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Interview with Johan Wirsen by Damiano Visocnik from GnarlyDog News blog

March 13, 2014, 3:58 am
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Learn more about Johan Wirsen: great designer of greenland style kayaks but also a sea kayak enthusiast.
Did You know that Johan has designed rowing and sailing boats too? Do You know what Johan thinks about sea kayak sailing?

You can read part of interview below and if You would like to read full interview go to GnarlyDog News blog.  >>GnarlyDog link



GDN: You have started a new brand of sea kayaks called Rebel: why another brand ?

JH: You know, since 2001 I have been working independently with kayak designs for a number of companies.(...)But as you know, the kayak business is also quite dirty and some of the companies I have been working with were also very greedy, so I have decided to terminate some contract with the “big ones” and start all over with this new little company Rebel Kayaks and try to keep the passion for the sport and paddling alive for myself.

GDN: Where and when will these kayak be available?
"Designer with his baby"

JH: For the moment we are that lucky that we have been contacted by so many high end retailers, dealers and customers that we can’t satisfied them all!! (...).

GDN: What style of kayaks are you focusing on under your brand Rebel?

JH: The first two models that we put into production are my two Greenland styled kayaks: the “ILAGA”and the ”T”. Those are the type of kayaks that I personally feel a lot for, and since they are well known they are like a signature for me. (...)

GDN:I notice a certain consistency of style in your creations even if the kayaks that you have designed have different goals in mind. How did you get involved in boat design and what is the driving force for your passion?

JH: Born on an island, and growing up with a father that had all kinds of boats (anything from fishing to sailing and even a water-ski boat) it is not that unusual that I got this interest and eventually I went to school to become a boat builder. I have always tried to build or rebuild my own stuff, even motorbikes!

GDN: Sea kayak sailing: what do you think of that?

JH: I must admit that I have not experienced sailing with a kayaks before I visited Australia. But I really got hooked! (...)

GDN: Last words?
Rebel Greenland T kayak at Oland Island

JH: Well I guess that would be: With paddling try to make it your own journey.(...)

GnarlyDog News -One of the  most recognized paddling blog on Earth and region. Like he wrote on blog: 
"How do I find the time to do all this? simple: I got rid of my TV. That's right,"

See full article here >>GnarlyDog News
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Wooden Greenland paddles by Rebel Kayaks

April 11, 2014, 12:52 am
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Now in production! Our Greenland paddles are now in production and are currently offered in 3 different models\sizes. All of them are made from Pacific Red Cedar and reinforced with edges of Fraxinus.
On the bottom of loom the shoulders is pronounced to create an index where your thumbs will sit. The top side is smoother for a softer grip of your palm on the paddle.  The advantage of  a wooden paddle is that you can adjust it a bit and customize it yourself  for a personal  grip or feel. You can just carve or sand away a little bit at the time until you find your "own grip. After you have been using it for a while you oil it again, and have the nice feeling of holding on to wood.

Top: Storm / Middle: Standard / Bottom: Big Blade



Greenland Wooden Paddles details:

Standard
  • Length: 218 cm
  • Weight: 0,8 kg
  • Blade width: 85 mm
    • Big Blade in use
  • Loom length: 50 cm
  • Design: Johan Wirsén
  • Wood:  Pacific Red Cedar & Fraxinus
Big Blade
  • Length: 218 cm
  • Weight: 0,85 kg
  • Blade width: 100 mm
  • Loom length: 50 cm
  • Design: Johan Wirsén
  • Wood:  Pacific Red Cedar & Fraxinus
Storm Blade
  • Length: 184 cm
  • Weight: 0,6 kg
  • Blade width: 85 mm
  • Loom length: 20 cm
  • Design: Johan Wirsén
  • Wood:  Pacific Red Cedar & Fraxinus
Please remember that our paddles are not mass produced but crafted by the hands of experienced artisans. The weight & color of paddles can vary as they are made out of wood :)
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though for weekend and for all your outdoor activity :)

May 16, 2014, 6:50 am
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Place: Rugen Island
Kayak: Greenland T
Lay-up: Sandwich
Paddle: Prototype

Vest: Aquarius Traper Guide 
Clothes: Peak UK 3X fabric

Feel free to share, just please credit to www.rebelkayaks.blogspot.com
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Rebellion in Denmark! First Rebel Kayaks are already available at KajakGaarden.

