THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER

No. 128 April - May 2007

The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) Inc - KASK No. 128 April - May 2007

Top: Paddlers on Lyttelton Harbour during the Nigel Foster training weekend. Photo: Susan Cade Bottom right: The Auckland training session. Photo: Susan Cade Bottom left: Sandy Ferguson with the Graham Egarr Pad- dle Trophy Award for 2007. Photo: John Kirk-Anderson

 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter INDEX EDITORIAL SAFETY EDITORIAL p. 3 Calendar Marine Searches Dates have been set well in advance for KASK paddler and Nelson Police- KASK & NETWORK REPORTS three North Island sea symposi- man Hamish Blanch has penned an BASK ums next year, Coastbusters, a kayak excellent article on how marine search by Evan Pugh p.4 builder’s get together and the KASK and rescue operations are conducted President’s AGM Report Forum (see p.19 for dates). KASK in New Zealand, with examples from by Susan Cade p.20 endeavours to alternate its forums searches Hamish has been involved Publication Officer’s Report in the North and South islands, and with. The advice he makes with re- by p.20 in some ways it is unfortunate that spect to improving visibility, bright Graham Eggar Trophy Coastbusters and the KASK Forum colours for clothing, and a Awards will both be in the North Island the safety sausage should be seriously by Paul Caffyn p.21 same year, but almost two months will considered, just in case you ever have National Training with Nigel Foster elapse between the two, and I am sure an out of boat experience. And the last by Susan Cade p.21 there will be plenty to offer paddlers section of Hamish’s report focuses on at both gatherings. emergency communication equipment TECHNICAL to allow a call for rescue. Valves & Coastguard Home Study Courses Crossing Rudder Cables The recent development of home Mountain Radios by Evan Pugh p. 4 study courses by Coastguard Boat- Max and Melz Grant recently made Fibreglass Repairs ing Education (p. 6) offers an ideal a stunning trip in Fiordland, by Dave Winkworth p. 5 way for paddlers to study the neces- south from Jackson Bay to Big Bay, sary material or text books at home, through to Pike Stream, then SAFETY prior to sitting course examinations; down the Hollyford River, out to Rib Collision, Westhaven in particular for paddlers who live and then a paddle south into Milford NZPA p. 5 outside of the major cities and towns Sound. Max hired a Mountain Radio Stuart Chrisp p. 6 where CGBE courses are offered. I set from the North Island, and he CGBE Home Study Packs have received both Day Skipper and now stresses that if you are planning CG Boating Education p.6 the GPS home study packs, and will a trip to Fiordland or Stewart Island, New Cold Water Boating Brochures offer further feedback on these courses you need to hire a Mountain Radio from Gerald Stover p.15 in the next newsletter. set from either the Invercargill or Te Marine Searches Anau radio base stations, as it is the by Hamish Blanch p.16 This is the Sea 3 locals who have ‘local knowledge.’ If The promised review of Justine Cur- you need the contact details, get in KASK FORUM FEEDBACK genven’s latest DVD, This is the Sea touch with the editor. Anakiwa Massage Workshop 3, has not arrived, however the DVD by Robyn Berthelsen p.11 is now available in New Zealand from Court Cases the North Island and Kayak The collision between the RNZYS TRAINING Stores, at a retail price of $49.95. For vessel and Auckland paddler Stuart Tauranga Training Report mail order, add $2.50 for up to two Chrisp led to a fine being imposed on by Wendon Hutchins p. 7 DVDs. Contact details: the boat driver. Details of the court email: info@canoe&kayak.co.nz judgement appear on page 5, and I NZ TRIP REPORTS website: www.canoe&kayak.co.nz sought a response from Stuart to the One Lake One Woman (in the products section) penalties. Also the jet boat driver who by Linda Pugh p. 9 Page 13 of the previous newsletter has was booked on Lake Te Anau at a Port Pegasus, Stewart Island a description of the content. speed of 144kmh has appeared in the by Chris Manuel p. 9 Invercargill District Court. A Magic Moment in the BoP by Robyn Berthelsen p.11 A big thanks to all the contributors. Contributions of articles photos are requested for the next newsletter OVERSEAS EXPEDITIONS - please. A paddling highlight such as Robyn’s orca encounter (p.11), a Mackenzie River July 2006 equipment review, trip report or your very first kayak adventure, such as by Bevan Walker p.12 Grahame Sisson’s first epic paddle (p.14), or an opinion piece on some Update on Round Aussie SLAP aspect of sea . from Sandy Robson p.12 Cover photo: Canadian paddler Maureen Beamish on Lake Brunner. MY FIRST KAYAK TRIP Photo: P. Caffyn by Grahame Sisson p.14 NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE HUMOUR 21st Cent. Rolling Comp. p.22 16 JULY 2007

3 No. 128 April - May 2007

energy left and sauntered along, total today 38kms. TECHNICAL NETWORK March 24-25: Matakana Island – six REPORTS of us left Tauranga, paddled 29kms up From Evan Pugh the outside coast, then over the bar to Paddle Float Valve BASK Network Report camp near Bowentown; no incidents A few months ago, when I used my on the bar but Neville fell off his paddle float during a rescue practice, by Evan Pugh sleeping mat during the night, which January 7: Four of us left Pilot Bay in the valve came off. Great, you need the was a bit of a scare for him and lucky valve to keep the air in. If had dropped Tauranga and, with the current, headed he wasn’t injured. 20kms up to the middle of the harbour, it, I would have been stuffed in a real situation, and not been able to blow to stop for lunch in the heat of the day The next morning, 34kms back to before heading back with the outgoing the darn thing up. All I had to do was Tauranga up the harbour and a bit glue it back on with good adhesive, tide. Unfortunately two of us stayed early reaching the middle before high near the Matakana shoreline and, even but it goes to show the need to check tide so fairly shallow, with a couple your gear from time to time. though the tide was nearly fully out, of stops we had a really good trip and we had a major struggle to pass across some nice weather. Matakana Island is the entrance and around the point, to long and thin, only about 2kms wide in Crossing Rudder Cables our finish spot, much to the joy of our most places with lovely sandy beaches by Evan Pugh wiser companions who took the inner but not advisable to use as a camp spot Also those that spent time learning harbour route. since it is private land. with Nigel Foster during the Forum or outside of it would have had the January 13: Only three of us, as the Easter: Steve, John, two Mikes and suggestion of reversing your rudder rest thought it was going to rain, I, a four day lap of Taupo in perfect cables from Nigel. The reason for this and pulled out of a leisurely trip on conditions; sunny no rain, hardly any is to turn left, you should lean the kayak lake Matahina, near Whakatane. Our wind - a really great trip. right and have you left knee up and progress was stopped by a rapid, as right leg flat. Right leg flat is good if the lake was very low and the river April 22: A shocker, so bad I had to you are depressing the foot pedal on the flow into it, created a rapid where in cancel surf training. The weather right side to turn left. Confused? Well past trips we had just kept on going. was so good there was no surf, not an John Kirk-Anderson had mentioned A scenic lake, we only managed 8kms ounce of the stuff. So instead six of us reversing cables in an earlier training each way, but with higher water levels, agreed to paddle the 12kms offshore session but I never did so many more kilometres of river can from Papamoa out to Motiti Island be paddled. then the 15kms around the island in After a couple of days with Nigel, really calm conditions, enjoying rock I swapped the cables over. Some The following weekend after the gardening and seals. 350kms later and a few wrong turns KASK Forum at Anakiwa, 12 of us at important times, as muscle memory took part in the Nigel Foster training Over Queens Birthday is hard to change after thousands of weekend at Tauranga, which was a Weekend (June 2-4) kilometres, but I had persevered until great two days with a great instructor I am organising a two nighter on last night, when I put them back to teaching the dynamics of some very Taupo, camping at Waihaha; leaving normal and paddled today. different strokes. from Kinloch anyone interested, get in touch with me (email below). You Whoa! I was all over the place to start March 10: Four of us decide to paddle must be of reasonable fitness and be with, as my automatic reflexes were upstream from Cambridge to Karapiro able to paddle 10kms without land- now used to the new system, but I on the Waikato River since the water ing. Weather dependent this is a great turned and leaned and tried all kinds level was low. It is only 6 kms but trip with steep cliffs and some ripper of things till after 15kms, we stopped hard work against the current, and waterfalls to check out. and I put them back in the reverse (right I have reversed my rudder cables as foot down goes left) as I do like it and per different instructor’s suggestions. Anyone in the central North Island find if you persevere, reversed cables Several times, my built in memory who is keen to join our local club have some fairly good benefits with takes over and I veer totally the (BASK), based at Tauranga, please get turning your kayak. Different wrong way but I will get used to it as in touch as we have a variety of trips will react differently and some turn time goes on. We get to within a few planned for every second weekend. better than others, depending on the hundred metres of the dam and have Evan Pugh kayak length and rocker. For anyone to turn back with the fast flowing [email protected] thinking about doing this, give it a current, before a short stop back at go but for quite a while, so you get a Cambridge then on to Hamilton which chance to reap the benefits. was meant to be a sprint but two of Evan Pugh. us including myself had not a lot of

