwater recovery very very easy.I was also surprised at the speed I managed from it." ~M. Grose

Marcus Grose's testimonial came at the same time that Angelina Jolie was in the news for sticking her leg out from under her highly split dress at the Oscars. There was even a Twitter account made for it called @AngiesRightLeg. So we couldn't help but laugh out loud when we read Marcus' comment regarding the association between the sexy Angela Jolie and our paddles! Right away the wacky thought of Angelina's famous right leg becoming a paddle came to mind. I (Fiona) sent Marcus the image (see the Angelina picture on left) for a laugh after receiving his email. I still smile when I think about that "very long, very lean and totally sexy" Badger paddle leg and the wonderful testimonial Marcus sent us. Thanks Marcus!!!
Read Marcus' full testimonial here: Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials

Another great review came from Nige Ayers (founder of the Simply Canoe and C-wav) complete with pictures which can be read here: Badger Sliver In The U.K. Thanks again Nige!

But the one unexpected testimonial that made both of us (Mike and I) actually tear up was this message just recently received from Ian. He took note of all the things that matter most to Mike and I as paddlers, paddle-makers, and outdoor enthusiasts:

“there's a lot of ideas about paddles out there -- i'm just advocating for things as i see 'em -- i notice little things, the subtle thickening of the shaft just before the blade, fine edges on the sides, stoutness still at the blade end, a well grained wood in a solid serviceable, not show-room-gloss finish, -- i see a lot of over-engineered laminate and composite paddles, or the clever and finely finished furniture grade pieces...i mean, they are nice, and i appreciate them for what they are -- but there is an elegant functional simplicity to (my) badger paddle that really works for me -- i wouldn't mind hanging it on my wall or snubbing off a rock in mild moving water mid-expedition. one the fantastic things about canoeing is the intersection between simplicity, aesthetic, and solid functionality and the badger paddle hits it dead centre...then factor in being able to banter 'bout paddle-stuff at a show with the paddle-maker...that's almost master-card priceless...” ~Ian Hanna

This hand painted ambigram paddle also came
with a laser engraved sparkly blue peace sign and
a personally written message to "Saffyr" from her Uncle's
own hand. This ambigram says "Saffyr" one way and
"Peace" when looked at from another angle.
Besides being one of Fiona's most favourite
commissions ever, it also led to a very cute
and personal video message that us Badgers will never forget!

But, truly, when all is said and done, one of our most favourite paddler portageur testimonials ever, came by way of a personal "surprise" video from Preston of Portageur.ca* starring his sixteen year old paddling and portaging niece Saffyre (a.k.a. "Saffyr" - belonging to the next great generation of paddlers portageurs) whose thankful smile stole our hearts, made us laugh, made me (Fiona) shed a tear, and helped us become truly aware of how thankful we are for being able to connect with such wonderful people like "Saffyr Peace" and YOU!

So a heartfelt thank you to all of our paddling friends who have taken the time to write to us and tell us how much they genuinely dig their paddles. Everyone of you has impacted our lives and business in a way that we will be forever grateful for. Thank you. No really... THANK YOU!!!

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

*Scroll to near the bottom of this Portageur.ca blog posting (Christmas gift ideas) to read the short back story on this very special paddle for his very special paddling niece.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 6

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Sixth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Screen shot of The Wolf Den website.

Wolf Den Bunkhouse 'n Cabins

Day 5 we mentioned Algonquin. And what goes paw in paw with Algonquin Park? Answer: The Wolf Den. If you make a gift out of a trip to Algonquin Park, the Wolf Den is one of the places we would recommend you stay. Built on the spirit of community and the love of nature, The Wolf Den is one of the most friendly of places you will come to know. Known as Muskoka's hostel, the property also has private cabins available too. They also have an Education Centre that offers half-day workshops and guided hikes on topics such as plants, survival skills, wildlife tracking and connecting with nature. Just situated outside of the park's West Gate, The Wolf Den is also the perfect spot to stop for a night before and/after a canoe trip into the park's interior.

