The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

No. 104 April - May 2003 THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER

Cover photo from the LRB3 - Third Edition of the KASK Handbook Just wait till you see it in colour!

Bevan Walker, into a strong nor-wester, Thompson Sound, Fiordland. Photo: Craig Hornblow

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

1 No. 104 April - May 2003 KASK LRB3 - KASK HANDBOOK RUAHINE Whitewater Club KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea 71 Salisbury St., Ashhurst. Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of For a copy of this mother of all sea handbooks, contact KASK Ph: 06 326 8667 Fax: 06 326 8472 New Zealand sea kayakers, has the http:/ objectives of: Treasurer, Max Grant, 71 Salisbury St. ruahinewhitewater.orcon.net.nz 1. promoting and encouraging the BAY OF PLENTY sport of sea kayaking Ashhurst, 5451 Ph: (06) 326 8527 home Alan Hall 2. promoting safety standards Ph: 07 579 2922 Fax: 07 579 2923 3. developing techniques & Fax: (06) 326 8472 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] equipment ROTORUA/TAUPO Area 4. dealing with issues of coastal COST: New members: gratis Emma Haxton access and protection email: [email protected] 5. organizing an annual sea Existing members: to be advised Non-members: $to be advised Phone: 07 357 4660 forum NEW PLYMOUTH Contact 6. publishing a bimonthly Make cheques out to KASK (NZ) Inc.Trade enquiries to Max Grant. Bob Talbot, newsletter. 10 Ranfurly St., Waitara. THE LRB3, or the Little Red Book Ph: 06 754 4191(H) or 0274 457038 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is pub- email: [email protected] lished bimonthly as the official news- 3rd. Edition, is a mammoth compila- tion on all aspects of sea kayaking in WELLINGTON Network letter of the Kiwi Association of Sea Christine Coshan, PO Box 26052, Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. New Zealand, by many of the most experienced paddlers in the Universe. Newlands, Wellington Following a brief introduction, the email: [email protected] Articles, trips reports, book reviews, Website:Http:// equipment reviews, new techniques, handbook is divided into six sections: - Kayak, & Equipment homepages.paradise.net.nz/ianjenki/ letter to the editor, and moments when SeaKayak/index.SeaKayak.html the word 'Bugger!' was said singu- -Techniques & Equipment - The Elements larly or often {referred to by some as SOUTH ISLAND incidents} are sought to enliven the - Trips and Expeditions pages of the newsletter. - Places to Go MARLBOROUGH - Resources Helen Woodward Send in a plain brown envelope, or via Tel (03) 578 5429 cybermail to: Each section contains up to nine sepa- [email protected] Editor: P Caffyn, rate chapters. The Resources section, NELSON RD 1, Runanga. for example has chapters on: Martin and Karen Clark West Coast .N.Z. - guide to managing a sea kayak Tel (03) 548 5835 Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 symposium [email protected] E Mail address: - Paddling Literature CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Network [email protected] - Author profiles Andy & Deirdre Sheppard - Guides and Rental Operators 53 Kent Lodge Ave KASK Annual Subscriptions are: - Network Addresses Avonhead, Christchurch. 8004 $25 single membership - Sea in NZ listing Ph: (03) 342 7929 $30 family membership. email: [email protected] $35 overseas SEA KAYAKING OTAGO Cheques should be made out to: Rob Tipa K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & sent to the NETWORK (03) 478 0360 KASK Treasurer: [email protected] Max Grant, 71 Salisbury St. ADDRESSES SOUTHLAND Ashhurst, 5451 NORTH ISLAND Stan Mulvany Ph: (06) 326 8527 home 03 215 7263 NORTHLAND [email protected] Fax: (06) 326 8472 Brian Lamerton email: [email protected] SKOANZ Tel (09) 437 2858 Sea Kayak Operators Assn. NZ AUCKLAND CLUB Correspondence to the Secretary: Dave Watson, President PO Box 147-282 c/o P.O. Box 255, Picton Maurice Kennedy Ponsonby, Auckland. PO Box 11461 Ph: (+64) 03 573 6078 email: auckland-canoe-club Fax: (+64) 03 573 8827 Manners St., [email protected]. Wellington. email: HAURAKI Kayak Group [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Pelham Housego PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland KASK Website: www.kask.co.nz

2 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

INDEX EDITORIAL Prayers or Safety Equipment? LRB3 The ‘Bugger!’ File report, on the cou- ple rescued off St Heliers, brought to Editorial p.3 With a huge sigh of relief, I sent the new mother of all sea kayaking hand- mind two instances of prayer and sea kayaking. The February ‘Reader’s Kask Committe Column p.4 books to the printer on 20 May. Al- though the overall format is un- Digest’ has a story titled simply ‘SOS’. A 28 year old Hawaiian paddler, an NZ Home Building Kayak changed, the third edition has many evangelical youth pastor, was into the Website p.4 changes. Most conspicuous is the cover with a brilliant colour photo of third day of a week long coastal cruise. He had a sail up and was capsized by New Committee Members Bevan Walker paddling into a bit of a a squall. His rescue equipment was a Alan Hall p.4 breeze in Fiordland. The pic, taken by mobile phone, but as he was progres- Doug Vickery p.5 Craig Hornblow, is one of the best I have seen of sea kayaking. Although sively blown out to sea, he had no way of providing his location to the USA NZ TRIP REPORTS the rain is teeming down, and Bevan Coastguard. Rescue planes flew over- Stewart Island Circumnavigation is punching into a lousy chop, the head but without a signal mirror or Richie Bailey p.6 huge grin shows he is enjoying him- self immensely. flares he could not signal the aircraft. One night a Japanese vessel almost Lake Manapouri Circumnavigation ran him down. He was unable to sig- Evan Pugh p.9 Already, I have had two moans about the cover pic; the marketing side of nal for a rescue - no light or flares! Chalky & Preservation Inlet our esteemed president wants a pic of 160km out to sea, an astute Coast- Brent Harrison p.10 a sunny, calm day off Rangitoto Is- land with skimpy bikini clad pad- guard officer was able to guestimate his position from the time a rescue KASK FORUMS/MINIFORUMS dlers, while our hardworking treas- plane flew overhead and the position 2003 KASK Forum Appreciation urer is concerned that kayak manu- of a distant island with respect to the Malcolm Geard p.11 facturers will be peeved with the kayak sun. This bloke was praying and writ- OSKA/KASK Aromoana Miniforum shown! New chapters include Kayak ing his will in his bible, when the pilot Rob Tipa p.11 Kookery, GPS Navigation, the Rotorua Lakes and Tidal Streams. saw a ‘flyspeck of red kayak and yellow vest’. A rescue helicopter BOOK REVIEWS Nearly every chapter has been re- plucked this bloke to safety. I only hope ‘Southern Exposure’ written or updated. I would like to the Coastguard gave him a good talking by Chris Duff thanks all those involved for their too, with respect to carrying flares, a review: John-Kirk-Anderson p.12 time and effort: signal mirror and a VHF radio if he ever review: Cathye Haddock p.12 John Kirk-Anderson out to sea again! ‘User’s Guide to the Australian Coast’ Stephen Counsell review: p.14 Innes Dunstan Conrad Edwards The second instance involves a slide show I gave to the Balclutha Lions THE ‘BUGGER!’ FILE John Flemming Club, many moons ago, on the Round Hauraki Gulf Romantic Date Max Grant Australia trip. Following what I NZ Herald p.13 Maxine Handford Phil Handford thought was a riveting talk, I was shocked and stunned when the presi- HUMOUR Rebecca Heap dent asked me, “If I believed in God?” Alternative Fuel Source p.15 Mark Hutson When I answered, “No,” he com- Hunting Season for Jet Skis p.15 Kerry Howe mented, “More fool you.” It has al- More Terrible Jokes p.19 Neville Jones Vincent Maire ways niggled me that I should have said to him, that when caught in a KASK Ann Schofield storm off the Baxter Cliffs, no amount Treasurer’s Report Andy Sheppard of prayer or faith would have helped Max Grant p.17 Deirdre Sheppard my survival. It was solely my physi- Notices p.18 Peter Somerhalder Peter Sullivan cal skills, inner strength, mental tough- Margaret Thwaites ness and pre-visualisation of worst Alison Wagstaff case scenarious that carried me Special thanks to proof readers Lynda through the night. Ferguson, Kay Costley and Pagemaker To sum up, for those who rely on DEADLINE FOR MATERIAL spellcheck. prayer to get through a dicky situa- FOR N/L No. 105 = 15 July 2003 If you see any glaring errors in the tion, make sure you have all the vital text, apart from punctuation and for- safety equipment items, to ensure your matting, let me know please. prayers are answered promptly.

