The Sea Canoeist Newsletter No. 124 August - September 2006 THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER

Traditional West Greenland seal hunting - 1950 Photo: Peter Marden

The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. - KASK

1 No. 124 August - September 2006 KASK 4th. Ed. KASK HANDBOOK Rotorua Kayak Club Updated to July 2006 7 Mahana Place, Rotorua KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea For a copy (or trade orders) of this Ph: (027) 292 3138 Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of mother of all sea handbooks, email: [email protected] New Zealand sea kayakers, has the contact , RD 1, Runanga, GISBORNE Sea Kayakers Club objectives of: 7873, West Coast. John Humphris, 3 Matthews Rd, Gisborne 1. promoting and encouraging the e-mail: [email protected] Ph: (06) 868 4657 sport of sea kayaking RRP: $ 34.90 email: [email protected] or 2. promoting safety standards Price: $ 20 (for KASK member re- [email protected] 3. developing techniques & newals only, to November 2006) Website:www.geocities.com/ equipment New members: gratis gisborne_sea_kayakers/ 4. dealing with issues of coastal Make cheques out to KASK (NZ) Inc. NEW PLYMOUTH KASK Contact access and protection Bob Talbot, 5. organizing an annual The fourth edition of the KASK Hand- 10 Ranfurly St., Waitara. forum book, is a mammoth compilation on Ph: 06 754 4191(H) or 0274 457038 6. publishing a bimonthly all aspects of sea kayaking in New email: [email protected] newsletter. Zealand, by many of the most experi- WELLINGTON Sea Kayak Network enced paddlers in the Universe. Fol- Mike Wilkin The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is pub- lowing a brief introduction, the hand- 23 A Ilam Grove lished bimonthly as the official news- book is divided into six sections: Kelson, Lower Hutt letter of the Kiwi Association of Sea - Kayak, & Equipment Phone: (04) 565 0880 Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. -Techniques & Equipment email: [email protected] Articles, trips reports, book reviews, - The Elements Website: www.wskn.wellington.net.nz equipment reviews, new techniques, - Trips and Expeditions letter to the editor, and moments when - Places to Go SOUTH ISLAND the word 'Bugger!' was said singu- - Resources larly or often {referred to by some as MARLBOROUGH Helen Woodward incidents} are sought to enliven the SEA KAYAKING pages of the newsletter. Ph: (03) 579 5669 NETWORK ADDRESSES [email protected] Send in a plain brown envelope, or via NORTH ISLAND NELSON - KASK Contact cybermail to: NORTHLAND Club Nora Flight Editor: Paul Caffyn, PO Box 755, Whangarei Ph: (03) 544 7877 RD 1, Runanga. 7873 Brian Lamerton email: [email protected] West Coast .N.Z. Ph: (09) 437 2858 CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Network Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 email: [email protected] Andy & Deirdre Sheppard Email: [email protected] AUCKLAND Canoe Club 53 Kent Lodge Ave PO Box 9271, Avonhead, Christchurch. 8004 KASK Annual Subscription Newmarket, Auckland. Ph: (03) 342 7929 email: [email protected] $35 single membership email: [email protected] www.CanterburySeaKayak.orcon.net.nz ($105 for 3 years; $175 for 5 years) OTAGO $40 family membership. HAURAKI Kayak Group Pelham Housego Rob Tipa $35 overseas (03) 478 0360 A subscription form can be PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland WAIKATO KASK Contact [email protected] downloaded from the KASK website. SOUTHLAND Sea Kayak Network Cheques should be made out to: Evan Pugh, RD2, Putaruru. 3482 [email protected] Stan Mulvany K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & mailed to: 03 215 7263 KASK Administrator Ph: (07) 883 6898 RUAHINE Whitewater Club email: [email protected] PO Box 23, Runanga. 7841 Website: www.sskn.uniformnz.com West Coast 71 Salisbury St., Ashhurst. Ph: 06 326 8667 Fax: 06 326 8472 SKOANZ Correspondence/Queries to: www.q-.co.nz/pages/club.asp BAY OF PLENTY - KASK Contact Sea Kayak Operators Assn. NZ Linda Ingram SKOANZ KASK Administrator Iona Bailey, Tauranga Ph: (07) 576 1492 PO Box 1222 Christchurch PO Box 23, Runanga. 7841 Ph/fax; 03 329 8317 West Coast email: [email protected] ROTORUA- KASK Contact email: [email protected] Website: www.skoanz.org.nz Send address changes for receiving John Flemming, PO Box 1872, Rotorua the newsletter via email to Linda at: Ph/fax: (07) 347 9950 email: [email protected] KASK Website: [email protected] www.kask.co.nz

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INDEX EDITORIAL A pull out section in the newsletter Cover Photo has a forum registration form, and EDITORIAL p. 3 This historical cover photo, taken in plenty of space to write down your 1950 by Peter Marden of Eketahuna, wish list for training and instruction. KASK is of a West Greenland paddler in a The 2005 KASK Forum at Anakiwa President’s Report skin kayak off a fiord at Etah, North was an absolute cracker, despite three by Susan Cade p. 4 Greenland. Peter was a member of an days of drizzly weather, and it was 2007 KASK Forum Details p.11 Admiral MacMillan expedition, that obvious by the number of paddlers on had voyaged north through Davis the water that the demand was there for NETWORK REPORTS Strait on the schooner Bowdoin. on the water training and instruction. Waikato by Evan Pugh p. 4 Back in 1999, at the KASK Forum Although KASK was unable to book held at Clive, south of Napier, Peter Anakiwa for Easter 2007, an over- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Marden showed a film of this 1950 night paddle is planned from midday Paddle Leashes/Night Lights expedition, and also displayed tradi- Sunday to midday Monday. If you by Mark Hutson p. 5 tional Eskimo artefacts that were used can schedule in a sickie or mental for seal hunting from kayaks. health day for the Monday, the over- SAFETY MacMillan was with Peary on the night camp at Mistletoe Bay is a grand Safety Meeting; Lights & VHF radios 1909 expedition to the North Pole, way to fraternize with other paddlers, by Paul Hayward p. 7 and since that year, MacMillan had and members of the opposite, as well Another Word on Rescue been regularly voyaging north to help as a chance to view a grand variety of by Beverley Burnett p. 8 the Eskimos. The 1950 voyage was tents, kayaks and parapher- his 29th trip. nalia, not to mention sampling a wide PADDLER PROFILE range of kayak kuisine and an excel- Max Grant recently emailed the lent variety of wines. Be warned how- by Susan Cade p. 8 scanned image that appears on the ever to watch out for Kevin Kililea’s cover, and Peter via fax added some extremely hot dehydrated peas! Even CALENDAR more details. Etah lies north of Thule, the local ducks could not cope with Wet West Film Fest p.10 south of Kane Basin, and on the east these. Northland Forum p.10 side of Smith Sound - one of the most northerly Inuit settlements in recent NEWSLETTER MAGAZINE REVIEW times. Two of the Eskimos who had A wretched dose of seagull or alba- Kanu Culture sledged to the North Pole with Peary, tross flu is partly to blame for the late by Paul Caffyn p.15 Utak and Harrigan, were still alive in production of the newsletter. How- 1950. Peter also noted that the kayaks ever Susan Cade said the delay al- BOOK REVIEW were about 19’ long, 19” wide, and 9” lowed for confirmation of the speaker Inshore Britain deep. Seal skin was stretched over a for the 2007 forum and preparation of by Paul Caffyn p.15 light frame of driftwood and walrus registration form. ivory, all lashed together with seal HUMOUR p.16 skin raw hide thongs and gut sinew For the next newsletter, in view of sowing thread. providing early notice of the KASK NEWSLETTER INDEX Forum, I have held over a paddler Nos. 114 - 123 On the foredeck of the kayak, a har- profile of Percy W Blandford penned December 2004 - July 2006 p.18 poon is carried, plus throwing stick, by Alan Byde, a significant Incident line from the harpoon head to a seal- Review Report, compiled by Cathye skin float, as well as a rifle case. Haddock and John Kirk-Anderson, THANKS Thanks to Peter for use of the photo. which casts a critical eye over the To the the contributors who Tory Channel incident in newsletter put time and effort into 2007 KASK FORUM No.122, ‘ Unforgettable Rescue,’ and writing articles. The 2007 forum committee have con- a note on Lendal by Alan firmed that Nigel Foster will be at- Hall. tending the Anakiwa forum as guest speaker. With the help of Water Safety THE NEW HANDBOOK DEADLINE NZ funding, NZOIA and KASK are A brief email from Ruth Henderson: For next newsletter also planning regional training work- ‘Well talk about blow my socks off, 15 November 2006 shops with Nigel as instructor. As and that was just opening the enve- Nigel has not featured previously in lope. Congrats to all who worked so the KASK newsletter, Susan Cade diligently and hard to give Kiwi pad- has written a paddler profile/ book- dlers such a great kayaking bible.’ DVD promotion article.