A tale of overcoming the emotional
and physical obstacles Sean faced,
this inspirational story is a great gift for
paddlers and non-paddlers alike!

We have friends who dig the Wolf Den (and the people there, like Ben) so much that they have made it a tradition to stay there whenever they are on a multi-day canoe trip into the Park. We have even stayed there ourselves with Sean Smith, author of The Fat Paddler (which by the way, is a book that should make your gift list as well this year! Check it out here: The Fat Paddler Book) and we were really diggin' it too. Seeing that we all have too much stuff and most of us need to reconnect with our natural world and each other, giving the gift of a stay at the Wolf Den will prove to be an experience that will bring treasured moments and memories to any person's life. 

The Beaver Cabin were we stayed with Sean (The Fat Paddler)

Because you can't wrap up life experience in a box and put a bow on it, we would definitely put the gift of a stay at the Wolf Den under the heading of non-traditional gifts - with a tag marking it as "priceless".

How Owning a Paddle Company (Probably) Saved My Life

On mother's day I posted a picture of my Mom and I canoeing in the Haliburton region. This picture was taken sometime in the nineties, and I noticed - while I was looking for a suitable photo to post for this mother's day - that the picture of my Mom and I was eerily similar to most of our photos of past canoe and camping trips. And I thought about how different those pictures would be - if taken now - after owning Badger® Paddles.

Even though I love this picture - there is something missing.

When I started Badger® Paddles a few years ago with my husband, Mike, the business brought many challenges to our lives as well as some wonderful connections with some really amazing people. Badger also allowed me an excuse to research and read paddling stories and blogs from around the world. (One of my most favourite past times). In doing so, I was researching and looking for great content to share with our friends, customers, and followers. But what I didn't anticipate was that, because of Badger® Paddles and because of that research, that one day I would gain a knowledge that could quite possibly save my life in the future.

Mike in his younger days. Again, something is missing.

Thus day after day, I would watch for stories about paddling, canoeing, and kayaking. When I would come upon something I felt would be interesting or entertaining to our audience, I would share it via our social media network on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or even this very blog.

It didn't take long for me to realize that a great number of canoeing stories that hit the main stream media are not feel-good stories. No. They are about drowning. Cold water deaths and other fatal drowning accidents were a definite reoccurring theme in the news. So was the fact the majority of these drowning victims were NOT wearing a PFD or life jacket. It didn't matter how much experience one had in a canoe or how well one could swim. Even the those with an abundance of knowledge and experience were victims of drowning. And time and time again, there was even another recurring theme: If the victims had been wearing their PFD, their lives very well could have been saved.

Nothing missing from this picture!

Interestingly enough, I found you can only become aware of so many of these stories before you start to see yourself in them. Or your dad or your husband. Or even your child. The words "If they had been wearing their life-jackets, they would have survived." became common place in the stories I was researching. After a while, it started echoing in my head when I would get near a canoe.

Fiona paddling on a sunny September day wearing her PFD.
Picture taken by Sean Smith of FatPaddler.com

Now I make sure to wear a life jacket when ever I paddle. A practice that could quite possible save my life one day in the future. I will wear one even on a nice day without any rough weather. I know too much not to after everything I have read and seen and paid attention to. And while it is not always the most comfortable, I now realize that wearing my PFD is a choice that could mean the difference between life and death in an any sort of water incident. Before I had Badger® Paddles in my life, I was one of the many who bring a PFD along but would rarely actually wear one. Having a paddle company has definitely opened my eyes to the dangers of that habit. It is NOT enough to bring it with you. You have to put it on. It could save your life. If you don't believe me - just keep your eye on the news.

The Fat Paddler's 2011 Grab Life By The Shaft Tour - Algonquin Park Edition

As I walked with the canoe planted on my shoulders towards the water, I could hear Sean's excited declaration "It's so Canadian!". Sean was about to really paddle a Canadian lake for the first time*. It would also be his first taste of Algonquin. And he was more then ready for it.