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cations. May many more recreational KASK sea kayakers follow their example. New Committee Committee Members The KASK website When we did the membership survey Column ALAN HALL by Vincent Maire last year, the results clearly showed us that the KASK website needed to be I first heard of kayaking in 1959 as a upgraded. This has now been com- 16 year-old first year apprentice, from Training pleted. A new page devoted to train- a work mate who had got hold of plans On a recent club trip I met up with ing has been added; the home page for a kayak. Chris Gulley of Outdoor Discoveries has a news section and members can with a group of trainees. In this case now go into the site and subscribe to Ever since childhood I have been a the paddlers were on the final day of the news service. lover of the outdoors and wild places their three-day SKOANZ assessment and the thought of kayaking in the to become qualified sea kayak guides. As webmaster I can assure you that west of Scotland where I lived, fired Later in the day I returned to the beach you will not be inundated with email my imagination. I found out that there just as the last of these hopefuls was messages from KASK. So far five was a kayak club not too far away strapping her kayak to the car. “How messages have been posted. What which held social meetings in a cafe did you go?” I asked. “I did it. I’m happens is that I post the full message every Friday evening. Off I trotted as now a qualified guide,” replied Leona, on the news section of the home page an awkward, shy teenager to find out who was obviously thrilled and proud then distribute an alert via the sub- about this kayaking. The club turned and excited all rolled into one. scription list. The system is working out to be The Scottish Hostellers Ca- well as we always get a significant noe Club, which is one of the oldest Tony Dumper of Takapuna was also a rise in visitors following an alert. kayak clubs in the world and is still successful graduate of this group. active to this day. I was made very Tony is an experienced recreational The other promise I can make is that welcome and promptly invited to join sea kayaker who has worked hard at companies selling Viagra, home loans them for a weekend paddling and upskilling himself. Tony is also a very and other irritants over the Net will camping on Loch Lomond. strong supporter of the need for rec- not pick up your address. The address reational paddlers to have their own list is totally secure. And so I had my first trip in a kayak, qualifications. the ‘club double’ with Fred at the The website also has a membership helm. Fred was the club secretary, a The KASK committee has devoted a form. So if your sub is due, or over- middle aged bachelor whose whole great deal of time and energy to this due, go to the membership page and life was kayaking. We spent the week- very important matter. Along with download the page and the address end paddling around and camping on SKOANZ and NZOIA, we are work- and sub. details. A website is an ex- the islands on the loch. I was abso- ing with SEFRITO to implement a set cellent way for an organisation to lutely mesmerised, and to this day I of paddling qualifications that starts keep in contact with a membership as have vivid recollection of paddling at the recreational level, moves up to widespread as ours. Please make use into Balmaha Bay on a calm summer the guiding level and ends at the level of it. Sunday morning. With the backdrop of advanced instructor. Happy paddling of forest and mountains it could have Vincent Maire been Canada or North America. In the coming weeks we expect to President announce a scheme whereby asses- I was absolutely sold on kayaking and sors of the recreational qualification New Zealand Home Kayak set about building my ‘Clyde’ kayak can be trained. Once this has been Building Website which was designed by a man called done, the qualification structure will Joe Reid in 1958 along the lines of a be in place and club and network Greenland kayak brought back to Scot- Grant Glazer of Waiheke Island has paddlers from around the country can, land from an earlier trip. The Clyde re-launched his website and devoted in their own time, and for minimal was built from a series of ply frames it to home-built kayaks. Grant writes, expense, gain a set of qualifications and timber stringers glued and screwed ‘I'm developing this site to get as that could, if they so wished, take together. The finished frame was cov- many Kiwi builders as I can to con- them on that journey to being a pro- ered in heavy canvas and given nu- tribute to it and hopefully help out fessional guide (SKOANZ) and on to merous coats of paint. Although by others. At the KASK Rotorua Lakes the advanced instructor level today’s standards, these boats may Sea Kayak Symposium 16 of the 91 (NZOIA). seem a bit ‘Mickey Mouse’, they were kayaks there were home made so extremely seaworthy - I actually did a DIY'ing is becoming popular.’ To My congratulations to Tony and three week trip in this boat. For any- find out more visit the KASK Leona, both of whom are members of one interested I still have the plans of homepage at www.kask.co.nz and see KASK, on committing themselves to the Clyde and I built another one a few the news section at the bottom of the seeking formal sea kayaking qualifi- years back, as a sentimental journey. page. 4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

I continued to paddle into my twen- Canoe Association and paddled with I have always considered myself a bit ties, swapping the Clyde single for a them, mainly weekend trips; I loved it of a ‘back seat’ kayaker, being not Clyde double when my wife to be and made many good friends. I also very adventurous, and happy to let came along. Eventually as life does, became a member of two kayak clubs others lead. I am a bit over awed by family life took over and I fell away which were very training oriented. some of the kayakers I have met here, from paddling. I didn’t paddle much Although I was not much interested in but equally look forward to working for quite a long time although I was qualifications as such, I did however with them to the benefit of the sport. involved heavily in other sports. I get a BCU three star award. Alan Hall have never been a one discipline fa- natic and have been involved in many In the sixties I was interested in com- DOUG VICKERY different sports over the years. I have ing to live in New Zealand and was My outdoor activities mainly revolve been a lifelong cyclist and was a mem- offered a job in Lower Hut but sadly I around the Rotorua Tramping Club, ber of a famous cycle club at the age was young and easily swayed by the combining tramping and sea kayak- of 13 in 1956. In 1980 I became a prophets of doom, who told me New ing. I have more recently kayaked in member of the Glasgow Wheelers, a Zealand was the pits. I have however Stewart Island (Patterson Inlet), Marl- very famous club, producing several hung onto the desire to come here all borough Sounds and Abel Tasman. A world class cyclists. I helped run win- these years and at the ripe young age group of us frequently go to ter training and was to become chair- of 58, finally made it with my partner Coromandel and Taupo Lakes as well man for a few years. If it hadn’t been Pam who is also a kayaker as our local Rotorua Lakes. Also for my bike I could not have paddled Treasurer and MC for the recent in my young days, as not many people I quickly made contact with the kayak Rotorua Lakes Symposium had cars in those days, I could cycle group in the BOP and got out pad- down to the club boathouse on Friday dling with them. The thing that I found Other interests include cycling (Taupo night (about 40km) and cycle home most amazing was the Kiwi attitude to Bike Challenge) Rock 'n' Roll and the on Sunday night. training and skills, it seemed to be, occasional Irish Ditty (being a POM ‘just get out there and do it’. I was with a touch of Irish). I was a member of the Scottish Ice meeting solo paddlers with no experi- Speed Skating Club, and skated com- ence whatsoever out on Tauranga har- Doug Vickery petitively. I was into scuba diving for bour in a kayak with no on Ph: (07) 348 3588 quite a number of years and was a and all sorts of bizarre things. So I e-mail: [email protected] competitive water skier for many thought I would try to set up a skills years, skiing at national champion- training thing amongst the local pad- ship level and represented Scotland in dlers. Some people jumped at the a few minor competitions. chance and were very keen, sadly however some others were very re- Sea Kayak Looking back it was just sport and sistant. I was even told that Kiwis for Sale work, a bit crazy at times but interest- don’t like people telling them what to ing. I have met some amazing charac- do, which is sad, as a skilful paddler is Fibreglass Southern Aurora sea kayak ters from the world of sport over the a confident paddler and confident pad- in good condition – red & white. years and now I have met Paul Caf- dlers make the paddling better for Accessories include: fyn. everyone and can pass on skills and Fibreglass South Star split paddle, therefore confidence to other paddlers. three piece paddle, Macpac PFD, After sustaining an arm injury in the Macpac long sleeve paddle jacket, late eighties which caused me prob- Sadly after 40 odd years in the build- , lems for many years, I found myself ing trade and sports activities, and the neoprene spray deck, cockpit covers, doing exercises with a physio which subsequent injuries that go hand in compass. reminded me of the way you turn your hand, this poor old body that I inhabit Would prefer to sell kayak and all the wrist when paddling so I thought I is getting near its sell by date. Arthri- gear for $1500.00 or near offer. would try it. To my surprise I could tis in my spine is making sitting in my Contact: Bob Huck, Phone (06) 857 paddle, a bit painful after a while but kayak for more than a few hours at a 8282 bearable. I was just about to go on time a bit uncomfortable without re- holiday to a lovely area of the west sorting to painkillers. However it is a Kayak and gear can be seen at Q- coast, near the sound of Mull, so I great sport, I know I am preaching to Kayaks, Phone (06) 326 8667 managed to borrow a nice sea kayak the converted, but I intend to get as and had two week’s paddling in a much out of it and give as much back fabulous paddling area. The arm got to it as I can for a while yet. steadily better and I got hooked on paddling again. I am extremely honoured to be in- I became involved in the Scottish vited to join the committee of KASK.