May 19, 2014, 12:27 am
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We are pleased to announced that REBEL is now on in DENMARK! We wrote in one of previous post:
"Today we have started production of the first kayaks ordered from our Scandinavian partners. We are very excited because REBEL is becoming a reality."
Now we can say that REBEL became reality also in Denmark.  We are extremely happy and delighted to work with such partners in DK. A few days after delivery we already received some great photos taken by Michael (Kajakgaarden owner) and the first feedback from a happy user of a Greenland T. You can see him rolling on our Facebook profile >>here. Jan sent us a video on facebook just a few hours after he received his kayak. Can there be something more rewarding?


INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL FROM KAJAKGAARDEN

Kajakgaardenhas Ilaga & Greenland T models already in stock. Also our wooden Greenland paddles are available at >>Kajakgaarden. The second shop where the Rebels will be available is>>Kano & Kajak Butikken. In total both brand have 4 shops in Denmark.

We took this opportunity and asked Michael (Kajakgaarden owner) a few questions.

Rebel:Could you tell us more about the shop and your history of how you got involved with the kayak market?

Michael (Kajakgaarden): Originally  I was working as a police officer in Copenhagen, than I took a year of leave and enrolled in an Outdoor Activity Guide course at the university of Copenhagen. I specialised in Sea Kayaking. Once I graduated I re-joined the police but started to do jobs and planned courses and events in different places around Denmark. Eventually we moved to the West side of Denmark, bought a little house at the sea and started our own business offering courses and education for seakayakers. In extension of that people started to ask for equipment and kayaks, so we evolved our little business from our home. In 2008 we were offered a place for our business at the harbour in Kolding and we accepted.

Rebel: .. and now You have already two shops in Denmark?

Michael (Kajakgaarden):That's right. Kajakgaarden Kolding opened the 1th of march 2008 with a concept to stock quality kayaks and equipment while offering a lot of knowledge about our products. In spring 2010 we opened our second shop in Aarhus.

Rebel: Why You decided to start your relation with Rebel Kayaks?

Michael (Kajakgaarden): My relationship with Johan Wirsen started when I met him at Paddle Expo andimmediately I communicated very well with him. Later on we met again at a sales weekend in Estonia. We had some drinks and a good long talk about kayaks as well as a lot of other things. I regard Johan's skills as a designer very highly. He has great knowledge of boat designs and craftsmanship, and with his remarkable personality it has been a pleasure to work with him. When he told me that he wanted to bring back passion into the paddlesport and move away from the cold hearted business attitudes  that he had experienced in earlier business relationships, and re-establish his designs under the Rebel Brand, I immediately told him that if he wanted to work with me I was ready to support both his thoughts and his business. Fortunately we now have recived our first Rebel Kayaks, and they look great and very sturdy. From here we look very much forward to work with Johan and Rebel in the future and also to bring back some healthy attitudes to the paddlesport market.

Rebel: Now You have 2 shops, but You also cooperate with Kano & Kajak Butikken, which actually has two other shops. Cooperation between two shops in one country is quite uniqe, isn't it?

Michael (Kajakgaarden):I met Peter for the first time while I was at the Outdoor Guide Course and bought some stuff from him. Later on, when I opened my own shop, we had some good discussions on how to run a business and cooperate, ­and we have been doing so since. It has also been a pleasure to work with Peter and we have a lot of things in common on how to do business as well as we carry a lot of the same brands in our stores. And now also Rebel Kayaks :­-)




All photos by Michael Schuh from KajakGarden


Keep REBEL!
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Nordic Tour after the storm

July 14, 2014, 5:12 am
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Almost two months passed away from our last post, it because we are in peak season. We have a lot of work and a lot happen around us. Finally it's our first season.

As most of You already know that we are supporting Nordic Tour by Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer. They use Greenalnd T and Ilaga.
Few weeks ago Helen & Mark have had an accident on the way to Oslo. They were traveling with their bus and with the kayaks on the roof. They have rolled the van and stopped at trees. Lucky they are really fine, nothing serious happened to them and this is most important and good thing. Unluckily car and kayaks were totaly crashed.  After few days of convalescence they decided to continue their Nordic Tour and keep teaching the rolls.
If You would like to learn more, please visit their article:>>The day we rolled the van .
Now they are travelling with Johan's private car (Volvo of course;). We managed to replaced their kayak, one from our west coast delaer: KajakCenter i Grebbestad. Thank You Mats for that! Another one is a private Johan's kayak: Rebel Ilaga with wooden finish.

