Martin Rickard
-
ISKGA - Advanced Guide / Technical Adviser.
-
ISKGA - Registered Centre - Greenland.
-
BCU - Guide / Guide Module Provider. BCU - L 4 Sea Kayak / Open Canoe Coach.
-
BMLTB - Winter Mountain Leader. RYA - Powerboat.
-
Sea Kayak Circumnavigation Ireland 1983.
-
Extensive experience leading expeditions in UK, Europe, Canada and Greenland.
-
25 seasons in East Greenland - 20 years commercially.
-
Permanent kayak base in Tasiilaq, Angmagssalik - East Greenland.
-
Specialising in guided Expeditions and Expedition Support for 3rd parties.
-
SeakayakingUK - Approved Expedition Centre - East Greenland / Sponsored Paddler.
-
2018 - Kayak Guide / Ice adviser - Steve Backshall / True to Nature / Greenland Adventure Documentary. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0004gpg
-
Arctic Club - full member.
-
Antarctica - Kayak Guide for Aurora Expeditions, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
I started out in the 1980's working alongside Nigel Dennis - for the next 20 years I worked in numerous outdoor centres - leading expeditions throughout the UK, Europe and Canada.
In 1983, with a pal, I completed the second ever circumnavigation of Ireland.
Ever since reading "Watkins Last Expedition" by F Sp Chapman I have been fascinated and some would say addicted by the history, culture and wilderness of East Greenland. Specifically the Angmagssalik region where Watkins mapped and explored in the 1930's.
In 2000 I worked as a Mountain Leader / Kayak Coach on a schools millennium expedition - they went to Angmassalik.
I got hooked, returning in 2002 and 2003 to undertake kayaking expeditions - retracing Watkins routes and locating his base camps.
2006, saw 3 of us attempt to paddle from Scoresbysund (ittoqortoormitt) to Angmassalik - an unsupported journey of over 700 miles, down the uninhabited and inhospitable east coast.
In 2008 I established my own permanent kayak base in the settlement of Tasiilaq on Angmagssalik Island. Since then I have been leading annual kayak expeditions during July and August, every summer.
Over the years I have researched the work and followed the routes Gino Watkins and Freddy Spencer Chapman undertook in the 30's, during their two British Arctic Air Route Expeditions.
As a result of visiting both expedition base camps by kayak, documenting what remains, and writing subsequent magazine articles and reports - I was invited to present at the Arctic Club annual dinner in Edinburgh.
Over the years my enthusiasm for exploring and sharing with others,this world class kayaking venue has grown.
Climate change is having a marked effect and impact on this area, effecting the lives of the local hunters and the wildlife their lives and future depends on - I consider myself so fortunate to have been able to spend quality time with these people in an area that's changing so quickly.
Through all these adventures, I have gained considerable knowledge of the east coast, its wild life, the ice, weather conditions and its people.
My trips cater for small groups of like minded individuals, looking to explore the wild east coast.
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 experience.
You will have the opportunity to learn and practice expedition skills for your own adventures in the future.. many folk return.
Unless otherwise stated, I will be leading your expedition.
Assisted by an experienced paddler, with considerable local knowledge, having paddled extensively with me in this area before.
You will be in very experienced hands.
​