SeaTrek

In from the Cold www.vskc.org.au

Winter/Spring 2014 Issue 81 The VSKC Bass Strait, and take their kayaks its annual general meeting held to remote and interesting areas. as part of a weekend of activities The Victorian Sea Kayak Club Equally, we all love relaxing short on and off the water, with was formed in 1979, aimed at trips in our local waters, with informative training sessions and bringing together sea kayakers in plenty of time to socialise. presentations from interesting our part of the world, creating We welcome new members and speakers. We run a range of club opportunities to meet and encourage a culture in which trips throughout the year for all organise trips, and to promote members help each other with levels of ability, helping members the interests of sea kayakers. skills, gear, safety, trip to improve their proficiency and Club members have done some information and organisation. take part in trip leadership. We marvellous and sometimes very The club runs training courses keep in touch through this challenging trips by sea kayak and has a grading system, website, email news, and our club around our nearby coasts of although training is not aimed at magazine Sea Trek. Victoria and Tasmania and absolute novices. New members For more information read go to further afield. Our founding are expected know something of the Docs and Downloads link members made the first sea sea kayaking, have access to a from the Web page, and kayak circumnavigation of kayak, and be ready to explore download our Operating Tasmania and the first south to the marvellous opportunities Principles and Membership north crossing of Bass Strait. which sea kayaking offers. The application, or contact our Members regularly paddle across club gets together once a year for Membership Officer. Sea Trek 81 Winter/Spring 2014

In this Edition

Regular Columns Editorial 4 President’s Podcast 4

Feature Drowning and Cold Water Immersion (Christoph Sowa) 6

Safety and Training My Longest Time on the Water . . . and under the Kayak! (George John (with a note from Terry Barry)) 11 A Great Day to have VHF radios (Peter Costello) 12 Resources for the Armchair Pad- dler (Robin Boundy, Terry Barry, Fiona Coates, Bob Fergie, Helmut Heinze, Maggie McPherson, Sue Mountford, Greg Skowronksi) 13 To Suck or Blow? A PFD Theory (Tony Chick) 15

Gear Zeroing in at Point 65 XP18 (Craig Horne) 16 Blind Date – Epic Cover 16x (Helmut Heinze) 17 Trolley wheels!! (David Winkworth) 21 Photo, cropped by HH, showing Terry Barry on a Flinders to Cape Shank paddle, Feb Day Trips and Overnighters 2014. — All drawings in this Sea Trek by A Paddle in the Whitsundays (Neale Meredith) 22 Pizza and HH. Paddling at the Prom (Hilde Mailen Domaas) 25

Club Life

Sigla The History, Methodology and Limitations of The VSKC Training (Terry Barry) 28 Back to Rolling (Chris Harding) 29 The • • BF: Bob Fergie CH: Chris Harding CH: Paddler who Snowed in from the North (Hilde Mailen Domaas) 31 • • Craig Horne DW: David Winkworth FC: Sam’s Red Eye – Sat 18 Oct 14 (Helmut Heinze) 33 Fiona Coates • GC: Greg Skowronski • HH: Helmut Heinze • HMD: Hilde Mailen Do- maas • MMP: Maggie McPherson • NM: Odds and Ends • • Neale Meredith RB: Robin Bound SM: Moroccan Stew ( Terry Barry ) 34 A Recipe (Helmut Heinze) 34 Sue Mountford • TB: Terry Barry.

Responsible Editor for this Edition: Helmut Heinze

Contact [email protected] Photo Stories http://www.vskc.org.au Glad-wrapped paddling with Bob — Collage (Bob Fergie) p34 c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au SeaTrek 81 Regular Columns

Editorial

ing paddling after a longer tor and rescue expert, on preparing Sea Trek a plea- break, a bit rusty, in need the physiology of drowning sure. In particular, I wish to of some warm-up. But the and cold water immersion. thank Fiona Coates for help title also means: finding The dire topic notwith- getting the translation of oneself suddenly and unex- standing, the text offers Sowa’s article into a read- pectedly in hot (or rather: some valuable background able state. cold and agitated) water knowledge that may come So — the title “In from — George John’s trip re- handy in an emergency. the Cold” may fit only half- port “My Longest Time ...” What else is offer? way but I hope that every- offers food for thought. There is something about one finds a few pages in And some in the Club may the home club of a VSKC SeaTrek 81 to his or her lik- It all began in the depth recognise the scene on the member, who came in from ing. of Winter. I was feel- cover image — from that the cold of the Norwegian By the way, I was not ing miserable and cold and eerie ocean paddle on a hot city of Trondheim; some- too impressed by LeCarr´e’s thought to myself the next summer day from Flinders one else is getting back into spy novel. But in keeping edition of Sea Trek should that saw the pod suddenly rolling after a long break with this Sea Trek’s theme, be all about coping with the and strangely engulfed in due to an injury and many I can recommend another cold. Work started, an in- fog and heavy swell, and more texts. classic that is closer the teresting text on cold wa- emerging back into the I would like to thank sea kayaker’s heart anyway: ter immersion caught my stifling heat as if coming all authors for their contri- Ernest Shackleton, South attention. Time passed . . . from a different world. Yet butions; the prolific ones (available as Penguin pa- and suddenly spring was another way of coming in who keep producing (and perback) — the story of the upon us with the first warm from the cold. encouraging others to write shipwreck of the Endurance days. The world started This edition of Sea Trek ...), the first-timers who re- in 1914 in Antarctica and looking much brighter. offers a couple of texts veal themselves as talented the epic ocean voyage back Then I was flicking loosely grouped around the story tellers (Neale Mered- in small rescue boats over through a classic novel by theme of coming in from ith and Chris Harding), the more than two years: back John LeCarr´e, The Spy who the cold — at times into the ones who have delivered in from the cold. came in from the Cold. cold, some serious, some texts despite a full sched- Helmut Heinze The text was so so, but more light-hearted. I rec- ule under a lot of pres- Sea Trek the title was good. This ommend in particular the sure. I also have to thank may fit: Coming in from overview by our guest con- for the direct and indirect the cold of the winter into tributor Christoph Sowa, a help I have been receiv- the spring; people resum- German sea kayak instruc- ing that makes the task of

President’s Podcast

been your paddling high- dled with us too in my Tahe lights this year? While Greenland T. It made me I’ve enjoyed a whole range appreciate again the fact of club paddles, workshops that sea kayaking can be en- and so on, the highlight by joyed by people of all ages far was taking my 90 year and stages in a whole range old dad for a 20km pad- of seascape settings. Being dle at Broulee on the NSW a member of the VSKC is South coast in September. another wonderful expres- But it was not just a paddle sion of this I think you’ll with dad. Our six year old agree. I wonder what have grand daughter Arieta pad- As this edition of Sea

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 4 SeaTrek 81 Regular Columns

Trek goes to press, the an- The program our Man- bers have made themselves for him to enjoy some well- nual VSKC Paddle Fest and agement Committee has available for service on the deserved overseas leave for AGM is all but upon us. planned offers lots of var- new 2014/15 committee. a season. We may yet see Having 100+ members and ied opportunities both on them back for another tour visitors getting together for and off the water. I’m es- of duty on the Management this very special event is pecially looking forward Committee, me hopes! very exciting. The weather to hearing the tales of two As this edition of Sea is looking very promising, remarkable expeditioners Trek showcases again, the the Camp Coolamatong fa- in Scott Donaldson and Ja- club continues to provide cilities are fantastic and the son Beechcroft as they open wonderful opportunities for paddling opportunities on up their recent experiences supportive adventures on the Gippsland Lakes, mouth attempting to paddle solo the high seas. Thank watering. More than these from Australia to NZ and you to all club members though, will be the real circumnavigating Australia for the unique and valued enjoyment of simply get- (including Tasmania) re- Robin Boundy ways that each contributes ting together with old and spectively. to this. I look forward to new friends from our club, At the AGM on Sat- For sure, both Robin many more opportunities in all with a passion for and urday afternoon, the cur- and Voijin will be greatly the future to paddle our fair stories about paddling long rent Management Commit- missed given their remark- seas together. skinny boats on the pris- tee will stand down before able contributions to train- With anticipation tine waters and surrounds the election of the 2014/15 ing and Web-site communi- Bob Fergie of Victoria and beyond. committee. As President cations in particular. I’m (VSKC President) this past year I can vouch sure all members of the club for the wonderful effort, join me in thanking them, commitment and contribu- although I for one don’t see tions that each member has their standing down as a fi- made to the management nal retirement event at all. of the club. They have Indeed I know that Robin all been fantastic friends is keen to continue to con- and colleagues to whom we tribute as a club instruc- all owe a serious debt of tor and a trip leader, and I thanks. With the exception know that Voijin will simply of Robin Boundy and Voijin be on a ‘leave of absence‘ 2013/2104 Committee Miladinov, all other mem- pass for a year or so in order

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 5 SeaTrek 81 In from the Cold

Christoph Sowa Drowning and Cold Water Immersion

“Ertrinken bei Wassersportunfallen¨ – Cold- trates starkly how much educational • Phase 3 – Long term immersion re- Water-Immersion”, was published first in work is still to be done with respect to sponse / hypothermia. Seekajak: Magazin der Salzwasser Union the effects of cold water immersion. • Phase 4 – Peri-rescue and post res- 139, Juni 2014, 24-27. A circular of the US Coast Guard cue collapse. With kind permission of the Seekajak clearly emphasises that when it comes and the author, SeaTrek presents a transla- to the topic of hypothermia, people tion, along with a list of sources extracted “have put their bets on the wrong Phase 1 – Immersion Shock from a longer treatise that underpins the horse for years” and that the up- published text. dated knowledge has to be “ham- There are different terms for this Christoph Sowa is nursing manager; phase in the literature. The term paramedic, paramedic trainer; kayak in- mered into the heads” [US Coast “immersion shock” is least prone to structor; member of the Regional Teaching 2004-02, 2004]. Team Bremen for Kayak Instructors (Safety misinterpretations; it is not linked to a particular water temperature that and Seekayaking). Physiological Cause of Drowning Translation from German by Helmut presents an increased risk but refers Heinze in collaboration with Fiona Coates. to a distinct physiological condition , In the case of water sport accidents, as distinct from the more subjective the all-important factor is – contrary term “cold”. In other words, immer- to common belief – the contact of the Paddling and water — inseparably sion alone can and must be dealt with skin with water. The mere contact linked. Roaming the waves — an as a potential source of danger. of the face with water leads to an awesome feeling. But what if . . . the Cold receptors in the skin trigger a increased breathing rate, along with kayaker capsizes? What are the risks? series of defence mechanisms. The fa- a diminished ability for holding the What are the chances? What knowl- cial skin comprises the highest density breath [Jay et al 2007; Barwood et edge base does the kayaker have and of cold receptors The bandwidth and al 2006]. This physiological reaction is it correct and scientifically sound? nature of the physiological response is fundamentally present and observ- An article in SK125 [Seekajak, during cold water immersion (CWI) able in water temperature of 25oC or ed.] took up the subject and dis- depends on the area of skin exposed below, although the severity of this re- cussed many important aspects. How- to the water. Multiple organic sys- action varies with water temperature ever, some important facts were not tems are affected by the initial immer- [Tripton et.al 1991]. An involuntary addressed sufficiently. I am going to sion. A reduction of the surface tem- immersion becomes dangerous at a cover them in the text below. More- perature of the skin triggers marked temperature below 15oC. These tem- over, the whole issue has not found its changes in breathing and blood cir- peratures are typical in our latitudes way into the Seekajakhandbuch [Sea culation. Without any protection, the [north Europe, ed] during the sea- Kayak Manual, ed.] as the basis for so-called “initial immersion response” son. the training in the SaU [Salzwasser is triggered within two seconds Being informed about the effects Union, ed.]. Although an abun- The following describes the re- of involuntary immersion and the ac- dance of texts and information can sponses of individual organs to CWI. tual time remaining for rescue or self- be sourced from the Internet, forums, In calm water, circulatory problems rescue can reduce panic. The time accident reports etc, many of these dominate, in moving water (waves) span available is commonly underes- are not necessarily up-to-date, spe- respiratory problems are prevalent. cific enough or sufficient in breadth. timated as being much shorter than In this article, I discuss some ex- it really is [Giesbrecht 2005]. This cerpts from professional journals that lack of knowledge has negative con- Respiratory Reaction reflect the current state of knowledge sequences for the options of a self- rescue and for a tactical response dur- that adhere to required scientific stan- Contact of the skin with water triggers ing a rescue. dards. an involuntary increase in the rate of I would like to point out that well breathing. The larger the netted skin trained sea kayakers dressed for con- The Four Phases of Drowning area and the more intensive the cool- ditions, are the ones that are least ex- ing, the greater the physiological re- posed to direct risks. But any person • Phase 1 – Initial immersion re- action. The initial response of the doing water sports should be well in- sponse, immersion shock. body overrides both the voluntary and formed. The recent death of a young • Phase 2 – Short term immersion re- the autonomous control of breathing. rower in Spring in Hamburg illus- sponse / swimming failure. Stimulation of the cold receptors in

