NEW ZEALAND SEA CANOEIST

No. 179 ISSN 2253-3826 October - November 2015

The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) Inc - KASK Those Waikato paddlers have it so good. A glorious day on Lake Whakamaru. Photo: Dennis Hynes

A BASK from Hahei on the Coromandel Coast. 30 October. Photo: Dennis Hynes New Zealand Sea Canoeist INDEX EDITORIAL misses in Wellington Harbour, with EDITORIAL p. 3 sit-on-top rescues, highlight the need 2016 KASK Forum for providing basic paddlecraft safe- KASK Don’t forget to register for the 2016 ty information to first time buyers. President’s Report Anakiwa KASK Forum, and book Sue and I agreed that there is far too by Tim Muhundan p. 4 ferry travel. Saturday night keynote much emphasis today on providing SAFETY speaker Larry Gray is not only a recreational boating safety informa- Safer Boating Week Wharf Jump skilled expedition paddler, but he tion by cyber-media and not enough by Sandy Winterton p. 4 makes films for a living and is a of visiting paddlecraft retailers and talented musician. See registration manufacturers, also any outfits that NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS form on the KASK website, or as a rent or loan , and providing 27th Foxton Loop Race centrefold in the last KASK maga- print resources. I despair when see- by Sandy Winterton p. 6 zine. ing the cheap plastic sit-on-tops on Lynn Paterson’s Summer Mission display at our local red shed with Around New Zealand Lynn Paterson Attempts the Big bugger all basic safety information/ by p.14 Three Circumnavigation resources included. Known to her close friends as Red, THE ‘BUGGER!’ FILE Lynn Paterson has set herself the Anyway I dobbed in president Tim Marlborough Sounds (Unplanned) challenge of around the as an ideal tutor, and the three hour Overnighter three islands of New Zealand in 100 courses are about to kick off: by John Gumbley p. 7 days. Launching from Auckland, - Tuesday 16 February 6 – 9 pm TECHNICAL and heading south down the east - Saturday 9 March 9 – 12 am Up-skilling Sea Paddling coast of the North Island, Lynn is With his excellent AV and paddling Technique in Whitewater waiting for weather at Castle Point skills, Tim will make a ‘better than Intro: Paul Caffyn p. 9 today (1 December) and less than a average’ tutor. If you could recom- Playing in Rivers week’s paddling from Wellington. mend this course to first time buyers by Bev Thompson p. 9 Although Tara Mulvany is the first of paddlecraft or novice paddlers: Ferry Gliding - Working with Eddies lass to paddle around the three is- Enrol online, see: www.boatingedu- from Kayakarchy p.10 lands, if Lynn can complete her mis- cation.org.nz sion, she will be the first redhead to or phone: 0800 40 80 90 KIT REVIEW do so. Her blog provides entertaining Hutchwilco Phone Pouch reading. Apart from the hard graft of Thanks by John Kirk-Anderson p.11 paddling into headwinds and frustra- My thanks to all you paddlers who OVERSEAS TRIP REPORTS tions at bad weather days, she and have provided stories, rude jokes, re- Johnstone Strait, BC, Canada her support crew are having wonder- views and photographs over the past A tale of beauty and concern ful time, seeing new scenery each 12 months. by Susan Cade p.12 day and meeting wonderful coastal West Island Bits dwellers. See story drawn from her It’s a real love/hate relationship by Dave Winkworth p.16 blog on page 14. Follow her blog on: with putting the magazine together www.redznzjourney.com every two months. A pain in the der- MARINE FAUNA rière dredging for articles, doing the The Red-billed Gull CBES Sea Theory Course layout, editing and proofing, but so by Kerry-Jayne Wilson p.18 Coastguard Boating Education Na- good to see when the rural postie tional Education Coordinator Sue arrives with the box of ‘overs’. The BOOK REVIEWS Tucker, was in touch recently re ad- postie always gets the top copy! Nathan Fa’avae by Nathan Fa’avae vice on a tutor for a new review: Paul Caffyn p.19 theory course to be run at Rutherford Keep safe on the water this festive sea- the Wild Coast 2 by John Kimantas College in Te Atatu, Auckland. Sue son, and please don’t hesitate to wind review: Paul Caffyn is really concerned, like myself, that up paddlers who you see on the water HUMOUR p.21 the basic safe sea kayaking message and who are likely to end up on the is not getting through to those folk KASK paddlecraft incident database. Next Magazine deadline: who have bought a recreational kay- Paul Caffyn 25 January 2016 ak for the first time. Two recent near

COVER: Bev Thompson (red helmet) and Aiden Frew (yellow helmet) check out a small waterfall on a side stream (Otunui Stream) just above Ohinepane camp ground on the Whanganui river. One of the many hidden gems along the Whanganui River. Photo: Dennis Hynes. Bev has written an article on up-skilling paddling technique for sea kayakers in whitewater (see page 9). Special thanks to Dennis Hynes for his magic colour photos for this magazine, which first appeared in the latest BASK) Bay Association of Sea Kayakers newsletter (No.42) - nicely assembled by Evan Pugh.

3 No. 179 - October - November 2015 KASK SAFETY

President’s Report by Tim Muhundan Safer Boating Week It is almost six months since the 2015 geted at the high-risk groups. The Wellington Wharf Jump Committee set the strategic goals first set will be delivered by KASK by Sandy Winterton for the year and we been working in Auckland in February 2016. through them. Top of our list was More around the country will be On 16 October I represented KASK to promote safety in sea kayaking. announced soon. They will be pro- at an event to mark the start of Safer We got right behind the Safe boat- moted through newspaper and radio Boating Week. Leaders and mem- ing week last month with our social in coming weeks and paddlers can bers from many organizations in- media and events with our partners. register for them via the Coastguard terested in promoting water safety Boating Education Web site and participated in a synchronised wharf Despite our best efforts, the message KASK Facebook page. jump in Wellington. is not getting through. Last week I had a long chat with Craig Lance- The other challenge we’ve been Maritime NZ, Water Safety NZ, Rep- let, the Carterton kayaker who was working on is retaining membership. resentatives form Wellington and winched to safety from Wellington Committee member Shawn Walsh Porirua Council, both National and Harbour after he fell off his sit-on- has been surveying the members Maritime Police, Search and Res- top kayak. Craig did not check the especially the ones who have not re- cue and other organizations backed forecast, had no communication de- newed membership, about how we the event to raise awareness of wa- vices to call for help, and after multi- can do things differently. We have ter safety. Everyone wore lifejack- ple failed attempts to get back in his been also talking to the community ets/PFDs and one of the main aims kayak, he decided to leave the kayak about how to stay relevant and how was to get boaties in general to wear and swim towards land, whilst hang- we can add value to local clubs. We theirs every time they venture out. ing on to an ill-fitting lifejacket that are always open to your comments was not buoyant enough to keep his and input; feel free to contact me any Officially there were 27 participants, head above water. time. but on the day I think more than 40 turned out. Why 27? It was the num- What could KASK do for paddlers There will be some changes com- ber of people who drowned last year like Craig? After being saved min- ing in the new year – including be- in boating accidents. utes before drowning he was pretty ing able to renew by credit card and clear about what he needs to do be- more interactions with members and Fergs Kayaks kitted out those who fore he goes out on the water again. local networks. More on that next had not brought their own life jack- Just putting on a life jacket alone is time. ets and we were told to tighten straps not enough – education about risk up, as jumping a couple of metres and mitigations and knowing what Happy paddling over the Christmas into the water can wrench a loose to do when things go wrong is just break and stay safe on the water. life jacket off – not a good look in an as important. event like this. TV news was there, Tim Muhundan various radio stations and photogra- So KASK has partnered with Coast- President, Kiwi Association of Sea phers from several publications and guard Boating Education to deliver Kayakers on-line news outlets were present a basic sea kayaking education tar- [email protected] jostling for position to get the best shots.

I spoke with people from all sorts of organizations. One I had not expect- KASK Committee 2014 - 2015 ed was the Civil Aviation Author- ity. Apparently recovering aircraft Tim Muhundan - President email: [email protected] wreckage from water is fairly com- Ian McKenzie - Committee email: [email protected] mon for them and so water safety Sandy Ferguson - Webmaster email: [email protected] is an important part in their work. I Paul Caffyn - Publications email: [email protected] was also pleasantly surprised to see Shawn Walsh - Committee email: [email protected] someone from the upper ranks of Robert Brown - Committee email: [email protected] ACC taking part. Good to see they Lois Cowan - Committee email: [email protected] are looking at the preventative side KASK Administrator (Karen Grant) email: [email protected] of things. Maritime NZ has a section on their website:

4 New Zealand Sea Canoeist

Representatives of national recreational boating organizations launch into Sandy left background, red sleeves; Wellington Harbour to mark Safer Boat Week. Sandy Winterton is in the inflatable PFDs worn by the two middle; with red sleeves. swimmers in the foreground. http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/ or so I thought. In the Wellington Clearly these rules are written for Recreational-Boating/Safer-boating/ bylaw, There are six detailed claus- a situation like a family out fishing es that say ‘for craft under 6 m you on a calm day. In a kayak, if some- The amount of interest shown by the must wear lifejackets, and for craft one decides that in their view these media was heartening. Stuff posted over 6m you must carry and have ac- criteria are met, they need not wear a good article with links to a number cessible life jackets for everyone on one. In my view this is a bad thing of video clips outlining the safety ba- board’. But then it says ‘unless’… for several reasons: sics and what all boaties should be aware of: The person in charge of a pleasure - firstly in a kayak, your PFD is http://www.stuff.co.nz/nation- craft has expressly given permission where your essential safety kit is. al/73092889/safer-boating-week- for life jackets not to be worn and VHF, flares, knife, whistle, etc. I starts-with-a-splash-for-drowning- the person in charge of the craft con- have never seen anyone carrying victims siders that conditions are such that this equipment if they are not wear- there is no significant increase of the ing a life jacket. Some regions have ‘must wear’ risk to safety to any person through rules, and Wellington is one of them, not wearing a life jacket. - secondly, in Wellington in par- ticular, people who typically pad- dle for fitness usually stay close to the harbour edge where there is no serious danger. However those same people occasionally paddle out to sea or round Somes Island in the middle of the harbour where all sorts of things can arise.