3 No. 124 August - September 2006 sultative forums to determine what values of recreation are to New Zea- NETWORK landers, and how they should be man- REPORTS KASK aged. The 200 participants were di- vided into five major groups initially Waikato Region Back Country, Front country/Com- & Some BASK trips September 2006 mercial, Manage and Advise/ and Date: 18 Sep 2006 Education and Health. by Evan Pugh President’s One of the important areas for recrea- July 2: Mike and I were on the water Report tional sea kayakers is that of coastal at 7.30am, seal launching off frozen by Susan Cade access, with both water and camping grass straight into the Waikato River, access, so New Zealanders can safely Lake Arapuni section, paddling up to paddle on lakes, waterways and the During the last few months, I at- the Waipapa dam and back, with a sea. There is clearly more pressure on tended a series of Water Safety New couple of detours. The plan was to land usage from developers, as more Zealand (WSNZ) strategic planning meet up with a dozen others from the areas become urbanised. meetings, which were run over a se- Hamilton area who were paddling a ries of day workshops, culminating in 27 km section for the day. We found There was discussion about the needs the WSNZ AGM on 19 September. them and joined them for a while and of future young New Zealanders, and a lunch break before heading back ways that they can have increasing This has been a tremendous opportu- after a 50km day, always paddling exposure to the outdoors. Also noted nity to represent the needs of recrea- into a headwind. was the importance of outdoor recrea- tional sea kayakers. Of particular note, tion not becoming a sanitised experi- the draft mission of WSNZ has been 30 July: calm and overcast; five of us ence. There is also the expectation of extended, from ‘to prevent death by paddled from Pilot Bay in Tauranga self responsibility by users. There will drowning’ to include ‘the prevention Harbour up Hunters Creek before a be further information coming out of of injury’. The concept of, ‘Through walk in the shallow water with our this, for KASK to have some input. water safety education, prevent injury kayaks, then continuing up towards and drowning,’ is consistent with the centre of the harbour and return- The 2007 KASK Forum will be held KASK’s mission statement, which is ing with assistance from the tide - at the Anakiwa Outward Bound facil- to promote safe recreational sea kay- 39kms for the day. No stingrays to be ity, 23 - 25 February (Marlborough aking. This can’t making kayaking seen - as in the warmer months hun- Sounds). The forum will be based at totally safe, but it does the support the dreds can easily be seen around the Anakiwa for the Saturday and Sunday importance of understanding the risks, sandy shoreline. with the option of an overnight camp and making informed judgments. for those that are interested Sunday 20 August: weather forecast was not the evening returning Monday. We have just had word from WSNZ best, so only three of us for a 30km paddle that KASK has been successful with a on Lake Taupo from Kinloch over to Boat Nigel Foster is now confirmed as a joint funding application with the New Harbour and around the shore to enjoy keynote speaker. He is a world- re- Zealand Outdoor Instructors Asso- some rock gardening and great scenery. nowned international instructor. This ciation (NZOIA) to support the visit The weather was overcast but fine and we will be an extremely practical instruc- of Nigel Foster, an internationally rec- had a great day. tional forum at a wonderful site, that ognised sea kayak instructor, to run a enables very ready access to Queen series of two different training work- 3 September: four BASK (Bay Asso- Charlotte Sound. There will be a mix shop series. One for NZOIA Sea ciation of Sea kayakers) members, of land-based workshops and practi- Kayak Instructors, and a second for including me and another fella named cal water based sessions. The last fo- KASK network volunteers, who are Bill, set of from Whiritoa for a paddle rum here the latter drew a lot of people supporting skill development in their to Whangamata and back, enjoying onto the water. regions, and who have an ongoing some caving, rock gardening, and surf- voluntary commitment to training. ing near the Whangamata bar. We had Susan Cade great weather during our 26km pad- Over the weekend of 16 - 17 Septem- dle and some nasty, big and steep ber, Paul Caffyn and I attended the dumping surf on our return to Department of Conservation Summit Whiritoa, where a couple of our to Sea Forum. The focus was looking number got dumped attempting to at future needs of recreational users of land, to the enjoyment from the surf the public conservation estate. It was club members on the beach. I was identified that there is a need for a later informed that one member had national outdoor strategy with con- lost their camera during the surf launching at the start of the day from

4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

the pocket on the PFD - another hard them carry a personal torch or head- lesson learned of the power of surf. lamp (preferably) that can be turned LETTERS TO on in order to see things close up, or 17 September: eight singles and one when getting in and out of the boat on double paddled from Thornton Beach, THE EDITOR the beach. Again, the light that each near Whakatane, out to Whale Island, person has, is not for broadcasting which is 9.5 kms offshore, with a Re comments from JKA position - but more for personal use if decent chop near to side on to our needed - so it’s generally kept turned kayaks, but a bit of a tail wind. This about Paddle Leashes and off. took us 1 hour and 20 minutes to get Night Lights there, where we landed for a break. A from Mark Hutson Let’s back up and ask... why not an all DoC permit is required to land on the around white light, or any colour light, island, which is home for native birds Regarding night lights (KASK News- besides the night vision issue? Basi- and bush. We all did a lap of the island letter No.123, p.5), I feel JKA’s per- cally, because humans loose depth except for the double which decided spective is right on. Keeping your perception in the dark. From having to wait for our return. The south- night vision is so important. Not stick- fished commercially in Alaska for eastern end has a good seal colony, ing with the rules - if they don’t make four summers, I’ve experienced the and we spent a bit of time in the the best safety sense - was good to difficulty in interpreting how far away different coves and checking out some hear, in particular coming from some- a light is, and what it represents ex- nice rocky outcrops, before heading one, I would dare say, that everyone actly when it’s dark. In my opinion, a up the seaward side into, at times, a respects that know him. I do similarly paddler cannot rely on an incoming very strong wind. Regrouping near when guiding a night paddle with my vessel’s skipper to make the correct the point, we paddled around the top groups; we don’t have any safety lights interpretation as to how far away and of the island in a good mixture of turned on during the normal course of what sort of light it is that the skipper waves and rebounds before landing paddling. is seeing (the light coming from the again. After our break it then took 2 kayak). This is especially true the hours 40 minutes to get back into a However, the essential piece of safety darker the night is, when there are no now biggish chop and swells coming lighting that I do carry (either as a reflections to help with distance or through from our right, with the wind leader or solo paddler) is a small BUT size perception. On a really dark night, picking up from time to time. POWERFUL diver’s light. This I at- depth perception is completely gone - tach to myself with a lanyard, so it so this means a skipper may possibly Back at the beach one paddler had can’t possibly be lost and I keep it interpret a kayaker’s light as some- gone through the bar already and two immediately handy on myself. If en- thing considerably farther away than more stopped to the left side; I headed countering an oncoming vessel, my it is - a very dangerous interpretation right and surfed in, on slow moving plan is to flash the beam of light back for the paddler! waves but had to paddle as hard as I and forth repeatedly between the on- could to get in the entrance, as we had coming vessel and our kayaks. I feel Lighting, of course, is not the only missed high tide by 1.5 hours and the that this will get their attention, IF safety precaution when paddling at current was pouring out. One other they are in fact paying attention. Nor- night - there are several other tactics made it through the bar, and the others mal camping torches, I feel, are not that should be used in conjunction helped each other across the sand be- sufficiently bright. Using lighting in with an effective safety light system, fore re-entering and paddling up-river this manner does require that the group however that is another discussion. to the boat ramp. The double had an sticks together, and I figure there escort kayak (thanks Mike) most of should be a responsible paddler with a Paddle Leashes the way across and it was three hours diver’s light for each five or so pad- Now, regarding leashes - I don’t disa- before they landed. A good hard trip dlers in any given group. gree with John, when his point is with a fairly strong group - 30kms basically that paddlers are better off earned with some good hard paddling. In addition to the dive light, I also learning how to always hang onto carry an illuminated calumine light their paddle. This is admirable for a This was a BASK trip. BASK which behind my head under my head torch good paddler. However, in the work paddles the Tauranga - Bay of Plenty strap (the head lamp is turned off). that I do - leading average paddlers on region, has been going now for about This is simply so the other people in open water and rough water at times - ten years. The membership is grow- my group can see where I am at all I feel that a leash used at the right ing again and anyone interested in times. When it is too dark for me to times is sensible and adds to safety. I joining please get in touch, as there see the other paddlers, I frequently have a simple leash attached to all of are trips planned for every second have people verbally call out their my boats, including my own. We don’t weekend, which cater for different predesignated number, so I know all use the leashes unless encountering levels of paddling experience. my ducklings are with me. relatively WINDY conditions when Evan Pugh the possibility of capsize increases [email protected] For each person in the group, I have and equipment can get separated. This