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 6 SeaTrek 81 In from the Cold the dermis leads to a sympathetic re- increase dramatically; people with response, yet the effect of vertigo is action, by the involuntary nervous pre-existing conditions, in particular, well known in diving medicine. Fol- system. A reflexive inhalation follows are in danger of suffering an immedi- lowing the Gesellschaft fur¨ Tauch und and gasping occurs. With breathing ate heart attack or stroke. Uberdruckmedizin¨ [Society for Div- frequency increasing up to tenfold of The response of the body to con- ing and High Pressure Medicine, ed.] the normal frequency, the volume of tact with cold water is an attempt to there are two variants: the caloric ver- inhaled air can increase to 150% of adapt to the changed ambient tem- tigo is caused by an intrusion of wa- the average volume [Wittmers & Sav- perature. More specifically, there is ter into the middle ear due to a de- age 2002]. An additional effect is the an immediate contraction of vessels at fect of the ear drum and a subsequent loss of control of the point in time the body surface, an increase of the cooling of the semicircular canals. By of inhalation, the depth of inhalation pulse rate to increase the blood pres- contrast, idiopathic vertigo, is caused and the frequency of inhaling, so that sure; the heart works harder but the by an unusual body position (for land- holding the breath becomes signifi- blood supply of the heart decreases, bound bipeds) along with a maximal cantly more difficult, if not impossi- the supply of oxygen to the heart temperature impact. The latter phe- ble. is diminished, and the heart rhythm nomenon ends when reference points If in this phase the head, or more changes. These cardiovascular re- for orientation become available. specifically, the upper airways hap- flexes can occur during immersion of Finally, a preventative measure pen to be in the water, there is an the face alone or the complete immer- against the initial immersion response acute risk of drowning. It takes only sion of the body. is wearing a suitable hood. 100-150 ml fluid in the lower air- After an initial dramatic increase, ways to reduce the surface of the air heart rate decreases but stays above sacs (alveoli) required for the gas ex- the level prior to the CWI. The colder Phase 2 — Swimming Failure change. An additional consequence the water, the more pronounced the is damage to the cellular membranes heart rate increase. Further circula- In this phase, two areas are affected of the alveoli and increasedrisk of a tory effects occur such as increased in particular: the musculosceletal sys- severe lung damage, even hours af- pressure in the arteries, general in- tem and the nervous systems. ter the aspiration of fluid (cf section crease of the flow resistency in the Adult Respiratory Distress Symptom). vessels, and an increased output of – Wearing a well-fitting PFD helps the heart. The Musculoskeletal System keeping the head above water. A further effect of the changes The older literature [Wittmers triggered by the CWI may also entail The synchronisation of breathing and 2001; Gooden 1994], but also some changes to the supply of blood to the swimming movements is severely re- more recent publications mention the brain. The consequences may be dis- stricted. This respiratory reaction “Mammalian Diving Reflex” [Sarnaik orientation and disturbed conscious- causes panic, since body position in & Vohra 1986] which refers to a de- ness [Mantoni et al 2007]. the water cannot be controlled. The pression of the breathing and a de- victim struggles to keep mouth and crease of the pulse [Gooden 1994]., nose above water. Water finds its way Further Influences One could label this reflex as a pro- into the upper airways, followed by tective mechanism, although this is The psyche plays an important role aspiration, or breathing in fluid into a gross simplification. The popular in the response of the body and may the lower airways. “Nirvana” CD cover offers a nice illus- be a key factor in determining the The metabolism required for an tration for the diving reflex [depicting chance of survival subsequent to an activity requires a certain operat- a toddler diving at ease in a swim- unexpected immersion [Barwood et ing temperature and muscular con- ming pool, ed.]. However, this reflex al 2006]. It may have a bearing on traction is directly based on enzy- does not afford any reliable protec- the victim’s ability to take intentional matic reactions that are temperature- tion. Instead, earlier research [Hay- control of the situation. dependent. Muscular power and ward et al 1984] and research since Even after a fall into ice cold wa- the speed of the muscle contractions the mid-80s [Tripton 1989] indicates ter there is much more time available dwindle rapidly while the need for that the initial immersion response to than is generally assumed. Knowing oxygen increases rapidly. a CWI completely overrides the mam- this means a lower stress level, less Without a PFD, the position of mal diving reflex. fear and no reason for panic. Breath- the body in the water becomes less ing can be brought back under control favourable, and increases the risk of Circulatory Response within the first few minutes. aspiration. The original authors do not men- In the same phase of potential drown- tion an involvement of the sense of The Nervous System ing, the pulse rate and blood pressure balance during the initial immersion

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 7 SeaTrek 81 In from the Cold

The transmission of impulses through importance of the head for heat loss the peripheral nervous system is af- is minor. This is commonly pointed Stage of Exhaustion fected by the ambient temperature out with respect to children. The vol- (in this case the temperature of the umetric ratio of the head in relation Once the blood sugars are exhausted, surrounding tissue). When tissue is to the body, though, does not sup- the shivering subsides and the body is cooled down, the speed of transmis- port anything but a minor contribu- no longer able to produce energy. sion is reduced and the electrical im- tion. Moreover, the head rind, skull At this stage all measures need to pulses reach their target cells with a bone and brain fluid are weak heat be considered. Any actions involving time lag. conductors and tend to make a good the victim must be taken with utmost This circumstance means that eye- insulation layer. The blood flow in the care. A tight monitoring of the victim hand coordination and movements of brain sustains ample circulation to the and his/her vital signs are of absolute the limbs are executed more slowly tissue by providing a direct heat con- importance. than ’planned’. Let’s illustrate this sit- nection from the body core. The re- uation in the case of a rescue ring be- lation between the brain surface and ing thrown to someone swimming in the brain volume reduces the heat loss Assessment of Situation cold water: As the soon as the ring is of the brain even more [Nelson & seen with the eyes a signal to grasp it Nunneley 1998; Nunneley & Nelson Depending on the stage of hypother- is sent by the brain. The necessary ac- 1994]. mia, suitable action has to be taken tion, (a well-timed lifting of the arm without delay. A situation has to be and execution of the gripping move- assessed whether it is serious or life- ment is adjusted to the speed of the Stages of Hypothermia threatening. This determines any fur- throwing), however, is delayed – and ther action. the ring cannot be caught. Many texts define stages of hypother- 1. All people who have been ex- mia in relation to the body tempera- posed involuntarily to cold water are ture. According to a consensus among in danger of hypothermia. Phase 3 – Hypothermia experts, however, it is advisable to 2. If the victim exhibits cold shiv- make distinctions along the lines of ering his/her body is (still) focused on Hypothermia occurs when more heat thermo-regulatory stages. This ap- averting a threatening loss of heat. is lost than the human organism is proach is more suitable in practice, 3. If the shivering has ended with- able to produce (through metabolism in particular for lay persons, as it out an immediate and obvious im- and muscular activity) or to retain allows a recognition of the prevail- provement, the victim has reached (through body fat, clothing and adap- ing state through external observa- the stage of exhaustion. This condi- tive reaction). The current literature tion, without additional instruments tion is life-threatening. defines hypothermia as a temperature (thermometers). of the body core being below 35– When assessing the impact and 36◦C. The point at which hypother- Phase 4 – Circulatory Reaction risk, the central question can be for- mia sets in depends on a number of during and after Rescue mulated as: “Is the victim still shiv- variables in the environment (such as ering or no longer shivering?” water or air temperature, duration of Measures performed on the victim immersion, wind impact and protec- can lead to a life-threatening/fatal cir- tive factors such as clothing). Stage of Defence culatory reaction. This phenomenon, Changes of the body temperature also known as after-drop is marked by occur slowly, usually no more than a drop of temperature in the body due ◦ ◦ The body activates all its reserves and 1 C to 2 C per hour. Studies on CWI uses shivering to produce heat. This to the inter-mixing of blood from the show that, without immersion of the depletes energy in the form of blood body surface with blood in the body head, the body temperature sinks at sugar. core. The core temperature drops a rate of no more than 0.06◦C per rapidly up to multiple degrees Cel- ◦ At this stage, we have a great minute even in very cold water (5 C). range of measures at our disposal. sius and a temperature change right A rigid PFD without a central Even the lay person is able to recog- in the heart leads immediately to fib- zip prevents a heat loss through wa- nise the condition reliably and take rillations. ter continuously streaming along the suitable action. There is room for im- The mere lifting of the upper body, body. provisation as to the choice of mea- for example, can lead to the after- There is an urban myth, also sures and aids. The victim himself drop effect. Anything that can cause prevalent in some current profes- or herself is able to support the mea- warmer blood flowing through colder sional literature, that most heat loss sures, or if the situation requires, to tissue must be avoided: massage of through the head. However, mathe- take measures autonomously. the extremeties, (foot) baths, giving matical models demonstrate that the any substances that relax the blood

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 8 SeaTrek 81 In from the Cold vessels such as alcohol, nicotine or A prediction of how long a victim The key equipment of sea kayak train- caffeine. will survive is not possible! ing – a PFD and suitable clothing – af- An example that counters one of ford good protection against immer- Habituation to Cold the many wrong but prevailing rules sion shock. Understanding heat reg- of thumb (water temperature = sur- ulation in the body helps with choos- In addition to the choice of cloth- vival time in minutes): The 2nd Offi- ing suitable clothing, the assessment ing, the obligatory use of PFDs, be- cer of the Estonia survived without a of potential risks during a trip, and ◦ havioural and mental preparation, dry suit in 11–12 C cold water of the in case of an incident, using suitable there is still one more option: Baltic Sea for more than three hours measures. Frequent immersion into cold wa- until being rescued [JAIC 1998: 90]. The Canadians developed a short ter (even cold showers at a temper- and concise formula to help everyone ◦ without background knowledge to re- ature of 10 C) can reduce immer- Types of Drowning sion shock. It has been observed in member the processes during a CWI, controlled studies that a reduction by which even applies to a fall into ice Distinctions have been made between 50% could be achieved with repeated water: “The 1 – 10 – 1 Principle”: “dry” drowning and “wet” drowning. cold showers over a period of seven • in the first minutes, bring the This distinction is outdated and use- days [Eglin & Tripton 2005]. An breathing under control; less for first aid. A consensus con- adaption lasting about a year, mea- • then you have a time window of 10 ference in 2003 on the classification sured and recorded with respect to minutes for self-rescue; of drowning accidents has resolved heart rate and breathing volume is an • one loses consciousness only after that this distinction should no longer option of habituating oneself to cold one hour. be used [Idris et al 2003]. This is in a person having good cardiovascu- In summary, learning specific mea- reflected in the resuscitation guide- lar health. sures from a text, is comparable to lines of the ERC [European Resuscita- learning the Eskimo roll by reading a tion Council, ed.] Instead, a distinc- book. Nothing beats practice. Difficulties of Predicting Survival tion between “observed” and “non- Times observed” drowning can be used to document accidents. It is, however, Sources Likely survival times following CWI irrelevant when it comes to choosing have been debated in the published the right measures for first aid. — Barwood MJ, Dalzell J, Datta AK, Thelwell literature and many institutions and Incidentally, the type of water RC, Tipton MJ. Breath-hold performance dur- rescue organisations have integrated (sweet water, salt water or chlori- ing cold water immersion: effects of psycholog- research results into their teaching nated water) is of no relevance dur- ical skills training. Aviat Space Environ Med. standards and operational practice. ing the initial response. Also, con- 2006 Nov;77(11):1136-42. Some sea rescue services use cepts such as silent drowning, sec- — Bledsoe BE, Porter RS, Shade BR. Paramedic mathematical models based on the ondary drowning or near-drowning Emergency Care. New Jersey, Prentice-Hall aforementioned data to predict sur- are meaningless and confusing, even Inc. 1997:879; Wittmers LE Jr. Pathophys- vival times. Their use does not allow, to the expert, and are best forgotten. iology of cold exposure. Minn Med. 2001 however, a prediction of the survival Nov;84(11):30-6; time of any given individual but is — Bruce P, Cole A. Schwerwettersegeln, used to support the decision-making Adult Respiratory Distress Delius&Klasing, 2000. processes during an SAR operation. Syndrome (ARDS) — Bundesamt fur¨ Seeschiffahrt und Hydrogra- Even the most recent mathematical phie, Handbuch Suche und Rettung, 2002. model is based on the assumption that The concept of the ARDS covers a set — Canadian Red Cross Society. Drownings and the victim has survived the immersion of damages to the lung from various Other Water-Related Injuries in Canada, 1991- shock [Tikuisis et al 2006]. Golden in causes. This syndrome complex is 2000 Module 2: Ice & Cold Water. 2006. particular cautions against misinter- marked by its severity, often with a fa- — Canadian Red Cross Society. Drownings and pretations and erroneous deductions tal outcome. The degree of lung dam- Other Water-Related Injuries in Canada, 1991- of survival times. age varies widely and ranges from a 2000 Module 4: Boating. 2009. An example that counters one of mild, self-containing illness to an oxy- — Canadian Safety Boating Council, SMAR- the many wrong but prevailing rules gen deficiency state which cannot be TRISK 2003. of thumb (water temperature = sur- reverted in some cases, even with the — Canadian Red Cross Society: ”Drownings vival time in minutes): The 2nd Offi- most recent ICU technology and care and other water-related injuries in Canada, 10 cer of the Estonia survived without a (average mortality is 50%). Years of Research”, The Canadian Red Cross So- ◦ dry suit in 11–12 C cold water of the ciety (2006). Baltic Sea for more than three hours Summary — Canadian Safety Boating Council. Beyond until being rescued. Cold Water Boot Camp: Rescue & Treatment

