No. 129 June - July 2007 ISSN 1177-4177 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) Inc - KASK

THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER 1 Milford Sound. Photos Max Grant Top: Melanie approaching the entrance to Freshwater Basin, with Mitre Peak in the left background. Bottom: The only sandy beach on the south side of the sound; almost under Mitre Peak INDEX EDITORIAL offi cial cellphone bags for about $20. EDITORIAL p. 3 Late Newsletter Delivery Remember that fl ip-open phones will In 16 years of newsletter editing, require a large waterproof bag. CALENDAR I don’t think I have ever been this KASK 2008 Forum p.18 late. But, I have one of the fi nest Sandy Robson kind of excuses – a month kayaking Sandy was doing so well with her solo Coastbusters 2008 p.19 in the Angmagssalik region of East trip around Australia, but near Cape Greenland. In brief, Conrad Edwards Direction, a large crocodile attacked SAFETY and I fl ew via Iceland into Kulusuk the stern of her kayak. Sandy’s diary Dead Man Paddling with two kevlar take-apart Nordkapps. for the day is reproduced in full, as it by John Kirk-Anderson p.4 For the fi rst journey, we paddled north includes her thought process on what to Lake Fiord where Gino Watkins to do next. Sandy decided there was too Sea Kayaking for Disabled Paddlers drowned 75 years ago, the second much risk with crocodiles to continue by Beverley Burnett p.19 south to Isortoq with a side visit to solo around to Weipa, so pulled the pin the site of the 1930-31 BAARE base and headed over to Western Australia. NZ TRIP REPORTS and a climb onto the Greenland ice She has subsequently paddled from CSKN Queen’s Birthday Trip cap. There were more icebergs that Broome south to Exmouth. by Karen Dawson p.8 you could shake a stick at and it was as cold as a ‘titche’s wit’ but a cracker Anniversary Hell’s Portage of a trip. On Saturday 1 December 2007, the Jackson Bay to Milford May 2007 Victorian Sea Kayak Club is arranging by Max Grant p.9 KASK Subscription Renewals a plaque unveiling at Queenscliff, Subscription renewals were due as of marking the 25th anniversary of the OVERSEAS EXPEDITIONS 31 July. We are aiming to have renewal completion of RAKE, or the Round Andrew McAuley Fundraising Dinner forms with your name and newsletter Australian Kayak Expedition. Andy Sydney 7 June 2007 address details included as a separate Wood and Lesley Hadley are winging by Martin Fraser p. 6 sheet with the newsletter, but you can their way across the Tasman with the also renew via the KASK website, with editor for this salubrious occasion. A Crocodile Attack North Qld. internet banking. ceremonial paddle in, is planned and by Sandy Robson p.13 then pall bearers (wearing trusses) SAFETY will carry Paul and Lalaguli for Frequently Asked Questions Search & Rescue Exercise mounting at the Queenscliff Maritime by Sandy Robson p.19 1. John Kirk-Anderson took part in a Museum. Canterbury region search and rescue DVD REVIEW exercise as a diabetic paddler who was Hell’s Portage This is the Sea 3 overdue on a coastal paddle. His report The photos and words of Max and Review: Paul Hayward p.20 is sobering reading and highlights the Melanie Grant’s kayak and portage trip diffi culty of searching for a drifting from Jackson Bay to Milford showcase HUMOUR p.20 kayak. Take particular note of the some of NZ’s best scenery in what was communication gear that John carries quite an inspirational trip. on all his trips, especially the cellphone in a waterproof bag. DVD Review Paul Hayward has reviewed the third 2. Mobile phones volume of Justine Curgenven’s ‘This A fatality on Lake Rotorua in is the Sea’ series, which has New late May, and a recent near miss Zealand content. Justine and Freya north of Coromandel township have Hoffmeister (the German lady who highlighted the importance of ensuring does the headstand in her kayak) are A big thanks to all the contributors. paddlers do not take cellphones out of both looking at attempting to be the Contributions of articles and ziploc or waterproof bags before use fi rst woman to paddle around the South photos are requested for the next in an emergency. In both instances, Island this summer. Freya and Greg newsletter. cellphones became waterlogged Stamer, who were both at the 2006 and would not work. Maritime New Coastbusters in Auckland, completed Cover photo: Rohan Cordwell Zealand both supples and promotes a a quick circumnavigation of Iceland practicing a sculling support ‘Keep it on you, Keep it dry’ ziplock this northern summer. They were in stroke, in Titahi Bay. bag for cellphones, and an email from Reykjavik the night Paul and Conrad Photo: David Blake Jim Lott notes that no loss of signal is fl ew into Iceland and attended a slide NEXT NEWSLETTER noticed, but slight loss of clarity when show of the two Kiwis paddling in DEADLINE using them in the plastic ziplock bag. West Greenland. The bag label also notes ‘splash proof 20 September 2007 bag’. Jim also notes Telecom provides Paul Caffyn

3 No. 129 June - July 2007

The cunning plan that Jim and I cooked or I would have soon been out in up was that I had left Waikuku heading international waters! SAFETY south, but then had problems, possibly due to hypoglycaemia, and was pushed At 1220 my cell phone rang, and a off-shore by the outfl ow from the cheerful Jim Lilley asked if I was DEAD MAN PADDLING Waimakariri River. This would put ready as my ‘wife’ was about to raise me out into Pegasus Bay, and would the alarm. I gave him my position from by John Kirk-Anderson widen the search area considerably, the GPS and waited for the cavalry. requiring a bit of lateral thinking and Recently I took part in a Coastguard good control of limited resources. We Listening to the VHF, I soon heard Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) also expected that a shoreline search a call for two rescue vessels to head off the Canterbury coast in which I would take place, but this would be from Lyttelton at “best possible speed” played a kayaker missing off shore. hypothetical as land searchers were into Pegasus Bay and await further limited. instructions. They were soon on station It was interesting to be the subject of and wanted to know what to do. a search, especially following Hamish Rather than drive north to Waikuku and Blanch’s excellent article in the last paddle south, I left Sumner Beach at The message was passed that a solo KASK newsletter. 0900 and paddled north east, on a sea kayaker, in a yellow kayak and as fl at as a pancake. I was disappointed wearing a yellow jacket, paddling My part in the exercise was small, in by the conditions as I knew that the NORTH from Waikuku towards that I was one of more than a dozen Coastguard Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft Kaikoura, was overdue. They were scenarios that the SAREX dealt with, that were available would spot me sent directly towards Waikuku, before ranging from a collision between a jet easily in the fl at light and fl at sea. the message was updated to advise that ski and a mooring buoy (enough said!) I was heading SOUTH, from Waikuku to a fi re on a launch. Monitoring my VHF I heard other towards Lyttelton. This happened after scenarios unfolding, and as time wore Jim Lilley, who was sitting behind a I was the only person out on my on the voices of the radio operators controller, told them to check their own, and I also ended up furthest became tense as they dealt with greater information. off-shore. I was more than six nautical demands, both from the controllers miles into Pegasus Bay before I was and the Coastguard crews. As I knew The two vessels then headed along the recovered. all the scenarios, I chuckled at their coast, about one mile out and separated discomfort. by about 300 metres, at 20 knots. A Jim Lilley, of the Canterbury CAP aircraft was also involved, fl ying Coastguard, approached me months Making approximately three and a up with them and continuing past ago when he was planning the SAREX, half knots to the north east, I noticed Waikuku, before returning south in a as the search for trans-Tasman paddler a few lenticular clouds forming over creeping search. Andrew McCauley was still fresh the Southern Alps, a classic sign of in his mind. He wanted the search a nor-west wind. Sure enough an From my position, all I saw was an controllers to cope with looking for a off-shore started blowing, rising to aircraft fl ying down the coast, several very small target, with little knowledge about 10 knots. This was perfect for kilometres away. I didn’t know that of the craft’s speed and capabilities. the exercise, as the white caps and a second aircraft was also searching lumpy sea would add to the diffi culty offshore, but I heard and saw nothing. The scenario was that I was on a multi- for the searchers. I had four smoke fl ares ready to use, day trip, paddling from Kaikoura, and I had also hoped to use a signal south to Lyttelton, and that I was on Catching an occasional diagonal surf, mirror to see how effective it was. the last leg, having left Waikuku Beach the coastline was soon a dark line at 0600. I was reporting in to my wife of trees, with nothing else visible Another vessel was then tasked with every three hours, but I had missed of the fl at Canterbury Plains. Banks searching Lyttelton Harbour, and the 0900 and 1200 reports, and so the Peninsula stood up very clearly, but I they asked for a physical description alarm was raised at 1230. couldn’t pick out individual buildings. of me, and what was provided was Checking my GPS, I was about six very fl attering; aged 36, tall, lean This was the only information that was nautical miles off the coast, and the and with fair hair sounded good, but initially provided but if the controllers wind had backed to the west, blowing I think I could have paddled past them asked, they were to be given other directly off-shore at about 15 knots. without being recognized – I’m 43 and info, including that I had a VHF and normally say I’m short and bald. cell phone, callsigns and numbers Reaching my designated area, I was provided, and that I was well equipped sitting eating a snack bar when I Suddenly I heard the sound of an for off-shore paddling. noticed that I was being blown off- aircraft engine very close, but I shore at 1.5 knots and, with still an hour couldn’t see anything. With a smoke Oh, and I was also diabetic. to go before the search for me kicked fl are ready I searched the sky, scattered off, I had to paddle back towards land with low clouds, for a sign of my

4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

The crew on the RHIB held the bow and stern of my kayak, while other crew members held me until I had popped my spray deck and clambered aboard.