 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter TECHNICAL The key to any repair job is preparation (continued) of the surfaces. I use 36 grit sandpaper first and cut right into the laminate, abrading glass and aramid fibres in SAFETY Fibreglass Repairs the process. I use a strong magnifying KAYAK – RIB COLLISION By David Winkworth glass to closely check my work before wiping the repair area with WESTHAVEN Just had a browse through the 4th acetone (gloves and mask people!) Edition of the KASK Handbook. It’s a and continuing with the job. Top Yacht Club Man Fined mighty effort from all contributors and for Running Down Kayaker all KASK members should be really The thoroughness of preparation NZPA 8 April 2007 proud of it! There’s just nothing like for the repair is made all the more this in Australia - yet! important due to the fact that some A senior member of Auckland’s manufacturers use waxed resins. prestigious Royal New Zealand Yacht I’d like to make a couple of comments Squadron is believed to be the first about the Repairs, Maintenance and Let me explain: un-waxed resins and person to have been prosecuted for Storage section by Peter Sullivan: gelcoats take a long time to cure fully colliding with a kayaker. in the presence of air. It’s not really Peter is spot on in being reluctant to a problem for gelcoats because the Ross Albert Masters, 48, rear carry resins etc on sea kayaking trips. air is excluded once the laminate is commodore of the RNZYS, has I’ve carried them in the past in multi- applied over it in the kayak mould pleaded guilty in Auckland District layered vacuum-sealed bags without and the gelcoat cures fully. Court to failing to keep a proper the smell getting out to foodstuffs. lookout and failing to consider the However if you ever have to broach However, in an open moulding obligations of the vessel he was in the seal, and use the stuff, you will situation, the resin is fully exposed charge of. never be able to adequately seal up the to air and may, depending upon type, package again, and resin-tasting food additives and brand, stay tacky for Kayaker Stuart Chrisp was left in will result. My advice is also to leave quite some time. If the boat is to be “bloody agony” when Masters hit him it at home and rely on a roll or two of quickly whisked off to the showroom on Waitemata Harbour last September, duct tape and some ice cream lids. One it could be a problem. the Herald on Sunday reported today. day we should compile a list of what Mr Chrisp, a recruitment company can be done with duct tape! Resin manufacturers supply a wax owner and father-of-three, said he solution in a styrene solution, which waved his bright yellow paddle and I build Nadgee sea kayaks in Australia can be added to resin and gelcoat at shouted a warning when Masters and fit them out with VCP hatches around the 3% ratio. Added to gelcoat, was 60m away from him, steering exclusively. Occasionally, paddlers it will exclude the air and provide a a Squadron-owned powerboat near come to me for replacement hatches hard durable cured surface in about Westhaven Marina. after theirs have perished and cracked. 2-3 hours depending on a few factors. I’m happy to supply them with It’s usually called ‘flowcoat’ and The 8m vessel, Squadron 2, was replacement items but with just a little is often used to cover the laminate travelling at 16 knots. bit of effort, they would never need inside cockpits. Wax-in-Styrene added replacing! Always store kayaks out of to resin will ensure a cured resin “The defendant did not see Mr Chrisp the sun with hatch lids OFF. A regular surface pretty quickly which can be or the kayak and ran over the kayak spray of the lids (inside and out) with sanded easily without clogging of the just behind the seat,” according to ‘ArmorAll’ or a similar product will sandpaper. the summary of facts presented to the make them last forever! ArmorAll is court. “The back third of the kayak loaded with silicones - you will have To my knowledge there is no way was severed.” to remove all trace of that to do any you can tell whether a waxed resin repairs around the hatch area. has been used, simply by looking at “I was under his boat, I am so lucky I the cured surface, so it’s a safe bet to wasn’t sliced up by the two motors,” Speaking of repairs, I differ slightly prepare that surface really well for Mr Chrisp said. from Peter and also Grahame Sisson in any repair. my resin recommendation for repairs. He thought his “life was over”. With I believe paddlers should stick to the Cheers severe bruising, and “unable to move in resin type used in the manufacture David Winkworth any way because my back locked up”, of their kayak for any repair job, he was treated at Auckland Hospital although I’ve found no incompatibility and released six hours later. in repairing polyester resin boats with vinyl ester resins which I use RNZYS Commodore John Crawford exclusively. has since apologised over the incident

 No. 128 April - May 2007 but Mr Chrisp said he wanted to to even meet or discuss the issue was hear from the squadron earlier. “I’m RESPONSE FROM a major reason MNZ decided to make really disappointed in their response.” STUART CHRISP AFTER an example of Masters. Masters’ prosecution – which followed THE COURT CASE a Maritime New Zealand investigation My issue isn’t really with Ross The day after the court case I did – was believed to be the first of its Masters as he did everything he could receive a letter of apology from kind, said Crown prosecutor Alysha to assist me and followed up with me Crawford - about 6 months too late McClintock. 4-5 times after the accident to see by my estimation! how I was doing. He impressed me The sentencing judge said Chrisp as being a decent guy who realised As to the fine - when added to the had done “nothing wrong”. It was the he’d make a serious mistake. My issue reparations this totalled $2,400 against responsibility of Masters, in the more has always been with the RNZYS a maximum of $5,000, so I guess the powerful vessel, to avoid crashing. and their arrogant, evasive attitude. judge figured that this was almost 50% Masters, third-most senior member of I really believe if they had done as I of the maximum. I wonder what it the RNZYS, was ordered to pay Chrisp requested and proactively undertaken would have been if I’d been seriously $1900 – $1400 in medical costs and a safety and awareness programme injured or killed! $500 for emotional harm. with their members around the need to be constantly vigilant and aware Anyway Paul, I’m alive and back The club is now tightening rules about that MNZ may not have prosecuted out kayaking, completed the Coast senior members being allowed to use Masters i.e. the RNZYS attempts to to Coast again in February so I guess squadron boats in their own time. sweep the incident under the mat and I’m bloody lucky. their (particularly Crawford’s) refusal Regards, Stuart SAFETY

Coastguard Boating The Home Study Packs include a study Education Media Release guide; the necessary manuals and /or textbooks; practice examinations; and Kayakers wishing to improve their instructions for when the candidate is knowledge and safety with a Coast- ready to sit the exam. guard qualification can now do it in the comfort of their own home, through a The courses are reasonably priced series of Home Study courses recently at: launched by Coastguard Boating - $ 25 for Sea Kayak Education. - $ 85 for NZ Day Skipper - $ 35 for Marine VHF Operator In association with KASK, a short Sea - $180 for NZ Boatmaster Kayak module has been released as a - $ 42 for RRTOC Radio Operator home study course, alongside a range - $ 45 for GPS Operator of other popular Coastguard Boating - $ 45 for Outboard Engine Education courses, now available as Maintenance home study options. - $ 60 for Inboard Engine Maintenance. Home Study courses now include Sea Kayak; NZ Day Skipper; NZ Boat- Examinations are included in the master; Marine VHF Radio Operator; price. RRTOC Radio Operator; GPS Opera- tor; Outboard Engine Maintenance; To order a Home Study Pack or to and Inboard Engine Maintenance. view the full range of Coastguard courses and timetables please contact “We are very pleased to introduce Coastguard Boating Education: these new options to the market”, Phone 0800 40 80 90 says Mark Bright, General Manager of or visit Coastguard Boating Education. “They www.cbes.org.nz. provide greater access to kayakers and boaties who want to learn but have dif- Mailing address: ficulty getting to a tutorial. Now there Coastguard Boating Education is no excuse not to up-skill!” PO Box 91322 AucklaMail Centre, Auckland 1142 Phone: (09) 489

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kayak. I knew this corner of Matakana For each step along the way, Nigel Island - I’d been bowled over there explained the reasons or the physics TRAINING before. So with all my strength I of what he was showing us: plunged on, making it into calmer - How to edge, which way, and why Today Tauranga Harbour water, but not game to pull into the and in what conditions island, until I felt safe. - How to paddle forwards with the – Tomorrow the World least turbulence, the least effort and Training Report “My goodness that Kristin is so the greatest thrust by Wendon Hutchins positive,” I said to myself through - How to sweep to get maximum my guilt and adrenalin. “It’s better to turn Instructors: Nigel Foster & Kristin stick together,” she quietly explained. - Bow and stern rudders Nelson “We can raft up for stability.” So back - Bow and stern draws I went to join the others, somewhat Saturday March 4, 8am – we gathered shamefacedly. Nigel showed us how to enter the tide – about a dozen of us including our flow from the eddy, getting maximum trainers, on the beach at Pilot Bay. In the mean time, the person who turn, both up stream and down stream. ‘This is cool’ I muttered to myself. had been tipped out, had entered a At all stages he explained what was ‘The best trainers in the world in little stable whirlpool, at the Corner of happening and why our kayaks wanted old Tauranga.’ Matakana, created by the tide race. to behave the ways they did. There she was revolving in the centre “When you are paddling forward,” of the pool, kayak rotating around her, Throughout, Kristin kept us motivated Nigel explained, “the bow digs into along with her paddle, other odds and and on track with suggestions, the water, resisting moving sideways, ends, and a muesli bar. Nigel entered encouragement and feedback. We and the water around the stern is the whirlpool and proceeded to carry learnt in spite of ourselves and our turbulent, so moves sideways more out a rescue with significant skill and historically rehearsed bad habits. easily. A side wind will thus move consummate ease. One by one, he the stern in the direction of the wind, rescued the paddle, the floating debris, The first day finished by re-crossing a giving the impression of turning the then our paddler reentered her kayak much calmer harbour entrance, back bow into the wind.” by climbing on board from between the to Pilot Bay. At the final debriefing two kayaks, feet first into the cockpit, we were encouraged to think about The rest of the training over the followed by the rest of her, pulling the and record our learnings for the day, next two days was built around kayaks together as she completed the and to bring these thoughts back the this information; namely, how to manoeuvre. It worked like a charm. next morning for the second day of control the kayak by either using or training. counteracting this principle. The rest of the day was spent in an eddy along the side of Matakana. We ‘My God we have to cross that tidal “OK” said Nigel in his quiet way, “let’s practiced a range of paddle techniques race again’ I swore under my breath, head for the training spot.” And then and kayak manoeuvres aimed at giving but this time the group confidence was we were off, around the Pilot Bay side us more and more confidence and evident, and the skills were markedly of the Mount, past the warrior statue, skill, for turning, resisting turning, improved. Even after only one day. and into the outgoing tidal race. “Oh going forwards, and going backwards. my God!” I screamed silently, quickly abandoning my resolve to not use my Padders at the Tauranga rudder. “No bloody way Hosay! God training weekend. this is turbulent,” with no time to pray. Photo: Susan Cade ‘Nearly went over’ ‘Just keep paddling forward.’ Kristin quietly explained, “And use your stern sweep to turn.” She looked amazingly confident and competent, whilst I looked and felt amazingly inept.