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 9 SeaTrek 81 In from the Cold

Part 2. DVD. 2012. by staged entry. Aviat Space Environ Med. near-drowning. J Appl Physiol. 1987 — Department of Health and Social Services 1989 Dec;60(12):1163-5. Aug;63(2):665-8; Division of Public Health Section of Com- — Hayward JS, Hay C, Matthews BR, Over- — Sarnaik AP, Vohra MP. Near-drowning: munity Health and EMS. State of Alaska — weel CH, Radford DD. Temperature effect on fresh, salt, and cold water immersion. Clin Cold Injuries Guidelines 2003. 1/2005:29. the human dive response in relation to cold Sports Med. 1986 Jan;5(1):33-46; www.chems.alaska.gov water near-drowning. J Appl Physiol. 1984 — Soar J, Perkins GD, Abbas G, Alfonzo A, — Deutsches Institut fur¨ Normung e.V., DIN Jan;56(1):202-6. Barelli A, Bierens JJLM, Brugger H. Deakin 13050:2002-09 Rettungswesen — Begriffe, — Honeywell Global Tracking. Datasheet SAR- CD, Dunning J, Georgiou M, Handley AJ, Beuth,17 Vgl. Bierbaumer N, Schmidt RF. Bi- Master application — Search & Rescue Inci- Lockey DJ, Paal P, Sandroni C, Thies KC, Zide- ologische Psychologie. Springer, Heidelberg, dent Management System. Ottawa; 2012. man DA, Nolan JP. Kreislaufstillstand unter 1996. http://www.gt.honeywell.com besonderen Umstanden.¨ Notfall Rettungsmed — Ducharme MB, Lounsbury DS. Swimming: — Idris AH, Berg RA, Bierens J et al. Recom- 2010;13:679–722. An Option for Self-Rescue in Cold Water. On- mended Guidelines for Unifrom Reproting of — Sterba JA, Berlin; S.6. LLundgren CE. Scene. Journal of the USCG Search & Rescue, Data from Drowing: The “Utstein Style”. Re- Breath-hold duration in man and the diving re- Washington. 2006:19-21. suscitation 2003: 59: 45-57. sponse induced by face immersion. Undersea — Ducharme. MB, Lounsbury DS. Self-rescue — Jay O, Christensen JP, White MD. Hu- Biomed Res. 1988 Sep;15(5):361-75. swimming in cold water: the latest advice, Appl man face-only immersion in cold water reduces — Tikuisis P, Keefe A, Lever D, L’Ecuyer R. How Physiol NutrMetab. 2007 Aug;32(4):799-807. maximal apnoeic times and stimulates ventila- long can you survice? In: On Scene. The Jour- tion. Exp Physiol. 2007 Jan;92(1):197-206. — Eglin CM, Tipton MJ. Repeated cold show- nal of the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue. — Larson MD, O‘Donnell BR, Merriefield BJ. ers as a method of habituating humans to the Fall 2006:17-18. Ocular Hypothermia Depresses the Human initial responses to cold water immersion. Eur — Tipton MJ, Mekjavic IB, Eglin CM. Perma- Pupillary Ligth Reflex. Invest Ophtal Vis S J Appl Physiol. 2005 Mar;93(5-6):624-9. Epub nence of the habituation of the initial responses 1991;32, Nr. 13. 2004 Nov 25. to cold-water immersion in humans. Eur J Appl — Mantoni T, Belhage B, Pedersen LM, Pott FC. — Franks CM, Golden FS, Hampton IF, Tip- Physiol. 2000 Sep;83(1):17-21. Reduced cerebral perfusion on sudden immer- ton MJ. The effect of blood alcohol on the — Tipton MJ, Stubbs DA, Elliott DH. Human sion in ice water: a possible cause of drowning. initial responses to cold water immersion in initial responses to immersion in cold water at Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007 Apr;78(4):374- humans. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. three temperatures and after hyperventilation. 6. 1997;75(3):279-81. J Appl Physiol. 1991 Jan;70(1):317-22. — Mantoni T, Rasmussen JH, Belhage B, Pott — Giesbrecht GG, Lockhart TL, Bristow GK, — Tipton MJ. The concept of an “integrated FC. Voluntary respiratory control and cere- Steinmann AM. Thermal effects of dorsal head survival system” for protection against the re- bral blood flow velocity upon ice-water im- immersion in cold water on nonshivering hu- sponses associated with immersion in cold wa- mersion. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2008 mans, J Appl Physiol, Nov 1, 2005; 99 ter. J R Nav Med Serv. 1993;79:11–14. Aug;79(8):765-8. (5):1958-1964. — Tipton MJ. The effect of clothing on “diving — McCormack E, Turner CA, Tipton MJ. The — Giesbrecht GG. Bad Decisions, Poor Out- bradycardia” in man during submersion in cold prediction of survival time in water. Bundesamt comes: A Model to Explain Why Some Threat- water. Eur J Appl Phys. 1989;59:360-364; fur¨ Seeschiffahrt und Hydrographie, Handbuch ening Events Become Worse. J Spec Op Med. — Tipton MJ. The initial responses to cold- Suche und Rettung, 2002:3-23. 2005 Volume 5, Edition 1/ Winter 05. water immersion in man. Clin Sci (Lond). 1989 — Molnar, G. W., “Survival of Hypothermia by — Golden FS, Rivers JF. The immersion inci- Dec;77(6):581-8. Men Immersed in the Ocean,” J. Amer. Med. dent. Anaesthesia. 1975 May;30(3):364-73. — UK Home Office, Statistical Bulletin, 1980. Assoc., July 1946. — Golden FSC, Hervey GR. The “after–drop” — Nelson DA, Nunneley SA. Brain temperature — US Coast Guard Auxiliary, PE Speedgram, and death after rescue from immersion in cold and limits on transcranial cooling in humans: 2004-02, 2004. water. In: Adam JA, ed. Hypothermia Ashore & quantitative modeling results. Eur J Appl Phys- — Universitat¨ Maastricht. UM researchers Afloat. Aberdeen, Scotland: AberdeenUniver- iol 1998; 78:353–9: involved in new discovery ‘beige fat’ cells. sity Press; 1981. — Nunneley SA, Nelson DA. Limitations on Pressemitteilung 12 July 2012. — Golden FSC, Tipton MJ. Essentials of Sea arteriovenous cooling of the blood supply to — Wikipedia Search Term: “Wind-Chill- Survival, Human Kinetics, 2002:51-77. the human brain. Eur J Appl Physiol. 1994; Effekt”. — Gooden BA. Mechanism of the human div- 69:474–9. — Wittmers, LE. Pathophysiology of cold wa- ing response. Integr Physiol Behav Sci. 1994 — Paton BC. Cardiac function during acciden- ter immersion. Minn Med. 2001. Nov ’84(11): JanMar;29(1):6-16. tal hypothermia. In: The Nature and Treat- 30-6. — Gooden BA. Why some people do not drown. ment of Hypothermia, Pozos RS, Wittmers LE, — Wittmers LE, Savage MV. Cold Water Im- Hypothermia versus the diving response. Med editors. Minneapolis, University of Minnesota mersion. In: Medical Aspects of Harsh Envi- J Aust. 1992 Nov 2;157(9):629-32. Press, 1983:135-136. roments. Office of the Surgeon General, U.S. — Hayward JS, French CD. Hyperventilation — Ramey CA, Ramey DN, Hayward JS. Dive Army (1st edition, May 15, 2002). 2002:543. response to cold water immersion: reduction response of children in relation to cold-water

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 10 SeaTrek 81 Safety and Training

Ben Boyd Area — Scan prepared by GJ; Inset by TB

George John (with a note from Terry Barry) My Longest Time on the Water . . . and under the Kayak!

sea. ing the wind directly behind us, the Thanks to Dave, Graeme and Ker- After a refuel, getting back into sea seemed to have picked up quite a rie for organising a great weekend at the boat saw me dumped on the bit. I found the topsy turvy sea behind Bittangabee Bay, Ben Boyd NP, NSW. beach as I mistimed the waves — me more difficult than going straight A great spot and they also produced fortunately, Dave, helped me empty into it. I became anxious about what fine weather . . . and whales. the boat and was full of encourage- I could not see and the expectation to maintain balance and keep heading in The 8.30am start on 18 October ment for the return trip: “the wind the direction of the Green Cape Light- 2014 had us paddling 12km into the has picked up and will be behind us house. wind to a sheltered beach just after making for a quicker return trip” — Mowarry Point. We were organised sounded good in theory! The heavier sea was successful in into three pods of six and ventured What seemed “sloppy” on the way increasing my anxiety level which I into the ocean. Paddling into the there, seemed to me close to an in- think led to me feeling cramp in my wind made a lot of sense and in the- dustrial washing machine cycle, the arms. Peter suggested that we raft ory, would make the return trip easier trip from the beach to clear Mowarry up so that I could have a rest. He with a tail wind. Point had a strong cross wind that was put his sail up and we cruised for challenging . . . and then it would be a while. Graeme was not far away, We were fortunate to sight sev- easy! looking very comfortable and not in eral whales but the most eerie thing the slightest bit bothered about the for me was the sense of a strange Peter and Graeme had kept an eye conditions. noise, then the appearance of two on me on the outward trip and stayed blow holes about 1km in front of us — close at hand on the return trip. Pe- After a rest and a sail, we agreed this was a worthwhile distraction that ter encouraged me to brace for stabil- that I would go solo again and as I allowed for a rest and a bit of bob- ity and keep a paddle in the water at departed the raft with a decent wave bing around. It was with some relief all times and when in doubt lean into and the wind, I noticed Peter put his that I made the beach after what was danger. paddle in the water — and it snapped! for me, quite heavy going in a sloppy Having cleared the point and hav- I wasn’t in any position to assist, and

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 11 SeaTrek 81 Safety and Training soon after, Peter reappeared with a ber in. A bit knackered — but on the washing machine experience on new paddle, courtesy of Graeme who a bright note, the water was much the ocean. was carrying a spare. Peter appreci- warmer than Port Phillip Bay. Peter ated the irony of his spare paddle be- and Bill helped get me sorted and be- ing left at home in his shed. gan to pump the water from my boat Note The sea didn’t seem to be getting (Terry I think was ordering a cappuc- any calmer and my arm cramp and cino!). The last of 3 pods to leave the lunch my anxiety reappeared, so we rafted With my skirt reattached, Terry spot quickly caught up with the second up again and sailed a bit more. Terry did the tow line connection with- pod. It was evident that George was and Bill appeared on the scene and out drama and once we cleared the being assisted due to a lack of balance joined the raft, so we had three sails nearby rocks, Bill and Terry com- in choppy rebound conditions. To assist going and pretended that champagne menced the tow and put their sails with progress Bill Z and I rafted up to was about to be served on the cruise. back up. I rafted up again with Peter assist Peter (3 sails better than 1). Al- The sailing cruise of four boats who also put his sail up. though surrounded by a wealth of other was not making a massive headway Once we sighted the safety of Bit- talented paddlers with both pods now towards the Green Cape Lighthouse, tangabee Bay I went solo again but together they all buggered off into the so Terry and Bill hatched a plan to wasn’t moving much, the weight of distance enjoying the downwind run. speed things up with a double tow. the water in the boat felt like I was Left behind and with slow progress it Terry was attaching the tow line to my paddling concrete. On reaching the was decided to leave Peter as support boat . . . and tipped. On his roll back beach, Graeme helped me put the for George and attach a V-tow. In doing up, my boat was on top of him. So he boat to bed for the night — a char- so in the choppy conditions I found my- put me in the drink — thanks Terry! acter building time on the water. self upside down under 3 kayaks. Made It speeded things up alright — into One of the benefits of being a a grab for one to haul up with no suc- the water. I was told later that Terry club member that cannot be under- cess (must have been poor George!) had to do a wet exit and got back estimated, is that it provides the op- After sorting this all out and attach- into his boat pronto. Meanwhile I portunity to go beyond your comfort ing the tow no one else in sight we was still upside down in the entry as zone surrounded by experienced and completed a long tow in arduous con- opposed to the exit phase. My first skilled people. ditions. We all felt a bit left behind and two attempts at getting the skirt off The following day, in contrast, vulnerable (as well as totally stuffed) were without success, fortunately the I pottered around the still and re- and none too pleased with the lack of third attempt saw me exit and hang flective waters at Gypsy Point, then support from the others in what could onto the boat, Peter was close at hand cruised around the Mallacoota Lakes have turned into a nasty situation very and encouraged me to rest before he — at one stage the wind built up into easily. — Terry Barry steadied my boat to allow me to clam- a gentle wash cycle — no probs after

