The Sea Canoeist Newsletter THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER Issue 68 April - May 1997 Editor: P Caffyn, RD 1, Runanga. West Coast .N.Z. Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 E Mail address: [email protected] The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is published 6 times a year as the official newsletter of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. Subscriptions are $20.00 per annum & should be made out to K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & sent to the Treasurer: Phil Handford, 104 Lake Rd, Hamilton. Ph: (07) 834 3395 home Correspondence to the Secretary: Peter Sullivan, 7 Monowai Cres, North New Brighton, Christchurch. Ph.(03) 388 3380.

INDEX KASK AGM At the debriefing on the Sunday, EDITORIAL p. 1 The 1997 KASK AGM was well at- Mapua was chosen as the site of the 1997 KASK AGM p. 1 tended with over 60 paddlers attend- 10th Anniversary KASKForum. ing - what a cunning plan to hold the Mapua, a clothing optional camping PRODUCT REVIEW AGM prior to the dinner - and the ground some 20 minutes drive west of Self Rescue Sponsons p.2 following committee was elected for Nelson is where Graham Eggar held reviewed by: Peter Sullivan the 1997/98 year: the first New Zealand sea fo- President: rum back in 1988. And following pass- 1997 KASK FORUM Secretary: Peter Sullivan ing of the motion (3) relating to the Report by Paul Caffyn p. 4 Treasurer: Phil Handford position of forum organizer, John Kamikaze Kayaker Committee: Dobbie was accepted this role for the by Grant Rochfort p. 5 Glyn Dickson(Safety Officer) 1998 forum. Plans are already afoot Helen Woodward for an overnight around Rab- KAYAK REVIEW (Conservation Officer) bit Island. 1997 Slingshot Conrad Edwards (Instruction Officer) review by Mike Hayes p. 6 Kerei Ruru (Publications Officer) Also arising from the Forum: Subscriptions - subs. will fall due at DISCUSSION PAPER Three pre-notified remits or motions the time of the KASK AGM, rather Psychological Aspects of Sea were passed unanimously: than from the time when you joined. 1. That KASK applies for full mem- This falls into line with other NZ by Paul Caffyn p. 7 bership of the NZ Water Safety Coun- outdoor clubs, and a renewal form cil by 1st June 1997 will be sent out with the last newslet- BOOK REVIEW 2. That the KASK annual subscrip- ter of the financial year. This is a 'New York to Nome’ tion for members residing in New change to Sandy Ferguson's system of reviewed by Paul Caffyn p. 11 Zealand be raised from $10 to $20, numbers on the newsletter address and those residing overseas from $10 sticker. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to $25. Subject: Racing 3. That to the KASK Constitution, A Wellington paddler network ad- from: Peter Sullivan p.11 Clause 5 - Officers of the Association dress was listed at the Forum and from: Glyn Dickson p.12 - the office of Forum organizer be further details on the contacts etc. will added as category H. be provided in the next newsletter. EDITORIAL This issue is an effort to compensate Issues that cropped up in General Following the flare demonstration, for the scimpiness of No.67, and to Business were as follows: there was an offer from the local man- move the role of the newsletter back - KASK to write to the NZ ager from RFD for bulk supply of to informing and educating the sea Association expressing willingness to flares and ancillary rescue items at kayak paddlers of New Zealand. accept responsibility for sea kayaking close to trade prices. More details on in New Zealand items and who to order from in the The Product Review of inflatable - KASK to send a sympathy card to next newsletter. sponsors and the Kayak Review of the Eric and Joce van Toor following the 1997 Slingshot, plus a lengthy epistle loss of their son on the Psychological Aspects of sea - a sometimes heated discussion on kayaking are a good start.. KASK being involved with sea kayak- (continued on page 3). ing racing in NZ

1 No. 68 April - May 1997

to the rear deck and then at the end of Assembly Instructions: Product Review it all having to take it all to pieces in a The kit includes a three page set of kayak with about 5% primary stabil- instructions which are reasonably easy ity scares the living daylights out of to understand. The diagrams leave a Sea Wing Self Rescue this ageing paddler. lot to be desired as some of the fine print is a way too small to be legible Sponsons I’d read about sponsons and Glen (a friend) gave me a heap of info with Assembly: Manufacturer: Georgian Bay Kayak product reviews and prices. I was Each piece of webbing is threaded Ltd. Penetanguishene, Ontario about to send an order overseas when through the eyelets at each end of the I spied some in and Outdoor sponsons. They are knotted in place Importers: Quality World (which were cheaper than I so that the tubes when inflated are half could have imported them for) so I submerged. Part of the Fastex buckle Weight: approx 1kg purchased a set. is then threaded onto each end of the two pieces of webbing. The remain- Price: Approx $95.00 The Product: ing halves of the buckles are perma- Sponsons are two welded PVC vinyl nently tied to a deck line or cleat on Reviewer: Peter Sullivan tubes approx 950mm long by 150mm the kayak. These buckles are posi- diameter when inflated. Each bag has tioned so that when the sponsons are Preamble: a plastic eyelet fitted in each end so attached they lie in the correct posi- For a number of years I’ve been look- that they can be attached to the kayak tion as per the following diagrams ing for a self rescue system which in by the 25mm webbing and Fastex the event of missing a roll would buckles which are supplied. A length enable me to safely re-enter, drain my of thick cord is also supplied so that kayak, and be merrily on my way. the buckles can be attached to the (The diagrams below are scanned from kayak. The sponsons are inflated the supplied instruction pages) I’ve never been a fan of paddle floats. through screw valve ended tubes about The very thought of assembling, in- 500mm long set about mid way along flating the bag, attaching my paddle each bag.