The Fat Paddler's 2011 Grab Life By The Shaft Tour

- Algonquin Park Edition -

A Trip Report by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

"Thinking of a brief side-trip into Canada again"
When the email came thru from author and paddler, Sean Smith (a.k.a. The Fat Paddler), that he was thinking of coming to Canada again, this time with hopes to do some paddling while experiencing a much warmer season, it was hard to contain my excitement. His last attempt to paddle in Lake Ontario was during one of the coldest of our months (January) and, although it was beyond freezing, the very tough & hefty Auzzie did live to tell the tale. But this was the end of our summer season this time, and The Fat Paddler was about to be in for a real Canadian paddling treat!

He was picked up by my mom (a.k.a. Gramma Badger) at the Husky station in Bradford (on Saturday morning) and finally arrived around noon to be whisked away in the Badger® Paddles truck for a tour that included a stop at Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville... and the very Canadian(??) Pizza Pizza franchise for a quick lunch.

"Can't take you to Algonquin without a trip to the Outfitters"
When we finally arrived at AO, Sean was delighted by the store and all it contained. Of course, he was able to sniff out the paddle section just like he can sniff out those sausages, and was soon drooling over the many paddles in the Algonquin Outfitters' racks.

Service with a smile:
Randy from AO -
Huntsville sports his
new Fat Paddler hat!

With Sean about to take on the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic again this October (111 km paddle thru-out the night, people!!) he was keen on getting a bent-shaft wide bladed paddle that was made from timber. He really liked the warmth and feel of timber over some of the other materials he was using and was wishing for the perfect paddle for this monster marathon. So it wasn't long before his eyes landed on a Whiskey Jack bent shaft paddle. But not just any Whiskey Jack. This particular paddle was laminated with some pieces of uniquely burled redwood. It was absolutely stunning!

When Randy offered Sean a deal he couldn't refuse (there are so many great sales going on at AO right now you wouldn't believe it!! Seriously, you gotta check it out!) Sean had to take the paddle home with him. Even though there was a distributor for Whiskey Jack in Australia, Sean knew he wouldn't come across a special paddle, as perfect for it's Hawkesbury purpose as it was beautiful, and so this one had to be his. So you can imagine how eager he was to put it to the test as soon as possible! (Check out FatPaddler's website for pictures and more details ... I don't want to ruin it for Sean... he'll want to show you all, himself!!!)

So we threw a Badger Paddle Sock on the paddle to protect his new (and beautiful) purchase and made our way to Algonquin Park. But first we had to make a stop at Swift Canoe at Oxtongue (just outside the Park) to pick up a canoe. Sean was not only lucky enough to be experiencing clear sunny skies, but he was also fortunate enough to meet Bill Swift, the owner and founder of Swift Canoe & Kayak.  Bill took some time with us and showed us some of the new Barracuda cloth samples (there was a turquoise that was to die for!) while we looked around at the canoes.  Then Beth, from Algonquin Outfitters, gave Sean a tour of the facilities which included a glimpse of the tripping/guiding gear rooms.

Upon arrival at the sunny Rock Lake Access Point.

Eventually, we picked up a Keewaydin and tied it down on the racks of the Badger® Paddles' truck. We were both hoping for a Swift Winisk but the boys were busy with lots of customers so Sean & I took what we could get and got on the road. There was a lake waiting to be explored, after all!

Blue Lake & Rocky Shore
When we arrived at the Rock Lake put in, we were both ready for a little paddling adventure. We packed the paddles (lots of 'em!), a safety kit, some drinking water, put on our PFD's and hit the water. Between the fresh air and the sunshine, Sean soon settled in as best as he could while I prattled on in the bow. But Sean, ever the gentleman, politely matched my conversation while he tried to take in all he could of his picturesque surroundings.

Enjoying the beauty of Rock Lake, Algonquin Park.