Given a cup of tea and a bit of cake, I was soon transferred to another craft and taken back to Lyttelton. On landing, a St Johns Ambulance paramedic offered to check my blood sugar levels, in keeping with my ‘exercise’ diabetes. I declined.

Additional Information & Lessons Learned. I was paddling a yellow Wilderness Kaikoura Rescue bearing down on John. Systems Tempest 170; wearing a yellow paddling jacket over a yellow saviour. A light aircraft appeared out Amazingly, it worked and orange buoyancy vest and a yellow hat, and of cloud about 1 kilometre north of me, smoke drifted across the water, but by my paddle had fl uorescent yellow and heading away - too far to see me. this time the aircraft was very close and had already seen me. It began left-hand orange blades. At about 1400 I had a call from Mike circles around me, and unbeknown to I was wearing two layers of polypro Kennedy, another SAREX director, me, dropped several smoke fl ares close under a Gore-Tex drysuit, a fuzzy- asking if I had seen any aircraft, and for by, which I didn’t see. rubber hood, and pogies. The water an update on my position. By this time felt cold to the touch and the wind I had again drifted off, but the wind I heard the SAREX controllers call had a cool bite. had dropped to below 10 knots. the vessels coming to me and confi rm my location, and soon I saw a vessel Safety equipment included a VHF Over the VHF I heard the search breaking waves as it approached. radio, a cell phone in a waterproof controllers say that a commercial Holding my paddle in the air, the case, a 121.5 EPIRB, a GPS, four aircraft fl ying out of Christchurch had vessel changed direction and came smoke fl ares, two parachute fl ares, reported seeing a kayak at my location, straight to me. signal mirror, and strobes. Except and the two search vessels were sent for the EPIRB, which was borrowed towards me at “best possible speed”. As the vessel, Kaikoura Rescue, an for the exercise, I carry this gear on This call (fictitious information) 11.3 metre RHIB, came alongside, all trips. was dictated by the requirements of the aircraft fl ew off, sent to fi nd a life the exercise, as two hours had been raft drifting off Lyttelton Harbour, I was on the water for fi ve and a half allocated by the organisers to deal another scenario. hours and only ate three snack bars and with me.

At 1430, two hours after the search started, I saw an aircraft approaching The 1985 orange smoke fl are that worked. Photo: John Kirk-Anderson from the north, on a heading straight towards me. I had been given some smoke fl ares to use, all of which had been donated by boaties, as they had time expired, but they were still better than the ones that I carry.

The fi rst two fl ares failed to ignite, so I pulled out one of my own hand fl ares, which I carry in a plastic tube. It had expired in 2005, but I was sure that it was OK. It also failed.

Next fl are, nothing happened. Down to my last fl are, the expiry date was 1985, and the writing was scuffed and fading.

5 No. 129 June - July 2007 drank approx one cup of water. This After talking to John Seward, is not unusual for me, but I have ‘hit Operations Manager of the Rescue the wall’ before while paddling - an Coordination Centre who was interesting experience. I regret not observing the SAREX, he said that a OVERSEAS having my blood-sugar level checked real search for me would have quickly when given the opportunity at the end upgraded to Class Three, which meant Andrew McAuley of the exercise. It would have been that far more resources would be Fund Raising Dinner interesting to see if I was in any way available. Sydney 7 June 2007 sugar-depleted. I think that the exercise was of benefi t by Martin Fraser While a long way off my likely to all parties: route, the area in which I was ‘found’ When Paul Caffyn contacted us and was completely feasible given the - The searchers probably have a better said there was a fund raising dinner prevailing weather conditions. The idea of where kayaks could end up and on in Sydney for Andrew McAu- SAREX organisers, and presumably how diffi cult they are to see. ley, would we be keen to attend, the search controllers, were surprised Fiona and I said, “See you there.” by the offshore winds, as it was - For me, it reinforced the need to be onshore closer in, as forecast. self-suffi cient and showed the dangers On 7 June we should have been of relying on outside assistance. boarding a 2pm fl ight that would al- The skipper of the rescue vessel After my own fl are failed I checked low us an hour once in the hotel to that recovered me said he would my parachute fl ares and found that get ready for dinner, but of course have recommended a search further I couldn’t open the tubes they were the plane was delayed by an hour, so offshore after his observation of the stored in, a scary discovery given the plan B was brought into play, which conditions. strict maintenance routine I operate. was the same as plan A, but do eve- rything much faster. Still we were The aircraft that ‘located’ me had - If any sea kayakers are able to take there before Paul who had to rush checked the coastline, and the crew part in search exercises, I strongly over after a meeting in Wellington. were certain that they would have recommend they take the opportunity. seen me had I been in their search It can be a learning experience for The venue was a Greek restaurant area. They had eight people on board, all parties, and may get you thinking in downtown Sydney near our ho- and were able to clearly see surfers, so about how effective your systems and tel which we walked to on a cool, had a good idea of the scale of objects equipment are. sometimes raining night. There on the water. After being given my we met Dave Winkworth who had location, they saw me from a range - Just remember that the vast majority kindly arranged our tickets and a of about one kilometre. In their day of people involved in SAR in NZ seat at the table with him, his wife job, they take tourists out to look are volunteers, and all volunteer and daughter - which was just as for whales off Kaikoura, so they are organisations have a mix of abilities. well as we didn’t know a soul. skilled observers. The lack of Government funding is appalling, and they need all the help There would have been 200 people The other aircraft, that was searching, we can give them. and you would think it would be the had a crew of three and was a low-wing who’s who of kayaking/adventuring plane, which hampered their view. - I have ordered a GPS-equipped in Aussie, but next to us were a cou- 406 Personal Locator Beacon that ple that had never been in a kayak The vessel that recovered me had will broadcast my exact position in in their lives, from Perth, who had been given my exact position, which the event of an emergency requiring followed the story of Andrew’s Tas- they loaded into their navigation outside help. While expensive, it is man crossing attempt and thought equipment. They headed towards me the one piece of equipment that would it would be a good idea to turn up. at 30 knots until they saw the aircraft have saved me if the SAREX scenario circling and changed direction towards had been for real. The MC was a really well known the smoke fl ares that had been dropped. Aussie raconteur famous for all They couldn’t see me until I ‘hoisted - Without it I would be a dead man sorts of things, we were assured, that yellow fl ag’, that is I waved my paddling. who we had never heard of and paddle in the air. whose name I don’t remember but John Kirk-Anderson he got the evening off with an auc- tion of some bizarre stuff, like a signed U2 guitar and some decent stuff like a signed Ed Hillary sketch

and a nice looking glass sea kayak. Things were whistling out the door for thousands of dollars with the

6 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Australian Geographic Magazine

For Kiwi paddlers who followed An- drew McAuley’s progress across the Tasman Sea in early 2007, the July - September 2007 issue of ‘Austral- ian Geographic’ includes a 14 page article by editor Deborah Light and is well worth tracking down a copy.

Included is a selection of the daily satellite phone exchanges between Andrew and his weather adviser At the fund-rasing dinner for Andrew McAuley’s family in Sydney; from left, Jonathan Bogais, noting forecasts Paul, Fiona and Martin. and Andrew’s position report. A map shows daily end of position plots up to Day 29, and how much infl uence the MC whipping up a storm of spon- Next up was a talk by a chap named wind and sea conditions had on An- taneous extravagance from the free Lincoln Hall who had the good for- drew’s set course for Milford Sound. spending Aussies, we Kiwi’s, true tune to be rescued when he was able to form, were sitting on our hands to walk off Mt Everest a couple of A well thought out two page dia- in case we got lumbered with an days after being given up for dead, gram of the kayak shows his equip- 18th century musket or some such. not long after the Mark Ingle’s con- ment and both Andrew’s sleeping troversy. He seemed quite mystifi ed and paddling positions. Text on the Next was a talk from one of the team as to why he was still alive given same pages explains a list of 21 who paddled along the Antarctic Pe- he had been staggering around hal- items of equipment, and the diagram ninsula with Andrew about his ap- lucinating next to thousand meter has allowed an explanation for the proach to life followed by a demo of drops but there he was minus most photo taken off Milford of Andrew’s how to get into a dry suit. Quite why of his fi ngers and one assumes toes. capsized kayak which appeared in we needed a demo of this in a Syd- many of the newspapers. The photo ney restaurant on a Thursday night Sitting at the same table as Paul, Dave shows a yellow object on one side still escapes me, but it was rapidly and a couple of Antarctic paddlers which appeared to be a paddle fl oat. becoming X rated as the poor guy we had a constant stream of admirers removed more and more cloths in in attendance with us basking in the Adjustable arms with ball mounted an attempt to force himself into the refl ected glory. Every so often an ad- deck fi ttings allowed the deploy- suit. This got the Aussie women go- mirer would give us a quizzical look ment of infl atable paddle fl oats that ing and his explanation of the tech- and inquire just who we were, in such would stabilize the kayak when An- nique was lost in a deafening roar. situations I fi nd it best to talk one’s drew was trying to sleep at night. self up, informing them that I live in Food had been coming out in the the same town as Steve Gurney and Several theories on what transpired on Greek style with meat on a plate for once did rather well in my trade ex- the fatal Friday night are discussed; a the whole table followed 10 minutes ams. The magnitude of this achieve- rogue wave capsizing the kayak, the later by vege then another 10 min- ment was lost on most of them. earlier damage to Casper’s pivot arm, utes until bread and so on. I had not but there are no answers as to why encountered this way of serving be- Once the hoopla was over, the Aus- Andrew used a VHF radio (thought fore and dinner was almost over by sies cleared out quite quickly leav- to be in the aft compartment) rather the time I realised I needed to grab ing three Kiwis wandering aimlessly than the EPIRB which was in the whatever I could as fast as I could as among the wreckage of the evening, cockpit when the kayak was found. once the plate was gone there was no feeling slightly dazed. As we mean- more. To supplement the lack of nu- dered back to the hotel, the whole A good selection of photographs round trition by chewable food I reasoned evening had a slightly surreal feeling out the article. If you have trouble ac- that if wine was made from grapes to it, no doubt aided by the alcohol cessing a copy in New Zealand book- it is really just liquid food so did not and lack of sleep. $35,000 was raised. shops, you can track down the near- squander any chance to consume as est AG store, or order a copy on line: much as I could get my hands on. Martin Fraser www.australiangeographic.com.au

