THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB ISSUE 101 | JUNE 2016

Rock ‘n’ Roll Highlights

PLUS Four Bass Strait Crossings! AGM Notice Our N.S.W. Challenge Continues Queensland Percy Group Flotsam’s Revenge 2

Above: Tim Pearse surfing in Sydney Harbour on a recent Tuesday evening paddle (Rob Mercer) Front cover: Megan Pryke leading a trip at Rock ‘n’ Roll Jimmys Beach in March 2016. Megan is a familiar paddler with the club, organiser of the successful N.S.W. Challenge, CONTENTS and now joins the elite list of Bass Strait crossing kayakers From the President’s Deck 3 From the Editor’s Desk 4 NSW Sea Kayak Club Inc. Saltiest Article 4 AGM Notice 5 PO BOX R1302, ROYAL EXCHANGE NSW 1225 Training and Technical Trip with Scenarios 6 The NSWSKC is a voluntary organisation run by members who give their time DIY Throw-rope 8 freely to the club. Membership is offered yearly. Please see the website for details Infectious Bacteria in Sydney and application. www.nswseakayaker.asn.au Harbour 10 PRESIDENT: TRIPS CONVENOR: Rock ‘n’ Roll Highlights Campbell Tiley Shaan Gresser [email protected] [email protected] RnR Wrap-up 12 RnR An Amazing Experience 14 VICE PRESIDENT: ROCK ’N ROLL COORDINATOR: RnR An Interstate Visit 16 Tony Murphy David Linco [email protected] [email protected] RnR I’ve Found my People 17 RnR It’s Good to be Alive 18 SECRETARY/TREASURER: INTERNET COORDINATOR: RnR Photo Collage 20 Alison Curtin Stephan Meyn [email protected] [email protected] Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 22 TRAINING COORDINATOR: EDITOR: To Pee at Sea (poem) 22 Stuart Trueman Steve Hitchcock Club Trips [email protected] [email protected]

NSW Recap 23 Contributions yes please! Salt the magazine of the NSW Sea Kayak Club is published three to four NSW Wattamolla to Bundeena 24 times a year by the NSW Sea Kayak Club. The NSWSKC welcomes articles relating to sea kayaking for inclusion in the Club’s magazine and website. Publication in the magazine and/or website is at the sole NSW Palm Beach to Long Reef 25 discretion of the editor. All articles submitted are subject to review by the editor who reserves the right Private Trips to reject or edit material. Please email contributions as Microsoft Word or text files. Images need to be supplied at the highest possible resolution. All material is copyright. The contributor retains underlying There and Back & There Again 26 intellectual property rights in the contribution however the contributor grants the club a global perpetual Hogan Island Paradise 30 all-media license to publish the contribution in club communications, including in print and digitally. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden without written permission from the editor, author or Hail the Sail ! 32 photographer. Advertisers must adhere to legal requirements and undertake to indemnify NSWSKC Western Bass Strait 36 against any consequences arising out of their advertisements. For further information contact the editor. A Nightmare on the Water 42 All views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the NSWSKC. Unfinished Business 44 IMPORTANT: Please review the Paddler Safety, Required Equipment, Grading System and Club Go west 50 Calendar sections of the club website.

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that they are facing as well as From the initiatives that are working well. At a more basic level this contact also fosters personal links that President’s can facilitate interstate paddling. We have agreed to support a second yearly meeting involving Deck representatives of the committees of all major state sea kayak clubs who choose to attend as well as CAMPBELL TILEY KASK to maintain and expand on the momentum from the two national I would like to open by are well placed to contribute so Sea Kayak Summits held over acknowledging the plethora of don’t hold back from volunteering recent years to date. The proposal is training opportunities on the calendar for a role just because you have to alternate between the VSKC and over recent months. This reflects not been a long-term member. We NSWSKC initially, with the Victorians’ commitment by both leaders and want balanced input from a range of turn coming up next year. instructors and, in particular, the paddling perspectives so please put Thanks to the volunteers, leaders, commitment by Stuart Trueman to your hand up. instructors and to David Linco as run assessments for Sea Instructors I regularly receive requests that RnR coordinator who have pulled off and to push potential candidates to I circulate information to the yet another excellent Rock ‘n’ Roll be assessed. An increase in Sea membership about an event weekend at Jimmys Beach. Although Instructor numbers will help foster or cause. These may be very attendee numbers were down a new Sea Guides and both will fill a worthwhile fundraising endeavours little on recent years, the weather shortfall in active leaders and should or ideological causes, often with a was perfect and the Sunday video help address the rather sparse trips marine ecology angle. My general session attracted an impressive calendar. Unfortunately a number approach has been to note that selection of excellent short films. of leaders have been ‘distracted’ the members’ emails have been The support of Expedition Kayaks from running trips by involvement provided for communication in training due to forthcoming was also much appreciated and regarding Club activities and not for assessments. Thanks also to Adrian the comprehensive display of gear members to advocate for causes. As Clayton who has continued his as well as ready advice from Rob, a result of this, I refuse approaches prominent involvement in training Sharon and Mark was well received such as this. We are looking at including a recent Sea Skills as always. As for Mark’s ukulele, the the use of a Facebook page, assessment. less said the better. independent of the Club website, Megan Pryke’s ‘NSW Challenge’ and this may provide an option for Like the Norwegian Blue I continue has been a great success with communication between members. to metaphorically ‘pine for the fjords’ the majority of legs being so well We do, however, need to understand after our Tassie west coast trip supported that additional leaders the attitude of members to receiving earlier this year. I hope to provide have been needed to run the trips. unsolicited communication of a bit more detail from the trip in the No discussion of the trips calendar material unrelated to the Club but next Salt and will enjoy the inspiring is complete without thanking Sharon generally with a marine or ecological trip reports from others in this issue. Betteridge, Rob Mercer and Owen flavour and Kimberley for their weekly paddles, I intend to Waterfront camp near Melaleuca which collectively account for more seek advice Inlet, Southwest Tasmania paddlers on the water than all other at the AGM. trips combined. Informal Please come along to the AGM networking next month (see promo on page with 5 and emails nearer the time) and interstate ensure that the Committee knows clubs what you think they should be doing! provides an Please also think about any of the opportunity Committee roles not yet filled for to hear about next year. Paddlers who have been issues and members for only a couple of years challenges

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account about paddling the Percy Group of Islands between Rockhampton and Mackay, followed by Nerissa Worwood’s induction From the to the WA paddling fraternity. Plus it’s always welcoming to receive a humorous tale from Mark Pearson, Editor’s Desk about a situation most of us must contemplate whenever we hop in STEVE HITCHCOCK our kayaks. So thanks again to all those Well my season as Editor is coming Bass Strait crossings in one edition, members who have sent in material. to a close. Hard to believe I’ve but after a sharp intake of breath, I really appreciate everything I achieved this many magazines I did. All occurred early this year, receive, and it seems from your without an editing background, but and to be fair to all participants, feedback, that you enjoy reading it well worth the journey. Don’t be all deserve the accolade that too. I hope to see you on the water afraid to put up your hand at the publishing their stories bring. I’m and expect to keep reading your AGM (or before) to take on this glad to say that each report gives a stories for years to come. exciting role, you won’t regret it! different perspective and I hope, like me, you never tire of reading such Back to the important paddling great expeditions. To the Committee stories, and of course, Rock ‘n’ Roll 2016 takes front and centre stage. After Rock ‘n’ Roll, Bass Strait and What a great R&R it was What glorious weather we had, the NSW Challenge, there wasn’t this year!! And great work and for many of us Jimmys Beach too much room left for other stories. on your behalf with the virgins, what a fantastic place to So I focused on those submissions outstanding work on the paddle and explore. Thanks David from members with wider diversity magazine! for such a great weekend.I never than NSW and Tasmania. It was Cheers, Garry Mansfield thought I would ever publish four lovely to read Sharon Betteridge’s Saltiest submission WINNER I’m pleased to announce the winner of the ‘Saltiest Article’ from Salt #100 was our accomplished Adobe CS6 software specialist, Ruby Gamble. As you may know, Ruby leads a very busy life yet still manages to submit articles and written. In Rob’s words, “Talking up to scratch any more, so these are layout the magazine, once editing is About Trips was the Saltiest article a welcome replacement!” complete. in that edition. Very high standard in On behalf of the club and the In Salt #100, Ruby highlighted general but this was a neat overview magazine, I wish to thank Rob the most frequent trip reports based on many years of club mag Mercer and Mark Sundin of that had appeared over the 25+ content.” Expedition Kayaks for donating years of the Club’s history. While Pictured is Ruby modelling her prize the shorts. I’ll be in touch with Rob the conclusions may not have from Mark. In her words; “thanks and Mark to determine the winner surprised many, the research was Mark and Rob at EK for the timely from this edition. May the saltiest all consuming, and the piece well prize. The last pants weren’t really submitter succeed!

EXPEDITION KAYAKS HAS Drop in anytime from 0830 to 3/185 Port Hacking Road, Miranda, NSW 2228 MOVED! 1800 Monday to Fridays. Phone (612) 9559 8688 or mob 0417 924 478

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A picture taken of your NSWSKC Committee at the July 2015 AGM. From left to right; Tony Murphy, Shaan Gresser, Campbell Tiley, Stephen Meyn and Steve Hitchcock. Absent were David Linco and Alison Curtin Your NSWSKC Committee – Recent News

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AGM Notice Grading operating in ‘Enclosed Waters’, but 6pm Saturday 30 July only if local conditions are limited to If you’ve recently been graded 1 no more than 27 knots. Yarra Bay Sailing Club or 2, let the Vice-President know At the time of writing, we have (Tony Murphy) and he’ll update your If forecast wind speeds exceed 27 received no nominees for the details on the club website. knots on the day of the activity, Sea Guides and Sea Instructors will following Committee positions If you’ve recently achieved grade 3 cancel the activity. where the incumbent is stepping or Leader or Guide, let the Training down at the AGM: Co-ordinator know (currently Stuart Advanced Sea Instructors are ••President Trueman), and he’ll update the club able to use their judgment when website. conducting activities exceeding ••Editor ‘Strong Wind’ conditions. ••Trips Co-ordinator Committee email addresses are inside front cover. Club Finances ••Rock ‘n’ Roll Co-ordinator Standard Operating Procedures The top three costliest items in the Please give some thought to (SOP) club are the magazine, Rock ‘n’ supporting the Club and revitalising Roll and your club insurance. The Identifying Weather Limits for the Committee by stepping into committee accepts paid advertising NSWSKC Activities the breach. Do contact us with any in the magazine, but has decided questions about any role; a smooth NSWSKC Leaders, Guides and not to accept paid advertising in the handover is all part of the service. Instructors are to only consider Club’s main website pages. So no activities based on a forecast The AGM is an opportunity for banner ads and no pop-up ads! provided by the Bureau of the Committee to seek the views New Members Meteorology and on current of the membership and for you, observations. The limits here apply Please welcome the following new the members, to raise issues or to the BOM forecast or current members next time you see them otherwise make suggestions for observations, whichever is stronger. on the water: improving the utility of the Club for Tony De La Pena, Turramurra the members. If there is a particular Australian Canoeing limit is 16 issue that you would like to raise knots for Enclosed Sea Instructor. Greg Patterson, Concord then let me know so it can be added Australian Canoeing limit is 21 Kerry Tozer, Stanmore to the agenda. knots for Sea Leader. (14 knots if Trevor Saunders, Boambee not all participants have Sea Skills.) As I mentioned in the President’s Rebecca Bestic, Willoughby Deck I will seek the views of Australian Canoeing limit is 24 John Thearle, Turramurra those present at the AGM to the knots for Sea Instructors and Sea John Curotta, Pyrmont Guides. question: “Should the Club facilitate Cameron Gee, Voyager Point communication to members by If a ‘Strong Wind Warning’ has been Troy Dunn, Killarney Vale members regarding causes or issued by the BOM for the forecast Fraser Duff, Queens Park issues that the member believes area of the activity, Sea Leaders may be of interest but which are not and Enclosed Sea Instructors will Camille James and Bev Hogg, activities that the Club is involved cancel the activity. Sea Instructors Hackett – ACT in?” and Sea Guides can consider Roy Harvey, Yarralumla – ACT

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 6 Trip with Scenarios Club Trip and Training Session 21 February 2016

BRONWYN DAVIES

Which kayak trips do you remember Dark skies and thunder greeted us thunder which was persisting. most? The very rare days when on our arrival at Wattamolla Beach Everyone was watching the dark there’s no wind and low swell, on Sunday 21 February 2016. sky, following the storm’s progress. Luckily, it had dissipated by the time absolutely! Or are they the trips The forecast for Sunday was cloudy we were ready to launch. where the conditions challenge and with winds 10 to 15 knots, first swell extend you beyond your comfort south easterly 1.5m and second With a pounding heart I launched zone? These are the days when swell easterly 1m. The growling into the little surf and paddled your toolbox is fully open and overhead and dark skies caused the around the clapotis caused by the you frantically try to remember team some concern. reefs. all you’ve been taught. Sure we remember all our trips but to arrive Harry Havu was our captain with Once we were clear of the back exhausted and smiling is very Caoimhin Ardren as his right-hand headlands we paddled south into gratifying! You’ve climbed another man. Nick Blacklock, Ken Collins, a 10 knot wind. Harry nominated a hurdle and have more confidence Marty Vanderpoel, Mark Clarkson, leader and overseer for each of the Roy and I completed the group. in what you are able to do after one two teams. We were given various scenarios. of those days. Harry’s “Trip with After we carried the kayaks to the Scenarios” was one of those trips. beach, Harry briefed us on his plan Roy capsized and I had to rescue and asked if we had any concerns him. Next Harry wanted me to for the day. Nick mentioned the capsize and push my boat away. Below: Ominous skies overhead (Image - Nick Blacklock) Initially Roy got to me too quickly so Harry asked me to paddle away again while he physically held Roy back. We had a runaway kayak and a swimmer. Nick had to coordinate the rescue. He asked me to straddle his boat’s bow while he paddled to Roy who was chasing my kayak. We climbed the approaching 2m swell as we paddled further south. After a break, on shore at Wattamolla, Harry gave us two options. The first was 8kms south in lumpy seas or 4kms north in the

JUNE 2016 | SALT 7 same conditions. We chose the latter and launched into the surf and through the backwash. With the tail wind and a following sea we flew to Little Marley for lunch. After lunch the sea was getting increasingly lumpy and the trip back into a headwind was challenging. Caoimhin sidled up to me and told me “you’re feeling sea sick”. Nick instructed Roy to tow. I was “overcome by an intense bout of sea sickness” and capsized. Roy continued to “tow, tow my boat lumpily down the sea”. Then he Above: Post rescue debrief heard “you’ve got no passenger (Image - Roy Davies) mate”. Nick rescued me after Roy returned my kayak. Roy said he had felt a bit of a funny jerk but thought on. Part way through the tow, Roy’s Thanks to Harry and Caoimhin it was nothing and had merrily rope unclipped and I was on my for an extremely well planned paddled on. own again. We were nearly into the session. Thanks also to Nick for shelter of the cliffs. Then just before paddling alongside me giving me Meanwhile, Harry’s group, Mark, hitting shore, I flipped a blue bottle encouragement. Always a big Marty and Ken did a similar onto my neck. thanks to Roy for directing and exercise. Marty was towing Ken watching out for me. I’m looking The trip gave both Roy and me who was “sea sick”. Whoops, Ken’s forward to another adventure. sickness got too much and he so much more confidence in our abilities in larger swell conditions. I For more photos and a video go to: capsized! And then while Ken was mastered new skills and felt a great in the water Marty capsized. That https://brondavies3.wordpress. sense of accomplishment after a was the scenario for Mark to get the com/2016/02/21/trip-with-scenarios/ very enjoyable trip. two kayakers safely into their boats and on their way.