In general this accident could has big impact on Tour plus Mark&Helen personally, however thanks to many good people they are now fine and all problems were solved. Now is time to go forward!
Like Helen wrote on blog: "Life must go on, and we’re very grateful that we still have that life…"
At the time we are writing this post Helen and Mark are already in Greenland...  They will be back in Scandinavia around 23 of july.


new kayaks for Helen Wilson & Mark Tozer



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Rebel PFD for rolling and touring

July 15, 2014, 12:56 am
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Have You seen our PFD? If not just take a look :)

Our PFD has two big pockets with zippers plus 7 adjustable straps for best body's fit. Adjustable straps are on: top (shoulders), front and both sides. At the front You will also find 4 way lash tab, it can be used to fix watch, knife or whatever You need while paddling. PFD's, same as our kayaks and paddles, are made in Poland. PFD was designed for touring, however thanks to adjustable straps is good choice to perform good rolls. 

Damiano from Gnarly Dog News
Tess from The Ocean Dragons


We got already some good reveiws about our PFD. One to our's delight was made by Christopher Crowhurst from >>Qajaq Rolls :

"The Rebel PFD is a kayak rollers dream."
"It has an awesome feature, each foam panel can be removed and modified easily, they are held in place behind monster Velcro sealed pockets. Most PFDs get in my way when training, I particularly struggled last weekend to get low in the foredeck of my ocean cockpit Shrike, I found myself wanting to shape the chest panels to allow me to get lower. Now I can."
Rebel PFD : Front

Rebel PFD :Back
Do You have any questions regarding our vest? Write us on info@rebelkayaks.com or leave a comment. We are here to answer You.
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Simplifying the Roll: Crossed Arm Roll

July 21, 2014, 1:08 am
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Simplifying the Roll with Helen Wilson and Rebel Ilaga


Demonstration during Nordic Tour 2014 Scandinavia
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Simplifying the Roll: Shotgun Roll with Helen Wilson

July 23, 2014, 2:21 am
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Shotgun Roll by Helen Wilson and Rebel Ilaga


Demonstration made during Nordic Tour 2014 Scandinavia. 

Do You have also some inspiring video with your Rebel? Send us we can publish here :) or just post on your Rebel Fanpage: >>HERE
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Simplifying the Roll with Helen Wilson: Elbow & Behind Neck Rolls

July 25, 2014, 12:06 am
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Elbow & Behind the neck roll by Helen Wilson and Rebel Ilaga.

Demo made during Nordic Tour 2014 classes in Scandinavia.

If You have inspiring video with your Rebel please write to us. We willl be delighted to post on blog or fanpage.
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Improving roll skills: Balance Brace & Standard Greenland Roll

July 27, 2014, 11:19 pm
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There is nothing more rewarding than view of paddler improving his roll skills on our qajaq.
Paddler is using Rebel Ilaga. He has launched his own channel on Vimeo and decided to share his experiences with Rebel Ilaga. Thank You for that! 

Practicing: Standard Greenland Roll


Practicing: Balance Brace


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Improving roll skills: Side Sculling & Standar Greenland Roll

July 30, 2014, 12:12 am
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As we wrote before... There is nothing more rewarding than view of paddler improving his skills on Rebel Kayak. Paddler is using Rebel Ilaga. He has launched his own channel on Vimeo and decided to share his experiences with Rebel Ilaga. Thank You for that! At previous post we posted video with Standard Greenland Roll & Balance Brace.



Practicing: Side Sculling




Practicing: Standard Greenland Roll vol.2

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Improving roll skills: Reverse Sweep & Chest Sculling

August 1, 2014, 1:34 am
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We are really delighted to see paddlers having fun with Rebel Kayaks. This is what is about, that we can provide kayaks for kayak's enthusiast and they have a lot of fun with our Rebel units:) 
As we wrote before... There is nothing more rewarding than view of paddler improving his skills on Rebel Kayak. Now You can see how he improves his skills from kayak's point of view.  
Shot by GoPro


Practicing: Reverse Sweep


Practicing: Chest Sculling

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Where to buy Rebel Kayaks? List plus: product range

