When I first saw the trailer for "This is Canoeing" DVD, I remember playing it over and over agan until I knew each sequence in advance! As an amateur videographer, I was mesmerized and transfixed by a diversity of images, stories and people that were rolling in front of my eyes. I felt a pang of remorse for not knowing that Justine was filming in Canada last year, as I would've loved to me a fly on that helmet cam! So, this is my way of playing a small role in this great story, by trying to spread the word and make it easy for you to see this incredible compilation of 12 short paddling films.
Avantura is a small company specializing in SPOT GPS Satellite Messenger distribution and rental. Its birth and evolution was a result of natural progression of my personal interest in satellite messaging technology. As an avid paddler who ventured into the far Northern regions of Canada, I was often dreaming about a device that would allow me to do more then typical PLB offered. Imagine opening your browser and seeing where all your buddies are paddling that morning, scattered all over the map from Alaska to Labrador - while you enjoy the morning coffee! Help and 911 came later as an afterthought but it was the tracking part that hooked me first.
Enter SPOT, and the rest was history. My horizon expanded far beyond the wildest dreams. In many ways, I see this as a "perfect marriage". Whether we paddle, bike, hike, fish, fly or sail - we love losing ourselves in the vast open spaces beyond the reach of civilization and cell phones. SPOT affords us the opportunity to share our travel path with others in the responsible and interactive way.
Technology aside, my life was enriched by meeting and communicating with so many of you - my customers. This continues to be the biggest thrill of all - the ever growing circle of friends and shared knowledge. My latest focus is the high profile event tracking. If you haven't stumbled on this already, you soon will.
As the Chair of Wilderness Canoe Association in Canada, I'm plugged in the paddling community here. If you have any feedback - good, bad or indifferent - please get in touch. I'd love to hear from you. Lastly, if you visited this page looking for information about my ski & paddling trips, check out my personal website here.
Aleks Gusev