2 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Setting the system up on a kayak have the craft moving forward) as I EDITORIAL CONTINUED. I am not impressed with the recom- placed each leg and then myself into To keep the ‘Sea Canoeist Newsletter’ mended set-up one little bit. Trying to the cockpit. A hand pump made short moving in the right direction, requires tie knots in 25mm webbing and main- work of the water in the cockpit. input from all KASK members. Please tain a set distance between the keep the flow of reports, technical sponsons is an extremely frustrating I’m sure a wider craft would have articles, and trip reports coming, not task. Once the sponsons have been absolutely no problems if you de- to mention letters to the editor. And as fitted correctly to a particular width cided to stand up or even have a walk Peter Sullivan notes in his diatribe on kayak, they would have to be com- around the deck maybe? sea kayak racing (p.11), there has not pletely re set-up for another of a dif- been an issue that has caused such ferent width. I did about 8 fallouts from about every polarization of paddlers since Graham I intend fitting a series of brass eyelets angle I could imagine and the sponsons Egarr printed an article on the pros in the webbing so that with a carabiner performed perfectly every time. I and cons of unfeathered . or something similar I will be able to tried to tip myself over with the attach the sponsons to all of my craft sponsons attached and had to literally A main focus for KASK this year is to both wide and narrow. It will mean crawl out of the cockpit before it would publish the ‘mother of all sea kayak purchasing some extra buckles. oblige. However I did notice that the manuals’. There are still 45 copies left knots worked loose so the craft was of the second printing. These are avail- Using the Sponsons in a practise tending to slip around a bit towards able from Peter Sullivan (see address self rescue: the end of the session. I think my on page 1.) Peter and I are planning a I have stored the sponsons in an old eyelets and clips idea already men- final editing and layout session in late leaky dry bag attached by a short cord tioned will solve this minor problem. May. Relevant maps, diagrams, fig- behind my seat. ures and sharp photographs are still One of the info sheets I read stated required to create the ‘mother’. Please It took a few shots on dry land (I sat something like, a kayak would lose send either scanned images on disc or the kayak on a couple of saw stools) to about 5% boat speed if they were left hard copy to me before May 20. get the hang of clipping the buckles attached whilst - not on your Paul Caffyn. (on the webbing on one side of the nelly! - closer to 95% I think! I tried sponsons) to the deck half buckles to catch a wave (1m) with them at- and then passing the sponsons under- tached - definitely not advisable. It neath the kayak so that the other buck- was like trying to surf a brick. les could be fastened to the other pair of buckles on the opposite side of the I can see merit in sponsons for in- deck. structional purposes particularly if the instructor had similar kayaks and It’s easier to attach the sponsons and buckles attached to each one. A tired then inflate them. It’s also a good idea paddler who had a few swims and lost to fit them so that the inflation tubes confidence could have the sponsons are between the hull and the tube - this permanently attached and whilst they stops the chance of clipping them wouldn’t make much headway they with the paddle blade. definitely wouldn’t fall out again I mean these things really make a kayak It took around 6 full lungs of air to STABLE. inflate each bag, not quite head giddy stuff but one would have to keep one’s Peter Sullivan. wits about them in a real life situation.

Did they pass the test? ADVERTISEMENT Absolute magic! I could sit on the back deck of my Slingshot, feet on the FOR SALE seat and with the cockpit half full of water with no problems - there was as Sisson Nordkapp, kevlar, high vol- light wind and mildly choppy sea. I ume deck, five years old. Excellent attempted to tip the craft over with the condition, little use. Offers over $2,100 sponsons attached and had to almost considered. crawl out of the kayak and throw myself over the side before it eventu- contact: Gary Walls-Rewwick ally capsized. Nelson: Ph (03) 546 7037

I found it easier to start paddling (ie

3 No. 68 April - May 1997

Jenny O’Donnell first aid, Conrad ferry and two moored yachts had just 1997 KASK FORUM Edwards paddles and paddling tech- departed from the island wharf. I could nique, while Glyn Dickson hosted a see the DOC ranger on his four wheeler Worser Bay, discussion on kayak racing. watching us with a puzzled expres- sion on his face. ‘You must be’ ... long Wellington. During the morning, scudding low pause ... ‘kayakers!’ clouds and a freshening north-west- All bar one of the teams met up and Wellington’s reputation for windy erly announced the impending arrival pitched camp by dusk, on a gravel weather is certainly ensconced in the of a cold front. The plan for Friday beach 200m north of the Hutt River minds of the 110 hardy paddlers who afternoon was a paddle to Ward Is- mouth. A broad dune ridge hid all attended the Ninth Annual KASK land, but rain and a 25 knot wind sight and sound of nearby Petone, but Forum at Worser Bay. The organiza- gusting to 35 knots left a white capped the tent village was close enough for tion and management were the best angry sea and kayaks requiring teth- two enterprising likely lads from Nel- ever, the lectures ran on time, no com- ering around the club rooms. Fortu- son, who were travelling light, to have plaints about the venue and food, and nately the rain and wind did not takeaway pizzas delivered. Libby the overnighters returned on schedule dampen the enthusiasm for paddling, O’Connor’s team arrived after dark, to Worser Bay despite a few anxious and lecturers from the morning ses- guided to shore by a flashing strobe moments in a brisk nor-wester. sions took participants out for prac- light, set on top of a wigwam shaped tice on the water. The south side of the tower of paddles. Sharp 20-20 eye- Worser Bay lies on the western side of rocky promontory offered moderate sight with the aid of binoculars picked the Wellington Harbour entrance, a shelter from the chop for trialing of up the team’s approach, and what few minutes drive from the airport. rescue techniques, and superb surfing appeared to be tiny lights at a dis- On a small rocky promontory, three conditions were enjoyed by those who tance, were in fact pieces of reflective club houses are nestled at the water’s ventured further afield. tape attached to lifejackets, reflecting edge. The Worser Bay Yacht back the strobe flashes. Clubrooms hosted the dining and main Following the KASK AGM, and an lectures, while the scout hall and row- excellent buffet style dinner, Malcolm In view of another cold front in the ing clubrooms served for accommo- Gunn entertained the forum with a offing, the choice of overnighting on dation and lectures. superb slide show of a kayaking expe- this beach was wise, and the evening dition to South America (Trip Report spent around a driftwood fire, with a The management team, comprising in the KASK newsletter No.62). magnificent view of the motorway members of the Ruahine Whitewater and harbour lights in the background, Club, had arranged an informative Saturday morning began with a an- was great for socializing and telling presentation pack, with help from the other five concurrent sessions, includ- tale tales and true. Maritime Safety Authority, that was ing Libby 0’Connor on trip leadership passed out to paddlers registering on and planning, Bevan Walker on kayak Dawn brought a freshening north- the Thursday night. Two slide shows sailing, and Paul Caffyn on skin kay- wester. The South Island paddlers followed, the first by Conrad Edwards aks, plus two repeat sessions. Gary planned to head around the head of the on the Voyage of the Blue Fox (a Coventry of RFD (safety equipment harbour to leave their boats at the folboat) from Farewell Spit to Picton, supplier) then conducted a live flare ferry terminal, then taxi back to Worser and the second by Max and Phil Hand- session on the beach with opportunity Bay, while the remaining teams, act- ford on two Fiordland kayak Expedi- for paddlers to fire out of date flares. ing on a yachtie’s advice, paddled tions. The planning and approval by various north to the Petone Jetty with the aim agencies had proved a nightmare for of passing on the north side of Soames Up to five sessions running concur- Max Grant, but was worth all the Island, then downwind to Worser Bay. rently filled Friday morning, with a effort. Two double kayaks in the vanguard diversity of talented speakers many of were well downwind for Soames, with whom we had not heard at previous After lunch, the sea and weather con- two other large groups near the jetty forums; John Snook with kayak ditions were perfect for all the teams when the cold front struck in earnest. strength and fitness, Dave Herrington setting out on an overnight paddle up Twenty five knot winds, gusting to 35 with weather and sea conditions, Max the harbour to a beach by the Hutt knots, quickly created a bouncy white- Grant with the sea kayaker at risk and River mouth. Most went out around capping chop, good surfing condi- surf landings and launchings, Mike Ward Island then either directly to the tions for some, but very intimidating Rowley with navigation, John Dobbie beach or via Soames Island. The day for those not as experienced. The two with producing kayaks and kayak was perfect, and the view from the top groups plugged slowly back towards parts, Ken Parlane with gear for gear of Soames Island with a full pano- the beach, stopped for a breather, then freaks, and Ma’ara Ave with practical rama of Wellington Harbour was hugged the coast towards the ferry rescue techniques. Peter Sullivan cov- magic. Two of us were walking back terminal. And as quickly as the wind ered customizing and packing sea from the gun emplacements on top of picked up, it eased to under 15 knots, kayaks, Maxine Handford and Dr. the island at 5pm. The last tourist and allowed a change of course di-