5 No. 124 August - September 2006 allows a capsized paddler to hang New Zealand Sea Kayak Adventures would suggest a fixed white light is onto their boat, or makes swimming PO Box 454 obligatory, particularly when cross- for the boat (if initially separated) Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand ing designated shipping lanes. But much easier, without having to worry www.nzkayaktours.com outside of these areas, as Mark Hutson about the paddle. This in turn makes a [email protected] notes, night navigation in a kayak guide’s job easier of getting every- requires paddling without bright white thing back in order. EDITOR’S COMMENTS lights, but a diver’s torch or bright Night lights. headlamp is vital to signal your pres- I think it’s very important, when hav- As Mark Hutson notes, the disadvan- ence to an approaching vessel. ing a leash as part of someone’s safety tage of exhibiting an all round white system, that the paddler or guide light on a kayak is a near total loss of When Conrad Edwards and I were knows when it should be used and night vision for the paddler. On a late paddling the southern coastlines of when it shouldn’t. The times that it evening paddle out of Picton, en-route Malaya and Thailand, we quickly shouldn’t, in my opinion, are: to Blumine Island, the pod of kayaks learned that the longtail fishing boats was lit up like a Xmas tree with a from coastal villages did not exhibit - launching or landing on any beach variety of fixed white and flashing red any lights at night. A fast approaching that has surge coming up the beach (pushbike) lights, but outside of a longtail was easily heard by the noise (entanglement with the kayak in wa- well lit area surrounding the kayaks, it of its unmufflered motor. Our tech- ter only inches deep that is rushing up was impossible to see anything, as our nique was for Conrad to switch on his and down a beach is a real disaster!) night vision was buggered! After headlamp and illuminate both our - while in the surf zone - either surfing Dieffenbach Point, where the Cook kayaks, but as I was lead kayak (navi- or just passing through Strait ferries enter Queen Charlotte gator), I was not subject to loss of - while exploring rock gardens or sea Sound, the lights were turned off, and night vision. In this region, as many of caves (any time the risk of entangle- full night vision was slowly regained. the more remoter areas for paddling, ment after a capsize could have very It takes up to 30 minutes for the ‘rods’ there were no navigation lights either immediate and nasty consequences). in the eye to reach full sensitivity in on shore or offshore, and 100% night Just ask any whitewater kayaker if pitch darkness. Exposure to bright vision was absolutely essential for they would consider putting a leash lights destroys that night vision rod navigation. on their paddle! sensitivity instantly. Paddle Leashes Using a habitually is a GPS helps, but for locating a small Must admit I agree with Mark on the poor idea of safety, I feel. I’ve noticed landing beach and campground in issue of paddle leashes. Although I do that some guides feel they are danger- pitch darkness, the best asset was night not have a paddle leash as standard ous, however, I feel if they are used vision and finally powerful head- equipment on my kayak, in extremely mainly out in deep open water, when lamps. strong offshore winds, I tether my it’s significantly windy, then the risk paddle to the kayak decklines. Par- is outweighed by the benefits. The situation is different for a motor ticularly when solo paddling in re- cruiser, fishing boat or larger vessel, mote regions, loss of kayak or paddle Guided trips are one thing, but for where port, starboard and all round is tantamount to disaster. However on experienced individuals - either in masthead or stern white lights are not my wave ski, a paddle leash is obliga- private groups or going solo - I feel seen from a vessel’s bridge. Radar tory as I do not have a 100% success they should be allowed to make that plus GPS plots aid navigation on larger with rolling in big surf. Miss the roll, decision for themselves, provided vessels. Paddlers have to rely more undo the waistband quick release, and they’ve got enough experience to think heavily on their night vision for navi- just hang on the paddle until the wash- through the potential consequences gation. ing machine ride eases. Then pull the when things go wrong. Also, folks wave ski back in, climb back on, spit using waves skis in the surf are in a Red light does not affect night vision. out salt water, and head out the back completely different category and I Headlamps are currently available again. would suggest that it is appropriate with either white/red bulbs or flip for them to use a leash, but again, their down red filters (the Petzl Tkka range With the rapid growth of sit-on-top experienced judgement is what’s most for example). For illumination of kayak sales in recent years, and in- important. charts, maps or GPS at night, keep the crease in both serious incidents and red light option in mind for night fatalities where a sit-on-top paddler Paul, I don’t know if these issues have paddling. has capsized, and let go of both sit-on- been beaten to death or not, but I top and paddle, I believe the sit-on- thought I’d throw in my dime’ worth, The density of shipping traffic at night top kayaks should have paddle leashes since pennies don’t exist here in New is important. For the New Zealand attached when sold, and also that Zealand any more! harbours with a high density of rec- manufacturers should include a leash reational and commercial vessels attachment fitting on the deck. Mark Hutson (Waitemata, Picton, Havelock), I

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ing lights of white, red, or yellow ting lost-in-the-clutter invisibility. SAFETY colour - whatever they can find to ‘stand out’. I agree that there are Let us use a colour - please! extremely good reasons why all of The following was a personal note these are ‘wrong’ - but my sympa- PS: I’m more than happy to be in- from Paul Hayward which is repro- thies also lie with kayakers (and any volved in any on-the-water trials of duced with permission as the two is- small boat operators) who have no visibility - with any maritime agency sues raised have relevance to all Kiwi approved method to be safe. / authority. kayakers. At the next National Pleas- ure Boat Forum, to be held in Auck- My own approach - after careful read- VHF - Handheld Units land on 5 December, I will raise both ing of the International and NZ light- Historically - it has been: of these issues. ing laws - was to choose to display a one boat = one VHF radio = one call- fixed blue light. This is in addition to sign Safety Meeting the legal white light - and it only goes Date: 2 Oct 2006 on when I feel in danger. Certainly, in the kayak community, From: Paul Hayward there are a great number of hand- held Had a very good session with Sue From personal experience, this works. VHF users who have more than one Tucker, the other evening - at an Auck- Boats pick it up from a good distance ‘vessel’. It would be nice if Coast- land Canoe Club meeting - and it - and I hear them throttle back to avoid guard (and MNZ) could make provi- prompted me to pass on a couple of me (and even to investigate me). It has sion in their database for this. thoughts for any discussions that you the desired effect - I am seen. I believe may be having with MNZ / CG / etc. that it would not go ‘stale’, even if all I did get a second callsign - when I (Sue Tucker is a Maritime NZ Small small boats had something similar. bought my second kayak (a ‘double’) Craft Safety Advisor, based in Auck- We would all ‘stand-out’ from the - but I haven’t done so for my training land). clutter. ‘single’. There reaches a point (usu- ally under stress) that having too many Kayak Lights My reasoning was that the allocation call- signs is counter-productive. Kayak Lighting in urban waters ver- of blue was for the police boats from sus open ocean: last century. Nowadays, they are all Sue mentioned that (some years ago) Most of my night-time paddling is in fast vessels - using the flashing-yel- she had instigated a solution whereby the very ‘urban’ coastal water of the low provision to signal their speed. several boats could be associated with East-Coast Bays in North Shore City. a single call-sign. It would be good if Incoming fizz-boats cannot detect a There is work afoot in Auckland to this were still available - and if the CG slow-moving ‘legal’ all-round-white- produce a special kayaker’s light - was ‘accepting’ of it. light against the much brighter shore using a very bright LED-based light, lights - the many thousand shore lights. waterproof and of the legal form (ie: Finally - on a lighter note - a postcard white, all-round, 2-mile, etc). I cer- from a friend overseas: escalation in Many kayakers who ‘train’ regularly tainly commend this - but I fear that it the kayak-jetski war. (up and down this coastal shoreline in will make very little difference to the Paul Hayward the winter months), simply use flash- basic problem of white-on-white get-

