Martin Rickard

Martin is based in Shetland but specialises in expeditions to East Greenland.

Like many sea kayakers, paddling in Greenland, the home of the sea kayak, was always an ambition of his.

In 2000 Martin went out to assist a schools expedition visiting Angmagssalik on the East Coast. This was the same area that Gino Watkins explored in the 1930’s.  Needless to say he got the bug and went back in 2002 / 2004 to paddle to Lake Fjord where Watkins died in 1932.  In 2006 with Pete Jones and Phil Clegg he had a go at the 700 miles of uninhabited coast from Scoresbysund to Angmagssalik.

In 2008 Martin established a permanent kayak base in Tasiilaq – Angmagssalik and now every summer specialises in guided / supported kayak expeditions.

Martin’s expedition’s cater for paddlers of all levels of experience, looking to experience the wonders of paddling amongst the ice, the wildlife and  local hunting culture and history of East Greenland.

‘For the past 14 years I have spent my summers exploring the east coast of Greenland – In 2000 we located and explored Gino Watkins BAARE base near Nagtivit.  Paddling north in 2002 and again in 2004 from Ammassalik to eventually locate Gino Watkins second base camp and memorial cross at Lake Fjord.  In 2006 with two colleagues – we attempted a major unsupported 700 mile trip from Scoresbysund to Ammassalik.  In 2007 a group explored the coast south of Ammassalik and again managed to reach Watkins 1930 / 31 base camp used by the BAARE expedition.  In 2008 I established my own permanent kayak base in Tasiilaq, the main settlement in the  Ammassalik region and from this now run a range of expeditions each summer – this is a fantastic area with lots of scope for different levels of expedition.  In 2009 with a small group I returned to Watkins camp and memorial cross at Lake Fjord.  Summer 2010 saw more groups exploring into Sermilk and circumnavigating Ammassalik Island.  Through these adventures I have gained considerable knowledge of the coast, its wild life, the ice, weather conditions and its people.  My trips cater for small groups of individuals.  They are well organised with a relaxed, friendly and supportive atmosphere and aim to give you the best chance to make the most of your Greenland adventure’.

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