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can boys. Highlight of day – passing a 30 August (Day 3) NEW whole group of fur seals off Saddle I am up early but the weather looks Point. Distance for day 36km. just the same. Headwind, passing ZEALAND showers, calm in the bay but white TRIP REPORTS 29 August (Day 2) caps still visible further out. We are We are up early as the tide will be not in a big hurry as we know we will favourable for the first four hours. be lucky to make East Ruggedy in Stewart Island Disappointed to see cloudy with SW these conditions. Sure enough once 25 August 2002 - 3rd wind, also drizzle. We decide to give out of the bay it’s just as rough as last Attempt it a go and leave the beach at 7.30am. night, but with all day ahead we de- by Richie Bailey Progress is good at first, but as Black cide to plug on. The tide is with us but Rock approaches the wind and seas a headwind is making progress hard, Bruce Robb, from Herbert, was my become quite threatening. We are tak- also breaking seas on a 2m swell. As paddling companion. I was paddling a ing the wind on the nose. Very slow we near Cave Point a big line of break- Penguin and Bruce a Sisson Fibre- progress past Black Rock. Breaking ers extends off shore. Not liking what glass Arctic Raider. seas adding to the problem, we decide we see, we land in the sheltered beach to head in to Smoky Beach, which we of Long Harry and decide to scramble Notes as written day by day: manage after a difficult crossing of out over the rocks to the point for a Here we go again. Things haven’t the bay. Exploring around we find a closer inspection. worked out too good this winter. First hunters camp and light a fire to warm I have had two operations on my eye- up. It has taken over 1.5 hours just to We stumble across a cave and I’m lids, which combined, with my an- cover this short distance (5km). After really surprised to see a whole lot of nual flu attack kept me laid up for lunch we make the decision to try for Fiordland Crested Penguins. It seems almost five weeks. Then Roy breaks a East Ruggedy, but as soon as we leave they are nesting. Hopefully I get some small bone in his ankle, laying him up the shelter of the bay conditions be- good photos. Reaching the point from for three weeks and also ruling him come rough and had wind. We decide our high vantage point we can see a out of the trip. I phoned Bruce with to return and spend the night at Smoky. path through, so we decide to head just a week’s notice and he is still Although it’s a handy shelter there is back and give it a go. Sure enough we keen, much to my relief. a plague of rats on the island this year pull past the point safely, but find the and despite our best efforts we are wind strengthening making us work With a day to go, the weather has been kept awake most of the night with the to gain every yard. At last we pull into just dreadful, but after talking it over rats running around. Even some bread the shelter of The Ruggedy Islets and we decide maybe now is the time to go I hung from the ceiling has been eaten. land wet and cold on East Ruggedy as a big high is sitting just west of New I don’t know how they could possibly Beach. Just 9km travelled! Zealand. I phone Ron Tindal to say have got there. we are coming over - he is surprised as he said the seas had been really rough. Ron says he will pick us up off the ferry and put us up for the night. Sure enough Ron is there and says he has already organised tea, which is really appreciated. We have a good catch up with Ron and Elspeth. Ron even cooks us a great breakfast before delivering us to the beach.

28 August (Day 1. Conditions look good and we leave just after 8.30am. Kayaks are really heavy seem to glide along OK. Tide is with us for the first two hours but a light SW headwind. We stop at Bungaree Beach after 2.5 hours. Tide has now changed and we make slow progress. Next stop is Lucky Beach; arms are starting to complain so we rest up for almost an hour before con- tinuing on to Yankee River, arriving at about 4.30pm. Good hut at Yankee. Spent night with three young Ameri-

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huge, the biggest and worst we have ever paddled. Huge haystack waves are exploding around us. At last we round Red Head but the situation is still getting worse. Progress is so slow and I start to doubt. Can we survive this?

At last we turn to head for shelter, but now with these huge seas coming from behind us we dare not paddle as we don’t want to surf on these huge breakers, just brace and hope to slide off the back of them. At last we are in. I drop my paddle I’ve been gripping so tight for 2.5hrs. The relief is enor- mous. I see Bruce smile. We both know that was a close call. We should The bivvy cave at Dougboy Bay not have been out there. It’s blowing We carry the kayaks along the beach Plan is to boil the billy then quite hard now we are both soaking then paddle up the creek, before sort- through the Gutter and continue on wet. The priority is to find shelter on ing our gear for the night and tramp down the coast to Doughboy. Sand the small beach and light a fire. We off 20 minutes to the rat proof East flies are really bad so we drink up and camp for the night on the beach beside Ruggedy Hut. Tomorrow will be de- go for it. Just outside of the Gutter a creek. 18km for day. cision day, as once past this point I really amazing rock formations, but a believe we are committed to going rough and confused sea. No place to 2 September (Day 6) around. linger, a school of dolphins chasing We both have blistered hands from fish as we pass. After 1.5 hrs we land gripping the paddles so tight. Up early 31 August (Day 4) at Doughboy Bay. Beautiful sandy and it’s overcast but not blowing. We Saturday dawns with a clear starry beach. We have had a good day. 40km decide to venture out, but are both a bit sky. We are up early, things are look- paddled. It takes us over an hour to gun-shy after yesterday’s close call. ing good, NW wind to 30km forecast. find the cave where a Japanese woman The sea is much calmer. No breaks, but once lived. We decided to pitch tent rain curtains on the horizon don't give Porridge for breakfast then tramp to but spend the evening in the cave with us much hope of a good day. We decide kayaks. It’s 8am as we paddle down a big fire and lots of good food. I feel to at least go for Easy Harbour, about the creek and out through small surf really good now, as passing East one hours paddle. Rain comes in with a into the bay. First challenge is the gap Ruggedy was a real head thing for me bit more wind, but we are making good between Ruggedy Islands. The tide is as my previous two trips had ended progress. Easy Harbour comes and goes running hard through and as we reach there. We Are Committed! with small offshore islands giving us the far side it’s quite rough, combina- shelter. Our confidence starts to return, tion of meeting the west coast swell 1 September. (Day 5) South Cape Island is now in full view and rebounds off the sheer cliff faces. 1st of September. First day of spring. and we now set our goal of reaching But it’s rained most of the night and as Nicholson Harbour. The breeze is behind and we make we look out at first light, the surf in good progress, surfing the swell. Prob- our sheltered bay sounds quite a bit A great spot to launch an attack on the ably 2.5m and just breaking. Leaving bigger than yesterday. Looking at the two southern most points, South West Codfish Island behind we meet fish- clouds it appears the wind is north- Cape & South Cape. These points ing boat 7781. He is really surprised west. We decide to go for it, thinking have always been in the back of my to see us, as we are 2 to 3 miles off that the shelter of 3 Legged Woodhen mind as the biggest challenge, as the shore on a lively sea. We get a fore- isn’t far away if it gets too rough. tide races and big seas are legendary. cast from him, which sounds good. "Well" outside the bay and the sea is We are paddling into the tide but still Four hours and we reach the outer rough with a big swell, maybe 3-4 m making good progress. Now even the points of Ernest Island a relief as I had but we have turned south and it would sun comes out, the day is really pick- always worried about this particular be difficult to turn back. South Red ing up. stretch of coast. Inside the point the Hen seems to take ages to reach and sea is unbelievably calm and clear. It the seas are now really rough. Al- The south of Stewart Island surprises takes half an hour to slowly paddle in though maybe 0.5km offshore the size me, as it’s not as barren and hostile as to land on the beach in inch high surf. of the waves are causing rebounds, I’ve been led to believe. On a sunny We are elated! making things even worse. Progress day as this one it’s really beautiful. is really slow but the seas are now We can just make out the small huts

7 No. 104 April - May 2003

encountered further north. They swim right in, then almost clear the water right next to the kayak. They also start bumping the stern of the kayaks. This goes on for ages - it’s just as if they are seeing us off their patch.

