The Sea Canoeist Newsletter THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER Issue 77 October - November 1998 Editor: P Caffyn, RD 1, Runanga. West Coast .N.Z. Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 E Mail address: [email protected] The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is published 6 times a year as the official newsletter of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. Subscriptions are $20.00 per annum & should be made out to K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & sent to the KASK Treasurer: Helen Woodward, 82 Hutcheson St. Blenheim Ph: (03) 578 5429. email: [email protected] Correspondence to the Secretary: Peter Sullivan, 7 Monowai Cres, North New Brighton, Christchurch. Ph.(03) 388 3380.

INDEX EDITORIAL. ing year in a folboat. Although Franz LETTERS TO EDITOR Firstly my profound thanks to those Romer was the first to paddle/sail a Abel Tasman N.P. p. 2 kindly folk who have written or folboat across the Atlantic in 1928, Amateur Qualifications p. 2 emailed and said how much they en- from Portugal to the Virgin Islands, Paddle Weight p. 3 joyed the last newsletter, particularly he disappeared without trace on his Bollocking for the Editor p. 4 the marvellous report by Donna last leg to New York when he was The X Factor(new kayak) p. 5 Hammond on the trip around Stewart caught in a hurricane. Hans Island. Donna’s account had all the Lindemann survived both crossings HISTORY ingredients of a good read, exciting and his 1958 first edition account of Interview with Hans Lindemann dramatic moments, humour, encoun- both trips, ‘Alone at Sea’, has been by Ralph Diaz p. 5 ters with the locals, building up vi- reprinted and is still available (see George Park , West Coast gnettes of the participants for the read- Book Section for ordering addresses). Pioneer Paddler ers, and lovely personal touches with by Trish McCormack Ross p.8 reference to Donna’s mum. Ed Gillete is another understated in- Ed Gillet's Hawaii Trip spirational adventurer, whose exploits by Ed Gillet p.10 This newsletter is rather lean on trip have not been widely acknowledged Australian E.Greenland Expedition reports, largely because the weather or publicized. Ed paddled most of the from Weekend Aust. Magazine p.13 has been of the ‘tickle your arse with length of the west coast of South a feather’ variety, or said in more America, before threats to his life TRIP REPORTS propitious terms, ‘particularly nasty from local bandits forced a premature Dark Side of Mana weather’. I had to blackmail Conrad abandonment only some 400 miles by Conrad Edwards p. 7 Edwards, for his two rather brief albeit short of his goal at Panama. Then in The End of the Sellotape well written reports, by withholding 1987, Ed paddled and parafoiled a by Conrad Edwards p. 8 addresses for overseas second-hand Tofino double kayak from the book addresses, but the blackmail was Monterey Bay on the central Califor- INCIDENT REPORTING worthwhile. If he does not promptly nian coast for some 2,400 miles out to Double Kayak Rescues & Bent Blades produce a superb account of our recent Hawaii, this totally committing trip by Bill Gibson p. 15 Greenland trip, a photo of the young taking 63 days. fella sunbathing on a stranded ice floe BOOKS will appear in the next newsletter. Hugh Canard has again raised the Book Review: 'Canoe & Kayak Books' subject of qualifications for amateur reviewed: P. Caffyn p. 12 Thus bereft of absorbing trip reports sea kayakers. Vincent Maire broached for this newsletter, I am indebted to the subject in an earlier newsletter HUMOUR cybermail searcher Sandy Ferguson with a muted response received from Legally Dead? p. 7 for some superb and inspirational read- readers. As Hugh notes the SKOANZ The White Hat ing that he plucked off the net. Some qualification is an assessment of guid- by Derek Hutchinson p.14 years ago Ralph Diaz, editor of ‘Fold- ing and instruction skills, not a skills ing Kayaker’ newsletter and author of development course. The KASK EQUIPMENT the manual ‘Complete Folding Kay- Handbook is a positive step for pro- Radio Communication in the aker’, interviewed Hans Lindemann. motion of safe paddling, and perhaps Great Outdoors For those not aware of this remark- the next step for the committee is to by NZ Mtn. Safety & able man, Hans Lindemann crossed consider the subject of an amateur NZ Land S & R. p. 16 the Atlantic first in a dugout canoe qualification. and then repeated this feat the follow-

