The ice is thick and the winds are typically strong. Many times the weather’s so rough and ice so thick that we can’t even drop zodiacs to cruise or land below the circle. This particular day, is a good one, and the first that is suitable conditions for SUP below the circle. The sky is overcast, allowing the oversized white ice bergs to dramatically stand out against the grey background. The sea is littered with pieces of sea ice and small bergy bits. The light breeze reminds us of how dynamic the seemingly stable masses of ice are as they drift around the surface. In the zodiac with the paddle boarders, I give an introduction to SUP and a safety briefing. In the short time it takes to do this, the breeze and currents have enclosed our zodiac with small chunks of sea ice. Before we can unload our boards we have to turn on the engine to clear an area for launching. We laugh as I begin shoving ice away with my paddle.
Paddling in here makes you feel tiny. The large, dark, jagged peaks of the surrounding lands tower around us as the icy white glaciers spill down their valleys. Icebergs the size of castles bob around the sea reminding you of how large those glaciers in the distance really are. Ice isn’t the only allure of the paddle; Adelie Penguins waddle clumsily along the rocks of Detaille Island as we float by. They cautiously approach the sea edge and peer into the water determining if it’s safe to plunge in. Once in the water, they dart around beneath the surface, seemingly flying