These seals were later identified as Hooker Sea Lions. We find the hut and it’s a welcome sight. Nobody around so a good chance to wash and dry all our smelly clothes. The wind is about gale force, just screaming over the hill behind us. Blue cod for tea and a good hut, what more could you ask for. Paddled 16km today. Approaching the crux of the Stewart Island trip, South Cape. on the Mutton Bird Islands as we blowing in exactly the wrong direc- 5 September. (Day 9) close on Nicholson. tion for us. We do however get our Raining as we awake, but the wind Nicholson turns out to be a beautiful first glimpse of Pegasus. Tantalisingly appears to have gone down from yes- small sheltered sandy beach. At last close but unreachable. terday. We decide to venture out. Leav- we stop after 3.5 hours to boil the billy ing beach at 8.30am. It’s an offshore and now turn our thoughts on to South Weather clears later in the day but wind so hopefully it should be good. Cape. The weather now is just perfect, seas still really rough. No progress We plan to make Lords River by dark, so we decide to go for it. Slack tide is Day. Arriving back at camp we sur- with a stop along the way. We experi- about 3 o’clock, so we think we will prise a big Elephant Seal lying in the ence every type of weather, one minute take our chances with the tide race off grass. It takes off lumbering down the it’s raining, then sunny. Wind is com- South West Point but aim to reach beach not happy with us. ing and going but mostly tail. We South Cape at 3 o’clock slack water. leave Pegasus behind but still plenty As we approach South West Cape, the 4 September. (Day 8) to explore there. Landings are few seas pick up and a big swell is still Bruce is up early keen to get moving and far between on this coast and I’m running, but we are confident and after yesterdays no progress. It’s rain- getting really hungry. Just muesli for make it through no bother. A fishing ing so I’m not so keen, but the wind breakfast is not enough for me. But boat appears from nowhere and gives has dropped and it looks like we may Bruce is going really strong and keen us a friendly wave and shouts, “you just get away. 8.30am we leave beach to keep going. are through the worst now”. and head out. It takes an hour to pad- dle across Broad Bay to the exposed We stop to talk to a friendly fisherman Just on 3pm we reach South Cape, big headland. The huge seas of yesterday of Big Kuri and my spirits re revived, seas but no breakers, we pass easily. are gone, just a 2-3m swell and tide just an hour now to Lords. ‘Bursting We are on a high; with the shelter of race off the point. We make good for a Pee’. Closing on Lords River Broad Bay we decide to pull in for the progress and leave the south coast entrance, the sea becomes quite rough night as my arms are getting tired. We behind. We are now in the Pacific with the meeting of the two currents have paddled almost 8 hours and had Ocean. and rocky shoreline. We surf into the a wonderful day. We finish off the day shelter of Lords. It’s been maybe 18 by finding a great campsite in Broad As we approach Pegasus the wind is years since I was last here on a hunt- Bay called Settlers Cove. coming away from the west. As we ing trip. Brings back some good 39km Paddled for day. close on the south passage the wind is memories and a friend who is no longer really getting up. The peaks of Gog with us. The hunter’s camp is a real 3 September. (Day 7) and Magog look magnificent in the mess, but we tidy up and light the fire. Morning arrives with the sound of distance, but it’s no time for photos as Tomorrow could be our last day as we rain on the tent roof. “Gee,” the the wind and waves are making for- are within four hours paddling of weather is changeable down here. ward progress really slow. At last we Oban. We paddled today six hours Looking out the clouds are really rac- can turn and run with it into Acheron non-stop. ing across the sky from the North Passage, we think there may be a hut Distance 44km. East. It doesn’t look good. We decide there. We see a group of seals lazing to climb a hill behind our camp for a on the surface. We didn’t expect them 6 September. (Day 10) look out to sea and also north to to notice us, but as we get closer they Up early weather looks good although Pegasus. It takes most of the morning become aggressive. At first it seems forecast says strong north-west winds. but as we break out of the scrub we like fun, but these seals are quite dif- We leave Lords River with high hopes can see a very rough sea with the wind ferent from the small fur seals we had of finishing today. It’s quite rough

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

through the passage between Owen or so bush stalking. Plenty of sign but work for every metre, wind and tide Island, but we get through no prob- we see nothing. We have now been against us. We strike the strongest lems, we have a slight headwind and away 10 days with little rest and both tide race of the whole trip off the making good progress. After two hours feeling a wee bit weary. Just on dark Neck, and entrance to Patterson Inlet. we pull in to a small beach just south we see yellow-eyed penguins coming But at last we pass Ackers point and of Chew Tobacco a quick stop just to ashore; I scramble through the bush now with the breeze behind us we refuel and relieve myself. But as we and hopefully get a photo. 20km Pad- cruise into Halfmoon Bay. Quite an paddle back out of the bay towards the dled for day. emotional moment for both of us. We headland a strong North wind is mak- meet Elspeth on the waterfront; she is ing big whitecaps. We push on taking 7 September. (Day 11) really pleased to see us. Also put on a a real hammering. We manage to pass Awake early to rain and still windy, great lunch before we depart from our two other headlands but progress is but not nearly so bad as yesterday. We Island Adventure. 22km paddled on impossibly slow. We have to give in decide to break camp and give it a go. last day. to nature and turn and surf back into 8.40am we are punching out into a Chew Tobacco. moderate northerly. It’s not nearly so Total distance paddled 249km. Only bad as yesterday and we soon pass 1 day with no progress. We find a good hunter’s camp and call headlands that proved impossible yes- it quits for the day. We spend an hour terday. Progress is slow as we have to Richie Bailey

Day 2 we leapt into forward gear and Day 5 calm again we paddled down LAKE after 11km, the wind was rising and Hope Arm around George Bay, Circle MANAPOURI we stopped at a beautiful little beach Cove, Surprise Bay and back to the for a few hours and thought let’s check start point which was 42km. CIRCUMNAVIGATED around the corner and try to make FEBRUARY 2003 some progress. We paddled around The total shoreline trip was approx. the corner 500m and the wind was 152km and there are heaps of beauti- by Evan Pugh howling down what is called Hurri- ful sandy beaches. The wind comes [email protected] cane Passage, so we retreated and up strong and funnels through the tall camped at Hurricane Bay for the night. mountains surrounding the lake but My plan was simple. All I had to do we were lucky and had a tail wind was drive 1500 km from the Waikato Day 3 in the morning the wind was more often than not. There are some in two days and meet John Flemming down and from the opposite direction areas with no easy landing spots for at the Lake Manapouri waterfront Fri- so we happily paddled off past Pomona up to two hours and being a North day morning. It all went to plan and Island and up North Arm where we Islander the sandflies were horren- about 9am we were on the beach ready had lunch at the hut next to the river. dous and annoying . The bays on the to go, our two vans were left at the Carrying on along the coast line, we lake have names which mean what camp ground for safe keeping. headed out of North Arm and up West they say, example Hurricane Passage Arm into a strong wind. We arrived at or Safe Cove . We departed Frazers Beach near the the power station and decided to carry township and headed anticlockwise on around Safe Cove and back up to The trip was well worth it and the lake on a real ripper of a day, gliding past Fairy Beach where we camped after a is very scenic and clean. Supply Bay where two barges are 43km day. parked ready for use, we continued to Shallow Bay and passed the Waiau Day 4 was calm and we continued River which feeds from lake Te Anau. down South Arm stopping at the end There is a good strong current from for lunch then out again and around to the river and shallow sand banks all Stockyard Cove where again we about, as I found out and had to get out camped on a beach and I placed rocks and push. We stopped for a snack on all around on my tent fly as the wind the sandy beach then continued on was blowing. We were out in the open and camped on a beach in from at this beach so I didn't want to blow Buncrana Island our first day done away during the night. We had cov- (22km). ered 34km

9 No. 104 April - May 2003

New Zealand followed. We walked from our camp- milling. A large boiler in surprisingly site in Seek Cove to South Port, a flat good condition still lies at the bush Trip Reports 25 minute amble though bush con- edge. From here we followed a still necting Preservation to Chalky Inlet well defined tram track to the Golden Chalky and and hence a potential portage in wild Site Quartz Mine some 10km away in weather. At South Port we checked the Wilson River. The giant stampers Preservation out a rusting boiler and relics from were still upright surrounded by rust- Inlet, Fiordland days gone by when whalers and seal- ing water pipes and nearby the power- Inlet, Fiordland ers frequented these shores. ful pelton wheel lying on its side. I by Brent Harrison salute all those hardy men and women Date: 8 - 16 March 2003 Cavern Head with its numerous coves, who tried to make a living from this caves and caverns was like being in harsh environment – one such person Party: Anthony Chainey, Ian Daniel, fairyland, a real little gem. Around the being William Docherty, explorer and Peter Gates, Malcolm Gunn, Brent corner is Cuttle Cove the site of a miner who died on 20 March 1895 Harrison former whaling station and worthy of and is buried on nearby Cemetery an hour or two scratching around. Island. Fiordland, my favourite corner of New Preservation Inlet is fairly littered with Zealand, this time to visit the southern delightful islands and coves and the Our last day was spent paddling down most fiords of Chalky and Preserva- vista around every corner kept our Otago Retreat where we stopped to tion. An area steeped in history, attention keen. Of great interest were check out the remains of another aban- sandflies, rocky coves and caverns, the Sealers Caves on Steep-To-Island, doned settlement Te Oneroa before bush and mountains, changeable occupied many years ago by a group carrying on towards Puysegur Point. weather and more sandflies. of marooned sealers. Embedded in We pulled ashore at the Oilstore, the the ground of the largest cave were original landing for supplying the long Bluff, late evening 8 March found us three sawn stumps that supported the gone lighthouse community 2km aboard our chartered launch ‘Boonari keel of the boat that they painstak- away. DoC now maintain it as a basic Likoo’ an ex Coral Sea 60-foot wooden ingly built. shelter and accommodation for way- fishing boat. After a long drive from ward travellers. I was intrigued to see Picton it was great to at last be on our Another highlight was visiting a very a note on the wall from ‘paddler way motoring, thankfully, too on a flat small round island with a very large extraordinaire’ Bevan Walker and sea through Foveaux Strait. sheltered cave whose entrance was partner who were stuck here for nine hidden from the sea by scrub and days waiting for calmer seas on the Sunrise saw us south of Puysegur foliage. The approach to it was a magi- way to Riverton. Point and the excitement and antici- cal sight, like something out of Jurassic pation grew as we at last steamed into Park. Evidence in the way of a deep The short walk to the lighthouse was our drop off point at North Harbour, pile of mussel shells, cut punga logs spectacular, the rugged coastline, Chalky Inlet. We tied up to the rusting and a flax binding made it clear that it foaming sea, and the windswept bush hulk of the ‘ Stella’ before cooking a was once inhabited by Maori. The all making for a grand finale to a great late breakfast of blue cod caught dur- cave floor was dry and the absence of trip with a great group of guys. ing a brief, drift and hook, fishing sandflies would have made it an ap- session off Passage Islands. Here we pealing refuge. Some of us intend to return (next time off loaded our kayaks and a mountain by helicopter) as we ran short of time of supplies in perfect calm late sum- We spent the two last nights camped and did not get to see Long Sound, mer conditions. Even the ferocious on a grass bench at Kisbee Bay from Cascade Basin or Lake Widgeon. sandflies did little to distract us from where we explored the surrounding the postcard scenery around us, as we area including the remains of Cromarty Kayaks used were an ancient wooden packed our kayaks and waved good- township. It was here in the 1890’s Sea Bear, Looksha lV, Southern Au- bye to our transport. over a thousand people fought out a rora and two lightweight Tasman Ex- living mining for gold and timber presses – all performed admirably. The next four days we explored and paddled the coastline from Cape Provi- dence, North Port, Edwardson Sound, Lumaluma Greek, Lake Cadman, Cunaris Sound, South Port and around Gulches Head into Preservation Inlet. The weather until now had been pretty much perfect and with the crux of Malcolm Gunn, Gulches Head and its washing ma- en-meshed in chine sea now behind us, we did not diary writing, mind the couple of squally days that among the sandflies in Preservation Inlet