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tors and the number of kayaks? What GUIDING, TRIP LETTERST OT HE about the trampers, the fizz boaters LEADERSHIP - and the yachties? Did Geoff Gabites QUALIFICATIONS - DO EDITOR give a breakdown of the numbers of WE NEED THEM? ABEL TASMAN each sector and the proportion of day visits to overnighting? from Hugh Canard NATIONAL PARK from Allan & Joyce Singleton The introduction to the 1976 edition John Kirk Anderson’s article on of the Park Handbook states, ‘The SKOANZ was an excellent Our family first visited Abel Tasman Park is essentially a sea coast area backgrounder. My thanks to John for National Park in January 1979, when deriving its unique qualities from its building bridges between the com- we camped for a week at Totaranui. golden beaches.’ What better way is mercial and non commercial (ama- We have been back a further four there to access such an area than by teur doesn’t sound right) sea kayakers. times: kayak? As an association we should - in January 1983 I paddled an open vigorously promote sea kayaking, and SKOANZ developed a Sea Kayak canoe from Totaranui to Marahau at the expense of other forms of rec- Guides qualification out of the sheer while the other family members reation if necessary. If DOC wish to necessity of setting a standard in the walked the coastal track. cut visitor numbers down, then they absence of any credible New Zealand - in January 1987 we tramped the should close the coastal track from standard at the time. We did not want complete circuit of inland and Marahau to Awaroa to walkers during to follow the slippery path that the coastal tracks. periods of high Park usage. Kayakers, commercial rafting operators found - in September 1993 we sea kay- after all, do not require tracks and themselves on, with client fatalities aked Marahau to Awaroa return. bridges that are expensive to main- and a cowboy image. All their busi- - in July last year Joyce and I kay- tain, and servicing of the coastal huts nesses suffered for the actions of a aked from Marahau to Shag Har- and campsites is all done by boat, not minority in their industry. bour and back. via the tracks. The commercial operators involved For a Hamiltonian, I am thus fairly Personally (and I still do a fair bit of in setting up the scheme received a familiar with the park. tramping) it would not worry me if the great deal of assistance from Mick Marahau to Awaroa track was closed Hopkinson and Brett Whitely, both In January 1983 I did not see any other permanently, and KASK should ad- wearing their NZOIA and NZCA hats. paddlers at all. In September 1993 we vocate this if necessary. There are KASK members with heavy duty sea hired kayaks from one of the long plenty of other places to go tramping, going experience also were very help- established operators. Our group com- but the coast from Marahau to ful when we came to deciding on the prised a double kayak and three sin- Onetahuti Beach is ideal for kayaking, skills base requirements. The result is gles. Another double set off at the especially for introducing novices to a workable scheme which has built its same time as us, and we met one other coastal paddling. It is likely that this own mana. The polytechs and out- group of about five singles during our would also provide more off-season door trusts quickly picked up on the five day trip. clients for the commercial operators. SKOANZ syllabus as a basis for their outdoors leaders and adventure tour- In July last year all the ‘established KASK should leave the commercial ism courses. operators’ were closed for the winter, operators to sort themselves out, it is and we hired from the one company none of our business. The cowboys What may not be readily understood open for business. On the day we set will eventually find the going too tough is that the SKOANZ scheme is a quali- out, our operator accompanied two and disappear, but a good level of fication, and it is based on an assess- clients on a day trip. When we came competition for clients is necessary to ment process. It is not a skills devel- back three days later, we met him with keep prices down and service stand- opment course. It is also focussed on another two day-paddlers, but in be- ards high. assessing guiding skills not necessar- tween we had not seen another kayak. ily how good a paddler you are. Where We always paddle with our eyes open, As far as finding a beach to your self and how you obtain the skills has been so where is the problem with over- in mid-summer or at Easter is con- something the commercial operators crowding? cerned, forget it! Even with some re- have left to individuals to get from strictions it will not get that good wherever they can - ‘Training Provid- Obviously kayaking the coast has be- again. Put your wetsuit on and go in ers’ such as Polytechs and outdoor come rather more popular in January the winter. The weather can be just as trusts or clubs or the School of Life .... since 1983, and it gets similarly good, and you can have your choice of crowded at Easter (and perhaps La- all the deserted beaches and islands The need for a skills qualification and bour weekend?), but does overcrowd- that you could ever wish for. the attendant training courses is one ing for about six weeks of the year that SKOANZ recognised at the out- require restrictions on kayak opera- set, but decided that it was not our role. We tapped into NZ Coastguard, 2 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