7 No. 129 June - July 2007

Our leaders Martin and Fiona arrived Luckily next day was a rest day, and and did a very impressive pep talk. Wet for some the wine provided a bit of NEW ZEALAND exit. Emergency rescue; phrases which a buffer against the snoring of all the made me feel glad I had a practice the others - ear-plugs are useful in these TRIP REPORTS previous weekend – just in case! There circumstances, and I fi nd it best to were 15 of us altogether; a fast pod admit to being a snorer, given the CSKNet Queen’s and a restrained velocity pod. Guess odds! Birthday Trip which one I was in? Impressions of a Complete Next morning – not early - little groups The planning was superb. We had sun Beginner went off intrepidly to explore Nydia and the tide with us, and a little bit of Bay on foot. Some were more intrepid by Karen Dawson wind in playful little gusts, just to keep than others. Martin and Fiona even it interesting. We had fun playing in went out for a paddle. It was getting It started drizzling at Seddon. By the wash of the many boats passing dusk and we were starting to murmur Renwick, driving rain lashed the through from Havelock, and a nice to each other about one group. Great windscreen. Imagine then, our cries long rest at Pipi Beach at lunchtime. relief when they returned from their of glee at the glowing lights and intrepid expedition! the waves lapping softly at the end Then we arrived at the DoC lodge at of the lawn when we arrived at the Nydia Bay - with both lights and hot Leftovers for dinner, more wine and holiday home on Moetapu Bay in the showers, a huge kitchen with huge an early night, ready for reveille at Marlborough Sounds. Like Goldilocks pots. Before all that, there was a bit 6am. Did I mention that I’m brain- we tried all the chairs and all the beds, more arm lengthening to do, carrying dead until I’ve been awake for two and came upon Jillian snoozing in one the kayaks up the jetty steps and hours? Luckily no thinking was of them. So we knew we were in the storing them along the side of the required, because Martin and Fiona right place! What a fantastic place too path so that they wouldn’t fl oat away had thought it all out for us. – courtesy of Marie and her friends. at high tide. Various other parties arrived at various The early morning sun, on the mist other times through the night and did But afterwards, there was plenty of on the water, was breath-taking as Goldilocks too until they found a time for cups of tea and chats in the we set off. Again the tide was with us suitable bed. afternoon sun. And wonderful hot and, once I woke up, I had the sense endless showers for those aching I was really getting the hang of this In the morning - SUN! - with glorious muscles. Kayaking number! Beautiful scenery, views from the house over breakfast wild goat kids calling from the shore, and then packing the boats. Lots of The evening was a jovial event of terns diving for fi sh right in front of us little bags with mysterious things potluck dinner and imbibing some of - despite the chain saws and logging in them got stashed into the kayaks, the many phials of wine from out of operations, it was somehow peaceful, which seemed to take a lot of wine the capacious Kayaks. Nine p.m. felt paddling into the morning. and treats, as well as much technical like midnight! equipment in case of disaster. The rest at Pipi Beach was welcome on the return trip, but not VITAL, as The Canterbury Network paddlers basking in the sun at Pipi Beach. it had been for me on the outward leg! By the time we were heading back into Moetapu Bay, some of us were defi nitely malingering to make the trip last just that little bit longer!

Once the boats were out of the water and sorted, it was time for lunch. Sitting on the beach in the sun, looking back the way we came, it was hard to believe it was winter. What a perfect trip. If this is what sea kayaking is all about, bring it on! KD - June 2007.

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

place. He queried me on how I started built for the whitebaiters. While it NEW ZEALAND my kayak business. was deserted now, it would be a busy place at the height of the whitebaiting TRIP REPORTS “I made a kayak for myself, then season. Then it was out with our one for my mate, then one for his trolleys and off on our journey to the HELL’S PORTAGE friend, and their friend ….” I looked Pyke River. up and Robert had a big smile on his Jackson Bay to Milford face. “Same thing,” he said laughing. And our fi rst mistake – we had had “People send me a photo and deposit a fairly relaxed morning and hadn’t May 2007 and I produce a painting for them.” noticed that by the time we were ready Max & Melanie Grant to leave, about mid day, it was full tide. by Max Grant After lunch Christan and Robin We had decided to use our trolleys to showed us the ‘helicopter’ they had carry our kayaks along the beach to the Two of us kayaked out of Jackson made out of driftwood. I don’t think Waiuna River. But the hard sand was Bay into almost perfect conditions this will ever conform to aviation now covered by the tide and what was for our proposed six day trip down the requirements, but I could see they left was very soft. The trolley wheels Fiordland coast to Milford Sound, via had put some time into making it and sunk into the soft sand, making for a the Pyke River. Our plan for the day it certainly stood out as a feature in real struggle to haul our kayaks along was to try and reach Hope River in their front yard. the beach. Barn Bay, a total distance of 37kms. Paddling down Gorge River, and over Upon arriving at the river mouth, we After two hours we took a lunch break the bar into the ocean, we once again saw to our dismay that the river we at Stafford Bay hut. Both Melanie and had a following sea and wind with us. had walked across earlier that morning I were pleased with our progress and, By late afternoon we rounded Awarua was now completely fl ooded and was with a following wind and the out Point and, accompanied by a large pod well over a metre deep. Off with the going tide, we were looking forward of dolphins, paddled into Big Bay. It trolleys and sitting on the cockpits, to a brisk paddle to the Hope River was a long but easy surf to the beach, with our tramping boots draped over Hut. The sea roughed up to a two metre then off to the DoC hut to stoke up a the front deck, we paddled our way swell going around Cascade Point, a fi re, dry out our gear and cook up a across the Waiuna River/Lagoon. spectacular bluff with many streams mean meal with all the trimmings. We cascading down the cliff face. It was had made it without any problems to Our portage trail was part of the a little scary, but once we rounded the Big Bay; now we prepared ourselves Hollyford/Pyke Track, but was once Point we had a strong tail wind and for a 12km portage across land to the used as a trail to transport gold and were able to surf a lot of the way to Pyke River. supplies from further inland. the Hope River. The following morning we had a look Into the track, which, while slightly After a good night’s sleep, we set off around the small Big Bay settlement up hill, was not too bad for hauling once again in perfect conditions to of about a dozen huts and houses, all our kayaks along. But it was not long paddle the 38km to Big Bay. At Gorge River we called in to visit Robert & Christan and Robin Long, in their replica of a helicopter at Gorge River. Catherine Long and family, who live Photo: Max Grant in isolation on the coast of Fiordland. Catherine invited us in for a cuppa and some delicious lemon and coconut cake, which she had just taken out of the oven. Robert had been living there in an old gold digger’s hut for 26 years. He had made a few changes to it over the years and their home had been transformed into a great little homestead for the family of four.

One of Robert’s talents is painting. He showed me photocopies of the many paintings he had done and gave me a few tips on how to include such things as depth into a picture, etc. It was a rugged two day tramp out to Jackson Bay River road and I had diffi culty understanding how he sold his painting from such an isolated

9 No. 129 June - July 2007 before we were confronted by a stream. The track didn’t just cross it though, we had to drag our trolleys up the stream for about 50metres, through the icy cold water, before the track once again headed off into the bush. After another couple of hundred metres, there was another stream, and another after that. We were making slow time.

