Also, Jeff and
I will be
hoping to raise awareness and funds for a couple of charities.
If
you care to donate, please see the expedition page above.
The very generous support from around the industry has been fantastic
and I have to public thank them.
Impex Kayaks
Quite literally, Impex Kayaks made this trip happen. Not only
did
they build a boat for me (a special Force 5 customized for me and trip,
but in a way, any customer could get), they shipped it and my
expedition gear to England! I personally saw the boat at the
shop
in Canada--Brandie and her crew were fantastic. This boat is
excellent.
Joe and Ferd were also unbelievable in their support and encouragement,
jumping right in there to make this happen. Thanks Impex
Werner Paddles
When choosing paddles for a trip this demanding how could I choose
anything other than Werner? I'll be using a straight and a
bent
shaft Cyprus, and I'm in love with that blade! But honestly,
the
blades wasn't the only reason, Danny and folks at Werner are fantastic,
they've believed in me and championed this effort. Werner is
a
company I'm proud to be part of the team!
SeaMonkeys
This is a dedicated "Clan" of Sea Kayakers and I've been honored to
work with many of them. When I approached Bill about
sponsorship
on some level he immediately went into action and before I new it,
a very welcomed check was on the way. While getting
the
right gear, was crucial, this kind of financial support is also
critically important. From airline tickets, to food
purchases, to
ferry fees, etc, this kind of undertaking takes quite a bit to
accomplish, and for a regular sea kayaking guy, it would be impossible
without the generosity and support of so many wonderful friends!
Thank you so much...
Immersion Research
Even though most of their budget went this year to the "Vacation from
Hell" and my good friends at Sweetwater Kayaks, Roger was generous
enough to be sure I had excellent thermals and the right sprayskirt.
Thanks Roger
Rutabaga
One of the most delightful surprises of this effort, the wonderfully
generous and kind folks at Rutabaga in Madision, WI. The
hosts of
the world's largest paddlesports expo,
Canoecopia!
Megan who coordinates events for Rutabaga and Darren, the
owner
were amazing. When approached they jumped at the chance to
help.
Not only did they send a fantastic stove, thernals (perfectly
suited to complement IR's clothing), but they sent an amazing array of
Cliff bars, jels, shotz, etc. to help keep our energy levels up.
Darren, Megan, thank you so much, I can't wait to get back to
Madision to share the story and images with you!
Kokatat
In another case of digging in to help even in the face of a budget
spent, Kokatat kindly provided Gore-tex storm cags. That's
going
to be fantastic this early above the Arctic Circle. Thanks
Suzanne.
Cadillac Mountain Sports
Here in the town of Bar Harbor in the middle of winter, life is very
quiet and cold! When I discovered odd's and ends I still
needed,
my local shop came to the rescue with a very generous gift certificate!
A last minute request and they didn't hesitate. If
you make
it up here to Bar Harbor check them out on Cottage Street and say hi to
Ron especially.
Mark Schoon
April 11, 2008