Peter Costello A Great Day to have VHF radios

Sunday morning, 12 new paddlers ing about. paddlers facing up into the direction with the ambition to experience tex- There was a very thorough brief- of the waves, causing some separa- ture on the second day of their course. ing before hitting the water, as we tion. Saturday was skilling up with pad- knew the conditions would be right We gave instructions to the dle strokes, supports, rescues, fit-out, on the limit for some of the group. stronger paddlers to do a transect clothing and gear. The challenge — Paddle and hand instructions for stop, — face up into the wind and waves so a down-winder from Half Moon Bay go, raft up, left, right and are you ok they didn’t disappear into the distance to Sandringham. Weather — a very were covered off again as well as ’lis- trying to keep on the spot. Shouting frisky 18 knot southerly creating a ten’ to what we say on the radios. and the radio was used to get this lumpy metre of seas, a few tops break- Into kayaks in the lee behind the happening. ing. jetty and all were looking good. How- Well it didn’t take long for the first A VHF Radio for each instructor, ever it soon became apparent that capsize, so rafting up, rescue and en- and six spread throughout the group some of the sweep strokes were not couragement commenced — which is so they could hear what we were talk- strong enough to keep a couple of great ’real’ practice. However both in-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 12 SeaTrek 81 Safety and Training structors needed to get involved res- away from us, still doing a splendid — because they could hear what was cuing, by now 200 metres apart, and job of holding position under the cir- going on with the instructors and probably this distance again from the cumstances and still patiently facing the rescues, therefore realising things main group. The only way for us to up into the wind around 200 metres were under control and they could re- communicate effectively with every- from the Cerberus, letting them know lax and enjoy the waves. one was the VHF as you could not that we were going to abandon the No other method of communica- leave the paddler you had just res- journey and head back into the har- tion could have achieved the same re- cued. A regular check was done be- bour. This was quickly executed by sult in rough and loud waves. Having tween instructors — using the VHF the main group. the radio in a pocket and being able to to ensure each was under control and We followed and with encourage- just squeeze and speak is so easy and what progress after rescues. ment and more support stroke tips efficient! Assisting five of the group to meant all paddlers made it back to the keep balance and kayak direction, we boat ramp without the need for tow- Needless to say we ended up quickly realised that trying to get the ing. back in Sandringham Harbour on the group together and travelling to San- The great wash up from this was concrete wall, ducking out near the dringham was not going to work, tow- that all paddlers felt comfortable in Sandy pole to play in the waves in ing was not an option. I gained the the testing conditions, whether with a more controlled situation, finding attention of the main group using the an instructor being rescued, or in the lumps to suit all paddling levels. radio as they were facing upwind and main holding group. Reason given

Robin Boundy, Terry Barry, Fiona Coates, Bob Fergie, Helmut Heinze, Maggie McPherson, Sue Mountford, Greg Skowronksi Resources for the Armchair Paddler

Getting back into the swing – or was it the here make sense (to me at least) – sweep – after the winter break? Feeling a There is an additional printable PDF bit rusty about the finer points of paddling link at http://www.eskapekayak. technique? Want to tackle yet another time com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ this pesky, elusive roll? Find here a first Strokes-Photo-Handout-New-PDF. harvest, loosely grouped into a strokes sec- pdf. Just five pages, but with pic- tion and a rolling section. We will add more tures and easy-to-remember points. in a later edition of SeaTrek. This may or may not be the last word from the viewpoint of the VSKC, but it provides certainly rich and con- cise material for the self-learner. My favourite resource for anything but rolling (HH) SECTION 1 – TECHNIQUE / STROKES / SAFETY Gordon Brown, Sea Kayak: A Manual for Intermediate and ACA Strokes & Maneuvers Advanced Sea Kayakers Refinement. Is my kayak slow or is something wrong Book + DVDs. Url: http://www. with my forward stroke, why am I al- Web Site. http://eskapekayak. seakayakingwithgordonbrown.com ways struggling to keep up with the com/aca-instructor-certification-workshops/• Gordon Brown’s 200 page ’Sea group? What is the business edging and aca-strokes-maneuvers-refinement/Kayak’ book and the three accompa- leaning about? How does stern rudder by the American Canoe Association. nying DVDs are an excellently pre- work? What are my options of get- • This Web page contains a list of pared and comprehensive package ting back into the kayak after a wet standard strokes with videos, that targeting the developmental skills of exit – and for that matter: what consti- demonstrate the execution of these intermediate to advanced sea kayak- tutes a technically well-performed wet strokes at a very high level with a list ers. The book is superbly pre- exit anyway? . of essential criteria. The instructions sented (first published in 2006) as

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 13 SeaTrek 81 Safety and Training are the three accompanying DVD vol- sented with sufficient detail to be use- umes combining various skills coach- ful, without getting bogged down in SECTION 2 – ROLLING ing within the context of various technicalities. (FC) multi-day trips around north-west Rolling. Elusive. Pesky. Frustrating. Scotland. Volume one covers Forward Kayak Lake Mead. Customized And then, after managing the first few paddling, turning and steering, rough Kayak Trips, Lessons, and Outdoor successful rolls, suddenly it stops work- water and tidal races. Volume two Fitness ing. Few kayaking skills are accom- covers rescues, contact towing and panied with so much hype and angst. distance tows, technical landings on Web Site. URL http:// Some may give up in disgust, some rocky shores and a range of real-life kayak-skills.kayaklakemead. carry on doggedly. Everyone seems to rescue scenarios. Volume three deals com/ learn differently, there is not a single with navigation, rolling and dealing • In my early days this was my simple recipe. – The selection of the fol- with emergencies. Brown’s coaching go to source of good information lowing rolling resources is highly sub- series can be purchased as a series or on the Internet. I found their ar- jective, so take them with a grain of salt individually. (BF) ticles and videos about forward and have a look whether you find some- • DVD Sea Kayak with Gordon stroke especially useful: http: thing helpful among them, at least get- Brown. DVD Volume 1: This is an //kayak-skills.kayaklakemead. ting a new idea what to focus on when excellent DVD explaining forward and com/forward-stroke.html. In that trying the next time. turning/edging strokes and how to article the analogy of spearing the fish apply them in different water condi- really helped me as did the following: tions. I find this video useful as it ”The effort of a forward stroke is to clearly shows where you knees and pull your kayak up to where the blade should be in the kayak and how they is, not pull the blade back to where should move with the progression of you are sitting. ” – (GS) the stroke. Demonstrating how to apply the turning and edging stokes Sea Kayker Magazine’s Handbook in rough waters is also very helpful. of Safety and Rescue (SM) Book. D Alderson and M. Pardy. Cam- den: McGraw-Hill, 2003. 199 pages. Nigel Foster Sea Kayaking Series • Don’t be put off by the title. This is a broad-ranging kayaking handbook DVDs. Vol 1–6 Url http://www. cut down to the essentials, with a nigelkayaks.com/229787.html slant towards safety issues. Chap- • I am a really great fan of Nigel ters on health, fitness, environment Foster, and would recommend his (weather, sea conditions), safety gear, This is the Roll YouTubes and of course buying his paddling technique, navigation, trip DVDs on paddle strokes, edging and planning and, of course, rescue tech- DVD. Volume 1, by Cheri Perry leaning, forward paddling, he mixes niques. So so print quality but this and Turner Wilson. DVD or down- calm logic with good fun. I got Vol thin book covers the essentials and load (non-free). URL http://www. 3: Directional Control, which is great is an interesting read for anyone bar cackletv.com/sea-kayaking-dvds/ stuff. (MMP) the absolute beginner.. Price ca $30. this-is-the-roll/. (HH) • The only thing I look at is This is the NSW Sea Kayak Club / Basic Skills Roll by Cheri & Turner. In my opinion VSKC Grading Booklet a great resource and it is the preferred Web Site. URL: http://www. method of style within the instructor • Nothing else at hand to read? The nswseakayaker.asn.au/homepage/ group of the VSKC. (TB) Grading Booklet is not meant for self- basic-skills. • DVD, not cheap, low-res quality instruction, but have a look at the • For ’early career paddlers’, the NSW but . . . most helpful turning around Level 1 requirements. There is a de- Sea Kayak club website has a very things, literally. After watching tons scription for each stroke what graders good on-line resource which covers of free rolling videos, trying to find should pay attention to. Worth a picking up and launching your kayak, out what are the little secrets that quick look, a reminder of what mat- key strokes, rescues and towing. The make the difference between succeed- ters, or at least useful to be aware of course consists of a series of videos, ing and failing rolls I find this DVD when trying to pass the Level 1 exam. audio, written notes, tips and prac- most helpful. It focusses on the stan- (HH) tice drills. It is clear and well pre- dard Greenland roll (back deck roll,

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 14 SeaTrek 81 Safety and Training sweep roll) and the forward-leaning after all, it is the only form of instruc- storm roll (and as a slight oddity tion that was able to get the roll into University of Sea Kayaking contains a section about the back- my thick head! (RB) • sweep roll, which I completely ig- Promoting a simplified sweep roll, Web Site + DVDs. Url: http://www. nore). The DVD is in structure and interesting approach. Some free sam- useakayak.org/ presentation method is almost like ples worth watching. (HH) • The University of Sea Kayaking have a text book, advancing step-by-step, produced one of the most compre- dissecting phases of the roll, present- Qajaq Rolls hensive two volume DVDs covering ing alternative learning approaches, all 35 of the Greenland competition Web Site. URL: http://qajaqrolls. and offering a wealth of information rolls (produced in 2011). The most com/rolls. for trouble-shooting. (HH) impressive thing about this series is • Greenland rolling-centric, but good that all these rolls are performed by instructional material. The videos are arguably two of the best contempo- The Kayak Roll good but not outstanding as learn- rary proponents of ’stick rolling’ in ing material. There are, however, lit- the world. Maligiaq Padilla from tle drawings with stick figures that DVD or/and download (non- Greenland has been five times na- demonstrate the body position and free). URL http://www. tional Greenland champion, and Dub- movement in the different phases of performancevideo.com/the_kayak_ side from the USA is up there with the the roll. I found this information use- roll. best of expatriate Greenland rollers. ful for tinkering with my unreliable • Re Rolling – The best DVD ever in If you’re seriously keen on Greenland (forward-leaning) roll before discov- my mind for rolling is “The Kayak rolling then this is a ’must have’ two ering Perry/Wilson, This is the Roll. Roll” by Performance Video. Simple volume coaching set. (BF) (HH) and a rock solid roll in ALL conditions,

Tony Chick To Suck or Blow? A PFD Theory

PFDs with built in hydration blad- a considerably more buoyant PFD by buoyancy may be the difference of ders seem a common choice for some simply blowing into your hydration pulling off, or failing a dodgy re-enter VSKC paddlers. mouthpiece to inflate the empty space & roll who knows? Maybe some VSKC Think about this, your PFD hydra- within the water bladder. Simply blow-hard (couldn’t resist that play tion bladder is probably 3L volume. chomp on the bite valve to deflate. on words) rolling maniacs need to put In the course of a paddle it’s prob- Granted, the bladder buoyancy it to the test. ably only half full most of the time. will be on your back, which may or Ever considered that you can may not be optimal, but it’s a choice. 1 change a minimal buoyancy PFD into An extra 1 2 L, or more of air