Harry had another task. He NICK BLACKLOCK instructed each kayaker to paddle backwards using sweep strokes A trip with scenarios they said; “small surf, various rescues and tows at on one side only. The aim was to sea are all par for this session”. We certainly had these but there were a navigate around Harry and myself, few unexpected ones too. drifting targets. It was done both A thunderstorm at the start enabled us to get a couple of great pictures clockwise and anti-clockwise in and then returned at the end to make sure we got off the water on rough conditions. schedule. A shark sighting just where we were to start doing our first Lastly we had to get back to base rescue and bumpy conditions ensured there were minor bouts of under a threatening sky. Heads seasickness in some of the landlubbers. down and paddles churning we Potential leaders were put in charge and in the water at various times to punched into the wind and swell. manage the ‘scenarios’ and the participants got to practice their rescue The conditions spun my kayak off techniques and test their equipment (or lack of) in real conditions of course requiring corrective strokes. about 15 kn with two rebounding swells. That’s not so easy in a lumpy sea with no sight. Instinctively I gripped To take a break from the unfolding ‘scenarios’ we had a short downwind my thigh braces. That caused my run from Wattamolla to Little Marley beach where we stopped for lunch. Passing walkers alternately commented that ‘it was nice day for a quads to ache, my back to scream paddle’ as large sets rolled into Big Marley or that ‘it looks a bit rough out and I started getting tired. there for paddling’; we had to agree with both opinions! About 1km from Wattamolla I knew So we had plenty of scenarios, everyone had fun on, off and in the water I was fading, and thought it better to and more importantly everyone learned something. ask for help rather than struggle

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DIY without blowing your budget All in one throwbag & towline

TERENCE ‘CHUCK’ MURPHY

We all know Sea Kayaking gear can be rather harsh on the hip pocket, and let’s face it the majority of retail prices are not likely to decrease. When it comes to procuring those essential delights we all require out on our beloved ocean, two important factors come to mind: fitness for purpose and value for money. With these two factors in mind. I present you with a little innovative DIY, lightweight, multipurpose, all in one Throw ‘n’ Tow that will keep the wallet moth at bay. For anyone just starting out a simple DIY like this will help you save for the big expensive items, like your first sea going vessel.

STEP 1 - DESIGN STEP 3 – ITEM SELECTION

By now you have a requirement to When selecting your items be sure to select each based on the two replace or procure new kit. Keeping fore mentioned factors and not for their brand name. The following is an in mind the purpose or multiple example list of supplies required for this DIY. purposes of the item you require. Get creative and come up with a Qty Description Weight Price design that will serve your needs on the ocean. 1 Northwater Micro Throw Towline 333gm $39.00 STEP 2 – MARKET RESEARCH 2 6mm x 60mm 316 Marine Grade 15gm (ea) $3.30 (ea) Stainless Steel Snap Hook With the items purpose in mind, start conducting a little research. Begin by trawling the internet and 1 Rugged Stainless Steel Key 2gm $0.60 Ring (Optional) local retail stores. Try to create a list of gear that has potential to be used in your design. 1 10mm Brass Grommet/ 2gm $0.12 Tarpualin Eyelet Think about the impact of the environment on the items you list; for example, when researching steel 1 30-40cm, 6mm Black Shock 25gm $0.50 products remember the ocean is an Bungie Cord unforgiving force and corrosive, aim for a decent tensile strength and TOTAL 392gm $46.82 marine grading. NOTE TO READER; the list above is not a list of specific requirements/ products required by the NSWSKC, it is only an example.

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STEP 4 – High tensile strength marine grade ASSEMBLY stainless steel snap hook Corrosion resistant brass eyelet Upon completion of Thumb knot inside to stop slippage assembly you should have Figure eight knot something with a likeness Looped tag for snap hook stowage to the picture to the right. Quick dry ripstop nylon bag Ensure you leave enough Nylon mesh backing for drainage slack line for the shock cord High visibility reflective tape to stretch, but not to the point Built in Float it breaks. This will decrease Built in waterproof whistle abrupt loads to the body or 15m x 1/4" floating polypro throwline tow point whilst in tow. When Tie down strap using as a throw bag, keep Draw string the top snap hook stowed Alpine butterfly knot on the looped tag. This will Slack line minimize potential injuries Double looped 6mm shock cord when thrown. This will never Double fishermans knot happen, as you will always Steel clip (optional) throw your bag past your Alpine butterfly knot mate ensuring the throwline Figure eight knot falls over his/her chest. High tensile strength marine grade stainless steel snap hook

STEP 5 – MOUNTING

Where to mount an all in one throw bag and towline? My answer: wherever works best for you so long as it doesn’t compromise your own or anyone else’s safety. Having said that, here are a couple of options that work well for me.

Body mounted Kayak mounted

In the following images you will notice the tie down strap has been If you don’t have a towing mount detached from the bag. It has been reattached to the shoulder molle of centralized just behind your cockpit, a PFD with a key ring. The strap remains adjustable in length allowing you may wish to install one for this utilization of the waterproof whistle, which being a plastic clip, also acts as a method. Simply attach the same one point quick release harness when clipped into the bag. snap hook shown in the rear PFD At the rear of the PFD the non-thrown end image to the tow mount and secure of the line is attached to the D-ring of a the bag under your aft bungie (daisy quick release harness. If you don’t have a chain as required). Alternatively, you rescue PFD or standalone quick release can use the snap hook on the bag rescue harness you may prefer a kayak to secure further if necessary. mounted option. Well there you have it folks, a DIY all in one throw bag and towline with whistle to toot, for less than 50 bucks. Hopefully this light weight, multipurpose piece of kit will save you from expending near on $200 if considering to buy a tow tether, tow bag, throw bag and whistle as separate items. Kayak smarter not harder, stay safe on the water and enjoy your paddles.

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Infectious bacteria found in Sydney Harbour The following article was published in the Sydney Morning Herald on 13 April 2016. Re-published here with permission from journalist Daisy Dumas / Fairfax Syndication Two strains of the Vibrio In the report, published in links between increasing seawater Frontiers of Microbiology on temperatures and the abundance bacteria have been found Tuesday, UTS researchers detail of these bacteria and associated in high concentrations the composition of water samples illnesses. collected from Sydney Harbour in the world famous “I don’t think people should between Parramatta Park and change the way they use their local harbour by scientists Chowder Bay. at the University of beaches, but it is something local While the cholera-causing strain management authorities should Technology Sydney. of Vibrio cholerae was not found be aware of. There are potentially in any of the samples, a closely harmful effects for humans if An aggressive species of marine related strain of this species was outbreaks of these bacteria in the bacteria responsible for many detected in high quantities. It environment become more severe more deaths than sharks can cause skin infections and and common.” worldwide each year has been gastrointestinal infections if Peter Steinberg, director of Sydney found in Sydney Harbour, with ingested or exposed to open Institute of Marine Sciences, experts predicting outbreaks in wounds. welcomed the report which is part spots along the city’s waterfront of a wider program attempting as water temperatures rise with A second pathogen, Vibrio to understand the ecosystems global warming. vulnificus, was also detected. It is responsible for 95 per cent of and diversity of the harbour in Vibrio bacteria, which includes all seafood-related deaths in the collaboration with SIMS. He the species that causes cholera, US, and aggressive flesh-eating said the results warrant further can cause serious illness in infections in swimmers, where it study and awareness of microbial humans and animals, including carries a mortality rate of up to 50 changes in Sydney Harbour. gastrointestinal sickness through per cent amongst those infected, A spokesperson for the consumption of contaminated the report states. Department of Health said seafood and flesh-eating infections swimming in water always carries in swimmers. Co-author and associate professor at UTS’ Climate Change Cluster, the risk of infection. According to a new study Justin Seymour, said the findings “Germs, including a large range by University of Technology have serious implications for of bacteria and viruses, occur Sydney scientists, two species Sydney Harbour users and naturally and are very common in of potentially dangerous Vibrio authorities as coastal water the environment. Vibrio species bacteria were detectable in temperatures rise in south-east are commonly found in aquatic particularly high concentrations Australia, a region considered a environments. Many of these when the water was warmest and global climate change hot spot. bacteria and viruses are harmless in areas of mid-salinity, around “Given that these are naturally to people. However some can be Parramatta Park, Olympic Park occurring marine organisms, it’s harmful if swallowed or if they and Rozelle. not surprising that we’re seeing infect wounds.” Aggressive Vibrio bacteria have them,” he said. “People don’t need Simple precautions include “not been found in parts of Sydney to be super alarmed about their getting water in your mouth, Harbour, including Rozelle, occurrence in Sydney Harbour at keeping any wounds covered with Parramatta Park and Olympic the moment. But what we’ve seen a watertight dressing and avoiding Park. Photo: Adam Hollingworth in other parts of the world are injuries on sharp objects”.

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temperature and enjoy the brackish is appropriate as you will need end of the estuary. Similar findings a diagnostic swab for culture Footnote are likely in other estuaries, not just and antibiotic treatment. Sydney Harbour. 5. Current antibiotic guidelines CAMPBELL TILEY While Vibrio species can definitely provide good advice for SPECIALIST IN INTERNAL cause a range of human disease management of water related MEDICINE AND HAEMATOLOGY including gastroenteritis and tissue infections, generally including infection, other bacteria are also Ciprofloxacin or similar to cover important contributors to water Aeromonas and Vibrio species. born infection including Aeromonas Always make it clear to health species and group A streptococci. service staff that the infection What does this all mean for was likely to be water related. kayakers? 6. Rapidly spreading swelling, 1. Favour the cooler, more saline blistering around the area or and better-flushed waterways fever are indications to seek closer to the Heads or ocean for immediate help by heading rolling practice. Admittedly few to the nearest emergency paddlers would be tempted to department. immerse their heads in Rozelle Bay. Original Report As Ms Dumas has summarised, 2. If you injure your skin kayaking, “Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Vibrio the recently published study by clean and dress the area using spp. within the Sydney Harbour Nachshon Siboni and colleagues your favourite antiseptic. In Estuary, published in Frontiers of from UTS provides some interesting most cases that will be all that Microbiology” published on Tuesday insight into one of the many groups needs to be done. 12 April 2016. of creatures we share the harbour 3. If the wound is deep and Authors: Siboni N, Balaraju with. penetrating or dirty, seek early V, Carney R, Labbate M and Seymour JR (2016) Spatiotemporal Vibrio bacteria are likely to have medical advice as antibiotic cover may well be appropriate. Dynamics of Vibrio spp. within the been present as a component of Sydney Harbour Estuary. Front. the local ecosystem long before 4. If the area of injury becomes Microbiol. 7:460. doi: 10.3389/ urban development but are clearly inflamed (painful, red, swollen, fmicb.2016.00460 favoured by increased water oozy) a prompt trip to a doctor

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016

12 Rock ‘n’ Roll 2016 - Jimmys Beach Friday 11 March to Monday 14 March

DAVID LINCO Several people have asked about the date and venue for next year. The Rock ‘n’ Roll weekend is the Your NSWSKC committee will let one weekend in the year that you know as soon as possible. provides the opportunity for us to Expect it to be early March 2017 chat endlessly about the wonderful before school holidays and Easter, sport of kayaking. From very at a venue south of Sydney. humble beginnings 25 years ago a great way to meet the wonderful This was my last year as Rock it has grown into a must attend community of paddlers within our ‘n’ Roll Coordinator and I’d like to open water symposium over 3-4 club. I look forward to seeing you thank the very many and marvelous days with a wide range of trips, on the water and don’t forget “No volunteers who have assisted training and workshops for all skill Incidents”. me in turning this into a well-oiled levels. That combined with the very event. Having been a member for Below: Some of the marvelous relaxed and friendly atmosphere of just on four years it has also been volunteers doing lunch on Saturday; attendees mean people have plenty Rob and Mark from Expedition Kayaks of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. When you gather with likeminded people who have a love of watersports and the outdoors, it’s set to be cracker of a weekend. Jimmys Beach located on the id North Coast of NSW has been a regular Rock ‘n’ Roll location over the last 10 years. As it happened, it delivered perfect weather over the weekend, which assisted trip leaders in providing a buffet of trips ranging from sailing, To David rock gardening, surfing, training Great event again. I and coffee kayaking each day. thought the sit down dinner The guest speaker Huw Kingston was really well run. Greatly enjoyed the training events. entertained us all on Saturday Well done. night with his exceptional tale of circumnavigating the Mediterranean Darren Friend by bike, foot, kayak and row boat and ending to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli. Thank you to Rob, Sharon & Mark from Expedition Kayaks for their ongoing support of this event through donation of prizes, sponsorship and putting on the Friday night dinner. Thank you to Mirage and Sydney Harbour Kayaks for participation this year and donation of prizes for our raffle.

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“I love the fact that watching the “Pogies” is like being at a pantomime. The audience grimaces with ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ when the villainous wave arrives and knocks the star of the film down, only to burst into rapturous cheers when our hero manages to roll back up, unscathed”.

Confusion about where Martin Vanderpoel the Love Shack was

kayak factory, to verify the identity ••Between Algeria and Tunisia, Huw (by serial number) of his kayak. rode his bike, escorted by military He was politely advised not to visit police on motorbikes and stopping Huw Kingston’s Croatia again by sea. at border controls to pose for ••Paddling up the 6km long Corinth friendly policemen selfies. Presentation Canal, just south of Athens, to ••Three quarters around, and from save tripping around the southern STEVE HITCHCOCK Tunisia the kayak was replaced end of Greece. by a rowboat and Huw headed Our guest speaker this year was ••Huw paid a boat owner GBP500 via Malta towards Crete then up Huw Kingston, an ex-NSWSKC to accompany him across the to Greece to avoid hostilities at member who entertained us with his Straits of Gibraltar (Europe to the Syrian end but also to keep to narrative about circumnavigating Africa, as officially required), a schedule. He hadn’t planned for the Mediterranean in 2014-15. distance of some 30kms with a the big northerlies as he crossed The journey covered over 14,000 current of about 6 knots which kms and passed through 17 took him about 5½ hours. the Aegean though. •Approaching Turkey, he was met countries, with some unusual ••The shores of the Mediterranean • events along the way. Some of the are barely tidal, so all the rubbish by the local navy and “detained” memorable moments were: washes onto the beach and stays while his story was checked out. ••Crossing borders without papers on the beach. He reminded us His kayak meanwhile had been for his “ship”. This necessitated a how lucky we are in Australia with carefully placed on a bed of coiled phone call back to the Tiderace such clean coastlines. ropes for the night.

A miniaturised version of Huw’s kayak, ‘Miss Grape’

Your Feedback ••Clarification of group rules for Pogies. ••Some confusion over the new members area (Love Shack) during Friday night dinner. ••Trip registration was daunting. ••Program did not reflect the afternoon activities. ••More exhibitors preferred. ••Trip registration on website was not clear on how many to book for and how long each trip would run.