August 5, 2014, 12:18 am
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2014 is our first season on demanding market of sea kayaks. We are really happy that so much people have trusted us and started to deal with Rebel Kayaks from very beginning, even without seeing kayaks! Now, we are in the middle to high season. We already have sent kayaks to our partners and they are now available in many shops. We are so happy, because most of orders where sent based on trust of Johan's desing skills and acquaintance of Aquarius lamination technology and quality. We hope that we managed to carry out all demands of our partners and new Rebel's paddlers! Now You can find Rebel kayaks in shops over the Europe ... and Japan :)

List of countries where You can find Rebel Kayaks dealers You will find below:
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Finland
  • England
  • France
  • Japan
  • Poland
  • South Korea [new 2015]
If You would like to get in touch with your local dealer write to us we will send You inquiry forward. If You don't see your country on list above don't worry:). We can use some extra magic power to solve problem if You willing to purchase your own Rebel! Write us and we will check what we can do.

For this moment in our range You will find:

2 Greenland kayaks:

Ilaga - low volume greenland qajaq by Johan Wirsen
REBEL ILAGA

  • Lenght: 545 cm
  • Width: 50 cm
  • Cocpit: 57x40 cm
  • Hatches: 2 Oval (Front & Rear)
  • Lay-up:  >>LayUp
  • Super Cool Features: Foldable backrest, Laminated bulkheads, Inside footrest mounts, Matt inside 


    Greenland T - medium volume greenland qajaq in touring version by Johan Wirsen
    REBEL GREENLAND T

    • Lenght: 545 cm
    • Width: 52 cm
    • Cocpit: 83 x 45 cm
    • Hatches: 3 (Round Front, Oval Rear, Small Day)
    • Lay-up:>>LayUp
    • Super Cool Features: Foldable backrest, Laminated bulkheads, Inside footrest mounts, Matt inside 



      3 Greenland wooden paddles
      • learn more about paddles here: >>Paddles

      1 PFD 

      Any question? Do not hesitate and leave comment or write us! Join us on facebook on link below >>REBEL

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          Simplifying the Roll with Helen Wilson: 6 new videos!

          August 26, 2014, 6:24 am
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          These are a short videos of Helen Wilson and Rebel Ilaga demonstratingrolling techniques and progressions during a 'Simplifying The Roll' class hosted by KajakInn, Denmark. Enjoy!


          Simplifying The Roll:SPINE ROLL


          Simplifying The Roll: NORSAQ SHOTGUN & SHOTGUN HAND ROLL

          Simplifying The Roll: NORSAQ BUTTERFLY ROLL


          Simplifying The Roll: BUTTERFLY ROLL


          Simplifying The Roll: BEHIND THE NECK ROLL


          Simplifying The Roll: HAND ROLL & SHOTGUN ROLL

           Filmed by Mark Tozer
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          Greenland T - play on the waves

          September 1, 2014, 1:41 am
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          Check this new video with: Rebel Greenland T surfing on the baltic waves at Gdansk Bay in Gdynia.



          Such conditions in calm waters of sandy city beach of Gdynia (Gdansk Bay) are quite unique.  It was really fun. Video from July 2014.
          kayak: Greenland T (sandwich )
          paddle: Big Blade
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          Paddle Expo 2014 / KanuMesse 2014

          September 2, 2014, 5:13 am
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          We would like to say shortly...

          We will be at Paddle Expo 2014. It will be second expo with REBEL units inside :)

          Paddle Expo will take place 28 -30 september in Nurnberg. Our booth number is X-24. We will share space together with Aquarius& FeelFree.

          We will take with us:

          KAYAKS:
          • Greenland T
          • Ilaga 
          PADDLES:
          • Standard
          • Big Blade 
          • Storm
          If You would like to make appointment with us please write us at: info@rebelkayaks.com 

          Paddle Expo is the biggest kayak show in Europe. It's great opportunity to meet and talk about upcoming season 2015. Be welcome at our stand! 


