NEW ZEALAND SEA KAYAKER - The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) Inc - KASK
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ISSN 2537-9135
NEW ZEALAND
SEA KAYAKER
No. 191
October - November 2017
The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea
Kayakers (NZ) Inc - KASK
New Zealand Sea Kayaker
EDITORIAL
INDEX
Summer is Here!
EDITORIAL p. 3 The weather gods have been smil-
OVERSEAS REPORTS
ing on the West Coast during the
Kayaking in the Gulf Islands
KASK past three weeks, and the drought
Vancouver Island
President’s Report November 2017 continues unabated. A forecast La
by Margot Syms p.11
by Tim Muhundan p. 5 Nina summer pattern augurs really
well for perfect paddling conditions
West Island Bits November 2017
NEW ZEALAND REPORTS on the West Coast of both islands,
by Dave Winkworth p.17
BASK 20th Anniversary and Stewart Island. ‘Tis related to
Bay Association of Sea Kayakers high-pressure cells forming block-
THE ‘BUGGER!’ FILE
by Bevan Grant p. 6 ing highs in the Tasman, generally a
Motukiekie Missing Paddler
lot further south than with a wet and
West Coast South Island
TECHNICAL windy El Nino pattern.
by Paul Caffyn p.14
Rolling for Fun
by John Gumbley p. 7 BOOK REVIEWS For three weeks, the sea has been
Inside - One Woman’s Journey unbelievably flat, and is warming
SAFETY Through the Inland Passage up; thus providing no excuses for
Safer Boating Week - Wellington by Susan Marie Conrad p.19 not boogy boarding or building up
Wharf Jump paddling confidence on the wave ski.
by Sandy Winterton p. 8 The Lost Art of Finding Our Way
by John Edward Huth With all the sunny days ahead, don’t
NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS review: Peter Jones p.20 forget to give your rubber deck
Rotoroa Island - From Alcoholics hatches plenty of UV protection with
Rehab to Idyllic Paddling Retreat HUMOUR p.21 your favourite vinyl/rubber protector
by Tim Muhundan p. 9 spray. After a recent paddle on Lake
Brunner, one of my hatches had to
be retired after the rubber cracked
Editing and Layout: Paul Caffyn severely. Annual dosing with Armor
email: kayakpc@xtra.co.nz All extended its life to 25 years, but
Deadline for next magazine: 25 January 2018 that first big crack (see photo) is not
Proofing: Sandy Ferguson, Lynda Ferguson repairable. Fortunately Santa Claus
(Conrad Edwards) brought back new
KASK MAGAZINE INDEX
The index from number 35 (December 1991) has been updated to No. 190
(September 2017) and has been loaded by Sandy Ferguson to the KASK
website as a PDF file. The index is listed by alphabetical grouping, that is
starting with B for book reviews. The index provides the magazine and page
number for every article, thus allowing searching via the PDF files of each
magazine on the website, from No. 35.
If you want the PDF file emailed to you, get in touch.
A bit late for Armor All
COVER:
KASK president Tim Muhundan during a recent rock-gardening island paddle in the Hauraki Gulf.
His trip report and more photos on page 9. Photo: Uta Machold
Page 2 Top Left:
Shelley Stuart (left) and Lynn (Red) Paterson paddling into the Auckland Viaduct Basin in front of the National
Maritime Museum to keep an eye on the Safer Boating Week wharf jumpers.
Photo: Tim Muhundan
Page 2 Bottom Left:
What gorgeous poster girls for Safer Boating Week. Lynn (Red) Paterson (left) and Shelley Stuart.
Lynn with PLB mounted on the shoulder strap of her lifejacket, and Shelley with her VHF radio mounted similarly.
Both ladies highlighting the ‘Be Safe - Be Seen!’ message with colourful hats and tops.
Photo: Duo selfie by Shelley Stuart
3
No. 191 October - November 2017
ones from the UK following his re- wards older blokes and insufficient
cent trip and they arrived, individu- gender equality. In discussion with
ally wrapped in Xmas paper, and Carmel Dwyer of MNZ, she ad-
even better, pre-soaked in Armor All. vised there were adequate jumpers
for Auckland but what about includ-
Tide Tables ing paddlers? Two of our Auckland
For those of you who prefer to view committee blokes volunteered, but
tide tables in print format, as I do, the I dobbed in Lynn (Red) Paterson
OceanFun August 2017 – August and Shelley Stuart to Carmel, not
2018 tide times are in the bookshops. only for better gender balance but
There are seven separate booklets in because these two ladies are superb
the pocket tide tables, from North- role models for safe paddling (See
land (SU1) down to Kaikoura/Can- the photos on page 2).
terbury/Otago/Southland (SU7). The
Nelson/West Coast/Golden Bay in- The ‘Bugger!’ File
cludes the approximate best transit My story of the drifting kayak off
times for French Pass (SU6). Good the 12 Mile again raises the issue of
buying at $8. See cover pic at right. when is it too early to call in a res-
cue? If you recall with Dave Cook’s
Safer Boating Week capsize off Plimmerton (NZSC No.
Sandy Winterton again volunteered 190) locals made the call for a res-
to represent KASK at the Safer Boat- cue after observing Dave in the wa-
ing Week Wellington wharf jump. At our last Safer Boating Forum in ter. Although Dave had two means
See his story and photos on page 8. Wellington, I had a grizzle about the of emergency communications, he
annual wharf jumps and a bias to- refrained from using either one, but
KASK KALENDAR
KASK Kayak Fest 2018 - Wellington
2-4 March 2018
Ngatitoa Domain, Mana
Learn new skills, meet new people, explore new waters
From the calm of the Pauatahanui Inlet, to the surge of the Plimmerton Harbour, the KASK Kayak Fest
2018 – Wellington promises to introduce you to new places, all contained in a small area.
There will be classes for learning new skills, ocean white water, boat manoeuvring, rescues,
efficient paddling technique, and rolling.
Visit the link for more information at: http://news.kask.org.nz/kaskkayakfest2018
Contact the event team by email: kayakfest@kask.org.nz or Noel at: artypep@globe.net.nz
For those South Island based paddlers who just want to come across the ditch with their kayak, we suggest the use of the InterIs-
lander as you can walk your boat on using your trolley wheels. We can meet you at the ferry building in Wellington. It just needs
co-ordinating so that we know when you are arriving, and how many for adequate trailers and seating. The FAQ sheet will give
details on how to contact the committee and to highlight the need for a pickup during registration.