As Sean tested his new Whiskey Jack paddle, he also tried out a Badger® or two as well, as we paddled along. I used my Butternut Tripper for the entire trip as I always enjoy it's weightless feel. However, I was a bit disappointed when, as we made our way across the lake, I realized that we had yet to be lucky and spot any wildlife. As we crossed the second bay we were greeted by some ducks and a couple of loons. We also spotted a small heron as well, on the river to the take out, but no beavers or moose. There was a chipmunk later in the day, but it was so small & fast that Sean could barely spot it before it scurried away. At least we didn't see any bears! (However there is a black dog at the Wolf's Den that, at a quick glance and with the right Canadian accent warning of it's approach, could easily be mistaken for a Black Bear.... right Sean?!!) *giggle*

Unfortunately I started to feel a bit queazy around this time and suggested we head back, trying to steer the canoe in the straightest and therefore quickest route possible back to the take out. I had yet to share how bad I was feeling with Sean but he had a good sense of humour about being steered from the bow and voiced no objections... but perhaps there was a bit of laughter on his part... but only once, okay... maybe twice! But that had more to do with my "oversteering" then anything else! *giggle* What can I say... I was woozy!

The Beaver Cabin at the
Wolf's Den Hostel & Retreat

The Beaver (Cabin, that is!)
Once we arrived back at the truck, we were on our way to the Wolf's Den. Sean grabbed a quick nap en route, crink-ing his neck a bit in the process (poor guy!). When we arrived at the Beaver Cabin/Wolf's Den, Mike was there to meet us. His big truck was empty of the canoes and without the large trailer that he had been pulling all day (doing the canoe transfers for the big Petawawa Ironman Challenge this week), but Mike was full of excitement to see his Australian friend again.

It didn't take long for the steaks to be cooked on the BBQ and the Canada Dry Ginger Ale (special ordered by the Fat Paddler) to be mixed with a little bit of rum and a lime or two... to "keep the scurvy away".

After some great conversation, lots of laughs, and even some guitar playing by Sean (who was awesome by the way...  make our ears bleed, indeed! Pish Posh!!!), we eventually retired for the evening. Sean took the bunk beds (what are the chances he chose the top bunk, anyone?!!) and Mike and I took the bedroom with the queen sized bed.  We were all quick to fall asleep as Sean was completely jet-lagged, Mike was exhausted from a week of canoe transfers, and I was now under the full influence of some sort of cough or virus.

These two trucks and trailers are carrying 94 canoes!
(And that was just one transfer of many this past week for Mike.)

Change of *cough* Plans *cough cough*
The morning came soon enough with Mike on his way out the door before the sun was up. Sean and I slept in past nine and made haste to get our things packed and on our way before checkout time. Unfortunately, we had to change our plans for the day as I didn't have the energy to paddle to Ragged Falls as we wanted due to the way I was feeling. Instead, we headed to Buck Lake (our local lake) and Sean paddled around cottage country in Poppa Badger's kayak , while I feel asleep in the sun. But not before a quick stop at a local tourist trap for a short shopping trip... 'cause that's just tradition, right?!!

The only bear that Sean encountered on his first
trip to Algonquin Park, Canada.
Note the complete lack of fear in his eyes.

In the end, we wished Sean could have stayed longer, and in my foggy muddy mind (I was really feeling the cold/cough by this time) I know I failed in my hostess duties that day. But Sean was the perfect guest and road-trip companion. Never a complaint or frown. And before I knew it, with a quick hug and a gentlemanly kiss on my cheek, Sean was off with Gramma Badger to find his next adventure with Alan Drummond, the crew of LearnToKayakdotCA, ... and beyond.

Roll the Credits
I would like to thank Jim of H20 Paddles for dropping Sean at the Husky for pick up on Saturday as well as the staff at Algonquin Outfitters (especially Randy, Lynn, Beth and Gord) and the boys at Swift Canoe (Bill and Brian) for making Sean feel so welcome on his first ever visit to Algonquin. That goes for Ben (and the visitors) at the Wolf's Den too!