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

2003 KASK FORUM APPRECIATION From Malcolm Geard Presenters are invaluable at a forum plank kahikatea kayak on display at too. Paul’s more or less ad lib talk on an earlier forum that probably I would like to commend all those who navigation was extremely beneficial, switched on a small light in my head made our Whites Bay Kask Forum in even to those of us who don’t expect that led to some stitch and tape build- March so enjoyable and successful. to circumnavigate countries... unless ing in the garage and front room. we happen to be caught short by bad The first accolade has to go to Helen weather. I am keenly awaiting pro- Thanks also to those with the confi- Woodward who prepared and man- duction of the new handbook in what- dence and skills to lead the paddling aged the event with a team of, well, ever form it emerges. Paul reminds us pods. It was very nice to have you herself alone, for the most part. Per- every so often, that we have some of there in reasonably clapotic ( if that’s haps there is something in the Marl- the best paddlers in the world in our the word) conditions here and there. I borough waters that makes her pad- little islands. Most of us won’t get enjoyed experiencing the conditions dlers resolutely non-organisational near that elevated status so we’re lucky in my new single which I don’t know individualists. I know that Helen to be able to absorb what we can of that well yet. I hope I learnt a few would have welcomed help on the their wisdom. I’m really looking for- things. I very much enjoyed chatting local scene though and fortunately ward as well to the distillation of this to some very interesting and pleasant ‘the old sea dog’, Paul Caffyn and his collective know-how as the national people, amongst whom many thanks ebullient Antarctic pal, Kevin bowled standards begin to take shape. I am to Max Grant for a copy of his concise up on the opening morning to help her sure they will help beginners, average and well-written booklet, not only assemble a marquee, organise a gen- weekenders like me and so on up the about his own excellent boats but also erator and a thousand and one other scale, to improve our paddling skills about skills, gear, judgement and lo- jobs. and our risk management, the two cations. Get hold of a copy, paddlers. going hand in hand, of course. I A big vote of thanks also to those who couldn’t be at Cathye’s risk manage- Last but not least, thanks to the Kask drove back and forth to Picton to cart ment presentation unfortunately as I National Committee, without whose North Islanders like me, to the venue. was talking about wooden boats to oversight, initiatives, regular I know Paul and AJ were to the fore those who were interested. Many conferencing and generous time com- here and there are doubtless others thanks to John Dobbie who bowled up mitments, we wouldn’t have an asso- whom I don’t know. It was very gen- and generously added some real know- ciation. You are very much appreci- erous of you all. Many thanks. how to my backyard building obser- ated by us all I’m sure. vations. It was John’s elegant, strip- Malcolm Geard, Wellington

OSKA/KASK mini-forum at Aramoana, March 15-16

from Rob Tipa inner harbour, outer harbour and open That kept all but a handful of the Forget the camouflage gear, Spit sea paddling. fearless inside Taiaroa Head (the Beach was a visual symphony: about harbour entrance) practicing paddle 40 vivid, multi-coloured sea kayaks Over 40 paddlers registered for the strokes and surf landings on Saturday and pilots lined up like an invasion weekend’s activities, most of whom morning. Eight brave souls ventured force for OSKA’s mini-forum at claimed they were novices or north along the coast but a steep Aramoana in mid- March. intermediate paddlers. A bunch of dumping surf on Kaikais Beach tested seasoned paddlers from the their ‘bomb-proof’ rolls to It was the first official sea kayak Canterbury Sea Kayak Network destruction. They came back looking gathering in Otago since OSKA was drove down on Friday from wet, windswept and interesting. revived in October 2002 and probably Christchurch and there was a healthy one of the largest collection of sea sprinkling of freshwater aficionados In the afternoon, discretion proved the kayaks seen on Otago Harbour in a from Central Otago. better part of valour and the brave decade. joined the nervous for a wildlife tour Organisers had their fingers crossed of Taiaroa Head to see shags, seals and Aramoana (which means pathway to that a month of fine, settled weather the famous northern royal albatross the sea) is 20 kilometres north- east would hold. It did but there was a up close and personal. A fresh wee of Dunedin at the entrance to Otago beauty wee tropical cyclone that sou’wester and a fickle tide made for Harbour. It is a great venue for a sea wound itself up into a frothy lather a challenging paddle home and kayak forum because there are three way out in the middle of the Pacific, stretched a few tow ropes. launch sites within a few hundred creating a messy 2-3 metre dump on metres of the local domain, offering Spit and Aramoana beaches.

11 No. 104 April - May 2003

OSKA’s champion organiser Mark ( Sunday was calm and fine and, after It was a fairly casual, laid-back Possum) Robertson fired up the barbie the compulsory lawn rescue session, weekend at the beach thanks to some and dispensed a few hot snarlers Christchurch design wizard Peter great organisation and planning by before we adjourned indoors for the Sullivan dazzled the congregation Mark, with help from survivors of evening’s guest speaker, Murray with his explanation of why our KASK’s leadership course last Broom, of Firstlite Kayaks, who has kayaks behaved so badly in the surf November. developed lightweight (some under on Saturday. There was a conspicuous 10kgs), portable kayaks for the improvement in technique when we later Some participants are already asking tramper with everything. launched and landed off Spit Beach for a about a winter forum. Now THAT’S leisurely paddle around the outer harbour. keen!

Book Review - Chris Duff’s ‘Southern Exposure’

Title: ‘Southern Exposure’ But, as he reached inside for the Title: ‘Southern Exposure’ Sub Title: A Solo Sea Kayaking Jour- strength to continue, other people Reviewed by: Cathye Haddock ney around New Zealand’s South Is- reached out to him to help. He seems I attended Chris Duff’s excellent slide land. slightly embarrassed by the support, show at the Christchurch KASK fo- Author: Chris Duff but it showed how his humble person- rum in 2000. Chris Duff had com- Published: March 2003 ality touched the people that he had pleted his solo circumnavigation of Publisher: The Globe Pequot Press, met on his journey, and those who the South Island on 17 April 2000, USA learned of him. just days before the forum. Looking ISBN: 0 7627 2595 8 back on the slide show, it was no Content: Softcover, 266pp, 16 colour I have long awaited the publication of wonder many commented on how pics, 6 maps this book, after the privilege of hear- moving and emotional it was. The Size: Portrait format, 150 x 230mm ing Chris speak at the Christchurch experiences recounted were raw and Price: RRP $29.95 KASK Forum, only days after the fresh, still being processed in Chris’s Availability: Discerning kayak shops journey was over. He said then that he mind. His pictures and words took the in NZ, or order through your local needed time, and distance, for the audience on a journey of the gruelling bookshop. whole trip to sink in. In this book’s days and weeks in survival mode, the Reviewed by: John Kirk-Anderson. prologue he says, “Had I known what simple and spontaneous generosity of was going to be required of me, I people along the way, the terror and New Zealand readers of this book wonder now if I would have set off.” beauty of the ocean and coast and his must first realise what it is not. This is inner most thoughts and feelings. I no travel log, where every day’s pad- In his writing he has a lovely gift of was moved to tears at times. dle is faithfully recorded, and every placing you beside him, whether bat- bay passed is checked off on the map. tling the urge to wet-exit in horrible So I was excited when Chris Duff’s surf, or dripping on the floor while book Southern Exposure’ arrived in Rather it is one man’s story of a jour- listening to a shop keeper question the the post from Paul Caffyn. I was not ney, written as the tale might be told wisdom of his trip. disappointed. The book intertwined while sitting on a beach at the closing the physical and inner journey beauti- of a long day. The highlights sparkle The Kiwi reader will note mistakes in fully. There were gripping sections like reflected sunlight, while the rou- the book. On the maps, some loca- where I just could not put the book tine is blurred like a distant headland tions have wrong names, and some down. The most terrifying of which in the mist. Hundreds of kilometres of spellings are incorrect, even allowing was when Chris was trashed in the coast paddled get no mention, while for the Americanism of English. surf north of Milford Sound. He had other detail is recorded in microscopic to make a decision: detail. To me, this didn’t matter or weaken the book. Just as a good yarn told ‘It is an awful gut-twisting paradox to Chris shares with us his inner dia- around the campfire might be a little be in the relative safety of deep but logue, and his times of doubt. After blurred on the edges, it’s still a good huge seas and know that there are no his kayak is smashed outside of tale told by a great story teller. options but to enter the surf zone … Milford Sound, he says, “I didn’t want seconds later I was upside down … to continue. I wanted to walk off the Miss-named headlands matter not, this with every change of direction, the plane in Seattle into the arms of my is a story about a person. hydraulics would seize my upper body friends.” John Kirk-Anderson. … and try to rip it from the boat … the paddle … spun and whipped around my head and shoulders like a broken