4
New Zealand Sea Kayaker
retrospectively wrote that he was briefer emails in support of the hu- of the magazine. A vivid imagination
unlikely to have reached shore un- mour page: can picture the result!
assisted. So the locals did make the The humour section is indeed a little
right call. old school/smutty. For that reason Thanks
I turn to it first! In this unleaded, To all the photographers and report
Should I have made the 111 call low-fat, free-range, organic, PC, writers who have provided material
earlier? I’m keen for feedback from equal-opportunities world full of for the past 12 months of New Zea-
KASK paddlers. The stress of de- special snowflakes, it’s good that land Sea Kayaker magazines, my
ciding to raise the alarm and then there is still a small bastion for profound thanks. The quality and
paddle out to check the kayak cer- real people. choice of photos along with the high
tainly raised my adrenaline levels. standard of writing makes my life
What if it was a false alarm? Once In the most recent KASK magazine, so much easier. My apologies, also
the call was made, and the rescue I checked as to old school/smut lev- if you have supplied material and it
initiated, I lost any chance to com- els. The only hint of smut is with The has not been included to date.
municate with police/rescue servic- Nurse’s Revenge! If you appreciate
es and I had a fair idea of what was the humour/ or not, email me and let Enjoy your paddling this summer
going to happen. me know please! and please don’t hesitate to intercede
and provide appropriate advice if
The Greymouth rescue helicopter One suggestion, given the propensi- you see a potential paddling catas-
was over me within 20 minutes of ty of KASK committee members to trophe in the making.
launching and on shore there were go straight to the humour pages, is to Paul Caffyn
at least three police cars, the Grey- move the ‘Humour’ page to the front kayakpc@xtra.co.nz
mouth CG RIB was tasked to head
north, and there was talk of shore- KASK - President’s Report November 2017
based search parties to look for a by Tim Muhundan
body. Given the volunteer and paid
human resources, also the mechani- On behalf of the KASK committee (Paul, Sandy, Ian, Lois, Dave, Rob,
cal resources brought into play with Shaun, Peter, Steve and myself), I’d like to wish you all safe, fun paddling
a 111 telephone call, it is a tough de- over the festive season.
cision to make, but perhaps it is bet-
ter to err on the side of a few alarms. P.S. If you have not registered for KayakFest followed by International
What do you think? Kayak week (IKW), and don’t want to miss out please take a moment to
register. With over 50 registered already, the places are going fast. Check
Humour out the banner on previous page and follow the instructions to register!”
Does anyone have an issue with the
‘Humour’ page in the KASK maga- KASK Committee 2017 - 2018
zine. A recent email circulated to our Tim Muhundan - President email: tim@kask.org.nz
committee notes it ‘is inappropriate Ian McKenzie - Committee email: mckian@xtra.co.nz
and should be discontinued’. This Sandy Ferguson - Webmaster email: kayakamf@gmail.com
email generated more correspond- Paul Caffyn - Publications email: kayakpc@xtra.co.nz
ence from our KASK committee Lois Cowan - Committee email: loisc@paradise.net.nz
members on one subject than I can David Welch - Committee email: davidjwelch58@gmail.com
ever remember. Given the outstand- Peter Brooks - Committee email: peterjlbrooks@gmail.com
ing quality of report writing, techni- Robert Brown - Committee email: yakityyak1@hotmail.com
cal articles and photographs, I was Shaun Maclaren - Committee email: shaun.maclaren@smsl.co.nz
disappointed to read that most com- Steve Flack - Committee email: steve.flack@hotmail.com
mittee members went straight to the KASK Administrator (Karen Grant) email: admin@kask.co.nz
‘Humour’ page, before delving into
the rest of the magazine.
To reassure you, there is a vigorous
vetting process for the jokes, fol-
lowed by rigorous scrutiny with the
KASK humour censorship board.
The levels of ‘taking the piss’ and
R18 content are strictly supervised.
The jokes have to have a 99% cer-
tainly of causing smiling and out-
right laughing to occur. Life is too
short not to have humour in our The poor editor, proof reading when he
lives. I will include below one of the could be out paddling
5
No. 191 October - November 2017
NEW ZEALAND REPORTS
BASK
Bay Assn of Sea Kayakers
20 YEARS of KAYAKING
by Bevan Grant
The Bay Association of Sea Kayak-
ers (BASK) hit a milestone this year
– we have been around for 20 years!
The club currently has 83 members
in Tauranga/Mount Maunganui,
Rotorua, Waikato and some further
afield. We consequently have a wide
range of trips mostly in the Tauranga
Jean Kirkham entertaining the members with tales of how it was in the ‘old
Harbour, Rotorua lakes or Waikato
days’. Photo: Val Burns
lakes.
and strawberries. With good weather a very pleasant evening was had by
In the last three months, BASK has promised, the registrations rolled in all. During the evening a commemo-
had trips in our trip programme on – we had 57 members attending in rative dry bag was given out to ev-
the Manakau Harbour, Mokau River, the end! eryone to mark the occasion and
Coromandel Peninsula and Mayor then we even had a visit from Father
Island. Safety is very important to Also, the club held a short trip on the Christmas!
the club and during the year, we have harbour on Saturday; from Athenree
pool sessions, first aid courses, han- to Matakana Island and back. A total Some even had the energy on the
dling surf etc. of 38 paddlers took to the water and Sunday morning to travel up the road
we were all back in time for a soak in a short distance to Waihi Beach for a
We decided on Saturday 25 Novem- the hot pools. paddle to Orokawa Bay.
ber as our 20th anniversary gathering
and choose the Athenree Hot Springs The ‘Do’ started at 5:30 pm with a
and Holiday Park as the venue. It is ‘happy hour’ during which we had
next to the water of Bowentown Har- a speech by our honorary member
bour, has a marvelous BBQ area able Jean Kirkham who was instrumen-
to cope with a big crowd, is central tal in forming the club 20 years ago
to our members and of course there about how it was in the ‘old days’.
are the hot pools! The club supplied She then cut a very large anniversary
the meat to BBQ, nibbles, ice cream cake - the BBQs were fired up and
Jean Kirkham cutting the cake.
Next to her is another club member
Robin Straker. At 86 and a 1/2
years old, he is our oldest active
paddler - bit of an inspiration eh?
Photo: Val Burns
See also page 24 for the BASK
paddlers gathered for the 20th
Anniversary
More kayaks than you can shake a stick at. 38 to be precise. The lunch stop
had to be big enough to cope. Photo: Val Burns
6
New Zealand Sea Kayaker
TECHNICAL
ROLLING FOR FUN
by John Gumbley
photos: Dennis Hynes
Rolling is something I had always
wanted to effectively and efficiently
execute but found I was not particu-
larly reliable and tended to use too
much effort. That lack of being able
to confidently achieve a roll, when I
needed to, bothered me. I had read
the occasional book and participated
in a couple of group training sessions
at KASK forums.