Also, a great big fat THANK YOU to my mom (a.k.a. Gramma Badger) who graciously stepped up to help out with not only watching Makobe but with watching over Sean, as well. We couldn't have done this awesome tour of Algonquin & area without your support and talent for driving! *wink* I hope you enjoy Sean's book... I know you have it with you somewhere on Opeongo (Algonquin Park) right now!

Plus a big thanks to Rebecca (Grace and Ella too) for sharing Sean with us for a few extra days with a side-trip to Canada. But the biggest thanks is to the Fat Paddler, himself, Mister Sean P. Smith.... your friendship is something that I will cherish forever, as well as the memories of your visit. Please know the pleasure was all mine but I do hope you enjoyed Algonquin as much as we all do. Mike and I both also hope your remaining travels are enjoyable, fruitful, and that you arrive safely back into the arms of your family at your tour's end.

So What's The Fat Paddler Really Like?
To those of you who wonder what Sean is really like: Well... what can I say, really, other then read the book... and just know that you would love him if you ever meet him.  And never doubt, regardless of the adversity Sean has faced, that this is a man who truly knows how to grab life by the shaft!!! Paddle on, Fat Paddler! Paddle on!

Oh, and be sure to check out The Fat Paddler's page on Facebook for a FREE ENTRY CODE to the Algonquin Outfitters' Live Your Own Adventure Contest (over $10,000 worth of prizes to be won - including a Swift Canoe, Badger Paddles, a kayak, some hiking boots, a mountain bike and so... so much more!).  Click here for your free Fat Paddler code now! Plus head on over to the Badger® Paddles website for another FREE ENTRY CODE here: Live Your Adventure Contest Code via Badger® Paddles. What a great way to celebrate The Fat Paddler's Algonquin adventure and North American Tour - Thanks Algonquin Outfitters!!!

*Sean's (The Fat Paddler) first attempt to paddle a [near frozen] Canadian Lake can be found here: http://fatpaddler.com/2011/01/canoe-paddling-in-toronto-with-badger-paddles/ with Mike's (Badger® Paddles) account to be found here: http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.com/2011/02/fatpaddler-in-toronto-trip-report.html

The Fat Paddler: A Badger Book Review

Every Man Has A Story....

I remember watching an episode of the now defunct Oprah Winfrey Show where the premise of the installment was that everybody has a story to tell. Some more exciting then others, but interesting none-the-less. Oprah had an illustration board of her audience member's seating chart on display, and she threw a dart at it randomly choosing the person who's "seat" she hit on the board to tell their life story. By chance she struck upon a man who had narrowly escaped a war torn country as a child and later immigrated to the U.S.A. when he was a young man and continued his education, on his own, to become a Doctor. It was an unusual story, one that received many oooo's and aaaahhh's from the audience. Reading the newly released book, The Fat Paddler, reminded me of the hypothesis I witnessed on Oprah's show that day. But this time, Fate threw a dart and the incredible bullseye story is, indeed, Sean Smith's.

I have never met Sean in person but have been following his escapades, on his ever popular blog The Fat Paddler, for sometime now - with one of my favourite adventures consisting of a hefty secret agent man being chased down by an irate security guy for getting too close to the Plastiki during a "Stealth Paddle". So in his own way, Sean, had already been receiving a fair share of oooo's and aaahhh's from his own audience thru his online journal (FatPaddler.com) detailing his life's expedition as a big but encouraging man with a number of paddles and boats at his disposal.

The Fat Paddler Book by Sean Smith
A larger then life tale of recovery and inspiration!

So when the Fat Paddler (Sean Smith) announced that a book was coming out, I was keen to get my paws on one as soon as I was able. When it finally happened this past week, I excitedly cracked open my copy to find an unexpected and deeply moving tale that was full of honesty, humour and other significant messages. And while I was used to finding myself laughing out loud at Sean's words, I was surprised to find my eyes welling up with tears - on more then one occasion - entranced by his poetical ways, impacted by his ability to evoke such an emotional response from the reader. To be honest, I had a hard time putting the book down once I had it started. By the end of it, I had a new profound respect for Sean and his beautiful wife, Rebecca - and I wanted to read it again.

