Staff training 2009June 7th, 2009
We have just completed our annual week-long staff training program. During this week, guides stay onsite at Seascape’s headquarters and work together in a team-building capacity from morning ‘til night. The training is focused on providing staff members with an in-depth understanding of the Bay of Fundy (including its tides, currents and weather) and how to use this knowledge to plan safe routes for groups. The program also includes paddling technique, rescue training and wilderness first aid.
GUIDES CONSULT NAVIGATIONAL CHART OF THE BAY OF FUNDY TO PLAN THEIR ROUTE DURING STAFF TRAINING 2009.
During lunches and dinners, Seascape friends who are local experts and professionals were invited to share their knowledge of the Bay from a variety of perspectives: Deer Islanders Dale and Lois Mitchell spoke to the group about lobster and weir fishing; Caroline Graham of the New Brunswick Salmon Growers Association offered a power point presentation on salmon farming and the life cycle of the fish; and Art MacKay, whose latest project is the popular blog I Love Quoddy Wild, provided a scientific overview of the general health of the marine ecosystem, including the liquefied natural gas tanker issue that threatens the area. Our guides’ understanding of this information is invaluable in assisting our guests to feel a sense of place.
Tammi Winchester, who works at Johnson & Johnson in Ontario, came to Deer Island last summer to do a multi-day trip with Seascape. She was so impressed that she’s taking a full month off from work this summer to work with us a guide-in-training.
“As the newbie on the crew, things are coming at me fast, but the tide tables, weather systems and rescue procedures are only half the story,” Tammi said. “Born in New Brunswick, I spent many summers on its shores with my family, but I never realized the richness of its waters. It’s been amazing to learn about the local aquaculture trades, their impact to the marine ecosystem and all the other information about the regional wildlife. Having participated on a tour last summer, I appreciate how all this knowledge adds to the richness of the tours.”
TAMMI WINCHESTER EMPTYS WATER FROM KATINKA POSTMA'S KAYAK BEFORE ASSISTING HER IN GETTING BACK INTO THE BOAT.
This staff training is part of our ongoing commitment to providing our guests with the safest, most meaningful sea kayaking experiences possible. This type of training is also available to clients in a series of day-long classes that can be scheduled upon request. The next class on our schedule is a kayak safety course on August 11 that is open for interested students to join.
The cycle of life
In previous blog entries we have focused on the cycle of life… the rains in Costa Rica… the warmer temperatures in Canada… both bringing new life.
My father’s recent passing has been difficult. I am sad and know that I will miss him very much. Yet, at the same time, I am filled with inner peace knowing that death is part of the cycle of life and that my father is embarking on a wonderful journey.
His spirit will always be with me and I will feel his presence with every paddle stroke I take…
Bruce