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 15 SeaTrek 81 Gear

Point 65 XP18 – Image: http://www.point65.com/kategori/5136/touring.html

Craig Horne Zeroing in at Point 65 XP18

Wind was available in fibreglass or A$3,200. There was quite a clear dis- Recently I purchased a beautiful the lighter carbon-kevlar. The Epic tinction between the slightly older de- new red and white Point 65 XP18 and 18X and Raider X were also available signs and the newer ones and the pro- have been asked by Sea Trek to write in fibreglass or carbon-kevlar. I de- portionately increasing price. an article explaining the journey and cided against carbon-kevlar because I I have primarily been paddling a research that led to this decision, as had no knowledge of how to fix this Tahe Sea Spirit for the last 1.5 years well as a review with initial impres- should I get a hole in the hull at any and this has both a skeg and rudder sions when paddling it. stage. There were two kayaks avail- which I was very happy with. Each able in fibreglass only which were the had a role and were useful at different Mirage 582 and the Point 65 18X. Selecting times in various conditions. I there- When it came to length, I knew fore wanted a kayak with both, and I wanted an expedition-grade kayak that the kayaks were not going to be although all kayaks came with a rud- and something that was at least a lit- short. The Epic 18X, Point 65 18X der, only the Tahe Wind and Point 65 tle modern; so I narrowed the short- and Rockpool Taran all started out at came standard with a skeg. I knew I list to six kayaks. They were: 5.5 metres. With an extra 10cm, the could fit an after-market skeg but why • Tahe Wind 585 Raider X had extra gravitas and the not reduce the customisation and pur- • Epic 18X longest were the Mirage 582 at 5.8 chase something suitable in the first • Point 65 XP18 metres and Tahe Wind at 5.85 me- place? • Rockpool Taran tres. • Rosco Raider X This might sound a bit daft but By now, the choice was really nar- • Mirage 582 if possible I wanted a day hatch lo- rowing down to either the Tahe Wind I knew that rock landings were a cated in front of the cockpit not be- or the Point 65. I should point that I possibility after long day paddles, so hind it, as this is what the Sea Spirit had paddled most of these kayaks in weight was always going to be a con- had and it really made life easy. No the past which led to me discounting sideration. Too heavy and lifting the twisting around and trying to hold the Mirage 582 early on as I could not boat over rocks wasn’t going to be fun your balance in waves. I was dis- get locked into the cockpit with my and too light ran the risk of fractures appointed to find however that only legs during rolling. The advantage of on rock impact. At 19kg, the Epic 18X the Rockpool Taran had a forward- the Wind was that the cockpit was the was the lightest by far. The nearest oriented day hatch so decided to dis- same as the SeaSpirit so I wouldn’t to this was the Raider X at 21kg and count this as a selection criteria. have to learn anything new. The deci- Tahe Wind 585 at 22kg. Then there The prices varied wildly from a sion was really made however when was a jump to the other three kayaks very modest A$2,500 for the Raider I test-paddled the Point 65. Seeing all at 25kg. X to A$4,800 for a Rockpool Taran. it up close was pretty exciting and I There were options around the A little cheaper than the Taran was couldn’t get over the aggressive lines. material used in construction which the Epic at A$4,000 and the Point It’s funny how you can do all the ra- meant that the weight could option- 65 at A$3,600. Finally the Mirage tional research you like but the end ally drop for each model. The Tahe 582 was A$3,300 and Tahe Wind was decision is still emotional.

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 16 SeaTrek 81 Gear

essary in windy conditions to avoid able. Every paddler has a different weathercocking. height and has different length thigh The downsides to this kayak are bones, so you would think that if the the locked-in seat position, recessed thigh braces are unmoveable then the safety lines on the top deck and lack seat must be adjustable forwards or of a foot board to brace against. I had backwards to suit the length of the the boat fitted with a sail and pump paddler’s thigh bones. Not so. Having (shout out to Rohan and Neill!) and shorter legs myself, I haven’t quite got the sail’s base plate proved to be a this one figured out. At the moment, handful. How do you fit a base plate I just paddle with my knees touching to a deck with a recessed channel run- the thigh braces not my thighs. I cer- ning down the middle of it? Neill tainly don’t feel like I’ve got a body had to painstakingly create a fibre- lock in the cockpit yet when I roll. glass mounting plate to sit over the The lack of a foot board is another Sleek lines — Photo: HH top and slowly attach it to the boat, puzzling feature. Most kayaks allow layer after layer over the course of a the paddler to brace their feet against week. a lower foot board and use their toes Paddling to move the rudder controls over the top. The lack of a foot board means I There are two things I learnt very can’t push with all my strength when quickly. The low back deck lent itself I stroke without pushing off two feet to rolling and the flat bottom lent it- not one. This requires a change in self to lightning-fast acceleration and paddling style which is a new trick for then glide. I thought the flat bottom an older dog. and hard chines meant that the trade- off would be secondary stability but in fact it seems very stable up on one All in All side. It has the same hull design as a surf ski so is at its best in windy con- All in all, I’m pretty excited and keen ditions using a rudder. The rudder is to get on with becoming used to the hyper-responsive and only needs to be boat. I know that familiarisation will touched for the boat to swing wildly take a few months but that it will from one side to the other, very dif- XP18 fixed seat, moulded-in tigh braces — eventually happen so I just have to be ferent to my experiences in the Sea Photo: HH patient and trust in the process. The Spirit. The fast acceleration means trick will be resisting the urge to cus- it is easy to catch waves. The big The locked-in seat position is tomise the seat or foot pedals until I surf ski nose catches frothy surf waves strange. The cockpit has thigh braces have some experience in it! and wind however, so the skeg is nec- moulded to the rim, they are unmove-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 17 SeaTrek 81 Gear

Short, fast, fun: Epic 16x — Photo: HH

Helmut Heinze Blind Date – Epic 16x

straight) narrowed down the field to British-style kayak, only 50cm wide. Finally.the stars were lining up a few, mostly unusual ones. The scaled-down version of a nice tra- and I could start looking for a ’real’ These are the boats I was consider- ditional kayak. No rudder, just a skeg. kayak. For one and a half years I have ing at some stage with their pros and Renowned for its rough-water han- been paddling a TRAK 1600 folding cons: dling. With my weight of 70+kg I kayak. Living in an inner citiy apart- • Valley Gemini ST / XP: interesting would be more towards the upper end ment on 67 square meters puts cer- but with about 4.65m way too short. of its capacity but I somehow liked tain limits on boat ownership, or so I can afford another 20cm and I don’t it. Nice glovebox hatch in the front, I thought. After building a rack and want to sacrifice precious hull length no day hatch.though. The advice I gently conditioning the fellow owners where I don’t have to. got was, that I would be fine in the and the Body Corporate to the sight • Tiderace Pace Evoke. The 16 foot Xcite-S, but it would be unsuitable for of a kayak floating above the car roofs version of the Tiderace 17, with more overnight trips. Given the fairly high time has come to extend the fleet. rocker. Length ca 4.80m Pros: of- price (same as the full-size version),. The most severe restriction on the fered as a rough water boat, nice little With some regrets I finally dropped choice was imposed by the length of glovebox hatch in front of the cockpit, this kayak from the list.. the car space, 4.90m to be precise. a day hatch. Cons: probably rudder- • NDK Pilgrim. Length-wise it would Like it or not, this excluded almost dependent (I am perfectly happy in fit. Again, there were some doubts all of the commonly used kayaks – a rudderless boat), relatively expen- about how well I would fit into the Nadgees, Valleys (I like the shape of sive. An instructor who has tested the cockpit – there is little room for big the smaller Bomboras in particular), boat said: “It wants to go fast and feet. Otherwise an interesting boat. or the recently popular Tiderace Pace straight”. • Point 65 Whiskey. I only had a 17s. • P&H Aries 155. Nice looking, brief look at it but this particular copy sturdy rough-water boat. 4.85m long. at least looked cheap and shoddily Glovebox hatch, day hatch, inviting built. Choosing looking seat. Perfect? So I thought • Other contenders dropped out be- until I met the owner of the roto- cause they exceeded the length lim- I am a time-poor person and can- moulded variant, the Delphin.. He itations without any obvious advan- not afford to travel around trying out said he had a love-hate relationship tages for me that would have justi- boats. I tried to narrow down the with the kayak, beautiful in surf and fied a more complex and at the same choice just by the paper form of var- rough water but very sluggish. I am time more objectionable construction ious kayaks. The length restriction not a speed fanatic but I took this of the rack: The surf boat Tiderace of 4.90m (non-negotiable, although I warning serious and struck the Aries Xtra (just too long, too slow, too big considered going up to 5m and stor- from the list of contenders. for me), Taran 16 (with 5.06m too ing the kayak at an angle instead of • Tiderace Xcite-S. 5 meters long, long, and I was not too impressed

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 18 SeaTrek 81 Gear with the built quality of an early copy • Length: 4.88m (making good use the bulkheads connect to the hull and to the Taran, at least not for $4.800).. of the allocated space of 4.90m); wa- deck.. Other manufacturers (Valley) After seeing the Epic 18x on the water terline length 4.85m (on paper, de- have found different solutions such as (crossing the Bay in December) and pends on cargo, paddler’s weight, seat introducing a slight bulging to reduce hearing gushing reports from fellow position etc); max width 60cm (this potential stress points where the bulk- paddlers whose opinion I value I was sounds an awful lot but it’s the width head walls connect to the hull. curious and researched the 18x a bit – of the deck flaring out above the wa- to find out that the 18x has a smaller ter line a bit behind the cockpit; the • Cockpit: Has moulded-in tigh sister, the 16x. width in the water is much less unless braces with closed cell foam padding, While the 5.5m long Epic 18x you put in on the edge). an adjustable seat and an adjustable seems to be a bit better known (al- • Weight: 18.5kg. This is disconcert- foot bar with wide steering flaps. The thoug not exactly popular), there is ingly light, one of my biggest reser- cockpit of the 16x is supposedly about very little information out there about vations (think egg shell!) but nice 5cm shorter than the cockpit of the the 16x, except for the blog of a for carrying. Weight saving measures 18x but still much (much!) larger Dutch paddler who reported exten- seem to be a very thin gel coat and than required for me at .1.78m with sively about the precursor of the cur- very light hatch covers.. relatively long legs.. The coaming looks very long but this is deceptive. rent 16x (http://www.zeekajaks. • Materials: Both hull and deck are It is just standard length (86cm) but info/blog/16x.php?do=cat16). basically made in sandwich fashion narrower (44cm) instead of the typi- Finally, on a nice but chilly Sat- with a honeycomb core between an cal 49+cm) with a very pronounced urday morning I borrowed the 18x inner and an outer glass layer, joined triangular shape to accommodate the from Eastcoastkayaking in Sandring- by an inside and an outside seam, us- integrated tight braces. This requires ham and played around in the shal- ing epoxy resin.. On the outside there a custom spray deck for a good seal. lows. While the 18x and the 16x, is a very thin gel coat, depending on by virtue sharing the same genes, are the angle of the light you see the hon- • Skeg/Rudder:..Instead of the built for speed, it came as a big sur- eycomb core printing through. The widespread external over-stern rud- prise to me how playful even to long wider middle section of the hull is ders, the Epic has an under-stern 18x is when put hard on the edge reinforced with a thin carbon layer rudder integrated into the hull, with (leaving the integrated rudder in the on the inside (leaving out more than a retractable blade reminiscent of a pulled-up position). Stern rudder and a metre at the bow and the stern). small skeg. When the blade is in up- bow rudder just worked beautifully. I The bulkhead walls seem to be made position the whole rudder assembly tried a couple of rolls with some trep- from Kevlar, the only Kevlar I can is locked. This design, along with the idation (as a precaution in very shal- find in the standard layup. The “Ex- full-width foot bar, gives the kayak low water because I really did not pedition” layup, in contrast, would multiple personalities: rudderless for want to do a wet exit), and they all have either instead of the carbon or aggressive cornering, a tiny bit rud- worked well, seemingly easier than in addition of the carbon – I can- der blade to improve tracking, or ’full’ with my TRAK. not tell – a layer of Kevlar through- rudder for harder tracking and trim- I ordered the 16x through East- out the whole lower hull. If you look ming in heavy downwind conditions. coastkayaking without ever seen it, down into the cockpit the standard let alone paddled. A blind date! layup looks black, whereas the expe- • Hatches: A front hatch with a small dition layup has the same yellowish opening, a wide but very lowt hatch Close-up appearance as the bulkheads). – The at the back, and a day hatch behind current Epics are made by Hangzhou the cockpit with a hinged cover that The Epic 16x, like the 18x comes in Epic Boat Co in China, using vac- can be operated relatively easily on various layups, from extremely light uum infusion and heat curing. The the water. Hatch covers are made of (lots of carbon), over a standard resin is epoxy; the outer coat (this in- the same material as the hull (sand- layup (a mix of glass, carbon and formation might come handy for re- wich core), or as in the case of the Kevlar), to a rare “Expedition” layup pairs) is a Crystic 253PA epoxy bond- day hatch just as a pure carbon lid, with more Kevlar. I would have pre- ing gel coat by Scott Bader. — The with soft glued-on rubber. The cov- ferred the heavy layup but settled for bulk head walls are make from Kevlar, ers are fastened with plastic latches, a the standard layup, as it was readily easy to distinguish from glass by the simple but efficient and weight-saving available in Australia. Research was yellowish tinge. The choice of ma- design. The volume of the holds are 3 difficult, there’s a lot of hype and mar- terial makes sense. Kevlar has a about 4 of what you get with a stan- keting babble but little hard informa- high tensile strength, is elastic, does dard size expedition kayak: 76l (Epic tion. not rupture easily but is not partic- 18x: 87l) at the front and 67l (Epic Here is what I know about the Epic ular form-stable. This relative soft- 18x: 83l) at the back, day hatch 34l. 16x in standard layup: ness reduces the stress points where With the 16x, you have to travel light.