4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter rectly back to Worser Bay. nighter. Prior to the Picton overnighter more into the waves which sorted him teams leaving, Mark Hutson was given out nicely. Then suddenly a paddler Despite the trying conditions, group a list from each team leader of pad- ‘freaked out’, turned 90˚ to the group, discipline was generally good, the only dlers in their group. This allowed for paddling off directly downwind. He drama occurring with an overseas easy tallying that everyone was ac- called out, “I can’t handle these con- paddler, who unfortunately had told counted for both at Mistletoe Bay and ditions; I’ve never been out on rough everyone how good he was, losing the on return to Picton. water.” Max Grant requested that he plot. Grant Rochfort stuck with him, stay with the group and I backed Max quickly rescued him after a capsize, Despite the inclement weather, the up. However the guy had obviously but faced with the prospect of drifting 1997 KASK Forum was one of the lost the plot and was paddling directly with the two kayaks before the wind best ever. Big mobs of thanks to the downwind like a man possessed. to Eastbourne, called up the Coast- organizing team from the Ruahine Something had to be done quickly so guard on his VHF radio and a swift Whitewater Club: Max Grant, Libby I offered to get him to the beach and rescue mission was undertaken with O’Connor, Dave Herrington, Melanie set off in hot pursuit. the paddler taken back to Worser Bay. Grant, Graham McIntyre, Ken Parlane and Catherine Brown. And to the Hindsight is a real pain sometimes as In view of the shipping movements in Wellington team of Conrad Edwards it makes you look at your mistakes and out of the harbour, the Port Au- who sorted accommodation, John and as I hate making mistakes, I’m thorities were advised of numbers and Brown who organized transport to embarrassed to admit to this one. I timing of teams on the water. and from the ferry, and Brent Harrison tried to coax the paddler to the shore who arranged the catering. Apologies but he was having difficulty balanc- After lunch, debriefing sessions were to anyone I have missed off the list. ing as the waves went under him. conducted on the overnighter paddle What I should have done is physically and the forum. With regard to the Paul Caffyn turned his boat so that his bow was overnighter, the question of better facing into the wind and waves and set communication on the water both be- KAMIKAZE him on a ferry glide angle, which tween groups and to the port/rescue would have made it easier for him to authorities was raised. Although most KAYAKER balance. Anyway the inevitable oc- groups had a cellphone with them, Incident Report from the KASK curred and he fell out. I told him to these could not be used in the trying hold onto his boat and paddle, and this conditions. At least one VHF radio Forum. he did. He started to turn the boat up per group would have been better. by Grant Rochfort the right way and I asked him not to, Comments on the venue, food, lecture but it was too late now, so I had to deal sessions and organization were all I had been looking forward to the with a cockpit full of water. After positive. Mapua, near Nelson, was KASK Forum for several weeks. What tipping the boat back over, I performed chosen for the 10th Anniversary a great opportunity to meet fellow sea a T rescue to empty most of the water KASK Forum, with John Dobbie as kayakers and share ideas, experiences and then pulled the boat alongside the delegated KASK forum commit- and different techniques an skills. mine, with his bow pointing at my tee member. stern. Importantly, his boat was to This article is really an incident report windward of me as it easier to brace In retrospect my only niggle of the relating to our return from the ‘scenic’ the empty boat and as the rescuer you weekend relates to the organization of untouched beauty of Petone Beach. can see the oncoming waves and lift the overnight paddle by way of com- We left the campsite in three main the windward rail so that the waves parison to Mark Hutson’s organiza- groups with a couple of experienced pass under the boat and don’t throw it tion of the 1996 Picton Forum’s pad- paddlers acting as tail end charlies around or end up refilling the cockpit. dle to Mistletoe Bay (KASK News- supporting the leaders of the groups. letter 62). Although a full briefing for As the wind was increasing from the Next I got the paddler to give me his the Wellington overnight paddle was north, the groups snuck along the paddle. The paddles were then laid planned, it didn’t eventuate. One team Petone foreshore to Petone Wharf, a across the cockpits to help stabilize leader did not know the location of the point almost directly upwind from the kayaks. I then got the paddler to camping beach. In retrospect all the Soames Island, the idea being to avoid come from the rear of his boat, be- paddlers should have been briefed on the less experienced paddlers having tween the two boats and hold on to the the route, tide times, weather forecast to deal with a cross wind and cross rear of his cockpit with his left hand, and location of the main shipping sea. As we proceeded towards Soames, and the front of my cockpit with his channel prior to leaving Worser Bay. we still encountered a slight cross sea. right hand. He was then asked to lie Although lists of paddlers and their However the group was making steady back and put his left foot in his cockpit equipment were compiled prior to the progress without too much trouble. A and his right foot on my boat. I ex- Friday afternoon on-the-water ses- Malaysian chap was having a little plained to him that on the count of sions, there was not an accurate list- trouble and I went over to him and three I was going to get him to lift ing of paddlers leaving for the over- suggested he point his bow a little himself. On three he lifted and I