First Aid, Risk Management, Out- My plea to KASK is to try and put door Leadership etc., but the big gap together some basic sea kayak skills PADDLE WEIGHT remains - a specific sea kayak safety qualification and to develop the top from Derek Wakeling course which covers all the rescue skills level ‘Expedition Leaders’ ticket. base and what I think of as ‘planning KASK doesn’t have to run it, or do the Your article on paddle weight set me journeys in low energy self propelled courses, just set the standard. Then thinking and I enclose an article for craft on the mighty ocean’ stuff. you decide who runs the assessment your consideration. I am afraid I am process. Ask yourselves the question, one of those folks who cannot help Some amateur, ie., recreational pad- ‘What would one need to know and be trying to work out the why and dlers might like to gain the SKOANZ capable of putting into practice in wherefor of anything I am interested Guides Certificate in order to formal- order to safely run a week long sea in. However I am very conscious off ise their experience and skills attained kayak trip for a group of average the that fact that I am a newcomer to in trip leadership of groups of friends paddlers around D’Urville Island or kayaking. Pam, my wife, and I having or club type situations. After all in Banks Peninsula?’ (My definition of taken it up late in life when our knees NZ, what else is there? I would cau- an average paddler is someone who were suffering from the effects of tion those people with the warning owns their own sea kayak) bush walking. We have messed about that the SKOANZ certificate is a guid- in small boats for most of our lives but ing not a leadership or pure technical I don’t think we need a clone of the have a great deal to learn and practice skills ticket. It may come as a surprise BCU’s super duper instructor’s as far as kayaking is concerned. Whilst to some quite skilled and experienced scheme here. Not with our resources I have tried to write so as to compli- sea kayakers to find out the difference and with our general dislike for dilut- ment your article and feel the points I between guiding and expedition lead- ing our paddling time with voluntary make are important, I am a bit worried ing. Don’t sit a SKOANZ assessment paper work. There is this need out that it could be seen as in some way to find this out! there. The wonderful KASK forums, contradicting your article which is the by their very nature, have a limited last thing I want. After all you have I became a professional sea kayaker reach. How many sea kayaks are sold already made the point about the im- in 1992. My background was an ama- each year in New Zealand? portance of paddle weight and that’s teur canoe club paddler with heaps of what set me thinking more deeply trip leader mileage, mainly on river I know there is antipathy in the KASK about it. If you feel my article is trips, and quite a lot of sea miles with culture for anything which smacks of helpful and will be taken as genuine friends in small groups. Like many formality or bureaucracy. It’s that debate that’s OK but if you feel there KASK members I did a lot of solo sea club thing again. However, KASK is any danger of people taking it as trips. I fondly imagined sea kayak has an unmatched pool of sea pad- criticism please either forget about it guiding, especially in the Abel Tas- dlers with experience to share. What or suggest possible alterations, I would man would be a doddle. What I quickly I am asking is for KASK to consider very much appreciate your comments. found out was how much I needed to what is the most effective input it I look forward to hearing from you. learn about guiding. What I would might have into promoting safe and Yours sincerely like to get across to KASK members enjoyable sea kayaking across a broad Derek Wakeling is that there are a whole lot of other front. PS I would like to say how much I skills one has to add to one’s sea appreciate all the work you put into kayaking skills to be a guide. These I believe that KASK could define the editing the Newsletter and Manual. are empathy based people skills, such skills required, give a lead to those Thanks. as dealing with absolute novices every who run the courses, and it could set day, people who have no sea instincts standards of achievement for aspiring FURTHER THOUGHTS at all, English is a second or third paddlers to aim for. It would be a ON PADDLE WEIGHT language, and who are on holiday, not valuable evolutionary step in the ad- on a course. Cooking skills and sim- vancement of sea kayaking in New by Derek Wakeling ply being an interesting and interested Zealand. person helps enormously. Paul Caffyn’s article on paddle weight All journeys start with a single dip of in Issue 75 of this Newsletter amply What makes a good trip leader or the paddle. demonstrates the importance of using instructor may not always make a a light-weight paddle, but further good guide. My experience was that Hugh Canard analysis of the movements involved some outdoors instructors and good in paddling show that the weight dis- paddlers made wonderful guides, and tribution between the blades and the some very competent outdoor instruc- shaft is even more important than the tors, or even skilled and widely expe- total weight. So this article explains rienced sea kayakers were disasters as the effect and importance of both as- guides. Being comfortable in either pects. role is a bonus.