Having come awfully close to death on more then one occasion in his life, and living thru it to once again become strong in spirit and fat with personal growth, is a huge testament to Sean's spirit and appetite for life. His expressive descriptions of his true to life global experiences put you right inside of Sean's head, and the way he tells it will have you focused on every word. From two brutal vehicle accidents, to the tragic Bali Bombings of 2002, all the way thru to an Alaskan trip of a lifetime - including a wife and two gorgeous daughters that helped inspire him to become the man he is today - his story is uniquely and excitingly courageous and yet modest at the same time.

 

All in all, Sean's journey to becoming the Fat Paddler, thru much physical and mental adversity, is a story that is sure to inspire the majority of people - not just people who paddle. And while it is definitely laugh out loud funny, with many smiles thru-out, you will most likely come away with your own thoughts stirred and many deeper emotions having been evoked. With Sean's true respect for Love, Family, Nature, Charity, Humour (can't forget Rugby either!), Self Reflection and Life, his tale will be sure to resonate with the masses as, in a number of ways, many of his struggles are our own. Thus, if Oprah was correct and it is indeed true that every person has a story to tell, then Sean's tale is surely of epic proportions... And I'm not just talking about how much he eats or the awesome Fat Paddler's Favourite Recipes section in the back, either!! Tee Hee Hee

Not wanting the book to end, I've already started reading it again.....

To find out how to get your paws on a copy of Sean's book - visit the website: The Fat Paddler Book. To catch up with Sean and his adventures as The Fat Paddler, or to connect with The Fat Paddler online, check out many of the ways to do so below:

www.FatPaddler.com

www.TeamFatPaddler.com

www.facebook.com/FatPaddler

www.twitter.com/FatPaddler

www.twitter.com/FatPaddlerTV

www.vimeo.com/channels/FatPaddlerTV

www.youtube.com/FatPaddler

www.flickr.com/fatpaddler

www.ZenPaddler.com

www.GreenlandPaddlers.com

Fat Paddler Book Review Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

Tweet

Steve Johnston: Solo Tripping Meets Social Networking (An Oxymoron?)

The following article was written by avid paddler and Badger friend, Steve Johnston. It is entitled: SOLO TRIPPING MEETS SOCIAL NETWORKING (AN OXYMORON?) where Steve gives us his insights on "Facebooking in the forest". This post also marks the first in a series of articles to come from various talented writers with Steve being our very first ever, Guest Blogger!

Guest Badger Blogger, Steve Johnston (Thunder Bay, Canada)

Steve Johnston is an avid paddler who spends much of his free time on the water. He doesn't yet own a Badger Paddle but he would really like to. When he's not paddling you will find him blogging or Facebooking about it. Steve is engaged to be married and is also destined to be the first official Team Fat Paddler representative in Canada. Which he is understandably stoked about! Steve’s main stomping grounds are in the beautiful waters of Lake Superior where many overnighters and longer trips take place.  His long term goal is to explore and camp at as many lakes as possible in Northern Ontario and Minnesota.  You can join Steve’s adventures on Facebook or check out his blog www.northpaddling.blogspot.com

SOLO TRIPPING MEETS SOCIAL NETWORKING (AN OXYMORON?)

Ahhhhh....Solo Tripping, a chance to get away from it all, the traffic, the work, the house, the chores, the people,  the telephone. Wait a minute, back up, the telephone?

Like the popularity of the calculator when it replaced the slide ruler and or abacus, the smartphone is taking the world by storm. While having a mobile device is not necessary to live, living can be made easier by having one.

Never will I advocate that having access to the internet in your pocket is better than preparedness. Mobile technology comes with plenty of limitations. Battery life, reception, weather conditions, or the ability to simply use the device… just to name a few. 

Having a mobile internet device (like an iPad) can be
comforting when going solo into the wilderness.