I once inadvertently registered for
Sweeping with eyes on the blade
what proved to be an experienced
rolling session where on video I had
to roll on each side. Amazingly I did but seem to prefer to roll up on my of rolls falling in on the left and right
it but generally I could at best roll right side. It took 3 to 4 weekly and coming up either side. Getting
maybe a couple of times on one side pool sessions to roll up on my (un- the technique right though is more
before failing. More often than not I favoured) left side. Initially, I was important and often when I roll I
would fail and have lame excuses for absolutely confused but so long as grade myself out of 10 which helps
not practising. I held the paddle towards one end it to think about how I could do better.
seemed to make it easier to get the
To sort myself out, I arranged a one- sweep correct. Holding my paddle in different po-
on-one session with an experienced sitions, closing my eyes for 10 rolls
whitewater kayaker. On my dem- The key is when upside down, to on either side, or practising re-entry
onstrating a roll, his advice was to take a moment to position the pad- by falling out of my kayak on either
erase from your memory bank every- dle blade flat on the surface and side and with sprayskirt unattached
thing you think you know. Forget hip lean forward and to the side then then rolling up.
flick etc. sweep around keeping your eyes al-
ways on the blade. Not lifting your Again, take time to sit upside down
The instructor taught me pool-side head means you automatically pop in your usual paddling position (feet
how to position my paddle and criti- up. Giving a final stretch out when not excessively forward as you will
cally sweep looking at my paddle sweeping does help and don’t take be unbalanced on coming upright)
blade, twisting the torso to achieve your eye off the blade. and sweep. To be sure of a successful
120˚ plus with my paddle. Don’t roll, especially when it matters, take
think about lifting your head. I tried Rolling on my unfavoured side I now your time to get that technique per-
it in the pool a few times and rough find to be no harder, just requiring at- fect. It does not need to be a rushed
as it was (it takes time to unravel bad tention to getting my technique right. action. Rolling is fun.
habits), I seemed to do it. It is now not really unfavoured, just
different.
Using a local tepid pool, and ini-
tially pool-side practising the sweep, Practising in a pool regularly and
I found it effortless. I’m left handed taking the opportunity to roll when
out and about is important for confi-
dence and technique. Practising the
sweep on the floor at home helps -
don’t try and think what it is all about
upside down in the water. Having a
snug fitting cockpit is important for
the top of your legs and hips. Stretching out, with eyes still on the
blade ... and up
Taking a moment to set paddle Sometimes I might do 100 hundred
position rolls in the pool with equal number
7
No. 191 October - November 2017
SAFETY
SAFER BOATING WEEK
The Wellington Wharf Jump
by Sandy Winterton
A week before Labour weekend,
Maritime New Zealand held their
annual wharf jump. It’s a publicity
event aimed at raising water safety
awareness as part of safer boating
week. The onus was on three main
elements:
Prep your boat: service the engine;
for kayaks, that’s us. Are we in good
condition? Also to generally give the The Wellington ‘cold water huddle’. Sandy Winterton at the middle of the
boat a good once-over. back of the circle in the yellow PDF; next to Pania Singleton with the horns!
Photo: MNZ
Check your gear: make sure your A good turn out of about 30 repre- This technique warms the water a lit-
PFD is still fit for purpose, service sentatives from all sorts of organiza- tle and keeps it captive in the centre
inflatable lifejackets and ensure tions with concern for water safety of the huddle so everyone benefits a
you have two reliable forms of was present. We were PFD’d, lined little from each other’s warmth.
communication equipment. up and given a briefing then leapt
in unison after the obligatory “3- Successful publicity for the cause
Know the rules: ensure you know 2-1-jump” call. The water in Wel- and a bit of fun into the bargain.
the rules of the road on the water, lington was about 14 degrees – well
and check your local bylaws to above the 9 or so where problems
make sure you understand what the arise with gasp reflexes and the old
requirements are in your area. Some clamped chest feeling that increase
areas have tighter PFD rules such as fatalities significantly below that
Waikato; see billboard poster below: temperature. In fact the water tem-
perature was pretty much midway
between the general low of 10 and
the average summer time high of 18
degrees in Wellington harbour. Jumpers airborne. MNZ CEO Keith
Manch on the right, Sandy Winterton
After the jump, we formed a ‘cold in the middle in a yellow PFD.
water huddle’ by holding on to our Photo MNZ
neighbours’ shoulders and lifting our
legs up in the centre of the circle. The Wellington wharf jump Safer
Boating Week message. Photo: MNZ
8
New Zealand Sea Kayaker
NEW ZEALAND REPORTS
Rotoroa Island
From Alcoholics’ Rehab to Idyllic Paddling Retreat
by Tim Muhundan
Rotoroa Island is one of my favour- There were about a dozen of us for
ite islands in the Hauraki Gulf – in the paddle organized by my adven-
addition to breath-taking paddling ture paddler friend Shaun. I knew I
and rock-gardening, it also has his- could not join the main group for the
torical significance for recovering afternoon paddle from Kawakawa
alcoholics. bay.
For nearly 100 years, the Salvation With prefect weather, I planned to
Army used Rotoroa Island as a re- paddle solo to meet the others on
habilitation facility for addicts. Ro- the island. Unfortunately, I could
toroa Island was the first and longest not make it to the island until after
running addiction treatment centre, sunset, so I had pre-programmed the
helping over 12,000 New Zealand destination and other waypoints into
alcoholics over the years. Although my GPS watch. I also packed extra
the Salvation Army closed the rehab food and a tent – just in case I had
in 2005, the historic sites were pre- to spend the night in one of the bays
served. on Ponui Island or Waiheke Island if
there was an emergency.
There is also a pretty cool visitor Sunset for Tim over the Hauraki
centre and museum now showcas- The 16 km solo paddle to the island Gulf – with SkyCity a tiny blip on
ing the island’s fascinating history was pretty uneventful as I passed the horizon right of the two rocks –
- from its Maori and early European the small islands of Pakihi and then where the arrow is pointing
history through to its many years in hugged the Ponui Island coast for an
private isolation as New Zealand’s hour. I enjoyed a spectacular sunset in the dark. A quick hot shower and
first and longest running addiction behind Auckland city in the distance. yummy dinner later, we were enjoy-
treatment centre. ing a glass of wine and the night
By the time I got to Rotoroa island, chorus from the birds as we caught
I have paddled to the island about it was dark but Shaun and Andrea up with the other paddlers. The we-
half a dozen times – the last time were tracking my progress, and I kas kept us entertained as the moon
when we were scouting locations was greeted by a waving torch in the came out.
for the 2017 KayakFest. However, I distance, as I headed for Home Bay.
have never stayed on the island until The beautiful weather on the Satur-
now which has good accommoda- It was a really nice feeling to have day got us all on the water early as
tion with various sleeping options completed a fast evening paddle af- we headed past Pakatoa Island to-
with different prices and comfort ter a hard week with a bed waiting wards Waiheke.