5 No. 68 April - May 1997 squeezed the boats together, which aware of the bulk of the participants got the boats under the paddler being being made aware that conditions were assisted. He then slid into the cockpit likely to be rough and that there was a KAYAK REVIEW and I gave him my pump and told him bail out option, a trailer was available From: Glyn Dickson to start pumping. to get back to Worser Bay. Please find enclosed a review of the I would like to point out at this time 2. If I or the participant had been ’97 Slingshot written by Mike Hayes. this was a real rescue in quite rough carrying sponsons, the balance prob- Mike was our first retail Slingshot conditions and there was absolutely lem could have been easily overcome. buyer, and these are his comments no problem with the paddler being following several months paddling crunched between the two boats and it 3. In my opinion, the group to leader the new beast. was not physically hard to keep the ratio was way too large and this may two boats separated. Some say you have led to the lack of monitoring I PADDLING PERFECTION”S should bring the paddler in on the observed. If the participants were regu- MIGHTY ’97 SLINGSHOT outside of the two boats, but I have larly asked how they were going, the The winner of Open, Senior, & Mas- found in practice that it is physically paddler involved may have been iden- ters Divisions in the February 1997 hard for the person to drag themselves tified as having a problem before he “Gulf Busters”Ocean Kayak Cham- up onto the boat, and there is a ten- ‘freaked out’. Which would have had pionship, confirms my belief that there dency for the boat to tip to a stage the effect of a decision on dealing are few quantum leaps in kayak de- where the cockpit gets more water in with the problem, may have been dealt sign. Paddling Perfection in the form it. At this stage, the situation wasn’t with instead of the leader being forced of the ’97 “Slingshot”, have achieved too serious and I decided to keep it to react. through incremental design progres- that way. His boat didn’t have paddle sion from Racing Surf Ski via MkI, float straps. Unfortunately while I was 4. The participant did not take self MkII, and Mk1.5, the state of the art trying to lash a paddle to his boat, the responsibility and over relied on the Cruiser/Racer, or should that be Racer/ was washed away out group to look after him. Cruiser? The Cruiser/Racer tag is jus- from the bungy and floated away. (I tified when we learn the ’97 Slingshot now connect my paddle float by a 5. The participant overestimated his has more storage volume (a function bungy which is tied on and long own ability and underestimated the of length) than Paddling Perfection’s enough to use the float. potential for rough conditions. He was Sea Bear I, long considered “King of also late for the briefing. the Cruisers”, with justification for I believed the risk of repeated swims the Racer/Cruiser label being the im- and possible hypothermia was too 6. We all have the responsibility to peccable racing record. high, so I contacted Wellington Radio ourselves and others in our trips to at on my VHF radio and requested as- least discuss any fears or doubts we At 5.65m overall, with a maximum sistance. I gave my position by means may have with the group leader be- beam of 0.52m carried well into the of visual transits of prominent land- fore we leave the beach. One person ends, a speed promoting waterline marks and was advised help would be can put a whole group at risk. that runs on forever, and a customer 20 minutes away. I got the paddler to specified weight between 16 and 20 put on my pogies and his hat on, and I was concerned that with so many kg in epoxy modified kevlar lami- after about 10 minutes, I stuck my paddlers on the water, there was not a nates, the ’97 Slingshot is a lean, paddle in the air and waved it. switched on radio in each group, so mean machine. that we could let each other and rescue Later in the day,I rang the Coast- services know exactly what was go- To a paddler with hours on the water, guard to find out what they saw first. ing on. This resulted in quite a bit of adding up in the log or paddling CV, They advised me that in the rough radio conversation going on between the engineering logic and paddling water, the boats were invisible but Police and Coastguard, trying to work experience of the design/build team is that the paddle, a black carbon wing, out where all the kayakers were. evident in the many facets of the ’97 stood out like ‘dog’s balls’. {The res- Slingshots appearance, sophisticated cued paddler was then taken on the I hope I haven’t put any noses out of features, systems, and construction. inflatable rescue boat back to Worser joint with this article as this is not my Peter Sullivan of Christchurch Bay, while Grant paddled back up- intention, but I was asked to write this launched his ground breaking origi- wind towards his group.} article and as I have considerable ex- nal Slingshot in 1990, and Paddling perience and training in risk manage- Perfection’s ’97 Slingshot retains the There are a few things in my opin- ment, I felt it was important for us to performance, ergonomics, and posi- ion that could have avoided this spot the lemons and learn a few les- tive handling characteristics of the incident. sons to avoid future incidents. earlier Slingshots, while negatives 1. At the morning briefing, the partici- such as limited initial stability for first pants were made aware of the forecast Grant Rochfort. time users, have been eliminated. for strong winds however I was not

6 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter Beam has increased from 0.47m to lish, (hip control or edging) to the boat 0.52m in the area immediately fore when surfing or negotiating rough DISCUSSION PAPER and aft of the cockpit. The additional water. When seated, the paddler car- volume in this area flares from the ries his/her knees fairly high, prevent- Psychological Aspects waterline to the hull/deck intersec- ing hamstring tightness and again add- tion and is responsible for the in- ing to boat control through contact of Sea Kayaking creased stability and smooth progres- with the shaped deck at the fore end of by Paul Caffyn sion from primary to secondary sta- the cockpit, and the knee box situated bility which puts the “CONFIDENT” between the paddler’s knees. The foot Cave diving is a sport that requires a feel into the ’97 Slingshot for pad- brace/foot pedal unit is the best in the high degree of planning, training, dlers stepping up from beamier (read industry, easily adjustable Whitewa- mind control and judgemental deci- slower) craft. Modifications to the ter style via two punched alloy straps sion making. My cave diving experi- bow have improved speed upwind located by toggles either side of the ence is limited to three dives; in Easter into steep chop and the wave shed- cockpit. The optional bilge pump Cave in Western Australia, the ding ability of the new deck profile, mounts behind the foot brace mould- Riwaka Resurgence near Nelson and coupled with the increased freeboard ing, and is operated by a foot pedal Cave Creek on the West Coast. The forward have advanced the Slingshot, between the rudder control pedals. Cave Creek dive was in less than already with legendary downwind Pump capacity is around 18 litres per 20cm visibility on the return trip, flip- speed, to the status of “Downwind minute, making it possible to pump pers having stirred up sediment on the Freak”. the cockpit dry within a couple of passage floor, and absolute mind con- minutes of a re-entry and roll. Rolling trol was necessary on my part to pre- The semi flush fitting moulded rubber the ’97 Slingshot comes naturally vent panic. Since those trips, I have hatch covers, initially needing some given the relative snugness of the brac- always maintained an interest in cave practice to replace after packing, are ing afforded by the excellent seat, diving, and some months ago was lent now WATERTIGHT and are pres- foot brace, knee box and deck shape. a book on ‘Mixed Gas Diving’ edited sure tested before leaving the factory by Tom Mount & Bret Gilliam. One as part of the overall QA process. The If all of my comments above sound chapter in particular seemed so perti- rear hatch is offset from centre to like an advertisement conceived to nent to sea kayaking, a chapter on the provide clear deck space for split spare sell ’97 Slingshots, you are in some physiological aspects of cave diving. paddles, which are carried in a ways right, as I could be considered a I have drawn heavily on the material moulded recess cunningly styled as a “Slingshot Aficionado”. My only from this chapter for the following rear deck feature. There is also a gripes, a rear hatch fairing which flexes discussion paper. moulded-in paddle shaft retainer lo- too greatly when towing line and pad- cated on the deck immediately aft of dle float are stored under the bungies In a stress situation on the water, an the cockpit, designed to assist with provided, and a plastic knob (hand individual’s determination is probably paddle float re-entries. Other deck pull) attached to the rudder down line one the greatest single survival fac- features run to a textured finish under which inevitably trails over the side of tors. And one of the main problems the deck bungies to prevent scratch- the boat and rattles against the hull. with sea kayaking is paddler stress, ing of the deck by drink bottles, in choosing which survival skills to sunnies, flares, etc., a subtle, barely For the paddler who aspires to the use when faced with a real or per- visible flat on the fore deck for com- Porsche/Ferrari end of the sea kayak ceived threat. It is well documented pass mounting, and a moulded rudder market, the ’97 Slingshot has your that people react to stress through a park which retains the rudder blade name on it! As perfection as it gets, survival response that employs both when playing in rock gardens. there are still one or two modifica- physiological and psychological in- tions I would like to see. As we all stincts that includes the use of The snug fitting cockpit is a work of know the absolutely, positively, per- overlearned emergency skills and art, designed/engineered to balance fect sea kayak has not been conceived, techniques. the equation of power input, stability, designed and built yet, but as my and Eskimo rollability. The seat is set article started out, good design owes a Forum and instruction weekend lec- well forward of the back of the cock- great deal to evolution. tures and discussions, examples of pit and forms the bulkhead for the aft paddling emergencies and their solu- compartment. With no sand, grit or Mike Hayes tions, and even non-stress related shell able to lodge under or behind the Owner ’97 Slingshot #4 practice of paddling and rescue skills seat, keeping the cockpit clean is an May 1997 in a swimming pool, will not develop easy matter. Island. the required subconscious reaction needed to handle a true life threaten- Demonstrating the ’97 Slingshot I have ing situation on the water. yet to come across anyone who has not felt comfortable in this hip hug- To control stress, paddlers must be ging seat which transmits body Eng- exposed to specific controlled exer-