After an hour we came across the fi rst of many trees that had fallen across the track. The tree had not been removed, rather the track dived off into the dense bush to go around it. We had no choice but to carry one kayak through the bush and then go back and get the other. Some of these ‘detours’ were evil! Max Grant on a rather good section of Hell’s Portage. Photo: Melanie Grant Two hours had gone by when we came across a stream which was sign posted, ‘Meat Safe Stream – 30 mins to Big before. We estimated that we were her laughter. Bay’. Not when you’re lugging a damn nearly half way and were not too far “But Dad, you look so stupid lying kayak it’s not! from the Dry Awarua River bed. We there in the scrub all covered in had had a sneaky look at this through mud.” We knew that it would be dark at google maps on the internet before 6pm. At 4.30pm we stopped in a leaving and knew it was a shingle Then, as she burst out laughing she good clearing and debated whether strip about 150 metres wide. As we exclaimed, “I’ve gotta go wees” and we should make camp here or make got closer to the river, more and more disappeared into the bush in fi ts of a return trip with a small amount of of the under growth had been washed laughter, leaving me to struggle back gear back to the hut. It was raining, out by water and we spent a lot of time to my feet again. it was cold and everything was wet. carrying each kayak over large areas Into our packs went some food and of boulders. By mid-afternoon we reached the dry clothes and, with our sleeping Paulin Creek bed, which fl ows down to bags tucked under our arms, we made Finally, at midday we arrived at the the Pyke. But here the track seemed to a very fast trip back to the nice warm Dry Awarua River. We carried our disappear. Walking down the riverbed, hut. The rest of our gear remained kayaks to the other side and sat down we noticed the track markers were packed in our kayaks, which were left for a well-earned lunch break. The now attached to trees running along in the clearing. track now leveled out to cross a saddle the river bed. The river bed was the into the Pyke Valley. There were no track. Back to carrying our kayaks over We made the return trip to the hut in 80 more boulders, which was great. But boulders again - this was becoming a minutes. Although it was nearly dark, now the track became soft - in many real character building exercise. we could see a rough sea pounding into parts a quagmire of soft mud. I was in the beach in Big Bay. Thank goodness the lead and when I became bogged Halfway down the Paulin we met a we were not on the ocean that day. As down in the mud, Melanie would lift hunter, who was taken aback by what we made ourselves comfortable in the rear of my kayak until we were on he saw. Taking pity on us he quickly the hut, the rain was falling heavily solid ground again. Then we would go grabbed an end of the kayak and helped onto the roof. Our worry now was back and carry her kayak through. It carry the boats to the Pyke. that the small streams we had crossed was tiring work. were fi lling with water and may turn We fi nally arrived at the Pyke at 4pm. into ragging torrents by the morning, I remember one log I stepped over and It was very braided and to our dismay, cutting us off from our kayaks. At 2am thought; “I’ll drag my kayak over this the main stream was on the other side it stopped raining! one.” I tightened my grip on the kayak of the valley. By the time we arrived and pulled with all my strength. But at the river and had packed away our Next morning we were up early and the log was too big. My hands slipped trolleys and changed into our kayaking set off back to our kayaks. Our goal off the kayak and I torpedoed into the gear, it was getting dark. It was a clear for the day was to make it to the Pyke bush. Melanie rushed to my aid and sky and a full moon, so we thought we River and kayak down to the Olivine asked. “Are you all right Dad?” might be able to paddle down the Pyke Hut. Other than being a bit soft under “I’m okay, and don’t you dare laugh,” in the dark to the Olivine Hut. foot, the track was the same as the day as I could see she was holding back

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

A couple of kilometers downstream After lunch we paddled back into the book by leaving her drink bottles we came across two deer taking a the Pyke which then fl owed into the on the front deck. By the time we had drink. They just never saw us coming. Holyford River. Here we encountered paddled through the surf break, they We drifted to within metres of them some good bouncy rapids before it were gone. Luckily I had a spare one before they realized we were about fl owed into Lake McKerrow. Paddling so it was no great loss. to run them down. There was a hell hard we fi nally made it to Hokuri hut of a commotion as they about turned as darkness fell. We had kayaked a Once again, we had a following sea and raced off into the bush. We had total distance of 52km that day. It was with the tide in our favour. By 12noon heard deer roaring all day, but these good to have a big feed and crawl into we had a two-metre swell and an were the fi rst we had seen. our beds. ominous dark sky chasing us from the north. The sea was really starting As darkness fell, we became aware That night we received news via our to rough up as we raced/surfed our that the river was running a bit faster mountain radio that a large front was way past Yates Point and fi nally into than we’d thought and the hidden logs approaching from the north and was Milford Sound – we made it! were hard to see, making it dangerous. due to hit Fiordland the following We found a great little place to camp afternoon. We could either sit it out Once in the shelter of the Sounds, and soon had the tent up with a nice at the hut, or make a run for it to we stopped for a well-earned lunch little fi re burning away. A hot feed of the shelter of Milford, a distance of break and pit stop at the one and only ‘honey soya chicken’ followed with 57km away. sandy beach in this spectacular fi ord. ‘crumble apple pie’ courtesy of ‘Back As we paddled on to Milford, it was Country Cuisines’, and a hot cuppa Next morning we were on the water an eerie feeling being surrounded by tea. Sitting around the fi re chatting before 7am - we had decided to make towering cliffs that seemed to reach all and laughing about the day’s events a run for it! At 8am we paddled out of the way up to the clouds. By the time with your daughter under a star fi lled Lake McKerrow into the last 5kms of we had landed and got changed, the sky in the middle of no-where, what the Hollyford River before it runs into temperature had dropped and it was more could a guy want? And we had the sea. As we paddled closer to the raining. Off to the backpackers for a picked the only camp site in Fiordland sandbar, that separates the Hollyford meal, hot shower and nice warm room that had no sandfl ies! from the beach, we became nervous and bed with the wind now howling as the sound of breaking waves fi lled outside. What a way to end our trip. On day fi ve, we packed up our tent and an otherwise quiet morning air. At the were kayaking down the Pyke River by sandbar we virtually leaped out of our At 8am next morning, Stephen 8.30am. It was a beautiful day with a kayaks and ran up the sandbar crest Counsell arrived to take us through clear blue sky and no wind. The Pyke to view the ocean. to Queenstown where we were met was very similar to the Whanganui by Ian Algie, who took us back to our River with the occasional log jams, What a great sight greeted us, a dead vehicle at Jackson Bay. We arrived at which made some of the small rapids fl at sea with a small wave break. 7pm, an 11 hour shuttle. quite hard to negotiate. The river was We quickly carried our kayaks over crystal clear and we took great delight the sandbar and launched ourselves Both Melz and I are very thankful to in scooping up a mug full of water and into Martins Bay. In her excitement Stephen and Ian for giving up their drinking it. There is something special Melanie made the oldest mistake in day to take us back to our vehicle. We about being able to drink straight from Melanie at the sandfl y free campsite on Pyke River. Photo: Max Grant a stream or river and we had been doing it for the last two days.

By mid morning we were kayaking across Lake Wilmot and then further down the Pyke past Olivine Hut into Lake Alabaster. The scenery was spectacular. The lakes are surrounded by thick native forest that climbs the sides of the snow-covered peaks of the Darran Mountains, which were silhouetted against a clear blue sky. We stopped for lunch at the Lake Alabaster Hut, where we had stayed several years ago, during our trip down the Holyford River. The original hut had been replaced by a very modern building that could now sleep over 20 people.

11 No. 129 June - July 2007

then spent all of the next day traveling The trolley we used had to be very All of our gear was designed back to Ashhurst – a long, long trip strong, lightweight (2.95kg) and be and made in New Zealand but it was all worth it. Such a great able to be taken apart and stored into adventure! a small area inside our kayaks. We IMPORTANT NOTE used two Q-Kayaks sling trolleys If using a mountain radio in Fiord- Our Equipment which performed well beyond what land, it should be one from the In- For this trip Melanie and I put a lot of they were designed for. Our meals vercargill or Te Anau. We used one thought into the equipment we used. were freeze dry meals from Back from the North Island and while we Our kayaks had to be as light as pos- Country Foods Ltd. They were light were able to receive forecasts okay, sible for the portage, but strong and and easy to prepare. We took enough it was very hard to send messages maneuverable for the river, plus be food for 9 days. Our tent was a out. And mountain radios are heavy! able to perform well in a rough sea Macpac Minaret weighing 2.5kg. Our with a full load on board. At 22.5kgs sleeping bags were Macpac Meridi- Max Grant the Q-Kayaks lightweight Pen- ans weighing 1.3kg each, plus alpine guin and Shearwater were perfect. covers. Time of year was early May.

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter The Crocodile Attack 8 June 2007 by Sandy Robson OVERSEAS Email from Day 162 - June 5 2007 EXPEDITIONS David Winkworth: Night Island to Villis Point (near Cape Direction), I Spoke to Sandy tonight. She is Crocodiles in North North Queensland on Restoration Island (near Lock- (approx 40km) Queensland hart River). Not sure if she will Email from Peter Treby go on from here though. Her boat was attacked by a big croc two By morning I was even more anx- Talking of intrepid women, I met days ago as she was coming in to ious about launching. My stom- up with Sandy Robson by chance a beach just south of Cape Direc- ach was so knotted I could not eat when Sal and I spent a week at Mag- tion near the Old Mission Station. breakfast. I waited for it to be light netic Island not long ago. By pure enough for me to launch. I organ- chance, Sandy was nearing Towns- She is pretty shaken up and hasn’t ised my gear so that an absolute ville, and we were able to put her paddled since then. She got some minimum of time would be spent on up for a couple of nights where the pics of the croc though - says it was the beach prior to setting off. Before in-laws were staying. She is in great as big as her boat! She called Dave launching I stoked the fi re again. form, now at Port Douglas as of 23 Glasheen on Resto and he came May. I thought she was in a positive down in his dory and picked her up. My reasoning was that when I stoked state of mind and travelling well. She hasn’t made a decision about go- the fi re, the croc would retreat to the ing on yet. You can call her on Resto mangroves, thus giving me a safety Attached is a photo of Sandy during if you like on 07 4060-7145. I think margin of time to get on the water her R&R on MI (she’s the one on the she will be there for a few days yet. and paddle out over the shallow reef. left), cheers I also found some rocks and half a PT 24 May 2007 star picket to ditch at any crocs that might get too close for comfort. (Peter Treby was the president of the Victorian Sea Kayak Club for Sandy Robson in great form at Magnetic Island, with a stuffed crocodile. many years) Photo: supplied by Peter Treby

