ThePADDLER 30
THE TEAM For expedition boating , you must have the right mindset and have already gone through past experiences in similar situations and environments . Things can and do go wrong , and you need to be able to cope , adapt and change your plans at the last minute ; you are in an environment where no help is coming if it all goes wrong . You will suffer ! With big walk-ins or portages , unexpected campouts , broken kit , injuries and illness – it ’ s all part of the game , and you have to like the suffering to achieve the final goal . The team has to have a good skill set and can all contribute to a successful outcome and know the psychological aspects of everybody ’ s needs . With this in mind , I invited a team with previous experience in such environments , leadership safety , and excellent teamwork .
The team members were Liam Green , a kayak and OC1 coach and guide who works in Scotland . Although Liam was the youngest member of the team , he holds the highest coach and leadership awards and is an up-and-coming superstar . Liam has no big ego ; he is a methodical , safe , solid leader with excellent communication skills . Then we have Rob Harris . Rob and I go back many years when we knocked off some new descents in Scotland ; Rob also has worldwide kayak experience , which gives him excellent experience in remote and expedition boating .