levels. for me and no need to put up a tent
Heading out from under the ferry
terminal
9
No. 191 October - November 2017
Most of the islands we paddled
around are farmed. We were
constantly watched by livestock as
we paddled. We found a dead sheep
floating in a cave as well as one lost
in a cave. Photo: Uta Machold
Andrea (see photo at left) who introduced Tim to ‘rock gardening’ years
ago, told him about the caves at Hooks Bay on the northern end of Waiheke
Island. ‘When we got there, we weren’t disappointed’. Above, Janet
paddling through one of the huge archways. See the photo also at bottom
Andrea in one of the huge sea caves left of her big smile. Photo: Tim Muhundan
After lunch, we headed for Shag Rock. The tide was just perfect with The highlight of Tim’s trip was the
minimal swell. It was great to watch some of the paddlers who have never return journey. ‘As we headed back
got addicted to rock gardening, pushing their boundaries and trying some to Kawakawa Bay, we paddled into
of the rock tunnels. The expression on Janet’s face pretty much sums up her a giant flock of diving gannets. I was
first ever paddle through a tunnel! Photo: Tim Muhundan right in the heart of the chaos, as
hundreds of birds dived around me. ‘
10New Zealand Sea Kayaker
Hazard No 3 is private ownership. We started at Nanaimo where we
Overseas Reports British Columbia was obviously a could hire a double kayak and launch
little slow in realising the recrea- it right there. We were provided with
Kayaking in the Gulf Islands tional potential of the Gulf Islands, a kayak trolley for the asking. With
and so the percentage of the area six days at our disposal, and having
Vancouver Island in parks is rather small. With no to return the kayak to the same point,
by Margot Syms ‘Queen’s Chain’ and private own- we did not have enough time to visit
map & photos: Margot & Peter Syms ers being rather possessive, it can be the SE islands of the group, so we
hard to find somewhere to stop and stopped short of having to cross
The Gulf Islands between Vancouver have lunch. We often stopped in the where the shipping is busiest.
Island and mainland British Colum- inter-tidal zone, or on the tiny white
bia are popular with kayakers, boat- shelly beaches associated with islets. We set off on a fine morning in July,
ies, and island dwellers. You can do The rocky parts of the latter were in fact we did not see a drop of rain
your own trip in these enclosed shel- often home to harbour seals with all trip. We crossed to Gabriola Is-
tered waters with a little local knowl- their pups at this time of year. These land, timing it to avoid the large ferry
edge of what to be careful about. have had to find a niche among the coming and going from Duke Point
privately-owned land as well, but do en route. Although we were sur-
Hazard No 1 is currents. In the nar- seem to be thriving. It pays to know prised by how quickly a tug plus log
row passages these can get up to 8 where the campsites are and to carry barge emerged not much behind us
knots or more with associated ed- fresh water that will last you for a at one point. Rather than go around
dies, so it pays not to be in the wrong day or two. Marine park campsites the outside of Gabriola Island into a
place at the wrong time. Even wide vary but usually contain one or more brisk SE wind we opted for the in-
channels can get up to 1 knot speeds, of: picnic tables, wooden sleeping side route.
but if you expect this it at least makes platforms (useful for keeping your
your lack of progress less frustrating. gear off the dirt if nothing else), toi- Initially the route followed lime-
There is a reasonably priced annual let, potable water pump. stone cliffs with nesting shags, but
book of tides and currents available. then degenerated into rafts of logs
With the place names being unfa- and an industrial atmosphere. Lunch
miliar, you do need to spend a bit of was at the only available landing, an
time studying it. unprepossessing slippery boat ramp.
Its one blessing was that it was shel-
Hazard No 2 is boat traffic. This tered from the wind. We were keen
ranges from fizz boats and other to be on our way and slack high wa-
pleasure craft, through ferries - sized ter was a wee while off, so we chose
from 32 to 370 vehicle capacity, to False Narrows because it has half
great logging barges 50m by 12m the current of Dodd Narrows. As it
towed by tug boats. There is an “app” was, some vigorous paddling was re-
to view shipping movements live, quired. We finally arrived at Pirates
and there is extensive cell-phone Cove camp on De Courcy Island, a
coverage. Instead we opted for the lovely elevated site looking south
ferry timetables and vigilance. Margot with our kayak preparing which we shared with two women.
to leave from the hire centre by the Bats were flying at dusk.
Nanaimo marina
11No. 191 October - November 2017
Great Blue Heron, the largest heron
in North America
Day 2 we paddled SE along Rux-
ton Island then used rocky islets as
stepping stones to cross to Thetis
Island as this way it was easier to
keep an eye out for boat traffic. We
had lunch on the inter-tidal zone at
the end of Thetis Island, with a visit
The tiny Cabin Bay campsite – Peter at picnic table with a view
from a Great Blue Heron – the larg-
est heron in North America, and 30% at one of the few feasible stopping ourselves. Having thought we knew
bigger than our White Heron. Then places, Walker Hook, with a love- the ferry routes, we were a little sur-
we paddled by Kuper Island and on ly long sandy beach. A bloke was prised to see a small ferry pass by,
to the long thin Wallace Island which camping at one end. From Saltspring and later to pass back again.
is entirely marine park. We had been we had to cross the passage to Prev-
recommended Chivers Point camp, ost Island, which was rather busy in We made an early start next morn-
the first one we came to, but the pres- the middle of the day, as to the south ing because we wanted to cross to
ence of a 10-kayak tour group did of here are some major centres. We Montague Harbour before the boat-
take the gloss off it. arrived at our camp in James Bay at ies were out in force, and also so we
near low tide to find the expected ex- could launch at high tide. In fact, we
The leader told us about the nearby panse of mud and weed. After trudg- saw only one boat during our cross-
Cabin Bay camp which we were ing ashore with the gear, we used a ing! Montague Harbour, however,
unaware of, so we pressed on. And combination of sliding and wheeling was packed with boats, and when I
what a beautiful wee camp it is, two the kayak to get above the high tide asked the couple on a launch if they
sites only, all to ourselves, picnic ta- line. This camp is sited in an old or- knew the long-range forecast, I was
bles but no water or toilet – a sign chard, with a large grassy area, and told they did not know and that they
said that the toilet was located a a couple of elevated sites with one had been sitting there in the harbour
short 10-minute walk away at Chiv- picnic table. There is a composting for three days! On to our first call,
ers Point. Yeah right. In this area they toilet but no water. We had lunch and the shop, where we did find a fore-
like you to use the wooden sleep- a lazy afternoon, with the place to cast and could have an ice cream.
ing platforms provided, but these The lady serving commented “ice
are hard, too small and pegging out cream for breakfast”, to which Peter,
the tent is awkward. So we camped not one to naturally spring out of bed
on the wee beach, watched the tide at dawn, replied indignantly “break-
come almost to the end of the tent fast was hours ago”. Next we visited
and believed the tide tables that the the marine park camp to restock with
night tide would be lower. fresh water. We walked up to the tap
with a friendly boatie who was going
In the morning, while using the to fill his solar shower. Interestingly
sleeping platform as a chart table – a the same amount of fresh water was
good use – I managed to spill a full going to last us for two days.
cup of tea over the maps. Actually,
Murphy must have been asleep be- We paddled along the rugged coast
cause while the waterproof map got of Galiano Island, with a Belted
covered, the paper marine chart es- Kingfisher with its punk-rock hairdo
caped. Said map got rinsed off, hung always flitting ahead of us, making
up and was soon dry and none the a photo difficult. After lunching in
worse for wear. We paddled along James Bay- having arrived, the hard the intertidal zone of a small cove,
Wallace Island and across to the very work of getting between the low and we decided to return to the gem of
large Saltspring Island, and stopped high tide lines began Cabin Bay again for the night. En
12New Zealand Sea Kayaker
route we visited the south camp on
Wallace Island which adjoins a boat
anchorage and is notorious for rac-
coons – possum sized, adroit, bold
scavengers with sweet little striped
faces.
