Beyond The Eddy Line podcast

To better understand communication and rescue in dynamic water, I invited back Robert Nissenbaum coastal kayak and Greenland style paddling instructor.

In this conversation, Robert breaks down how he teaches behavior in moving water, and how decision-making, technique, and communication come together when conditions become dynamic like surf, Rock Gardening and Surf.

rnissenbaum.com

We constantly face the tension between curiosity and comfort. When do we step outside our comfort zone?

Explore or exploit?

Are you a technical or a tactical paddler?

Today’s guest is deeply interested in how paddlers make decisions.

Finn Steiner, co-owner of Skills, is based in Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, BC. A highly experienced kayak instructor and guide, Finn shares his perspective on the explore vs. exploit paradox and how it plays out on the water.

“Sea kayaking sits right in the middle of that relationship between instinct and analysis,” he says.

https://skils.ca/our-team/

In this episode we will focus on the body/blade position during different strokes and the differences between euro blade and a Greenland paddle.

To explain all that I invited Robert Nisenbaum who is a Coastal kayak and Greenland style paddling instructor based in Seattle Washington.

rnissenbaum.com

Thomas Bechmann from the island of Fyn in Denmark, moved to Greenland for a year to gain experience paddling one of the most remote stretches of the Greenlandic coast. He paddled for 2 months, about 1600 kilometers from Assissut to Sisimiut.

In this episode, he shares lessons from his solo expedition: What to do when the wind pulls you under the ice, why walruses are wary of white paddles, what happens when polar bears miss their ride on drifting ice, and even what to do with leftover caribou. This is a raw Arctic experience for kayakers.

During his expedition, Thomas listened to the same love song every day. We end this episode with that song. With gratitude to Rasmus Lyberth Greenlandic singer for allowing us to share his beautiful song “Asanaqigavit” - Because I love you .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPWifJcqZGs

Not many boutique, handcrafted boat builders are still around. One of them has been doing it for over 50 years on the west coast of Canada.

On Quadra Island, Steve Schleicher of Rainforest Designs Ltd is the mind and hands behind Nimbus kayaks. In this episode, he joins me with Rob Bender of Nimbus Paddles to share insights into their newest boat design coming out this spring.

A special thank you to Kathy, Don, Lynda, and Ken for sharing which Nimbus boats they paddle and why they love them.

https://www.nimbuskayaks.com/products.htm

Designed and built in the heart of the Inside Passage on Quadra Island, BC, "Nimbus Paddles" shaped by the waters they’re meant to paddle. This boutique paddle maker owned by Rob Bender, and Damon Stapinsky.

In this episode, Rob joins me to explore how paddling styles have evolved, how to match a paddle to the paddler and their style of paddling, and the question many paddlers face: is the paddle we want always the paddle we actually need?

In this episode, Daryl Spencer has taken the Level 3 course three times. In our conversation he shares how each experience was different. Now on the path to becoming a Level 3 instructor himself, Daryl also offers practical advice for paddlers who are considering taking the course.

Unlike Levels 1 and 2, where paddlers are introduced to new skills, Level 3 expects participants to arrive with a solid foundation of knowledge and ability. According to Paddle Canada - Just around 15% of those who passed level 2 moved on to level 3 . The course focuses on applying those skills in more dynamic conditions.

1. Paddle Canada Courses Delivered in 2025;

(Data provided by paddle Canada)

Basic Sea Kayaking Skills - 212 courses (838 participants)

Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills - 323 courses (1440 participants)

Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills - 108 courses (481 participants)

Level 3 Sea Kayak Skills - 20 courses (84 participants)

Level 4 Sea Kayak Skills - 4 courses (20 participants)

Level 3 Sea Kayak Instructor - 3 courses

Level 4 Sea Kayak Instructor - 2 courses

How do you turn goals into real progress on the water?

In this episode, Mike Gilbert returns to talk about paddler development and the power of intentional practice. With more than 15 years as a sea kayak guide and instructor, and nearly half that time serving as President of Paddle Canada, where he helped shape and develop national training programs.

In this episode he shares what it really takes to improve as a paddler, how to practice with purpose.

#seakayaking

#paddlecanada

What does real risk management look like when planning a kayak trip?

In this episode, we explore how to identify, prevent, and manage risks — from the early planning stages to decisions made on the water and even back on land. Preparation, sound judgment, and responsibility are at the heart of every successful trip.

My guest Mike Gilbert, recognized as one of Canada’s top sea kayak instructors. With over 15 years of experience as an instructor, coach, and guide, Mike has paddled across most provinces and territories in Canada, as well as in the United States, Mexico, Iceland, and New Zealand.

Today, Mike consults in corporate risk management through Paçantic Risk Management Corporation, and during the warmer months he teaches and guides along Canada’s beautiful — and challenging — West Coast.

We used two rescues examples from YouTube:

https://youtu.be/pPimFg65HX4?si=jFGlginkfdG27UiV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_3U3U5jqE&t=2s

“The Tiny Little Needle” known as Deception Pass in Washington, will truly test your technique and your connection to the boat.

In this episode, Chessy Knight breaks down the magic and mechanics of Deception Pass. Along a constantly shifting eddy line wedged between the rip current and the boiling water lies a dynamic playground for skilled paddlers.

Chessy shares how she plays in giant whirlpools instead of fighting them, and offers practical tips for moving confidently through powerful, ever changing water.

You can find her short movie about Deception Pass here below.

This conversation is all about precision, flow, and learning to feel at home in the chaos of moving water.

#chessyknight

#MasikRolling

#deceptionpass

#kayakingindynamic