Paddler, Overseas Bill Escalation Whitcomb, of the kayak Artwork: - jet ski war Mark Hensel

7 No. 124 August - September 2006 orange coloured for greater visibility. oped his kayaking skills as a teenager SAFETY Another type of marker buoy is a in England. One of his first journeys neoprene inflatable cigar, which is in a sea kayak, was across the English Another Word on Rescue inflated by pulling the cord from a 20 Channel to France, which he then gram CO2 gas bottle. It also has a oral repeated a couple of times by night. by Beverley Burnett inflation valve to blow it up if you’re Nigel made a 400-mile solo journey not too busy surviving. around the south-west corner of Eng- With thanks to Dive HQ Petone for land, and along the English Channel their assistance. None of these devices are very expen- coast. sive except perhaps the automatic in- Sea kayakers and divers use several flatable buoy and gas canister which This led to longer explorations of the common rescue devices to attract at- cost approximately $150. When we wild and exposed Scottish coast. In tention, such as, personal EPIRBs, a are out on the sea, hoping to be res- 1977, at the age of 24, he became the high-pitched whistle powered by gas cued, we rely on the bright colours of first to circumnavigate Iceland by canister or the kind of air horn that our kayak and our clothing to attract kayak with Geoff Hunter. For this you find at the football stadium. attention, and perhaps a chopper flag trip, they paddled a pair of Foster’s for extra visibility. Carrying one of first sea kayak design, the Vyneck. Divers and kayakers also use night the visibility devices used by divers, Nigel has also explored the Atlantic light sticks, personal strobe lights and might just give you the edge you need coast of Newfoundland, and crossed smoke and rocket flares for visibility in an awkward situation. France from north to south in a double in an emergency. Another standby racing kayak, following canals and used both by divers and kayakers is a Beverley Burnett rivers. mirror used to attract attention. In 1981, Nigel undertook a major ex- Most devices carried by divers are PADDLER pedition that could have been his last designed to attract attention from a PROFILE from Frobisher Bay on Baffin Island distance, particularly search and res- PROFILE to Resolution Island, and then a 40 cue boats and aircraft. Dive equip- mile open water crossing of Hudson ment tends to have greater visibility Strait, to the Button Islands off the than the usual yellow , Nigel Foster northern coast of Labrador. The strait’s which might give kayak manufactur- (2007 KASK Forum Keynote tidal range can exceed 40 feet, and its ers something to think about. Dive Speaker) tidal streams can run at more than gear is usually manufactured in fluo- seven knots. After fighting tidal rescent colours, quite often has an by Susan Cade streams in the dark, near the Button option for lighting, and has reflective What led me to write this, is the value Islands, suffering frostbitten fingers material on it. I have had from utilizing Nigel Fos- and loss of gear (some 300 miles from ter’s Training DVDs. Nigel has a quiet, the nearest village), he eventually gave Rescue devices specific to divers, such clear structured teaching style, and to up on this expedition, and hitched a as inflatable dive bags, can be adopted me this has been awe inspiring. So it ride on a passing tanker. This crossing by sea kayakers as additional com- is with real pleasure that I was able to is described in Raging Rivers, Stormy pact rescue features. An inflatable be involved in supporting Nigel and Seas. dive float bag, also known as an un- his wife Kirsten Nelson to visit New derwater lift bag, can provide addi- Zealand for the 2007 Anakiwa Fo- In the late summer of 2004, accompa- tional buoyancy if you find yourself rum, and for him to undertake training nied by his companion Kristin Nel- capsized. It can also be used as a sessions for sea kayakers in New Zea- son, Nigel finally completed that wil- towing device to provide additional land. This is supported by joint work derness expedition, by paddling from visibility. with the NZ Outdoors Instructors Kuujiaq in Ungava Bay to Nain, a Assn. and also significant funding distance of over 600 miles. It’s not An interesting type of dive bag is through Water Safety NZ. quite uninhabited; his latest slide called a day and night surviviballoon. show covers this expedition and notes It can be seen at a distance or from the So let me introduce you to Nigel. numerous encounters with polar bears! air and it has inflatable chambers Most of this information has been which can hold a torch so that it is found on the internet and also pro- Nigel taught at the National illuminated from the inside. Again vided by Nigel. Watersports Centre in Wales, before this is a device that can be towed, starting his own kayaking business, which will maintain your night vi- Born in England, Nigel began pad- running training courses in Wales, sion. dling at the age of 15 in a canvas and guiding trips further afield in kayak, but soon graduated to a slalom England and Scotland, to places such Another device used for daytime vis- kayak in which he developed an ob- as Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the ibility in the water is a cigar- shaped session for . He devel- Lofoten Islands in Arctic Norway. marker buoy. These are usually red or

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Increasing demands on his time for 3 coach in white-water kayak and in to wet-exit, from a variety of rolls to presentations and teaching in USA open canoe, with 5-star in all four braces to prevent capsize, from rescue prompted him to finally move across disciples. techniques to bow and stern rudders. the Atlantic. He currently lives in A comprehensive training manual for Seattle WA, and can often be found If you are interested in knowing more paddlers at all levels aspiring to fine instructing classes in the famous about training opportunities with Nigel technical control of a kayak. Fernhurst passes of the San Juan Islands. Foster while he is in New Zealand, Books which will be over the February and His international reputation is built on early March period please let me know. Raging Rivers, Stormy Seas his designs (he has designed six sea Depending on interest it is likely there Terry Storry, Marcus Baillie and Nigel kayaks), his books, Nigel Foster’s will be limited training places avail- Foster recount kayaking adventures Sea Kayaking, Nigel Foster’s Surf able and initial opportunities will be from around the world. With Marcus Kayaking, A Sea Kayaking Guide to given to support KASK sea kayakers, and Terry describing their white wa- Southern Florida and Kayaking, a networks and clubs around the coun- ter descents, Nigel kicks off with a Beginner’s Guide to name a few. His try that have an interest in skill devel- description of the southern coast sec- six sea kayaking instructional DVDs opment. However we will try to ac- tion of his 1977 Iceland circumnavi- cover from getting started, to advanced commodate as many interested as gation with Geoff Hunter, and con- skills. possible. There will be a cost for train- tributes the final chapter describing a ing. If you are interested please con- night trapped by wind beneath 2,000- Nigel, like most teachers, has his own tact Susan Cade by phone: foot-high cliffs in the Faroe Island, style; he likes to be flexible in his (04) 567 5593 or and his solo crossing of the Hudson approach and often teaches for a mixed e-mail: [email protected] Strait from Baffin Island to Northern level of skill group, facilitating skill Labrador. This book is out of print but development for all. He notes some of Sea Kayaking Books by it was published by Oxford Illustrated the topics that he finds popular are Nigel Foster Press, and used copies can sometimes ‘directional control’ which covers be found. edging control and the how the differ- Nigel Foster’s Sea Kayaking ent turns work, and why they work. Explained in easy to understand lan- The 6 Volume DVD Specific techniques include the stern guage and illustrated with many illus- Training Series draw, bow rudder, sideslip (hanging trations and photographs. If you al- draw) and using braces to aid edging ready grasp the basic techniques as Vol. 1 Getting Started control during turns. demonstrated in A Beginners Guide The fundamentals; Nigel Foster to Kayaking, then Sea Kayaking will touches on history, boat selection and ‘Control in wind’ applies those direc- explain how to apply and adapt your a variety of styles and types of equip- tional control skills to turning and skills to the variety of sea conditions. ment you may choose from. Learn tracking in wind. ‘Discovery Learn- Launching from shore, paddling tech- what to take with you when you pad- ing’ works through a series of exer- niques, turning, the roll, capsize re- dle, and what you should consider cises that help individuals get the best covery, how to handle tides and cur- when deciding what to wear. Become from their own kayak and paddle. By rents, landing on a surf beach, naviga- an informed paddler! comparing one move, blade position, tion, understanding weather signs and turn etc. to another and analysing the much more is covered in concise and Vol. 2 Essential Strokes result, each paddler builds up a unique practical manner. Published jointly Paddling forward, turning, moving profile of what is effective for their by Fernhurst Books and Globe Pequot sideways and backwards, Essential own combination of paddle, kayak Press. Strokes examines the quiver of tech- and skill level. This is a step-by-step niques required to get you around in progression with some detailed analy- Nigel Foster’s Surf Kayaking your kayak. Go beyond the essential sis and explanation of the results. Currently the only Surf Kayaking safety procedure that you practice in manual, this covers techniques to catch case you should overturn. Learn how ‘Fun with Foster’ is a light-hearted and ride a wave, manoeuvre, and fin- to rescue another paddler, and how to yet enlightening session, that works ish a ride with style. Learn how waves help in your own rescue. This volume on body flexibility, balance, blade form and what causes them to break. offers a good grounding in essential control and kayak control through Learn about safety in the surf zone, skills. wacky strokes. equipment and etiquette. Photographic sequences in colour reinforce the text. Vol. 3 Directional Control Nigel teaches simple, functional tech- Globe Pequot Press Starting with essential components niques of not only how a kayak works used to control the direction of your but also how to maximize applied Kayaking, a Beginner’s Guide kayak, Foster layers the techniques effectiveness of techniques for pad- Photographic sequences and clear for a variety of turns, blends one with dlers. He has BCU qualifications of A explanations detail all the basic ma- another and highlights why certain level 5 coach in sea and in surf, level noeuvres in a kayak, from launching techniques work better in particular

