The painting is of a supernatural serpent vessel who carried a young boy around the world 4 times after he was resurrected from near-death.

Alex says the boat was exhibited at a show and then paddled in a race, which is exactly what I think of our kayaks– beautiful works of art that are for real serious paddling. Another picture if you read on.

It was in an art show here so a lot of folks and tourists in town saw
it, and I think it would have sold if the price had been reasonable.  Beau
wanted a large number on it and I didn’t want to argue about it.
My boyfriend paddled it in a race here a few weeks ago and people were
taking pictures of it all the time (I was in edmonton), so I think people
find it pretty sweet. I still gotta polyurethane over the painting, then
it’s gonna go to a gallery in port mcneil and maybe to one of beau’s art
shows in vancouver in the fall.  Mostly I think he wanted it to be
photographed as part of his ‘modern art’ repetoire, but we’ll see what
happens after that.  maybe it’ll just end up with me. it’s pretty wierd
thinking of it just hanging on someone’s wall, but i guess that’s what
these carvers and painters deal with all the time. -Alex Schiebel

Saturday night I also gave a presentation on my solo skin-on-frame adventure Saturday night. A few photos of the competitors in action are here.

Harpoon Throwing

Chester throws a Greenland hunting harpoon

So the harpoon throw is quite the feat. Originally Inuit harpoon technology was an amazing thing for its day, and throwing the darn things isn’t easy. Duane Strosaker took first place with throws at 42 and 43 feet, respectively. You can see in the photo the throwing board (norsaq) and the harpoon itself (minus the business end for safety).

Kayak Rolling Competition

Greenland Week champion Duane Strosaker recovers from a capsize the hard way

Chester Knapp prepares a crook-of-the-arm roll

Andrew Elizaga does a behind-the-head roll

The competition really was amazing and the top two were Duane Strosaker and Andrew Elizaga. Andrew was a bit closer to the camera and had a prettier boat (a SOF!) so I have more photos of him.

Maligiaq Padilla completes a vertical sculling roll

Maligiaq Padilla, multiple Greenland Championship holder, was judging along with Helen Wilson and Dubside. Both Maligiaq and Dubside did a roll-off and demonstration as well, so there a few shots in here of that as well.

Andrew Elizaga does a spine roll

Dubside

Maligiaq Padilla

Overall I had a great time and really enjoyed meeting and hanging out with all the amazing kayakers. Being of shared native backgrounds, it was especially nice to connect with Maligiaq, who will soon be a father! Good luck Maligiaq!