European Scene, Finale 2012

It has been a long time for the last update, evolving into a quarterly report :) So this is more a reflection on happenings rather than sharing news, but I am sure there are new finds for you as well.

Skills

A good way is to learn is from your own mistakes, but better so from others, if they are nearly fatal. Read some of the late survival stories.

Gabriel shared an accident in an honest and analytic way. Canyon, solo, unexpected whitewater. Bad decision making. Read in German at ODS-Forums or in English on his own page. Thank you Gabriel!

A likewise scenario encountered David and Magnus on their Silk Road to Shanghai or Sand2Snow Expedition.

Learning from hardshellers is never a bad idea. An interesting discussion took place at the 4-paddlers.com Forums (in German), giving a reflection of 2012 accidents. 

Lastly, I like to introduce a new "eZine", ThePaddler online magazine started in 2012. Their slogan "you can paddle it, we cover it" invites packrafters as well. True so, November's issue covered a packrafting article by Chris. Free subscription to the monthly PDF is highly recommended to span your paddling skill. 

Vyrovka dam release or the Czech way of partying, Foto: Ondra Muller

Gear

You all have spotted the latest development, the ISS, sort of a packraft's trunk. The  airtight zippered boat allows to store gear inside the tubes. For a decade the strapped backpack on the bow has been the symbol of packrafting. Gone are these days? Don't think so. While the weight distribution is a relieve to high volume transportations, technical and  expeditions-style in any case boating centric applications, simple "strap   and raft" will have it's place for hiking with boats.

Also, this might convince the boating community, as the limited and ultralight stile of pack-rafting had less appeal to the packing mindset of canoeists. Last but not least, Packrafting Store's Workshop offers retrofits next year within Europe.

Local adventures

Joni (Finland): The weekend warrior
Joery (Belgium): Is railtracking and other activities
Silvio (East-Germany): His Backyardriver, Oder?
David (Scotland): His river, 2012, all seasons

New and Recomers
   

Andreas' second Flywatut adventure: biking-hiking-paragliding-boating all in one go.

A newcomer in Flamish, Wieland tries packrafting with his daughter in Gent.

Winter in the City: Thomas is packrafting on Ice                       

Community

David, Mat and Xavier found together on their French comté
Guiding: Mark offers Packraft overnighter now in Finland.
American Packraft Associations don't mind European members.

Their aim is to remain access to public land for packrafter, something your voice is of help!