“There’s a bloody ship coming in!” someone shouted – “Keep together and keep driving forward,” we were instructed. “Bugger! I’ll just have to go for it,” I reproved myself through gritted teeth and tight underpants. So on I went, ignoring the cries that someone had been tipped out of their

 No. 128 April - May 2007

Back to our favourite eddy for a similar Well I thought I could – but no. Half The Conclusions? day, adding to our knowledge and way back through the entrance, and - Was it good training ? skills, anchored by understanding the yes I got too close to the shore, and You betcha! reasons why. yes, I’d done this in this spot before, - Are Nigel and Kristin the best and no I couldn’t remember what to do trainers in the world? Day 2 culminated in a sortie out the when a wave come from my side, and Show me someone better harbour entrance, to practice our new yes I was bowled over. With injured - Did I learn something? skills, round a rock, in the turbulence pride, standing in two feet of water, My bloody oath of an incoming swell. “No bloody with Kristin’s help I was rescued. The - Was it worth doing? way am I doing that!!” I rejoined water was quite warm. Yes, yes, yes, yes. to anyone who would listen. But I think we all managed, with Nigel just Round the statue heading home – but The Future? bobbling in total control next to the not quite yet. Time for some silly PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE shore, and Kristin at the ready should bugger stuff: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE a rescue be needed. I admit I used the - Paddling at speed without mov- PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE F word as I rounded the rock, just as ing forward PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE a swell threatened to beach me – but - Standing up in your kayak PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE habit came to the rescue, and around - Joining a colleague and standing PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE I went. Smiles all round, “GIG JAM” up in two kayaks PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE I muttered (God I’m Good, Just Ask - Practicing a rescue PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE Me). “I can do it.” PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

Wendon Hutchins, Renowned exponent of the half Eskimo roll

The Nigel Foster training weekend at Tauranga. Nigel ensures Evan Pugh is safely back in his cockpit after an out of boat experience. Photos: Wendon Hutchins

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as soon as I picked up the white pole signalling a river outlet I knew I was PORT PEGASUS, on the right track. Whew! But the next STEWART ISLAND NEW ZEALAND challenge was finding the campsite. by Chris Manuel TRIP REPORTS Evan’s words, ‘You’ll see when you get there,’ came to mind. Nothing Rachel, Marianne, Sharon, Lynda and Chris headed south for a beach ONE LAKE, ONE was jumping out at me. I saw an old tin shack and thought, ‘I’ll land and holiday this year to explore the WOMAN have another look at the map’. delights of Stewart Islands southern By Linda Pugh areas from the safety of the relatively But as I was getting out, I got swamped sheltered Port Pegasus. The logistics by a small wave. So there I was soaking of organising the trip are relatively Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Aus- wet with a cockpit full of water. Right complex for a trip in New Zealand, tralasia with 616 square kilometres of about then, I used a few choice words with flights, accommodation, hut water and 167 km of shoreline. Now and wondered why I was doing this. I bookings, boat charter, water taxi that’s got to be one of those trips that regained my composure and bearings pick-ups, and route descriptions to sea kayakers think they must do that and pulled up right at the beginning of name a few of the obstacles. That one day. Stump Bay at the delta and had a walk said, a lot of the fun can come from

around. I came across a small track into a good bit of planning and this was I had planned the trip with a group the blackberry which led to a campsite, no exception. but for one reason or another they all Evan was yet to discover, complete pulled out. The date set was 7 May with Picnic table. It was about 3.45pm As ever, the flight to Stewart Island 2007 and the weather was just too and things were looking up. was a wee bit bouncy, and the girls good to stay home, so I made a snap put most of the blame for that onto the decision to go on my own. Day three served up a morning frost co-pilot, Chris! Not much space for

and a warm sunny day. Got away 8am passengers with our weeks supply of My plan was to go anti-clockwise and and went straight to Motuoapa Penin- food and Rachel’s body bag of extra’s! spend 4-5 days out, armed with a map sula. I took a compass map bearing After a night of relaxing we joined of campsites thanks to Evan who has as mist rolled in, only to roll out 10 Aurora for a potentially nauseous explored every nook and cranny. minutes later. I just meandered along 3hr journey to Port Pegasus but had the lake, which was like a millpond. I calm sunny weather most of the way So off I went from Wharewaka Point had a stop at Mission Bay for a snack and arrived in a gift of a day for our at 6.50am. I was excited and up for and at Motutere Campground for wa- first paddle in our sea kayaks. In such the challenge. In no time I skipped ter. My camp was under White Cliffs calm conditions it was clear that we over to Te Karaka Point and cruised on the sand. I pulled in at 1.30pm and should head out to sea, and so we around to the rock carvings, impres- spent the afternoon swimming and circumnavigated Anchorage Island sive. Still pumped up with adrenaline, resting in the sun. It was like a reward before visiting another group at the I scooped into Whakaipo Bay and for my efforts. The day ended with a other hut on the island and nabbing out to Whangamata Bluffs - there stunning sunset. some bait for a spot of fishing. was just a slight breeze on the lake. So I went straight over to Te Kauwae Day four a straightforward paddle We were lucky in finding an empty and Point and then over to Boat Harbour along Rotongaio Bay to the finish. As unbooked hut to stay in for our time for some well earned lunch. Feeling I was getting closer, the grin on my in the area. Camping would have been energized, I carried on to Waihaha to face widened, Yes I made it. okay, but the hut gave us a chance for camp at 4pm. Beaut campsite but you a better sleep and a refuge from the need permission from Waihaha Trust Day One: Wharewaka Point – Waihaha sandflies. The problem though was to camp there. 39km that the beach in front of the hut was Day two: Waihaha – Tongariro Delta occupied by a sea lion. We had a fairly Next morning, about 8am, I shot across 38km major stand off on our first landing to Cherry Bay then it was around the Day three: Delta – White Cliffs and established that the beach was Karangahape Cliffs, towering above 28km very definitely the sea lions territory so grand. The easterly wind was pick- Day four: Cliffs – Wharewaka and not ours! We managed after that ing up, so a gentle surf into Te Hapua 15.5 km by always sneaking in on one side bay for lunch was necessary; a nice of the beach, but even then the little sheltered spot. Then it was out to do Glad I took: Shewee, for an in kayak blighter would swim along side and battle with the wind down to Kuratau pee; available on Trade me. snort at us. Sea lions have big teeth where I studied the map. I was heading and smelly breath. for the Tongariro Delta. Easy to spot Wish I took: more photos on the map, not so easy on the water. I A couple of mornings we were storm changed my mind on which direction Linda Pugh bound by strong winds but still got out a few times as I was heading over. But in the afternoons. When a good day

 No. 128 April - May 2007 arrived we did pack in a big trip… A kayak round the base of Bald Cone, followed by an ascent of the peak gives for the best of the area. Fantastic rock formations after easy, but stunning walking. Great views. The weather was still good so we headed for Gog and Magog. This was a much longer walk, from the other hut, but we got to Magog in good time before the weather closed in and rain drove us back to the hut for the night after a 10hr day.

The final mission was to paddle to the start of the track up the Tin Range and to walk back to Patterson Inlet. Again we started on a good day and so continued to walk until the cloud surrounded us and darkness fell. We had walked up the track to the ridge Marianne, Sharon and Rachel head towards Bald Cone, in Port Pegasus. via the old dam after a detour to the Photo: Chris Manuel south end of the ridge (unplanned), and then traversed some spectacular Lynda and Chris at Belltopper Falls peaks to camp in a small boggy area at a tarn below Mt Allen. What a day. The next day was clouded in, but we navigated our way along to Table Hill, with the girls catching a glimpse of a kiwi on the tops, before it cleared once more to give the stunning views of the northern part of the island. Just a few more hours of mud to get to Rakiahua hut for the night. An easy walk out to be met by a water taxi was hampered only by the fact that the water was not deep enough for the boat. 30 minutes of pushing the boat sorted that problem and we were then reunited with showers and comfortable beds as well as good coffee!

A great trip; thoroughly recommended. A big thanks to Paul Caffyn for advice and descriptions of the area.

