Body Boat Blade

All pictures © Body Boat Blade International

Body Boat Blade International is owned and operated by two of the most qualified, dedicated, and passionate instructors in the Pacific Northwest. Shawna Franklin and Leon Sommé

Shawna Franklin and Leon Sommé are co-owners of the award winning kayak school, Body Boat Blade International. Shawna and Leon have been working in the paddle sports industry for nearly 20 years as coaches and coach educators and are ambassadors to leading companies in the paddle sports industry such as Werner paddles, Kōkatat, Snap Dragon, North Water and Nigel Dennis Kayaks. Shawna and Leon are enthusiastic paddlers with a true passion for the sport. A few of their more notable accomplishments include the circumnavigation of Iceland in 2003 with Chris Duff, the circumnavigation of Haida Gwaii in 2007 with Justine Curgenven, together Shawna and Leon circumnavigated Vancouver Island in 2011, and Leon’s solo circumnavigation in 1998 of Vancouver Island.

Through their school and their passion for paddle sports they spend most days of their lives on the water. They have developed a wide range of experience to draw from when doing rescues or teaching skills.

Havkajakroerne managed to get Shawna and Leon to do classes on the summer camp in Hvalpsund from 23. – 29. juli 2012.

They will be teaching in their philosophy which they describe as follows:

Our Logo best describes our philosophy: Simplicity.

In developing performance as coaches and paddlers we literally follow the symbols of our logo: First we analyze and form the body, looking at posture, shape, and the biomechanics of the force we will apply. Next we consider the boat, is it edged, trimmed, or positioned to efficiently achieve our desired outcome? Ultimately, by positioning the boat appropriately we minimize the load on the body. At last we look at the blade, it will connect our body and boat to the water and will compliment the action of our moving boat. Is the blade placed and angled to give us the greatest result while minimizing the load on our body?

Together, this is a “body” rather than a “blade” centered approach to paddle sports.

Research shows that the quickest path to great performance is a product of deliberate practice while working with a knowledgeable coach who is capable of giving constructive, honest feedback. We strive to be the best, most current and knowledgable coaches in paddle sport so you can be Safe, have Fun and Learn.

SHAWNA FRANKLIN

Coach Level 5 Sea (aspirant), BCU 5 Star Sea, 4 Star Surf, 4 Star Inland, 2 star Open Canoe

Shawna is the first woman in the United States to gain the BCU 5 Star Sea Award, a test of skills and leadership in advanced sea conditions. Putting these hard earned skills to test in 2003, she was the first woman to successfully circumnavigate Iceland with famed solo paddler Chris Duff and Leon Sommé, a trip of over 1600 nautical miles in 81 days. In 2007 Shawna circumnavigated the Islands of Haida Gwaii, B.C., with award winning film maker Justine Curgenven and partner Leon Sommé. As an artist, she is drawn to the sea for inspiration. Her paddling skills allow her a deeper artistic inspiration and in turn many feel her paddling skills have become a form of art. Shawna has been paddling and teaching for over 17 years, she wants to share her enthusiasm for teaching and paddling, and sense of adventure with you!

Ambassador and team paddler for Kokatat, Werner, Snapdragon, and North Water.

LEON SOMMÉ

Coach Level 5 Sea (aspirant), BCU 5 Star Sea, 4 Star Surf, 4 Star Inland, 2 Star open canoe

Leon has been paddling and teaching paddle sports for close to 20 years. He has logged thousands of coastal and river miles around the world. Most notably, in 2003, Leon successfully circumnavigated Iceland with Chris Duff and Shawna Franklin, a trip of over 1600 nautical miles in 81 days. in 1998, Leon circumnavigated Vancouver Island, B.C., and most recently in 2007 Leon circumnavigated the Islands of Haida Gwaii, B.C., with Shawna Franklin and award winning film maker Justine Curgenven. Screwing around in small human powered boats is Leon's passion. He has spent countless hours trying to understand and master the skills of paddle sports. In doing so, he now believes a mastery of this sport is one of the many pathways to enlightenment!

Ambassador and team paddler for Kokatat, Werner, Snapdragon, and North Water.