7 No. 68 April - May 1997 cises during training that stimulate mental block rather than a physical opment. An ‘I can do it’ philosophy ‘realistic and stressful’ situations that skills block. will evolve with patience, practice of paddlers may face during their pad- realistic training drills and mental dling career. These exercises allow To develop safe paddlers, we must preparation utilizing visualization mind and body to work together and produce training that allows a paddler techniques. develop the necessary skills which to develop a belief system of self con- may one day allow a paddler to a life fidence, responsibility and awareness There is a significant difference be- - their own or some other paddler. on the water; an awareness that can tween controlled emergency skills handle any emergency up to the level and actual paddling emergencies; for The knowledge and skills described of their skills. To help develop this example the difference between a self are designed to help a technical pad- attitude, paddlers must be introduced rescue in a warm swimming pool and dler to develop instinctive and effec- to exercises in stress control. offshore on a choppy sea that will tive survival reactions. Open water quickly induce a hypothermic situa- exercises use various forms of stress The state of mind regarding limiting tion while a paddler remains in cold inducing techniques such as time situations is significant; the paddler water. pressure, task loading, physical exer- who feels they will capsize when the tion, and ego threat. When wind lifts over 25 knots invariably To develop an attitude of confidence overlearned, these skills pay a divi- will capsize, while the paddler who in a paddler’s ability to cope with a dend in group or self rescue. feels they will not capsize in the same real emergency, pool or open water situation will invariably stay upright. exercises must incorporate stress Teaching paddlers to recognize and To experienced paddlers, a 25 knot management discipline. Self reliance deal with stress during paddling is the plus wind creates good surfing con- and not dependency on others or area of paddler training that is the ditions, while to less experienced pad- equipment should be the goal of pad- most crucial and least developed with dlers, an intimidating situation where dler training. instruction. Dealing with stress is a paddlers have been known to totally crucial element of paddling in the lose the plot and freeze up. Paddlers Common sense is an inherent and event of something going seriously have survived almost unimaginable learned trait. The development of wrong. Taking this concept one step situations simply because of a posi- common sense to the point of reflex further, it is the overall attitude and tive frame of mind, believing they behaviour that can be relied upon in outlook of a paddler towards the stress could survive. new kayaking situations takes time of a moment that in fact determines and progressive building up of expe- the degree of safe paddling perform- Frame of mind can control our fate. rience. It must incorporate the follow- ance. Thus knowledge of the psycho- A positive frame of mind invariably ing: logical aspects of stress - understand- achieves success. If we believe we 1.theoretical aspects and practical ing stress, detecting stress and man- cannot succeed, our mind programs considerations of the paddling and agement of stress - must be developed failure. If we believe we can succeed, rescue skills involved by a paddler. our mind will program our success. 2. overlearning of practical paddling and emergency rescue skills Psychological Aspects of paddling When considering the psychological 3. an in depth appraisal of specific I would like to define three catego- aspects of paddling, becoming attuned conditions paddled, tides, tidal ries of paddlers: to the present situation and your needs streams, weather, landings etc 1. those fully aware of their level or along with those of your co-paddlers, 4. practical application of the knowl- limits of skill, knowledge and expe- is an absolute must. Perceived dan- edge rience, and stay within those limits gers become the actual dangers. 6. visualization when paddling. 7. skill maintenance 2. those who underestimate their level ATTITUDE or limit of skill, knowledge and ex- Mental outlook towards a specific With common sense an individual can perience, and paddle well under their objective - make calm reasonable decisions, limits when paddling To develop a safe paddling attitude, demonstrating sound judgemental 3. those who overestimate their level one must be knowledgeable about the decision making. To use common of skill, knowledge and experience, skills needed for changing weather, sense, a paddler must have a thorough and venture into sea conditions that tide and sea conditions. Knowledge base of knowledge and understand- are well beyond their limit. of all inherent dangers, physiological ing about the weather, sea, tides, tidal and environmental, combined with streams, equipment, paddling and It is a paddler’s frame of mind or atti- preventative steps and emergency both self and group rescue techniques. tude that dictates the reaction of their skills is needed to develop confidence. body. What we think, we are capable Training exercises which allow a pad- Self discipline and self honesty is of doing, is exactly what we are able dler to control and overcome stress paramount in developing a beneficial to do. We establish our own limita- in emergency situations assist in con- attitude and philosophy. Self disci- tions, and that limit can often be a fidence building and attitude devel- pline is the ability to:

