Feedback
Having previously worked with Alaskan teams, the unique traits of the Greenland dogs in both temperament and physique, as well as Didzis’ particular passion and experience in traditional Greenland mushing methods, offered me a new mushing and kennel experience. Significantly stronger and more muscular than those dogs I had experienced before (probably 50% stronger than expected!), they both challenged and improved my handling techniques around the yard, and provided me with even more confidence in the challenging environments of the Sarek region. To learn to confidently handle and control dogs that are undoubtedly stronger than I am and therefore are controlled solely through their mutual understanding of our aim and through our shared bond, is a particularly special handling experience.
The sheer variety of outdoor experiences offered particular depth to this experience, especially as someone seeking an understanding of not just large team mushing but also broader dog activities and confidence in the entry-level activities that can be achieved prior to committing to a whole kennel setup. With a different activity or experience most days, the experiences were tailored to the weather and personal development and goals. In only two weeks the variety of adventure styles, equipment types, and Didzis' adjusted levels of involvement allowed me to develop significantly. Having arrived being comfortable driving my own team while accompanied/under supervision, I left with exposure to and comfort with solo/unaccompanied scootering, mountain canicross, pulka sledding, and small-team sledding, and a broader appreciation of the surrounding tasks and processes, making a future entry-level/novice event now a realistic and achievable possibility.
The experience’s ability to grow my existing confidence, experience and knowledge to the stage where I now feel ready and able to embark on my own version of the sledding dream, with knowledge of the entry paths and smaller-scale options along the way, is priceless. And to be lucky enough to develop that under Didzis’s instruction and experience, in a true wilderness that will stay with me forever, and with the unique experience of the Greenland dogs, is all I could have hoped for as I look to embark on my own mushing journey.
Sarah, New Zealand (Spring 2025)