9 No. 124 August - September 2006 conditions. “Directional control” will help you manoeuvre your kayak ac- Northland Canoe curately and also keep it on a straight CALENDAR course, no matter what the wind di- Club / KASK rection. Wet West Film Fest open Mini-Symposium Vol. 4 Rescues for entries A capsize to a kayaker may be an 4 - 7 January 2007 Date: 11 -12 November 2006 inconvenience but should not be a Venue: Taurikura Bay, just north of The Wet West Film Festival is now problem. “Rescues” offers both men- Whangarei open for entries for the 2007 event. tal and technical solutions. Learn how Manaia Baptist Camp This year, the organisers are calling to empty a kayak at sea, how to re- for both the emerging and well estab- enter your own kayak from the water, Cost: $110 lished New Zealand film makers to and how to take control of a rescue (this includes all meals from Saturday enter their watery tale, for screening until the swimmer is safely back in breakfast to Sunday lunch, accommo- in early January. Festival director their kayak. A number of different dation and social) Dave Kwant says, “We receive the techniques are covered with guidance Limited to: 100 people. bulk of our entries from overseas, as to how to decide which method is Contact for registration: Sue Drake and while it’s great to offer a true best for each situation. Ph: (09) 4389-021 international flavour in the Festival, email [email protected] it is a good opportunity for kiwi film Vol. 5 Forward Paddling makers to have their film seen, and Keep up with your paddling friends A registration form (Word docu- judged, within a festival environ- with the minimum of effort. Learn ment attachment) is available by ment.” good blade placement, efficient ap- emailing Sue Drake: plication of power and how to keep a [email protected] “All films must refer to the Festival straight course without wasting pre- theme of water, but can add imagina- cious energy. What causes blade flut- PROGRAMME tion to that, using it in any of its ter and why do kayaks weathercock? FRIDAY – 10 Nov. forms, we’d even get the link with a What part do your feet, legs and torso 6pm onwards : Registrations / desert film! It’s not so much about play in your forward stroke, and how paddlers arrive etc limiting story types, as focussing the can you modify your stroke to take story telling,” says Jo Kearns, co fes- advantage of a following sea? Learn SATURDAY 11 Nov tival director. Competing films enter the answers and much more from 7.30am Breakfast into the categories of Adventure and someone who has fine-tuned the for- 8.45am Welcome – (By Expedition, Culture and Environ- ward stroke through thousands of President) & housekeeping. ment, Best Adrenaline Film, Best miles of expedition paddling. 9.00- 10.00amSpeakers John Short Film and Best Amateur Film. Cook (Maori / Whg heads history) Also, the audience votes for the Peo- Vol. 6 Rolling and Bracing Noel Hilliam – “Searching for ple’s Choice Award, while the panel When you have a reliable roll and shipwrecks” of judges decide on the Judge’s brace, your confidence level in a kayak 10.00am Morning Tea Choice. All winners receive a unique, will rise to new levels. Nigel Foster 11.00amOn water for paddles sculpted trophie by award winner looks at some non- intimidating ways 6.30pm Dinner carver James Washer, using local to learn a roll, examines the essential 7.30pm Band arrives for social materials such as pounamu, native components of different braces and a timber and ardulite. variety of practical everyday rolling SUNDAY 12 NOV techniques. 7.30am Breakfast Entries are welcome from now until 8.45am Housekeeping 31 October 2006 with all details and For more information and for order- 9.00- 10am Ian & Laura entry forms available on the website. ing videos click on Richards talking – white water The four days of screening runs from www.nigelfosterkayaks.com rafting with slide show & talk on 4 - 7 January 2007, with between 40 injury prevention etc. and 50 films hitting two big screens 10.00amMorning tea in Hokitika, one at the grand old 10.30am- 11.30 Kerry Howe Regent Theatre (seating 350) and the Paul Caffyn - KASK other the wonderful leather lounge 11.30amspot prizes etc style DVD theatre the Crooked Mile 12.00noon Lunch (seating an intimate 30). 12.30pmAfternoon activities. For all Wet West Film Festival information see: www.wetwestfilmfest.com

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

2007 NATIONAL KASK FORUM

Cobham Outward Bound School, Anakiwa, Marlborough Friday 23 - Sunday 25 February 2007 Optional overnight camp Sunday night to Monday 26 February Numbers are limited to 125 people.

Based in a superb location at Anakiwa, surrounded by beautiful bush, on the foreshore of Queen Charlotte Sound. Accommodation in spacious bunkroooms on site.

A SOCIAL FUN WEEKEND WITH PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO PADDLE, SHARE IDEAS AND LEARN, BOTH ON AND OFF THE WATER Keynote speaker: Nigel Foster (supported by Water Safety NZ) Nigel Foster began kayaking as a teenager in southern England in a canvas kayak. He was first to circumnavigate Iceland, has crossed France from north to south via rivers and canals, ventured across Hudson Strait in Canada, and explored the Faroe Islands, where 2,000-foot-high cliffs glare down on 10- knot tidal rapids in north Atlantic swell. He makes a living teaching kayaking skills, all around the world, but nowadays in addition, does kayak and paddle design work. Nigel has written several books and many articles on kayaking and has also has produced a series of six sea-kayaking instructional DVDs.

Nigel’s keynote presentation will be about his latest exciting trip to Ungava Bay and Labrador in sub-arctic Canada. With Kristin Nelson, on a 675-mile wilderness trip, while figuring out the complexity of the forty-foot tidal exchange, which exposed rocks and ridges the height of five-story buildings, and having close encounters with polar bears. This trip featured in the June 2006 Sea Kayaker Magazine. Other presentations by guest speakers and NZ experts • Great opportunities to take part in practical and theoretical sea kayak training, covering for example paddling skills and rescue techniques • A chance to see and share ideas on sea kayak design and equipment • Local area information and exploratory paddles • The KASK AGM • Overnight paddle and camp out on Sunday night at Mistletoe Bay

11 No. 124 August - September 2006

2007 NATIONAL KASK FORUM REGISTRATION FORM

Emergency Contact While At Forum Name(s): ______Name: ______Relationship: ______Address: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Email: ______Phone: ______Fax: ______Mobile: ______

Accommodation Spacious multishare bunkrooms on site. If you wish to stay off site you may have to book alternatives ASAP, as it is a popular area.

Meals Your registration fee includes Friday night wine & nibbles, Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch. Morning and afternoon teas provided. Bring your own food for the Sunday night campout dinner & breakfast Monday morning. There will be vegetarian food available for those that require this. BYO wine/beer, apart from for Friday night.

Smokefree Anikiwa is a smoke free zone.

Transport Ferry pick-ups available by prior arrangement. (Airport pickups, Koromiko or Blenheim, also by prior arrangement) For ferry arrivals please indicate: • Number in party: _____ • Expected Picton date/arrival time: _____ • Number of kayaks to transport: _____ • Picton departure date/time: _____

If you have kayak wheels, you can walk your boat from the ferry terminal to the water, then paddle from Picton around to Anakiwa, which takes approximately a two hours.