3 No. 77 October - November 1998

The motion of paddling essentially Then imagine removing the weights A BOLLOCKING FOR involves moving the ends of the pad- from the blades and fixing them to the THE EDITOR dle around a central point. The cen- ceiitre of the shaft and again sitting on tre of gravity of the paddle is in the your chair. The paddle now feels centre of the shaft and this point much the same if you keep it still but The Right Honourable KASK does move a bit but nothing like as when you move it you feel the differ- Newsletter Editor much as the blades. The paddler is ence. As soon as you start paddling Nordkapp (Ruddered & not actually lifting the weight of the the blades feel nice and light and you Pomless) House paddle with each stroke because the hardly notice the weights, yet the total Saltspray Lane centre of gravity stays in much the weight of the paddle and weights is The West Coast same place, hower total weight is the same. This might be a good dem- The Mainland important because it is obviously onstration for a class but if you try this (Home of great scenery, good rugby, more tiring to hold a heavy paddle at home, mind the television or you and decent paddling Real Blokes) out in front of you than a light one. may prove more than you intended about the energy involed in changes Dear Sir, The laws of physics show that much of momentum. I wanted to say how much I enjoy more energy is required to change your most excellent newsletter, and the direction and/or speed (momen- So saving the small extra weight of a your well informed approach to tum) of a given weight than just smart shaft mechanism in the centre Editorship (or should that be supporting it. A mathematical analy- of the shaft will have little effect on Editoryak?). While most newsletters sis of paddle and body movement reducing the unproductive energy used have been of the highest quality, I feel would be extremely complicated but but saving the same weight in the that recently the standards have slipped the important points are: blades would save a lot of energy slightly, and what is needed to re- - Firstly a lot of energy is required to during a long paddle. After all as Paul establish the ’Sea Canoeist News- change the speed and direction, that pointed out in his article you move the letter’ as the leading international sea is the momentum, of a moving ob- paddle around 3600 times in each kayaking publication is an increase in ject such as a paddle. hour of paddling. ln fact you change the pursuit of topical, gritty issues. - Secondly speed is more important its momentum, that is use energy, Consequently I propose that each than weight or more correctly mass. every time you push it up, down, back newsletter should include 1-2 articles ( Energy is directly proportional to or forward or change its speed, and which feature ritual humiliation of the mass and proportioal to the square you do this maybe 14,400 time each Poms and all things British, the fre- of the speed, twice the speed - four hour. Of course the more smoothly quent use of the word ‘bollocks’ (pref- times the energy). you paddle the less energy you waste erably in bold and underlined), and As the action of paddling moves the by changes of momentum but these regularly taking the piss out of bicker- blades at the ends of the paddle faster figures are used to make the point. ing narrow-minded, gluesniffing than the shaft, weight in the blades is kayak manufacturers. more important than weight in the The nearer the weight saving is to the shaft. It is all the changes in direc- ends of the paddle the greater the On that note, I’d appreciate the edito- tion and speed of the paddle blades amount of energy saved. As Paul rial pen being slashed through the that soak up the unproductive en- pointed out saving weight in the drip following manufacturer’s latest out- ergy - that is energy that does not rings is a good idea. Do away with the pouring. contribute to moving the kayak. the drip rings if speed or efficiency is more important than getting wet. How Yours sincerely, This technical stuff is maybe too heavy are blade tip reinforcements Glyn Dickson much to bother about for those who and are thay necessary for deep water just like to enjoy their paddling but paddling? Even a few grams saving is P.S. Although of European descent, I fortunately it is simpler to under- important at the ends of the blades. am at pains to point out that only a tiny stand by just imagining, or if you (and completely insignificant) per- feel like it, actually trying out, a This is all a rather long winded way of centage of my ancestry is English, small experiment. pointing out why it is important to to and I have been able to ascertain that have light-weight paddle blades but it the seafarers of that lineage all had Imagine fixing a 250 gramme weight is worth saying as I would like to bet rudders on their chosen craft..... with sticky tape to each blade of that most of the weight difference your paddle. Then imagine sitting between one paddle and another is in Please find enclosed a couple of pho- on a chair and going through the the blade. So we really ought to be tos of our new X Factor, which is now motions of paddling. You can cer- asking for weights for both the shaft fully in production. I thought you tainly feel the effect of those weights and the blades to compare one paddle may like some information on the X every time the paddle blades change with another. If the answers are not Factor for the newsletter so with no direction and the faster you paddle forthcoming, the best you can do is further ado the more effect those weights have. twist each paddle around to see which feels lightest in the ends. 4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