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Valley Nordkapp LV. He answered that it was a very good kayak. He actually told me that she (the sea Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 kayak) was like a woman, very responsive and very good as long as you treat her smoothly and What an amazing gently, but that she would have no hesitation dropping me into the water if I made any mistake at all. experience! Moreover, if I do not take her out often, she will also take offence, and make my paddling more difficult. So, I must learn how to treat her and how to paddle it properly. Taking into account the times I have finished in the water, this metaphor does not promise me a good future with my sea kayak. We may require come couples counselling. I thought it would be a good opportunity to socialise more if I volunteered some tasks in the campsite. So, they asked me to prepare the coffees. Neil told me how to prepare the coffees with two machines, where the coffee was and how to operate these foreign contraptions. The next morning I woke up early to start the coffee for my fellow paddlers and then proceeded to return back to my tent. Well, Rock ´n´ Roll people are very patient, because the machines did not do anything else other than heat the water. Upon my return to the kitchen I discovered people drinking tea! No one complained at all. Neil DAVID RUEDA ROCA rolls with Megan (I am still learning fixed things up, so there was at last how to recover decently from my one working machine preparing capsizing without frustrating others coffee for everyone. Yes, it was Friday already. It was with the delay of a wet exit), we Socialising aside, I then took part the long expected day when Megan went to meet the people at the in a manoeuvring skills lesson Pryke and I drove 220 kms north Marquee and to sample a few given by Nick Gill. Nick is a great to Jimmy´s Beach with two kayaks beverages and snacks (everything fellow, He is always smiling and his on my Holden Cruze. I have never provided by Expedition Kayaks). explanations are useful and clear. tried to drive with two kayaks on I registered myself into Rock ’n’ My fellow paddlers were very nice the roof of my car before, and as it Roll and started to socialize with guys too. They were valiant and turned out, this was the first of many fellow paddlers who were more than they attempted everything possible new experiences for me over this willing to provide me with some (even capsizing) to try to emulate weekend. useful advice from their vast wealth all the manoeuvres that Nick was of experience. Once we arrived at Jimmys Beach, showing to us. I discovered a gorgeous and That evening, someone (I will not In the afternoon, we relaxed and peaceful place, a lovely harbour- say his name in order to avoid came together to recite tails about facing beach as well as an ocean possible female retaliations) asked our heroic actions out on the water. beach-front on the other side of the me what kayak I was paddling. I Dinner quickly followed at the golf peninsula. After practising some answered that I have a beautiful club. This evening meal turned out

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to be an excellent evening with the occasion complemented by the excellent table company that I was lucky to receive. The highlight of the night was when Huw Kingston, using his sense of humour, provided us with a slide presentation (videos included) where he showcased his astonishing adventure Mediterranee. As a Spaniard (although I come from the Atlantic Images (Nick Blacklock) - Beach landing at Fingal Spit on Sunday; coast in the north of Spain), I Dolphin ahead could perfectly understand all the adventures and difficult moments that he endured during his trip. Caoimhin and Nick. That was fun! Megan and I had different It was an amusing presentation. Six people pushing up and down commitments that we both had to I hope that one day in the future, three sea kayaks making a triangle get back to in Sydney that night. where the seventh paddler has I will be able to attempt an The Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 was a great to go in on his/her sea kayak and adventure in my sea kayak paddling experience for me. I met very nice perform the manoeuvres ordered somewhere through the sea. and helpful people and I discovered by the instructors and, of course, that in this world of the NSW sea The big surprise for me that night I was the only one who capsized! kayak paddlers, people are friendly was when I was awarded the Memories of my conversation of and always keen to help. I saw highest prize of the raffle donated Friday night came flashing back. by Sydney Harbour Kayaks. I have that although I have still a lot to never won anything in my life, We had so much fun but the lesson learn and a lot to improve in the proving it’s never too late to get finished too early for everybody. To water, I will always be able to count lucky. his credit, Neil recognised my need on these friends of the NSW Sea for some improved low bracing and Kayak Club. Next day, the coffee was working stayed behind to help me practise To sum up, I would also like to thank perfectly. I even sampled the coffee a little bit. Where else could you David Linco and all the volunteers to check that I wasn’t poisoning the expect this help from a just-met- for making the Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 entire campsite. colleague? such a success. This was the day when we did the I would have liked to spend more lesson intro to rock gardens with time at Rock ´n´ Roll, however

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16 Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 An Interstate Visit

STEPHEN AND JENNY WALKER

Wall. We launched through pretty and some fun with a couple of small reasonable surf, and turned south surf landings and launches, with a for Broughton Island. This was a very friendly group of keen paddlers. great experience for us – a wide As a Rock and Roll newbie I was variety of conditions and scenery, and selected as one of the judges for We drove down from Brisbane to Broughton Island is a very beautiful the Pogies on Sunday evening. The Sydney over two days (Sunday and place. After a spectacular paddle, we quality of the videos was very high Monday). We know Sydney well, as returned to find that more arrivals had across the board, giving the four we both grew up there. The rest of transformed the place, and we were judges a hard job, but also a great our week went like this: camped right near the epicentre of hour of videos. In the end the second Tuesday: Threw paddling gear in the Rock and Roll 2016. Marquee, gear video by Lisa won us all over, with car, then the joys of early morning display, registration, beer, fish, lots of its stunning views of the Tasmanian traffic across Sydney to Watsons Bay. people to meet and talk to – a most coastline and a few ‘exciting’ Breakfast, went for a walk on South enjoyable evening after a wonderful moments. paddle. Head, then a few excellent hours We stayed at Jimmys beach with Rob Mercer improving our boat Saturday: We joined a trip with Mark for a couple more days, and on handling skills. Later that afternoon to the islands, and this turned into an Wednesday morning we headed we took ourselves west around the unforgettable day. The great weather, back north. On the way we dropped harbour coastline, exploring the bays the cliffs, the small clefts that we back into the Hole in the Wall to have and landing briefly on Shark Island. backed into, the dolphins, the ‘pointy’ another look at the beach under very Back to Watsons Bay for dinner with water around the back of Boondelbah different conditions. Broughton Island the Tuesday night paddling group. A Is., and most of all the inspiring and was nowhere to be seen, lost in the great day. remarkable people we paddled with. heavy rain and grey, overcast gloom. Wednesday: Packed up late, dawdled If you had asked me before Rock The surf was far less inviting, but as back through more traffic, and then a ‘n’ Roll if it was possible to paddle a we stood there, a big pod of dolphins pleasant run north to Jimmys beach. sea kayak blind, I’d have said not, – maybe 100 or more, cruised past, No other kayaks in evidence – though but Bronwyn (with Roy) proved that playing in and just outside the break we did arrive pretty early. Set up comprehensively wrong, and for zone. Magic! many reasons it was a superb day camp – what a great spot – nice Thanks to the organisers, the trip that we’ll never forget. shady trees and very convenient and leaders, and all the people who made right near the camp kitchen. Sunday: We had already headed us welcome and helped us find our Thursday: We decided to do a circuit west, north and east, so on Sunday way around this wonderful event. inside Port Stephens – across to we decided to head south. Led by Thanks also to those experienced Shoal Bay, then west along the coast Tony, eleven of us paddled past Mt. paddlers who have done so much past Nelson Bay, and eventually back Tomaree and down the coast to to help us get to the point where to the campground. Lovely weather, Fingal spit, then across Fingal bay we could do the trips and have the clear water and dolphins – a really for lunch on the southern side. Yet experiences that we did. We had a pleasant few hours. A few others with another perfect day for paddling gave ball, unforgettable paddling with great kayaks were arriving when we got us some magnificent coastal scenery company. We’ll be back! back, and we went over to say hello. Rae suggested doing Broughton Island on Friday – we’d never paddled this area before, but were happy to give it a go if the conditions were right. Friday: Weather was good so four of us headed off to Hole in the

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the boat. Megan gave me a few Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 pointers on this, which helped a lot. Travelling around the ocean side of Boondelbah we bounced our way I’ve Found My People! through some vigorous rebound and tracked for Cabbage Tree Island, GERARD RUMMERY then back across to Yacaaba, where we checked out another cave. Again Megan got the plum job of staying Somewhere where the land meets when we nailed it and laughing in the cave while we all took turns the ocean; I carry my kayak by about it when we got rolled. As going in and out. Once inside, the myself down to the water, past the morning wore on the tide kept curious onlookers. I put on my PFD, coming and the wind got up, making roof disappeared up into the gloom hoist up my skirt, climb in and grab conditions more challenging. Stu and the light and acoustics changed my paddle. I head out on my own and Chuck were awesome the dramatically. It was awesome, and and leave the watchers behind, whole time- supremely competent, I could have happily hung out there weaving past other folks in or on the calm and reassuring. for longer, but I guess nobody likes a cave-hog. water, doing their non-sea kayaking At the end of the session I think things. Then it’s just me, the kayak everyone had learned something With the fun bits over, there and a whole lot of water. I invariably new and useful, and we were all a remained the haul across the bay have an adventure or two, figuring it bit better than when we started in back to the beach. Megan used the out for myself. I meet marine life big the morning. I know I sure was. In expression ‘destination fever’ as we and small, experience challenging fact, I managed to get my Grade 2 all started putting our heads down weather and just embrace the sheer signed off! Yeah! and heading for home. I had never joy of being on open water in such heard that before, but immediately an immediate way. Later, I try and Sunday I wanted to just go for a big knew exactly what she meant! I explain what I did, where I have paddle, so I got myself on a trip out have added it to my lexicon and will been and what I saw. People get it, to the islands with Megan Pryke’s sort of. No, actually they don’t. group. use it at the first opportunity. Fast forward to my first Rock ‘n’ We headed out from Jimmys All up it was a great weekend- I Roll; a beach lined with sea kayaks, beach after a briefing and made for really enjoyed hanging out with so gear everywhere, a crowd of people Yacaaba, the north head of the bay. many people who are so passionate wearing PFD’s, spray skirts and After a quick regroup, we headed about this great sport. I met out into some low swell across weird hats. Finally I have found my plenty of great people and made to Boondelbah Island. Another people! some good connections for future regroup in the lee on the south end, paddles. Thanks again to everyone Friday night was beery and friendly. then we checked out a sea cave. in the club who put this together, I met some good people, checked Megan went first and got to hang and special thanks to Stu, Chuck out all the kayak bling and generally out in there while all of us grade and Megan for their generosity congratulated myself on being 2’s backed in one by one. The and helping me get more out of my at what was shaping up to be an swell made it pretty interesting in paddling. awesome weekend. an enclosed environment- having the walls so close really helped Saturday morning was an Me and Georgie Girl (green Nadgee) in me understand how far you move good company (Garry Thompson) opportunity for some training. I vertically spent it at the beach in a group when a big with Chuck and Stu, launching and swell goes landing through surf, then learning under you, how to stay in the boat and upright and the when you (inevitably) get broached. rebound in Wave; meet Low Brace, my new such close best friend- things are going to be a quarters little different from now on! highlighted It was great watching the group my (in) put the instructions into practice, ability get smashed, get back in and have to finely another go, cheering each other control

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Post Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 It’s Good to be Alive

RICHARD HACKETT around Broughton Island. Brilliant, On Sunday, I headed off with my last trip to Broughton was not Megan’s group around Boondelbah Maybe I shouldn’t write this? There a success as I was sea sick on Island. Conditions were good and will always be those who read it and the way there and had to recover we played in a couple of gauntlets say “bloody idiot”, but if one person in Esmeralda Cove whilst the rest at the southern end of Cabbage reads it and learns something, of the group paddled around the Tree Island and checked out the then it is probably worthwhile. Island. So with sea sickness pills cave at Yaccaba headland. Thanks And anyway, I am sitting at home on board, we headed out through Megan for a great experience in the recovering now, so here’s the story. the surf for a great paddle around cave. Still no chest problems, so all Rock ‘n’ Roll was on home turf the island, a trip through Con’s Cleft must be good. this year, just up the road from and some windy conditions around the east side past Little Broughton. The weekend after RnR, I went for Newcastle and I was really looking a walk and once again found myself forward to meeting people in the The afternoon Nor’easter had brought the sea up for the trip back, short of breath - my heart rate went club again and getting out on the above 130 bpm. Maybe something water. On the Friday night, I cycled but we all made good progress, wasn’t quite right and I went to home from work and hit a snag on hoping that Campbell’s group ahead see my doctor on Monday morning the way, I was short of breath and of us would find the right landing and had a blood test. On Monday had to get off and stop. My back spot on the beach. With everybody afternoon, I received a call at work was hurting, but this was probably safely back through some messy telling me to go straight to hospital, due to carrying a pack on a bush- surf we headed down the road for NOW. My blood test had come back walking trip the weekend before. a shower and dinner at the Golf with high levels of an enzyme called Nothing to worry about. Club. No sign of any of the chest problems that I was worried about Troponin that is produced by the Something wasn’t quite right when the night before, so it must have heart muscle when it is damaged or I got home, but after a couple of been nothing. under stress. aspirin and a rest, I was OK and got I really enjoyed Huw’s talk at the I was immediately wired up for my gear ready for an early start the dinner as I had followed the trip ECGs, pricked with needles for next morning. with interest on Facebook and it blood tests and kept in overnight for I had signed up beforehand for was good to link the parts together an angiogram the next day (push Grade 3 skills training. At the and hear first hand the trials faced a catheter up an artery in your arm briefing, the plan for the day along the way with both the physical and squirt dye into your heart to changed and we were now heading challenges and the cross border see if the arteries are blocked). up to Hole in the Wall to paddle negotiations. The results were surprising. I’m 50

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19 years old, weigh 68kg, lead a fit and before a heart attack occurs. If you At the moment, I’m glad to be alive healthy life style, but had Coronary put things off for too long and have and hopefully in a few weeks time Artery Disease. The Coronary a heart attack, then at worst you I will be fit enough to get back Arteries are small ones on the could end up dead, and at best into my kayak again and go for a outside of the heart that provide the you could suffer some permanent paddle. Paul Thomas has said that heart muscle with oxygen, not the damage to the heart wall muscle. he will go out with me again and big tubes in the middle that pump So prevention is definitely better I will try to make it along to more the blood around the body. My right than cure. club trips, to aim for a Grade 3 Coronary Artery was 95% blocked assessment by the end of the year I still have no idea what caused me and on the left side, two arteries (medical certificate can be provided, to have Coronary Artery Disease. were 80% blocked. The shortness if required). There is no family history, I am not of breath I had experienced was overweight and we eat a balanced If you are looking for more exertional angina, where you feel diet. The only thing I can think information about Coronary Artery fine at rest, but once your heart of is that, like all active people I Disease, the Heart Foundation has starts to work hard, it can’t get know, I’ve had more than my fair a good web site at heartfoundation. enough blood and oxygen through share of sugar in the form of cakes, com.au. A good book on the effects the blocked tubes. I was lucky not chocolate and muesli bars. There of sugar on our health is “Sweet to have had a heart attack and the are some recent theories emerging Poison” by David Gillespie. general feeling was relief that the that sugars, and in particular problem had been identified. fructose, are as bad for you as One week later, I was back on the saturated fats. I’ve now cut all operating table again and had three sugars out of my diet and have lost small wire tubes, called stents, fitted 4kg over four weeks, with very little in the arteries to keep them open. exercise. Images - Opposite page: Esmerelda Cove, Broughton Island; After a few days of post operation Below: Richard recovering in hospital sickness, not unlike to a trip to Broughton in a rolling swell, I am now back at home recovering. I’ll have to take a few medications for the rest of life to thin the blood and keep my cholesterol level low. Otherwise, it’s a matter of getting fit slowly, initially keeping my heart rate below 100 bpm and using time as productively as possible to do some stretches (always hard normally) - and write an article for SALT. Rock ’n’ Roll was a fantastic experience and the memories kept my spirits up whilst I was in hospital. With hindsight, was it the right thing to do – probably not (and apologies for saying nothing to Dave or Megan on the pre-trip briefings, but please understand, there were no problems then. I felt fine). The lesson learnt is that if you experience shortness of breath or pains in the front or back of the chest that are out of the ordinary, then you should go to hospital. I did not experience any acute chest pains, like you see in the movies, just a dull ache in my back and shoulders. An angiogram is quick and easy and can identify problems