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

helicopter rotor … from the waist up was over … back in the same violent dogs in the steep hill country near I had to relax as much as possible to submerged tumbling as before only Cape Farewell. While Jack, Blue, minimise any muscle strain. From the … I didn’t have the strength to hang Bess, and Sue put on a sheep muster- waist down I was locked in as tightly on as long.’ ing show any farmer would be proud as I could brace inside the boat … I of, canine Clyde demonstrated how waited for an eternity for the wave to Although Chris made it to shore un- easily everything could “turn to cus- let me go .. Mentally I turned inside. I scathed himself, the boat was a com- tard”. And the farmer excelled him- went deeper into a physical place at plete wreck. After resting, it took some self in colourful language that made the centre of my chest and … stayed time before Chris looked at the boat. absolutely no difference to Clyde’s with the burn in my lungs and tried to When he did, it was with shocked mustering skills. block out the voice that was now disbelief that the damage became screaming in my ears … Somehow grossly evident. Amazingly, Chris I found Southern Exposure an inspi- through that inner focus I bought an- found the strength to repair the shat- rational read. The pages capture the other few precious seconds while the tered fibreglass and broken dreams kiwi generosity of spirit that was im- wave began to …release it … I un- and continue on his journey. portant sustenance to Chris along the wound into my roll … sea water pour- way. Equally, it captures the spirit of ing out of my helmet and streaming Hilarious anecdotes of kiwi culture adventure and inner processing of his over my face as I exhaled, spitting were refreshing to read through the great quest, that is undoubtedly this water and sucking in desperate gasps eyes of a traveller. The funniest of man’s life sustenance. of pure sweet air. … When the second these to me was the story of going wave hit I got a few last gasps f air and mustering for a day with farmer and Cathye Haddock

THE ‘BUGGER! FILE’ Kayakers’ Romantic Date about midnight by the time they got vices and stayed with them until an ends in Midnight Salvation close enough to shore to yell out, but inflatable rescue boat arrived. the woman was beginning to lose con- From ‘The New Zealand Herald’ sciousness and starting to struggle. Once on shore, the woman, with hy- - 28 April 2003 “If it had been another quarter of an pothermia and a body temperature of By P. Gower and M. Dearnaley hour, it really could have been the just 25˚C, was taken to hospital, where end,” said the man. But a woman on she was initially reported to be seri- A first date was rescued from near the St Heliers shoreline had heard ously ill, but had recovered well by disaster when two policemen leaped their cries and called the police. last night. The man was exhausted from a helicopter and saved a couple and in shock, but unharmed. struggling to stay afloat after over Three police constables had stripped four hours lost at sea. The couple were to their underwear on the ‘sandpit’- The rescuers were cheered by a crowd kayaking home from an Anzac Day sized beach at Ladies Bay and were of about 50 people who had gathered date on Rangitoto Island when the 22- preparing to swim the 500m to them to watch the drama. The thankful man year- old woman was tipped out by when the Eagle helicopter - which met his police rescuers yesterday when the wake of a passing ferry. (The does not have a winch - offered to he picked up one of the kayaks that kayak was a racing /tri kayak.) drop them out. had been recovered.

Her date jumped from his kayak to Constables Greg Fallon and Omar They were critical of onlookers, in- support her, and the pair began swim- Suleiman were flown out and told to cluding three Asian fishermen who ming the 3km towards the Auckland jump from about 25m above the cou- had heard their cries for help but not city shoreline in the moonless night, ple, but asked the pilot to take them acted on them. rather than back towards Rangitoto. lower, and they eventually jumped from about 10m. The couple, both committed Chris- “She wanted to go towards the lights tians, had met at church the week because they gave her hope,” her 34- “I wasn’t sure if the water was deep before and were praying aloud to- year-old date, who did not want to be enough,” said Mr Fallon, an experienced gether in the sea. named, told the Herald yesterday. surf lifesaver. “I was pretty stoked it was “We were praying our little hearts deep enough, just quietly.” out,” the man said. “We were asking Both wearing lifejackets, they began God to send us a helicopter or a boat, their swim about 7.45pm, trying not When they reached the couple, Mr something to keep us safe. In the end to think of sharks or of being hit by the Suleiman said the woman was “froth- we got both.” black silhouettes of boats cruising past ing at the mouth, her eyes rolling and them without noticing the SOS flash mouth gurgling”. The constables The two rescuers saved their praise of the small torch the man held. It was handed the couple extra flotation de- for the team effort of police involved,

13 No. 104 April - May 2003 especially that of fellow Constable EDITORIAL COMMENT Natasha Bryce, who had been the first What was this couple doing at night to strip off for the swim but missed out with one paddler in a top of the line on the helicopter trip because there racing boat? Why was a deep water was not enough room. rescue not attempted? Where was the safety equipment, flares, VHF radio? She had been the one who spotted the Where were the night lights that are man’s torch, but was left in her under- obligatory for small craft? It is rather wear on shore with the onlookers - obvious that their prayers would have including many of her male col- been answered a lot sooner if safety leagues, said Mr Fallon. “It was a equipment had been carried. If the pretty gutsy effort in front of all the woman at the St Heliers shoreline had boys.” not heard the cries for help, it appears the woman in the water would not have survived!

Constables Suleiman, Bryce & Fallon, with the recovered racing /tri kayak.

TECHNICAL BOOK REVIEW

Title: ‘The User’s Guide to the Aus- the Beaufort Number (it is used in the The Wave Essentials chapter is also tralian Coast’ UK), but give the range of wind speed full of good meaty information for a Author: Greg Laughlin in knots. Even so, each Beaufort paddler. A classification of sea waves Published: 1994 Number is listed with its general physi- lists the forecast conditions and physi- Publisher: New Holland, Australia cal description, such as Gale (B.No.8), cal sea appearance; smooth for exam- ISBN: 0 7301 0515 6 with good graphic descriptions of wind ple has a wave height of 0.5m with Content: Hardback, 213pp, colour pics effects on land and sea: small breaking waves. The table show- & figures - land: twigs break off trees; people ing the Beaufort wind scale and po- Size: Portrait format, A4 have difficulty walking (sounds like tential wave height is disturbing - Price: RRP $49.50 Wellington on an average day!) 22m high waves! The table shows Availability: Order through your lo- - sea: moderately high waves break wind speed, potential wave height with cal bookshop, or from a good friend and form spindrift; well defined estimated wave period, wavelength over the other side of Lake Tasman. streaks. for varying fetch and duration of the Reviewed by: Paul Caffyn - potential wave height of 7m wind blowing. Fetch is the distance of - wind speed estimated at 10m: 34 - 40 open water over which the wind is Although this book is devoted to the knots, 17.2 - 20.7m/s, 62 - 74km/h, blowing. Australian coast, the theory with re- 39 - 46mph spect to climate, wave and wind es- and lastly the wind strength symbol Ocean current and tides are given sentials apply equally in New Zea- used on weather maps is shown. excellent treatment with a colour land. It is a technical book but written coded map showing variation in tidal so that a lay person can gain a fuller Terms such as veering and backing range around Australia, from one to understanding to all the elements that are defined for the Southern Hemi- two metres for much of the southern cause grief and drama to a sea kayaker. sphere, and the method for determin- coast to over 11m in King Sound. ing wind direction and strength from The ‘Wind Essentials’ chapter has a the isobars on a weather map are The Severe Weather chapter discusses two page spread on the Beaufort Scale, shown. What I found interesting was cloud types and warning signs of ap- with effects on land and sea with the effects of landforms on wind proaching bad weather, tropical cy- estimated speed equivalents. The strength and turbulence; when a wind clones and storm surges. Extremely Beaufort Wind Scale, named after a is blowing offshore, over a vertical low pressure, associated with either a rear admiral, was instigated in the cliffline, the width of the wind separa- deep depression or a cyclone, can early 1800’s to communicate infor- tion bubble (moderately sheltered) is cause a significant sea level rise par- mation on ship speed, sail carrying three to four times the cliff height. For ticularly if at the same time as a spring ability and survival to those involved a cliffline with an onshore wind, the tide. in the blockade of Europe. Numbers separation bubble is approximately range from 0 which is calm, to 12 half the height of the cliffs. The causes The book concludes with a detailed which is a hurricane. The New Zea- of sea breezes are discussed in detail, reference list for further reading, and land marine forecasts do not mention with a section on day-night variation. a good glossary.