X FACTOR .... rolling, or paddling in surf. The foot- that time, I searched all over New by Glyn Dickson rest is our proven system from the Sea York City to buy a copy of his book, Bear 1 which uses a single spring pin Alone At Sea, with no success. A few for adjustment with self adjusting months later, I found one in an antique Designed to be a highly responsive steering lines. book store in Nashville of all places. “full blown” sea kayak for the 50 - In pristine shape and for just $7; in- 70kg paddler, or a fast day/overnight Construction options are Standard landers just didn’t know the gem they kayak for the larger paddler. Exten- Kevlar (22kg) $3558, or Economy had in their possession. Like others of sive hull development has produced a Fibreglass (23kg) at $2970. Dimen- you, I regularly re-read the book each very easily driven kayak that will al- sions are 5310mm long, by 570mm year because it is a tale worth reliving low less strong paddlers to keep up wide. over and over again. with the bunch, while the stronger paddler can enjoy a level of perform- We are running a promotion until So, I was finally going to talk with Dr. ance not far below that of the Slingshot. Christmas where every purchaser of a Lindemann for an article. And I was Of particular note is the excellent en- new Paddling Perfection sea kayak losing my nerve. What do you say to ergy efficiency when paddling into goes in the draw to win a Kevlar X someone you and others idolize and wind and waves, which is an area Factor. Contact any of our retailers are reminded of every time you touch where smaller/lighter paddlers are at for more information. the soft fabric of your boat? You a significant disadvantage compared Cheers, procrastinate. I cleaned house, did to those larger/stronger. The X Fac- Glyn some plumbing and worked on the tor’s distinctive low profile shape has car. My wife was hoping I would drag been designed to minimise windage, my feet some more and give the apart- without sacrificing storage volume. HISTORY ment a much needed coat of paint. No Stability is good, making the kayak such luck. suitable for the intermediate to ad- A TALK WITH DR. LINDEMANN: vanced sea kayaker, although a begin- I’m not the only one willing to confess ner could manage quite well, as long INSIGHTS ON VOYAGE to some knee shaking when faced as they are prepared to invest in their by Ralph Diaz with contacting Dr. Lindemann as I initial skills development. recently learned from Peter (reprinted with permission from Schwierzke, owner of Klepper West. The X Factor’s styling features very ‘Folding Kayaker’ May/June 1993) Peter is the person who has arranged dinstinctive curves, leading to a How does one approach a near-deity? for Dr. Lindemann to come to the smooth contemporary look. The “sunk I recently had a chance to find out West Coast Sea Kayaking Sympo- down” deck detail ahead of the cock- when I telephoned Dr. Hannes sium in September and is behind the pit takes advantage of a normally Lindemann to interview him for an upcoming, new translation of Alone wasted area, and creates the landing article for the Fall 1993 issue of Sea At Sea. Late last year he was driving space for deck storage, which is then Kayaker. For many of us Dr. down a German autobahn toward Dr. secured by the innovative rubber mesh Lindemann holds a high position in Lindemann’s home for their first face- bag. The rear deck has a purpose built the pantheon of seafaring in small to-face meeting when it hit him. “Oh molding for paddle float re-entries, boats. His epic 1956 crossing of the s*#t, I’m about to see a living legend and plenty of space for storage of split Atlantic is particularly inspiring for in the flesh!” His mouth got dry paddles, paddle floats, hand pumps us folding kayakers because it was during the last hour of the drive as he etc. Again, careful thought has gone accomplished in a folding Klepper went into semi-shock at the prospect. into maximising the storage volume Aerius double not appreciably differ- behind the seat by raising the deck ent from the current stock model and Luckily for Peter and for me, Dr. profile, thus utilising the greatest load strikingly similar to double Lindemann, for all of his accomplish- carrying area of the kayak. Feathercrafts, Folbots and Nautiraids. ment, is a very accessible, open indi- You don’t have to be a Klepper enthu- vidual. He made