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 19 SeaTrek 81 Gear

paddling a folding boat year round. rudder even in strong wind or a bit of (Not that the TRAK 1600 is not a chop, tending to turn upwind. Break- fine, surprisingly robust and versa- ing waves, surf? I don’t know — no tile kayak but it’s relatively heavy, re- yet. quires a lot of care and shows its af- fection to the owner with a constant trickle of water in anything but dead flat conditions).

Cockpit with adjustable carbon-made foot bar, wide rudder pedals, carbon-reinforced hull and Kevlar bulkhead (at the front) — Photo: HH

... barge at the back — Photos: HH My current copy of the 16x is very neat, not perfect but beyond Rolling is unremarkable, it just reproach, let alone concerns. I works, a bit easier than in the TRAK. should mention, however, that Eas- Rocket at the front ... Lay-back rolls are helped by the coastkayaking had to reject the first relatively low and flat back deck. delivery from the Sydney distributor. Finding a good seating position in Forward-leaning roll are (or should My guess is that the 16x is not much the Epic is a matter of adjusting inde- be, at least) just fine – I cannot blame sold in Australia and there may be a pendently the seat and the foot bar so the boat, only myself. Stern rudder few samples sitting in the warehouse that one has a good contact with the and bow rudder both require a careful that are not really fit for sale. Beware! tight braces when it matters, a good initiation with a good sweep but then horizontal trim, and the right distance work beautifully as long as one puts to the foot bar for leg-driving the boat the kayak hard enough on its edge. when going hard fast in flat condi- The behaviour of the kayak is a bit tions. quirky, particularly with stern rudder, Looking to the front you sea a it feels as if it suddenly starts skidding short round rocket-shaped nose; turn- away at the back. ing around you see see a fairly low, The 16x without the rudder down very flat barge-like back deck. What’s does weather-cock slightly. The (un- missing? A nice little glovebox hatch loaded) boat is quite sensitive to the (although it may interfere with a leg- distribution of the paddler’s weight. together paddling style). The foot When you lead forward the bow locks space is just sufficient for someone in a bit more, the stern is loosened wearing size 43 or 44; a bit more and you turn even more upwind, would be nice. leaning back and unlocking the bow The hull is very roundish, with makes the kayak turn more leewards. Hinged carbon day hatch cover with a sin- some slight flattening in the cock- So tested on a Red Eye morning, keep- gle latch — Photo: HH pit area. Primary stability feels a ing an upwind course in lumpy, 15kn bit fickle but the secondary stability conditions. is very solid, although, from mem- The front hatch and the day hatch On the Water ory, not quite as hard as with the have been water tight so far (I keep larger Epic 18x. With the retractable the rims and the rubber seals clean I think whoever has met me recently small rudder in up-and-locked posi- of sand an salt); but I find regularly on the water did not get the impres- tion, the stern feels very loose and some 100 to 200ml of water in the sion of much angst or animosity. I shifts around very easily; one has to back compartment after a day out just love the boat. But then – you will develop a fine sense and correct early. with a bit of sculling and rolling – I love almost any boat if you come from The boat can be controlled without a need to investigate whether the wa-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 20 SeaTrek 81 Gear ter comes through the seal of the large NiMH or Lithium cells combined with some white bird almost hit the wind hatch cover or whether it’s to do with an electronic water sensor). screen and I heard a slight thunk. the rudder cables. But could not see anything wrong in So far ... the rear mirror and continued. Only much later it dawned me that I had To Do List . . . so good. I am really enjoying the forgotten to lock the front hatch. I Epic 16x. For me it was a matter of stopped, checked – yes, it was gone, A keel strip was the first addition. necessity to stick with the rarely seen leaving behind just a piece of a ripped Unfortunately there is way more to short 16 foot variant instead of the line. I turned back to the point add and modify to make the 16x fully more popular 18 footer. Strangely, the where I heard the noise and searched VSKC-compliant. The deck lines a bit lines of the shorter 16x translate into painstakingly about 1 km of road (at thin and flimsy. There are no tow line a different aesthetics, more sports-car 5:30 am in the morning). Nothing. points or good locations to fit any if like than the bulky, rocket-shape ap- The cover was clearly missing, not one wants to preserve the flat, clean pearance of the 18x. But then, beauty just on the kayak but also on the tar- back deck. Carrying spare paddles, is in the eye of the beholder. mac. Impossible! After an hour I gave again, no obvious simple solution. An What can I say. The blind date up and made my way to the beach to electrical bilge pump would go prob- with the Epic 16x has worked out fine. wait for the fellow Red Eye paddlers ably behind the seat but I don’t like It remains to be seen how well the returning. To pass my time I started the idea of long cables for the On/Off boat holds up over time. re-adjusting the cradles on the roof Reed switch or a heavy lead acid bat- I can even report some recipro- rack . . . and there it was: the hatch tery in the day hatch. cated, how shall I say, attachment of cover wedged between the car roof This all requires a bit more the 16x to its owner. The other Satur- and the front rack, holding on there thought to come up with lightweight day morning I left home for the Red all the way, forth and back and forth. solution, possibly using a more mod- Eye, having forgotten to fasten the This is more than you can ask for. ern battery technology (low discharge front hatch. On my way I thought

David Winkworth Trolley wheels!!

Devilish clever these NSW mem- two kayaks on them!” bers of the club! It’s slowed us down a little,” said With the growing popularity Kerrie ”but we don’t take any water at within the club of ”balloon type” trol- all over the bows now!” ley wheels for traversing soft sand, A slight problem for the design Graeme Thompson, Kerrie Vogel and team is that their big test trolley got Dave Winkworth set to work to im- away from them on a sloping beach prove the current set-up. recently and took out a couple of sun- Said Graeme: ”We looked at deck bathers. Police are investigating. storage for these bulky wheels and ”A few bugs to iron out but nobody wondered if they would work better gets in our way now!” said Dave. with the kayak on top of the wheels instead....so we tried a couple of exca- vator wheels. The buoyancy is incred- Field test of prototype – Photo: DW ible and we found we can actually put

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 21 SeaTrek 81 Day Trips and Overnighters

Like glass — Photo: NM

Neale Meredith A Paddle in the Whitsundays

8 years ago I got a call from my best was all a part of the plan. We climbed mate in Perth. He rang to tell me that into our kayaks for the first time and he didn’t want me to come over for paddled a couple of km’s south to his 40th Birthday but instead wanted where Stuart’s friends had their boat me to join him on a sea kayaking ad- moored, they had carried the guys venture in Tasmania. “But Scott” I food over from Perth. The lovely said, “we don’t kayak!” with a laugh Catamaran was the home of Mike and he said, “I know, that’s the fun part, Chrissy who played host to us for an we are going to learn!” That began my hour of great chats, banana cake and journey into the world of kayaking. It tea. was while we were paddling in Tas- As we returned to camp we en- mania that the idea was born to one countered our first of many big sea day paddle the Whitsundays. turtles lounging in the bay. This year the dream became a re- ality, with 5 of us signing up to the ad- Finally the big day had arrived – Photo: NM venture — but first I had to get ready. Day 2 – Dugong Bay to Curlew With most of my paddling mates in Beach, Hook Is. Perth I needed to find some people to Day 1 — Dugong Beach paddle with. I also needed to learn Whitsunday Island After a perfect nights sleep (other some skills because although I had than the scuffle of the native rats) we been paddling for a while, I knew I Arriving at Shute Harbour we met up breakfasted and headed off on foot was still a novice. I had heard about with Neil and Hayley from Salty Dog to summit Whitsunday Peak which sat the club from Bob Fergie who I bought Sea Kayak Hire (who we can’t recom- above our campsite. A 3 hour return my first boat from so I decided to join mend enough) and got fitted out with walk with spectacular 360o views of up and started paddling with the Red our boats and equipment. After a bit the Whitsunday group of islands. We Eye crew. of a briefing we loaded all of our gear were back for an early lunch sitting by Finally the big day had arrived! into the Water Taxi run by Scamper our kayaks overlooking what was still The plan was to circumnavigate Whit- and headed off to our first campsite – a glassy flat ocean. . . or Coral Sea to sunday Island and along the way visit Dugong Beach. be precise. Hook, Hazelwood, Henning & Hamil- After setting up camp 3 of the guys We finally loaded up our boats ton Islands – about 120 km’s over 7 Scott, Lance and Stuart, still had to and headed off to our campsite some days from July 5 -11. pick up their food. Don’t worry; it 11km to the North West on Hook Is-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 22 SeaTrek 81 Day Trips and Overnighters land. The paddle was beautiful, pic- (Naaro) and Gia people. The tradi- was served, along with some fresh ture perfect, and we arrived to an tional owners maintain a strong and crayfish. . . it is Crayfish Bay! James, empty peaceful campsite. ongoing connection with the area and the only single guy in our number have made access points that tourists was AWOL – apparently there was a are welcome to explore at sacred recently arrived French ‘beauty’, he places around the islands. This is headed out to ‘assist’ in securing her what we discovered here at the base kayak! of the inlet. A walking trail to this sa- cred site, with audio stories to listen to, reflective areas and a viewing plat- form to see the cave paintings. This, we all agreed, was ‘a special moment’ on our trip. Satisfied and moved, we paddled the 5km back to our camp, passing huge sandstone rocks carved out by weather and with the orange glow of a setting sun. We made sure our food was stored safe in the kayak Kayakers surveying – Photo NM hatches to avoid the mice getting into it all. . . well most of us did that. We emptied our heavy loads onto the beach, most of the weight being Day 3 — Curlew Beach to Crayfish made up of water, as we had taken on Bay, Hook Is. Catching a few swells – Photo: NM an extra 20L at Dugong in the form of a jerry can, which was strapped to An 8am departure into another pic- my deck. Water was a stress at first ture perfect day. We kept looking at Day 4 – Crayfish Beach to Peter but needlessly so as it turned out. We each other asking “can you believe Bay, Whitsunday Is. thought we may need over 4L per per- this weather???!!!” son per day and we only used about 2! We paddled for just one hour to Last night was a great night chatting This saving was due in part to the fact the beach adjacent to the rear of the with new friends. They took our rub- that we had many pre-hydrated meals abandoned Hook Island Wilderness bish, our empty jerry and served us that only required boiling in the bag, resort. We spent an hour or so ex- crayfish. . . they were definitely feeling so the water was then used for tea or ploring the old buildings of the re- guilty about being at the wrong camp- rice etc. sort. That was all it took for the tide site! The big 10L bladders Salty Dog After emptying the kayaks we to leave our boats well and truly high gave us did leak a bit but we were do- headed out to explore Naro inlet, the and dry. A long drag followed! ing ok for water. The bigger worry site of some aboriginal cave paintings. Not only had the tide changed, but was 2 broken rudder lines. We took the weather too, we spent the next an hour fiddling with fishing line, two hours paddling with a strong tail then another hour at lunch but ended wind and following 1.5m swell having up ringing for help to Neil from Salty some fun and catching a few swells. Dog who replaced the more damaged We rounded a large headland and kayak the next morning. found Crayfish Beach to be sheltered After fiddling with rudders we and idyllic under the towering peak headed off across yet another mirror at the head of the bay. So beau- like ocean which didn’t last too long tiful that it had attracted the pres- today. We were pushing into a 10- ence of some (we deemed as) ‘illegal 15km headwind, it was a good fun, campers’. We made peace, but it was challenging paddle but didn’t last too cramped, lucky they were nice. long. We were back at the beach The 5 of us scrambled up the rocky opposite Hook Island Lodge to rest, face of the nearby cliff for some pretty lunch and make use of the phone cov- spectacular views of the bay and sur- erage here to catch up with family. Picture-perfect – Photo NM rounding headlands. We spent the The afternoon was beautiful pad- rest of the afternoon snorkeling and dle as we hugged the huge rock walls The Whitsunday is the traditional seeing some incredible coral. As the of Whitsunday Is. The highlight was land and sea country of the Ngaro sun rested behind the peak, dinner Scott screaming like a banshee when

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 23 SeaTrek 81 Day Trips and Overnighters a giant manta ray swam under his breath of wind was felt. It was de- boat. This added to a daily dose of cided upon sunset that. . . ‘there has large sea turtles and other fish and NEVER been a better day. . . EVER’ dolphins it all made for entertaining paddling. Day 6 – Whitehaven Beach to We paddled into the very long Henning Is. and shallow Peter Bay for our fourth night’s campsite. We had to stop pad- Again the morning paddle was like dling 400m from the campsite due to something from a text-book on kayak- the low tide. We had the campsite all ing – absolute perfection, a sea of to ourselves. It had a rustic feel to it light blue glass, towering cliffs, palm after being destroyed by a cyclone in and coconut trees to the water and the last season, but we liked it a lot. coral under our boats. We met some Memorable views – Photo: NM headwinds and power paddled a good strong paddle into a small beach on Whitsunday Island in the channel be- We stopped at the popular tourist tween Hamilton and Whitsunday Is- spot in Tongue Bay, creatively named lands. We ate our ‘first lunch’ here Lookout Beach. We waited until and headed straight on to Henning Is- the throngs of people thinned and land against a strong tide, some of us climbed the lookout for some mem- were ready to put down paddles and orable views down onto Whitehaven eat second lunch but some still had Beach and Hill Inlet. We returned to the paddle bug running through their our kayaks and ate our now regular veins. ‘second lunch’. The 9km paddle to our White- haven Beach campsite at the far south end of the beach was nothing but sur- real. We felt like we were floating on Rustic feel – Photo: NM air the water was so crystal clear on pure white sand.