- thirdly, I think it sets a bad ex- ample to people who see paddlers going out without a lifejacket. Who, watching, is to know that a kayak is over or under 6 m. We should set a good example to families stroll- ing the shoreline and who see us on the water.

Sandy is more visible (red arms) All photos by Mark Coote and appears to be trying to levitate. Amazing how much splash and Keith Manch, CEO of MNZ closest aeration of the sea is generated by to the camera. the wharf jumpers

5 No. 179 - October - November 2015 NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS

27th Foxton Loop Race by Sandy Winterton

On Saturday 17 October 2015, the annual Foxton Loop race took place. This historic race, run by the Ruahi- ne White Water club, starts from the Manawatu Marine Boating Club on an exposed stretch of the Manawatu estuary. During a race a few years ago, a good strong nor-wester was- blowing, which caused havoc at the Sandy Winterton nearing the race finish line and looking pretty buggered, start with several capsizes from skin- after such a battle into the last kilometre with gale force headwinds. ny race boats. Photo: Sharlene Winiata

This year the wind was even stronger nal section – the loop proper. Here sheltered by the bank, we found that – up to 35 knots at times in my esti- the wise short course entrants turned the finish was right down at the boat mation. Max Grant, organizer, safety to head home leaving only the fit or club. After 16 km or so of elemental officer and ‘professor of kayaking,’ foolhardy to battle another 4.5 km warfare and we had more than a kilo- wisely moved the start line from the up the loop itself. Due to the tortu- metre to go directly into gale force boating club well upstream to a spot ous turns of the loop, one minute wind with not a reed to shelter us. sheltered by a bend in the river and we were bowling downwind and the a bank of trees down to the water’s next battling slowly into it. On reaching the finish I was grate- edge. ful for help to get my kayak out and Turning at the township saw a merci- onto the car. I was so buggered that I There have been many races where ful section of downwind before more don’t think I could have managed on I have laboured to get to the finish of the wind tunnel treatment. But the my own. Thank you Pete Notman. line, but this was the first where I piece de resistance was held for last. struggled to reach the start. The wind The competitors near me thought the So another successful event. Thanks and water conditions were wild. finish line would be where we start- to the Grants and RWWC for organ- ed in the lee of the trees, but no. Af- ising. Next year will be less like a Floods had deposited trees at inter- ter a long section of hellish paddling cruel and unusual punishment. vals on the river bed along the lower almost into the teeth of it and slightly reaches and these had attracted other debris leaving potentially nasty haz- ards.

Water coming down river enhanced Rebecca Van der Vegt nearing the finish. Sandy commented it was a mighty the steepness of the wind waves achievement for a lightly built lass to paddle a kayak that was heavily blowing upstream. Buffeting gusts affected by the gale force winds. Photo: Shaarlene Winiata came from nowhere. As we rounded the bend, there were some beam on blasters, threatening to tip paddlers over. Controlling the kayak was not particularly easy in these circum- stances. All this and the race had not yet started!

There were fewer participants this year, with sea kayaks a rare spe- cies. The majority of entries were multisport boats and surf skis with a couple of K1s for variety. Under- way at last we fought our way 3 km upstream to the junction with the ca-

6 New Zealand Sea Canoeist THE ‘BUGGER!’ FILE

noe bays. Had we crossed the bay (hat, polyprop leggings and tops), Marlborough Sounds we would have been just two kilo- - snack bars, survival blanket, mul- (Unplanned) Overnighter metres from camp. ti-tools, raincoat and leggings etc by John Gumbley - several days food, cup & spare & Evan Pugh We tried to sneak our way around utensils & two gas cylinders close to shore but I was spun around Four of us planned to kayak in short measure in two attempts. Note, paddler No. 1 was the least from Cable Bay (near Nelson) to The probability of being swept out capable of the 3 in that he could not D’Urville Island, circuit the island into the open water amongst fierce reliably execute a roll then head east across to Queen Char- williwaws then becoming separated lotte Sound. Strong persistent west- or worse still tipping out was very, Kayaker #2 had: erly winds however resulted in our very high. The water was relatively - PLB & VHF radio changing plans to start the trip near cold. - & towline Havelock in Pelorus Sound. We pad- - first aid kit incl. survival blanket dled to Waiona Bay campsite near We hastily retreated to a narrow - change of paddling clothes Maud Island and decided to wait out beach with the idea of observing - several days food, plate, cup & due to the wind being too strong to what was going to happen over the utensils attempt D’Urville. Evan, resting an next 30 minutes. But within 10 - gas cooker & cylinder, pots injury, decided to stay at camp for minutes and with a changing NW the day but three of us to decided to wind direction in our faces we de- Kayaker #3 had none of the above paddle Tennyson Inlet. We advised termined our options were to either equipment. Evan that, “We would be back mid backtrack to the sheltered but small afternoon.” beach where we had lunch, go to Kayakers 2 and 3 were very capable at Elaine Bay where we could shelter rolling, should they capsize, although The forecast was NW 15 knots in the at a holiday home or try to get to the #2 had a borrowed kayak that was not morning turning to NW 25 knots in Matai Bay hut. ideally (snug) fitted for rolling. the afternoon and NW 30 at night -this is for the Stephens Area. Returning to Waiona Bay camp was The hut had two packets of pasta, clearly not an option. With a NW 15 soup packets and a tin of baked beans. John reports: knot wind assisting us we quickly The tin was transformed into a mug. On leaving mid morning it was determined Matai Bay was do-able. agreed we would take lunch but there It took us an hour to do the 12 kil- The party were all relatively expe- was no other discussion on what gear ometres to the hut with wind gusts rienced multi-day remote location we each should take. Conditions exceeding 25 knots as we passed the kayakers and we figured that while were good with a (maximum) 10 islands of Tawhitinui and Tarakaipa. Evan would be concerned he did knot westerly as we crossed Tawhit- We were pleased to have reached the know our capabilities and that two of inui Reach to then follow the coast- hut before 4 pm. Mid way I attempt- us had PLBs and VHF radios. At the line on the western side of Tennyson ed to contact Evan on Channel 6 but hut we found a spot to get the marine Inlet. We stopped to check out Matai could only convey to anyone listen- weather forecast. Bay hut (a DoC hut managed by a ing our situation and intentions. volunteer group) and decided that The night was quite comfortable was as far south as we should go. At the hut we quickly gathered up as we removed the stiff cold (fire- We headed to Elaine Bay to then fol- firewood, got the stove going and proof) plastic covers off the thick low the eastern shoreline of the Inlet set about working out who had what foam mattresses -removing and refit- to finally get back to camp. -we had not done so at the com- ting the covers is a right bit of exer- mencement of the day (!). It was not cise. Laying on foam and having the Wind conditions were building (SW raining, the bay was sheltered from other on top was warm where con- 10-15 knots) but as we turned the the wind but we had wet paddling tact was achieved. headland into the confines of Elaine clothes and were there for the night. Bay a SW 30 knot downdraft was We were up before dawn and in calm upon us. Forget Elaine, we then Kayaker #1 had: sea conditions, were back at camp tracked along the west coastline to- - PLB and VHF radio by 8:30 am. We had figured Evan wards Camel Point for a lunch break. - spare on back deck would be sending out a radio mes- However after reaching Camel Point - paddle leash, cowtail & towline sage by mid day alerting coastguard and passing a headland we were con- - comprehensive First Aid kit incl. of the situation so an early return fronted with SW 30-50 knot winds firelighting gear, survival blanket etc was important. which extended across the full two - kayak repair kit kilometre-wide arms of Fitzroy/ Ca- - survival kit incl. change of clothes On two other days we also encoun-