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Rob Mercer developing Cathy Nolan’s rolling skills

Sea ray in six inches of water at Esmeralda Cove, Broughton Island (Martin Vanderpoel)

Saturday afternoon in the Marquee - Chuck delivering some paddling principles Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 Roll ´n´ Rock

Celebrating a safe passage through Con’s JUNE 2016 | SALT Cleft on Broughton Island (Nick Blacklock) New interpretation of the Selfie

20 21

Spot the mistake

Out at sea with Bron and buddies (Roy Davies)

Set-up for a paddle-free roll

Sunday morning heading for Fingal Rock ´n´ Roll 2016 Roll ´n´ Rock

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th To pee at sea 40 (A poem by Ruby Gamble)

KENT HEAZLETT

This year’s Hawkesbury Canoe would be in a position to donate Classic, to be held on the 29 a record amount to our major October is the 40th year of this beneficiary, Arrow Bone Marrow iconic event. Transplant Foundation www.arrow. org.au The Classic is a 111km, overnight A paddler crossing shore to shore paddle down the Hawkesbury River Since 1994, when the Hawkesbury May often need to choose from Windsor in Sydney’s west to Canoe Classic first supported Between extreme discomfort Brooklyn. Arrow, paddlers in the Classic have And their privacy to lose. contributed almost $3.65 million in For the first time organisers are donations, an amazing result. offering an optional 65km distance The last minute morning coffee (Windsor to Wiseman’s Ferry) so The “short-course” will also act as The hastily drawn tea as to help inspire newcomers to a “gentle” introduction to the event Will cause the average paddler the event and encourage previous for those paddlers who have not To need to pee at sea. “Classic” paddlers to make a experienced the magic of paddling comeback as part of our 40th the Hawkesbury River at night. The methods for this task Anniversary celebrations. Are many and diverse There are 20 checkpoints along the The blokes can use a bottle All types of craft are eligible to river including 3 major checkpoints For girls it’s somewhat worse. enter, as long as they are propelled at Sackville (35 km mark) by unsupported hand held paddles. Wiseman’s Ferry (65 km mark) and She can hop into the water Historically sea kayaks have Spencer, just 12 km from the finish, And pee without recourse featured prominently in the event. where paddlers can meet up with Unless a shark shows interest Last year a SUP paddled by their land crew. These checkpoints Then she yells until she’s hoarse. Toby Cracknell won the event on are manned entirely by volunteers handicap. from the SES, NSW Marine For those with better balance Rescue, Sports Physio Group plus Organisers are hoping to attract One can sit upon the deck many kayak and community clubs. in excess of 600 paddlers, which Tinkle way up high and dry would be a record for the event. Check out the details of the event And splash it off once wet. A record fundraising target of at www.canoeclassic.asn.au and on $400,000 has also been set which, Facebook. When the bladder gets too tight if achieved, would mean organisers And the sea is much too cold A girl may have no choice But to do it in the hold.

A quick flick of the skirt An edge to wet your feet Floods the cockpit ready To wash it off your seat.

The moral of this story Is avoiding any drink When planning a long journey It’s the only way, I think.

JUNE 2016 | SALT Club Trips 23 The Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong (a.k.a “NSW”) Coastal Sea Kayak Challenge

MEGAN PRYKE

I cannot believe the run of suitable conditions we’ve had for this coastal challenge. The last two trips have had near perfect conditions: #7 Wattamolla to Bundeena via Cronulla reported here by Nick Blacklock. #8 Palm Beach to Long Reef via Box Head reported here by Geoff Dauncey. With only two legs to go it is indeed looking like we’ll complete the Challenge. Final legs to be reported in Salt 102 (September) are: #9 Saturday 21 May: Norah Head to Terrigal #10 Saturday 18 June: Austinmer (or Coledale) to Wollongong The finale trip is short which will leave time at the end for a celebration. To date, some forty members have participated or have registered to be part of at least one trip. A few members have completed many of the trips, however no one to date has done all the trips confirming that this is truly a club challenge. Don’t forget that if a club trip is showing as full there is a possibility of another leader being asked to help out, or a chance that someone who has registered needs to pull out, so check to see if the trip leader is running a waitlist.

Image: At the start of the Palm Beach to Long Reef paddle (Steve Hitchcock)

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NSW Coastal Sea Challenge Wattamolla to Bundeena 6 March 2016

NICK BLACKLOCK

Leaders Guide so it was over to me to brief pick up when rounding Jibbon Head and organise the group with Rae’s so our timing was perfect as we Rae Duffy, Tony Murphy and Nick and Tony’s assistance. headed for lunch into Jibbon Beach. Blacklock (training for Sea Guide) This is a well-sheltered spot and has With that done we headed north Participants been much used on club trips over with our first foray into Little and Big the years. As usual we were not the Cathy, Karen, Beth, Debbie, Geoff & Marley beaches. In the interests only people there for lunch with a lot Cecilia, Abe, Alison, Darren, Steve of time rather than land thirteen (total 13 people) people on Little Marley, we split of boats and a few jet skis hurtling into two groups and the leaders around. Changing weather forecasts in highlighted the features, differences the preceding days meant that Jibbon Head is also known for its and dangers of each beach. That although originally billed as Cronulla Aboriginal carvings, which are some done we reformed into one large to Wattamolla this trip evolved of the best in Sydney and only a group and headed north with Rae into Wattamolla to Bundeena (via few hundred meters away from the leading the way and Tony playing Cronulla), a distance of 18kms. beach. A few of us, myself included, tail end Charlie, while I hung around had never seen these and really are A fantastic calm, clear, warm the middle keeping an eye on the worth a visit. While walking, it also Sydney day greeted the participants group. became evident that the NE wind at Wattamolla for this trip. The We continued along the northern had picked up to a good 15 knots as promise of a brisk afternoon NE forecast. wind meant that we were off to an section of the Royal National Park early start to make it to into Port coast with fantastic views of the After lunch the group split with Hacking by around lunchtime when majestic cliffs and some of the well- some staying in the bay and doing the wind was due to pick up. Almost known features, though there wasn’t some rolling practice and sail setup everyone was there early and keen much water in the waterfall. The while the other group paddled to get on the water so the trip was weather was great and we could not across to the Cronulla side and off to a good start. have had a better morning to paddle back to seamlessly complete the along this section. We had a couple Newcastle–Sydney–Wollongong This was a popular trip with the of stops for refreshments and to section. We decided to take obvious drawcard of a paddle along allow regrouping, notably inside of advantage of the wind by paddling the northern part of Royal National Jibbon Bombora where it was much out into Port Hacking and then Park. For some people this was calmer with their first trip on this section of the 1m E coastline and in my case the first swell being paddle for some time, so it was broken on the great to be back on the water again. outside of the The car shuffle took the usual time bombora. to organise but the good team spirit We sat and was evident with the non-drivers watched the doing much of the hard work and bombora for moving all the kayaks down the a while before steep slope to the lagoon so they continuing were all at the waters edge ready to on to Jibbon go when we got back. Head. The Rae had offered to let me run the NE wind had day as part of my training for Sea just started to

JUNE 2016 | SALT Club Trips 25 getting a downwind run back to Bundeena. This allowed several NSW Coastal Sea Challenge people to try out their sails or just paddling in a following sea. Unfortunately the wind also brought Palm Beach to Long Reef out the fast sailing boats, which somewhat complicated matters until 10 April 2016 we were safely past them and back into a very busy Bundeena for a hot and sunny end to the trip. GEOFF DAUNCEY My observations as a Sea Guide in training: Sunday 10th April 2016 was the ••A group of 13 is large to manage designated day to tackle the on the water, and you constantly next section of the Coastal Sea need to be watching everyone. Challenge. The group of seven, led ••In these cases you need to by Caoimhin, met at Long Reef and delegate some responsibility and transferred kayaks to the minimum then rely on your 2ICs and other number of cars in preparation for experienced paddlers in the group the car shuffle to Palm Beach. to be another set of eyes and We “headland hopped” south along We launched from the western ears. the coast from one point to the next, or Pittwater side of Palm Beach passing a number of beaches along •Communication with a large group • and paddled toward Barrenjoey the route. On the way we visited takes a bit of effort especially to headland. The weather was fairly two sea caves, one at Bangalley make sure that everyone can see benign, clear and sunny, except Head and the other at Turimetta and hear you and understand for the smoke haze in Broken Bay, Head. We practiced our bracing what is going on. light winds from the south and a low and manoeuvring skills while being ••You need to be constantly swell, making for a pleasant day on tossed about from the surging swell, planning ahead and the next the water. as we floated in the entrances. steps. On paddling around to the north •You don’t really get much time to A stop for lunch at Bongin Bongin • side of Barrenjoey, we set our sights stop and take pictures when you was much appreciated, as this was on Box Head, across the bay. An are in charge (at least not yet for our first land stop since setting out earlier section of the “challenge” me anyway). in the morning. A small dumping was from Terrigal to Ettalong and surf landing stood between us and My thanks to Rae and Tony for their our trip was supposed to be from our lunchboxes, but everyone got help, assistance and advice and Palm Beach to Long Reef, however through successfully. allowing me to run their trip. I found this left a gap in the coast across After our rest we ploughed through this great experience. Broken Bay. After a brief discussion the surf and paddled down to Long a consensus was reached to Reef. This section of the paddle Images - Opposite: Jibbon Beach add another 7 kms to our trip by was fairly easy and uneventful. The (Nick B); Below: Caoimhin with his crossing to Box Head and back to ‘Greenland’ stick (Steve H) surf at Long Reef was virtually non- Barrenjoey to close the gap, before existent, which made for an easy continuing down the coast to Long landing after many hours on the Reef. water. As we approached Box Head While some of the group unpacked we were rewarded with a close and washed the boats, others encounter with two Pilot whales, drove to Palm Beach to retrieve the cruising nearby. It was also at this cars and complete the car shuffle. point that Caoimhin tried out a new We covered a little over 28 kms, paddle he found floating in the including the detour. A very pleasant water. Not unlike the Greenland and enjoyable day. paddle, except it was round and made from bamboo. After a short Thanks to Caoimhin for leading effort making little headway, he the trip and to the group, Megan, gave up and reverted to his own Wendy, Brian, Darren and Steve for paddle. their company.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 26 There and back and there again

IAN VAILE

have another crack before the food Shark Ahoy ran out. That would add 100km to a trip already over 320km. Heading from Welshpool to Refuge in the first day (30/12/2015) we Rae Duffy, Warren Huxley and I were just at the northern headland It was a difficult decision in some had been planning the Bass Strait of Five Mile Beach (still with 14km ways and in other ways no decision trip for months. I knew Rae through to go) when a runabout appeared at all. On the first day we kayaked the club but only knew Warren by headed north, with four or five 42km from Port Welshpool to reputation. To compound matters blokes and a kayak on board and Refuge Cove, and next morning Warren had recently moved to another kayak towing behind. They crossed the 50km to Hogan Island. Bellingen on the NSW north coast called out an alarming message: The intention was to head on so he was not in Sydney often. immediately the following day to they said they had been chased by Deal Island, another 44km, but We had managed a few practice a Great White at Five Mile Beach events meant we were unable to paddles, including a trip from and told us to be careful, and to paddle that day. The forecast was Seal Rocks to Hawks Nest and stick to the surf break. Then they deteriorating: for the next five days a Hawkesbury Classic, but I felt promptly roared off. The three of us at least we were expecting strong underprepared as we strapped the grouped up, looking at the dozen SE winds, and no sense of what boats to Warren’s roof and set out odd kilometres left to traverse to might happen after that. Possibly from Sydney just after Christmas. Refuge Cove. We decided that we the adverse winds could continue We expected to be away for three were safer out to sea than closer in, weeks. Our time limit was to be another week. so we paddled in close formation for back in Sydney by February 1st. We were OK for food, but Hogan an hour or so, checking the water is a waterless little rock and even Warren and Rae were both in furiously as occasionally baitfish with the water previous visitors had Rockpool Tarans and I was in my unnervingly erupted from the water. left, it wouldn’t last the three of us old Mirage 580, using a Greenland Rae cheerfully said sharks always six days with enough for a day-long stick for the whole crossing. We come from below and behind, not ocean crossing. We couldn’t stay, all had sails – in my case that was the easiest place to look while we couldn’t go forward. The only almost my undoing. paddling. The man in the grey suit real choice was to abort the whole didn’t make an appearance though, Images - Left to right & next page: On trip or to paddle back to Refuge and the return leg back to Refuge; Refuge and we arrived without incident at hope the weather broke so we could Bay; Dawn over Winter Cove as we Refuge Cove. headed to Flinders

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Hogan (begin again) avoid. Glum all round. We called the the sail snapped to the opposite local coastguard to ask about local side or when a wave threatened to The plan was to hit out straight fishermen who could drop water but tip me. There were times I thought I away for Hogan, then next day on they were unhelpful, referring us was going over. Tired after the 50km to Deal because the weather was on to Marine Rescue in Port Phillip crossing, and with continual rapid looking to change in three days (despite our repeated assurances bracing and adjustment strokes, I to rising SE winds, straight in our that there was no emergency and was rattled. Had I tipped I wasn’t faces. With no running water on no rescue required). It looked like sure I’d be able to roll up again in Hogan we packed as much water as the expedition was over for us. We those conditions and if Rae and we could, which we thought would Warren were out of sight it could get last us the few days to get to Deal. started to arrange by phone to get the car back from Melbourne to ugly quickly. Warren was handling Setting out to Hogan, the island Welshpool to pick us up. the conditions and Rae was is invisible, 50km away over the absolutely in her element. horizon. We first caught sight of it Then in a final call that evening We made it into the calm waters of about 36km away, by which time we Neil, Rae’s partner, our main ground Refuge Cove. The next four days were well and truly in the shipping contact, said the latest Met Eye would have passed uneventfully lanes. It was a long trip out, as tides forecast was more favourable. It had I not decided to go back out and currents turned against us in was Friday now: the new forecast with Rae to practice with the Euro the second half of the leg and it predicted good conditions the blade, my spare, in stiff winds. became diabolically slow – it took following Thursday and Friday. As That went well, I was feeling much nine hours. the sun started setting we did some quick calculations and revised our more confident, but returning to the The next morning we were up plans. Cove I decided to do some rolling at 4am to be on water at 5am. practice with the sail up. A bit rusty Beautiful dawn as we headed off The next morning (Saturday) we but things coming along until I to Deal, but Warren had been ill headed back to Refuge to wait out tried an extended paddle roll. The overnight and after about 5km it the next five days. If the weather paddle blade snapped in half at the was clear things weren’t getting looked good Thursday onwards joint. This is the second Werner any better for him once we were we’d resume the trip – otherwise blade that has broken on me. I’ll on-water. We turned back initially make our way back home to reconsider my purchasing! for Refuge but quickly adapted Welshpool. There was a light SE that to go back to Hogan. Warren wind that morning but by the time Fortunately a nearby yachtie, stuck recovered and rehydrated that day, we were ten or so km off the coast waiting for a new starter motor, had and we considered our options. it had risen to a 20-30 knot tailwind spare carbon fibre and epoxy so with 2-3 metres seas (remember a with his help (and a whittled broom This was a pretty depressing time. knot is 1.85 km/h). I had a bigger handle) I repaired the paddle, The weather forecast, as far out probably stronger than new but no sail than the other two and found as we could see, looked like SE longer a split paddle! Thank you and that my trusty Greenland stick was winds rising in the afternoon the fair sailing, skipper of the good ship abundantly the wrong tool for the next day and then staying in the Aquaholic. 20-25 knot range steadily for at job. In those conditions with a fully least five days, possibly longer. We laden boat under full sail I lacked The weather outlook was improving; couldn’t go forward into that, and if the ability to suddenly brace when Thursday looked benign for a we stayed longer we risked being stuck. There was a bit of extra water left by divers and club member Gary Roberts but even with that we would run out well before we could head on to Deal. The only water we found was a fetid green trough, which the geese swam and defecated in. We regretfully decided to abort the trip and make a run straight back to Welshpool (about 60km), because if we lost a full week we would be at great risk of not being able to complete the trip in the timeframe – and time pressure was the thing we wanted most to