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It all went OK and I got away ex- I made excellent time due to unleash- don’t get me, please don’t get me,” tremely relieved that I did not ing my relief at not being munched all the way to the beach. Actually I see a croc and was not followed. by a croc into hard and fast paddling. don’t think I just thought it, I said it I was soon approaching Cape Direc- out loud like some kind of mantra. Paddling away, a terrible mental tion and looking for that campsite. strain was lifted from me. Phew! I The wind was producing a bit of I did not know if I would be able to live to paddle another day. I was wave action onto a steep beach and pull my spraydeck loop, leap out of able to enjoy paddling fast and the water was not clear so I thought I the cockpit and run up the beach fast putting a large space between my- would go a little further and explore enough. This is the place where I self and Night Island. This island for a more favourable landing. I pad- knew I would be the most vulnerable was mentally added to the list of dled along next to the big granite to an attack. I took a glance behind places I do not want to visit again. rocks on Villis Point and rounded to see if I had a croc on my tail. Shit I decided it was called Night Is- the point to fi nd a perfect sheltered where was it? The bow of the kayak land because here you can have a beach with campsite potential on hit the sand and I already had the night that you will never forget! the headland. Around the point the spray deck off and was running up water was sheltered and calm. The the beach, thankfully without getting Refl ecting on the experience, I beach would be a fantastic landing. tangled up in my paddle leash. No was reconsidering paddling in the croc chased behind me so I was able Gulf of Carpentaria from Seisia Then as I paddled in, I heard Dave to relax a little and hurriedly pull my to Weipa. Dave Winkworth had Winkworth’s voice in my head. It kayak up out of the danger zone. Then told me that his friend Aranus had was him talking about the Gulf, I saw it in the bay arching its back, found it confronting and com- “Crocs like calm water.” I paddled puffi ng itself up and fully displaying mented on it being too croccy. a few more strokes and noticed a its tail. This had certainly been a ter- How on earth was I going to cope? few mangroves on the inside of the ritorial attack from a large male croc. point. The voice in my head, “Shit! My destination today was Cape Di- Mangroves.” I dismissed them be- Once I felt safe from the croc I rection. I had not camped on the cause there were not many and thought, “Bugger this! If I am go- mainland much at all during this rationalised that it would be OK. ing to be attacked by a croc, then journey north from Cooktown. I am getting photos.” I took a The islands, apart from last night, Then SLAM! That sound changed few snaps and then pulled my had always seemed to be the safest everything! A sound like some- kayak right off the sandy beach. and most enjoyable place to camp. one had just slammed two bricks together as hard as pos- I sat down and was in shock and My fi rst encounter with the main- sible on the stern of my kayak. reeling from the experience. Now land north of Cooktown was at what? So much for getting back on Cape Melville where I had the en- My heart rate accelerated. Adrena- the horse! Gee it feels good to be counter with the large bull. Yes- line poured into my system. A voice alive. I inspected my kayak to fi nd terday I had planned to land on the in my head knew that it could only no gaping hole at the stern. Just a mainland at Cape Sidmouth, only be one thing. I forced myself to turn little chip, and a few scratches. Bit to see a large croc on the beach. my head to look. I saw a large croc of a let down for the impact really, Today I would camp on the main- with its head fully out of the water, but at least I was still seaworthy. land at Cape Direction and I was jaws open and right on the back of sort of wondering what surprises it my kayak. I think at this point I I got out my satellite phone. Each might have in store for me. I reas- may have sworn - “F***!” I cer- day I let Les Allen know my in- sured myself that it would all be OK. tainly never thought to say ‘Crikey!’ tended destination and I call Les by 7pm every day to let him know Getting back on the mainland was Dave’s voice was in my head again, I have made it. If I don’t call, then going to be like getting back on the “If you see a croc just paddle away.” Les is the person who would initi- horse. Between here and Cape York I considered whether my situa- ate a search for me. Les had been in I would be camping on the mainland tion would allow me to paddle out contact with me last night, through at several places. I referred to a pic- to sea, rather than be chased off the Night Island experience, and was ture on my chart of Andrew Hughe’s the water and onto the shore. Bug- looking forward to me safely arriv- Cape Direction campsite. (Andrew ger that! In order for me to paddle ing at Restoration Island tomorrow. paddled Hobart to Thursday Is- out of this bay and back out to sea, land in 2006 and I had some infor- I would have to face the big croc head This week Les was on a work trip mation about campsites from his on – not an option. I happily paddled in northern WA. I knew he would blog). His tent was perched above as fast as I could away from gaping not be in phone range until about the granite rocks and looked out croc jaws and towards the beach. 2pm and it was currently 12.30pm, over Rocky Island. Cape Direction All I could think was “Please don’t so I sent a text message inform- looked like a great place to camp. get me, please don’t get me, please ing him of my continuing saga.

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

derness. I know I can make good decisions and cope with whatever is thrown at me. I know that I can be strong in a crisis and keep think- ing clearly. I have done risk assess- ments and I am prepared with the right equipment and skills. I am used to getting out the satellite phone, re- porting the situation back to base, and then moving on to deal with the situation using the resources at hand.

I put all my gear into a pile and went for a walk to scout out the best route for wheeling my kayak to the other side of the headland. When I returned the croc had come in really close and was asserting its dominance again. It The aggressive male crocodile telling Sandy that she was on his territory was obviously still very much aware Next I phoned Anthony Malloch. I take me on if I went back out there of my presence and I wondered if I thought that possibly he might be - and that was fi ne by me. You can had been much longer, if it would a day or two behind me and that have your territory; I’m out of here! have tried to smash up my kayak. I I might be able to camp here and I decided I would portage all of my started the process of lugging gear up meet up with him and paddle to gear and kayak back to the other side hill amongst termite mound terrain. Restoration Island with a bit of of Villis Point and camp there to- company. I left Anthony a message. night. This would be a better spot to Thank goodness once again for the I thought about how I would feel launch when I came to leave. There Winky Wheels (a Dave Winkworth getting back on the water tomorrow. was no way I was going back into the kayak trolley made especially for bay where I was attacked. The big Sandy). This portage would have Let’s take a look at this whole sce- croc continued to parade himself off- been hell without them. The terrain nario from the croc’s point of view. shore and was keeping an eye on me. was easy with wheels. The land was This is a large male crocodile and this imprinted severely with cattle foot- is his territory. He will defend it from I decided to call Ian and see if he could prints and there was also evidence of other male crocodiles and hopefully look on Anthony Malloch’s website feral pig activity. It was so bumpy acquire some nice female crocs to to tell me if he was far behind. It on the wheels, but the vegetation was join him here. The crocodile would was quite bizarre to say to Ian, “Um, low and easy to pass over. There was have been aware of me paddling into I have just been attacked by a croco- no shade, so I had lots of drink breaks his territory for quite some time as I dile.” “What?” I thought I could along the way. I couldn’t have cared approached. He was probably feel- hear his brain processing.” ‘Did she less it this portage had been a hun- ing threatened and imagining a large just say what I think she said?’ Of dred times more diffi cult. I was just croc coming into his territory. He course he wanted to know how big it glad to be away from that crocodile. may have started to signal that this was and I am a terrible judge of size. was his territory by vibrating in the I just let him know that, “there is Once I got myself to the other side water. Another crocodile would pick nothing scarier than seeing the gap- of the point I sat down in the shade, up on the vibrations and either come ing jaws of a croc right behind you.” got out my notebook, and weighed in to challenge or backed off. Me, up my options. I had a few options well, I didn’t hear the vibrations did I? I was surprised then, that I shed some to choose between: tears as I refl ected on how scary that I was oblivious to the fact that I moment had been. It was good to 1. Stay here for 5 to 6 days while was coming in for a challenge. The be able to talk to Ian on the satellite waiting for Anthony and paddle to crocodile was left with no alternative phone. Even though I am travelling Restoration Island with him. This but to defend his territory. I was not alone, I have a fantastic support net- would involve rationing my remaining even aware that he was there until work. food supplies and desalinating water or that SLAM on the stern of my kay- ak. What was that crocodile thinking Dealing with my circumstance on 2. Paddle the 30kms to Restoration now? Had he won the challenge be- my own was not unlike any other Island tomorrow, launching from here. cause I had paddled away, or was I critical incident that I have dealt I felt very nervous about getting back a still a major threat because I had with in the past as a leader of Out- on the water, what if something else landed right on his beach? He was door Education programs. I feel like happened? or fi red up, puffed up, watching me, dis- I have the training and experience 3. Get rescued - .not really what I playing himself as a threat that would to cope with challenges in the wil- wanted.