Peter feel at home The cockpit has been developed to siast to revere Dr. Lindemann and his during his visit. And he put me at ease combine comfort, with ease of use, achievement. in our phone conversation. and to provide sufficiently good ergo- nomics for advanced paddling. The Lindemann’s voyage was one of the The interview went differently from opening is sufficiently large (Sea Bear first things I had heard about when I what I envisioned. Like any reporter, 1 size) for most paddlers to seat them- first wandered into the realm of fold- I confess that I approached Dr. selves before bringing their legs in, ing kayaks. Indeed, the ability of his Lindemann with some preconceived yet the deck shape offers excellent folding kayak to take on the rigors of ideas of what I wanted him to say and bracing points for the knees while the Atlantic was a key selling point was hoping to steer him into saying Eskimo rolling. The padded bucket that convinced me to buy one (not that them. Dr. Lindemann didn’t cooper- seat and low cockpit rim allow the I was going to do anything like it, but ate with my preconceptions and the paddler to comfortably lean back- it was good to know, just in case). At interview contained some revealing wards, again helping with Eskimo

5 No. 77 October - November 1998 surprises about his voyage not pub- thing he brought with him, he quickly asked him what was his most difficult lished before. replied, “My optimism.” Ever the time. I was thinking he might re- Folding Kayaker editor, I was think- spond, for example, by pointing to the Below are the key points that I think ing about equipment, but he clearly night his kayak had capsized during a folding kayakers will find most was concerned about more important vicious storm and he hung on to the useful, some of which will appear in intangible things. His positive atti- upside down boat freezing and wait- the upcoming Sea Kayaker article. tude was key to the success of the ing for dawn to come when he would voyage which was marked by severe have enough light to safely right his What It Took storms, adverse winds and several kayak. That was a particularly hairy To the unaware, Dr. Lindemann’s capsizes. moment in Alone At Sea when every- cross-Atlantic voyage in a folding “I never suffered anxiety even in the thing seemed to be lost. kayak might seem a foolhardy adven- worst of it. I was always sure I would ture. Probably, with a less-prepared pull through.” His response? “Buying the Klepper! individual at the helm, it would have That was my most difficult time. I had been. However, Dr. Lindemann had Dr. Lindemann believes that so much no money. I had to pay for it out of my some great strengths that reduced the of pulling through is mental and in the own pockets and they weren’t deep.” risks. Understanding these strengths will to press on. His book frequently Now there’s an answer most folding is the key to the lessons we can draw discusses the question of survival us- kayak owners can relate to! from his voyage. ing examples dating back to the last century of people cast adrift by disas- What About The Boat First, he was a small-boater par excel- ters at sea. Why do some poorly I was curious about his thoughts re- lence. He had several dozen years of equipped individuals survive while garding the folding kayak that he used, experience in small boats ranging from others better provisioned die within a stock Klepper Aerius II which he folding kayaks to sailing vessels. Dr. the first few days? The latter gave up, ordered without fanfare from a dealer Lindemann had done plenty of pad- the survivors did not. in Germany and had mailed to him in dling in his youth in Germany prior to the Canary Islands. The Klepper com- WW II and, in the years following, Earlier, Dr. Lindemann had crossed pany was not aware of what he planned had embarked on lengthy voyages in the Atlantic in a 23-foot Liberian dug to do, didn’t even know he had bought various craft. He not only knew the out canoe and found that he lacked an one of its boats. It was a far cry from art of small-boat handling. He also ability to meditate. He indicated dur- today when getting corporations to was thoroughly grounded in what to ing our interview that he had worked fork over gear and equipment is de expect on the open sea, not from read- for months on learning how to medi- rigueur. ing books but from direct contact with tate in preparation for the second cross- that fickle element. ing. He meditated often during the trip Did the boat let him down? What did and the effort would bring him to what he think of it? “It was a perfect boat,” Dr. Lindemann attaches great impor- he told me was a “Buddha-like state.” he responded. “Oh, it was an inland tance to this strength. In our interview sea boat obviously not built for the it came out during a question I asked Which leads to another intangible that open Atlantic. No small boat is. I regarding how he sees sea kayaking came out during the interview. “I also added the outrigger and the mizzensail today. He used the question to focus prayed a