NEW ZEALAND The current price is $6.00. the Rotorangi Channel to cruise the TIDAL STREAM ATLAS The atlas contains three sets of 13 Kapiti Island coastline. from Bob Wellington charts showing tidal streams at hourly Bob Wellington intervals commencing 6 hours before As mentioned at one of your Anakiwa HW, based on the times of HW at Editor’s note: KASK Forum sessions, the New Zea- Auckland, Wellington and Bluff re- The charts give a broad picture of tidal land Tidal Stream Atlas is produced spectively. Figures alongside arrows stream flow around the New Zealand by the Hydrographic Office, RNZN. on the charts give a mean spring and coastline, but lack the intimate detail The 1993 edition is available in Wel- neap rate in tenths of a knot. that marine charts and the New Zea- lington, from the Map Shop, corner land Pilot provide on the position of of Victoria and Vivian Streets, (or I have corrected the Wellington HW to tide rips, races and overfalls; for in- shops stocking charts and maritime that of my own area of Kapiti, this has stance in the Cook and Foveaux straits, books). helped greatly with my understanding off the northern tip of D’Urville Island, Phone: (04) 3851462 of the tidal flows along my own area of and south coast of Stewart Island. www.mapshop.co.nz. coast especially when paddling across

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Orca by the shape of their dorsal fins. them along the coast close inshore. Some of the fins were huge, about a They began surfing the waves much PADDLING metre high. We paddled through the to the astonishment of several surfers. HIGHLIGHTS entrance with the Orca, making sure Allen heard “SHARK” yelled! The not to impede their journey. The larger next thing he noticed the Orca circling, males were to the outside while the and two stingrays were thrown into the A Magic Moment in the Bay females and several young were in air and eaten. The Orca cruised around of Plenty the centre. They were cruising along Rabbit Island where seals were lazing by Robyn Berthelsen leisurely and keeping a close eye on on rocks very close to the water, but where we were. the Orca weren’t interested in them. One experience I’ll never forget According to Swimming with Orca, occurred on a crisp, sunny Sunday Suddenly, one of the large Orca turned by Ingrid Visser, they have lost their in October 2005. Allen, Tineke and and swam underneath and surfaced taste for seals in New Zealand. Their myself decided to go for a short paddle two metres away. Its large eye studied diet is made up of stingrays, squid, around the Mount (Maunganui) and us; It was roughly about six metres fish and dolphins. It was an amazing finish at Shark Alley. Allen and Tineke long and 1.5 metres wide. It was black, experience with the Orca close around were in multisport kayaks while I was shiny and fat, just perfect looking. I did you and enhanced my respect for the paddling my Albatross. As we settled feel quite small. I trusted that it was creatures of the ocean. into our rhythms heading out of Pilot just curious and I felt it was a fellow Robyn Berthelsen Bay, Allen said, “I saw something traveler. We all traveled along together straight ahead, just then.” We looked, for a short time, which seemed surreal. and saw several waterspouts go up in They then increased their speed and 2007 KASK the air. Wow, it was either whales or headed out to sea. dolphins about to travel through the FORUM entrance the same way we were going! Twenty minutes later we were at the We paddled as fast as we could to end of Leisure Island when the Orca FEEDBACK Tangaroa, the statue just on the inside reappeared and came straight towards to the entrance. We were right there us, then dived under our kayaks. Tineke Anakiwa Massage with them now. They were traveling and I decided to explore Rabbit Island Workshop in a line close together. I counted while Allen chose to go in the same by Robyn Berthelsen seven and it was obvious they were direction with the Orca. He followed I was impressed with the KASK Robyn Berthelsen at Mistletoe Bay, during the KASK Forum, Forum held at Anakiwa this year as with a fancy folding plate the workshops on offer were numerous and covered all matter of things. I chose the massage/stretching exercises for kayakers run by Pru Wellington. There were plenty of enthusiastic participants all ready to pair up for the massaging! But wait; first of all we learned exercises to strengthen our wrists to prevent tendonitis; stretches for our back, abs, butt and legs, the core to paddling success. Whoops don’t forget the neck and shoulders. Too much of a particular exercise tires tissues and can cause damage, especially if not given enough time to recover. Sometimes injuries are caused by poor technique, cross training or the person in the wrong sport. Explanation was given about warm-ups and warm- downs plus the effect of age. Well now, I still think I’m young! The massaging felt great and was easy to learn using a perfumed wax. It was useful to learn when and when not to massage and the different strokes. I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and recommend it for future forums.

11 No. 128 April - May 2007

would start by 7am to get a fire going Norman Wells, and we were getting and cook porridge. On the water by close to finishing for the day. The river 8, and have snack food during the had narrowed to about 300m across OVERSEAS day. For lunch we would land and and changed direction to the north. EXPEDITIONS get a fire going for a cook up, or Ahead of us was the half kilometre sometimes continue to float on. For long San Sault Rapids. We paddled Mackenzie River tea we would land and light a fire at down the rapid just to the left of the about 8pm, then push off and paddle to main flow, the roar of it very loud, July 2006 about 11 or 12 midnight; occasionally with mean boil ups and pressure by Bevan Walker we would paddle to about 3 am; waves, although we were well clear then land and pitch tent and hit the of these, so no problem. We landed The Mackenzie River flows out of sack. We collected and filtered our just downstream of the rapid on an Great Slave Lake in Canada, and heads drinking water from side streams, as island, to sleep. north – crossing the Arctic Circle – to the main river carries about 10 million flow into the Arctic Ocean, just east tonnes of sediment a year and is very Next day we tackled the Ramparts of the Alaskan-Canadian border. Great discoloured. In places the river was Rapid, about 80kms downstream, just Slave Lake is the seventh largest lake slow flowing and this may have lasted above Fort Good Hope. The river in the world, and the Mackenzie is the 50kms. Then the current would pick narrows from about 2.5kms to about seventh largest river by volume. The up and go at a good running speed. 250m across, and hurries through a river’s catchment is 7.5 times the size One day we had a strong tail wind and 10km long canyon carved through a of New Zealand. covered 150kms in 15 hours. limestone plateau. At the highest, the canyon has 150m vertical walls. This Back in 1789, Alexander Mackenzie Most of the time we paddled on long was spectacular paddling. was looking for a route to go west, for reaches of river, viewing kilometres trade. He recorded seeing oil seeping in front and behind. Gentle sweeping There are no salmon in the river, out of a riverbank. The oil seeps were curves would encourage us to swap but I did catch some Northern Pike. re-discovered in the early 1900s by from one side to the other to maintain a Their flesh is white and very good geologists at Norman Wells. straight course. The river banks varied eating. We saw moose, black bear, in height, but often one side would be porcupine, ling, wolf, beaver, caribou, The trip was first brought to my higher than another – say 10 metres, and many birds, including pelicans. attention a few years ago, after having with crumbling scarred faces due to People traveling the river were few read Victoria Jason’s excellent book ice chunks scraping during the spring - a woman kayaking on her own; a Kabloona in the Yellow Kayak. The thaw. Spruce, willow and poplar forest man in a canoe with two dogs; and length of the river seemed the biggest would top the banks. Campsites were another small group in ; all attraction. So, a few years latter, easy to find, on flat pads of gravel or having started down stream from Russell Davidson and I put our rented sand, between the river and trees. where we’d put in. Sometimes there sea kayaks in at Hay River, a small were runabouts with outboards, going town on the shore of Great Slave About 11pm one day, not far below between towns. Lake. Our pullout place was Inuvik, 2,000kms to the north. We did the The start of the Mackenzie River trip, from Hay River, on Great Slave Lake. paddle in 18 days - our longest day Photo: Russell Davidson was 19 hours, and our shortest, two hours.

The lake is huge, where we could see the curved horizon as we paddled to the outlet. Good campsites were hard to find initially, due to swampy shores teeming with mosquitoes. On day two, we turned our feathered paddles into the un-feathered position, to save our wrists. Russell kept his like that all the way, but I changed mine back near the end of the trip because of strong headwinds, and the need to slice the wind. We were doing 50 paddle strokes a minute, or 3,000 strokes an hour.

In July, we lost the dark for 24 hour daylight. Most of the time our day

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

In this part of Canada the land is very mosquitoes, horseflies, and no-see- the way were other Haida cultural sites, flat apart from the mountains, which ums. The middle reaches had fewer where friendly wardens would show rise to 1,500m. The horizon curvature insects, with more closer to Inuvik. us around. Generally, sea conditions is quite noticeable. Four times we were not demanding, although we did were hit by rain and lightning storms; After Inuvik, we flew back to have two stormy days. Scenically, the great sheets of forked lightening with Edmonton to catch a bus to the coastal coast was beautiful, with channels, ferocious winds. They would last town of Prince Rupert, in British coves, gravelly beaches, islands, about an hour, so we’d paddle to the Columbia. Our rest had recharged our and sheltered landings. Dense forest bank, and stay in the kayaks. After one enthusiasm to make the most of our covered the land. Often we spotted storm we noticed smoke and flames last two weeks in Canada, by exploring black bears, but these didn’t pester coming from a spruce forest, some some of the Queen Charlotte Islands. us. Black-tailed deer (introduced), distance from us, where there had The southern island in particular, is river otters, and whales were other been lightning strikes. Often there a World Heritage site, and National notable wildlife. Occasionally we’d was evidence of old bush fires. Park. Sandspit is the main town on see small groups of kayakers that the southern island, where we rented had been dropped off, to do a certain We passed five towns along the way, a double fibreglass sea kayak. section of the coast. where we bought supplies from small supermarkets. New Zealand apples From there we paddled south down the Overall, this trip was in stark contrast were always present. Apart from eastern side of the island and return, for to the Mackenzie, and quite a Inuvik, Norman Wells (population 10 days, covering 350kms. Anthony holiday, to finish off our six weeks 800) was the biggest and tidiest town. Island was our destination, with the in Canada. It profits from oil, producing about 10 best collection of totem poles. Along million barrels a year. Huge oil pumps were dotted amongst the buildings. All the riverside towns are supplied by big barges that travel the river in summer. In winter the river freezes over, enabling trucks to travel the river, or cross it. Aircraft are also used.