A revisit of Pirates Cove for our last
night would put us in a good posi-
tion for returning to Nanaimo the
following day. We checked out the
camp on Tent Island, which is on
First Nations’ land not in a marine
park. It is a pleasant spot, but a no-
tice made it clear that you need to
book in advance. Along the west
coast of Kuper Island, we had to wait
for the ferry to pass twice. This side
of Thetis Island is quite pretty. Back
across our stepping stones to arrive
Peter relaxing on the shell beach of an islet near Thetis Island
at a rather different Pirates Cove
waiting for a small ferry to pass
from a few days before. Admittedly
it was the weekend, but by the time It would be fun to go through Gab-
two kids’ summer camps and a few riola Passage and/or Porlier Pass, but
small groups had arrived there were these have to be timed carefully as
19 single and 7 double kayaks on the slack-water currents below 0.5 knots
beach. That made about three times can last for as little as 15 minutes.
the number of tents than camp sites, Once through you have the option to
but there was room to spread out be- paddle on the Strait of Georgia coasts
yond the designated camping area. of the islands. There are a couple of
By the time the ranger arrived in the camps out there. The passages can
morning, the place had thinned out get quite busy because of the short
considerably. duration of slack water. We were
James Bay at dusk – boaties
surprised to see a tug towing a huge
enjoying a paddle; a SUP and
No need for an early start as we had logging barge emerge from Porlier
dog on a recreational kayak
to wait for slack low water in the af- Pass, and one towing two barges in
ternoon to get through the narrows. tandem from Gabriola Passage.
We had a leisurely lunch in the inter- Useful Information:
tidal between two islands but had to 1. Alberni Outpost supplied our hire kayak from their Departure Bay adven-
keep an eye out that we did not get ture centre, and also sell kayak and other outdoor gear online and from their
stranded by the dropping tide. stores in Courtenay and Nanaimo:
www.albernioutpost.com
While making lunch, Peter had a 2. BC Ferries timetables and routes:
difference of opinion with a visiting www.bcferries.com/schedules
dog over who he was cutting up sa- 3. Web sites with interesting info about paddling and camping in the Gulf
lami for. When loud barking started, Islands:
we were informed by the owner on kayakrogue.wordpress.com/tag/camping-in-the-gulf-islands/
the beach that “he never barks”. britishcolumbia.com/things-to-do-and-see/
Then later something about “an atti- parks-and-trails/vancouver-island-bc-islands/
tude problem”. We quite agreed, the w w w. w a v e l e n g t h m a g a z i n e . c o m / 2 0 11 / 11 s u / 11 s u _ l e g f o u r. h t m l
dog had the wrong attitude towards
kayakers having lunch. Kayak Routes of the Pacific Northwest Coast by Peter McGee. Chapter 4 The
Gulf Islands, P63 to 80. You can preview most of this chapter on:
Onwards, and we opted for False books.google.co.nz/books?isbn=192681214X
Narrows again as the boat traffic
returning through Dodd Narrows, 4. Maps - Marine chart 3442 North Pender Is to Thetis Is, and 3443 Thetis Is to
which has more depth at low tide, on Nanaimo; both 1:40,000. San Juan and Gulf Islands Nautical and Recreation-
a Sunday afternoon did not appeal. al Planning Map, approx 1:100,000. All available at marine and chart shops.
The crossing from Gabriola Island to
Nanaimo was busy but no problem 5. Recorded weather forecasts for two days available by phone 250-245-
as everyone seemed to be alert. 8899. Cell phone coverage good.
13No. 191 October - November 2017
The ‘Bugger!’ File
Motukiekie Rocks Missing Paddler See also the drone
West Coast South Island photo on page 23 of
by Paul Caffyn Motukiekie Rocks
It started with a dog barking on the some 600 metres offshore, where he ter a quick drive north to 14 Mile
beach. I live right on the edge of fluffed around, no doubt setting his Bluff, and a long look at the drifting
Lake Tasman and am quite protec- long line, then he headed south to- kayak with the binocs, it was almost
tive of ‘my’ sea birds and the odd wards the big sea stacks of Motuk- time for the 111 call. Back at the 12
seal that comes ashore for a rest. iekie where I lost sight of him. Mile, the bloke’s car was still parked,
Concerned the dog was attacking his dog was locked inside, and there
a seal pup, I got the binocs out to Intermittently, as the morning wore was no sign of him on the beach.
check but it was only digging holes on I would glance out to seawards to
in the gravel. Then I was taken aback watch for his return. Just after mid- This was only the 2nd ever time I had
to see a 30-ish aged bloke towing a day, with no sign of him, I got the made a 111 call - the other was for a
plastic recreational kayak along the binoculars out and did a slow scan house fire decades ago. I asked for
gravel beach. to the south. I spotted him paddling police and advised there was a miss-
off the seaward side of the Motuk- ing paddler off the 12 Mile. I’d had
This coastline north of Greymouth iekie Rocks, about 1500 metres to the presence of mind to note the ve-
is either open surf, gravel beaches or the south, and assumed he was fine. hicle registration number and passed
cliffed coastline with broad, rather that on. I advised that I was going up
rugged wave-cut platforms. Not the Some 90 minutes later, still slaving to the 14 Mile and paddling out to
place for cruisy sea kayaking. Apart away on the computer, I spotted a check on the kayak and paddler.
from the very few serious expedi- black dot directly out from home, and
tion paddlers who have landed in assumed he was back checking his Given the nasty nature of this coast-
front of home (Max and Melz Grant, long line, and would be paddling back line and lack of good launching spots,
Tara Mulvany and Sim Grigg, Simon into land shortly. I wasn’t unduly wor- I decided my wave ski was going to
Meek and Bevan Walker) and myself ried – the kayak was back in view, but be more versatile and easier to launch
training for trips when the sea is flat I didn’t check with either the binocs or than the Nordkapp. Although slower to
enough, this was the first recreation- by putting my glasses on. paddle, and way more tippy, it would
al kayak I had seen, so I decided to be easier to get to a launch site, and far
keep an eye on this bloke. For the next 30 minutes or so, I occa- easier for me to control in surf.
sionally looked seaward, and spotted
It was a sullen low overcast day, with the ‘black dot’ slowly moving north, High water was at 11:57 am, so the
a 5 – 8 knot south-westerly blowing with no sign of it turning shorewards tide was ebbing now, with more and
over a sea that was the calmest I’d to where the bloke had launched. more of the wave cut platform slow-
seen in many months, just a low surf Conditions remained unchanged, ly being exposed.
breaking on the gravel beach. The but my concern began to mount that
tide was on the flood, about mid-tide perhaps the paddler had capsized. With a local friend (Kay) joining
so the wave cut platform (reef) was Even with the binocs, the kayak was me to spot, I donned a polypro top
just under water. now over a kilometre offshore, and it with a hood, slipped into a springsuit
did not look like the paddler was in (shortie wetsuit) and for the first time
The kayak had a garden hose reel the cockpit. The longline reel on the ever when wave skiing, pulled on a
mounted on the foredeck, obvi- foredeck was confusing, depending lifejacket. In case I needed to tow the
ously I thought for a long line. After on which way the kayak had turned - kayak and or body back to shore, I
glimpsing the bloke digging holes in sometimes looked like a paddler, and draped a colourful 15-metre long 7
the beach (like his dog) I was puz- sometimes not. mm rope over my shoulder.