Having a cell phone or mobile internet device can be very comforting when going solo into the wilderness, so can having a good sense of direction, maps and a compass or GPS.  I had my smartphone with me on my last solo trip and it alerted me that it was too hot to use and had to be cooled down before it would work (much like myself at that time).

Recently in my neck of the woods, the cellular network was expanded so that no matter where I ended up, I had excellent service. I have the ability to play movies or music right from the net. I can play games, download new apps and keep in constant communication with whoever I need to. Which brings us to social networking websites. Some people are for them and some people are dead against them. I will sum up my thoughts about that very quickly. Social networking allows me to organize ( and waste ) my free time.  If I want company on a paddle, all I have to do is post where and when and people will show up. The key word is sharing. I love to share all the fun that I am having with as many people as I can.

One of Steve's extra paddles stays protected in a Badger Paddle Sock.

I belong to a couple of paddling communities here in Thunder Bay, Ontario. For each, there is a "group" on Facebook. New paddlers are joining the groups daily and looking for fellow paddlers to paddle with, do some tripping and/or learn new skills. There is a very strong sense of camaraderie amongst the paddlers both new and old.  Pictures and videos are posted from most events so that everyone can re-live their adventures. This is what seems to "drive the machine" for a lot of paddlers I know. It inspires them as they realize "Hey, I could do that!"

Steve looks relaxed & comfortable with his feet up on deck.

On the flip side, a lot of people are addicted to social networks, spending hours updating their status, posting photos and videos, sharing links and playing games.  As a social media commando, one often feels it is very important to be the fastest, sharpest or wittiest commenter out there in cyberspace. If you find yourself relating to this, you are missing out on the beauty that you came out to enjoy in the first place.

I use social networking sites for practical purposes as well as entertainment.

For example; THE TICK

Up until a few weeks ago, I'd never seen a tick. All of a sudden, I had to remove seven of the little nasties off me. I was a little nervous (ok a lot nervous) about the whole thing, having heard the most horrible terrifying stories about the deadly diseases they carry, so I posted my plight on Facebook. Within minutes, I found out the type of tick, and the many various ways of removing them along with a few jokes at my expense.  Even though I was in the middle of nowhere and a half day paddle back to my car, I knew I was going to be just fine.

Thanks to some Facebook Friends, Steve's mind was put to ease
so he was able to relax and enjoy his trip after removing
7 "nasties" (a.k.a. ticks) from his own skin while out solo.

So, assuming that you have the time, space and battery power to bring your social network with you..... I say "Why NOT"?

Written by Steve Johnston (of northpaddling.blogspot.com) for Badger's Blog, July 2011.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A special thanks to Steve, from our whole Badger sett, for taking time out of his busy paddling schedule to accept our invitation to be a guest writer on Badger's Blog and for giving us his thoughtful (and entertaining) insights on the ways that mobile technology is changing the way we are exploring the out-of-doors. If you would like to be a guest writer on Badger's Blog, please contact us by email.

!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->

Note: Comments and opinions of our guest bloggers do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Badger Paddles and are the expressed writings of the "guest" only. All content has been published on Badger's Blog with permission of it's author and is original to the guest writer. All copyright inquiries should be directed to the guest writer/blogger where necessary.

FATPADDLER in Toronto - a Trip Report

This past January, the HUGELY AWESOME, Sean Smith (a.k.a. the FATPADDLER) from Australia, ventured to the northern hemisphere for a short visit.  After a whirlwind of a trip to Toronto, Thunder Bay and then on to Chicago, before finally returning home just this past week, Sean reported a wonderful adventure on his website about some of his experiences in Canada. And while Fiona is usually the writer of Badger's Blog, this special occasion inspired Mike to create a short trip report of his time spent with Sean (FATPADDLER) for the short 24 hour period that Sean was in Toronto. 


Here is Mike's unedited Toronto Trip Report:

Headed down to the city on a wintery Thursday night to meet this crazy Aussie who thought that it would be a good idea to leave his warm home to paddle in Canada in January. I didn't want to miss this.

Sean's first taste of Canadian Poutine.
The verdict? He likes it, hey Mikey!