15 No. 129 June - July 2007

I had not had breakfast today. It was After letting Les know the good news now about 3pm and I had not had (that I was getting picked up tomor- FREQUENTLY ASKED lunch either, so I snacked on some row), I tried to relax and cooked din- QUESTIONS crackers and muesli bars while I con- ner. My mind was still a spin though, sidered the options. I was not in a rush and I really didn’t sleep the whole by Sandy Robson to make a decision. I would be happy night because I knew that what had to camp here for a couple of days if I happened left me with some seri- Can you imagine being asked the had to. My satellite phone was on half ous decisions to make concerning same questions every time you meet battery power and I could recharge the remainder of my expedition. someone for an entire year? Well I it a bit with the solar recharger that can. I have had the following ques- David Winkworth had made for me. This was a turn of events that I re- tions on an almost daily basis for ally had not expected. Is the risk four and a half months and I treasure I found a place to set up camp and worth it? If I don’t go on past the people who think of something stashed all of my remaining food Restoration Island then what do I different to ask. Here are all of the safely in my kayak. I was a little do? I did not want my trip to end answers, before you ask me again. concerned by the numerous cat- like this. I played out all sorts of tle footprints and that feral pigs possible scenarios in my head. 1. How far off shore do you paddle? had been digging in the wet areas None of which seemed quite right. When I was paddling where there around the base of the rocks near was surf I generally paddled just be- my campsite. I hoped I would not After a few hours of trying to sleep, I hind the break in the calm deep wa- have any more wildlife encounters got up and found my last mini Mars ter. Often though, I go from point here. I considered trying to walk to bar and ate it. The students that I had to point to save time and this can the top of a large hill nearby to see taken on Year 10 camps at Penrhos take you off shore a long way. In if I could get mobile reception over- will know the signifi cance of eating Queensland I have done some long looking Lockhart River, but after a the mars bar. The Mars bar idea was open water crossings as I island hop short walk I realised that the veg- fi rst introduced by a colleague of my way north. I will be doing more etation was really thick and I would mine, Erica Herron. I continued the of this as I head north from Cairns. not have time to walk that far today. tradition of the Mars bars after she left. I also have deliberately avoided some parts of the coast in Qld so Out of curiosity I went back to ob- Just before the students go on the Year as to stay away from river mouths, serve the crocodile from high up on 10 Camp, I give each student a mini mangroves and crocodile habitat. At the headland. They are amazingly Mars bar. I warn them that at some home we often paddle across to Rot- stealthy in the water. The croco- point on the camp they will reach a tnest island which is 20km off shore. dile was under the water, facing out low point from which they feel they I have not yet fi gured out why eve- into the bay, and right by the shore. cannot really get much lower. At this ryone asks this question, but it is the In 20 minutes of observing, I only low point they are allowed to eat their number one most frequently asked. saw him lift out of the water once. Mars bar as a reminder that things will improve and also as a remind- 2. How far do you paddle each day? Back in camp I decided to phone er that people do care about them. I started out trying to average Dave Glasheen at Restoration Is- 40kms per day. This was diffi cult land. He is a local and I thought he This was certainly a low point of my when I had strong NE headwinds might be able to help me to make up expedition and eating the mars bar and my average was only 25kms my mind about what to do tomor- allowed me to keep a bit of perspec- per day. Now I have the SE trade row. I was so glad I called Dave. tive. I was not going to let this be winds along the Qld coast and I When I told him about my experi- the end of the journey for me. Eve- have been paddling much bigger ence, he said he would come up with rything happens for a reason right? distances as it is easier. My biggest a plan to get me picked up, either by Maybe I would be going home? day is 75km down in Croajingalong. himself, a trawler or by the police. Maybe something else would happen next? I thought I would like to stay at 3. Do you have an EPIRB? Dave said he would make some phone Restoration Island for at least a week Yes and I carry it in the pocket of my calls and promised to ring back. before I really decided what to do. PFD. It has a test button to make sure Dave did some ringing around and it still works and I do test it regularly. decided to come and pick me up him- I also lubricate the antennae to en- self in his boat. He told me he could sure it does not cease up in salt water. take my kayak out to a trawler. All I Croc teeth marks on the kayak 4. Have you done much paddling had to do was be packed and ready stern to go at 9am tomorrow. I gave Dave before this trip? I have been pad- my GPS coordinates so that he could dling for at least 10 years in some fi nd me and felt relieved that I would way or another, but I started sea be at Restoration Island tomorrow. kayaking more seriously and do- ing expeditions after I joined the

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

WA Sea Kayak Club. This helped when they retire. I am taking some 12. What do you eat? I generally me to gain more advanced skills as of my retirement now whilst I can have cereal for breakfast with pow- I drew on the resource of the more still get out there and follow this dered soy milk. Lately I have had experienced paddlers in the club. dream. Later may be too late. I had nice organic muesli. For lunch I eat My longest trip before this one was my hip replaced in 2004, so I know a bread roll or a sandwich if I have the 10 days from Perth to Geraldton. what it is like to be in pain and to just re-supplied or crackers/corn- be prevented from doing the things bread if it is a few days out. Fill- 5. Why did you start in you love and to wonder if you will ings include vegemite, peanut butter, Melbourne? I fi nished work in recover and to what extent. It also honey, tuna, tomato, Kraft ched- December and wanted to start in gives me a great sense of achieve- dar cheese…occasionally I have Melbourne as this would allow ment to look back and see how far I a tin of beans or chick peas. Din- me to reach the north of Australia have paddled. To know the coastline ners are predominately dehydrated at the right time of year to paddle in that way is awesome. I am having meals or pasta or rice based meals. across the top i.e. favourable winds fun with this challenge. The people and out of cyclone season and in that are a part of my journey are also I also have cous cous, two min noo- the dry season rather than the wet wonderful and add a dimension to dles, soups etc. I like pesto and season. I also started at the same the trip that is really lovely. It gives pasta. I am getting a bit sick of the place as Paul Caffyn because both you a lot of faith in the community dehydrated food so I am continually he and the Victorian Sea Kayak when people are so willing to help. looking for new things to keep it in- Club asked me to. Some people as- teresting. I eat a lot of snacks while sume I am from Melbourne, I am 9. So, do you just pull in and sleep I paddle and these include chocolate, not. I am from Western Australia. on the beach? Most of the time I biscuits, lollies, roll-ups, cheese, am camping in a small 2-person tent nuts, muesli bars, dried fruit and 6. How much water do you carry? on the beach or just off the beach. wherever possible fresh fruit. When I carry 5L per day and I have car- It may be in an offi cial National I am in a town I eat lots of fresh fruit ried up to 30L in my kayak so far. Park campground, or it might be and vegies as I miss these things. just a place I fi nd where I can pitch 7. Do you have a radio? I have the tent. Occasionally I have slept 13. What is packed in your a handheld VHF radio and also a in picnic shelters at National Park kayak? SSB radio that allows me to lis- campsites. From Sydney to Bris- https://netstorage.penrhos.wa.edu. ten to marine weather forecasts bane I was predominately camping au/slap/Gear/UpdatedGear/updat- and tune into radio stations for in caravan parks. I have also been edgear.html weather, news, and entertainment. accommodated and looked after by my mates, avid sea kayakers, people Less Frequently Asked: 8. So, What made you decide to who work in the Outdoor Education/ 1. How do you pee whilst paddling? paddle around Australia? There Recreation industry, nice people that I sometimes use a device that allows is not one reason, but a number of I have met, friends of friends and me to pee whilst sitting in the kayak. things that prompted me. I have been members of the Victorian, NSW and You can see this device at: http:// researching and gathering informa- QLD sea kayak clubs. When I get a www.travelmateinfo.com/page002. tion and equipment for this trip for bed for the night I feel very lucky. html This is really only useful in calm about 5 years after reading Dream- The coolest place I have stayed seas and it is re-useable. When it is time Voyage by Paul Caffyn. I was so far is in the lighthouse keepers rough and I do not want to take off the into sea kayaking at this stage and cottage on Gabo Island, Victoria. spray deck I simply pee in my kayak thought this would be an awesome and pump it out. It gets a bit smelly adventure. I love self-suffi cient jour- 10. Have you ever slept in your kay- in the cockpit as a result so I wash it neying and participate in expeditions ak? No and I don’t really want to. out with soap and water periodically. as a part of my work (as an outdoor educator) and also in my leisure time. 11. Aren’t you scared of all the 2. What about number twos? sharks? I have seen several sharks So far I have not had to tackle this I have often reached the end of a now and none of them have threat- problem. Although I have read about journey and looked out and thought ened me. They are just out there the blokes in “Keep Australia on Your I could just keep going. I love re- doing what they do and they do not Left” using a sheet of baking paper mote places, the beach and camping. see me as food. Sharks are sensa- in the cockpit and then wrapping the I have been reminded many times in tionalized by the media. The reality contents and throwing it overboard. the last few years that life is short and is not like the JAWS movie at all. I Other kayakers I have heard have a when people that you know die or am told that up north they will bump container instead of baking paper. become seriously ill suddenly, it re- the bottom of my kayak to see what ally makes you realise that you need I am. That has not happened to me Sandy Robson to live your life to the fullest and yet and it may be a bit frightening. (from Sandy’s website) follow your dreams NOW. I think many people leave their dreams for

17 No. 129 June - July 2007 2008 NATIONAL KASK FORUM & AGM at OHOPE Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April

Where: Based in an ideal location at Ohope Beach, near Whakatane, in the Bay of Plenty, with easy access to the sea at The Christian Youth Camp.

When: 25- 27 April 2008, Anzac Day Weekend.

This is a great event for novices through to experienced paddlers to learn, teach and meet other paddlers. For early birds there is the option of an afternoon paddle from 1pm Top: view of Whale Island from Ohope Beach on Friday afternoon. Options over Below: View of the Ohope Beach Christian Youth Camp the weekend may include paddles to Whale Island, lake paddles, a harbour paddle and lots of train- ing opportunities, including surf training and land-based sessions.

