Iceland Sea Kayak Circumnavigation 2010
My attempt to circumnavigate Iceland in the summer of 2008 was as much an attempt as it possible could be. After having paddled only 2 full days in 2 weeks due to strong winds and storms lasting several days, having encountered a surf launch accident causing considerable damage to boat and other gear, and after spending 4 consecutive days on Stagley Island due to a major storm, I went back home to NYC.
However, I am planning to be back in Reykjavik in 2010 for my second attempt to circumnavigate Iceland.
Feel free to read the blog for the events which lead to the decision, or the article below "The Hardest Part", written by Derrick Mayoleth of www.kayakquixotico.com
The Hardest Part
as published by Derrick Mayoleth on June 16th on www.kayakquixotica.com
printed with permission by author (thank you, Derrick!)
"I hope you’ve been following along with Marcus Demuth's attempt to cricumnavigate Iceland.
He’s certainly had a challenging start. So far he’s banged up his boat
the surf, lost a paddle, killed a pager, and had his VHF charger go out
just since his launch only 7 days ago. As you know Iceland has been the
center of a good many expeditions over the last few years and each time
produces a bit of excitement.
Iceland as we’ve talked about before sits just short of the arctic
circle and produces some of the most challenging weather conditions a
paddler could face; big seas, quickly changing weather, and harsh
unforgiving coastlines. The pay off for those explorer types of course
is that Iceland also offers and incredible look at raw nature with
active volcanoes, lava deserts, tall snow capped mountains, huge
seabird colonies, friendly people. . . oh, and great access to the net
as well! (even if the SAT phones are a bit dodgy)
By completing his Iceland Circumnavigation, Marcus would join a very
small group of paddlers who’ve come before, only Rotem Ron is credited
for doing the trip solo. (although I’ve heard there may have been one
other.) Greg Stamer & Freya Hoffmeister completed the trip last
year at breakneck speed and Shawna Franklin, Leon Sommer and Chris Duff also
completed the trip in 2003. Iceland demonstrates how each expedition
has its own personality, and it’s own set of challenges. Sometimes
uneventful, sometimes filled with crazy weather and challenges of a
more human nature. Still each paddler or team has been up to the
challenges this island at the top of the world could toss at them. As
Marcus continues on he not only faces nature, but the inner battle over
good judgment, drive to succeed, self doubt, and self confidence. Each
voice demanding their moment. The real victory however is in taking the
challenge at all; win, lose, or draw.
continued on the top right