A Paddle Salute

Very sad news arrived this week from the Netherlands. Fred Leemans very unexpectedly died. I first met Fred at the Anglesey sea kayak symposium where his enthusiasm was very catching. Puzzled with the question from the local instructors wether he had any 'BCU stars', he answered that he had 'no stars', and I subsequently referred to him as Fred 'no-star', with a smile. Sometimes one has those special people on trips that by personality boosts group morale. Fred was one of those 'naturals'. He joined me on trips to Jersey and Baja Mexico. Fred, it has been good to know you; I very much enjoyed your company. From Half Moon Bay in Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Australia, a salute to you!