Press and Paddles.

The last few weeks are hectic. The media is giving the project SMILES FOR MOLDOVA a lot of attention.
We are happy with it. The back-up team did work very hard:
On the website you can see translations in many languages, so people from countries I will pass by are also informed.
The guestbook is having frequent visitors.
And in the media section you will find all articles, interviews etc.

I did give a lot of attention about safety as well, when doing an interview. Seems they always cut it out….a pity because the general public is not well informed about kayaking. Most people only read about tragic accidents. A few days ago a peddler did lost his life on the river Rhine. He was minced beef when they find him in the screw of a vessel.
I repeat all through the interview: Safety first! To make the public aware of Safe Paddling.

Last week we also went to Amsterdam to visit Arend Bloem, he is one on the major material sponsors. At the same day we visit the daily newspaper; de Volkskrant.
The editors did welcome us.
Toine Heijmans, Jady Petovic and Michiel van der Geest are the ones editing the Travel section.
Volkskrantreizen.nl will be keeping the Dutch readers up-to-date about my trip.

Well a few days more…and then I will go off.
So if you want to meet and greet….Saturday april 5.
From 10.30 you are welcome. I will leave 12.00 noon.
Not later, I don't want to miss the boat.

Arend Bloem - kajak.nl

Yesterday we made a trip to Amsterdam. The weather was just like it was used to be in Ireland. We had sun, rain, snow and some mist in a short period of time.

We did visit Arend Bloem. Also known as "the Kajakcentre from Holland". Dozens of boats are on display and if you want to have a try; Just hop in and do a test on the water. Having a wide range of boats: There is always a model that will suit you.
Seakayaks, WW, playboats, Canadian canoes or for the more advanced: racing and K1 boats.
Together with Arjen and Rob and the other Kayak-holics they have a lot of know-how when it comes to boats, paddles, safety, clothes etc.

Paddle to the metal!
Mister Eagle has been in his younger days a participant of the Olympics. So over speeding in a kayak was a common habit of him. This year he is celebrating his 25 year anniversary in the Kayak business.

A milestone and many more years to come….congratulations! They are situated in an area that is known as the "Zaanstreek". Windmills and irrigation systems from the early days keep this part of Holland dry.

Who will be the Medal-winner?
Arend Bloem and kajak.nl are also sponsoring the project SMILES FOR MOLDOVA.
This is a nice gesture and a great help. We went home with a lot of materials. But also with good advice…useful hints from skilled people.