Day 5 – Peter Bay to Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Is.

A challenge – Photo NM As we were about to head off Neil from Salty Dog arrived with a new So a challenge was laid down, ‘can kayak for James. Neil and Hay- you (Scott and Neale) paddle the dou- ley are such great people running a ble to Hamilton, find a Geocache on great business, he even brought out top of One Tree Hill, buy us beers and heaps more water for us. The water ice and return in two hours?’ Well here today was like glass, so transpar- Never been a better day ... ever the challenge was on, James followed ent, you could see 20 feet to the bot- in the single. We did amazing time tom! The coral was a blaze of colour That afternoon we spent walking over and back but Scott and I were and fish swam everywhere, again, tur- the beach, paddling to nearby Hazel- distracted by (a) a massive hill climb tles frequented our path every few wood Island and snorkeling amongst and (b) a lost Geocache and James hours. A large Mackerel put on a huge coral bombies. was distracted by. . . well lets just say, show right in front of our boats jump- Dinner was eaten down on the it was coffee. . . or the one who served ing many feet out of the water chasing squeaky white sand of Whitehaven it! So we added an hour to the chal- flying fish. A pod of dolphins crossed Beach until the whole beach went lenge, but timed our return perfectly nearby. pinky orange in the dusk glow, not a to see a Humpback Whale playing in

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 24 SeaTrek 81 Day Trips and Overnighters the passage off our campsite. So as just 7 days ago. the sun turned yet another afternoon We breathed a sigh of relief when to evening gold we drank our Coro- we hit the open sea in the water taxi, nas and watched the whale do his (or this 2.5m swell and wild wind could her) thing! have eaten us for breakfast had we not decided to use the taxi! We had hit the 100km mark on our journey, a good hard 30km achieved today, so as the full moon rose over the islands we all crawled into our warm sleeping bags and slept well de- spite the cool crisp air.

Our roughest time – Photo: NM

Day 7 – Henning Island to Naris Shouts could be heard as some Beach Whitsunday Is. chose to ride the sloppy swell, and as we pulled around the headland on Whitsunday Island it all disappeared back to its former glassy conditions. We headed straight for the shelter of A few beers, a cheap meal – Photo: NM A great finish to a great trip! We Joe’s Beach then around one more woke to a firm breeze blowing in our tidal rush into Nari’s Beach, our taxi favour towards Whitsunday Island. A pick up point. We explored a man- After unpacking the boats and 7am start across the turbulent waters grove covered bay along the way and repacking our bags, we thanked Neil proved a fun and somewhat challeng- also added one last little ‘extra’ pad- and Hayley from Salty Dog for mak- ing start to the day. It was our rough- dle around to the next bay where we ing our dream a reality. We caught est time on the water, but great to had collected the food from Mike and the local bus into town and checked have paddled in such challenging con- Chrissy a week ago to make it a full into Beaches backpackers, had a few ditions. Water was rushing through circumnavigation of Whitsunday Is- beers, a cheep meal and a good sleep, the channel creating standing waves land. Then we were back in Dugong ready to head for home. and whirlpools and the like. Bay where our adventure had begun

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A ’Nordmann’ looking to Norman Island – Photo: RR

Hilde Mailen Domaas Pizza and Paddling at the Prom

29–31 August 2014 Base camp at Tidal Richard briefed the group down River. – Hilde Mailen is from Trond- at the waters edge and described the heim/Norway; ’Nordmann’ is a demonym two paddle options. It was possi- for a Norwegian. ble the offshore wind would get up in the afternoon, so caution was the order of the day (meaning that a trip out to the Glennies was off the The beautiful Wilsons Promontory agenda). Richard and Neil were the National Park at Tidal Rider is the trip leaders, but the groups formed up southern most tip of the Australian off Leonard Point once people had a mainland, about 230 kilometers away chance to experience the conditions. from Melbourne. On this weekend 24 kayak paddlers headed off to ex- plore the sea, some crossing over to the Norman Island, whilst others en- Wheels! — Photo: HMD joyed the sea along the shore, but all of us did some surf-playing along the way. Saturday

The trio of Richard, Paul and Hilde Breakfast at the camp site in sunshine Mailen arrived Tidal River just in time and summer breeze, but the paddle to catch the sunset on Friday night. beckoned and it was on with the wet- Many of the club members were al- suits and hoods and then a walk down ready there, with a general state of to Norman beach. chill-out framing the camping mood. Tidal river access is good but a Some of the group had a paddled ear- kayak trolley is a very handy bit of Briefing – Photo: HMD lier that day down to Fenwick Bight equipment given that there many me- and return. ters of sand walking! Sails were in hand for some, given

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 26 SeaTrek 81 Day Trips and Overnighters the breezy conditions. My group pad- more challenge for a ’Nordmann’ dled out towards Tongue Point along because the wind had increased the granite boulder strewn coastline. markedly. Bad timing through the surf and I landed with my head down. Some comforting words from Richard, and I resolved that I could practice, hopefully with some more luck on Sunday! The camp ground at the Tidal River is beautifully situated near the beach. The facilities are good, with pic- nic areas, fresh drinking water, toilets, hot showers (thank G. for that) and dish washing stations which was con- ... thanks to the Doughy Duo! – Photos: venient for cleaning up after meals. HMD There was no fireplace to keep us warm, but we mingled together under Lunch spot – Photo: HMD the large tarp area. Sunday There was lovely weather with Neil and Raia brought their their Some of the wind had vanished from sunshine, some wind but a great loca- own special pizza oven from home, yesterday, with relatively still condi- tion for paddling. We could feel and making pizza for a bunch of hungry tions and a sunny beautiful day. Some hear of the sea beat i.e the swell of the kayak paddlers, No need for free gas had to leave the camp a bit earlier, but sea under our kayaks. barbecues then! many of us went out to the water for The wind got stronger on the re- Mexicana, Puttanesca, Pizzami, a smaller day tour, whilst others like turn trip, rushing down from the Vegeterian, Prosciutto, Fantastico — me, got to do some more surf play. mountains around us and compound- what a feast and great thanks to the This time I got a better handle on it ing the rebound conditions, but we Doughy Duo! and it was great fun! were all paddling well with low risk Overall a really great trip and as of capsizing. a “Normann” member of the VSKC I Time for lunch and before we en- was well and truly taken with the de- tered the lunch spot our trip lead- lights of Wilsons Prom. ers were encouraging us to enter only one at the time. This was my first time doing a surf landing and with some excitement I paddled as fast as I could. Despite the waves pushing me from the behind, l landed softly on the beach. Yeah! We meet the other group on their return from Norman Is- land and joined the lunch break at the little beach near Leonard Point. Safely back ’home’ at Pillar Point, but entering Norman Bay was a bit Pizza ...

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 27 SeaTrek 81 Club Life

Terry Barry The History, Methodology and Limitations of The VSKC Training

In Sea Trek issue 80 Helmut Heinze (and correspondingly your skill level ing so. He was not very experienced. wrote an interesting article on train- increased) and soon you were invited The pod was spread out over a kilome- ing — “Somewhat Dry — Observa- along on more adventurous trips un- tre or so. There was little communi- tions on Learning”. Helmut being der the sometimes naive thought that cation between the group. On arrival a self-professed relative newcomer to you would be looked after. In this at Tounge Point the rest of the group the VSKC made a number of inter- way your knowledge and skill devel- heard of his return and as planned, we esting observations on the methodol- oped through experience. Eventually all headed back to Tidal River. Again a ogy and culture of the VSKC training you became skilled enough to post large group spread. Along the way we scheme. and lead a trip of your own. The saw no sign of the ‘missing paddler’ and As a long standing member of club ran pool nights in conjunction were surprised that he was not wait- the VSKC and having an active in- with the Patterson River Canoe Club ing for us on the beach. This prompted volvement in club training since the in Frankston. Emphasis was once you a hasty return search for those with VSKC formalised training and grad- learnt to roll practice on paddles in enough energy left for more paddling. ing I would like to address some of the ocean not keep returning to the Luckily he was quickly spotted follow- the observations made in Helmut’s ar- pool! Something that I still believe is ing the shoreline and returned without ticle. the best way. incident. I think we all felt a sinking There were no trip or paddler feeling in our gut until he turned up. History grades, no limits on who could organ- Clearly if we wanted to avoid such ise a trip. This system worked well incidents we needed to conduct pad- There is no doubt that sea kayak- given the small numbers of individu- dles with more organisation. ing has grown in popularity in re- als involved. Incidents were few and cent years. This growth has been re- At about this time the current club the club members enjoyed the free- flected in the concurrent growth in president ran a ‘Proficiency’ course. dom of any rules that may be per- the VSKC both in numbers and or- Around 8 paddlers took part in the ceived to govern their activities. This ganisational matters. Back in the course, ran similarly to the grade model of learning was of course a late 1990s membership of the VSKC 3 courses of today. From there it ‘mentorship relationship’ was around 30-40. Of this there was decided that only grade 3 pad- was an active core group of around As the club membership grew it dlers could run club trips. Many of a dozen who paddled regularly, (in- became apparent that the mentorship the older crew were posthumously terestingly this proportion of mem- approach could not be sustainable. awarded grade 3 status. bers/active paddlers seems to be the The rise in the number of ‘beginner’ The next problem we encountered same at present). Upon joining the paddlers meant that there was not was having paddlers of unknown skill VSKC you were able to attend club the number of experienced paddlers level on trips. As a trip leader you paddles which were listed in the news to have a close contact with each new would find yourself on the beach with letter mailed to each member on a member. Indeed it became common a group who were not skilled enough regular basis. To attend a paddle to organise a paddle and have mem- to undertake the planned paddle, you contacted the leader and asked bers turn up with unknown skills and sometimes it was unclear if the pad- to come along. Being a small group experience. dlers were even current club members your ‘skill level’ was known and some- There were a couple of ‘near miss’ as the details of the trips were posted times you were advised that a pad- incidents. One that comes to mind- on the web for all to see. At this dle may be beyond your ability (most a paddle from Tidal River to Tounge time the club had no formal training times common sense dictated you al- Point at Wilsons Promontory. A large system, the past ‘Proficiency’ course ready knew this and therefore didn’t pod set out (around 12 or so) for a was a one off and the presenter had ask in the first place). On any pad- day trip. There was no designated moved away. dle there were a number of experi- leader, no list of who was on the wa- Being a group of adventurers who enced paddlers many of whom would ter, no contact numbers, just a ques- did not like outside intervention in take you under their wing and you tion of “who wants to come- lets go” our business there was much angst learned under the ‘Mentoring’ model Somewhere along the way one mem- and tension in becoming involved in of learning. The more you went pad- ber of the pod decided to turn back. the Australian Canoeing training and dling the better known you became He told those close to him he was do- award scheme. A scheme we saw