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crossing to Hogan, though Friday Next morning, 5am start again, Cape Barren Island. As we headed had 20-25kt westerlies. Saturday beautiful mackeral dawn. The 60km out from Flinders, the peaks of similar but lessening and the to Flinders was a reasonably fast Tasmania rose in the blue distance following three or four days were trip up until the last 10 km or so. and on the way we met a mob of light NE/NW winds. Up again at The Flinders skyline from the north Victorian sea kayakers who crossed 0500 and across a placid sea to is confusing and we weren’t sure from the south for 13 days touring Hogan. Notable encounters; a where Killicrankie was – it didn’t the Furneaux group. When we couple of big ships sailing very help I had my GPS calibrated reached Thunder and Lightning close to Hogan and a juvenile orca to give magnetic headings but I Bay it was so unwelcoming and playing behind my kayak – not that thought it was set to true, so I was the other islands looked so close I saw it! 13 degrees out! Dumb! We ended we just got back in the boats and up just a few km offshore when the continued, eventually landing in We waited out the Friday and after tide changed and we slogged into Spike Cove on Clarke Island via a much discussion about the next it for almost two hours. Exhausting brief look at Preservation Island. course of action we decided not to – but made the beach after 9½ paddle on the Saturday either, as hours in the boats. Getting to shore Across Banks Strait we could see the wind had risen, forecast 20kt at Killicrankie felt like the hardest the shore of Tasmania, only 24km at 1030, and still strong westerly part of the trip was now done as we distant, with huge wind turbines (beam). We didn’t all hold the same would be following the coast from spinning slowly behind Musselroe opinion about laying over another now on until the very last day. Bay. Because we’d made up so much time with consecutive day on Hogan, but after a long I won’t dwell too much on the rest discussion decided to go with a paddling days we were bang on our of the trip. It wasn’t as eventful original schedule. majority decision. Three people is as the first half. We cruised down a tricky number for a consensus the Western side of Flinders for Unfortunately illness intervened decision! In retrospect we could’ve the next three days, making it into again, with one of our party laid low anticipated such a situation in trip Whitemark the day before the wind by a migraine that night and unable planning. We had decided that there came up strongly and hammered in to paddle the next day; but it’s a would be no leaders, no passengers from the west all that night and the very beautiful island and I don’t and every paddler was jointly next day. Fortunately the pub was think any of us were in a real hurry responsible for navigation and well stocked (a huge feed, courtesy to finish the trip and return to reality. decision-making. Still, it wasn’t an of Dee, Harry easy or comfortable call. and Peter who put their We walked all over Hogan, Rae card on the circumnavigated it, so there isn’t bar), and an inch of that island we hadn’t we hired a inspected by the end. Found a few car for the soaks, which in extremis may have afternoon on been able to provide water. the second day to tour Four long days before the island. the mast After a day Sunday marked the beginning and a half of four days of sustained benign we headed conditions with winds at around 10kt south again NE/NW, reliably to our stern. to Trousers Point, where 7½ hours of pretty straight-forward we saw but paddling (44km) saw us reach didn’t climb Deal Island, all the way round to Strezlecki. Winter Cove on the far side. Deal is We intended beautiful, rugged and ragged, and crossing with its spectacular attendant curtain the Franklin Islands. We hiked to the lighthouse Sound to caretaker’s precinct, and had tea camp on the and scones with the two volunteers southern living there for a few months. side of

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Next morning we started in a leisurely way but then decided the tides were best much earlier than we had thought, so a frantic pack and then the crossing of Banks Strait in yet another mild day. We hit the beach just before noon, meeting the indefatigable Neil, who had been our principal land contact the whole journey. Warren’s partner Merridy turned up a short while later and we cracked a bottle of bubbles. 440km travelled, 11 days paddling and 9 lay days, averaging 40km/paddling day. We managed to add an extra 100km to the normal trip by our there-and-back-again exploits. Partly because of the choices we made, we only had one difficult paddling day (well truthfully it was only me who had difficulty) and the rest of the time paddling was in absurdly benign conditions. There was effectively no swell for the entire trip, though there were big wind-fetched waves on the days we didn’t paddle. All the gear survived, Images - Opposite:Trousers Point, with exception of my spare with Cape Barren Island in the distance; Above: End of the road blade. We used the sails a lot with Warren having struck the happy medium. Mine was too big for strong winds and Rae’s Distance was too small for light winds. Day Location Paddled And so that’s done. Warren and 1 Port Welshpool to Refuge Cove 42km Rae were brilliant expedition 2 Refuge Cove to Hogan Island 50km partners, utterly reliable, a 3 Hogan Island Rest good mix of skills, and I think 4 Hogan Island to Refuge Cove 50km even though we had some 5-8 Refuge Cove Rest difficult decisions to make the 9 Refuge Cove - Hogan Island 50km debates were respectful and 10-11 Hogan Island Rest open. Thanks to Neil especially, 12 Hogan Island - Deal Island 44km and to Merridy and Trine who 13 Deal Island - Killicrankie 63km were our land contacts, and to 14 Killicrankie - Emita 30km Dee, Harry and Peter for that 15 Emita - Whitemark 22km feed on the first night at the 16 Whitemark Rest pub and for all their help in the 17 Whitemark to Trousers Point 13km months before. 18 Trousers Point to Clarke Island 46km A month or so later Rae did the 19 Clarke Island Rest much more exposed Western 20 Clarke Island to Little Musselroe bay (Tasmania) 30km cross south-to-north solo. Just TOTAL 440km amazing!

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 30 Hogan Island Paradise

DAVID LINCO

With high levels of enthusiasm, the lee off Hogan Island with wind the tide. Looking forward to the the Dream Team of Roddy, Mark fuelled seas breaking kept us all entertainment, Mark & Roddy and I paddled out of Refuge Cove honest. relaxed with their lunch as I stripped with an outgoing tide bound for and tripped to rescue Ernie. At first Hogan Island on Valentines Day, Upon landing at the small beach, I thought the boys had a change Sunday 14 Feb 2016. This was the what had intended to be an of heart and were coming to help second paddling day of our Bass overnight stay turned into four only to be surprised by unwelcome Strait Crossing and following the nights with the BOM changing to paparazzi looking to capture my Port Welshpool to Refuge Cove leg angry red for the coming days. natural style swimming attire.

the previous day. Our plan driving This extra spell helped change our The next morning we located some down to Melbourne was to go hard perception of Hogan from being a fresh water run off on the west side with three solid paddling days and transfer point only, to an adventure of the Island. As it was very shallow, then bunker down at beautiful Deal holiday destination in itself. we built a small dam but found the Island to ride out the incoming gale quality slightly salty. A second run- force weather. As it turned out, the newly constructed hut was invaluable off was located 100m south of the We paddled out of Refuge Cove just in providing shelter from howling hut in the intertidal range. It was after high tide at 6.30am greeted by gale force winds and torrential rain. of a much better quality but could a magnificent sunrise. Conditions The real question was sourcing only be collected at low tide from were overcast with a forecast of fresh water and what to do on small rock pools leading down to 15 kn westerly winds. The paddle a seemingly barren island with the beach. Both water sources were out under sail went extremely well no trees. The visitor’s book was only temporary but with much rain with winds only picking up as we very informative in this regard – forecast our water problem was approached Hogan in the last hour practically nothing. and a half when wind speeds were solved. It was an added bonus that gusting at 38 knots. You know the In our enthusiasm of landing, our water supply doubled as the winds are a tad brisk when you deserting our gear and re- first Hogan Island Day Spa. Thanks need to raft up to put the sails energising over lunch, my boat to Rae, Ian & Warren for the water down. The ride past Twin Islets into had decided to head out with divination tips.

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That evening we fished off the rocks of each paddling day, the day and The hut (rebuilt 2014) provided an and feasted on chilli squid with salt rear hatch were flooding with up element of luxury on this holiday & pepper fish for dinner. Although to 5 cm of water. Keeping up with island, as otherwise there is simply we sighted much larger fish towards Roddy and Mark is no easy task for no shelter from the weather and our time would have been more Twin Islets they were far too big to a mere mortal like me but adding challenging there. handle on our light tackle so we more weight is simply “not cricket”. stuck to smaller fish, mainly cod and My initial thoughts were leaking We certainly found its reputation as wrasse directly out of the bay. hatch covers but after much testing, a rat-infested barren island quite unfounded and would not dismiss it we found the hatch rims themselves Each evening and morning we as a recovery point destination very were lifting. I am pleased to advise were entertained by fairy penguins, much like Cape Barren, Clarke and which adamantly stood their ground, Dr Hempel along with Nurse Roddy Royden Islands. For our four-day together with several blue tongue carried out successful field surgery stay, we certainly found ourselves lizards and very shy Cape Barren and Ernie fully recovered for the occupied and enjoyed the time to Geese. rest of the trip. explore its treasures.

It is a small island and took only Images - Left to right: David Linco; Mark catching dinner; Roddy 2-3 days to fully explore. The hilly (team photographer) enjoying the views; David, Mark, Roddy and areas were not easy trekking with the ubiquitous selfie stick; Below: Native island fairy penguins hidden mutton-bird holes and thick grassland but the views from the top simply stunning. The light beacon and headland are a must- do for visitors and paddlers alike, with panoramic views to Wilsons Prom and the Kent group. Excellent phone reception through the Telstra 3G network was obtained anywhere on Hogan in direct sight of the Prom, for those with a temptation to phone home. During our Hogan Island vacation, we took the time to attend to my boat Ernie. With the extra weight of an expedition, I found at the end

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 32 Hail the Sail! Another Eastern Bass Strait Crossing

MEGAN PRYKE

As we rounded Little Snake Island the shadow of Prom when John wider forgetting that because we had I started to feel wind on my right suggests “Time to put up the sails”. arrived earlier than expected, the cheek. Our paddling muscles were Our sails catch the wind, the load current direction had changed. The barely warmed up when I asked on our paddles lightens, and the best thing I could do was remain a John Hutchinson “Do you want to building following seas engage us. visible target for John so I kept my put the sails up?” We hoist the sails, flapping sail up. John slowly ground Land is not only on the minds of and our laden sea kayaks feel a little his way into the bay while I gently flying birds. I was glad to spot lighter. For a brief period, we stow paddled to keep my position. Hogan Island when on top of wave the sails to negotiate an area marked crests. We saw about six freighters Paddling day two completed, 48kms “Breaks Heavily” which was breaking during the day confirming that the with the sail up, 50kms in total. lightly. Then after picking a way Winds WSW fresh to strong. Six and across we continue to sail paddle to shipping channel is definitely wider a half hours on the water. Rabbit Island for lunch. Back to sail than it appears on the chart. One paddling southward then a turn west ship appeared face on. We kept We did not leave as early for our towards Refuge Cove to camp. The moving along our agreed heading third paddling day. Moderate to fresh southwest wind wrapped around the relieved to see its port side appear. southwesterly winds prevailed. We mountainous Wilsons Promontory, It passes by close enough to hear hoisted our sails just south of Hogan while closer to shore multidirectional its engines and read the text on the Island’s protection. The seas were gusts meant we could get occasional containers. confused with intersecting westerly wind assistance. Paddling day one Over my right shoulder a grey and easterly swell creating diamond completed, 42km of paddling with curtain approached. Five minutes patterns on the water’s surface. Just sails up over eighty percent of the later it was raining and Hogan Island north of Deal’s Murray passage, with time. disappeared out of view leaving sails up, we scoff some lunch on level waters. We stow sails for the There is nothing quite like an over- our trusty deck compasses as the push into West Cove where a fresh the-horizon long crossing to kindle only visual reference for about half headwind greets us. the senses. Neither of us had done an hour. After six hours of paddling such a task before. With forecast we rounded the northern tip of the After setting up camp we make the south westerly winds of 15-20 knots, Hogan Island cluster. I cut in close 4 km walk to the homestead area, building to a Strong Wind Warning to the rocks to find land further away check the forecast and make a by the late afternoon we knew than expected. I aim upwind to decision to have a rest day on Deal that turning back to the mainland paddle strongly to the protection of a Island. It was a privilege to have a was highly undesirable. It was a small bay. My struggle was nothing rest day on Deal Island. We walked, dawn start. We were barely out of compared to John’s, who had gone swam, visited the lighthouse base

Image: Homestead area on Deal Island

JUNE 2016 | SALT 33 and museum. It should be renamed a change of plan. “Why not go to waters created by the west wind as “iDeal” island! Lovely place! Whitemark today”. We agree to we rounded the west side of Cape There was nothing difficult about the have a crack at it. After lunch the Barren Island, keeping up the sails decision to launch for the long 60 km current direction would be against was a bit dicey in the steep chop crossing to Flinders island as the us, so we decide that if it is was too but we manage. We land at Key strong, we could turn around and forecast promised very light winds. Island Bay and set up camp on the go to Emita. Our sails were up for We nutted out the times the tidal sand amongst picturesque granite a zippy trip across Marshall Bay, currents would turn, expecting to be boulders on the edge of the dunes. but just south of Settlement Point swept south west with the morning This campsite turned out being our progress slows down, due to flow and then north east by the time home for four nights. the strong current. We head to land we were close to Flinders Island. By for lunch into the strongest head The first night it rained heavily 6:30am we were on the water with wind battle I have had, this time overnight, though the daytime was the sun still rising. Wind was non- due to land wind shear. Not wanting clear. Gale force winds arrive by the existent; the water was smooth as another headwind battle we continue we headed into a bank of fog. We late afternoon. Through the night I by hugging the coast, which heads heard the distant buzz of an engine couldn’t sleep. John was camped eastwards into Sawyers Bay. This and were glad to identify it as a light closer to the waters edge. At 3am, sets us up for a downwind run to airplane. Wright Rock appeared and with high tide approaching, I got up. Long Point with twenty knots plus then disappeared. A seal was seen The tide forecast was 3cm higher behind us, sails up of course! The shortly before Craggy Island, which than the previous night which was Kayaking for Kids at Risk guys who had a beany of cloud surrounding enough margin for our tents however had arrived at Whitemark earlier in its summit. Finally Flinders Island the extra surge created by gale force the day had seen our sails. I make could be seen as the fog cleared winds was a worry. At 3:15am in the no complaint of having my kayak close to the island. Nine and a half morning it was starting to look very picked up by them and carried up to hours of being on the water we enter dicey. I wake John who gets up in the grass. After a refreshing outdoor Killiecrankie Bay. I will remember shower we got ready for “Parmy” time to have water wash under his this day for the mysterious fog and night at the Whitemark pub. We had vestibule. As John moves his tent smooth seas. It was to be the only paddled 53km with sails up seventy I realise our pots and stove were paddling day that we left the sails on percent of the distance. floating off, I chase a pot through our decks. a slot in the granite boulders. As I Another early start to catch the The following morning we left grab it I see another pot bobbing high tide to get across the shallows Killiecrankie with a plan to head out of reach, I leave it there safely that separates Parrys Bay and towards Emita. As soon as we are out of reach and rush back to the Fotheringate Bay. A westerly wind out of the Killiecrankie bay our sails tents and then to check our kayaks. helps us, though it dies down are up, the northerly wind fills them, just before Trousers Point where John announces that his cag has the tidal current with us. As we curve John and I stop to set up camp. gone. Searching for it becomes an around Cape Frankland, I sight a It is cloudy and a clear view from immediate priority. The previously gap in between granite boulders. Strezlecki peaks is unlikely, so our ideal campsite had become the “Rock hopping with sails up?” I ask motivation to climb is low. John and campsite from hell. We postpone John. John agrees, and we cut I decide to head to Cape Barren the cag search until daylight. The through the gap sails up! Island, a strengthening westerly tide had started to recede so I went At Roydon Island we stop paddling wind helps us paddle sail across to my tent for another attempt at for morning tea. John suggested Franklin Sound. I enjoyed the lively sleeping.