zled, but he was filling a bag with
gravel, and I thought ‘anchor for a By now I had to use the binocs to After checking the drifting kayak, I
long line’. spot the kayak and even that was would return to shore in the lee of
becoming more difficult on the low a broad reef north of the 14 Mile,
After patiently waiting for a lull in swell. It seemed that the paddler was some 1500 metres north from where
the low surf break, the fella launched not in the cockpit, and was either I launched. Given the strong north-
competently and powered out to sea. hanging onto the stern of the kayak erly drift of the kayak, this was the
He’d obviously paddled before and or even worse, had tangled in his most logical place to land.
wasn’t a complete novice. From my long line and drowned.
seat at the computer, I have a pano- The launch went relatively smooth-
ramic view out to sea, and was able I was starting to think I needed to ly, as I waded over the deeply eroded
spot the paddler taking up station paddle out and check the kayak. Af- reef, until clear of the shore break.
14New Zealand Sea Kayaker
Paul’s trusty wave ski safely ashore
after towing in the drifting kayak.
Low tide now exposing the nasty
wave cut platform.
With occasional glimpses of the kay-
ak, it seemed to take forever to reach The view south to the Motukiekie Rocks on the far southern horizon. The
the kayak. My old lifejacket must drift rate with just a light sou-westerly breeze surprised Paul, so there must
have shrunk severely over the years, have been a strong set also from a northward-setting coastal current.
because I was breathing rather heav- system and I was feeling gutted that The kayak was a Perception Arca-
ily, not quite panting, when I paddled I had made the 111 call far too late. dia 370, with one bulkhead aft of the
up to the kayak. That kayak I had towed to shore now cockpit, and a small block of foam
belonged to a deceased person! inside the bow. The aft compartment
The cockpit was about one third full contained only a cut down plastic bot-
of water. No body caught in a long Despite the water in the cockpit, the tle (bailer) and a few litres of seawa-
line, which was a relief. No paddle kayak had towed really well behind ter – nothing else. The long line reel
and no kit at all attached; rudder the wave ski, but boy it was a dif- on the foredeck had a length of blue
damaged and hanging off the stern. ferent story when high and dry. Only fishing line wound on, but there was
by standing on the cockpit rim, and nothing else - especially no paddle.
Deciding I had a better than average using my full body weight to tip the
chance of towing the kayak to shore, kayak on its beam end could I empty Offshore, the helicopter was still
I was attaching the 7 mm rope to the the water out. Kay then came along searching, but when I climbed up
bow grab loop when I heard the rescue the beach and we dragged the kayak to the highway edge, two police
helicopter approaching from south. to below a viewpoint alongside the cars drew up. I advised the police
It hovered well above me, and I sig- coastal highway. to communicate with the helicopter
nalled there was no paddler, and indi- to search closer to the Motukiekie
cated south to the helicopter to search. Rocks, as that was the last time I
had observed the bloke seated in his
Tying a loop around my waist, allow- kayak and paddling.
ing a good three metre clearance to
the kayak bow, I started a long slow After retrieving the wave ski, and
paddle towards shore, with the breeze donning dry clothes, the interview
quartering on the bow. Fortunately process was well underway, when
the tide was still just high enough to news came through on the radio that
close on the gravel beach, and with from a highway viewpoint down
Kay spotting gaps in the rocks for onto the Motukiekie Rocks, a po-
me from the edge of the highway, I liceman with a spotting scope has
closed on the back of the surf. sighted a bloke on one of the big sea
stacks, waving a paddle.
Visualizing a potential spear in the
back from the kayak bow, I stopped By the time I drove back to the 12
and let out another few metres of rope Mile, the helicopter had picked up the
before boosting speed for the beach. paddler, and the police had dropped
I was so pleased to carry the wave Safely ashore after the tow. The him back to his car. It was a local bloke
ski out of the sea and then haul the long line reel on the foredeck of the from Runanga, and he was rather
kayak bow onto the beach. Adrena- plastic kayak. The wave ski in the grateful I had made the 111 call.
line was still pumping through my left background. So what went wrong? He decided
15No. 191 October - November 2017
to land on the Motukiekie Rocks, The paddler did light a small fire before catching up with his kayak.
and climbed onto a shelf with pad- however my 11 Mile neighbour, who His body was never found.
dle in hand. Then a surge came in was most likely to have seen the
and sucked his kayak away. With smoke, was away for the day. A PLB - During an attempt to paddle
no paddle leash attachment to the would have worked. (The Police had around Australia back in 1992,
kayak, or tether to a bow loop, he called his flatmates, after I provided Eric Stiller and Tony Brown
was buggered! Then with no means the vehicle registration, and they landed on Manta Ray Island, a
of communication, he lit a small fire hopefully would have reported the tiny island off Bowen on the north
to attract attention, and spent several paddler as overdue by late evening). Queensland Coast. It was a balmy
hours watching the resident seal and calm evening, and the boys pulled
shag population. His first comment LESSONS LEARNED their double Klepper kayak named
to me was, “I thought I was a goner!” For the 111 Caller Southern Cross up ‘past the line of
1. Should I have made the phone washed-up vegetation’. With their
Then after advising him, where I had call earlier? In retrospect, I could overnight camp 20 yards or so from
stashed his retrieved kayak, I headed have phoned earlier, after using the the kayak, they ‘couldn’t have felt
home for a hot shower and a wee binocs to observe the kayak drifting more secure about our situation’.
dram of medicinal whisky. north past the 12 Mile. However, if Next morning Eric was struck ‘with
the paddler was in the water and had a wave of disorientation.’ Their
LESSONS LEARNED tangled in his long line and drowned, kayak was gone! What made the
For the Paddler the timing of my call would not have loss even worse was, because of
1. Kayak tethers helped. the proximity of Southern Cross to
When landing on rocks or reefs, a their camp, they had left almost all
paddle leash or long tether is vital 2. My subsequent moves seem to have their kit inside the kayak, ‘including
to stop a kayak drifting away. This been appropriate; checking his car and water, food, extra clothing, and the
can be either a stretchy paddle leash, the beach to see if he had returned, EPIRB’. By an extraordinary stroke
from paddle shaft to kayak, with the making the 111 call and then paddling of luck, they located their double
paddler making sure to keep hold of out with a towline to check the kayak wallowing on rocks at the end of
the paddle when landing, or a long and ensure there was no body tangled the beach where they had landed. A
tether. A tether can be your towline in a long line. The helicopter would big wake up call for Eric with the
or a specific line attached to the deck- not have recovered the drifting kayak, realization that, ‘we were naked
lines, by the bow or bow grab loop, and depending on wind and swell di- without Southern Cross’.
