Talk about going to the freezer from the frying pan. A few days after I returned home from warm and sunny Hawaii, I was invited to teach for the weekend in the beautiful-but- far-chillier Loften, Norway.

Jann Engstad from Lofoten Aktiv was kind enough to invite me to lead a rolling clinic as well as do a slideshow about my recent circumnavigation of New Zealand’s South Island.

Thanks very much to Jann and Siri for taking such a good care of me!

As I stood in the freezing cold water for two days clad in my favorite all-black Kokatat dry suit with two layers of fleece underneath and some snowcapped mountains in the background, it was nice to return to the roots of kayaking vis a vis Greenland style rolling. To endure the freezing cold water I poured hot water into my Chota Quick Lace Mukuluks twice a day – a trick I used on cold weather expeditions as well. A pair of Chota Thinskin Neo Gloves helped keep my hands warm(ish) and allowed me to maintain a good feeling for the student’s body as they rolled through the water.

It was rewarding to see the student’s happy faces after they caught on how effortless a kayak roll can be – no need to power and strength, force or speed — all qualities which were in prominent display the week before among the surf ski racers I hung out with in Hawaii.

I ended my first day with a rolling demo and, later that night, I showed a slideshow about my New Zealand circumnavigation and then talked about my upcoming year-long trip round Australia.

The next day was filled with some more rolling lessons, topped off with a lovely salmon dinner at Jann’s and Siri’s house.

Siri and her youngest daughter in traditional dress

The quick stopover was really well worth the effort, and I hope to be back in 2010!

All pictures by Jann Engstad.