Left: John Hutchinson Right: East end of Rebecca Bay, Clarke Island

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 34 35

In the daylight we make a sweep of With easterly winds we mostly sail so our planned heading was the beach. In vain we cover about paddled across to Clarke Island. irrelevant for a while. Instead we two kilometers of beach downwind. We had to drop the sails as we targeted the Swan Island light, which As I return ahead of John I spotted approached Rebecca Bay. John who at times was getting hard to spot the khaki colour of my ground sheet. was ahead picked a route towards as the seas got bigger. It probably I waded out into a bunch of seaweed shore on the west side of the bay should have been no surprise that to grab it. My hopes rise every time in between an island. It was a bit we were further east than what we I see a little bit of bright green. No rough to get into the channel with intended when we finally rafted up to check our location in the daylight. luck. I return to camp, and head to an outflowing current standing up To correct ourselves, we turned and the gap where the pot was washed the waves. I stalled near the shallow paddled a heading of 240 degrees, last night. It was too narrow to walk channel start to allow a big set to which put the wind directly behind sideways and reach so I dig out pass by. Once in the channel the outflowing current was a bit of a us. We didn’t dare put up the sails sand from the base allowing me get grind, however it was worth the effort as the seas were being steepened close enough to fish it out with a to avoid extra distance involved in due to wind against tide. White caps stick. Later in the day John heads going around a series of bommies broke all around us. I experienced down the beach for two kilometres and the lumpy water added a bit of a few horizontal waterfalls requiring for a second look. He spots the excitement to the trip. a brace, very glad to be wearing a green of his cag in a small breaking cag. Just north of Swan Island the wave, again amongst a clump of We set up camp on the far east end conditions flattened. I had a look at seaweed. Cag found, what a relief! of Rebecca Bay and went for a walk. the laminated map and figured we Around dinnertime we nutted out had just crossed an area that the The tide height was increasing each the plan for Banks Strait, noting on charts marked with squiggly lines night, so we decided to make a our kayaks in chinagraph pencil the i.e. rough water. With the now flatter moat and levy to protect our tents. wind forecast, the time the currents conditions we raised our sails to Although the days are windy the would change, estimated speed head towards mainland Tasmania rain has eased, the clouds being the direction of the current and our in between Swan and Little Swan blown too fast to stop and drop planned heading. On John’s Ipad, Island. rain. A community store is open which was carefully waterproofed, A fisherman at Whitemark told us Monday to Friday for limited hours we looked at how the Navonics we would get a tidal back eddy at the township, which was a good software had arrows indicating inside of the Foster Islands and hour’s walk away from our campsite. forecast current speed and direction. it seems that we did. Near Cape My Garmin GPS Map 78 had We had plenty of food, though we Portland I check the BOM forecast stopped receiving a satellite signal decided we couldn’t pass up the around 11:30am in knee-deep water. way back at Killiecrankie. opportunity to eat fresh yoghurt It seemed to be blowing stronger and fruit. While walking we saw We had been getting quicker at than forecast, though there is no some unusual parrots, a few largish packing through the trip and for Strong Wind Warning. We make a snakes, pretty granite bays and I Banks Strait we actually ended up decision to make a push to Bridport, sustained my only trip injury, a blister launching before sunrise. Thus we with the wind behind us, the current on my foot. could not see our trusty compasses, slowing and eventually turning with

Sea fog encountered on a windless crossing from Deal to Flinders Island

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us by late afternoon. We completed Crossing Facts Food and water the crossing of Ringaroom Bay to Time frame 4 litres of water accessible from Waterhouse Point, 25km crossing cockpit via under deck hydration All up, it was 21 days return to within three hours. At Waterhouse system. No water on our backs and Sydney, though we had allowed a Point we touched down to officially no need to open day hatch during month. Trip comprised 14 days to celebrate our Bass Strait crossing, trip by use of pockets for food. setting off after a bite to eat about cross with 8 paddling days and 6 half an hour later. We knew the wind weather and rest days. Remaining Cags would start to drop as we crossed days were 4 travel days plus 3 days I had a Reed Chillcheater. For the the bay towards Bridport due to the waiting to start. warmer than average conditions shape of the land. Equipment it may have been a bit too much On the final big bay crossing we John: Pace 17 with a Flat Earth sail. but I prefer being too warm. John had hundreds of Shearwaters on Paddle Epic Mid Wing had a Peak hooded tourlite long sleeve cag. February to early March the water. We scattered them like Megan: Mirage 530 with a Kite Magic 2016 were warmer than prior year cattle so they soared gracefully sail. Paddle Epic Small Mid Wing averages. around us. The Bridport ferry passed Gear had been used and tested. us, a convenient way to confirm Trial pack of our kayaks completed Images - Left to right: Sea fog our heading. We finally drop the at least a week before. encountered on a windless crossing from sails when we saw the buildings at Deal to Flinders Island; The start of our We both had spare paddle, VHF Bridport. With a small surf landing moat on day 3 of our Cape Barren Island radios, flares. camp; Leaving Key Island Bay, Cape just before 7pm, we had completed Barren Island; A bay protected from the our final paddling day with a 98km westerly winds, Cape Barren Island paddling day completed in 13 hours. Hail the sail! Many thanks to those who helped in the logistics; my brother Adrian, sister Karin and David Kelly who picked us up at Bridport. We took our sea kayaks on as hand luggage on a day voyage on the Spirit of Tasmania. We had made the booking from Clarke Island. John bought bubble wrap. There are two Spirits (ferries) and one has a particular trolley more suitable for sea kayaks. We had a few nervous moments not knowing if our sea kayaks would prove too much of a nuisance.

Paddling Estimated Details Distance distance with sail up Port Welshpool to Refuge Cove 42 83% Refuge Cove to Hogan Island 52 90% Hogan Island to Deal Island 45 91% Rest day on "Ideal" (a.k.a. Deal) Island Deal Island to Killiecrankie, Flinders Island 62 0% Killiecrankie to Whitemark 53 70% Whitemark to Key Island Bay, Cape Barren Island 43 65% Four days on Cape Barren Island, strong westerly winds set in.. Key Island Bay to Clarke Island (Rebecca Bay) 22 64% Rebecca Bay, Clark Island, to Bridport, Tasmania 98 69% TOTAL 417 65%

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 36

Western Bass Strait

RAE DUFFY

back. In his usual So…with very little time to think generous way he about it, I took with me to Tassie all still wanted me to the maps and equipment I would do the Hunter trip, need to paddle home via W Bass if so we left my kayak the weather lined up, and if I felt up and gear in Hobart to it. and drove the Unlike the E Bass trip, I didn’t tell van back to NSW, attended Rock n’ many people about my plans, as I Roll then I flew back didn’t know yet if I would actually attempt it. I’d been kayaking lots At the end of March this year I down to Launceston, where Jean but hadn’t trained specifically for paddled Bass Strait solo via the picked me up and drove me to the this; I was relying on general kayak Western Route. This is the story of launch spot. Greg had my kayak. fitness, and still needed time to think how and why it came about... As Neil and I were working through it through. In early January, Warren, Ian and the logistics of getting my kayak I had a terrific adventure crossing back to the mainland a friend Images - Left to right: Greg and Jean Eastern Bass Strait. Upon arriving laughed and said, “you’ll just have to launch from Slope Island; Sunrise soon in Tasmania, Neil, and I spent the paddle home”. after I left the Tassie group to go to the other side of Three Hummock Island summer touring Tassie in our van, Paddling back had never even and kayaking, mainly on the east crossed my mind until then but I do coast of Tassie. We joined the like a challenge. Tasmanian Canoe Club, met lots of wonderful people and went on My first thought was that it was a expeditions around Freycinet, Maria long way from the Hunter Islands Island, Tasman Peninsula as well to Port Welshpool via Eastern Bass as their regular Wednesday night Strait. Then it occurred to me that paddle. there was a quicker and, for me, yet unexplored route via King Island Jean invited us to join a group on and the Western Route. It was a a two week expedition around the ridiculous idea, wasn’t it? And yet it Hunter Islands on the North West percolated in the back of my mind. tip of Tassie, and although we had Could I do it? planned to return to NSW for Rock I found Andrew McCauley’s trip n’ Roll it was a fantastic opportunity report online and remembered that to explore another part of Tassie and Harry had done it. Swearing Harry we couldn’t turn it down. to secrecy, I asked him about his We were considering how to make experience while we were at Rock it work when Neil fell and hurt his n’ Roll.

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As Jean and I chatted in the car I This time when I mentioned my for a better look at the Albatross was feeling odd about my plan to decision, the group poured over the Sanctuary. I was more focused on possibly abandon her trip before charts with me, asking questions completing a long crossing, and it was over. She and the rest of and helping me to clarify what I was didn’t feel confident enough to the Tassie kayakers had been so taking on. I was in contact with Neil extend both the distance and time generous. I think I started with too, and we discussed the first leg the crossing would take. “Jean, I have this crazy idea ….” of the trip; about 80 km to the port of A variable SW wind was providing Then during the first few days of Grassy on King Island. me with some assistance, but as the trip I mentioned it to Greg, Alan We were on the eastern side of my course was NW the beam wind and Tim trying to sound casual and Three Hummock Island, so, while the over an extended time caused my uncommitted. The reaction was rest of the group headed for Walker back to become stiff and sore. There similarly low key. No one there Island and then back to the mainland was not much swell and the day was was going to either encourage, or I paddled to Chimney corner on the mainly fine with occasional squalls of disapprove, of my idea. I’m very western side of Three Hummock gusty wind and rain. It was at these grateful to them all for that response. Island, in order to set off the next day. times that an Albatross often flew In the meantime we had a fabulous It was about three hours paddling so close checking me out. They are trip along the western side of Hunter I had the rest of the day to sort and magnificent and I love watching how Island, explored Slope Island, saw check my gear. effortlessly they glide through the sky. more Sea Eagles at one time than I got up at 4am and was on the water One time the tip of a wing was so I had ever seen before, watched by 5am. It would be dark until close close that it passed between me and Dangerous Banks breaking in the to 7am but my first heading, the my sail. As Albatross Island slipped distance and dealt with crazy tides. Northern tip of Hunter Island was away I could see Pyramid Island in If you get the chance, it’s a great very clear in the moonlight. A strong the distance. Again my route would paddling destination. On Three tide was going my way so I was soon not go close but it’s nice to have a Hummock Island we came across a there and heading into open water. reference point when you are a mere group of Victorian paddlers including Suddenly I realised that the wind had speck in the open ocean. Tina and John who had paddled W changed direction and the sky looked I kept checking the compass bearing Bass, so I got the chance to discuss clearer - it dawned on me that I’d as the kayak bobbed around, flicking their trip. I can’t say I was encouraged turned into the wind and now, with no the GPS on about once an hour by Tina’s account but I did come reference I didn’t have a clue what to ensure that I was not drifting away with extra knowledge. direction I was going. Turning on the off course. My main focus was to As it got closer to the end of the GPS I got back on course but it had paddle efficiently, keep sipping water Hunter Island trip, I was watching been a disconcerting few minutes. and stay relaxed. I hoped to do the the weather carefully, the conditions Sunrise is always beautiful on the crossing in about 12 hours but the were looking good for me to paddle water, and today was no exception. time wasn’t as important as getting to King Island and by now I was I could see Albatross Island, and in there in good shape, preferably keen to do it. hindsight I regret not paddling closer before dark.

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with a fairly uninteresting shoreline. The western side would have been more interesting but exposed and treacherous. After 50 km I stopped for the night, camping in the sand dunes. During the day I had been thinking a lot about what to do next. In many ways the next few days would be a big part of the adventure as I’ve done very little travelling on my own. In planning the trip I’d given no thought to what I would do on Image - A family of sea eagles on King Island but was pleased that the Three Hummock Island weather dictated a break and the opportunity to take a look around. Tina and John had told me about a King Island was a welcome sight mentioned the hot shower in the lovely protected bay that they had when it finally came into view at toilets. The only yacht owner in landed in near the lighthouse at about 1pm. However, my progress the harbour joined us for a chat, the NW tip of King Island. The map now was slower, the tides that had and turned out to be Mike Snoad’s showed roads nearby and it seemed been assisting for the early part of brother. For newer members, like a good link to the rest of the the trip were no longer in my favour Mike is a long time member and island, so I planned to follow their and the winds had died. I tried to numbers several Bass Strait example. work out the location of Grassy crossings amongst his numerous Harbour but failed and was almost other challenging adventures. The I wanted to round the island at slack upon it before I could see it. I was complex tide charts I used that had tide so got up at 3.30am to paddle the very grateful for the reassurance been invaluable for Eastern Bass last 15km, arriving just after dawn at of my GPS and thought often of Strait and now for Western had a beach just as Tina had described people like Paul Caffin who had come from Mike via Dee and Harry. it, with the lighthouse and golf club managed so much without the pavilion within easy walking distance. It was great to chat but a shower electronic support available now, and food were becoming critical, I tried to make myself vaguely not just for navigation but more and I was feeling quite shaky. I also presentable, secured the kayak and importantly for weather information needed to look at the maps, tides gear and packed a small backpack and communication. and weather for tomorrow and check with essentials in hopes that I would After 11 hours I landed at 4pm, in with Neil before I could finally get be able to get to the main town of emptied the kayak, dragged it up some much-deserved sleep. Currie, some 60 kms away. Planning onto the grass at the back of the to hire a car and find somewhere to My ‘perfect’ campsite had flood beach, repacked the gear I wouldn’t stay for three nights as there was lights, and was right next to the car need that evening, lay out the wet going to be strong NW to NE winds park. At 3am several cars pulled up gear and carried my bags to where and big seas. Three staff at the golf and boots tramped past my tent as a couple of fishermen were cleaning club, busy getting coffees for guests, several young men laughed about their catch, close to a likely tent spot. were baffled by my presence and an odd place to sleep and started even more so when I mentioned the I really felt the stark contrast their shift at the busy harbour that kayak that I’d left at the beach and between this and the Hawkesbury services King Island. From then on asked how I might get to Currie. They Classic, where the land-crew takes there were shouts and sudden loud didn’t like my chances but tried to over as soon as I land. noises, as well as trucks coming and help. going. Determined to rest I managed Everyone I met on King Island There’s not space in this story for the to sleep fitfully. were cheerful and helpful and the fantastic three days I had on King fishermen were no exception, they I had a lazy start to the next day Island, all the people I met, and the were very surprised to find that and set off at 10am to paddle cheese I sampled. In many ways I’d come from 3 Hummock Island north along the Eastern side of it was more interesting than the and assured me that the lovely the Island. The first 20km is a paddling. It’s lush and green and I’m piece of flat mown lawn right on the beautiful rocky coastline with trees so pleased I got the opportunity to waterfront would be a fine spot for and rich green paddocks. This is see and do so much during my brief my tent and then, to my excitement, followed by 30km of sandy bay time on the island.