7 No. 179 - October - November 2015 tered sudden very strong downdrafts the VHF radio and also called Have- All was good and an experience for down inlets and bays creating rough lock Coastguard but reception is not us all. A dedicated time is to be ne- confused sea conditions. The whole good in this area, I could only get the gotiated in future for a Mayday call trip necessitated constant checking of weather forecast. to be put out. the marine forecast - every day there were gale warnings in place, at some I had many thoughts of disaster, Lessons learnt: quarter (or two). We needed to be perhaps one had come to grief and - check your boat and gear before mindful to the possibility of having perhaps another assisting in a res- trip departure. to both change destination plans and cue had gotten into difficulty, many - is your survival kit really good perhaps staying put for a day or so. scenarios went through my thoughts, enough for an emergency or night many indeed. out? I recall Evan, the trip leader, saying - is your equipment in good condi- that on particular day he would have A helicopter flew over and landed at tion - when did you last test it? not set off, ‘if he was alone’ and that Maud Island, not a rescue chopper - have you maps and compass? How this same principle applied in our just deliveries, thank goodness. accessible are your spare clothes, group situation. A fair call in the cir- spare paddle etc. should you or your cumstances. It was dark at 8:15 pm and I went to companions tip out while kayaking. my tent, I doubted I would see them - do those that do not have a radio Early in the trip we were joined by paddling after dark in this wind. or PLB know how to use them? three other (experienced) kayakers; one of whom on day one, encoun- I slept on and off wondering if they If venturing out of sight of camp tered on arrival at camp: a broken were now huddled together on some and your companions, communicate tent zip; a missing back hatch cov- beach trying to keep warm, should I clearly your intentions and equip- er (it had also become dis-attached try to put out a MayDay. ment taken (including food/clothes/ from the cord tied to the kayak); means of communication etc). All and, his PLB was not working even I knew between them they had a lot members of the party, as a group on though its battery had only ‘expired’ of experience and VHF radios and a departure, must communicate with three months earlier. PLB, I hoped if disaster struck they each other on the why, how, where, could call up assistance or activate what ifs of the trip. When will radio Evan reports: their PLB but I wasn’t sure. schedules be applied and/or when Not long after they left I would have will coastguard be alerted if the oc- had 40 knot winds howling through Daylight at 6:00 am, I waited some casion demands? the camp off the water. The bay more and at 8:00 am thought that at was engulfed in white; wind bursts 9:30 am I will try to get to a spot with As much as practicably possible dragged saltwater all through our better reception and call Channel 16 stick to the plan. Don’t over-reach campsite. to advise of three missing kayakers. and always be aware of the marine After frequently watching for sign of weather forecast and the changeable By mid-afternoon the wind was the returning adventurers I eventual- environment. howling off the hills in all directions, ly saw one then another come around it was way stronger than the forecast the point out from camp, there was Communicate! If you have misgiv- strengths. The up-to-date forecast no sign of the third, then he appeared ings about the conditions or situation was now saying maximum 49 knots also. I was relieved and very, very ahead or unfolding, whatever they at Brothers Islands (Cook Strait ) and keen to hear their story, I said hi - may be, do not hesitate to express 42 knots at Stephens (D’Urville Is- and some other words - and helped these to your companions. land) during the afternoon. them carry their kayaks into camp where my questions were answered. The wind will funnel faster through At the Waiona Bay campsite, a meeting of paddling groups - left to right the inner sounds with the hills creat- Evan Pugh, John Gumbley, Bill Anderson, Melz Grant, Max Grant, Adrian ing higher gusting blasts of wind. Clayton and Phil Alley. Photo: John Gumbley Three o’clock came, then four and by five o’clock I was a bit more than concerned, six o’clock and by seven I decided to have dinner instead of waiting any longer, the winds had died down a lot and I hoped they would soon return. I would also be rather cross if they were at a lodge somewhere watching SKY TV and nibbling on snacks. By this stage I had tried to call them on

8 New Zealand Sea Canoeist TECHNICAL / SAFETY

in paddling and K1 kayaks Up-skilling Sea Kayaking were even stronger than that of New on the rivers of south-east Queens- Zealand but I had realized it was Paddling Technique in land. Then in 1975 I bought my first silly to try and paddle into a tidal Whitewater whitewater kayak and received regu- stream, and serious cunning was re- lar whitewater training, from former quired. Pentland Firth off the north- Intro by Paul Caffyn Gisborne paddler Shaun Leyland, on east end of Scotland runs at 12 knots With several Dennis Hynes pictures NZ’s West Coast rivers. Then hook- during spring tides. Paddling at four of sea kayaks training in whitewa- ing up with Max Reynolds, who knots into the stream, meant a pad- ter on the Whanganui River, and also had a solid whitewater pad- dler would be scooting backwards cover girl Bev Thompson in moving dling background, we applied our at 8 knots. Meticulous research of whitewater, I thought it was time to river whitewater skills to sea kay- the relevant volume of the Pilot and recommend some pre-summer prac- aking. Particularly on the Stewart tide tables allowed maximum time tice in grade 1 or 2 river rapids. Island circumnavigation we realized on with sea with a following tidal that the tide races and overfalls off stream. Confidence with whitewater Why play in rivers? Bev Thompson the south coast were just like enor- techniques, like ferry-gliding and in her report below explains why, mous whitewater rapids, and it was working back eddies (see Bev’s re- but I would like to add my rationale. just like a broken pencil attempting port below) allowed progress, albeit Sea kayaks are more than twice the to paddle into a swift tidal stream – slow at times, against tidal streams. length of today’s whitewater kayaks, pointless! and of course lack the sharp turning Aside from the practical application ability for breaking in or out of ed- Running a maelstrom off the island’s of whitewater skills to sea kayaking, dies. Although much of New Zea- South Cape, we hit a massive over- practice in rivers builds up confi- land’s coast is free of tidal stream ac- fall, and while we had a south-west- dence in being able to read moving tivity, the point bits of coastline and erly tail wind, the tide was streaming water, like the big V showing the the two straits are subject to strong to the west, a classic ‘weather tide’ deepest water in a rapid, or confi- tidal stream activity. A circumnavi- situation. The only way to make dently picking an eddy line, a very gation of D’Urville Island requires progress was to surf through on the sharp boundary between the main careful research on slack water times standing waves. Max was powering river flow and a back eddy behind a for the north and south ends, through away in front but I thought my last rock, ledge or gravel bank. As Bev French Pass and around Cape Ste- hours had come, when surfing down writes below: ‘Capsizing on an eddy phens. Hells Gate is an appropriate the steep waves and yet holding back line is almost a rite of passage to the name for the tide races and overfalls from looping when the bow dug into fun art of river paddling.’ immediately east of Cape Stephens. the face of the next wave. Playing in Rivers As a schoolboy and teenager, I was During the 1980 Round Britain pad- by Bev Thompson fortunate to get a solid grounding dle, tidal streams off the pointy bits

The skinny bloke in the stern is the editor, lining up this fibreglass Canadian Playing in rivers with Sea kayaks with the central chute of the Brisbane River Mt. Crosby Weir. Yes, I know is a great way to improve your skill we are not wearing PFDs. We could swim like fish and the water was warm. for turbulent seas, tidal races, over falls or weirs (like the one connect- ing lake Rotorua to Ohau Channel). Easy rivers like the top end of the Whanganui with its moving current a few small wave trains and scattered rocks is an ideal playground to prac- tice on.

Easy rivers have the added advan- tage that you can practice the same skill over and over again in the same small rapid or section of river usu- ally in a fairly controlled and safe environment. Using eddy lines, wave trains or currents to get you where you need to be are simple but relevant skills. The Whanganui is also a good place to learn to edge

9 No. 179 - October - November 2015 your kayak, brace, and identify cur- currents are also a great place to rents. If you need to get back up- practice rafting up and deep water stream (up-current) to rescue or help rescues. If you are keen to up-skill a buddy you need to be able to read there are plenty of safe, moving wa- the flow. ter sites to practice on in N.Z.

Ferry gliding and eddy turns are im- Please note: If you are a fair weather, portant paddling skills to develop. flat water paddler, that is not into rock Practicing these skills also helps you gardening, surfing or taking some to read moving water and prepare for risks, this is not for you. Capsizing on unexpected currents. an eddy line is almost a rite of pas- sage to the fun art of river paddling. The term ‘ferry glide’ not ‘fairy glide’ (I can just picture all you blokes out Ferry Gliding there with your spray SKIRTS, glit- from: Kayarchy.co.uk ter and fairy wands, fairy gliding (see figure at left) around) came from the method that If you enter a fast stream of wa- ferries use when crossing rivers to Ferry-gliding - the big arrows show ter at a fine angle, with your kayak save the most fuel. the direction of either the river flow pointing almost directly upstream, or tidal stream flow. the current will not grab the front of Ferry gliding is the name applied to Angling the kayak to the flow (as your kayak or take you downstream. the technique of moving a kayak/ shown) allows a transverse crossing If your kayak is at an angle of 10 to boat forwards or backwards across of the flow. A vital technique to learn. 30 degrees to the fast stream it will the flow of water using the force of carry you rapidly across to the other the water to push the kayak side- current into an eddy, or vice-ver- side. River ferries use the power of ways, if you angle and edge your sa. The ability to enter a river/tidal the current in this way, so it’s called kayak right you should cross and flow facing up stream, and carve out ferrying or the ferry glide. loose little or no ground and require into the main flow to avoid rocks, less energy. Ferry gliding across cur- over hanging trees or other obstacles As you cross, you probably need to rents, wave trains and tidal races is a is very helpful. The ability to eddy paddle only on the downstream side. basic, useful but simple skill. For ex- out of the current into an eddy is Keep an eye on your destination to ample, many paddlers avoid the Tau- important for control and stopping check that you are not going down- ranga Harbour entrance during tidal out of the flow. Learnig to identify stream or upstream. If you are, adjust flow, because they lack the ability to an eddy or eddy line can save you your angle to allow for the speed of cross the current directly and safely. from capsizing. the current and the speed at which you are paddling. Eddy turns Both of these manoeuvres can be Carving in and out of eddies refers to found on ‘you tube’ or the internet This is an efficient and satisfying the action of moving from the main so I won’t elaborate. Rivers with way to cross most tidal streams from 5 metres to 500 metres wide.