We all met up at the Bier Garden on King St. for food and spirits.  Sean turned out to be a great guy and a good rum drinker too.  The company was a lot of fun with many familiar faces around the table all ready and willing to share some Canadian hospitality and poutine with our Aussie guest. 

Sean (FATPADDLER) and David (PaddlingInstructor.com)
smile for  Mike's camera

Jim Walton (H2O Performance Paddles)
with his beautiful fiance Sammy...
looks like all are having fun!

Cheers from two hemispheres!

The evening carried on, perhaps a little later than expected.  At the end we all headed our seperate ways with Alan, Sean and I  agreeing to meet for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. at the Queensway Diner before heading off to paddle at Cherry beach in the morning.

Cha-Ching!! $$ That was some mighty fine Poutine!

End of the evening: (part of) Team FatPaddler in Toronto*

Everyone arrived on time for breakfast but with just a little less vigor and some noteably tired eyes. We took our time eating a big breakfast then headed over to Complete Paddler to get changed for the adventure.  By the time Sean the big Aussie had experienced climbing into a dry suit for the first time, I think he was already begining to ask himself why exactly it was that he wanted to do this.  Too late now. The plan was already in action.  We headed off for Cherry Beach.

"Hey... sausages!"
Sean (FATPADDLER) and Alan Drummond
(Toronto Team Fat Paddler Rep) early a.m.

When we arrived there where some pretty nice size rollers coming in to thin undercut ice on the beach.  We eventually found a safe albiet rough spot to get in the water, unloaded the Chestnut and Alan's kayak and dropped the canoe in the slushy water.  I am not used to being the smaller paddler, but I definitely was this time, so I climbed into the bow and waited and braced while the giant rugby player plunked himself down in the stern seat.

Looks like some cold hard fun!
Photo courtesy of Alan Drummond

At the end of this process we already had a fair bit of slushy water slopping around in the poor cedar canvas boat and the canvas was grinding on floating ice.  We stayed in long enough for a couple of pictures and quickly ended the shortest paddling adventure of my life.  It sure felt good getting into the warm truck afterwards and I couldn't help feeling bad for the tired big guy sitting beside me.  He had been in Canada less than 24 hours, met a ton of people, partied downtown, seen most of the city in Alan's jeep and paddled in lake Ontario.  Later that day he would hop on a plane to Thunder Bay where his Canadian experience would continue. And by the photo's, blog posts, etc.. that I have seen would end up being no less eventfull.

Thanks for visiting Canada, Fat Paddler.  Next time you'll have to come for longer so we don't have to fit in all in to such a short time.


Written by Mike Ramsay for Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water.

Alan and Sean (a.k.a. FATPADDLER)
Photo courtesy of Alan Drummond

Mike puts his arm around Sean to keep him warm. (joke)

The man, himself:
FATPADDLER

Mike's long journey home became a big snowy mess with a
terrible accident on Hwy 11 Southbound. Fortunately for Mike,
though, he was headed north and only had to sit in the traffic.
All in all, the entire trip turned out to be quite the journey! 

So a big "fat" thanks to Mike for sharing his account of a winter's paddling adventure with us all, and to Sean for being such a great sport and amazing advocate for the power of self-propulsion plus to Alan for making it all happen for Toronto!  Note: you can read Sean's (a.k.a. FATPADDLER) account of his January paddling adventure in Lake Ontario here: http://fatpaddler.com/2011/01/canoe-paddling-in-toronto-with-badger-paddles/ Thanks also to our sponsors Algonquin Outfitters, Swift Canoe and others, who helped to celebrate Fat Paddler's visit with us by way of a contest.

*In attendance for this photograph from L to R: Sammy & Jim of H2O Performance Paddles, Sean of FatPaddler.com, Mike of Badger Paddles, Kelly of The Complete Paddler, James and Dympna of LearnToKayak.Ca, and last... but not least... Alan... Team FatPaddler Rep, Sean's Personal Assistant and Paddling Instructor.