Author: Justine

“Best Film” for Kayaking the Aleutians

I’m delighted that “Kayaking the Aleutians” won “Best Film” at the 2015 German Kayak Film Festival last night.

About 300 people watched the selection of films, including the world premiere of our Alaskan adventure. Afterwards the organiser, Olaf Obsommer, called me to the stage for a short interview. Next the judges stood up to talk about the films and announce the winner. They were talking in German of course so I couldn’t understand what they were saying. It was only when there was a pause (perhaps when I should have been coming back to the stage) and Olaf beckoned to me that I realised I had won.

It was a fantastic 4 month adventure in such a beautiful part of the world with a tough, funny woman, generous locals, amazing wildlife and more than our fair share of challenges. I knew I had the ingredients of a great film, so I’m glad I didn’t mess it & I’m grateful for all the help from people on the trip, and friends back home who watched the developing film with me and suggested changes.

All DVD orders are now shipping and the downloads are being downloaded!

The first reviews have all been really positive. Simon Willis said “Quite simply, it is the best yet from Justine Curgenven…. There’s nothing false about the jeopardy here….This film has content. In bucketfuls” – read his full review here.

Meanwhile, a tour is shaping up nicely for “Kayaking the Aleutians” in America & Canada visiting Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, Detroit, Kitchener, Rochester (NY), Maine, Connecticut, New York, San Diego, Canoecopia, Jersey Paddler, the U.S Storm Gathering in Trinidad, California & the Bajakayak fest. Click here for more details.

As I write this, I’m taking the rough with the smooth! I’m spending the day in Munich airport after a flight mix up! But on the positive side, they have free wi-fi and I’ve just seen people walking past with a delicious looking ice-cream which I think merits further investigation!

February 15, 2015
“Kayaking the Aleutians” film released 14th February 2015

After 101 days of kayaking and a similar number sitting at my desk, I’m excited to release the trailer for ‘Kayaking the Aleutians’.

It was an incredible adventure full of excitement, wildlife, laughter, fear, friendship and wonder. Jon Turk, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year described the many crossings between unpopulated islands as “the greatest, as yet undone, technical sea kayak expedition in the world”, and adds that “The film is spectacular, full of high adventure, a touching friendship, and some of the most magnificent scenery on earth” . –

Colin Angus, who has completed a human-powered loop of the globe also gave it the thumbs up.

“Superb filming to go with a superb adventure! Justine and Sarah are kayaking alone through one of the most challenging and dangerous environments in the world. It is incredible that not only did they make it, but that they were able to create a high quality documentary without a film crew following along. Their film not only communicates the hardships and dangers of the expedition, but also conveys the rich backdrop of wildlife and culture in this region. A definite 5 out of 5 stars.”

You can read more about the film on this page on my website.

The film is released on Valentine’s Day for anyone wishing to treat someone special (which could of course be yourself!). There is a discount on pre-orders so head over to the store to make sure you get your copy as soon as they are off-the-press. The DVDs are being made at the moment but we hope to be able to ship them in time for a 14th February arrival.

Click here if you live in the UK/ Europe / Australasia.

Click here if you live in the US / Canada / South America / Japan.

There will be a High Definition Download available on 14th February.

We will also be selling through outdoor stores so if you prefer to buy from your local store then please encourage them to get some in stock!

I’m going on tour with the film to venues in America, Canada, Germany, Norway & the U.K. You can check the locations here. More are being added and I’m always interested to hear from people with proposals of extra showings!

I hope you enjoy the film!

January 30, 2015
Justine speaking at London Olympia’s Adventure Travel Show

Phew, that was a long blog title but it pretty much sums up the situation. I’m excited to be talking at the Adventure Travel Show in about 10 days time. Now in it’s 19th Year, this is the UK’s only event dedicated to discovering the world off the beaten track. You can meet the biggest collection of specialist adventure travel companies in the business and hear over 100 inspirational talks from the likes of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Doug Scott, Monty Halls, Benedict Allen, Dave Cornthwaite and Felicity Aston. All the talks are free once you pay a small fee to get in.

And here’s some more good news! My name is finally getting people somewhere – you can get advance tickets for only £6 – saving £4 off the door price if you quote ‘JUSTINE’ when booking online at www.adventureshow.com or when calling 0871 230 7159 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras). I’m tempted to buy a few myself to make sure that not everyone goes along to see the big names!

I’m also on a panel on Saturday afternoon with other adventurers talking about how we got started, which should be fun.

When I’m not talking, I’ll be hanging out quite a lot at the ‘Say YES more’ booth, run by Dave Cornthwaite where I’ll have DVDs for sale. I’ll be there on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, perhaps longer!

In other news, the’Kayaking the Aleutians’ film is getting really close to being finished. It will be released in mid- to late- February, and I’ll be going on tour with the film soon afterwards – details to be announced as things get organised.

For now, it’s confirmed that I’ll be at Canoecopia, the world’s largest paddlesports show in Wisconsin, and I’m presenting and paddling at the U.S. Storm gathering in Trinidad, California – both in March. If you are near the West coast of the States / Canada, or somewhere between Chicago and New Jersey by road and you’d like me to give a presentation then please get in touch!

January 7, 2015
Christmas treats & Buy 1 get 1 free

Quick! Order your last minute gifts for the paddler in your life. We’re shipping right up until Christmas. If you order before 10am on Saturday 20th December, we’ll get it into the last Christmas post. We’ll even wrap it up for you in our unique orca-print wrapping paper.

We are now stocking Tara Mulvany’s epic book about her winter circumnavigation of the South island of New Zealand, the only mapcase that has ever kept my maps dry are back in stock -the highly sought after Axel-packs. If you want to be seen in the dark, we have reflective tape and reflective stickers.

And we have some amazing deals on DVD – for example buy ‘This is the Sea 3 & 4’ for just £9.99 – and shipping is free in the UK. We’ve got a great deal on ‘This is the Sea 5’ DVDs – buy one, get one free until the end of the year. Put 2 DVDs in the cart and use the code hohoho at check out.

Limited Edition Sea kayaking Calendar

Our unique 2015 sea kayaking calendar has been really popular but we still have a few left.

So what are you waiting for. You can sort out all of your last minute shopping in one go!

If you’re from elsewhere in this merry world then your orders will still be posted quickly. US orders may still get there in time for Christmas. The ‘hohoho’ code works in the US store as well for buy one, get one free on “This is the Sea 5”.

December 19, 2014