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter - react to conditions based on com- group. Thus a paddling plan does not skills must allow a paddler to develop mon sense, logic and level of skills overextend personal abilities, sec- a database of situations to reference - to maintain the decision even if ondly the paddle is limited to the when an emergency is occurs. Train- tempted to do otherwise mental and physical skill of one’s co- ing activities that include visualiza- paddler as well as your personal capa- tion techniques, mental and physical Self honesty is the insight to know bilities. For a large group, the trip exercises in the safety of a pool or ones own limitations, desires and must not be beyond the limits of the controlled on open water, can be used needs. skill and experience of the weakest to develop this database from which paddler in the group. to draw upon in an actual emergency. Visualization is a very positive con- This enables us to achieve a condi- tributor to developing these traits and PADDLER STRESS tioned mind for reacting to stress and in expanding our limitations. Visuali- Stress is an emotional factor that awareness that it can be dealt with. In zation is the process of creating in causes mental or physical tension. short, self confidence drills develop your mind, realistic situations that Stress alters the state of equilibrium the ‘I can’ attitude that is the founda- may occur on the water, and working in an individual. Simply stated, stress tion for a philosophy of survival. through these on how best to react and modifies performance. With adequate deal with these situations. realistic training, the initial discom- Mental narrowing is an early reac- fort of stress is replaced by a sense of tion to stress. This inhibits the ability Just as the implementation of com- ease once we adapt to new environ- to analyse the environment and the mon sense used in a paddling envi- mental and equipment changes. But moment. It also limits the skills and ronment must be developed through what if the unexpected occurs? It is amount of knowledge brought to bear training and experience, so must our here accidents occur and it is for this on the problem. feelings of self honesty and will reason that stress management exer- power to enforce our self discipline. cises, both physical and mental should Perceptional Narrowing is an early be included in a well structured pad- symptom of stress. Our perceived re- Intuition, that little understood sixth dling education. ality is what we normally react to. sense is one of a person’s most de- Thus as stress increases our percep- pendable decision making guides. To Physiologically the reaction to stress tion of the problem may be worse than develop intuition, a base line of pad- is evidenced by increased heart rate, the actual problem. Therefore it is dling skills and knowledge must be release of adrenalin and increased res- imperative that we have overlearned ingrained through training skills and piration. Of these three reactions, we rescue skills under controlled stress progressive building up of paddling can control respiration through con- situations to avoid an ‘end of the experience. Once the mind has suffi- scious effort. At the first sign of un- world’ perception of an emergency. cient understanding, intuition will, if easiness, stop all activity, exhale one listens, make itself known. At this and inhale slowly for a full inspira- Analytical narrowing occurs under point the paddler who is mentally in tion. Repeat this slow breathing for stress and is frequently associated tune, will be able to make accurate three respiratory cycles while remain- with events that lead to an accident. decisions based on input from the ing still. The stress stimuli will come What is perceived as an equipment logical mind, emotions and intuition. under control with the establishment malfunction, may be a paddler stress With the review of these three proc- of controlled breathing. problem. esses taking place, correct decisions are made. Behavioural changes induced by Response Narrowing is another side stress may become life threatening. If of stress and its effects are enhanced Assumption of responsibilities is es- left unchecked these changes may by forgotten skills. The skills that are sential as a paddler matures. There are lead to panic. Panic is the greatest forgotten are those learned poorly ini- three major areas of responsibility for threat to survival. Panic is the point tially or not practised. Unfortunately paddlers: where control is totally lost and a in the concept of paddler training to- - to yourself paddler may react contrary to safe day, many survival skills fall into this - to co-paddlers rescue practices. Panic indicates a category. Emergency skills must be - to the paddling community breaking point where mind and body overlearned skills. no longer work together. It is as if the The self responsible and self aware mind shuts off and the body reacts Other behavioural effects are pro- paddler thinks ahead and anticipates independently. Panic can be life duced by errors in research, judge- the events of an offshore paddling threatening. It can be the result of a ment, common mistakes, careless- adventure. reaction to a perceived danger, more ness, and failure to properly plan trips. so than to a real danger. Because of Co-paddler responsibility incorpo- this perception of a situation, rather What produces stress in the sea kayak- rates a self reliant co-paddler system. than a logical evaluation of the cir- ing environment? Basically the fac- A group paddle must be within the cumstances, it is prudent to be trained tors that contribute to stress anywhere ability range of each paddler in the with self confidence skills. Training except they are compounded by be-

9 No. 68 April - May 1997 ing on the water. training and visualization exercises PRACTICE AND that are stress control related will en- MAINTENANCE OF SKILLS The following are the prominent fac- able a paddler to form the basis for Paddlers generally learn their pad- tors of paddler stress: anticipating events that may or may dling and survival skills in calm con- Time Constraints - simply racing not occur during a paddle. Physiologi- ditions, in a warm swimming pool or against the clock; this can be as sim- cal control via mind control is the sheltered bay. However life threaten- ple as breaking camp and loading kay- most effective means of coping with ing, stressful situations generally oc- aks when one paddler is much slower stress. Visualization is one of the most cur in strong winds and/or rough sea than the rest; or racing back to meet a effective ways to direct and control conditions, with wind chill and cold time commitment when the weather stress and human performance. water adding to the stress. Thus the is worse than marginal. skills learned in calm conditions must A final phase in developing a realis- be practised in real life offshore situ- Task Loading: this is produced by tic philosophy is that of risk analysis ations, bracing, rolling, group rescue, compounding the number of tasks an or risk management. There is a fine towing and self rescue. individual must perform at one time. line between the confident and com- petent sea paddler and the red line Many paddlers are intimidated by surf Exertion and Cold: are both stress- pusher. It is a fine line to cross but landings and launchings. The only ful to all of us. I’m sure all paddlers one that exists and may be totally un- way to build up confidence in surf, is can recall a time when feeling either forgiving and demanding. This occurs not in a swimming pool, but by prac- exhausted from a long day of paddling in all extremes of outdoor sports tising and playing in surf. To reinforce or extremely cold, which led to a where record holders and adventur- the message, I would like to pass on greater stressload than normal dur- ers prevail. As in all activities, there two examples of both negative and ing a paddle. is a higher price to pay as the limits positive frames of mind in dealing are pushed more severely. The true with intimidating situations. Ego Threat: a subtle threat but a po- explorer accepts total risk, which may tential threat to paddling emergencies. result in loss of life or permanent body One of the greyest episodes in my For instance when a paddler is goaded injury, and values the resultant activ- paddling career occurred on the into conditions beyond them by de- ity to be worth the price. Coorong Coast in South Australia. meaning remarks about their abilities, Facing a mile width of breaking surf particularly when the abilities of the Symptoms of stress prior to a break-out, I was intimidated paddler are underestimated. Detection of stress: detecting and re- by the size of the breakers and went acting to stress is an art all sea kayak- out with a negative frame of mind. I Physical Threat: is when something ing instructors and group leaders had worked myself into a tizz to the is perceived that is about to cause you should be familiar with: point of convincing myself it was harm. It may be an impending cold impossible to break-out. I was trashed front, a fast approaching vessel or a Pre-Paddle: nervous gestures, ex- in the surf, lost the plot and nearly my triangular shaped fin slicing toward treme withdrawal, frequent clearing life. Seven days later, having bullied the stern of the kayak. of the throat, fixation with pieces of the brain into thinking positively, I equipment, clumsiness in donning made an easy break-out. Mind you the Compounding sources of stress are gear, loading the boat and entering the surf had settled a whisker. most often the culprit in paddling acci- cockpit dents; when two or more sources of Leader’s Reaction: talk calmly and However on a brighter note, when stress present themselves at the same reassure the paddler; remain with faced with a similar situation in the time. them until they become relaxed. Go Gulf of Alaska, huge open smoking over the paddle plan with them, and surf beaches, I spent five months Controlling stress is of major impor- discuss their concerns. Point out all training on a wave ski in the West tance to paddlers. One of the major the tricks of the trade to make the pad- Coast surf. Not only were my physi- ways to be prepared for dealing with dle an enjoyable experience. cal skills of balance, bracing and roll- stress is the process of overlearning and ing honed to perfection, but my mind maintenance of skills, mastery of good During the Paddle: wild eyed look, was also sharply tuned to be comfort- paddling technique, group and self res- white knuckles, failure to respond to able (I wouldn’t say relaxed) in the cue skills, weather and sea information voice or hand signal communications; intimidating environment of West and good equipment, plus maintaining losing physical coordination; lack of Coast surf. And it worked. For the first a reasonable level of fitness. balance in the kayak; freezing up; time ever, the big breakouts and land- Leader’s Reaction: make eye contact; ings through nigh on a mile of surf One of the most important tools in signal to stop and undertake slow deep were accomplished with a smile on stress management is mind control breathing; communicate and reassure my face. The result of both prior visu- through the visualization process. the paddler that all is OK. Once back alization of what I would face and Anticipation is a key means of avoid- on shore, debrief the paddler and dis- sound physical and mental preparation. ing a panic reaction to stress. Again cuss it as a learning experience. Paul Caffyn