When doing a ferry glide across a really wide stream, obviously you keep your kayak pointing at a spot up-tide of your target. To see if you are going directly across the stream you can keep comparing the position of two stationary objects.

Working with Eddies from: Kayarchy.co.nz (see figure at top of p.11) Breaking in or out is an aggressive move that requires practice. It’s fun but it’s not the only way across an eddyline.

It does look out of place, but running a slot like this in a river rapid is superb Let’s say you are sitting in an eddy, training for big tide race areas, for example French Pass. Gary Thompson in downtide of a headland. The open a superb play spot on the Whanganui River. Photo: Bev Thompson sea is ahead of you and the head- land is on your right. General tidal

10 New Zealand Sea Canoeist

of the figure above: KIT REVIEW a) The red dotted line shows a kayak breaking in by crossing the eddyline at a coarse angle for the pleasure of Hutchwilco Phone Pouch being snatched by the fast stream by John Kirk-Anderson and taken off downstream. I tested the Maritime NZ phone case b) The green dotted line is a kayak yesterday, and I was pleased with the going upstream round the headland results. My testing regime was pretty with minimum fuss. Place your kay- simple; I basically keel-hauled the ak so that you are in the calm water case for 7 kilometres! of the eddy, near the eddyline and parallel to it, with your kayak point- I stuffed it full of toilet paper, tied it ing upstream. Paddle hard, cross to a cord, and dragged it along while the eddyline diagonally but at a fine I went for a paddle. It spent the time angle, still pointing almost directly bouncing on the surface, banging upstream. Keep paddling hard up- against the hull, and being poked un- stream until you get round the head- der water with my paddle. land. Probably you will hardly notice as you cross the eddyline. On return I allowed it to air dry to avoid getting any drops inside while The diagram above applies equally c) The black dotted line is a kayak opening it. No water had got past the to a whitewater river eddy, or a crossing the fast stream and going first seal, let alone the second. The tidal stream back eddy. straight out to sea. Proceed as in (b) inside was completely dry. From: Kayakarchy.com but after you have entered the fast stream, put your boat at a slightly less I then put my wife’s phone in it (My streams in the area are 1.5 knots fine angle, say 20 to 45 degrees. So iPhone 6 Plus in a Lifeproof case flowing north to south, but the head- your kayak is pointing upstream but won’t fit) and tested it for ease of use land accelerates it to an impressive angled more towards the open sea. and audibility. It appeared no differ- 4 knots. The angle depends on the speed of ent to being out of the case. the current. Keep paddling upstream From your point of view, the fast and the power of the fast stream will The construction seems sound and stream is going from top to bottom gently send you sideways. the seals are positive and easy to use. Like all of these types of bags, how it holds up to repeated use will be in- The section of the Whanganui River between Cherry Cove in Taumarunui teresting. and the Ohinepane Camp site is ideal for practising river skills in a controlled, safe environment. A view downstream to the head of a grade My only concern was with the re- 2 rapid - the paddler in the blue helmet is angling across the head of the taining cord. It has a fitting over the rapid; his kayak at an oblique angle to the river flow. Not a bad example of join that appears to be designed to a ferry glide. Photo: Dennis Hynes pull apart in the event of entangle- ment, but I didn’t like that and knot- ted it instead.

To conclude, it is world’s better than the sandwich bags that were first rec- ommended for phone carriage. Well done Maritime NZ.

11 No. 179 - October - November 2015 OVERSEAS TRIP REPORTS

Johnstone Strait (BC) A tale of beauty and concern by Susan Cade

I had been hankering to visit John- stone Strait at the top of Vancouver Island for a long time and I finally got four days of paddling in August 2015, on a fully catered, guided commercial trip with North Island Kayak Company. The clients were two adventurous retired couples and The colour tracks show each day of the Johnstone Strait paddle myself. tential consequence of a sea lion at- I found videoing was the most ef- My preference is for more wild free- tack. But as I was in the grip of the fective capturing photos of the wild, spirited paddling, so on this trip I moment they kindly dived under and fast-moving marine life. But it was a chilled out, focusing on the wild life to the side of me. What a relief! privilege to see the wildlife so close. and particularly enjoying a couple of Even more so, as I appreciated the early morning solo paddles. Condi- Shortly after this, a Humpback whale environmental issues these animals tions were calm water and the weath- rose very close to me and then, when are living in. So I thought I would er fine. We just came in from our trip I thought it would be well away, rose share some details about them and before a wet weather spell hit the again a very short distance past me the difficulties they are facing. area. Memorable moments included and did a tail flick (a very gentle lob close encounters with Orcas, Hump- tailing) as it headed towards John- Steller sea lions are also known as back whales and Steller sea lions stone Strait. That was my closest en- the northern sea lion, a near threat- counter with a humpback whale. We ened species in the North Pacific. On a very memorable early morn- often saw them far away, with their The naturalist George Steller, first ing paddle, I was delighted to meet spouts of spray. described them in 1741. They are a ‘gang’ of 12 Steller sea lions on the largest of the eared seals. Fe- the side of Blackney passage. It was The other main encounters were males growing up to 350 kg with magic to see them pottering around with Orcas, which we would see an average of 263 kg, and males up the shore line; magic to see their puffs from a distance with their exposed to 1,120 kg with an average of 544 of moist warm air as they breathed fins, and when lucky when close at kg. The young pups staying with noisily out, and the occasional louder hand. We were spoiled by the num- there mums up until four years old. growl in the early morning light. The ber of whales we saw. They eat on average the equivalent sea lions appeared to be just hanging out, in their element, and tolerating Steller sea lions look so intimidating and threatening when they close on a me as I followed them around with pod of paddlers. Photo: Susan Cade camera in hand.

There was a scary moment when the sea lions rose out of the water, to get a better look, or appear more powerful, like an assaulting line of soldiers. I think the male. when par- ticularly flashing a large red mouth and teeth, was very intimidating and he made me feel, very vulnerable in my kayak as I headed towards them.

I was well aware that if they chose not to be friendly, even a nudge could be serious and I would be in the water. Writing this, I recognize I didn’t think if this occurred, the po-

12 New Zealand Sea Canoeist of 6% of their body weight in food each day. Pebbles and stones, up to 12 cms in diameter, are commonly found in their stomachs. Scientists aren’t certain whether they are swal- lowed by accident or if they serve a useful function, such as to help grind up fish, act as ballast when diving or ward off hunger pangs when they are fasting on shore.

Steller sea lions were hunted for meat and other commodities by his- toric communities where their range intersected with human communi- ties. Aside from food and clothing, their skin was used to cover ‘skin -on-frame kayaks (Baidarkas). A subsistence harvest in the order of 300 animals or less, continues to this Susan Cade in an ever so close encounter of the finned kind; the massive day in some native communities in dorsal fin of a Killer whale. Photo: Robert Schrey Alaska. They have great whiskers. In the 19th century, they were sold Humpback whales as adults are plates (about 76 cm long) hanging for a penny apiece for use as tobacco about 15 metres long and weigh from each side of the upper jaw (they pipe cleaners. The main reason for about 31,570 kg for mature females, don’t have teeth), they take in large killing Steller sea lions today was by while male humpbacks are a bit volumes of water and food into the fishermen as they have been seen as smaller. They can live up to 40 - 50 mouth because the pleated grooves competitors, and a threat to the fish years, they cruise at 4.5 to 14 kms in the throat expand. stock. They have had little commer- per hour, dive for usually about 15 cial value. minutes, but this can be up to 30 As the mouth closes, water is ex- minutes. Their singing can be heard pelled through the baleen plates, There has been an unexpected de- up to 20 miles away. which trap the food on the inside cline in Steller sea lion numbers near the tongue to be swallowed. over a large portion of their range Water spouts can be up to four me- The plates consist of a fingernail-like in Alaska. Possible causes of this tres high. The Humpback whales material called keratin that frays out include parasites and disease, in- were following the krill, small into fine hairs on the ends inside the creased predation by Orcas, nutri- shrimp-like crustaceans, and various mouth near the tongue. The Hump- tional stress caused by natural and kinds of small fish (ideally the adult back whales mainly feed in the sum- or human induced changes in the eats up to 1,361 kg of food a day). mer and live off their fat when they abundance quality and distribution A humpback’s mouth has a series of migrate and winter in tropical waters. of prey. The ‘junk food hypothesis’ black 270-400 fringed overlapping representing the shift in the Steller sea lion’s diet from fatty herring and The big male Killer Whale closing on Susan’s kayak in Johnstone Strait. capelin to leaner fare such as pollock Wouldn’t that get your pulse racing? Photo: Susan Cade and flounder, thereby limiting the Steller sea lion’s ability to consume and store fat.