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It was time to leave King Island and settle down. make the 100km dash to Victoria. After a further The high pressure cell I’d been half hour watching brought with it light SW tracking my winds in the morning, turning to W progress on and then NW by the end of the day my GPS to but dropping to 5 knots then N to NE see whether winds increasing over the next days. I was actually Unfortunately the SW swell was making still 4 - 5 meters with a 14 sec wave headway I period but I thought that the beach decided to would be protected and once I was continue. clear of the island the swell would be As they had fine. High tide 6am. done on my My B&B host, Dieter, questioned my crossing to sanity and recommended loading the King Island, kayak onto a boat at Grassy harbour I was once for shipping or at least consider a again joined by so many motor for the kayak. Despite that, albatross that swooped Dieter and Pez very kindly drove me down past the kayak. all the way to Cape Wickham in the For 10 hours I paddled early hours of the morning. with no land in sight. At The beach that met us wasn’t what I times I needed to remind had hoped; the big sets were pretty myself that I love being scary. Fortunately the lulls were out on the ocean and calmer... If only my timing had been this is what I wanted better. I capsized in a large breaking to do. Besides by now wave and ended up back on the my only choice was to beach with the sail torn, my gear paddle or hit the PLB scattered and nerves ragged. button and declare that I was tired - not really an I repaired the sail with the help of option at all. Dieter and Kathleen from the King Island Courier, who had come to the Just before dusk I finally beach to see me off after hearing saw the mainland, then when it was Images - Above: Camping at about my crossing attempt. All the really dark, I saw the glow of lights Grassy, King Island with Paul time I was watching the ocean and from Apollo Bay. I knew Neil was Snoad’s yacht behind;The toilets with hot showers at Grassy considering my options but I’m an waiting there for me with ex member, optimist and felt that if I could get off Kate and her partner Ray. the beach I’d be okay. flashing light at the entrance to the I then had a further six hours of harbour that would be easy to see. So with adrenalin running high I paddling in the dark and it was very We also discussed the effect that the relaunch about an hour later than dark as it was overcast and the swell was having on the reefs, which planned. Once through the breakers moon didn’t rise until after I landed. lay outside the harbour and along the sea was big and confused After years of Tuesday nights I quite the coast. We expected the swell to because the delay meant that the tide like night paddling and there were be very similar when I landed the was near peak ebb and opposing the moments of levity when twice a fish large swell. If the conditions continued decided to board my kayak, wiggling next nght. they would be too exhausting over about on my skirt, before plopping I struggled to locate the flashing that distance. I decided to paddle for back into the waves. But mostly I just harbour light, as I wasn’t on the peak an hour to clear the influence of the focused on the lights in the distance of the swell long enough to identify island and then consider if I should that rose and fell with the still 4m the flashing pattern. It wasn’t until I turn back to Grassy where the kayak swell. was about 1km away that I was sure. could return by ship and I’d fly home, Neil and I had spoken the night The waves seemed bigger and twice or continue on to Apollo Bay. before. He had described Apollo Bay a wave broke noisily just behind me. It was a close call, but towards the to me, and assured me that it was I had the GPS running and stuck end of the hour conditions began to well protected and that there was a exactly to the course I’d plotted

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which aimed to avoid trouble but van with Miso soup and a hot water of achievemeant and I’m pleased I again the adrenalin was kicking in. bottle. had the opportunity to test myself in this way. Being solo was a big part of C The protected harbour that Neil The morning after when I took a o s the challenge, making decisions and n n had described to me the night look at the Harbour the waves g o being totally self-reliant. I am grateful ra ti before was gone; the swell direction had settled a bit. I watched as t a to Neil who was supportive and at ul had changed just enough so that speedboats cruised up near the the end of the phone checking the when Neil scouted the harbour in entrance then accelerated through weather and discussing my plans. that morning he was horrified to between the waves, comparing their I prefer the comradery of a shared see surfers riding waves past the entrance to my own. In hindsight I adventure but as a solo paddler entrance to the harbour. should have got more information there is more interaction with others about the harbour and a daytime After over 16 hours of paddling I and unexpected and interesting landing would have been better. can’t tell you how wonderful it was consequences. On previous crossings, Harry had to hear Neil yelling at me from the launched before daylight to land breakwall but I could not make out while it was still light and Tina and what he was saying. The bigger John had launched in the afternoon waves were breaking over the to land during the next day. Neither breakwall and sweeping past the option was viable for me as it was entrance and I could see the calm too rough for me to have launched water in the harbour so picked my from Cape Wickham in the dark and time and paddled hard. I could see I would have had headwinds the our van and Kate, Ray and Neil. This entire crossing. I had wanted to take Images - Below: The West Coast time it was like the Hawkesbury; Neil of King Island; Opposite: Cape advantage of the SW wind. and Ray sorted out the kayak while Wickham before setting out for Kate bundled me off to bed in our Looking back, I feel a great sense Victoria (Photo Kathleen Hunter, King Island Courier)

JUNE 2016 | SALT 40 41 Co s ngratulation Rae First solo female to cross Western Bass Strait Truly an inspiring, amazing and courageous achievement!

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 42 Unfinished Business

SHARON BETTERIDGE

First printed in, and reprinted here with kind permission from, Oceanpaddler – Issue 49, the UK sea kayaking magazine

Background 6 knots on spring tides. Combine to catch the outrunning tide. With all this with the tidal range being the current here running at over 3–4 It had been eight years since our the largest on the East Coast (at knots at springs, the consolation was planned kayak trip from Tannum nearby Broadsound the range is 9 that we would have less current, it Sands to Mackay was cut short m), and I knew fitness, on-water skill, would be mostly behind us and the at Stanage due to a combination sharp navigation and equipment in crossing to the Marble Group would of group cohesion and inclement be the shortest of the trip. weather that wasn’t going to ease for excellent repair were going to be several days, leaving us launching essentials on this trip. We booked into our night’s accommodation, called the resident at the wrong stage in the tidal cycle. Stanage The lure of this stretch of coast was caretaker on Bamborough Island strong for Rob and me however, A phone repeater tower perched on to ask about camping, organised a as much to do with our urge to a high point was an indicator that secure place to leave our car and complete it as the descriptions and we were nearly there. We pulled did the final fit-out to our kayaks. After an early dinner, we packed and photos of the idyllic islands that lay off on a side road and climbed to repacked our dry bags so we would offshore. a high vantage point to view the be ready for a launch at first light. offshore islands. The weather was This would not be by any means We did one last check of the weather kinder than last time, and the islands an easy tropical trip. It had all the forecast on the single sideband shimmered emerald in a turquoise elements of more complex crossings radio and sent a text to Mark via such as the famous Bass Strait, sea as a gentle trade wind blew. our tracker to ensure both these with remote islands (up to 80 km A 4–5 day weather window had vital pieces of equipment were still offshore), lengthy crossings between opened up and the tides at were at working, before finally setting the landing spots (up to 60 km), strong neaps. The only drawback was that alarm for an early start. currents that would often cross our the full tide was before 04:00 and paths rather than be of any help, the sun wouldn’t be up until close shallow ground with shoals and rocky outcrops, and narrow channels to 07:00. We needed an early start where the current runs at up to

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To the Marble Group My reply was the same. This went Rob jumped out to look for a suitable on for a few volleys, until Rob finally place to camp, I sent the first of I never like to start in the dark, realised I was neither hard of hearing especially so close to a mangrove our texts to Mark via the tracker to nor being humorous and suggested and on a boat ramp where it was let him know we were okay. Deer, we go around them on the other obvious from the scraps that the dog and tyre tracks and the flotsam side; it was too late however and we lines on the beach gave us a fair fishermen had been cleaning their left them in our wake to starboard. indication of the recent high-water daily catch. The large sign posted We arrived at Tynemouth Island for mark, so we set up camp on higher adjacent warning of crocodiles did morning tea and a snooze, followed nothing to allay my fear. We packed by lunch while we waited for the tide ground. A little later, Mary (the a little later than planned, caught to ease. Like most of the islands in resident caretaker) greeted us on the the full brunt of the ebb tide out of the Marble Group, Tynemouth still quad bike with her two trusty dogs, the channel and, with our sails up had remnants of its cattle-grazing tails wagging and mouths panting, to catch the trade wind, we exited days including fences and cattle- indicating they had enjoyed the Thirsty Sound on a conveyor belt holding yards. Nearby Marble Island exhilaration of the ride down from the of current. It was an exciting albeit hosts the original farmstead and is homestead. Mary was keen to hear bumpy ride over shoaling water, and now a resort specialising in hunting. of our plans and how our day went we had to navigate around several rocky outcrops. At slack tide we launched again and before she outlined a short history of paddled across shallow water, easing the island. With a promise to bring us We saw a pair of rounded rocks in our way through boils and confused the weather forecast early the next the distance and Rob asked what water in the channel before we morning, she bade us goodnight. they were called. When I responded rounded the headland and landed with their name as indicated on the through low surf onto the sand that chart (‘Two Round Rocks’) he asked would be our first night’s camp. As again, thinking that I was either being funny or hadn’t heard him over the sound of wind and waves.

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Images - Previous page: Sharon paddling off coral at Prudhoe Island; Above left to right: Stanage Bay - Crocodile Warning Sign; The iconic A-frame on Middle Percy Island; Sharon and Rob paddling to Mackay with Prudhoe Island in the background

To the Percy Group time before our courses diverged. I ensures visitors are welcomed and looked around and he had gone as camping fees paid. We paid Marty As promised Mary was up early fast as he had appeared, leaving us and, on his suggestion, selected a and delivered the forecast written with a 360-degree view of nothing site in a quiet spot away from the in her beautiful copperplate hand. I but sea. It was an unnerving moment A-frame, under pandanus and palms knew that after this we would have and I felt a little disoriented. on a bed of soft vines and leaves to rely on daily text messages on and the ever-present sand. Marty the tracker from Mark and our radio After more than two hours, a lofty offered us three fresh-caught whiting for these essential forecasts. The shadow came into and out of view. and indicated the best spot to obtain weather was still holding up so we A few sea birds kept us company good drinking water. launched nearer to the top of the and, although I didn’t know how tide, planning to ride the ebb to The far from shore these large Brown After setting up camp we explored Percy’s. We did our final navigation Boobies ventured, I assumed their the walking tracks. An inlet appeared check to ensure we wouldn’t miss presence indicated we were close quite unexpectedly after a short this group as, although they are to landfall. The haze gradually lifted steep walk through forest and, on statuesque with Middle Percy at over and we finally saw the Percy Group Marty’s advice, we filled our water 240 m, smoke haze from local fires in all their majesty, clad in lush green bags from the tank above the inlet. had settled overnight and our view forest. The lagoon itself can only be entered was obscured to a few kilometres. Just after lunch we paddled the by boat at high tide and only with With the ebb current and a gentle channel between Pine Islets and permission. It made a picturesque trade wind to assist us, we pushed Smith Bluff before West Bay sight: an old timber yacht tied to a out on a compass bearing to our opened up. It was a busy but rickety wharf and a few dinghies next destination. It was quite eerie glorious anchorage complete with pulled up on the mudflat nestled paddling into ‘nowhere’ and it would eight yachts, two catamarans, one among the mangroves. We returned be a lie if I said that I hadn’t felt a bit cruiser and a fishing boat. It looked to the track and continued the climb apprehensive more than a few times and felt like we had been dropped to view the sea from various vantage on the crossing. If our navigation onto a movie set in a tropical island points. Thankfully it was a clear was wrong we could easily find paradise. We pulled up on the beach afternoon and the view from the top ourselves beyond the Percy Group, in front of the iconic A-frame that was exquisite. Near the peak we fighting a strong current to get back houses a fascinating collection of saw the original homestead built to our destination. We used a GPS memorabilia from yachts who have in the typical timber Queenslander to check our drift and speed. visited over the years. style, complete with an open front gate and a welcoming veranda. It felt like a long crossing, but it was Marty, the caretaker, welcomed us broken by the sound of a single male as he completed the cleaning of his Middle Percy Island has a long humpback following us ‘singing’. morning’s catch. Marty lives in the history. There is little recorded about He continued to follow us for some tree house behind the beach and the local Aboriginal people who,

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off some photos Finally the haze lifted. Whales and a message continued their journey nearby to back home to our east and we regularly saw them Mark. It was breeching, waving their flukes and getting late, so jumping clear of the water. To our unfortunately we west the imposing block of Bluff didn’t have time Island was easy to distinguish. It was to investigate the a flat day and the water shimmered. track any further. It felt remote. We were a long way We returned to offshore and surprisingly it was meet a group of quite busy with watercraft. As we visiting mariners approached the Beverley Cluster a and share their yacht and later a fishing boat come fire, drinks into view. The fishing boat altered and stories. course to greet us for a chat. With They supplied such a good weather window, they had launched from Sarina for a us with a pan couple of day’s fishing. and butter and for thousands of years, regularly helped cook our fish over their fire As we approached the islands we visited to use the land and its while we exchanged tales from the were greeted with strong currents coastline for the resources it had high seas. The skipper and his crew once again before we rounded to offer. European history dates were Sydneysiders motoring a large the headland into the protection of back to Captain Cook’s discovery cruiser to Airlie Beach for its wealthy the bay. Digby Island was superb. in the eighteenth century as he owner. With only male company Its beach faces onto a lagoon-like sailed briskly passed, naming the for the last few weeks, Alicia was stretch of water dotted with smaller group in honour of the Duke of grateful for another female to share islands just offshore. We camped on Northumberland. Later in 1802, her drinks and stories with. She low soft vegetation under pandanus Captain Matthew Flinders visited listened with keen interest to a report above the high tide line. As we and named the islands. Over the of my trip so far and my plans for the moved into evening the yacht and following years there were the usual next few days, and then recounted fishing boat joined us, dropping their shipwrecks and, in the late 1800s, her own tales. She not only cooked anchors offshore while Rob and coconuts and other edible fruits were for the crew, but also did her share I lay awake on our sleeping mats watching the tapestry of stars on planted and goats were introduced of the night watch as often they were the dark velvety sky. We woke to a to provide passing vessels with motoring 24 hours a day. a source of food. Soon after chorus of birdsong in the morning. this, a European settlement was It was another early night. We bade established with the first leasehold farewell to our new-found friends To Prudhoe Island taken in 1875. Coffee, sheep, and watched the sun set over the At dawn we rose to a clear day. cattle, horses and honey-bees were distant islands of the Guardfish Paddling alongside the smaller brought to the island for farming over Cluster as we tuned into the radio for islands in the cluster on our north- the years with varying degrees of the coming day’s weather forecast. westerly course we admired their success. Eastern Grey kangaroos, beauty – red rocks smoothed by wallabies, rusa deer and cane toads To the Beverley Group persistent weathering, majestic were also introduced over the years. Day three turned out to be identical hoop pine, ancient grass trees and In 2011 National Parks took over to the previous day, and tested our clusters of blue wanderer butterflies the management of over 80% of navigation skills once again. This that appeared to be attracted to my the island to ensure its ongoing time the crossing was longer, the blue and white sail. Turtles broke protection, and in 2012 the wind was gentler, the haze lifted the surface regularly but, taken remainder was granted to Cate later and the islands were less than by surprise, they soon duck-dived to ensure its maintenance and half the height of the Percy Group. before disappearing into the depths. protection for the following 20 years. We were joined regularly by schools Once clear of the Cate is a descendant of one of the of small translucent flying fish, Beverley Group, Divided Island earlier leaseholders, and resides on interspersed with larger mackerel to our right and Knight Island to the island in the original homestead. taking chase and jumping clear of our left kept us company for what From near the homestead Rob the water. Brown Boobies soared seemed like an eternity. Over our obtained phone reception and sent above before diving for their lunch. port shoulder The Bluff glowed