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter with a marvellous narrative, which is BOOK REVIEW hard to put down. A blend of dia- Subject: Sea Kayak logue, descriptive passages of sights, Title: ‘New York to Nome’ sounds and scenes, vignettes of the Racing Subtitle: ‘The Northwest Passage by fascinating backwoods characters they from: Peter Sullivan Canoe’ met, snippets of history, and blunt A few questions and statements re sea Author: Rick Steber, from the recol- vocal encounters between the two boys kayak racing and what constitutes a lections of Shell Taylor. bring the story to life. The characters sea kayak. Published: 1987 of Shell and Jeff are poles apart. Shell Publisher: North River Press, Box 241, was the driven man with heaps of What would you have done if official- Croton-on-Hudson, New York. drive, and determined to achieve the dom had told you that you couldn’t ISBN: 0-88427-073-4 daily average mileage set, while Jeff paddle around Australasia, and the Subject: A canoe trip from New York, was difficult to rouse from sleep early remainder of the universe as we know across the rivers and lakes of North morning, and lacked a sense of hu- it because it was too dangerous? America to Nome. mour. Although at the outset, one of Cover: Hardback their commandments was that any Why is it, that what you have achieved Contents: 168 pages, 2 maps, four disagreement was to be settled by the in the sport has been heralded as OK sections of black & white photos, two toss of a coin, Shell tended to push -(don’t tell me you didn’t take calcu- maps. decisions on Jeff. On their last day lated risks) and yet doing an 80 km Size: 165 x 240mm before reaching the north mouth of kayak race is so abhorrent??? I can’t RRP: US$17.50 the Yukon River, Shell pushed one get to grips with your reasoning on Reviewed by: Paul Caffyn decision too many on Jeff and they this one old son! I’ve done a lot of landed to settle things by Marquis of racing (extremely enjoyable) and a This book has only one short chapter Queensbury rules. The bruising fight fair amount of sea kayaking (even on paddling on the ocean, but it is a was a draw, and left both boys bruised more so) and can see the arguments classic paddling adventure. In 1936, and battered. A press clipping included from both sides. For the record, I opt America was mired in the depths of in one of the photo sections noted not to race sea kayaks although I must the depression. Two young publish- their ten commandments of friend- admit I have done so. I see absolutely ing company clerks, Shell Taylor and ship, and not revealed in the book, the no reason why I or KASK should stop Jeff Pope, made a spur of the moment seventh commandment was, ‘We re- others from doing so if that’s what decision to make a northwest passage solve not to settle any differences they choose to do. through the rivers and lakes of North with our fists’. America from New York on the Hud- But Shell admits in the epilogue that I agree entirely with you that sea son River to Nome on the Pacific the two of them were a: kayaking is a recreational pastime (I Coast of Alaska. Bankrolled by Shell’s perfect blend to make the expedition was offered a plane ticket a while nightclub singing sister, Muriel, whose a success. If we had both been like back to compete in one of their long name christened their ancient wood him, we would still be paddling up races in Auckland but declined) - but and canvas Canadian canoe, the two the Hudson. And if we were both - these guys are adamant that they are boys set off in a blaze of publicity like me, we probably would have going to race sea kayaks and if neces- from New York on 25 April. Six driven each other into the ground. sary they will amalgamate with an- months later, as winter began to set in, The blend, the team, it worked. other organisation if need be. they reached Fort Smith in the Cana- dian Northwest Territories, and win- An epilogue nicely rounds off the They are still racing in sea kayaks and tered over. In May 1937, they began book, briefly tracing the lives of both the flak will be ours to behold (espe- paddling again as the frozen over riv- men up to 1987. A double page map cially from the media - the multisport ers began breaking up. From the Mac- inside both end covers shows the over- race in Christchurch is evidence to kenzie River, they poled and portaged all route covered, while a selection of this) so I really feel it would be better up the Peel and Rat rivers, over the black and white photographs add to for KASK to embrace them. divide and down the Yukon River to the ‘colour’ of the narrative. the sea. From the Yukon mouth, they Let the Auckland committee which is paddled and sailed along the Alaskan Unfortunately this book is not on sale setting out the aims and objectives at coast, completing their trip on 11 in New Zealand to my knowledge. I present do (and doing a good job I August 1937. The two boys had cov- can only suggest trying the interloan might add) everything and give us the ered a distance of 7,165 miles. library service to get hold of this clas- opportunity to ratify or otherwise the sic paddling adventure. safety issues rather than have them The book is written by Rick Steber, a join another body (which hasn’t got a newspaper columnist, from the recol- Paul Caffyn. clue on what the sea can do to mere lections of Shell Taylor. Although 50 mortals). years since the trip, the memories of Shell Taylor are brought to vivid life, Whether we like it or not KASK will