So far guest speakers include: From New South Wales, Austral- ian paddler, David Winkworth, who has extensive expedition experience. While paddling from Cairns to Cape York, his group had an nasty encoun- ter with a crocodile. David also builds sea kayaks and has worked as a sea kayaking guide and instructor. This year David has offered to teach a vari- Registrations will be opening about mid November. ety of water and land based sessions. http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/ (Will be available in the next KASK Newsletter (NSW Sea Kayaker Vol.40 & also on the KASK Website) Dean Man Walking) Any enquiries contact, Evan Pugh, Lichfi eld, RD2, Putaruru, NZ Expedition paddler and author Ph: 07 883 6898 or Paul Caffyn, will report on his recent trip to the Angmagssalik region of e-mail enquiries to: East Greenland. [email protected]

Accommodation is available in group Dave Winkworth bunkrooms; the camp has a total of 80 bunks and 70 camp spots If you wish to stay off site you may have to book alternatives as it is a popu- lar area, however there are many choices of accommodation from camp grounds to motels and hotels Meals will be fully catered, including dinner on Friday, to luncheon Sunday.

18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter CALENDAR Sea Kayaking for Disabled Paddlers by Beverley Burnett COASTBUSTERS 2008 At the 2007 KASK Forum held at For instance, we may have to put When: Friday evening, Feb 29 to Anakiwa in February, I proposed a down rubber mats leading from the Sunday, March 2 2008 motion to create a page on the KASK building to the beach so that people website which gave information about could get down to the beach in International Kayak Week - the rest disabled kayaking. I also moved wheelchairs, or sweep the gravel off of that week to make the next KASK Forum at the paths so that people could negotiate Anakiwa in 2009 accessible to people them in wheelchairs or on crutches if Website: with disabilities. Both these motions necessary. were carried. The fi rst draft of the www.coastbusters.org.nz webpage about disabled kayaking is There are programmes such as those now available on the KASK website, run by Outward Bound and Backup Where: Auckland New Zealand and through my work on disabled New Zealand which introduce people (Coastbusters Symposium) kayaking I am meeting more and more with disabilities to outdoor adventures, Auckland & Rotorua people who want to try sea kayaking but this is not the purpose of the KASK (International Kayak Week) or are already sea kayakers. forum. My initiative was merely to remove any barriers that might prevent Who: Novice to advanced sea I became interested in sea kayaking disabled sea kayakers from attending. kayakers for people with disabilities because I I have a slight disability myself on was asked to coach a lady who was land, but once I get on the water I Feel like lending a hand? Big paraplegic during some pool sessions participate in the sessions the same or small hand - it’s a lot of fun. at Lower Hutt last winter. I begin as anybody else. Just reply to the email address and tell searching for information on disabled us. The Red Team are currently scop- kayaking through the internet and My work in introducing disabled ing out the program and will have this found that there was as an active kayaking into New Zealand is focused locked down later this year. Now’s kayaking movement for disabled on the Wellington area, trying to work the time for any content suggestions people in the United States, Canada with local kayaking companies to and ideas to assist shaping the event. and UK. However there was no provide facilities for disabled people We’re all ears. Email to: information or expertise on the subject who want to go paddling, and to work [email protected] available in New Zealand. with New Zealand qualifications organisations to try and develop Local & international key note speak- The KASK committee and membership a ‘disabled instructor’ addition to ers, Seminars, workshops & panels have been very supportive of my desire the current outdoor qualifi cations covering all facets of sea kayaking to introduce disabled kayaking into available. Demonstrations & practical sessions New Zealand and at the forum many on paddling skills & techniques. people put their name on the list of If anyone has experience with disabled On-water activities to develop skills volunteers to help at the next Anakiwa people who are sea kayaking already & competency. forum if any disabled people attend kayaking, I would like to hear about Leisure time to network & socialize and need help. The idea is simply to it. Any information you can provide with fun like minded open up the forum to people who are to the current store of knowledge will individuals. already kayaking and want to attend be very valuable. the forum in the same way as the rest of Please e-mail me at: Benefi ts: us, but they need a little extra help. [email protected] Improved –kayaking knowledge & skill base. WANTED Increased knowledge of the Hauraki KASK Taranaki Contact Required Gulf & surrounding facilities Is there a current KASK member in the Taranaki area who would be willing to have their name and contact listed in the KASK newsletter, and on the Kayaking network increased with Website with other regional contacts? local & international paddlers Entertaining fun social event What this means is that you may receive a phone call or email on the odd occasion from other paddlers in your area, or from outside the area, needing information on paddling locations and/or how to meet up with other paddlers.

If you are keen to help in this way and perhaps meet up with other paddlers or to fi nd out more info please get in touch with me. Evan Pugh: [email protected]

19 No. 129 June - July 2007

and Freya Hoffmeister (at Rothesay DVD REVIEW Bay in Auckland) - and a paddle and

interview with Paul in the Sounds. THIS is the SEA 3 (TITS3) HUMOUR reviewed by Paul Hayward Don’t watch this DVD because it has PRIESTS ON HOLIDAY local content – just watch it because Two priests decided to go to Ha- As the name suggests, TITS–3 car- it’s a celebration of why we go out waii on vacation. They were de- ries on the series fi lmed and pro- on the water. If this doesn’t stimu- termined to make this a real vaca- duced by Justine Curgenven. Each late you to dream of kayaking des- tion by not wearing anything that of her ‘This is the Sea’ DVDs is a tinations yet un-paddled, you should would identify them as clergy. collection of short stories on the probably hang the paddle up over joys and terrors of Sea Kayaking. the fi replace and take up draughts. As soon as the plane landed they headed for a store and bought Fair warning: Last year, I was in- From the stunning beauty of the some really outrageous shorts, volved in bringing Justine to New Faroes (a Danish group of Islands shirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc. Zealand, for the Coastbuster’s sym- halfway to Iceland), to a long look Next morning, they went to the posium. We hoped for an inter- at an Australian three-man expedi- beach dressed in their ‘tourist’ garb. esting guest speaker, with a good tion to Antarctica (one of the three knowledge of our sport and a sense being the late Andrew McAuley), They were sitting on beach chairs, of humour. We got far more than via Wales and the Shetland Isles enjoying a drink, the sunshine and that – and thoroughly enjoyed meet- off Scotland – these stories tempt the scenery when a ‘drop dead ing the wonderful smile behind the you and sometimes scare the hell gorgeous’ blonde in a topless bi- trademark ‘cackle’ (her company out of you. If you’ve ever felt that kini came walking straight towards is called Cackle TV). So I might white-water river kayakers feel ho- them. They couldn’t help but stare. be expected to sing the praises lier-than-thou about their adrenalin As the blonde walked past them, she of her work – whatever its merit. levels, look at the footage of Alun smiled and said, “Good Morning, Fa- Williams going out to test a new de- ther - Good Morning, Father,” nod- Luckily, it’s not short on merit sign in what he terms ‘choppy’ water. ding and addressing each of them in- – so it’s very easy to review. Let’s dividually. They were both shocked get some of the negatives out of If you ever get away with your boat and stunned. How in the world the way fi rst. Some of the sections – it doesn’t need to be to the other did she know they were priests? could benefi t from a bit more prun- side of the world, down the coast ing. Some of the sound track isn’t will do – you’ll surely use some of So the next day, they went back to up to BBC quality - occasionally the lessons that these images will the store and bought even more out- there’s wind on the mike - and there lodge fi rmly in your memory. Im- rageous outfi ts. These were so loud are even some water splashes on the ages of tents pushed well beyond you could hear them before you lens from time to time. I can live what usually passes through your even saw them! Once again, in their with that – these aren’t actors do- mind as you stand in your local new attire, they settled down in their ing ‘Take 7’, with a sound studio to outdoor shop. Images of kayaks in chairs to enjoy the sunshine. After overdub the action. And, believe me, conditions that make ‘sea-kindly’ a little while, the same gorgeous you are in the thick of the action. suddenly seem as important as ‘fast’ blonde, wearing a different coloured when you’re looking at a new boat. topless bikini, taking her sweet As always, Justine’s choice of Images of what that innocent lit- time, came walking toward them. soundtrack music is interesting. She tle word ‘overfalls’ can mean on often features music from emerg- a chart. Thousand word images. Again she nodded at each of them ing bands. Some is great and some and said, “Good morning Father - is, well, terrible - but not boring! Justine’s interview of Paul Caffyn is Good morningFather,”and started to worth getting the DVD for – alone. walkaway. So, the upside is what exactly ? Paul, like most blokes, doesn’t Well, it’s where you get taken tend to bang on about why he’s a One of the priests couldn’t stand it and where you get tempted to go. unique sort of guy. He doesn’t eas- any longer and said, “Just a minute, ily talk about what drives him to at- young lady.” Justine had only a short time in New tempt feats that would tire most of “Yes,Father?” Zealand; but she was able to see some us – just thinking about them. If of the country with Paul Caffyn – and you’ve ever wondered why, or how, “We are priests and proud of who better to show it to her ? Some he’s achieved what he has; you’ll it, but we have to know. How of this DVD was shot here – the ses- come away a little wiser after watch- in the world do you know we sion on surfi ng at the Mount with ing this glimpse inside the man. are priests, dressed as we are?” big Steve Knowles, some intriguing She replied, “Don’t you recognize footage with two very different in- Let this collection of short fi lms me Father? It’s me, Sister Kathleen.” ternational rolling stars - Cheri Perry