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

HUMOUR Alternative Fuel Source British Police have set up a flying squad to catch hundreds of tax dodging diesel car owners who are using ordinary frying pan oil as fuel to cut costs. The tax dodgers could get seven years in jail for their slippery behaviour, British tax officials fume.

The cooking oil costs around NZ$1 a litre compared with Britain’s tax inflated diesel at more than NZ$2 a litre. Traffic police are sniffing out the tax dodgers because the fumes smell like chips cooking. Cars are impounded. One of our well- travelled reporters says a tour boat operator in the Hawaiian island of Kauai has been using filtered cooking oil from the local Colonel for some time, and reckons his marine diesels run better and smell sweeter than ever. It saves fuel costs and helps the environment. The only problem is that his boat is constantly followed by flocks of hungry seagulls. (press clipping from the local newspaper).

HUNTING SEASON OPENS FOR JET SKIERS

JET SKIERS the danger and nuisance that they are for sudden unexpected direction forward from: JKA creating. Their actions are often not changes, and avoiding areas known intentionally meant to endanger and for large congregations of Jet Skiers. This posting was on the Paddlewise outrage others, but are simply the re- Note: The lack of clothing and certain list {[email protected]} as sult of the instinctive behavior cre- physical behaviors suggest that there part of a humourous series on hunting ated by the need for that adrenaline may be some mating rituals involved jetskis. rush. Additionally the Jet Skier lacks in some of these Jet Ski ‘schools’ the ability to appreciate any aesthetic when members of both sexes are From: [email protected] value in nature (possibly any aes- present. In groups of males there is a Subject: Jet Ski Disagreement thetic value at all). This makes it very strong tendency to territorial displays difficult to reach an intellectual solu- which may be very dangerous to As a founding member of PETAJ tion to their actions. They simply see nearby kayaks. Further we suggest (People for the Ethical Treatment of no reason to be outdoors except to get you avoid loud aggressive Adrenaline Junkies) I am appalled by ‘The Rush’. vocalizations and provocative hand the recent postings regarding the hunt- gestures as this may just increase the ing of Jet Ski’s. PETAJ believes Difficulties with Jet Skiers are more adrenaline in the Jet Skier and create strongly that as more highly evolved prominent than with other adrenaline more problems. Rolling over and play- beings we have a duty to act humanely junkies. Rock climbers, sky divers, ing dead is not seen as an effective toward those less fortunate creatures. and extreme skiers are usually found response either since the Jet Skier is Having participated in the rescue of in the more remote areas and have less likely to just move in closer and circle two Jet Skiers (one grounded in the contact with the general public. Skate out of curiosity. flats outside a channel and the other boarders do present many of the same immobilized by sucking its own tow interaction problems as Jet Skiers. PETAJ does recognize that certain Jet rope into the impeller) I feel that I However they do not possess the in- Skiers are just too dangerous to be have a better understanding of these credible speed and power of the Jet allowed to continue unchecked. On creatures than most in the general Ski (like comparing Grizzlies to Rac- water hunting is not selective and public. They are not the foaming at coons) and therefore are not generally relatively inefficient method of deal- the mouth, bent on destruction, totally feared and despised as the Jet Skier. I ing with these ‘ nuisance skiers’. Cur- mindless creatures they sometimes also believe the pitiful looking cloth- rently we recommend tracking these appear to be. Some have even been ing worn by most skateboarders fos- dangerous Jet Skiers back to their known to act courteously and slow ters more compassion than the blaz- launch sites, recording their identify- down when passing kayaks and ca- ing colors and graphics found on most ing numbers and notifying the appro- noes in narrow channels. However Jet Skiers. Despite the problems we at priate authorities. Although not sup- their addiction to the adrenaline rush PETAJ feel that hunting is not the ported by our entire membership, we often causes them to act irrationally proper corrective action. have proposed legislation that would and create dangerous situations. The allow the ‘dangerous Jet Skier’ to be excess adrenaline blocks the higher When meeting Jet Skiers we recom- quickly and humanely executed by cognitive functions leaving the Jet mend trying to maintain a proper dis- clubbing at dockside in plain view of Skier without the ability to recognize tance, being aware of their potential large groups of other Jet Skiers. We

15 No. 104 April - May 2003 feel this would have a deterrent effect Skiing many do develop a more cour- Surfing kayaks are especially good on the Jet Skier population and even- teous (at least less dangerous) atti- for starting to wean the Jet Skier away tually would improve the overall gene tude. If you would like to donate a from his/her former addiction (I do pool without the need to vastly reduce kayak or other equipment to this pro- not own one so that would be a real the population. gram please contact me back channel. winner for me). Greenland paddles, men’s medium Sincerely, PETAJ does have a Jet Skier Conver- paddling jackets, drytops, and Mark J. Arnold sion program. We supply carefully lifejackets, and men’s size 8 Chotas VP. B.S for PETAJ US.. selected Jet Skiers with kayaks and would be especially welcome. We are PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List take them on specially designed pad- non-discriminatory and gladly accept dles. Although very few give up Jet plastic, composite, or wood kayaks.

In the Wooden Kayak Letter to the Newspapers Kitsets in New Editor 28 April 2003 Zealand Jet Ski Mishap. Kayak Sponsons I have been having a clean-out of my Hi Paul, shelves and have come across this A female jet skier took an unexpected I'm writing from Canada. I plan to ‘Sponsons’ material which I turn for the worse at New Plymouth’s return home to NZ with my family downloaded some time ago. Lake Rotomanu on Saturday. The after 4 long years up here. We have jetski and rider came off the lake, took some room left in our shipping con- Now, I realise there are some very out a fence, went across the road and tainer & I thought about bringing a skilled and fit kayakers that will down a bank on the other side, a few kitsets back with the intention of poopoo this sort of apparatus, but let’s Taranaki Ambulance Service onselling them as kits or building them be honest - how many weekend kay- spokeperson said. She received minor into completed boats for sale. I know akers can Eskimo roll? injuries in the accident which hap- the attraction to me is their beauty, but pened shortly after midday. their strength & performance is out- How many sea kayakers have prac- standing as well. A complete kit for an tised paddle-float re-entries in other Sounds like the hunting season opened ocean going kayak is approx. than mill pond conditions? early in Taranaki! NZ$1540 (this price includes epoxy resin & varnish.) If the water is rough enough, and perhaps cold, a dunked paddler will Additional charges will have to be lose body temperature very quickly added to cover importing costs, hope- Wanted to Buy and the kayaker’s strength for re-en- fully buying in bulk will allow me to Nordkapp wanted, preferably made try will be considerably weakened. after 1986. keep the price down. I imagine com- mercially manufactured kayaks with Chris Ingram If you have the time, please read comparable performance would retail Ph: (07) 578 3738 through this information as some of it for around NZ$3,000. I know of com- may be of use. pleted wooden kayaks selling for around NZ$4,000 in the US. The Ca- I do enjoy your interesting newsletter nadian company that manufactures as well, of course, the pleasure of sea these kits (there are 10 different mod- kayaking. els, both single-chine & multi-chine Charlie Pringle. designs) has been in business for 50 years. After researching most North EDITORIAL COMMENT American companies I feel this Cana- Peter Sullivan reviewed the Sea Wings dian Co. offers the the best quality & sponsons in an earlier KASK news- design features. If you think it's a letter. For a paddler unable to roll, good idea or a complete waste of time and without a paddle float, they would & money introducing these kayaks be a great bit of kit to allow stabilising into NZ I would appreciate your ad- of a kayak for a rescue. Charlie has vice Paul, as I have no idea what the sent me a pile of information on the current market trends for kayaks in sponsons which I wll add to my tech- NZ.are. Thanks. nical file. If anyone would like a copy, John Smyth get in touch and I will send a photo- [email protected] copy.