which is held in one hand when land- rection, it would have drifted ashore
ing, or tossed to your paddling mate. further up the coast, and if spotted, The loss of your kayak in areas with
(Dave Winkworth recommends a 15 could have led to another search for a good emergency marine commu-
metre long towline). missing paddler. nications means you have a ‘better
than average’ chance of being reu-
2. Staying put on the sea stack? LESSONS LEARNED nited quickly with your boat. In re-
I believe the bloke made the cor- For All Paddlers moter areas, such as East Greenland
rect call to sit tight on the sea stack. After landing, anywhere / anytime, or deepest, darkest Fiordland, it is an
Even on a calm day, there is still quite always tether your kayak; be it to a absolute no brainer not to tether your
a surge running around and between tree, your tent guy-lines, a big rock kayak after landing - be it for a pee
the Motukiekie Rocks. At low tide, a or big immovable lump of drift- stop, a cup of tea stop or for camping
broad wave cut platform is exposed wood. There are some classic exam- overnight.’
from the base of the cliffs, but there ples indelibly etched in my memory:
are still deep channels to swim to reach
that shore reef. For a strong confident - Gino Watkins landing on an ice
swimmer wearing a lifejacket and/or floe on 20 August 1932, in Lake
wetsuit, worth a try, but for a paddler Fjord East Greenland, and his skin
lacking swimming confidence, stay- kayak sliding into the icy sea after
ing put was the best option. a presumed local glacier calving
event created a small pressure
3. Call for rescue? wave, enough to tilt the floe he had
If I hadn’t seen the paddler launch, landed on while out seal hunting.
and kept an eye of his progress, he Gino could have waited till Rymill
may well have spent a long, chilly and Spencer-Chapman came to
night on the sea stack with the seals look for him later that afternoon,
and shags. but he chose to drop his trousers
and swim after the kayak. Being
4. Carriage of Comms of rather slim build, in the minus
There is neither cellphone nor VHF 0˚C sea water, he obviously suc- Parked up safely above high tide, and
reception at the Motukiekie Rocks. cumbed to the cold and drowned ready for collection by the owner
16New Zealand Sea Kayaker
ing his PhD looking at the experience http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/
Overseas Reports we derive from outdoor pursuits, in index.php/homepage/basic-skills
particular kayaking. The Bass Strait
crossing was part of this research. The 2018 VSKC PaddleFest will
WEST ISLAND BITS He has explored what it takes to pad- again be at Barwon Heads. Visitors
November 2017 dle to work, taking four days through are welcome.
by David Winkworth suburban drains and the like. Beau
works in the Department of Educa- Sea Kayaking Trends in Australia
As some members would remember, tion at Monash University, where he This is interesting. After years of
this column from across the ditch teaches and researches outdoor edu- strong growth, the number of pad-
started as a ‘news from Australia’ cation. In his talk to the VSKC AGM dlers in the two largest Aussie sea
column. Over time it has evolved Blue Water Paddle Fest, Beau spoke kayaking clubs seems to have stabi-
into a collection of news items, tips, about the secret life of a kayaker, lized at around the 200 – 250 mark.
tricks and whatever else I see around exploring the thinking and motiva- Perhaps that’s going to be the sea
the traps over here. Contributions, as tions that go into long expeditions kayaking niche numbers for the fu-
always are most welcome. This edi- and how to document in the form ture as adventure seekers look to
tion continues the trend! of compelling stories. Beau’s Bass other activities.
Strait crossing videos can be viewed
VSKC AGM on Youtube. His website link: Another Aussie trend mentioned to
I attended the VSKC (Victorian Sea http://beaumilesfilm.com/ me recently by Rob Mercer of Expe-
Kayak Club) AGM at Barwon Heads dition Kayaks in Sydney is a move
west of Melbourne in early Novem- Geoff’s presentation was of paddling away from the traditional (can I call
ber. The ‘PaddleFest’ as we call it in East Greenland and Antarctica. it that?) Brit-style skegged sea kayak
is a moveable feast and in the last His photos were magnificent to say to the longer ruddered plumb-bow
two years it was held amid gales and the least. The presentation was a lit- boats such as the Pace 17 and the
rain at Cape Patterson. That’s what tle long but no one was complaining. Taran. I wonder if that’s happening
the Victorian coast can be like in We were awestruck. in NZ?
Spring! This year it was light winds
and bright sunshine. Glorious! Guest The VSKC is going through a reor- In line with this trend is the release of
speakers were Beau Miles and Geoff ganization of its training programs a new Aussie sea kayak by Expedi-
Murray. Geoff accompanied Paul at the moment. It is sometimes a tion Kayaks called the Audax. ‘Great
Caffyn paddling in Antarctica earlier difficult issue for large volunteer to see new designs and innovations
this year. clubs – satisfying training and trips in our part of the world! Good luck
demands. to them! Expedition Kayaks link:
Beau is a very experienced out- http://www.expeditionkayaks.com/
doors and kayaking expeditioner By the way, any KASK member
and videographer, with trips along looking for sea kayaking training These longer boats, with flattish
the Eastern African coast and many videos should have a look at the hulls and rounded stern keel lines
other major expeditions that he has training videos on the NSW Sea are very much rudder-dependant in
filmed and made into compelling Kayak Club website. Painstakingly difficult conditions. More on this in
documentaries. He has undertaken prepared with much expert vetting, a future issue.
many Long trips in Australia and a they are a great resource for us all.
Bass Strait crossing. He is complet- NSWSKC Training videos link: WA Sea Kayak Fest 2018
The WA Sea Kayak Club is running
a Sea Kayak Fest in mid February
at Bussellton south of Perth. Sandy
Robson, whom we all know, is one
of the organizers. Paul Caffyn and I
are going over and we’re very much
looking forward to the weekend and
catching up with Sandy, who by the
way, was recently awarded the pres-
tigious Australian Geographic Ad-
venturer of the Year gong for 2017;
this was for her Retracing Oskar
Speck Expedition. She was also be-
ing awarded the Olegas Truchanas
Canoeing Award -2016-17, by Aus-
tralian Canoeing. Good luck Sandy!
(see award photo next page)
Beau Miles and Geoff Murray at the VSKC AGM. Photos: Laureen Knight
17No. 191 October - November 2017
Anyway, some time ago I did a trip We all know how loud the wind can
with a few friends along the south- be around our ears when punching
ern coast of Tasmania, paddling a into a headwind. It doesn’t have to
sea kayak of about 17 kgs I’d built be a particularly strong wind either
myself. It was a trip on big SW to make it really, really noisy.
swells for sure. On the trip one fel-
low’s boat was badly damaged on Now supposing you had to punch
rocks and there were plenty of non- that wind in your boat for half a
paddling days due to the conditions. day…or a full day. That wind noise
In one surf exit I was forced to roll is going to make you more tired than
eight times in getting out - the most you realize and that’s not a good
I’ve ever done. thing.