As we paddled north, the river became generally shallower, with more sand banks. Approaching Inuvik, we had to make sure we were in the right channel for fear of days of extra travel if we’d got it wrong. Further back, we’d had to back-paddle a few kilometres, having come to a dead end. The Canadian Coastguard mark the channels with buoys, and lift them every Autumn – there are 700 of them. But towards Inuvik, there was a lack of them, so we made sure we kept to the hard right bank, according to our maps. Inuvik, population 3500, is the centre of activity in the Western Arctic, and in the 1970s expanded to meet the demands of oil and gas exploration. We camped for three nights in the basic campground next to the river, rested, and visited some of the tourist facilities.

The weather on our trip was variable, and we dressed accordingly. Sunny days had us down to a light shirt, but on overcast days when the cold wind Black bear on the coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands, off the coast of blew, we wore clothing suitable to NZ British Columbia. Photo: Russell Davidson winter conditions. Insects weren’t a big problem, the worst being around the outlet of Great Slave Lake, with

13 No. 128 April - May 2007

*Photo #1 (below) records my triumph of catching up to Alan. Note how large the Wairau River was that MY FIRST day. Snowmelt - we could well have KAYAK TRIP been skiing on this stuff the previous weekend, if Mt Robert had been in the by Grahame Sisson same catchment area.

The sun was setting in the upper Wairau River valley and the temperature was Getting ourselves back to the main plunging. It had previousl–y been river channel was an epic. a warm spring day. The year was 1966. My friend Alan Eskric had just Photo #4 (below) shows how we par- introduced me to the unknown sport tially dismantled (below) the canoes to of . drag them through the tightly packed manuka scrub. Note that Alan still Our mutual sport was skiing, and smiled for the camera. You ask where Alan, the owner of two self-built was Alan’s life jacket? Not sure. He PBK folding kayaks, was eager to Photo #2 (below) shows the side must have carried it inside his kayak. encourage others into his summer profile of these great kayaks. He definitely wore it for warmth on pastime. the roadside as the sun set. As our toes began to freeze, we realised that we were about to face the prospect of death for the second time that day. We were dressed in the sort of gear that you would wear to the beach. In the fading light, our kapok lifejackets looked very similar to strait jackets. All attempts to hitch a ride back to Despite Alan screaming to me our car had failed. Many cars slowed “DON’T!” - I was already committed down - then they would accelerate - Photo #3 (below) shows my chosen rapidly away. With the folding PBK route-down-the-chute. The rest of the trip was a buzz. Surfing kayaks stowed in their carry bags, standing waves, cutting into eddies and we belatedly realised that we were running the rapids. Bombproof! These projecting an image of escaped PBK kayaks were - in hindsight - very inmates - from the sort of public forgiving. I was hooked! institution now closed down. My second real kayak trip was in By partially reassembling the kayaks 1974 using a Lettman Slipper. Total and literally placing them across the disaster. From Coal Creek to the roadway we managed to hitch a ride Mangles River, on the Buller River, I back to our car and warmth. tested my swimming skills 17 times. Many years after that first 1966 trip, I The day had started badly. The Unfortunately the flood channel learned - the Glide is a ‘Ferry’! promised on-water ‘instruction’ through the manuka ended abruptly failed 100%. With Alan mumbling just around the corner. The flood In 1967 I left Nelson for five years. At something about showing me a ‘Fairy- channel was only half formed. At the time of leaving I was aware of nine Glide’ - he entered the current and was the bottom end was a deadly scrub other kayaks being built by Ski Club gone - swept away. Knowing no better, ‘strainer’. members. I had turned the ends of their and feeling abandoned, I followed him dowelling on my lathe. There is little onto the high flowing Wairau River. Photo #5 (top right) shows Alan doubt that Alan kick-started modern My ignorance was bliss. preparing to rescue me. I had somehow kayaking in Nelson - and for that he managed to tie my bow painter to a should be recognised. These days Alan Around my neck I carried my Canon solitary mid-stream manuka bush only gets his kicks from mountain-biking Dial 35 half-frame camera. Somehow 10 metres from the foaming filter. A into extreme situations. this clockwork wonder survived the ‘Fairy’ Glide surely would have been Grahame Sisson trip with zero water intake - and here a handy skill! are the photos to prove it.

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter NEW COLD WATER BOATING EXPEDITION BROCHURES UPDATES The following was a message from A new brochure has been e-mailed on Sandy Robson & SLAP Gerald Stover, one of the overseas the NYC Kayaker list server for cold (Around Australia) paddlers who attended the 2007 KASK water safety - anyone is welcome to Forum at Anakiwa, to Evan Pugh. use it. Spring here in Pennsylvania is a particularly cold and dangerous On 14 May, Sandy Robson arrived at Dear Evan Pugh and time for kayakers - the air temperature Cairns, in North Queensland, during KASK leadership is very warm but the water is still her attempt to paddle around Aus- deadly cold. tralia. She has taken a few days off to Thanks for a great NZ visit and Forum prepare for the next stage up to Cape at Anakiwa this past Feb 24-26. I have Chuck Sutherland would be very York, where Sandy will have to send had no time to respond to your fine pleased to learn of his brochure’s use food parcels ahead to the Aboriginal survey questions or file a report yet in any of your your NZ KASK safety communities. for the NYC kayaker regarding your training literature. Do not hesitate to KASK Forum of 2007. (we returned contact him - he a very worthwhile In an email from Cairns, Sandy notes, to the USA on March 15 - one day chap and seasoned kayaker. ‘I had a great Mexican feast last night before our North East Corridor airports Gerald W Stover here with lots of fresh vegies etc. and were closed for a snowstorm. Our trip ice-cream and frozen raspberries for to NZ was WONDERFUL) Hi All, dessert. I am enjoying the fresh food After an excessively long period of and trying to get back to racing weight In the mean time I have not forgot- development, I have finally finished (ie. put on about 5kgs before I leave). ten any of the good memories or the producing a new cold water boating I have not had too much trouble with excellent instruction, Charles Collie brochure. I invite anyone, or any club, losing weight lately, but it doesn’t hurt and I received during the KASK 2007 interested in providing such informa- to stock up on a few kilos after a few Forum. tion to the general public or to their big 60 to 70 km days to get here.’ own boating groups to feel free to copy and distribute this brochure. I Sandy’s Website have put the document on my website A few people have had problems ac- in PDF format at cessing the site - the vast majority can access it daily. The problem seems to http://www.enter.net/~skimmer/cold- be accessing it from google, or via intro.html links from other sites. Best regards, The correct url is Chuck Sutherland https://netstorage.penrhos.wa.edu. au/slap/ (note that it begins https: COLD WATER and not http: ) BROCHURE Photos of Sandy Robson’s paddle up SEA KAYAKER the coast of Queensland. Top left: scrubbed up for her sister’s The following link from Paul Chaplow wedding; bottom left: Coffee break re cold water paddling and survival. on the water; Top right: 12 May launching; Bottom right: Arriving at http://www.seakayakermag.com/Re- Yeppoon. sources/Safety/ColdBrochure.pdf