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          Take Ilaga from Paddle Expo 2014 in Nurnberg :)

          September 12, 2014, 12:57 am
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          Paddle Expo is coming soon. We take:
          • one Ilaga
          • one Greenland T
          Greenland is already sold, Ilaga is still free:) If You are thinking to purchase one, it's great opportunity to do it with no cost of shipping to Nurnberg.
          We will take Ilaga in Sandwich Plus - black with wooden surface on deck (like photo attached). 
          Get in touch with us at info@rebelkayaks.com


          Helen Wilson and Ilaga. Photo by Mark Tozer
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          First season of Rebel is already over - summary by Janusz

          December 31, 2014, 2:47 am
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          It's been awhile since we've written a new post... It's winter but we are still quite busy:)

          Bruddesta, Oland Island, Sweden. Photo: Janusz Kowalski
          Our first season of Rebel on the market is now done. We are happy that we could supply all of orders we received.
          We are now present in whole of Scandinavia and West Europe; plus in Japan. We also have the very first Rebel kayakers in Iceland and Belgium. Soon we will have our kayaks in Italy and South Korea. It will be second country after Japan outside Europe!

          We received some nice reviews recently and we are happy to share them:

          Rebel in Belgium. Photo: Phil Evans
          Phil from Belgium wrote to us after a few days of using his Greenland T:

          "I have had many, many positive reactions on the water. It's like going out withthe most beautiful girlin the school. :-) Thanks again for doing such a great job"

          Larus from Iceland

          "kayaks looks great. I look forward to try mine on the water"

          Sveinn from Iceland

          "We finally got the kayaks today.  I took it out for short test paddle this evening.  Loved it.
          I have to give you a credit for how well you packed the kayaks into the box.  Very professional.  The kayaks are superb and the production is with high quality."

          What can be more rewarding? NOTHING!

          Where we are not present yet? We are not present in Germany and USA. Why are we mentioning this? Because while we got many private inquiries from this two countries we still do not have any dealers there. So... if You are wondering about that, pleas ask your local shop why they don't have any Rebels in stock yet ;).

          Last words? hmm... There is a new kayak coming for 2015 season! Johan will write something more about that soon. Stay tuned! 

          Janusz 

          Ilaga & Volvo SUV. Photo: Eva Finder


          All quotes above have permission to publicate. Photos : Janusz Kowalski, Eva Finder & Phil Evans. 
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          First year with Rebel Kayaks on the market - summary by Johan

          January 6, 2015, 11:36 pm
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          Rebel Kayaks' first season draws to a close and it's time to take stock.

          Paddle Expo 2014. photo: J.K.
          -It more or less all started for Rebel Kayaks when we showed a kayak at Paddle Expo, (a kayak fair in Germany, in 2013). The response was greater than expected and we went home strengthened by the experience;

          What spurred us most was that the requests came from well established retailers with many years in the industry. It was something we hoped for (when) knowing that appreciation of quality also means longevity and good service.

          We were aware that our production would be limited so we made that clear to our prospective customers and dealers but what we were not prepared for was that the "T"model would sell in greater numbers than "Ilaga".

          Our mould maker unfortunately broke his leg in the middle of the start-up of production, The leg is now healed and the kayaks delivered So every thing worked out well, even if it was tight sometimes.

          Mark and Helen
          Friends like Helen Wilson and Mark Tozer used our kayaks on their "Nordic Tour" clinics; that, of course, helped a lot to create awareness for our kayaks and show them off, while our PFDs and our wooden paddles have also been well received.

          photo: J.K.

          So all together:

          We have all helped each other, and relations have been strengthened between all involved which feels extra good. We did not rush the production of the kayaks and warranty claims have been almost none.

          This was also reflected when we met most of our retailers at this year's Paddle Expo, and it has been confirmed many times directly from those that now own and paddle a "Rebel".


          What happens next?

          -Yes, we are planning to increase the production somewhat. Now we are prepared for the disparity in sales between the models and we hope to keep a small stock for next Year.

          We will also expand our catalogue with more kayak models over time. Drawing from my previous experiences, the new kayaks will not be presented until they are in production, with rigorous test paddling and adjustments prior production completed !!

          Many people have been in touch with me desiring the release of some of the previous kayaks I designed, which are no longer manufactured. We are obviously both honoured and delighted, but since we are a small manufacturer with limited resources, we must consider every step carefully.

          Rebel Kayak is on the way!


          Johan Wirsén​


          Photos by: Eva Finder, Mark Tozer & Janusz Kowalski
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          Rebel paddler in France

          January 14, 2015, 6:29 am
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          We have received some nice photo from France. François wrote to us:

          "Here we are three Rebels in ILE-TUDY, from Bretagne, France. We enjoy paddling and rolling with them.We wish for you the best in 2015.
          François, Bernard, Guénaelle."

          Photo: Gurwann Le Jan
          Thank You all for that and keep Rebel in 2015!
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