PADDLER 24
Words : Mark Agnew Photos : Mark Agnew , West Hansen & Matt Jones
I looked over my shoulder to see a huge swell racing towards us . As it neared the shallows , it steepened and curled , threatening to break at any moment . Water is heavier when it ’ s cold , and here in the Arctic in October , the water was nearly freezing . As the swell began to tower over us , it was like I could feel its added weight . The consequences of a mistake here could be deadly .
PADDLER 24
How we became the first to kayak the
NORTHWEST
PASSAGE
Words : Mark Agnew Photos : Mark Agnew , West Hansen & Matt Jones
I looked over my shoulder to see a huge swell racing towards us . As it neared the shallows , it steepened and curled , threatening to break at any moment . Water is heavier when it ’ s cold , and here in the Arctic in October , the water was nearly freezing . As the swell began to tower over us , it was like I could feel its added weight . The consequences of a mistake here could be deadly .
I called out to my paddling partner , Eileen . We readied ourselves , and as the wave picked up our tandem kayak , we put down extra power . Suddenly , we were surfing at breakneck speed . Moments earlier , tension had risen between Eileen and me . She was frustrated – she ’ d received conflicting directions from the other kayakers and me . But now , in this moment of hyperconcentration and danger , we aligned perfectly .