Other hypothesis include indirect prey species composition shifts due to change in climate, meteorological changes (frequency of storms) pollu- tion and toxic substances, entangle- ment in marine debris and incidental and intentional take by man. What is heartening, is that their numbers have increased in Alaska and they have come off the US endangered species list over the past several years, although that is not the case in others places.

13 No. 179 - October - November 2015

Orca or Killer whales, great hunters, There are 34 matrilines totalling a where they spend most of their time are the largest of the dolphins and one few more than 200 members in the in the summer and fall. The Orcas of the world’s most powerful preda- northern resident community. The sounds are so detailed that family tors. They grow up to nine metres, to whales inhabit an ocean area that has groups and individuals can be identi- up to 5,443 kgs. They can live from a north-south dimension of about fied. They also have a video station 50 - 80 years. The northern resident 500 km, taking them from northern on a nearby island at Crackcroft group, which is the significant group Vancouver Island to the south. Their point , underwater cameras at fixed here, gather in the Johnstone Strait favourite diet is fish, exclusively locations and another land observa- area to socialize, interact, and visit salmon in the summer, employing tion site on Hansen island. As well as the rubbing beaches of Robson Bight teeth that can be 10cm long. The Or- operating a research boat. and feast on the numerous runs of cas usually make 3 to 4, 15 second salmon that must pass through John- dives, then a dive that lasts 3-4 min- At night and during the day we stone Strait, on their way to spawn- utes, repeating this pattern, usually could often hear the Orcas vocali- ing grounds in the south. cruising at about 8km an hour. zations: clicks, whistles and pulses. Orcas are very social animals. Even Orcas live in small nuclear and ex- On a positive note, because of this if we couldn’t see them, their sounds tended families that are called pods, amazing habitat there is significant travelled such a long way, we often clans and communities. The core of research going on in the Johnstone could hear them. this is the Orca mother and her chil- Strait area. The main Orca Lab is dren (the maternal group), even her located on Hanson Island at Black- What I took away from this trip and adult sons, stay together throughout ney Pass and is perfectly located for research is that I want to spend more life. If a mother is alive and she has reception of radio signals from John- time in this beautiful area and con- no surviving sons, she too may be stone Strait & Blackfish Sound, two firmed my commitment to look after found swimming with her daughter of the most important areas used by the environment. Affirming also that and grandchildren. Adult daughters the whales. There is also a network this is a very special place to visit, who have their own offspring may of remote hydrophone stations that with absolutely amazing wild life, separate from their mother to some allows the scientists to listen to un- that is seriously being affected by the extent in order to take care of their derwater sounds in an area of about impact of humans contaminating the children’s needs, but will usually be 50 sq km around each station. This environment. found travelling nearby. covers most of the Orcas core habitat

NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS

Lynn Paterson’s Summer Mission Paddling Around New Zealand

On 27 October Lynn (Red) Paterson a vision, setting a goal and doing you have to find inner strength. It launched from Takapuna, Auck- it, you know like wanting to run a all comes from inside. I’ve had to land, and commenced paddling marathon, jump from a plane, ocean dig deep.” down the east coast of the North swim, dive with sharks, climb to the Island, in a mission to complete top of a mountain, just something I She has a campervan with good a voyage around the three islands have always wanted to do. friends providing the support crew of New Zealand in 180 days. Fifty role. Lynn’s daily blog (http://www. three year old Lynn is aiming to Lynn’s research and planning has redznzjourney.com/blog/) is a pleas- crack 30 kms a day; 20 before been thorough. She was fortunate to urable read, not only for her joy in lunch then another 20 kms in the have Mike Scanlan and Sue and Le- discovering beautiful new coastal afternoon. vett help her with paddling and roll- scenery each day, meeting friendly ing skills. Part of Lynn’s motivation coastal folk, but also dealing with On her website Lynn notes: to take on the epic challenge is to: headwinds, surf and reef breaks. (www.redznzjourney.com) Raise awareness of people af- This is not a race, this is just my fected by loved ones who live with Lynn is using a Garmin GPS for journey, I am wanting to share with depression. Her son’s depression, navigation and has VHF radio for anyone interested. This is some- exacerbated by drugs and alcohol, comms with her support crew. On thing I have always wanted to do, moved her to take this cause on the water she is learning daily about maybe you could say it is on my board. She aims to raise money the moods of seas and weather, and bucket list of achievement’s, like for the Mental Health Foundation how to keep clear of reef breaks; on many it is about my dream seeing along the way. “I want to show, 9 November, when nearing Hicks

14 New Zealand Sea Canoeist

with me. Later on, I have brownie my heart is made to smile each that we make in the camp kitchens day by meeting real and genuine once a week. This has Whittakers people who have a life and who are dark choc chunks in it and it is even so happy with it. They are relaxed, better when the sun warms it up and they actually care and they have makes the chocolate soft! Lets see time for us and each other, this is if I am over eating this by the end the greatest moment. of the trip. - meths threading really, really My fluid on the kayak for a day trip works and I recommend it for hand is 2 litres of freshwater, 500mls of blisters (see gruesome blog photo) coconut water and 1 litre of lemon - cooked hot food for breakfast drink in the deck storage. This rocks my world! seems to do me well for a long hot 6 plus hr paddle. Most days She passed the 1,000 km mark on I get off the water by or before 26 November, reaching Porongahau 1.30/2pm so time for a lunch with Beach. By 30 November Lynn was the support team. Tuna, leftovers, just north of Castle Point on the Wai- hot carbs and greens, it all depends rarapa Coast. Inside a week, Lynn on what we have. should reach her first big goal, Wel- lington. From there, a Cook Strait Lynn is paddling one of the new Star crossing and she will head down the Before her paddle around NZ is kayaks, that Mike Scanlan wrote east coast of the South Island. completed, Lynn Paterson will have about in the last KASK magazine (p. spent a power of time looking at 5 No. 178). On 11 November (day Lynn’s goal of paddling 30 kms per maps and charts. 16), she had a dowsing in the surf day could be achieved this summer when leaving Waipirio Bay: on the east coasts of the North and Bay she noted: South islands, but unfortunately Today began with an amazing sun- with a very strong El Nino weather The swell at this stage and the wind rise. I hit the water at 6:30 am. I pattern settling in, the west coasts were in my favour and anyone who watched the surf and swell then of the three islands will be a tough paddles knows this makes you feel off I set thinking all was calm and proposition. Plenty of patience will like you can paddle forever, it is good and I had plenty of time till be required between successive cold nearly effortless except for making the next set. Ha ha. My arms said fronts for seas and winds to set- sure I watched for the cray pots a big ‘No., they were not so keen tle enough to allow paddling. But and the large rocks with breaking to get moving as I was this morn- I reckon this gutsy lady has the pa- waves. I have discovered that if I ing. Five swells/waves, I hit at the tience and determination to see this keep ocean side of the cray pots wrong time and just made it over trip through. then I seem to be fairly safe from each one with lots of water. What www.redznzjourney.com a breaking swell. I have been a nice way to wake up, refreshing watching the cray boat guys over saltwater! Out the back of the waves the past few days and they have the and in calmer water I was pleased placement and position of the pots that Nat did not have her camera on just right and this helps me navigate the beach, and also really pleased the dangerous rocky sections. to have the venturi installed in my kayak. With a fast speed sprint for Asked frequently about her food and a minute all the water had funneled water intake, she wrote: out the bottom. Yes, my little Red Star kayak, you totally rocked this The night before we make an extra morning. large dinner so in the morning I have a reheated cooked dinner On 21 November, Lynn reached for my breakfast, with a mug of Napier, and she had spent the time strong coffee. Then I pack a cou- on the water that day summarizing ple of Red style scroggin mix, my the trip to date: high energy snacks in ‘Kai Car- - It is amazing already the wonder- rier’ reusable ziplock bags. I have ful and generous people that we them all stashed in my deck bag have met so far - sunflower/pumpkin seeds, cacao - it is so cool to hear the stories and Lynn, a tad weatherbeaten, about nib, coconut flakes, honey, tahini, have knowledge shared from our to celebrate passing her first 1,000 coconut oil and sea salt. No nuts newfound friends kms of paddling when she reached or dried fruit as they do not agree - as I get further from Auckland, Porongahau Beach

15 No. 179 - October - November 2015

who cared about water in the cockpit Overseas Reports - just keep paddling!