15 No. 128 April - May 2007

and rescue after a fatal boating incident aging all three components, however off the coast of Oamaru. as it scales up, several people may be called in and the roles separated. SAFETY A greater degree of co-operation and As a search progresses, a time period liaison now exists between the two will be allocated to the first phase, Marine Searches organizations, RCC(NZ) and the and forward planning done so that By Hamish Blanch Police. Since July 2005, Police in all the search can then be run in shifts 24 districts now have a Marine Search hours a day, if necessary, and proper How Search and Rescue Works, incident controller on call 24 hours a handovers completed from one shift and Some Thoughts on being vis- day for class 1 and 2 searches. to the next. ible on the Water. Searches may start as a Class 2, and be Resources used in the field may be The following is how the search upgraded to 3, in which case control any of those previously mentioned process works. Search and Rescue would change from Police to RCC regarding Class 2 searches. (SAR) in New Zealand is divided into (NZ) and vice versa. two parts, firstly Land and secondly There will be regional variations as Marine. Responsibility for Land SAR There must always be clarity as to who to how a search is run, and how local rests with the Police while Marine is running a search at any one time. A resources are used. SAR rests with both Police and Rescue formal hand over must take place if a Co-ordination Centre New Zealand search is upgraded, or downgraded, so In some areas for example, Surf Res- (RCC (NZ)). that it is clear as to who is in control, cue may patrol beaches and effect and ultimately responsible. rescues as situations occur. Coastguard Marine searching is split up into may patrol waterways and also ef- three classes with differing area’s of (At the time of writing the Government fect rescues/tows as required. Police responsibility: is looking at the overall control of involvement in these situations is - Class 1search, run by the Police Marine Search and Rescue incidents, minimal. using Police resources. and several proposals regarding dif- ferent structures are currently being A simple rescue, involving for exam- - Class 2 search, run by Police investigated). ple a kayaker in a sheltered bay who using other resources such as, cannot affect a re-entry and is floating Coastguard, Surf Rescue, fixed As to how a Class 1 or 2 search is run, with his kayak, may require no more wing planes (coastal air patrols), will largely depend on the resources than a call on the local marine radio helicopter search and water res- set up by local Police. In the area channel to get someone to assist. cue teams, Coast-watch personal, that I work (Tasman Police District), Marine radio, and local resources Marine Search and Rescue is managed If however a kayaker has failed to such as fishermen and recreational utilizing a system adopted nationally return from a trip, or is overdue and boaties. These searches are usually by Land Search and Rescue, and is a search to locate is required, Police coastal rather than offshore, and are known as CIMS…Co-ordinated In- will be advised. The initial call to typical of what would normally be cident management system. Police will probably be logged at a used for a missing kayaker. Police Communications centre, and an Under CIMS, the search management event number created. At that stage the - Class 3 search run by RCC (NZ). has several components: on-duty Police Marine search incident These searches are usually off- controller will be advised, and decide shore and may require the utiliza- 1. Intelligence and planning, (plan a course of action. A search urgency tion of resources not available to the search provide taskings, and assessment is then made. Police such as Airforce Orion’s etc, process information that comes to and includes all emergency locator hand as the search progresses) Initial action may involve a Police beacon activations, (land, marine member making some enquiry as to and aviation). 2. Operations (make the search details of the missing party, descrip- happen, brief and debrief search tion of persons/kayak/trip details RCC (NZ) is based in Avalon, Wel- teams etc) and physically checking boat ramps lington and is a relatively new organi- etc. to ensure that the missing person zation, being set up and operational 3. Logistics (provide the means simply hasn’t gone elsewhere after from July 2004. It replaces what was to run a search). a paddle. previously known as the National Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC). An Incident Controller, (Police mem- Decisions are made based on the The change came about largely as ber) oversees the whole operation and information known at the time, and result of a Government report and co-ordinates the search effort. In the the incident controller making those recommendations into marine search initial stages, a search may be run and decisions takes responsibility for the managed by one person who is man- result. Quite often, when with the

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

benefit of hindsight, persons may be sighted a person with a lifejacket someone who had spoken to some-one critical of those decisions but they on in choppy seas. He indicated that else I am certain that this would have are made with the best information at there was second person in the water been another fatality. Things are not the time, not with all the information requiring immediate assistance who always what they initially seem. known at a later date. was located about 70m away. The second person was obviously suffer- Back to searching - if a kayaker For example, to recall a recent incident ing from hypothermia and both were for example is missing offshore, a in Nelson, on 2 March about mid-day, immediately recovered to Surf Base search would commence after hav- I was the on-duty incident controller and an ambulance called. ing established the likely search area, and was advised of a second hand taking into account sea (currents message that some-one had passed This second person, a male aged 41 and sea state) and wind conditions. onto another person. The information years, when treated recorded a body A search pattern would be decided simply was that a woman, walking on temp of 33.5 degrees and was mod- upon depending on what information back beach at Tahunanui Beach, had erately hypothermic. is available that is the last known been watching a kayak with two pad- position/timing and, what resources dlers in an area known as the ‘Blind The kayak was neither located at the are available/what resources can be Channel’ - the channel that fills/emp- time, nor were there any sightings used with the weather conditions, and ties Waimea Estuary - and the kayak by aircraft. (It later washed up that available light. had disappeared. This had been about evening in Blind Channel - partially an hour or so prior, and the identity of submerged as the back hatch and If a fixed wing is used it would typi- the original informant was not known cockpit were full of water). cally search from approx 150m, now at the time. The information therefore this gets to the part that starts to make was not particularly good, and at the The kayakers, one aged 24 and the you think a bit; if you’re in the water, time of receiving, could not be verified other 41, had launched their lime you have to be visible. Someone in the or any other details obtained. green/yellow Contour double kayak plane has to see you. (It is possible at Tahunanui Beach, paddled across that either heat seeking or infra red No one had been reported miss- the Blind Channel to Rabbit Island, gear could be carried, but that would ing/overdue; no other reports were then returned. During the return trip, depend on local resources and cannot received, and it was a nice warm they tipped out and they were unable be guaranteed.) summer’s day, (about 22˚C). to reenter the kayak. A kayaker in the water, separated It was basically a decision to Both were relatively new to kayaking; from their kayak, does not present a either: neither man had sought instruction or particularly big target - less than half 1 - search practiced getting back into the kayak. a square metre - and the only part that or They carried no bailer or pump, thus is going to be seen from 150m up in 2 - further investigate/wait for any no means to empty the kayak, and the air is the head and shoulders. The more information. carried no emergency communica- kayaker in the water has probably tion equipment, (no flares, radio, cell capsized because of the sea state, so There was no Surf Rescue on duty -it phone etc). No one had been informed chances are there is going to be a siz- was a weekday - and to get a unit on of their intentions, thus no one was able swell/choppy sea conditions. the water would have required a callout going to raise the alarm in the event from work of surf members. of a mishap. If you are that kayaker, your chances of being found are hugely increased if What would you do? Both men were swimming coaches, you have a fluoro-coloured hat on, tied (good swimmers) and had decided to your fluoro-coloured PFD. A call was made to the airport control to swim for it. They later said that tower (Blind Channel is on the flight they had even discussed taking their You’re going kayaking, so you’re path of the Nelson airport) to advise lifejackets and booties off but thought going to wear a sun hat and a PFD aircraft to be on the lookout, and then better of it. - why wear something that’s not go- erring on the side of caution, activated ing to be seen? It doesn’t cost any Surf Rescue. After about two hours in the water more to be visible and your life may (water temp about 20˚C) it was appar- depend on it. Surf Rescue was short staffed, and so ent that they could not swim against I then arranged for a Police member the ebbing tidal flow, and they were Your chances are again hugely in- to crew/observe, and they were on the simply getting swept out to sea. creased if you stay with the kayak water within 20 minutes. (now several square metres of target) So on a nice sunny and warm Nelson and even better if the kayak is a bright They headed out of Nelson Harbour day they were both in the ‘brown stuff’ colour, red/yellow/orange. (It doesn’t into Tasman Bay and about 1.5 floating out into Tasman Bay. If it cost any more to buy a bright coloured kilometres from shore, they chance not been for that one phone call from boat).

17 No. 128 April - May 2007

I can recall two recent searches for similar to a paddle float but are longer kayakers, one in Tasman Bay, the and narrower. Essentially these are other in Golden Bay, both fatalities, brightly coloured, elongated plastic that have resulted with the kayaker tubes that stick up a metre of so above EPIRB’s becoming separated from the kayak. the surface of the water, indicating & VHF Radios The search then was for two targets, your position and the fact that you kayak and paddler, not one. THINK have a problem. For kayaking, you If kayaking on extended trips into BRIGHT COLOURS - BE SEEN. need to have one with a mouthpiece remote areas, where there may be only that can be easily inflated. (Some are limited local assistance available, seri- Bright colours will also make you simply open-ended and when used ous consideration should be given to more visible on the water to other by divers, they use their air tanks to carrying an EPIRB (Emergency Posi- ‘boaties.’ Brightly coloured paddle inflate). If these tubes had reflective tion Indicating Radio Beacon), just in blades and hi-visibility chopper flags, material on the top, this would greatly case a serious problem arises. will also markedly increase your vis- increase their visibility with the use of ibility on the water. The possibility the night vision equipment. EPIRBs must now be a 406Mhz fre- of being ‘run over’ is very real. I can quency. They should be carried on your recall a recent fatality in the Marlbor- Recently I spoke to a kite surfer who, person, not left in your kayak, should ough Sounds involving a kayaker and separated from his kite/ board, was you be separated from your kayak. a ‘fizz boat’. swept out into Tasman Bay in 2006. He was the subject of a helicopter search There are currently a huge number Currently, many of the rescue heli- and rescue. I was in the helicopter at of the 121.5Mhz frequency beacons copter operators around the country the time and this chap was dammed still around, but they become obsolete are installing ‘new generation’ night hard to find. There was a sizable swell from February 2009 when there will vision equipment. Additional to the running, and he was dressed in a black be no satellite coverage for them. If night vision equipment, a scanning wetsuit. I gave it some publicity at the you currently have a 121.5 beacon, light is also used (under the helicop- time, and he had thought long and upgrade sooner rather then later as ter) to enhance and extend the field hard how he was going to be visible there is predicted to be a huge rush of vision. Any light source on the if the same situation occurred again. close to the Feb 2009 date, and demand water is going to be picked up easily What he came up with was a 1.8m may well exceed supply. Please throw with the night vision equipment, and collapsible carbon fibre pole with a the old beacon away - do not resell it - your chances of being found at night bungee cord through the centre (like someone’s life may depend on it. When are hugely increased if you carry a a tent pole) with a 30cm x 1.2m red disposing, please take the battery out light source. fluoro flag. The whole thing packed up and ensure that it will not work (you into a small bag which he now wears. can drop them into any Police Sta- The best option is a small strobe light That’s his plan. I’m sure it will work. tion - just ask for it to be forwarded designed to attach to your PFD (these It looks a great idea. to their local SAR member who will are available at marine safety stores arrange for disposal). I was involved and retail for about $60), but anything In recent search exercises that we have in a 2006 search for an EPIRB, which is better than nothing. Reflective carried out with aircraft, dye markers we eventually found, buried under a material is also picked up by night (obtainable from marine shops) have pile of rubbish at the Nelson landfill. vision gear, in conjunction with the also been very visible in the water; Nationally there have been several scanning light, and can be attached they should also be considered. similar incidents to paddle blades, kayak decks, PFD’s and clothing. The safety section of the new KASK The 121.5 beacon requires passing handbook is excellent guide as to what satellites to pick a signal up. This If the night vision equipment is not additional safety gear to carry and could result in delays of several hours available, and if there is a search for if you’re like me, got the handbook to get a good fix, however the 406 you with’ boats on the water’, a strobe years ago, it’s worth updating to the utilises stationary satellites, hence light is certainly going to be a great 4th edition, having a good read and are much faster in relaying the fact attractant. A strobe light of course is sorting out a safety plan should it all that you have an emergency. Time is additional to any navigation lights that ‘turn to custard’. of essence if you’re in the water with you would carry at night, and of course your body temperature dropping, and being on your person, it is available hypothermia setting in. should you become separated from the You need a plan. kayak, which is where your navigation There are two varieties of 406 beacon light may be. Enjoy safe sea kayaking, and please on the market, one which has a GPS THINK COLOUR and BEEN (Global Position System) which will An attractant worth considering, that SEEN. give a more accurate location and is can be easily carried on your PFD, is the recommended one to purchase, a divers’ tube (or sausage). These look and a standard 406.