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in the early morning light. There times, enjoying the multi-coloured who gave us approval to cross the was no doubt as to our destination corals, fish and clams. A school of busy ports at both Hay Point and that day as we could easily see reef sharks were feeding close by, Mackay. It was an unusually quiet Prudhoe Island’s distinctive shape while a frightened turtle dived under day for them. We checked our in the distance. For a while a pod my hull as a large tiger shark took navigation again and made note of dolphins kept us interested, but chase. of the waypoints for the exclusion zones. We set our course to take unfortunately the feeling wasn’t Near the shore the reef gave way into account both these and the mutual and they soon took off in to a sandy beach. We pulled our currents that would be across us all great haste. kayaks well above the high tide line day, first ebbing north and, on the and set up camp on soft ground We skirted the northeast side of tide change, flooding south. Prudhoe Island. As we approached under overhanging branches. a boulder- scattered bay, the bottom A snake slithered away as Rob On the water the heat was gave way to a magnificent reef just disturbed its afternoon slumber. oppressive, but flying fish and under our hulls. The crystal-clear Ours were the only footprints on the schooling mackerel broke the water gave us a superb view of a sand. For the first time on the trip monotony. No sooner had they selection of hard and soft corals and we watched the sun set over the finished their display that we noticed giant clams. Drifting across the reef mainland and toasted our expedition a pair of whales on the eastern we were in awe as colourful fish with rum- laced hot chocolate, horizon breaching clear of the water darted in and out and around. With a knowing that would be our last night before swimming with great gusto towards us. In a short time they beach solely comprising enormous in paradise. After dinner we watched had arrived and put on the most boulders and waves breaking over the star-studded night sky, so dark amazing display we had ever seen: an inshore reef crest, this was a and clear. tail slapping, fluke waving, breeching dangerous place to land and set up To Mackay and finally rolling over to show us camp. We continued on and past their white bellies before heading Prudhoe’s saddle before rounding We awoke to a hot still day and west and north towards Mackay. It the rocky northern headland and I wondered when and where the lifted our spirits and we continued paddling over a shallow sandy shoal. predicted ‘inshore afternoon sea paddling with new vigour. I looked Again the seabed gave way to more breezes’ would hit us. Surprisingly, behind us every now and then to see magnificent reef. We drifted across there was mobile phone reception Prudhoe Island getting smaller and the shallows on the current several so Rob called the Harbour Master smaller, a wisp of cloud clinging to its peak, to not only ease the boredom Images - Left to right: View from our tent on Digby Island; Solitary cloud but confirm our progress. forms over Prudhoe Island

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For the third time on our trip we Bees Island and we continued to appeared as a shadow to our right. paddled through a thick pink slick watch our course as we looked We were keen to find a suitable that stretched for kilometres. It furtively over our shoulders to check landing, and focused instead on seemed a bit too early in the year, that these enormous beasts had the band of lights onshore ahead but we had had a full moon only indeed altered their course to Hay and to our left. It was slow paddling the weekend prior to our launch. In Point. against the tidal current into the any case it was refreshing to see The sun was low in the sky as we north-easterly breeze, but eventually evidence of coral spawn considering approached Mackay; the glare made we rode in through low surf behind global warming, the heavy use of the local park. As our hulls touched the waterways, cyclones, invasive it hard, and at times impossible, to creatures such as the ‘crown-of- navigate. Several horn blasts and the sand, we knew that would be the thorns’ starfish and the reported tugboat activity close to the port last time we would pull our kayaks general degradation of the reefs alerted us of an impending ship’s above the high tide line for this trip. caused by the local coal industry and movement. We could hear radio We had completed our trip and our its continual freighter traffic. I was traffic on our VHFs and Rob called ‘unfinished business’ in great style. hopeful it was an indication of the the local coastguard for information. continued regeneration of the reef. We altered course, waited for the Epilogue large vessels and tugboats to clear Eventually Hay Point came into view, the port, and then followed at a safe It took several trips ferrying kayaks easily discernible by the ‘car park’ of distance, crossing the shipping lane and gear from our landing spot to our moored freighters lined up in neat before entering the channel between accommodation up near the main rows all facing into the prevailing Slade Island and the mainland. road before we could settle in for current and wind. It took ages to the evening. Even so, the next day It was late. We could only hear the paddle the perimeters of the port saw us refreshed after a satisfying and, to mark the passage of time, I slop of the water under our hulls night’s sleep. After cleaning and mentally ticked off each large vessel and the surge of waves on the beach. packing our gear and organising as I passed it, ensuring we stayed We felt the breeze on our faces and clear of the exclusion areas. A sea the movement of shoaling water car rental in nearby Mackay, we breeze kicked up in the afternoon below us. It was a very dark night embarked on the long car shuffle. and I thought I could get some use and, even with our deck lights and Although our on- water trip was just out of my sail, but it was short lived torches, it was hard to make out the shy of 200 km, there were 780 km and became an annoying headwind landforms around us. The lights of of suburban roads, highway and dirt instead. Large vessels were starting Mackay Harbour were well to our roads to drive to retrieve our car from to line up in the channel near St stern port side and Slade Island Stanage and return to Mackay.

Further Information

Best time to paddle is July and August travelling north with the predominantly south-easterly winds. Spring tides can reach nine metres, and tidal flows four knots, so ensure kayaks and camping are well above the high-water mark and crossings are planned around tides and currents. Essential to read the charts and be aware of overflows and large standing waves. Check ahead with island caretakers and National Parks for camping permits, fees and water availability, which is scarce. Noel Curtis’s book; “The Curtis Coast” is essential reading and has a wealth of valuable information for kayakers such as tides, currents and general conditions for this area.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 48

A Nightmare on the Water

MARK PEARSON

Background

It is a 13-day trip from Townsville to night. I saw this as a way of doing trailer. Mission Beach. My trip companions penance for the dodgy trailer, and Tiring of the shoreline Margot and are Dee Ratcliffe (Trip Leader), also to give the original group more I decided to head out to sea. We Harry Havu, and Margot Todhunter. space. Importantly, I am a late ring-in on were chatting as our kayaks cut this trip. I had the suspicion that It had rained during the night. My cleanly through the glassy water. I had only been invited purely kayak was parked about two metres I’m not sure what we were talking because I was a man and therefore from some rainforest foliage at the about but it was a nice pleasant had superior LKCA (laden kayak back of the beach. We had agreed conversation. Margot was in a carrying abilities). But I came to to be on the water at 9am. Being so good mood. I was in a good mood. suspect that I had disrupted the far from my companions I carried Life was good. Who cared if Harry group dynamic of what had been a my boat alone to the water’s edge, and Dee had chosen to paddle by very close-knit trio. And things had then began the pack up. A week themselves. Ahead of us Goold gone badly when the dodgy trailer I into the trip my procedure was Island looked big and exciting. becoming a more efficient process had organised to take all the kayaks And then something is not quite and it was soon done. north broke down through inland right. I’m listening to Margot and Queensland, causing my three I jumped into the boat to negotiate there is a sensation on my right companions some inconvenience the tricky shore dump. As normally shin. I am aware of movement. and angst. This was compounded happens the wave of the day arrived The tentative but purposeful by the fact that after they did all the at the critical moment, ran over my movement of a living thing. I think hard yards in outback Queensland, foredeck and deposited 20 litres of of rubbing the area with my other I flew to Townsville in luxury. It was water into the cockpit as I struggled foot, but something tells me not to. no surprise then that as the trip to seal the spray skirt. Cursing I Margot is still talking but I am no commenced I felt about as welcome paddled out while vigorously working longer listening. With my kayak still as a turd in a swimming pool that the foot pump. Some minutes later cruising along I peeled back the had been hired for rolling practice. Margot and the others joined me. spray skirt and slowly pulled my leg The plan was to meander down the back. Day 7 western tip of Hinchinbrook before Margot is still talking as I scream. Saturday 11th July 2015 turning northwest to our next stop at A giant centipede is on my bootie Goold Island. We are at Cape Richards, the contemplating moving onto my leg. northern tip of the amazing As Margot and I paddled along a An ugly ginger body with yellow Hinchinbrook Island. My tent was rocky shore the day was cloudy legs. Its head, complete with pitched about 100 metres along the and cool, almost windless. I looked the giant fangs, is on my skin. I beach from my trip companions. back. Harry and Dee were now simultaneously hit out at the horror I had slowly been increasing my 500 metres behind us – I assumed while also kicking my leg outwards camping ‘distance’ from the rest of this was because they were still with the power that instant adrenalin the group by about 10 metres per annoyed with me about the dodgy provides.

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It is the fastest capsize ever. I am no one else need submerged in water. My head know about it. I am comes up first then I lift my right leg grateful. into the air. The thing is still there My mind is now clinging to me. I groan in disbelief reviewing the and thrash at it again and again. morning’s events. Margot, who is somewhere on the My kayak had been other side of my capsized kayak, on sand. So the is now concerned and shouting. beast had walked Something along the lines of “what onto the beach and the F*CK is happening!?” I lift the performed a difficult leg again. It is gone. I’m shouting climb up a hard ‘Centipede. Giant Centipede!’ chined hull. Probably But then I realise it is not over. I’m something to do hanging onto my upturned kayak with the rain. When and its swimming towards me, I’d taken on litres of the nearest ‘land’. “Help me” I’m shore dump water, pleading. ‘No way!’ she says, she’s the stowaway had not coming anywhere near that probably got wet nasty swimming thing. and then agitated at my vigorous foot So we are 700 metres off shore, I’m pumping. pushing water at a giant centipede to keep it at bay, I’m slowly At Goold Island becoming tiger shark bait and my we met up with a rescuer refuses to help. How about sea kayaking tour Epilogue that for a scenario Stuart Trueman, group. Talking about the incident, the group leader told me that a giant Mr NSWSKC Training Officer? The beastie incident in a funny way centipede had bitten his partner seemed to bring us more together But Margot’s conscience soon some years ago. He described her as a group. That night I felt less cuts in and she relents. She starts experience as a ‘world of pain’ that despised and isolated and so I barking orders as to what she wants went on for three days. I had been camped a mere 30 metres from my me to do. I sense she’s loving the lucky. power she now has over me. It’s companions. difficult positioning the boats and And from then on every morning myself while keeping half an eye I checked my cockpit thoroughly on the circling creature. But we Images - Top to bottom: Kayak parked before getting in. manage a V rescue and I’m back in 100m from others with its hidden secret within; Beast clinging desperately to my kayak. something solid; Beast discarded to Harry and Dee now appear watery elements wondering what all the noise is about. Margot and I are laughing now. Harry sees the beast and picks it up with his paddle, takes some photos. Harry remains annoyingly calm and unexcited by all the drama. I pump out my boat with Dee’s excellent hand pump and we head for Goold. The centipede is last seen swimming hard for Cape Richard. Minutes later Margot quietly assures me, in that comforting womanly way, that my scream, which apparently matched Janet Leigh’s in the shower scene from Psycho, will remain our secret and that

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 50

Go West! NERISSA WORWOOD

I’ve been a Cane Toad. I’ve also A great job offer and a snap So now I’m a Sand Groper. For the been an Apple Eater and a Top decision in January saw us pack up short term at least. But I’m very Ender. But mostly I’ve been happy lock, stock and barrel, and move pleased to say that the place is being a Cockroach, and I thought to Perth, WA. No time to sell or get beautiful, the people are friendly that with a husband, two school- rid of excess stuff, everything came and apart from ridiculously priced age kids and a dog, Sydney would over in two shipping containers, coffee, and less hours of Sunday be my permanent residence, including both my triple-bubble- retail trading, I’ve yet to find a surrounded by family and friends. wrapped kayaks. downside. In the last edition of Salt, But hubby had other ideas. Ruby Gamble had compiled a map Kayak put in, Swan River, of where paddlers had travelled. Melville Beach Rd, Applecross Well Ruby, time to starting sticking pins on the west coast. The flatwater kayak clubs are plentiful in Perth. And what a playground the Swan and Canning rivers are. Teaming with wildlife, there are resident bottlenose dolphins, rays, white spotted jellyfish and moon jellyfish, blue manna crabs, rays and more than 130 other species of fish. I’ve joined a conservation group known as the River Guardians to help monitor the local dolphin community along with researchers from Curtin and Murdoch universities. And yes, each dolphin has a unique dorsal fin and hence a name. http://www.riverguardians.com/ projects/dolphin-watch/identifying- dolphins The birdlife is equally impressive. Hundreds of black swans, pelicans, cormorants, black cockatoos, galahs, magpies, herons, lorikeets, pied oyster catchers, Pacific black ducks and the odd magnificent blue fairy wren. My new house is just 300 metres from a beach kayak put-in point into the Swan River (complete with a garden hose – oh yes!). The early autumn weather and sunrise

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Images - Top left to right: Parading swans; A local dolphin at dawn, with black swans in the background; Sign on beach

Bottom left to right: The friendly crew of the Sea Kayak Club, WA; The Sisters, Coventry Reef (picture Paul Browne) paddles are a fantastic opportunity and he suggested that I should try to raise money for victims of the to meditate and contemplate the out his GP. You do have to adapt Waroona bushfires. Unfortunately day (and the school lunches waiting your technique a bit but I have to no records were broken on the day to be made at home). say that I quite liked it. Paul makes but much fun was had by all as well them, and I think that a GP with I set about contacting the Sea as good money raised. There is some local jarrah timber would be Kayak Club of WA and joined always next year. I hope they make a wonderful kayaking souvenir from it an annual event. up. They’re an active and well- WA. organised group, with Callan Gault I am very much looking forward at the helm as President. Club trips My next club trip was a paddle to being a part of the SKCWA. are on most Sundays, which suits down in Rockingham on Good Upcoming paddling adventures me perfectly. Friday, out to the limestone rocks of will include camping trips out to Sisters Reef, then over to Penguin Rottnest Island, trips to Albany, My first trip was a paddle out to Island (also accessible by ferry), a night paddles around Fremantle Carnac Island. Carnac is well loop around Warnbro Sound before and hopefully a trip from Denham known to be inhabited by tiger back to Port Kennedy. A good to Monkey Mia. I guess I had also snakes, as well as a seal colony. fun trip and some hot cross buns The tiger snakes are almost all to boot with the stalwarts of the better start training for the Avon blind, their eyeballs having been SKCWA. Descent, a 2-day 124 km race pecked out by marauding sea gulls. from Northam to Perth held every One adventurous seal came out to Club trips aside, I recently took park August. greet us and do a lap around our in Unite on the Swan. This was an event organised by Rosalie Evans Make sure all of you put WA on kayaks. (Executive Officer of Canoeing your kayaking must-do lists. If you I had been previously warned WA) and Leonie Cockman (owner come, be sure to look me up. Just about WA paddlers and their love of Water Wanderers Tours and ask a committee member for my of Greenland paddles. It was true; President of Ascot Kayak Club) to contact details. No matter your half of the group was using them. attempt to break a Guinness world kayaking preference, there really is Paul Cooper and I got chatting record for a paddle craft raft up and something here for everyone.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | JUNE 2016 Rae Duffy departing King Island en route to Victoria (Photo Kathleen Hunter, King Island Courier)