20 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

SWEARING AT BREAKFAST CHINESE WEDDING NIGHT He goes into the bathroom and comes A 7 year old and a 4 year old were A young Chinese couple gets mar- back a few minutes later and jumps upstairs in their bedroom. ried. She’s a virgin. Truth be told, he into bed and makes passionate love “You know what?” says the 7 year is a virgin too, but she doesn’t know to his wife like never before. His wife old, “I think it’s about time we start- that. On their wedding night, she says, “Boy, that was wonderful!” ed swearing.” cowers naked under the sheets as her The husband says, “Don’t move! I The 4 year old nods his head in ap- husband undresses in the darkness. will be right back.” proval. He climbs into bed next to her and He goes back into the bathroom, “When we go downstairs for break- tries to be reassuring. “My darring,” comes back and round two was even fast, I’ll swear fi rst, then you swear he whispers, “I know dis you fi rss better than the fi rst time. after me, OK?” time and you berry frighten. I plo- The wife sits up and her head is spin- “OK,” the 4 year old agrees with not mise you, I give you anyting you ning. a lot of enthusiasm. want, I do anyting - juss anyting Her husband again says, “Don’t The mother walks into the kitchen and you want. You juss ask. Whatchu move, I’ll be right back.” asks the 7 year old what he wants for want?” he says, trying to sound ex- breakfast. perienced and worldly, which he With that, he goes back in the “Oh, sh*t mum, I guess I’ll have some hopes will impress her. A thought- bathroom. This time, his wife qui- Coco Pops.” WHACK! He fl ew out of ful silence follows and he waits pa- etly follows him and there, in the his chair, tumbled across the kitchen tiently (and eagerly) for her request. bathroom, she sees him stand- fl oor, got up, and ran upstairs crying She eventually shyly whispers back, ing at the mirror and saying, his eyes out. “I want to try someting I have heard “She’s not my wife. She looked at her 4 year old and asked about from other girls. Numbaa 69.” She’s not my wife. with a stern voice, “And what do YOU More thoughtful silence, this time She’s not my wife!” want for breakfast, young man?” from him. “I don’t know,” he blubbers, “but it Eventually, in a puzzled tone he asks His funeral service will be held on won’t be fu*king Coco Pops.” her, “You want... Garlic Chicken Saturday. with corrifrowa?” The Bravest Man in the World PADDLER MUSCLE Ed was in trouble. He clean forgot his EXERCISES HYPNOTHERAPY wedding anniversary. His wife was Just came across this exercise sug- Woman comes home and says to her really upset. She told him “Tomor- gested for the over 50’s and the husband, “Remember those head- row morning I expect to fi nd a gift in unfi t to build their arm muscles aches I’ve been having all these the driveway, that goes from 0 to 100 & strengthen shoulders. Just what years? Well, they’re gone.” in 6 seconds, and is bright and shiny, kayakers need. It seems so easy so “No more headaches?” the husband AND IT HAD BETTER BE THERE.” I thought I’d pass it on. The article asks, “What happened?” suggested doing it three times a week. His wife replies: “Margie referred The next morning Ed got up early me to a hypno-therapist. He told me and left for work. When his wife (1) Begin by standing on a comforta- to stand in front of a mirror, stare at woke up, she looked out of the win- ble surface, where you have plenty of myself and repeat, “I do not have dow and sure enough there was a room at each side. With a 2kg potato a headache; I do not have a head- small box gift-wrapped in the middle sack in each hand, extend your arms ache, I do not have a headache. And of the driveway. straight out from your sides and hold it worked! The headaches are all them here for as long as you can. Try gone.” Confused, she put on her robe, ran to reach a full minute, and then relax. “Well, that is wonderful,” said the out on to the driveway and picked up husband. the box. She opened it and found a (2) Each day, you’ll fi nd that you can brand new set of bathroom scales. hold this position for a bit longer. His wife then says, “You know, you After a couple of weeks, move up haven’t been exactly a ball of fi re Funeral services for Ed have been to a 5kg potato sacks. Then 25kg in the bedroom these last few years. scheduled for Friday. potato sacks and then eventually try Why don’t you go see the hypnotist ______to get to where you can lift a 50kg and see if he can do anything for that?” My face in the mirror, potato sack in each hand and hold The husband agrees to try it. isn’t wrinkled or drawn. you arms straight for more than Following his appointment, the My house isn’t dirty, a full minute. (I’m at this level). husband comes home, rips off the cobwebs have gone. his clothes, picks up his wife My garden looks lovely, (3) After you feel confi dent at that and carries her into the bedroom. and so does the lawn. level, put a potato in each of the sacks. He puts her on the bed and says, I think I might never “Don’t move, I’ll be right back.” put my glasses back on!

21 KASK 4th. Ed. KASK HANDBOOK Rotorua Kayak Club KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea Updated to July 2006 7 Mahana Place, Rotorua Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of For a copy (or trade orders) of this Ph: (027) 292 3138 New Zealand sea kayakers, has the mother of all sea kayaking hand- email: [email protected] objectives of: books, contact Paul Caffyn, RD 1, GISBORNE Sea Kayakers Club 1. promoting and encouraging the Runanga, 7873, West Coast. John Humphris, 3 Matthews Rd, Gisborne sport of sea kayaking e-mail: [email protected] Ph: (06) 868 4657 2. promoting safety standards RRP: $ 34.90 including p&p email: [email protected] 3. developing techniques & New members: gratis Website:www.geocities.com/gis- equipment Make cheques out to KASK (NZ) borne_sea_kayakers/ 4. dealing with issues of coastal Inc. access and protection WELLINGTON Sea Kayak Network 5. organizing an annual sea kayak The fourth edition of the KASK Mike Wilkin forum Handbook, is a mammoth compila- 23 A Ilam Grove 6. publishing a bimonthly tion on all aspects of sea kayaking in Kelson, Lower Hutt newsletter. New Zealand, by many of the most Phone: (04) 565 0880 experienced paddlers in the Uni- email: [email protected] The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is verse. Following a brief introduc- Website: www.wskn.wellington.net.nz published bimonthly as the offi cial tion, the handbook is divided into newsletter of the Kiwi Association six sections: SOUTH ISLAND of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. - Kayak, Paddle & Equipment MARLBOROUGH Articles, trips reports, book reviews, -Techniques & Equipment Helen Woodward equipment reviews, new techniques, - The Elements Ph: (03) 579 5669 letter to the editor, and moments - Trips and Expeditions [email protected] when the word ‘Bugger!’ was said - Places to Go NELSON - KASK Contact singularly or often {referred to by - Resources Nora Flight some as incidents} are sought to en- Ph: (03) 544 7877 liven the pages of the newsletter. SEA KAYAKING email: nfl [email protected] NETWORK ADDRESSES CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Send in a plain brown envelope, or Network via cybermail to: Andy & Deirdre Sheppard Editor: Paul Caffyn, NORTH ISLAND 53 Kent Lodge Ave RD 1, Runanga. 7873 NORTHLAND Canoe Club Avonhead, Christchurch. 8004 West Coast .N.Z. PO Box 755, Whangarei Ph: (03) 342 7929 Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 Brian Lamerton email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ph: (09) 437 2858 www.CanterburySeaKayak.orcon.net.nz email: [email protected] OTAGO KASK Annual Subscription AUCKLAND Canoe Club Rob Tipa $35 single membership PO Box 9271, (03) 478 0360 ($105 for 3 years; $175 for 5 years) Newmarket, Auckland. [email protected] $40 family membership. email:[email protected] SOUTHLAND Sea Kayak Network $35 overseas HAURAKI Kayak Group Stan Mulvany A subscription form can be down- Pelham Housego 03 215 7263 loaded from the KASK website. PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland email: [email protected] Cheques should be made out to: WAIKATO KASK Contact Website: www.sskn.uniformnz.com K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & mailed to: Evan Pugh, RD2, Putaruru. 3482 KASK Administrator [email protected] SKOANZ PO Box 23, Runanga. 7841 Ph: (07) 883 6898 Sea Kayak Operators Assn. NZ West Coast RUAHINE Whitewater Club SKOANZ 71 Salisbury St., Ashhurst. PO Box 1222 Christchurch Correspondence/Queries to: Ph: 06 326 8667 Fax: 06 326 8472 Ph/fax; 03 329 8317 Linda Ingram www.q-kayaks.co.nz/pages/club.asp email: [email protected] KASK Administrator BAY OF PLENTY - KASK Contact Website: www.skoanz.org.nz PO Box 23, Runanga. 7841 Iona Bailey, Tauranga West Coast Ph: (07) 576 1492 email: [email protected] KASK Website: Send address changes for receiv- ROTORUA- KASK Contact www.kask.co.nz ing the newsletter via email to John Flemming, PO Box 1872, Ro- Linda at: torua [email protected] Ph/fax: (07) 347 9950 email: [email protected]

22 Top: Melanie on the glassy surface of Lake Ala- baster, with Mt Tutoko on the distant skyline. Bottom: Melanie paddling up Stafford River for a lunch break. Photos: Max Grant MAILED TO

If undelivered, please return to: KASK , PO Box 23, Runanga, West Coast. 7841

Melanie Grant on Hell’s Portage. Photo: Max Grant (Story on page 9)

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 fi nancial 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 confi rming renewals from existing members from July to October; and promoting new KASK memberships from November to February.

24