11 No. 68 April - May 1997 still have to face up to newspaper Nordkapp. They must have done the Whether we like it or not, these races headlines like ‘Sea Kayaker drowns job asked of them by their paddlers or are going to happen, and while I ob- in race off Mana Island’ or some- I’m sure they’d have changed the viously have a commercial interest, thing. It’s not going to affect the shape smartly - so - what’s wrong what has motivated me to try and get Wildwater Racing Organisation’s or with developing a craft without the some guidelines established is the is- whoever’s kudos one little bit, but restrictions the Eskimos had ie wood sue of safety. We all agree the sea can KASK’s will be mud. bone and hide, and adapting a local be a very dangerous place, and I am product ie a surf ski to suit our condi- concerned that without guidelines I’m a little concerned that KASK could tions in epoxy, kevlar and carbon fi- being established by a credible na- face the dilemma that the now defunct bre? tional organisation, kayak races will NZCA experienced and which even- be run with very slim safety margins. tually led to it’s demise. That is, the I applaud the Auckland group for their The ill fated race in Christchurch last racing people could take over the show forward thinking in actually having year is one example. Racing from and spend hours at our AGM fine the guts to attempt to lay out a criteria Lyttelton around to Sumner, into the tuning policy for themselves and tie as to what a safe sea kayak should Estuary and up the Avon River, a up all our finances. I don’t believe actually look like and perform like. I number of boats entered were of this should be allowed happen and only hope that designers sit up and flatwater racing origins, and clearly surely some person/s could have our listen to these people. It can only be not suited to the conditions likely to rules laid out so that it can’t. good for our sport. be encountered. It is my/our hope that a set of guidelines would recommend KASK can learn from the NZCA’s Let’s see what this stirs up eh?? We appropriate boat/equipment standards demise and represent all the facets of haven’t had a good correspondence for the conditions likely to be encoun- sea kayaking without the fear of pres- going since Graham Egarr published tered, while competitors would be sure groups forcing their ideals on the the articles on the pros and cons of required to have the experience and majority if we realise that we’re all in feathered and unfeathered paddles. means to re-enter their craft in case this game to enjoy ourselves. of a capsize. I believe conditions such Peter Sullivan as these would have averted the me- A few old die hards should also try dia fiasco which ultimately damaged and come to grips with the fact that Sea Kayak Racing -Sacrilege or the credibility of kayakers, including our craft don’t have to have been us in KASK. Members of the general designed in the Northern hemisphere Simply Another Part of Sea public remember these incidents only to qualify as sea kayaks and that ?? as sea kayaking accidents... skiis are here to stay whether they are From: Glyn Dickson sit on top or have bulkheads and Here in Auckland, we are in the proc- hatches! Surely the fact that they can Obviously this issue produced some ess of putting together a sea racing get from A to B quicker than a tradi- strong reactions at the KASK AGM framework, and are looking for a na- tional sea kayak must act in their in Wellington, so I am setting out the tional body through which we can cir- favour particularly from a safety point issues as I see them. culate these guidelines to gain a full of view. Sure they are only suited to national input, before they are ratified. a more experienced paddler, I’ve never Sea Kayak Racing, or perhaps more The majority of those so far involved, denied this but I invite anyone to try appropriately racing kayaks on the are already KASK members, and one out in a following 1-3m swell and sea, is gaining popularity, and if cur- KASK is our first choice as national not come out the other end without the rent indications are anything to go by, body. This is because within KASK hairs on their back all a quiver and could become a very popular sport. I there is a fantastic sea kayaking ex- knees knocking with the adrenalin enjoy racing on the sea, particularly perience base, which is the crucial part rush! I see no reason in living in a time because it introduces aspects other of what we are considering. Our main warp and I definitely don’t think Frank than brute strength and fitness to the issue is that of SAFETY. Goodman is a guru. equation, when compared to flat/shel- tered water racing. Suddenly, the ex- For KASK, I see this only as a posi- At present it seems that anyone can perienced sea kayakers can gain an tive thing. It promotes the sport of sea flick out a craft and call it a sea kayak, advantage from reading tide and wind kayaking, and encourages participa- and as long as it sort of resembles a patterns, surfing wind waves more ef- tion in a safety conscious manner. It Nordkapp it’s acceptable. I suggest to fectively, and navigating better around promotes safety, both in terms of those who seem to follow this ideal the course. The ability to handle open equipment, and in personal skills. It that almost every Aleutian tribe had water conditions, swells, and rebound- brings new paddlers into sea kayak- their own kayak design, to suit their ing waves from rocky cliffs/points all ing who start with a race, and then own needs. (Have a nosy at George become an advantage. My main water look at the other things sea kayaking Dyson’s “Baidarka” Alaska North- sport prior to kayaking was yacht rac- offers. It offers KASK input/control west books). Not too many of them ing, and sea kayak racing shares some of the standards for safety/kayak de- have the slightest resemblance to a of the same tactical considerations. sign criteria etc. And finally it requires

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter almost no extra effort from KASK as an organisation, because the people Concern that racing might “take over” already working on this are KASK or swamp KASK comes down to how members. it is managed. The problem the NZCA faced with racing was largely due to I accept that a number of KASK mem- its constitution which made it the pe- bers believe that racing on the sea is nultimate body for any canoeing or a sport devoid of finer sensibilities, kayaking issue. When disputes broke but then how many people want to out as to who was selected for the kayak around Australia, or paddle Olympic team, and those not selected 4km from Marahau and camp on the took up their grievances, the NZCA beach for a week? Does this make had the final say. Consequently any racing on the sea any less “sea kayak- if not all disputes ended up there. For ing” than the others? I say not, that it KASK, it would merely require the is merely another form of it, which appointment of a racing technical faces the same dynamics of wind and committee, which would handle the sea that all sea kayakers face. I find issues, and report back to the full com- as time goes by that the different as- mittee. pects of sea kayaking are part of its attraction. Playing in the surf one day, Hopefully due to this being aired drifting with the incoming tide in a through the Sea Canoeing Newsletter, mangrove estuary another, an easy the issue can be debated and resolved. club paddle on the harbour for begin- If KASK, in its wider membership ners, or a blast out an around a few feels it is inappropriate to include sea islands in a race. These are all sea racing guidelines under its jurisdic- kayaking experiences and the diver- tion, we will find another national sity of them makes sea kayaking a body to ratify our framework. fantastic sport. Glyn Dickson

KASK SUBSCRIPTIONS DUE

The annual subscription will now run from the end of the financial year. The books are closed at the end of February, and a reminder will be published in the Newsletter. The 1997-1998 sub. is now due. Please send $20 to; Phil Handford, KASK treasurer 104 Lake Road, Hamilton.

13 No. 68 April - May 1997

If undelivered, please return to: Peter Sullivan, 7 Monowai Cresc. New Brighton, Christchurch.. SUBSCRIPTIONS - $20 - due 28 February 1997

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