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

KIWI ASSOCIATION of SEA KAYAKERS (NZ) INCORPORATED

INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ENDED 31st JULY 2002

INCOME 2002 2001 2000 (17 months) Subscriptions 15953.69 6501.33 6,423.25 KASK handbook sales 2919.65 3363.50 2,274.00 KASK badge sales 263.00 92.00 118.43 KASK hat sales 50.00 60.00 - Coast Busters/Donations 6394.54 - 30.50 Interest 371.00 319.95 230.89 Annual KASK forum 486.87 1694.41 6720.00 Water Safety Council Grant - 2080.00 -

TOTAL INCOME 26438.75 14111.19 15,797.07

EXPENDITURE ADMINISTRATION Cheque duty / bank fee 11.50 36.44 7.50 Stationary 520.05 294.08 78.80 Postage 2644.71 1329.73 1445.45 Phone 412.71 282.21 26.39 Sundry 698.00 40.00 50.00 AGM Expenses/travel 1129.14 936.00 - Accountant fee 50.00 - - Handbook 5622.75 4721.63 2811.38 Annual KASK Forum 1170.33 905.00 4831.96 Regional courses 2216.55 686.00 200.00 Web Site 759.30 - - Advertising 540.00 - - Newsletter 7279.88 4126.64 2503.87 Software - - 1146.28

TOTAL EXPENDITURE $23004.92 $ 13,357.73 $13,101.63

EXCESS INCOME/EXPENDITURE $3433.83 $753.46 $2,695.44 FUNDS Westpac Trust Cheque Account $2,599.92 $1,769.76 $923.35 Westpac Trust Savings Account $15,430.80 $12,086.80 $11,681.36 Forum Account - $740.33 $1,238.72 Total Funds $18,030.72 $14596.89 $13,843.43

Increase in total funds - $3433.83

Assets as at 31st July 2002: 94 Handbooks 940.00 3 Hats 24.00

TOTAL ASSETS: 964.00

Prepared by Max Grant

SEE PAGE 18 FOR MAX GRANT’S TREASURER’S REPORT

17 No. 104 April - May 2003

book. Sales to Polytechnics around Annual Forums: New Zealand are increasing. Both forums held at Nelson and Wel- Treasurer’s lington during the last financial year Water Safety Council Grant: made a profit. I would like to con- Report This Grant was given to be used to gratulate all those people responsible Briefly summarizing the accounts assist training courses throughout New for running these events so success- for 2001/2002. Zealand. We did not apply for a grant fully. this year as the Grant of $2080 we Membership: received at the end of the previous The Auckland group who have been Membership is at an all time high at year had not been used. We used all of organizing the Coast Busters forums 500+. Increasing our annual subs by this Grant during the last fifteen during past years, closed their ac- an extra $5.00 and including a dual/ months, plus some of our own funds. count last year and forwarded their family membership of $30.00 has Funding to assist courses was sent to: accumulated funds of $6394.54 to helped cover costs for producing our Wellington - $480 KASK. The out going Coast Busters KASK web site, extra money spent on Auckland & Tauranga - $800 committee said that they would like to advertising and regional courses, and Christchurch – $800 see KASK put some of this money to help off-set the free copies of the towards paying for instruction courses handbook which are sent to each new Administration: run throughout New Zealand. member of KASK. Approximately General administration is up a little half of our present membership are because of the larger membership. Funds: new members, which has meant we The cost of the small KASK pam- Funds have increased by $3433.83 have had to give out over 250 copies phlet, which we distribute free to from the previous year. of our handbook. shops, hire operators, etc., is included in stationary. I would like to thank everyone who Handbook sales: have assisted me during the past year, Handbook sales to shops and hire This year the company of ‘J.R. especially those people who have operators are down on previous years. Courtenay’ financially assisted KASK helped with the distribution of the I am not sure how to improve our sales to produce 3000 copies of our pam- KASK newsletter. in this area, as it is always a struggle to phlet, resulting in a much better look- Max Grant encourage shops to stock our hand- ing product which has been printed in Treasurer two colours.

KASK NOTICES Annual Subscriptions 2003 2004 A subscription renewal form will be included with this newsletter. Please make sure you note whether you are re-subscribing or a new member. Please send off promptly to the treasurer your $25 for single membership or $30 for family membership or $35 for overseas membership You can also download/print the membership form from www.kask.co.nz LRB3 - The Mother of All Sea Kayaking Handbooks. The third edition of the KASK Handbook is now with the printers. This has been a massive revamp of many chapters, with nearly all updated by the original authors. Weather map websites have been added to the Weather chapter. New chapters included: GPS Navigation by Neville Jone, Kayak Kookery by four lovely Auckland paddlers, Tidal Streams by the editor and a destinations section on the Rotorua Lakes and Lake Taupo. The listing of operators in the resources section has been brought up to date by Vincent Maire and the listing of manufacturers, boats and network addresses also brought up to date. The cover is in glorious technicolour.

Cost of the LRB3 (Little Red Book, 3rd. Edition) is not known yet, but start saving now. The editor will be most disappointed, following weeks of staring at a wretched computer, if you do not add one to your library.

18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

The yuppie parked his car, whipped her mother, “I know how old you are, HUMOUR out his notebook and connected it to a you are 32.” IRISH PROSTITUTE cell phone, then surfed to a NASA The mother is surprised and asks, An Irish girl went to London to work page on the internet, where he called “How did you find that out?” as a secretary and began sending home up a GPS satellite navigation system, “I also know that you weigh 140 money and gifts to her parents. After scanned the area, and opened up a pounds.” a few years they asked her to come database and an Excel spreadsheet. The mother is past surprise and in home for a visit, as her father was He sent an email on his Blackberry shock now. “How in heaven’s name getting frail and elderly. She pulled and received a response. Finally, he did you find that out?” up to the family home in a Rolls printed out a 150-page report on his “And,” the little girl says triumphantly, Royce and stepped out wearing furs miniaturized printer, turned to the “I know why you and daddy got a and diamonds. As she walked into the shepherd and said, “You have exactly divorce.” house her father said “Hmmm - they 1586 sheep.” “Oh really?” the mother asks. “Why?” seem to be paying secretaries awfully “That is correct; take one of the sheep,” “Because you got an F in sex.” well in London.” said the farmer. He watched the young man select one of the animals and FRENCH CHEWING GUM The girl took his hands and said “Dad bundle it into the boot of his BMW. An American is having breakfast one - I’ve been meaning to tell you some- Then the farmer said, “If I can tell you morning (coffee, croissants, bread, thing for years but I didn’t want to put exactly what your business is, will butter and jam) when a Frenchman, it in a letter. I can’t hide it from you you give me back my sheep?” chewing gum, sits down next to him. any longer. I’ve become a prostitute.” “OK, why not?” said the young man. The American ignores the French- “Clearly, you are a consultant,” said man who, nevertheless, starts a Her father gasped, put his hand on his the shepherd. conversation. heart and keeled over. The doctor was “That’s correct,” said the yuppie, “but French man: “You American folk eat called but the old man had clearly lost how did you guess that?” the whole bread??” the will to live. He was put to bed and “No guessing required,” answered American (in a bad mood): “Of the priest was called. the shepherd. “You turned up here course.” although nobody called you. You want Frenchman: (after blowing a huge As the priest began to administer Ex- to get paid for an answer I already bubble) “We don’t. In France, we treme Unction, with the mother and knew, to a question I never asked, and only eat what’s inside. The crusts we daughter weeping and wailing, the old you don’t know sweet fanny adams collect in a container, recycle it, trans- man muttered weakly “I’m a goner— about my business. Now give me back form them into croissants and sell killed by my own daughter! Killed by my dog.” them to the states.” The Frenchman the shame of what you’ve become!” has a smirk on his face. The American MOTHER’S DRIVERS LICENCE listens in silence. “Please forgive me”, his daughter A mother is driving her young daugh- The Frenchman persists: “Do you eat sobbed, “I only wanted to have nice ter to her friend’s house for a play jam with the bread??” things! I wanted to be able to send you date. American: “Of Course.” money and the only way I could do it “Mommy,” the little girl asks, “how Frenchman: (cracking his gum be- was by becoming a prostitute.” old are you?” tween his teeth and chuckling). “We “Honey, you are not supposed to ask don’t. In France we eat fresh fruit for Brushing the priest aside, the old man a lady her age,” the mother warns. “It breakfast, then we put all the peels, sat bolt upright in bed, smiling. “Did is not polite.” seeds, and leftovers in containers, re- you say prostitute? I thought you said “OK,” the little girl says, “How much cycle them, transform them into jam PROTESTANT!!! do you weigh?” and sell the jam to the states.” “Now really,” the mother says, “these The American then asks: “Do you CONSULTANTS are personal questions and are really have sex in France?” A Canterbury farmer was checking none of your business.” Frenchman: “Why of course we do,” his mob of sheep when suddenly a Undaunted, the little girl asks, “Why he says with a big smirk. brand new BMW advanced out of a did you and daddy get a divorce?” American: “And what do you do with dust cloud towards him. The driver, a “That is enough questions, honestly!” the condoms once you’ve used them?” young man in a Broni suit, Gucci The exasperated mother walks away Frenchman: “We throw them away, shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL as the two friends begin to play. of course.” tie, leaned out the window and asked “My Mom wouldn’t tell me anything,” American: “We don’t. In America, the shepherd, “If I tell you exactly the little girl says to her friend. we put them in a container, recycle how many sheep you have in your “Well,” said the friend, “all you need them, melt them down into chewing flock, will you let me have me one?” to do is look at her driver’s license. It gum and sell them to France.” The shepherd looked at the man, is like a report card, it has everything looked at his mob, and answered, “ on it.” Sure.” Later that night the little girl says to

19 No. 104 April - May 2003

MAILED TO

If undelivered, please return to: Maurice Kennedy, PO Box 11461, Manners St., Wellington. 6034

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