Peter Carter, of the Investigator Sea Kayak Club in South Australia has written extensively on experiments WEST ISLAND BITS in ‘podded-style’ kayaks around the November 2015 world. He once produced a glass fi- By David Winkworth bre kayak with a podded cockpit. It was truly a tight minimum-volume Behind Andrew McAuley, on the Thanks to Mike Scanlan for his inter- cockpit – I could only just squeeze cockpit’s aft deck, is Casper which esting article on ‘Kayak Design and into it. Google Peter’s name and you Andrew designed to rotate forward Safety’ in the last issue. Mike raises should find some of his papers which over his cockpit, clip down over the some very real issues about getting are very interesting reading. In one coaming, and thus provide both back into your kayak in rough condi- of his articles about flooding mini- shelter for cooking and sleeping, tions. Worth a re-read for sure. mum volume cockpits versus bulk- and also buoyancy to right a capsize headed designs, he says the question whilst Andrew was trying to sleep. I do believe that discussion of kayak should not be ‘how do we get all designs is important for all of us - So, Andrew was cold, uncomfort- this water out’ but rather ‘what’s all and I’m not just talking about this able, possibly sleep-deprived and this water doing in here in the first hull and that deck and how fast the he couldn’t roll his kayak. I’d say place?’ Very neat! thing will go etc, etc. No, it’s much his ‘system’ worked against him, more than that and we all need to wouldn’t you? The popular style these days is a understand how the whole system ‘bulkheaded’ kayak, where sections we’re sitting in works to protect us - I remember looking at Andrew’s are completely sealed off within or works against us! trans Tasman boat on my local beach the hull. If you get a major leak or - thinking what a nice piece of work broach in a section, no water can get Let me give you a sad example. it was - and later looking at pictures out of that section - but you may find Many of you will remember Andrew of the recovered kayak on a trailer at yourself going down like the Titanic! McAuley who died just off the coast Te Anau and thinking what an evil of the South Island in 2007. Andrew thing - hmmm. We used to say that a kayak going was attempting to be the first to pad- down steeply bow or stern first was dle solo from Australia to New Zea- But, let me get back to Mike’s ar- doing a ‘Cleopatra’s Needle.’ I don’t land. So close! ticle: Mike mentions the worth of know where that term came from or minimum volume cockpits and if indeed if it’s still in use today but There’s a lot we will never know you’ve ever swamped a conven- there is no mistaking that a kayak in about Andrew’s last days at sea but tional single or double sea kayak and that situation is a desperate rescue we do know from some of the re- had to get it up a steep beach full of prospect indeed! covered recordings just how difficult water you’ll easily understand one of the living was aboard his kayak. His the attributes of this design. Do you reckon you could sink a sea cockpit was continually wet, cold and kayak? A group of us over here on extremely cramped. Sure, his kayak Minimum volume cockpits are not the NSW south coast once tried to needed to be a sleek craft but he had new in sea kayaking. The Alan Byde do just that! We tied a lanyard (just to live in it didn’t he! If you’re cold, (Hi Alan!) designed ‘Pod’ featured in case - it was deep water!) to a cramped and can’t sleep then you’re in the Puffin, a roto-molded plastic friend’s kayak, pulled all the hatches not safe on the ocean because you sea kayak from the 70s. off and did our utmost to fill every can’t perform when you need to! I nook and cranny with seawater. have a little talk about the inter-rela- The kayak was essentially a ‘single tionship between PERFORMANCE, space’ design with the inserted ‘pod’ Down it went by the stern - but only SAFETY and COMFORT and how dividing the fore and aft sections of till about a foot and half of the bow it applies to our kayaks and all the the kayak. While the pod didn’t seal was sticking up vertically above the gear we use. the fore and aft sections off from one waves – that was the best we could another, it did inhibit the flow of any do! The kayak was totally unsal- We also know that Andrew’s water between them, thus allowing vageable by a solo paddler - and ‘Casper’ pod, while an inspired idea, the kayak to settle level in the case even a difficult situation for two, but was flawed in execution because it of a major leak. it was nevertheless a fun exercise didn’t seal when stored on his rear and we all learned a little bit more deck. He was thus unable to roll his I once owned one of these - I think about our boats. kayak and he lost one of the primary it’s out of production now, but it was self-rescue qualities of a sea kayak. a lot of fun and I felt really safe in So, this summer, get out there and it. Easy to roll, minimum volume - climb all over your kayaks. Discuss

16 New Zealand Sea Canoeist

Mike’s article - and John Kirk An- - who outnumbered the guys this sea off Sydney and has done so for a derson’s piece of a couple of issues weekend - did personal best paddles. long time. He is a ‘full time’ paddler, ago. Think about being comfortable We did 30 kms on the Saturday with operating ‘The Balanced Boater” sea in your kayak, safe in your kayak the wind changing to be behind us in kayak training school out of Sydney. and performing whatever you need every direction. Pure ass! to do. NSW Goes Even More Nanny State Victorian Sea Kayak Club It appears we’re going to get even Bittangabee Banquet Whale Watch- Paddlefest November 2015 more restrictive PFD laws here in ing Weekend – October 2015 This weekend was held on the Vic- NSW for Christmas. The idea for this weekend, the sec- torian coast at Cape Patterson…be- ond I’ve run with local paddlers Ker- tween Phillip Island and Wilson’s Not so long ago, we didn’t have to rie Vogele and Graeme Thompson, is Prom. Saturday was a bit windy and wear a PFD on enclosed waters if to get out and paddle with the whales rainy and some of the sea paddling we were less than 400 metres from as they migrate south. Bittangabee trips were modified but everyone shore. That meant that I could do my Bay in Ben Boyd National Park is had a good time as usual. training paddles on the local lakes a gorgeous camp site with flat water without looking over my shoulder access out of the bay onto the ocean. Much like the KASK Forum, there for the Waterways guys. OK. It sits just north of Green Cape on was a mix of paddling and instruc- the NSW far south coast. The Green tional activities. Guest speaker Then someone decided that paddlers Cape Promontory “catches” whales on the Friday night was long time couldn’t swim 400 metres so the dis- which are then forced out in a SE VSKC member Julian Smith talking tance- from-shore PFD exemption direction but not before we get up about Mates4Mates…a helping hand was reduced to 100 metres. Well, close…but not too personal! for Aussie armed services personnel I could live with that…paddling We again threw this weekend open in need of some help…and their pad- around the shore lines a bit was OK. to all levels of paddlers as we had dle across Bass Strait. enough experienced paddlers in the But now it seems even that has gone group. ‘Not sure if it was the Sat. About 100 people sat down for Sat- and it’s full time PFD unless you’re night banquet or the whales that was urday night dinner and then listened in a double with someone over 12 the main attraction! to keynote guest speaker Rob Mer- years. cer talking about paddling and train- It was great weather, the whales ing off the Sydney area. Rob runs a Dave Winkworth were all around and many of the girls regular Tuesday night paddle out to

‘Stealth’ wekas in the Marlborough Sounds. Left: Justine Curgenven filming one weka while it’s mate is about to steal her lunch. Photo: Paul Caffyn Right: A sneaky raid on Phil Alley’s lunch. Photo: John Gumbley.

17 No. 179 - October - November 2015

However, in Otago, the number of Birds New Zealand (also known as Marine Fauna breeding birds has increased and the Ornithological Society of New new colonies established. Is the Zealand) is conducting a national New Zealand population truly in survey of red-billed gull colonies The Red-billed Gull decline or is the population stable over the next two summers, and sea by Kerry-Jayne Wilson but relocating in response to changes kayakers are in a unique position to in the marine environment? Why help with this survey. The red-billed gull is one of three should we be concerned; there are gulls that occur in New Zealand. The many rarer species that need saving Birds New Zealand asks that anyone common black-backed gull is the and for many people they are just locating a breeding colony of these largest of the trio and with its white common old gulls after all. gulls notes the location as accurately body, with wings black from wingtip as possible (if possible record to wingtip is easily identified. They As we sea kayakers know the marine latitude/longitude or NZTM2000 can be found from seashore to the environment is changing in ways coordinates, ideally accompanied mountains. that scientists have yet to understand. by a map or Google earth image For both conservation and economic showing the location of the colony), Of the two smaller gulls the red- reasons it is important that we know the date of your observation and if billed has red beak and legs, and the more about our marine environment possible the size of the colony. The black-billed gull, you guessed it, has and common, conspicuous, easily best measures of colony size are the black beak and legs. The bills and censused seabirds can help us number of breeding pairs or nests. legs of immatures of both the small understand these changes and help species are variable in colour; in direct further more detailed research. Please send your observations to immature red-bills they can be dark Peter Frost (birds.wanganui@osnz. brown and in young black-billed Of special value are those whose org.nz) who is coordinating the gulls reddish in colour. There are populations have been surveyed survey. other ways of telling them apart. in the past, whose numbers and While the red-billed gull is primarily distributions are changing and For further information on the red- a denizen of the coasts, the black- whose movements, foods and billed gull survey see: billed gull is an inland species that is foraging ecology are well studied. http://www.osnz.org.nz/sites/osnz. a braided river specialist. The red-billed gull ticks all these org.nz/files/Flyer_red-billed%20 boxes. Dr Jim Mills studied the gull%20survey.pdf. The black-billed gull is endemic to breeding, population biology and New Zealand, the red-billed gull foods of red-billed gulls for over For further information on gulls, is also found in New Caledonia, 20 years, thousands were banded or for that matter any other New South Africa and Australia, where it and the movements of these banded Zealand birds try the excellent New is called the silver gull. Our black- birds recorded. Red-billed gulls Zealand birds online website, http:// backed gull is found in most southern breed on coastal rocks, islands, rock nzbirdsonline.org.nz. Hemisphere temperate zones, and stacks, sand spits and cliffs between differs from similarly named gulls in September and January. the Northern Hemisphere.