Kayak Hire Kayak can be hired locally, or from Picton. See the resources section of the latest KASK Handbook (p.195) for rental companies. or page 141 of the third edition.

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter SKILL LEVEL Please circle your skill level Novice Just started sea kayaking, no formal skills training. Intermediate Some support strokes, can do wet exit and assisted rescue in calm conditions Advanced & Can complete an assisted and self rescue in moderate conditions and Intermediate have completed day trips in a variety of conditions. Advanced Can roll a sea kayak in rough conditions. Have completed several challenging sea kayak trips. LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Please circle your response • Do you currently lead sea kayak trips in your local area? Yes / No

• If yes, are you happy to lead a pod of up to 6 paddlers at the forum? Yes / No

TOPICS/EVENTS Please circle your response • I am available to lead a workshop/instruction session Yes / No If so, what topic(s)? • I am willing to share some great slides of a recent trip Yes / No

• Do you want details about the photo competition: Yes / No

Note: All participants will be expected to abide by the rules set out by the FORUM organisers. • FORUM COST:

• $150 per person (KASK members) • $160 per person (non KASK members) (Includes bunkroom accommodation Friday and Saturday night, plus Sunday night campout fee and meals as noted earlier) Note: Once maximum numbers are reached, registrations will close

Numbers of paddlers attending: I enclose my/our registration fee of $ Number of people requiring vegetarian meals: Make cheques payable to: Sea Kayak Forum 2007

Please return form with payment to: Evan Pugh Lichfield RD 2 Putaruru 3482

Enquires to Evan Pugh: Ph/fax: (07) 883 6898 email: [email protected] This form will also be available on: www.kask.co.nz

13 No. 124 August - September 2006 What are you interested in participating in or getting from the forum? Please tick the things that might interest you over this weekend. This doesn’t guarantee that all of these topics will be covered and that there won’t be others included. It will depend on interest and availability of presenters, etc. If registering for a couple with different ability levels, use different coloured biros for each person.

General Activities I am interested in participating Photo competition Local paddles Overnight paddle and campout

Practical Skill Beginner Some skills Wanting to Wanting to Happy to teach & refine skills develop teaching others at the knowledge tips around forum these skills Boat set up for paddling Forward paddling Maneuvering strokes Support strokes Rescue skills Towing clinic Rolling

Land based Sessions

Topic Interested in Interested in Interested in learning more sharing knowledge presenting

Emergency communication & safety equipment Wooden boat session

Boat and equipment session First Aid emergency management Risk & safety management for a group Navigation Bugger incident sharing Local paddling & area information Weather and Tides Any other topics of interest Non-forum Nigel Foster Training Workshops We are considering organizing some self-funded focused training workshops, with Nigel Foster, probably on the days either before and after the forum. How we organize this will depend on numbers and interest, as to length of training sessions, from half day to two days. Tick if interested and require further information. Warning: place may fill quickly.

Circle a response, if interested and would like to receive further information: YES / NO

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter Magazine Letter from Kanu Culture BOOK REVIEW My name is Maria and I am the Man- aging Editor of a publication called Review Title: Inshore Britain Title: Kanu Culture Kanu Culture. I sent one to the KASK office early this week, hopefully it has Author: Stuart Fisher Subtitle: Ocean Paddler’s arrived and you have had a chance to Published: 2006 Lifestyle Magazine look at it. In the past, the publication Publisher: Imray Laurie Norie & Size: A4 was focused only on Ca- Wilson UK Content: 100pp noeing, but since we took it over a Contents: 357pp, maps & photos Price: NZ$ 11.90 year ago, we have increased the scope Cover: limpbound of sports covered to include all salt- Size: A4, 210mm x 297mm Although the focus of the June-Au- water paddle sports. Price: £ 29.50 gust issue focus is Australia and is- ISBN: 978-085288906-0 lands of the Pacific, the note below While we have reasonable contacts Review: Paul Caffyn from Maria Miller opens the way for and expertise in some areas, we are Availability: See note below. Kiwi contributors to this magazine. A constantly on the lookout for new broad range of ocean paddling ves- stories and people passionate about The brief title understates the value of sels are featured, from , to their sport who would like to work this book. For anyone planning a small sea kayaks, and most impressive of with us. As the publication is sold in boat/kayak journey, anywhere around all, a Flyak - a K1 kayak with two T- newsagents in both Australia and New the coastline of Britain, I suggest this foils under the hull. The current top Zealand, we thought it would be good book is absolutely essential reading. speed of the Flyak is 27.2kph or to contact your association and see if 16.9mph. The front foil acts also as a you know of any members who would For well over 20 years, Stuart Fisher rudder, and with the entire hull above like to submit articles and images? was editor of ‘Canoeist’ magazine, a the water at speed, this boat out glossy publication published monthly, sprinted a K4 over a 200m sprint race. One of the many goals we have for the which described all aspects of pad- (see also www.foilkayak.com). publication is to introduce people to dling in Britain. Back in 1989, Stuart the various saltwater sports and en- included the first of a series of coastal An appealing layout, plus broad vari- courage them to give it a go. So for guides in the magazine, and this led ety of article subjects provide plenty each sport and in each issue, we try to over the years, not only to the slowest of enjoyable reading. For sea kayak- have one adventurous, inspirational solo kayak circumnavigation of Brit- ers, a crossing of Bass Strait, a kayak story and one that is more for the ain, but also another 61 coastal guides, sail kit, and a humorous article of the beginner. We would really be inter- all of which appeared over the years in roll as an essential for women. Articles ested in any feedback and suggestions ‘Canoeist’. on pain relief, fishing, and cooking fish you have. Look forward to hearing dishes will appeal to all paddlers. from you. Thanks, Maria Miller What sets this book apart from the those a paddler would normally re- search for a UK trip, such as the Eng- Kanu Culture land, Scotland and Wales Pilot’s, and Ph: 0061 2 8883 1260 coastal yachting manuals, is that each Fx: 0061 2 8883 3799 of Stuart’s coastal guides contains a Mb: 0407 263 846 comprehensive blend of descriptions www.kanuculture.com of : email: - the coastline [email protected] - weather, sea, surf and tidal conditions - maritime and onshore history - strip maps - photos - listing of maps, charts, campsites & hostel accommodation, rescue serv- ice contacts, forecast area names.

The 62 coastal section descriptions commence from number 1, in West Cornwall, and work progressively clockwise around England, Wales and Scotland, to close the circuit with Cover of June - number 62 back in West Cornwall. August 2006. Vol 1 No.6