18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

If you purchase a 406 Beacon, please register it with the Rescue Co-ordi- CALENDAR nation Centre Ph 0800 406 111. In the event of an activation, RCC will for friends and interested kayakers in then have your personal information THE CONFLUENCE far-flung corners of NZ, the Pacific so that some preliminary enquiries Islands, Australia and from further can be made as to your trip plans and 2008 International Outdoor Recrea- afield. Easier to justify the travel time what we will be looking for. This can tion and Education Conference & cost, with a whole week of activity also hopefully eliminate searches for Christchurch (IOREC). to look forward to. accidental activations. When: 21 – 24 January 2008 Where: Christchurch KASK FORUM 2008 A VHF radio is also a very useful tool The IOREC conference, hosted by for calling up a rescue or for getting Outdoors New Zealand with SPARC Where: Ohope Beach, assistance, and is more reliable with as the major sponsor, will incorporates near Whakatane, in the Bay of its potential coverage than a cellphone. six key strands: research & theory; Plenty The two advantages are: teaching and learning; sustainability When: 25- 27 April 2008, - that it allows you to communicate and environment; risk management Anzac Day weekend. your distress immediately, and safety; applied theory and prac- Venue: Ohope Beach Christian youth - and allows you to communicate tice; and adventure based tourism. camp 6kms east of Whakatane, perfect directly with the Maritime rescue Presentations will include oral, inter- for surf training, a nice flat shallow authorities. active, and poster sessions. beach with nice waves rolling in. Pad- You may also be able to communicate For information on the conference dle destinations include Whale Island with local boaties close by to get as- details, registration and presentation day paddle, leave from Whakatane, sistance. information, see: around rocks at Whakatane, Ohiwa www.outdorrsnz.org.nz Harbour and down to end of Ohope Coverage around coastal New Zealand For information on presentation Spit for on-the-water sessions. The is good, however there may be some submissions, email Dr Shayne Gal- camp has a total of 80 bunks and 70 areas close to shore where you can- loway at camp spots, a large hall and caterers not get coverage either on the marine [email protected] on site. emergency Channel 16, or local chan- Deadline: for presentation proposals, For more information, email Evan nels. Some knowledge of local radio by July 25 2007 Pugh at: channels in the area that you intend to [email protected] paddle, is essential to make full use of COASTBUSTERS 2008 a VHF radio. Carry the radio on your person, if at all possible, rather than When: 1 – 2 March 2008 in the kayak. Where: Auckland WANTED As part of a week-long International KASK Taranaki Kayaking Festival, the core CB event Contact Required will be followed on 8 – 9 March (the next weekend) by the Rotorua/Blue Is there a current KASK member in Lake NZKBGT (New Zealand Kayak the Taranaki area who would be will- Builders’ Get-Together). ing to have their name and contact listed in the KASK newsletter, and In the weekdays between these two on the Website with other regional events, we have planned for a number contacts? of activities and will promote this as a week full of kayaking opportunity. What this means is that you may Some of the activities are: local and receive a phone call or email on the regional kayak trails & camping trips, odd occasion from other paddlers in on-the-water training, workshops, a your area, or from outside the area, sea-kayak race, etc. needing information on paddling locations and/or how to meet up with Hamish Blanch, a keen kayaker, is We feel very excited by the opportu- other paddlers. a Police member based in Nelson nities that this presents - for dealing and has been on Police Search with a variety of kayak topics in much If you are keen to help in this way and and Rescue squads for the past greater depth than was ever possible perhaps meet up with other paddlers 27 years. He has also been a within the limited time available on or to find out more info please get in crewman/winch operator on the the CB weekend. touch with me. Nelson based Rescue Helicopter Evan Pugh for the past 16 years. Clearly, it will also be a bigger ‘target’ [email protected]

19 No. 128 April - May 2007

In 2007 KASK, in association with I thank all the committee members KASK NZOIA, facilitated a national training for their work during the past 12 Reports Presented at the series with internationally recognized months. My thanks to Paul for the 15th KASK AGM sea kayak instructor Nigel Foster newsletter production, to Iona and Held at Anakiwa, from Seattle, who was also a keynote Paul for work on the incident database, 24 February 2007 presenter and instructor at the Anakiwa John Kirk-Anderson for his training PRESIDENT’S REPORT Forum. This project was initiated by initiatives and liaison work, and last KASK and developed with NZOIA, but certainly not least to the KASK by Susan Cade with significant financial support from committee for general consultation This year for the KASK committee once Water Safety New Zealand. More than and active support. again has been very busy. In addition 50 people undertook this training, to significant pressures impacting which is really exciting, with a number PUBLICATION from daytime work commitments, of NZOIA sea kayak instructors also OFFICER’S REPORT we have strived to represent KASK taking this opportunity for specialist at a national level. Many volunteer training in Taupo and Auckland. By Paul Caffyn hours have been put in to support the KASK Handbook interest of recreational sea kayakers Forums A fourth edition of the KASK Handbook, in New Zealand. There has been some The Northland mini-forum was A Manual for Sea Kayaking in NZ, was valuable support from non-committee very successful, as was the annual printed in late August 2006. My thanks KASK members. Canterbury network Okains Bay to all those paddlers who contributed forum. Coastbusters (Auckland) new material, updated existing Some of the notable achievements for has been proactive in organizing chapters or provided photographs. the year were: their Auckland-based forum. The second skill focused KASK Forum at In particular the addition of a practical Strategic Meeting in Auckland Anakiwa, attracted a turnout of over rescue chapter by John Kirk-Anderson, The decisions at this meeting clarified 110 sea kayakers, including several a Marine Communications chapter KASK’s strategic plan for 2006 - paddlers from overseas. The success by Peter Simpson, and two medical 2008. A KASK Mission Statement of an event of this kind relies on the chapters by Iona Bailey, along with was developed: ‘To promote safe support of so many people, both visible updating of the resources section, recreational sea kayaking’ and behind the scenes, so thank you so risk management, GPS navigation, much to every one of you attendees, trip planning, and clothing chapters, Primary objectives for KASK are: and leaders for making this possible. continues to maintain this book • To promote safe sea kayaking as ‘the mother of all sea kayaking practices through education I really believe in the development of manuals.’ • To create appropriate and relevant skills and the sharing of knowledge publications which is a critical way to help develop KASK acknowledges a grant of $6,000 • To support sea kayak forums and strengthen safety and the fun from Water Safety NZ towards the • To maintain and ensure ongoing of sea kayaking. Of particular note cost of handbook production and advocacy on behalf of members I want to mention Evan and Linda printing. with relevant organizations Pugh (registrations), Cathye Haddock • To generate income for projects (program), Helen Woodward (local The initial print run was 750 units, of from external funding sources contact) and Iona Bailey. which 378 copies have been sold or distributed by 22 March 2007. The Coastguard Education Program Other ongoing KASK liaison work response from KASK members for This was a jointly identified need by has occurred at the DoC Summit to the $20 offer included with the annual KASK and Coastguard Education. Sea Forum, looking at the best ways subscription renewal was excellent. Kerry Howe completed working on to support recreational access and I would ask all KASK paddlers to a sea kayaking module which was land usage in New Zealand. There continue to promote the handbook. endorsed by KASK and added to the have also been meetings with Water

Coastguard education program. Safety New Zealand, Maritime New The Sea Canoeist Newsletter Zealand, and the National Pleasure My thanks to all those paddlers Training Boat Forum. Also on-going input into who contributed articles, letters or There has been a commitment from the National Incident database, and photos to the newsletter during the KASK to support training at a network incident analysis work. past 12 months. As this newsletter level. Both leadership and general is a record of New Zealand sea skills training have taken place in The KASK Website. kayaking, and following a complaint Wellington. Tauranga continues to Sandy Fergusson, as Webmaster, of there being no newsletters in the be active with training; Invercargill has continued to develop the KASK Wellington National Library for has organized training forums, as has website. research purposes, it was registered the Christchurch network with their with an ISSN (International Standard annual Okains Bay forum. Serial Number) in August 2006. A full