The red-billed gull is a common and familiar bird to all sea kayakers, it can be found around all New Zealand coasts, in cities, on farmland, sometimes by lakes far from the coast, yet DOC lists the species as Nationally Vulnerable, just one step up (or down) from Endangered. How can this be?

In the mid-1960s there were about 40,000 pairs of red-billed gulls spread between 166 known colonies around the main islands alone. They are also found on the Chatham and sub- Antarctic Islands. During the last 20 years numbers overall have declined On the edge of Paul’s helipad at the 12 Mile, West Coast, South Island, markedly, especially so at the largest a mob of red-billed gulls await their morning feed of a slice of bread, or colonies at Kaikoura, Three Kings leftovers from the previous evening’s meal. Photo: Paul Caffyn Islands and Mokohinau islands.

18 New Zealand Sea Canoeist

Grahame to borrow a mould so he BOOK REVIEW could make a race kayak. Met with a ‘tirade of abuse’, Nathan and his mate paid $10 for day hire kayaks Title: Nathan Fa’avae from the Nelson Canoe Club, but Subtitle: Adventurer At Heart with the knowledge of where the Author: Nathan Fa’avae locked container keys were stashed, Published: 2015 they went paddle training three times Publisher: Potton & Burton, Nelson a week for three months before be- Website:www.pottonandburton.co.nz ing found out. He managed to bor- Contents: 280 pp; 16 page colour row one of Grahame’s kayaks for photo section that first race. Grahame went on Cover: paperback to sponsor Nathan with kayaks and Size: 235 x 160 mms even support crewed for him. Price: $39.99 ISBN: 978 1 927213 62 9 In many ways, that marked the start Availability: NZ bookshops of Nathan’s lifelong passion for ad- Review: Paul Caffyn venture racing. Jobs at Outward Bound for Nathan and his partner When the review copy turned up Jodie, allowed a blend of work and pated that the strong tidal stream and with the rural postie, I had a quick racing. By 1999 he was into team a weather tide created ‘the highest, flick through the pages, a slower multiday races, but problems with steepest seas’ that Nathan had ever look at the colour pics, then put the a dicky ticker began (atrial fibrilla- paddled in. At times it felt like, ‘kay- book aside. After all, it was a book tion). Operations and intensive train- aking down the side of a two-storey about competitive adventure racing ing allowed him to overcome the oc- building’. This was the first of sev- and although I take a passing inter- casional slowing down issue. eral attempts to round South Cape, est in the races, I have no interest in but eventually with no sign of sea competing in the outdoors. I feel that Chapters follow with adventure rac- conditions easing, they took up an any form of competitive sea kayak- es in New Zealand and around the offer of a ride on a crayboat back to ing not only adds an additional level world, touching on the highlights Bluff – not before vowing to return of danger but also it takes away the and hard times of racing; the train- some day. sheer pleasure of being out on the ing and preparation involved and the water, taking time to enjoy the scen- vital need for similarly motivated It staggers me how much Nathan ery and savour the sensory escape team members. With so much expe- has crammed into his 43 years, the from all the trappings of everyday rience behind him, Nathan formed a adventure racing, the sheer amount life. successful company to run outdoor of vital training almost every day, races, including very popular wom- raising a family, dealing with the One evening I picked up the book for en only events. recurring issue of his dicky ticker, a skim read, but was quickly drawn mentoring and encouraging younger in to Nathan’s life story by the rather Nathan considered the ‘Holy Grail’ competitors, raising sponsorship absorbing and entertaining writing of New Zealand sea kayaking was and public speaking. And only two style. Born in Nelson to a Samoan Stewart Island. He and paddling weeks ago, he and his team won the father and a Kiwi mother in 1972, mate Tony Bateup began an anti- 2015 AR World Championship race Nathan had a pretty cruisy childhood clockwise circuit in March 2010, in Brazil. but started to go off the rails as a a time of generally settled weather. teenager, with shoplifting, smoking, They surfed the entire northern coast My only gripe with the book is with drinking and relocating cars that had in one afternoon, with a tailwind the publisher. The colour plates lose keys left in the ignition. Experience of 20 knots with a following 2 – 3 much of their impact by being sur- at Nelson college’s outdoor lodge meter swell and had a smooth run rounded by a sea of white, and not and later at the Whenua Iti Outdoor down the west coast to near the Mut- bled out to the page edge. Pursuits Centre marked a start to tonbird Islands, where a storm hit turning his life around, and he found rather earlier than expected. In gale- Ed Hillary reckoned that he had he had better than average endurance force winds, they finally reached modest ability but better than aver- for hill running and mountain biking. the shelter of Easy Harbour, which age motivation. In my view, Nathan became their home for the follow- has not only better than average Short of paddling experience and ing week. When the savage weather motivation but he is also superbly a kayak for his first Coast to Coast abated, once the wind had died, Na- skilled outdoor athlete. And Nathan multisport race, he and two mates than and Tony ‘gunned for South has a better than average way with cycled to Grahame Sisson’s Nelson Cape’ anticipating that once around stringing words together to form an factory where Nathan put a lean on the headland, they were pretty much excellent yarn. home and hosed. They hadn’t antici-

19 No. 179 - October - November 2015

‘John took an immediate interest in BOOK REVIEW the water, and explored the British Columbia coast by kayak. Through these explorations, John began writing the Wild Coast series of guidebooks exploring the British Title: the WILD COAST 2 Columbia coast in three installments. John also created the BC Coastal Subtitle: A Kayaking and Recreation Recreation Kayaking and Small Guide for the North and Central Boats Atlas series to help kayakers B.C. Coast and other boaters navigate the BC Author: John Kimantas coast. Published: 2006 Publisher: Whitecap Books ‘When John’s exploration of the Website: www.whitecap.ca Island took him inland, he was Contents: 344 pp, bibliography, disappointed to see that most road index, colour pics and maps maps did not include many roads or throughout other features that lay mid-island. Cover: paperback Despite the enormous amount of Size: 150 x 226 mms information and features documented descriptions are also concise and Price: Can$ 29.95 NZ$ 42.90 by various specialty clubs and the words ‘profusely illustrated’ ISBN: 978-1-55285-768-1 organizations, John struggled to are apt for this guide with a superb NZ Availability: TheNile.co.nz find a comprehensive guide to help colour photo on most pages, and Review: Paul Caffyn access the world of recreational the maps contain all the info vital wonderment that he knew Vancouver for a visiting paddler. A short This paddling guide to the British Island held. As a result, John began bibliography or reference texts are Columbia coast of Canada, north to write and research his book, The included, followed by a listing of from the tip of Vancouver Island Essential Vancouver Island Outdoor websites used to research the guide. to the boundary with Alaska is one Recreation Guide. A comprehensive index rounds out of the best I have come across. In this excellent book. terms of layout, words, photos, the ‘John has worked at several maps, bibliography and index, it is a daily newspapers across Canada, The book’s size makes it ideal for standout paddling guide. beginning as a cub reporter in The stowing in a day hatch for paddling Pas, Manitoba, in 1986, moving or in day pack for on-shore tiki Particularly with BC paddling on to become a magazine editor in touring. In low light, the map details reports by Peter and Margot Ontario and then managing editor may need glasses or a magnifying Syms (No. 178) and Susan Cade’s at a daily newspaper on Vancouver glass to see clearly, but the text is Johnstone Strait encounters with Island.’ easy to read, even in low light. Topo orca in this magazine, it seems timely maps or marine charts (or a GPS for a review of John Kimantas’s In the foreword, John writes that with charts) would still be necessary latest guide. He has previously he spent 92 days in 2005, paddling for navigation. published The Wild Coast, Volume 3,304 kms in order to: 1 which covers the north and west - provide an overview of the north Perhaps the beautiful seascape of Vancouver Island, and The Wild and central BC coast through pho- photos are mostly taken in fine Coast Volume 3 for BC’s south coast tos, maps and descriptions weather, as they highlight what a and the east coast of Vancouver - demystify some aspects of the magic, mysterious coastline lies Island. The background bit below is coast waiting for visiting paddlers. the author’s profile on the publisher’s - compile a list of camping op- website: portunities

‘When John Kimantas took a job An introduction of 40 pages is in Nanaimo, BC and first moved concise, but for visiting Kiwi west from Ontario, he was struck by paddlers, it includes sections on Vancouver Island’s natural beauty. ‘Managing insects’ and ‘Managing Since those first few days on the kayaks on ferries’. The maps Island, John has become somewhat symbol definitions are excellent. of an expert on the natural wonders The guide has the regional sections and recreational opportunities colour coded on the page margin, Vancouver Island holds. for easy reference. The geographic