15 No. 124 August - September 2006 This book is profusely illustrated - a 17 hour day from the Gower penin- marvellous mixture of coastal views sula, he was hoping for a good night’s HUMOUR from a kayak, on shore photos, his- kip under a blackberry bush, only to torical site pics, and images of both be woken a few hours later by a young Serious about Mathematics book dustjackets and stamps which lady stripping off in front of him, for Young Trevor was doing very badly have local significance. an early morning swim. in mathematics at primary school. His parents had tried everything- tutors, The double column text layout works Availability - I can only suggest or- mentors, flash cards, special learning well, and the coastal strip maps are all dering from your local specialist book- centres. In short, everything they could shown with north to the top of the shop, or getting in touch with the think of to help his mathematics. page - photos and/or text fill the spaces publisher: on the page left by the map strips’ Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took orientation. Wych House Trevor down and enrolled him in the The Broadway local Catholic school. After the first Stuart took 15 years to complete his St Ives day, young Trevor came home with a kayak circumnavigation of England, Huntingdon very serious look on his face. He didn’t Scotland and Wales. British and over- Cambridgeshire PE27 5BT even kiss his mother hello. Instead, he seas paddlers are indeed fortunate that England went straight to his room and started Stuart wasn’t on a point to point mis- studying. Books and papers were sion over one summer, and that he had www.imray.com spread out all over the room and young the time for detailed research on local email:[email protected] Trevor was hard at work. His mother history and sea conditions. For in- was amazed. stance in the Northwest Devon sec- Postage on the review copy received tion, a photograph of the small port of was £13, but the publisher emailed She called him down to dinner. To her Clovelly shows a sectional kayak that me with a printed page postage cost of shock, the minute he was done, he was used in the making of the film £25. marched back to his room without a Cockleshell Heroes, the 1942 foldboat word, and in no time, he was back raid on German shipping in the I do not view this book as a how to do hitting the books as hard as before. Gironde estuary of France. On the it paddling guide to the coast of Brit- This went on for some time, day after adjoining page is the cover of the ain. Times and distances for getting day, while the mother tried to under- book Cockleshell Heroes, which was from A to B are not included. But to stand what made all the difference. written by Lucas Phillips. me, this is a very big plus. Part of the enjoyment I receive from long trips is Finally, young Trevor brought home Notes on shipwrecks, snuggler’s caves generated during the planning phase, his report card. He quietly laid it on and tunnels, derivation of place names, which includes researching all aspects the table, went up to his room and hit bird colonies, museums etc. add to to of the area to be paddled. And that the books. With great trepidation, his local colour, and prevent what could prior research of early history, fauna Mom looked at it and to her great have been a mundane ‘pilot-like’ and flora, paddling perils etc. add to surprise, young Trevor got an ‘A’ in coastal description. In section 46, my overall enjoyment of a trip once maths. She could no longer hold her Humber, there is a note about Trinity underway. For example I can’t imag- curiosity. She went to his room and House at Kingston upon Hull having ine why anyone would paddle in said, “Son, what was it? Was it the the oldest kayak in Britain, collected Greenland without first researching nuns?” Young Trevor looked at her, with its occupant on a trip back from the Norse and Inuit history. and shook his head, no. “Well, then,” Greenland in 1613. she replied, “was it the books, the After the 1980 trip around Britain discipline, the structure, the uniforms? As Stuart notes in an introductory with Nigel Denis, I was stung by the WHAT WAS IT ALREADY?” section ‘The Long Way Round - The airlines for being overweight; books highlights and lowlights of paddling and brochures about coastal Britain Young Trevor looked at her and said, around Britain’ - the journey brought partly to blame. I only wish now that “Well, on the first day of school when home to him so much of coastal his- Stuart Fisher’’s book had been avail- I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, tory that he was unaware of. Low able prior to the 1980 trip. It would I knew they weren’t fooling around.” points of the trip included pollution, have added to my appreciation of the poor visibility days, while the one of coastal history of Britain no end. The Bacon Tree the highlights was paddling into the Two Mexicans are stuck in the desert, harbour at John o’ Groats, to be pre- Inshore Britain is a treasure trove of wandering aimlessly and close to sented by his sons with a Land’s End information about the British coast- death. They are close to just lying - John o’ Groats tie. line. Not just for the coastal paddler, down and waiting for the inevitable, but recreational boaties, armchair pad- when all of a sudden; “Hey Pepe, do It is difficult to tell if the following dlers and overseas visitors alike. you smell what I smell? Ees bacon, I story was a low or highlight. After a Paul Caffyn is sure of eet.”

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

“Si, Luis eet smells like bacon to assigned seating, you just sit where with more than one small child, pick meee.” So, with renewed strength, you want) passengers were apparently your favorite.” they struggle up the next sand dune, having a hard time choosing, when a and there, in the distance, is a tree flight attendant announced, “People, 10. “Weather at our destination is 50 loaded with bacon. There’s raw ba- people we're not picking out furniture degrees with some broken clouds, but con, dripping with moisture, there’s here, find a seat and get in it!” we'll try to have them fixed before we fried bacon, back bacon, double arrive. Thank you, and remember, smoked bacon...every imaginable kind 2. On a Continental Flight with a very nobody loves you, or your money, of cured pig meat. ‘senior’ flight attendant crew, the pi- more than Southwest Airlines.” lot said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we've “Pepe, Pepe, we is saved. “Eees a reached cruising altitude and will be 11. “Your seat cushions can be used bacon tree.” turning down the cabin lights. This is for flotation; and, in the event of an “Luis, are you sure ees not a meerage? for your comfort and to enhance the emergency water landing, please pad- We ees in the Desert don’t forget!” appearance of your flight attendants.” dle to shore and take them with our “ Pepe, when deed you ever hear of a compliments.” meerage that smeell like bacon... ees 3. On landing, the stewardess said, no meerage, ees a bacon tree.” “Please be sure to take all of your 12. “As you exit the plane, make sure belongings. If you're going to leave to gather all of your belongings. Any- And with that, Luis Races towards the anything, please make sure it's some- thing left behind will be distributed tree. He gets to within five metres, thing we'd like to have.” evenly among the flight attendants. Pepe following closely behind, when Please do not leave children or all of a sudden, a machine gun opens 4. “There may be 50 ways to leave spouses.” up, and Luis is cut down in his tracks. your lover, but there are only 4 ways It is clear he is mortally wounded but, out of this airplane.” 13. And from the pilot during his true friend that he is, he manages to welcome message: "Delta Airlines is warn Pepe with his dying breath, 5. “Thank you for flying Delta Busi- pleased to have some of the best flight “Pepe... go back man, you was right, ness Express. We hope you enjoyed attendants in the industry. Unfortu- ees not a bacon tree.” giving us the business as much as we nately, none of them are on this flight!" “Luis, Luis mi amigo... what ees it?” enjoyed taking you for a ride.” “Pepe, ees not a bacon tree.. 14. Overheard on an American Air- “Ees 6. As the plane landed and was com- lines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a Ees ing to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone particularly windy and bumpy day. Ees voice came over the loudspeaker: During the final approach, the Cap- Ees “Whoa, big fella. WHOA!” tain was really having to fight it. After Eees a Ham Bush.” an extremely hard landing, the Flight 7. After a particularly rough landing Attendant said, “Ladies and Gentle- Bedtime during thunderstorms in Memphis, a men, welcome to Amarillo. Please One summer evening during a violent flight attendant on a Northwest flight remain in your seats with your seat thunderstorm a mother was tucking announced, "Please take care when belts fastened while the Captain taxis her small boy into bed. She was about opening the overhead compartments what's left of our airplane to the gate!” to turn off the light when he asked because, after a landing like that, sure with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, as hell everything has shifted.” 15. Another flight attendant's com- will you sleep with me tonight?” ment on a less than perfect landing: The mother smiled and gave him a 8. From a Southwest Airlines em- “We ask you to please remain seated reassuring hug. “I can’t dear,” she ployee: “Welcome aboard Southwest as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to said. “I have to sleep in Daddy’s Flight 245 to Tampa. To operate your the terminal.” room.” seat belt, insert the metal tab into the A long silence was broken at last by buckle, and pull tight. It works just 16. An airline pilot wrote that on this his shaking, little voice: “The big like every other seat belt; and, if you particular flight he had hammered his sissy.” don't know how to operate one, you ship into the runway really hard. The probably shouldn't be out in public airline had a policy which required Airline Cabin Announcements unsupervised.” the first officer to stand at the door All too rarely, airline attendants make while the Passengers exited, smile, an effort to make the in flight ‘safety 9. “In the event of a sudden loss of and give them a, “Thanks for flying lecture’ and announcements a bit more cabin pressure, masks will descend our airline.” He said that, in light of entertaining. Here are some real ex- from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab his bad landing, he had a hard time amples that have been heard or re- the mask, and pull it over your face. If looking the passengers in the eye, ported: you have a small child traveling with thinking that someone would have a you, secure your mask before assist- smart comment. Finally everyone had 1. On a Southwest flight (SW has no ing with theirs. If you are traveling gotten off except for a little old lady