On this trip our kayaks were fully If you’ve ever been a motorcyclist,
loaded which can put extra strain on you’ve most likely used those little
the craft. I remember muttering to squashy foam ear plugs. They sig-
myself many times on this expedi- nificantly reduce the wind roar un-
Sandy Robson with her Australian
tion, “Never again! I will never take der the helmet BUT still let you hear
Geographic 2017 ‘Adventurer of the
on these conditions in such a light clearly the things you need to hear
Year Award’
craft again!” - other bikes, police sirens etc.
PLBs. Multiple Set-Offs
Do you carry a PLB with you on Well, I’ve remembered that trip and it Try a set of those ear plugs next time
trips? What a great little lifesaver was indeed the end of super light sea you’re paddling into a headwind.
they are! If you’re on a paddle with kayaks for me. Sometimes “light” is They are amazing in the kayak!
friends and someone is injured re- too light! I wonder if you’ve had an You can still chat comfortably with
quiring evacuation, you set off a experience like that where you’ve been friends but the wind roar is much
PLB. Right? concerned about the ability of a light- reduced. What you will also notice
Have you thought about activating weight boat to handle the conditions? is the pleasant noise of the water
TWO PLBs together? against the hull of your kayak. I keep
Focus, Focus, Focus a set permanently in my day hatch.
An article I read recently about an Do you ever do that out at sea where They’re a good thing.
emergency evacuation mentioned conditions might be tough? I find it
just that. We all know that rescue a really good tool. THINK solely KASK Kayak Fest - March 2018
authorities sometimes respond to ac- about what you’re doing - and noth- I’m looking forward to the coming
cidental PLB set-offs - an occurrence ing else. Intense concentration. It Forum. It’s been a few years since
that would understandably be a great might be doing a roll, it could be a I’ve been over and it will be great to
nuisance to them, to say nothing of tricky passage through confused wa- catch up with everyone. I have a few
the costs involved. ter among rocks or a difficult surf sessions lined up but there’ll also be
entry. Focus on the task - and get plenty of informal kayak chat. That’s
In the article, it was mentioned that through it. Try it! FOCUS! the best thing about Forums! Might
activating two PLBs simultaneously see you there?
indicates immediately to the rescue Ear Plugs
centre that it is a REAL emergency. ‘Think I might have mentioned this Enjoy your paddling - and Happy
It’s a great idea. before in this column. Christmas!
Just remember to raid your injured
mate’s wallet to pay for the second
set of PLB batteries!!
Lightweight Kayaks
I used to be obsessed with building
lightweight sea kayaks - kayaks that
would do the job but which were
pared down in fittings and material
to the absolute minimum! God, I was
crazy in the shed! I’d trim edges off
fiberglass cloth in the layup, weigh
various stainless steel fittings and al-
ways use the lighter versions and so
on. Yes, I suppose I was a ‘cut the
handle off the toothbrush’ person. Dave Winkworth with his Nadgee kayak at a North Queensland
Funnily enough I do still do that! sea kayaking symposium
18New Zealand Sea Kayaker
as close as possible to what will be like Victoria Jason, making a life
Book Review encountered on the trip. Training in changing move in ‘middle age’ and
a gym, lifting weights, is a bit like taking up sea kayaking. She is not
a broken pencil – pointless in my absolutely focussed on the goal of
Title: Inside view! Susan spent three months pad- reaching Skagway, but what I liked
Subtitle: One Woman’s Journey dle training in southern B.C. Then so much was Susan’s determination
Through the Inside Passage there was a 100 mile paddle in the in letting go of her emotional bag-
Author: Susan Marie Conrad fall of 2009 to check out equipment. gage and living the dream, enjoying
Published: 2016 In terms of the critical criteria for the the paddling for the moment. That is
Publisher: Epicenter Press Inside Passage paddle, she needed a what has been so important for me
Website: www.EpicenterPress.com dependable roll, competent naviga- with the big trips, using my mental
Contents: 272pp, central colour plate tion and good sea(wo)manship. She and physical skills to make the most
section, small maps, reference book had all three. of every pleasurable (and not so
list, gear list pleasurable) moment.
Cover: Hardback with d/j I must admit that some of her pad-
Size: 230 x 160 mms dling highlights distressed me im- She is joined by a paddling mate
Price: US$ 24.95 mensely. I was so envious of Susan’s Becky for 11 days out, and accepts a
ISBN: 978-1-935347-57-6 encounters with big and small mam- ride on a fishing boat, which offends
Availability: NZ$ 31.89 from mals (whales and bears), knocking my sense of purist paddling ethics,
www.bookdepository.com off another committing crossing but this is Susan’s journey, not mine.
Review: Paul Caffyn and her sheer joy of finding a magic
evening campsite, fresh water, bit The ending is a bit sad. Keep tissues
In the North American Spring of sheltered from wind, dry under the handy – well for the ladies, and not
2010, Susan Conrad launched from tent and a better than average view for the blokes of course!
Anacortes in Washington, and set off of the water. Echoes so much of what
solo paddling for Juneau in South- I loved about the ‘big trips’. The chapter heading quotes are bet-
east Alaska. ter than average and the inclusion of
Although the issue of weight (kay- a comprehensive kit list is a grand
What do I like about this book? ak and kit) took me several trips to way to start planning for your own
- Susan’s expedition style come to terms with, Susan realized wee paddle up the Inside Passage.
- her descriptive writing style from the outset, that the weight of
- Susan’s inner journey as well as the kayak, paddle and kit was extremely There are now more books than you
physical side of paddling important. In the Antipodes we call can shake a stick out on paddling or
- her chapter heading quotes it the expedition ‘minimalist’ style how to paddle, or I’ve paddled, the
- her comprehensive kit list – boat, paddle, tent, cooking kit and Inside Passage from the lower 48
food, all as light as possible. Down (Washington State) north through
Expedition style – I break down my to sawing half the handle off the British Columbian waters to South-
long distance expeditions into three toothbrush – not sure if Susan did east Alaska but this one comes close
phases: that, but she had the minimalist style to top of the best of the narratives.
- planning and research to heart, which is so important when
- training paddling solo.
- execution
Susan’s low key approach to the trip
For her first ‘big trip’ Susan did im- also appealed to me, no big pre-pub-
peccably well with all three. It took licity, no daily website updates, no
me a few years to figure out the sponsors to satisfy, no big welcom-
prime requirements for my big trips ing party at the conclusion, just the
- small things, that prove to be so im- satisfaction and pleasure of achiev-
portant when a trip is underway, like ing an outstanding adventure.
annotated maps (some of Susan’s
maps with comments from Audrey I liked Susan’s writing style – very
Sutherland), tide tables, dehydrating little of day to day diary fashion
meals and, with mailed food parcels, (launched at 7am, paddled for four
including a letter to the postmaster hours, wind strong, landed at …) but
advising of her trip and an approxi- then not overly doing the serious in-
mate date of arrival. That’s exactly trospective.
what I did for my Alaskan trip.
Susan’s inner journey adds another
To me, pre-trip training is so impor- dimension to the text; a wretched
tant. On the water ‘realistic’ training childhood and running for 40 years
is the absolute best, in conditions from loss of friends and abuse, then
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