20 New Zealand Sea Canoeist

the floor, neatly divided in two! rything figured out. I just have one HUMOUR “What a feat!” said the Emperor. more question. What will you do “Number Two Samurai, show me if the two of you should have little what you do.” children of your own?” No one Believes Seniors The Chinese samurai smiled confi- Bruce just shrugs his shoulders and Everyone thinks they are senile. dently, stepped forward and opened says, “Well, we’ve been lucky so An elderly couple was celebrating a tiny box, releasing a fly. He drew far.” their 60th wedding anniversary. The his samurai sword and * Swish! Mr. Smith no longer thinks the little couple had married as childhood * Swish! * The fly fell to the floor shit is adorable. sweethearts and had moved back to neatly quartered. their old neighbourhood after they “That is skill!” nodded the Emper- The Irish Fisherman retired. Holding hands, they walked or. “How are you going to top that, It was raining hard and a big puddle back to their old school. It was not Number three Samurai?” had formed in front of the Irish pub. locked, so they entered, and found An old man stood beside the puddle, the old desk they’d shared, where The Jewish samurai, Obi-wan Co- holding a stick with a string on the Jerry had carved, ‘I love you, Sally’. hen, stepped forward, opened a tiny end and jiggled it up and down in the On their way back home, a bag of box releasing one fly, drew his samu- water. money fell out of an armoured car, rai sword and *Swoooooosh!* flour- A curious gentleman asked him what practically landing at their feet. ished his sword so mightily that a he was doing. Sally quickly picked it up and, not gust of wind blew through the room. “Fishing,” replied the old man. sure what to do with it, they took the But the fly was still buzzing around, ‘Poor old fool,’ thought the gentle- money home. There, she counted the but rather anxiously now. man, so he invited the old man to money - $50,000! In disgust, the Emperor said, “What come inside the pub and have a Jerry said, “We’ve got to give it kind of skill is that? The fly isn’t drink with him. Feeling he should back.” even dead.” start some form of conversation with Sally said, “Finders keepers!” She “Dead?” replied the Jewish Samu- the old man while they were sip- put the money back in the bag and rai. “Dead is easy - but circumcised ping their whiskeys, the gentleman hid it in their attic. Next day, two takes practice.” enquired, “So how many have you police officers were canvassing caught so far?” the neighbourhood looking for the Little Bruce “You’re the eighth,” was the reply. money, and knocked on their door. Little Bruce and Jenny are only 10 “Pardon me, did either of you find a years old, but they know they are in Irish Airline Food bag that fell out of an armoured car love. Airborne approximately thirty min- yesterday?” One day they decide that they want utes on an outbound evening Aer Sally said, “No. ” to get married, so Bruce goes to Jen- Lingus flight from Dublin, the lead Jerry said, “She’s lying. She hid it ny’s father to ask him for her hand. flight attendant for the cabin crew up in the attic.” Bruce bravely walks up to him and in her lovely Irish brogue nerv- Sally said, “Don’t believe him, he’s says, “Mr. Smith, me and Jenny are ously made the following painful getting senile .” in love and I want to ask you for her announcement, “Ladies and gentle- The agents turned to Jerry and began hand in marriage.” men, I’m so very sorry but it appears to question him. One said, “Tell us Thinking that this was just the cut- that there has been a terrible mix-up the story from the beginning.” est thing, Mr. Smith replies, “Well -- one minute prior to take-off by Jerry said, “Well, when Sally and I Bruce, you are only 10. our airport catering service - I don’t were walking home from school yes- Where will you two live?” know how this has happened but we terday….” Without even taking a moment to have 103 passengers on board and, The first police officer turned to his think about it, Bruce replies, “In unfortunately, only 40 dinner meals. partner and said, “We’re outta here!” Jenny’s room. It’s bigger than mine I truly apologize for this mistake and and we can both fit there nicely.” inconvenience.” Samurai Skill Mr. Smith says with a huge grin, Once upon a time, the Japanese Em- “Okay, then how will you live? When passengers’ muttering had peror advertised for a new Chief You’re not old enough to get a job. died down, she continued, “Anyone Samurai. After a year, only three You’ll need to support Jenny.” who is kind enough to give up their had applied for the job: a Japanese, Again, Bruce instantly replies, “Our meal so that someone else can eat, a Chinese, and a Jewish samurai. allowance. Jenny makes five bucks a will receive free unlimited drinks for “Demonstrate your skills!” com- week and I make 10 bucks a week. the duration of our five hour flight.” manded the Emperor. That’s about 60 bucks a month, so that should do us just fine.” Her next announcement came four The Japanese samurai stepped for- hours later. “If anyone would like to ward, opened a tiny box, and re- Mr. Smith is impressed Bruce has change their minds, we still have 40 leased a fly. He drew his samurai put so much thought into this. “ Well dinners available.” sword and *Swish!* the fly fell to Bruce, it seems like you have eve-

21 No. 179 - October - November 2015 4th Ed. KASK HANDBOOK WELLINGTON Sea Kayak Network KASK John Andrews KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea NOW OUT OF PRINT (04) 472 8281 Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of (021) 454 096 New Zealand sea kayakers, has the A 5th edition of the KASK Handbook [email protected] objectives of: is planned. It is a mammoth compila- www.wskn.wellington.net.nz 1. promoting and encouraging the tion on all aspects of sea kayaking in sport of sea kayaking New Zealand, by many of the most SOUTH ISLAND 2. promoting safety standards experienced paddlers in the Universe. 3. developing techniques & NELSON Canoe Club equipment SEA KAYAKING www.nelsonkayakers.co.nz 4. dealing with issues of coastal NETWORK ADDRESSES PO Box 793, Nelson 7040 access and protection NORTH ISLAND Diane Winter 5. organizing an annual sea kayak NORTHLAND Canoe Club Ph: (03) 548 2026 forum PO Box 755, Whangarei Northland [email protected] 6. publishing a bimonthly Carola Carstens, 42 Isola Street, CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Network newsletter. Raumanga, Whangarei Andy & Deirdre Sheppard Ph: (09) 430 2707 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is 53 Kent Lodge Ave, email: [email protected] published bimonthly as the official Avonhead, Christchurch 8004 newsletter of the Kiwi Association Ph: 03 342 7929 AUCKLAND Canoe Club of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. email: [email protected] PO Box 9271, www.sportsground.co.nz/canterburyseakayak Articles, trip reports, book reviews, Newmarket, Auckland equipment reviews, new techniques, email: [email protected] OTAGO Canoe and Kayak Club letters to the editor, and moments Lesley Pijpker when the word ‘Bugger!’ was said HAURAKI Kayak Group email: [email protected] singularly or often (referred to by PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland Ph: 027 7270811 some as incidents) are sought to en- email: [email protected] liven the pages of the newsletter. www.hkg.org.nz SOUTHLAND Sea Kayak Network Send to: Stan Mulvany Paul Caffyn, WAIKATO KASK Contact 03 215 7263 1843C Coast Rd, Evan Pugh, RD2, Putaruru 3482 email: [email protected] RD 1, Runanga 7873, West Coast email: [email protected] www.sskn.uniformnz.com Ph: 03 731 1806 Ph: 07 883 6898 YAKITY YAK Clubs Email: [email protected] www.sportsground.co.nz/bayseakayak www.canoeandkayak.co.nz ph: (09) 476 7066 KASK Annual Subscription RUAHINE Whitewater Club $35 single membership. c/o Melanie Grant, 5 Waitapere Court, NZOIA Outdoor Instructors Assn $40 family membership. Ashhurst, 4810. www.nzoia.org.nz $35 overseas (PDF email newsletter) P: (06) 326 8667. A subscription form can be down- Coastguard Boating Education loaded from the KASK website. BAY OF PLENTY - KASK Contact P: (0800) 40 80 90 (09) 361 4700 Cheques should be made out to: Iona Bailey, Tauranga E: [email protected] Kiwi Association Sea Kayakers & Ph: 07 576 1492 W: www.boatingeducation.org.nz mailed to: email: [email protected] KASK Administrator New Zealand Search & Rescue PO Box 23, Runanga 7841 BASK Bay Assn. of Sea Kayakers www.nzsar.org.nz West Coast Bevan Grant www.adventuresmart.org.nz Payment can be made by direct cred- [email protected] www.beacons.org.nz it (preferred) to: 07 576 8885 Maritime New Zealand 03 1706 0010205 00 www.sportsground.co.nz/bayseakayak with your name and/or KASK mem- www.maritime.govt.nz bership number for reference. ROTORUA Kayak Club 7 Mahana Place, Rotorua Correspondence - Queries Ph: 027 292 3138 KASK Website and Change of Address to: email: [email protected] Kask.org.nz Karen Grant, KASK Administrator PO Box 23, Runanga 7841 GISBORNE Sea Kayakers Club West Coast John Humphris, 3 Matthews Rd, Gisborne or email Karen at: Ph: 06 868 4657 [email protected] email: [email protected]

22 Building up whitewater skills on the Whanganui River. See article on page 9. Photo: Dennis Hynes

A magic encounter with a pod of Orca or Killer whales, in Johnstone Strait, off the northern coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Photo: Susan Cade. See story on page 12 MAILED TO

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

Another of Dennis Hynes marvellous photos; this one off the Coromandel Coast on 30 October with a BASK paddle.

KASK MEMBERSHIP POLICY Current membership fees are: - $35 for ordinary membership - for new members $35 - $40 for family or joint membership - $35 for overseas membership (PDF newsletter only); - the KASK memberships 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 on confirming renewals from existing members from July to October; and promoting new KASK memberships from November to February