17 No. 124 August - September 2006 walking with a cane. She said, “Sir, do 115/15 2005 Instruction Officer’s you mind if I ask you a question?” Report “Why, no, Ma'am,” said the officer. INDEX FOR John Kirk-Anderson “What is it?” The little old lady said, 115/16 2005 Publication Officer’s “Did we land, or were we shot down?” THE SEA Report Paul Caffyn 17. After a real crusher of a landing in CANOEIST 115/18 Anakiwa Forum Report Phoenix, the attendant came on with, NEWSLETTER Paul Caffyn “Ladies and Gentlemen, please re- 115/20 Graham Eggar Trophy main in your seats until Capt. Crash Nos. 114 - 123 Awards and the Crew have brought the air- December 2004 - July 2006 Paul Caffyn craft to a screeching halt against the 115/20 2005 Forum Feedback gate. And, once the tire smoke has First number is that of the newsletter, Evan Pugh cleared and the warning bells are si- second the page number. Topics in 116/7 2005 Forum Feedback lenced, we'll open the door and you alphabetical order John Kirk-Anderson can pick your way through the wreck- Carl Brown age to the terminal.” BOOK REVIEWS 117/4 2005 Forum Summary 114/16 Eastern Arctic Kayaks Report 18. Part of a flight attendant's arrival Chris Cunningham Helen Woodward announcement: “We'd like to thank 116/20 Coastal Sea Kayaking in NZ 121/4 Coastbusters 2006 Overview you folks for flying with us today. Kevin Dunford Paul Caffyn And, the next time you get the insane Vincent Maire 121/8 CB 2006 Pod Scenarious urge to go blasting through the skies 117/15 Siku Kayak Ruth Henderson in a pressurized metal tube, we hope Paul Caffyn 121/13 CB 2006 Vignettes you'll think of US Airways.” 118/16 Obscured by Waves Cathye Haddock Kerry Howe 121/17 CB 2006 The DoC Session 19. Heard on a Southwest Airline 119/16 In the Wake of the Jomon Debbie Dunsford flight. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you Kerry Howe wish to smoke, the smoking section 120/18 A Speck on the Sea HISTORY on this airplane is on the wing and if Kerry Howe 115/7 Intrepid Kiwis Exhibition you can light 'em, you can smoke 121/18 Hooper Bay Kayak Paul Caffyn 'em.” Construction 115/22Greenland Kayak Paper Alan Byde Paul Caffyn 20. A plane was taking off from 121/18 Sea Folk and Ocean 116/16Te Waewae Bay to Doubtful Kennedy Airport . After it reached a Paddlers Sound comfortable cruising altitude, the cap- Sandy Ferguson Erica Beuzenberg tain made an announcement over the 120/16Who Were the Finmen? intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this DVD REVIEWS David Fergus is your captain speaking. “Welcome 118/18 This is the Sea to Flight Number 293, nonstop from Tamsin Venn INTERVIEW New York to Los Angeles. The 119/16 The 114/6 With Taisho Keneko weather ahead is good and, therefore, Susan Cade Vincent Maire we should have a smooth and un- 121/19 This is the Sea 2 eventful flight. Now sit back and re- Kevin Killilea KASK REPORTS lax... OH, MY GOD!” 114/4 Kask Survey Report EQUIPMENT REVIEWS Iona Bailey Silence followed, and after a few 115/21 Summit Dry Sacks 117/4 President’s Report July 05 minutes, the captain came back on the Cathye Haddock Susan Cade intercom and said, “Ladies and Gen- 118/4 President’s Report Sept. 05 tlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you FIRST SEA KAYAKING TRIPS Susan Cade earlier. While I was talking to you, the 121/9 Kerry Howe 119/4 President’s Report Nov. 05 flight attendant accidentally spilled a 122/20Kevin Dunsford Susan Cade cup of hot coffee in my lap. You 122/21John Kirk-Anderson 119/5 WSNZ AGM Report should see the front of my pants!” A 123/9 1986 Dusky Sound Susan Cade passenger in Coach yelled, “That's Expedition 120/4 President’s Report Jan 06 nothing, you should see the back of Bill Anderson Susan Cade mine.” 121/15 Profiles of New Committee FORUM REPORTS Members 115/14 2005 President’s Report 122/5 President’s Report May 06 Susan Cade Susan Cade

18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

KAYAK REVIEWS 117/6 Crossing Cook Strait 116/20 Tow Systems 122/22 Q Kayaks Shearwater Pete Norman Alan Hall Andy Blake 117/8 Preservation Inlet 118/6 Night Lights for Kayaks David Mangnall Beverley Burnett LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 117/10 Hollyford to Deep Cove 118/8 Lights & Legal Issues 115/4 Paddle Float Rescues Bob Wishart Jim Lott Mike Randall 118/10 Southern Ocean Odyssey 118/8 Lights - Can You Be Seen? Noel Carson Stanley Mulvany Ian Calhaem Iona Bailey 118/11 Port Pegasus Sojourn 119/7 Waimangaroa Adventure 115/5 Skills & Coaching Sandy Ferguson Racing - Surf Technique Alan Byde 120/6 A Day on Lake Taupo Paul Caffyn 116/4 Paddle Float Rescues Evan Pugh 120/4 Light/Flag Mast Fitting Laurie Cooper 121/6 Stewart Island Kerry Howe Evan Pugh John Kirk-Anderson 122/4 Kayak Sailing, Windward Sandy Ferguson 121/10 Cape Reinga to Bay of Rigs Mike Wilkin Islands Kevin Kililea Alan Hall Mike Scanlan 122/18 Night Lights or No Night 116/6 Lights - Rescue Equipment 123/8 Fiordland Reunion Lights? Susan Tucker Mike Rowley Kevin Dunsford 117/5 Lights 123/14 Voyage of the Gumotex 122/21 Foam Fixing Sealant for Sandy Ferguson Stanley Mulvany Cockpits 123/5 Paddle Leashes & Night 123/17 100km in One Day, Paul Nicholls Lights Waikato River 122/22 NZ HF Radio Weather John Kirk-Anderson Mike Bell Reports 123/5 Tory Channel Incident Peter Treby Alan Byde OBITUARY/TRIBUTES 116/18 Erica Beuzenberg THE ‘BUGGER!’ FILE NETWORK REPORTS Cathye Haddock 121/17 Swan Defending Nest 115/6 Waikato Alan Byde Evan Pugh OVERSEAS TRIP REPORTS 122/14 Unforgettable Rescue, 115/6 Okains Bay, CSKN 114/11 Prince William Sound, Tory Channel Sandy Ferguson Alaska Susan Cade 123/13Waikato Brent Harrison 123/12 Near Miss in Surf Mt Evan Pugh 116/9 Sea Kayaking Baja Maunganui Iona Bailey Iona Bailey & Steve Knowles NEWSLETTER INDEX 117/16 Milos, in the Greek Islands 114/18Nos. 100 - 113 Iona Bailey TRAINING Paul Caffyn 118/15 Kayaking the Isle of Skye 114/5 CSKN Training Iona Bailey John Kirk-Anderson NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS 119/10 Cyprus Solo 119/5 Tauranga Training Weekend 114/7 Lake Te Anau to George Circumnavigation Robyn Berthelsen Sound Andy Lukes 120/5 Instructor Training S/K 1 S. & B Mulvany 119/12 Circumnavigating Tasmania Susan Cade 114/8 Marsden Bay to Helana Bay, Alon Ohad Northland 123/7 The Danube Giselle Clements Vincent Maire BACK ISSUES 114/10 Wind & the Marlborough Hard copies of many back issues are Sounds PADDLER PROFILES still available from the editor. Email Evan Pugh 121/10 Justine Curgenven for availabilty. 115/9 Preservation Inlet, Feb. 2005 Paul Caffyn Stanley Mulvany Most recent newsletters with the ex- 115/9 Giselle’s Story SAFETY ception of No. 100 are also available Giselle Clements 114/15 Paddle Float Rescues in PDF format. 115/21 Lake Taupo Paul Caffyn Circumnavigated The KASK website has a full index of John Flemming TECHNICAL newsletters Nos. 35 - 123 in PDF 116/1 Preservation Inlet 114/5 Sprayskirts format. Kirsty Woods Paul Caffyn 116/14 Lake Waikaremoana 116/7 Five Day Marine Forecast John Flemming Maritime Safety Authority

19 No. 124 August - September 2006 MAILED TO

LAST NEWSLETTER ON 2005/06 SUB. Please renew for If undelivered, please return to: 2006 - 07 Promptly KASK , PO Box 23, Runanga, West Coast. 7841

LAST NEWSLETTER ON 2005/06 SUB.. Please renew for 2006 - 07 Promptly

2007 KASK Forum details inside

KASK MEMBERSHIP POLICY Current membership fees are: - $35 for ordinary membership - $40 for family or joint membership - $35 for overseas membership - new members receive a free copy of the handbook - members should endeavour to renew by 1 August - the KASK financial year runs 1 August to 31 July the following year - a subscription due notice and up to two reminders are sent out with the newsletters between June and October - if a membership renewal is not received by 30 September, membership lapses - new members who join between 1 June and 31 July automatically get their membership credited to the following year, receiving a 14 month membership - the KASK committee puts its emphasis confirming renewals from existing members from July to October; and promoting new KASK memberships from November to February.

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