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 28 SeaTrek 81 Club Life as bureaucratic, expensive, restrictive of grade 3 paddlers grew this system which is the ever growing demand for and questioned the expertise of the failed as standards were less than con- training at levels 1 &2. Brought about governing committee. sistent. So instructors became the mainly by new members joining each So it was that at the following only ones eligible to sign of level 1 & year, replacing those that drop away, AGM three of us agreed to stand as 2 competencies although membership numbers have ‘instructors’ and form the club ‘Train- The next evolution in the scheme steadied at around 230.New mem- ing Committee’. John Woollard, Tina was to appoint more instructors. For bers (rightly or wrongly) want train- Evertze and myself. We set about de- this the mentor approach was used. ing and expectations are that the club vising the grade 3 course, producing It was recognised that each individ- will deliver. However the club train- competencies and a pathway for grad- ual brings their own skill set, so a per- ers joined the VSKC to paddle, are un- uating more trip leaders. The com- sonal learning plan along with expo- paid volunteers and have limited re- mittee’s first priority was to graduate sure to all levels of VSKC training be- sources such as time. As more de- more trip leaders- more trip leaders came the standard for graduation to mand is placed on this group train- meant more club paddles! instructor status. No formal teach- ing begins to come at the expense of It soon became clear that we ing or training skills were necessary, personal paddling. One solution is to needed to take the system further to entry is by invitation. Good prospec- appoint more instructors. However accommodate a pathway for members tive instructors stood out in the club. there is a limited talent pool to draw to attain grade 3 status and to grade They informally instruct on club pad- upon. paddles at lower skill levels. Thus was dles and are seen as keen to help de- The VSKC is a social paddling club, born grade 1 & 2. Given the limited velop the skills of others. not a training organisation. Train- resources in manpower we decided At around 2010 we decided to ing has come about as a direct result that we could not service the train- make our training scheme more ro- of risk management and is delivered ing and grading of levels 1 & 2 us- bust by aligning it with the Australian in good faith by those who feel they ing only the instructor group. A deci- Standards for sea kayaking. This was want to contribute to the club. Mem- sion was made that competency could seen as desirable to protect us from bers have a diverse range of interests be demonstrated on club paddles and litigation and more importantly en- in sea kayaking. Some aspire to ad- the grade 3 paddlers should be able sure we were delivering training at venturous journeys such as crossing to sign off the level 1 & 2 paddlers. appropriate standards. Being an in- Bass Strait, others just want to en- We supported this scheme by running ternal system we were keen to avoid joy a pleasant weather paddle on the dedicated training and grading week- being to insular and be open to out- bays or play with Greenland paddles ends. This proved very popular, how- side scrutiny. and rolls. The club needs to cater ever we had the feeling of being used. for all these interests, we are stronger Many would turn up for a weekend Current for this diversification and all share of training and not bother to then go The system is still delivered ad hoc. the common bond of paddling skinny away and practice, turning up again There are dedicated training paddles boats on the ocean. the next time with no improvement in organised at random by the clubs in- Ultimately, as in the beginning, skills or competence, only to expect structors. This is supplemented by it is the club membership that will once again the instructors to some- regular paddles that have a strong dictate the future and direction of how impart skills. We decided not to emphasis on skill acquisition ( Red VSKC grading & training. So far continue with this model. Eyes, Canadian Bay, Westernport Day- we have delivered a system that is A decision was made that com- light Saving) as well as pool nights for free of charge and club paddles have petency could be demonstrated on rolling. There is a biannual level 3 been conducted with little incident for club paddles and the grade 3 paddlers intake and assessment, dedicated surf many years. If the demand is greater should be able to sign off the level 1 & skills training, navigation, and wilder- than the volunteer system in place 2 paddlers. The first Competency and ness first aid courses. then other options will need to be ex- log books were produced. As the scheme continues to evolve plored. Over a period of time as numbers new challenges arise, not the least of

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Lining up for another Rolling Night — Photo CH

Chris Harding Back to Rolling

The Eskimo roll is a skill that has al- VSKC website and was tempted to get was greeted in the car park by other ways interested me. One which I was back into my kayak. But after some members who kindly offered to help well on the way to getting a handle thought I was apprehensive given that me carry my kayak and gear into the on . . . until a ruptured disc in my I was told by my physio to avoid twist- centre, which was much appreciated. neck earlier this year ensured that any ing or straining my neck – exactly the At least 15 sea kayakers managed to progress I had made, and any confi- motion I might encounter while learn- comfortably fit their craft into the in- dence I had gained, was undone in ing to roll, or even paddle again. I door pool, to which we were gener- an instant. The compressed nerve in gave Peter Costello a call to voice my ously allowed full access. The envi- my neck meant that I had lost most concerns surrounding my past injury ronment was pleasant with the water of the use of my right arm, owing and its effect on rolling. Could there and air temperature at a comfortable to the pain constantly shooting down be a safe way to try without aggravat- level, given the cool night air outside. the right side of my back and arm, ing my neck? Peter began the proceedings of and the loss of strength and coordina- The conversation with Peter the night, grouping those of us who tion that goes with it. My physiother- proved to be very reassuring. Pe- were relatively uninitiated to the art apist assured me that I would even- ter suggested that together we could of rolling together, and encouraging tually recover, but to what extent he gently reintroduce myself to being the more proficient to go and enjoy could not say. He could not guarantee back in the cockpit and to the paddle free play and rolling practice. He that I’d be able to paddle again. One motions that I could perform without then concentrated on demonstrating thing was evident . . . it would take undue neck involvement. I was en- to the beginner group the correct months. couraged so I decided to attend the body movements to develop, such After two months, with most of rolling night held on 26th September as the C-to-C, hip flick, and keeping the pain subsided and mobility re- at Mentone Grammar Aquatic Cen- body mass low to the back deck as re- turned, I decided to build myself up tre. quired in a standard Greenland roll; and get fitter over winter. I saw the It was great to see so many rolling as well as paddle sweeping move- September Rolling Night listed on the enthusiasts attending the night. I ments. It was then time for us to get

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 30 SeaTrek 81 Club Life into our kayaks in the pool to practice having me demonstrate a sweep new skills, and practicing and improv- the actions we had just observed. stroke and develop a feel for the wa- ing existing ones. Immediately after For me, having not even sat in ter resistance. Next was assessing my we’d finished and packed up for the my kayak for months, getting into a flexibility with laying over the back night, it was time for pizza and beer kayak from the edge of a pool is trick- deck. He then had me engaging my at La Porchetta. It was nice to chat ier than it looks! After I awkwardly hips, legs and core with a C-to-C, tak- with other members and hear about sat behind the cockpit and alternately ing particular care to not flex my neck their rolling and paddling stories. slid my legs into it I immediately cap- too much. Next was time to attach the For me personally the rolling night sized. Glad that it was not so bad be- paddle float, don my mask and adopt was a great experience, one that I’m ing over, I tried again and managed to the setup position. I then proceeded looking forward to having again. I stay upright. While he was attending to capsize, lay back and sweep as I would like to thank Peter Costello for to one-on-one tuition with others in had been taught; righting the kayak his expert tuition and organising a the group, Peter suggested I practice first, followed by my laid back torso great night. Happy with the knowl- basic paddle strokes and reacquaint and lastly sliding my head out of the edge than I can now learn and im- myself with maintaining balance and water. I had just completed my first prove my rolling skills without the body rotation. Good advice, because roll (albeit float-assisted) for over six risk of aggravating my injury, it’s time by the time Peter was ready to teach months, with no neck pain. Phew! to get out there and practice. See you me I felt much more comfortable in What a relief. on the water! my boat. It was apparent that everybody Peter started my tuition by first was enjoying themselves learning

Hilde Mailen Domaas The Paddler who Snowed in from the North

I am from Trondhjem (Trondheim) in share some highlights with you. year after year. Norway. I have been a member of the Victoria Sea Kayak Club since April. I joined the Members day at Canadian Bay in beautiful summer weather in May, meeting the club members for the first time. The Easter trip in rough sea, camping at the remote Snake Is- land was a great experience. A week- end at Wilson Promontory in Septem- ber exploring some of the Tidal river coastline, I have been enjoying the milder climate in Australia coming from one of colder corners of the world.

Trondhjems Kayakklubb (TKK) The TKK club house Another TKK pod learning sea kayaking Norway has 100 local clubs from TKK‘s Clubhouse is located beau- Alta in the north to Mandal in the tifully at Skansen close to the har- south: whitewater, sea kayaking, rac- bor and next to the sailing yacht ing, canoe polo and dragon boating. club. The clubhouse facilities include My kayak club in my home town wardrobes, toilets and showers. On Trondheim is a small city with a Trondhjems is Trondhjems Kayakklubb the 2nd floor there is a kitchen and a population of 190,000, but we have (TKK), and it was formed in 1932. living room with a bar and a balcony. almost reached a a number of 600 I joined the club in 2006, and as a Its is also housing 72 kayak shelves for club members. The TKK conducts former president of the club I know members. The walls may tell stories courses in sea kayaking, white-water, the club quite well and would like to from social feasts in which we engage polo and junior paddling.

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time with some Christmas artifacts on TKK Polo group where medalist of our kayaks, and we have a drink of bronze in NM, Larvik city 2010 and gløgg (mulled wine) gathering in the they have a lake outside the town for clubhouse to with a prize for the best polo training. “Christmas– or Santa–looking kayak and or person”.

Avplask On the 1 st of May we gather together and celebrate the spring season with so called Avplask (plask: splash).

Heading out among ice floes

Paddling with snowflakes During the winter season, ie from TKK Polo group November to April, we put on dry suits with wool underneath to keep the warmth. The water temperature is around +4◦C, but the air tempera- Summer ture may range from +5◦C to -10◦C. These colder periods can be very nice, The peak of summer is in July to Au- they are the time for a more ’quiet’ gust, with 25-30 degrees, thus warm- paddle since there are seldom motor- Up the canal in the inner city ing up the frozen paddlers. Still boats on the fjord. During paddling we are looking forward to winter the fingers get cold, but we get used After the president’s speech from time paddling again in the cold with to it. the balcony of the club house, we pad- snowflakes on the kayak . . . dle on the fjord or up the canal in the inner city along houses and under the bridges. We paddle every Sunday from January to December and we are often a group of 25 members.

Whitewater and Polo The river Nidelva, is more sheltered and runs down towards the inner city. The river is a popular playing spot for white water kayaker.

Winter celebrations Looking forward to snow flakes ... Frosted-over floes may emerge on the water surface or the snow flakes gently fall down onto your kayak. We may come across some ice floes out on the fjord. When accom- panied with water colours of a light blue and a pinkish skyline they sur- round by with magic. On the 1st of December we have the tradition to celebrate the winter River Nidelva c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 32 SeaTrek 81 Club Life

Helmut Heinze Sam’s Red Eye – Sat 18 Oct 14

Sam H, Craig H’s son, claiming his and a big day for Sam! 10th Birthday special event present, took the front seat of Peter C’s Mirage 730 double. The forces of nature bowed to the occasion, and delighted us with an almost glassy Bay and a pink and orange sunrise. Upon our return from Sandringham to Rickets Point we were greeted by a beaming Troika in skin-on-frame boats, lead by the VSKC President. The special event ended with the Cagged up and ready for action — Photo: obligatory VSKC baptism: a wet exit HH and assisted re-enter drill. Sam passed with glory, notwithstanding Another Magic Red Eye Morning — Photo: A special Red Eye! Nine boats on some utterances expressing a minor HH the water. Ten paddlers. The aver- displeasure with the prevailing water age age of the Red Eye crew dropped temperatures. markedly when we were joined by Another magic Red Eye morning

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 33 SeaTrek 81 Odds and Ends

Terry Barry Moroccan Stew

cooks up easily in a large Trangia and feeds four. Method

• Chop veggies into small pieces Ingredients • In large pot add carrot and a small amount of water to start cooking • Small tin chick peas (drained) • Once carrot has softened a little add • 1 carrot remaining vegies , chick peas and add • 1 zucchini water to just cover • Small red capsicum • Add Moroccan spices • Hand full of currents • Allow to cook • • 1 orange or mandarin Add currents, diced orange and cous • Moroccan spice mix (available in the cous and stir to combine and liquid is supermarket) absorbed by the couscous • 1 cup couscous Enjoy! Need to feed a crew? This recipe

Helmut Heinze A Recipe

My Grandmother’s old recipe . . . for • Clean water • Leave paper for 20 minutes and re- drying boots. This is mainly for cold • soap or detergent peat for another 20 minutes and wet days but some might find it • Dry newspaper • Remove paper and put the boot up- useful all year round. Sea water con- side somewhere with a bit of airflow tains a lot of interesting bacteria. Dry- Method and let the evaporation do the rest ing neoprene boots takes a particular • long time. Bacteria start multiplying Rinse boots inside and out with in the warm and moist environment. fresh water to dilute the sea water Variations Unless you like the smell you want content, add a bit soap, detergent or to to minimise the time the boots are tea tree oil This is a recipe for traditionalist • moist and warm. Shake off, squeeze out water or even who actual keep a printed newspa- spin them briefly in the washing ma- per. Modernists may substitute news- chine papers with micro fibre cloth. Substi- Ingrediens • Select some particular dry reading tuting old-fashioned newspaper with from the weekend paper (for me the digital media, however, will most • Wet boots, fresh and cold from the business pages work well), stuff the likely disappoint. sea boots firmly

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Glad-wrapped paddling with Bob — Collage by Bob Fergie

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