20 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

set of hard copy newsletters, Nos. 1 The trophy for an outstanding contri- would be keen to see him out here - 124, was supplied to the National bution to The Sea Canoeist Newsletter again. I could tell, in one day, that was Library in August, and two copies of was awarded to Cathye Haddock and barely the tip of the iceberg of what each new newsletter will be mailed John Kirk-Anderson for their Tory Nigel had to share with us.” to the library. These will be kept by Channel Incident Review Report, the library in perpetuity, and will be which appeared in newsletter No.125. Nigel has said that he would love to available for research purposes. Interviews with both participants, come back to New Zealand when he involved with the 1 January 2006 can and was very interested in seeing Incident database capsize incident in the entrance of if there is a way of getting some of The KASK incident database has Tory Channel, plus a critical review his designed sea Kayaks and paddles been updated to the end of 2006, and of the planning, preparation, and com- into New Zealand. I know a number fatalities from the period 1983 - 1992 munications for the trip, and a listing of paddlers expressing enthusiasm to included. Fatality statistics January of recommendations made for both get one or both. 1983 - October 2006 were spread- KASK and the wider sea kayaking sheeted. Of a total of 23 fatalities over community, led to presentation of My thanks certainly go to Water Safety 24 years, all were male paddlers; 18 this award. NZ and NZ Outdoor Instructor’s were solo paddlers, eight fatalities Association for supporting this tour occurred during fishing trips with NATIONAL TRAINING with funding, also to the many pad- a total of nine drownings. With the dlers that supported Nigel’s visit with recent rapid growth of sit-on-top SERIES WITH their time and hospitality - it was incidents and fatalities, there is an NIGEL FOSTER greatly appreciated. Let’s hope there urgent need for a sit-on-top safety by Susan Cade will be many more opportunities for brochure, which should be included A total of 55 sea kayakers, through training at this level for paddlers in with every new boat sold. On going KASK, took an opportunity to develop New Zealand. I feel positive with the analysis of this database allows for their skills with our international guest. ongoing commitment from KASK and targeting of safety initiatives. Four two-day training workshops were Coastbusters to recreational paddlers, held in Christchurch, Anakiwa (2) and along with the support of bodies such National Pleasure Boat Forum; The Tauranga plus a single day training as WSNZ, MNZ and NZOIA. inclusion of KASK as a member of session in Auckland. Nigel also ran the National Pleasure Boat Forum, two one day workshops for NZOIA has resulted in some excellent safety at Kinloch and Auckland, for about initiatives, particularly in 2006 the 18 outdoor instructors. Nigel Foster at the Auckland train- development by Kerry Howe of a ing session, with Paul Hayward in ‘New Zealand Sea Kayak Module’ for I had the privilege to travel with Ni- the background. Ptrevhoto: Susan Coastguard Boating Education. gel and his wife Kristin around New Paul Caffyn Zealand during this time and it was really great to see the enthusiasm and GRAHAM EGGAR delight that participants experienced in experimenting with new techniques PADDLE TROPHY and/or refining skills and knowledge. AWARDS In Wellington, I have noticed some by Paul Caffyn impact already, with more paddlers Sandy Ferguson was awarded the taking opportunities to paddle without trophy for outstanding contribu- rudders, utilizing more maneuvering tion to sea kayaking. Sandy, one of skills than they previously used, and the foundation members of KASK yes some even practicing standing in in1992, built his first stitch and tape their boats while they scull with their kayak back in 1983. For many years, paddle. I myself have been finding Sandy served on the KASK commit- new energy and enthusiasm building tee as either secretary or treasurer. on the skills and have a new sense In November 1993, Sandy and Ray of enthusiasm to learn more. Nigel’s Forsyth set up the Canterbury Sea style of instruction was so like his Kayak Network, and Sandy took presentation on his training DVDs, on the role of editor of the network very quiet and seamless. newsletter. For the past 18 months, Sandy has taken on the role of KASK I have had many comments, for webmaster, and has endeavoured to instance from Erica Laws: “Thanks keep the site up to date. The award for the wonderful training, both at to Sandy takes into account his long the Anakiwa KASK forum and in term services to sea kayaking. Auckland, with Nigel. I must say I

21 No. 128 April - May 2007

KASK. Would you outline some of HG. Ah, this is my favourite and a HUMOUR the rolls that will be required in the real crowd pleaser! For the Backwards new competition please? Bloody Fast Roll, paddlers must 21st CENTURY ROLLING perform a backwards endo in 3 metre COMPETITION HG. Ah yes, perhaps that’s the best surf and roll up successfully. Too place to start. The first roll is the Credit many paddlers play too much in the from KASK’s International Rov- Card Roll. This is the roll that would be pool - we want to see what they can ing Reporter performed as a kayaker paddles into a do in the surf! harbour-side barista for a cappuccino From time to time some interesting and is capsized by a ferry wake while KASK. What are the next rolls? press releases come down the wire reaching for their credit card. This roll to the KASK Sea Canoeist office on must be performed one-handed with HG. The next competition roll is the the West Coast. the other firmly in their pocket. On the ‘GPS Roll’. Modern paddlers seem to technical side, points are deducted for love gizmos and devices so we want One that caught our eye recently was a competitors having no credit left on to see how good they are with them! press release from Harvey Greenland their card and an illegible signature For this roll, paddlers have to roll the Third, President of the Greenland on the back of it. over, enter four waypoints on a route Rolling Company. Until KASK and roll up. And then we move on to received this release, we had assumed KASK. Hmm. A tough roll to start the ‘Sail Roll’ in which competitors that the huge Annual Greenland Kayak with. Next? have to roll with a sail rigged. Points Rolling Championships were based in are awarded for having the most sail the country of Greenland. HG. Then we move on to a group area up, which generally makes the of two rolls under the heading of roll slower and gives a paddler time This, however, is not the case. The ‘Bodily Functions.’ The first is the to wonder why they shouldn’t just go championships are in fact owned by Pee Wee Roll. Competitors must roll and join a sailing club. the Greenland Company of Seattle, while urinating into a container. This USA. They bought the rights to the is a ‘no hands’ roll and points are KASK. Sure to be controversial! championships for three boxes of seal deducted for spilling the contents of blubber in 1953 and have grown the the container or interruption to the HG. We then move on to the ‘Water company into the huge sporting empire stream. The second roll of the group Police Roll’. This is an endurance roll it is today. Negotiations are currently is the Scroggin Roll. This is another where a paddler might see a Water underway for kayak rolling to be a ‘no hands’ roll. Competitors must fill Police or Maritime Safety vessel demonstration sport at the Beijing their mouths with scroggin and roll nearby, and realizing that they’re not Olympics and a full competition event with one hand in their mouth and carrying an anchor or a fire bucket, in four years time. the other in a ziplock bag. Points are rolls over in the hope that they’re deducted for getting the scroggin wet not spotted. Points are awarded for We sent a reporter along to the or dribbling. length of time underwater up to but not Greenland Company’s press including to the point of death. conference last week: KASK. It gets tougher! KASK. And one more roll? HG. Ladies and gentlemen, thank HG. Yes it does. The next group you for coming in. I’ve called this of two rolls are called the ‘Modern HG. Yes indeed. This last roll is the press conference to announce that Menaces.’ The first of these is the ‘White Pointer Roll’. ‘Too many of the Greenland Company is planning Plastic Bag Roll. Competitors must these damned sharks around now that to introduce a 21st Century Rolling place a plastic bait bag over their head they’re protected. Surfers are getting Competition for modern recreational and perform as many rolls as they can. chomped everywhere and we think sea kayaks. Points are awarded for the most rolls it’s only a matter of time before sea and deducted for puking inside the kayakers are on the menu, hence this KASK. Why the change? Is there bag. The second of this group is the roll. For this manoeuvre, we saw off a lack of interest in the specialist Jet Ski Roll. For this roll competitors the back half of competitor’s boats to Greenland-style kayaks? must throw a handful of gravel at a simulate a shark attack, and they have cardboard jetski moored at 20 metres to roll their kayaks like that. Failure HG. Well, perhaps. It’s just that from and abeam of their kayak. The to roll means disqualification. We nobody paddles them anymore or force of the throw should capsize the think this roll will create some work wants to shoot seals and bears. We need paddler who then rolls up. Points are for fiberglass repair shops too. Can’t a competition that embodies modern awarded for peppering the target and be a bad thing really. customs and the craft that are paddled for having done this in real life! today all around the world. We also KASK. Thank you. plan to make a shitload of……… KASK. Not only tough but controversial too! Where to from here?

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

23 No. 128 April - May 2007 MAILED TO

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

KASK MEMBERSHIP POLICY Current membership fees are: - $35 for ordinary membership - $40 for family or joint membership - $35 for overseas membership - new members receive a free copy of the handbook - members should endeavour to renew by 1 August - the KASK financial year runs 1 August to 31 July the following year - a subscription due notice and up to two reminders are sent out with the newsletters between June and October - if a membership renewal is not received by 30 September, membership lapses - new members who join between 1 June and 31 July automatically get their membership credited to the following year, receiving a 14 month membership - the KASK committee puts its emphasis confirming renewals from existing members from July to October; and pro- moting new KASK memberships from November to February.

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