lot. My prayers were not for the conditions that would prevail on the issue of required skills. While those of any organized religion. My on the Atlantic and did other modifi- he is happy to see a resurgence in the belief was in pure religion, a biologi- cations to prepare it for the open sea.” sport he feels that many kayakers ven- cal religion. A belief in what we call ‘a Indeed, throughout Alone At Sea, Dr. ture out unprepared. “I think people holy spirit’. It helped me to keep calm.” Lindemann writes very fondly about want to do things with a bang. They his folding kayak and its reliability go too fast, rah rah. They are suicidal.” All of this combined to get him into a and performance during the voyage. Regarding his own perilous voyage, he state of mind in which he was one said “It is alright to attempt things when with the elements surrounding him. One of the reasons why he crossed the you have the experience.” “During the voyage, particularly the Atlantic a second time, after doing it last three weeks, I sensed I was in in the long African dugout canoe was Second, Dr. Lindemann had a clear flow. I achieved the state reached by that he wanted to revert to the folding understanding and control of his mind. musicians with their music and in- kayaks of his youth. Part of this was He possessed some strengths in men- struments. It was as when shooting a to also to pay homage to one of his tal outlook that helped see him bow and arrow when everything lines own heroes, Captain Franz Romer. through. up perfectly: eye, muscle, arrow, bow Romer had crossed the Atlantic in and target.” 1928 in a custom-built 19 ft. folding These came out during the course of kayak. After reaching Puerto Rico, our interview in the unexpected an- Most Difficult Moment the captain and his boat disappeared swers he gave to my questions. When Still, I felt there must have been some without a trace during a hurricane on I asked what was the most important problem, some moment of doubt. So I the way to the US mainland. Dr.

6 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Lindemann felt that by doing it again The next day Tony H phones from in a folding kayak it would be a fitting TRIP REPORTS Mana. He had found the glasses - reprise to Romer’s earlier effort. miraculously still lying at the sea’s On the Dark Side of Mana margin - but by then the northerlies Indeed, Dr. Lindemann confided by Conrad Edwards were back with a vengeance, and the something that was never mentioned On Wednesday morning I oversleep, mainland cut off. By Sunday morn- in Alone At Sea. During the second miss the train and catch the traffic, ing the winds had dropped to some voyage, he felt that Romer was with wasting in the most tedious way a 25+ knots, so Tony Jennings and I him at all times. “It was a cosmic gloriously post-southerly morning: headed out. The going into a 2m swell feeling I had.” still, crisp and clear. Glances from the was wet fun, but Tony J was piloting office show that the winds aren’t fresh- one of those slow, plastic sit-on-top Comment On Aussie Challenge ening much. I brave the early evening contraptions. Half way and we had to Many of readers of this newsletter traffic back to the boatshed and launch turn back so he wouldn’t miss his followed the attempt by Eric Stiller the Spirit of Lomas. footie practice. Surfing back into the and Tony Brown to circumnavigate bay I rode a prolonged, soggy broach, Australia in a folding kayak. Dr. Tide assisted we head against a gen- landing to find the Spirit’s rudder Lindemann had learned of the voyage tle, warm northerly out of Porirua severely bent. from Peter Schwierzke. It came up harbour. A large launch speeds past: during the interview. in my sprint to catch the wash I just It was the following Sunday before I have time to zip my sprayskirt up but had time to replace the blade, but with Dr. Lindemann asked me how the not slip into the braces: an exhilarat- 45 knots forecast I paddled close in- Aussie Challenge was going. When I ing but soaking ride follows, the shore that day. The winds dropped told him that the voyage had ended Nordkapp ploughing a wall of spray as again on the next Wednesday, which after 4,000 miles in Darwin, he seemed she surfs the left hander. My free ride’s is where this story began. very impressed by their getting that heading too far north, so I back off left. far in what he knew were treacherous So, that second Wednesday, as I waters. He asked me what had hap- Pleasant seas to Mana Island as I head rounded Mana’s south point, I was pened: had they been hurt; had they anti-clockwise around the dark side, keen to land to collect those sun- given out physically. I told him no as sternly dramatic as ever. Around glasses lost two weeks before. The and went into Eric’s feeling that they the south end two rogues rise from the sun had set, and naturally there was no had been issued just so many luck background of gentle swells, catching moon now. In bright twilight I landed, tickets at the beginning of the trip in my mind in its usual neutral, despite a few northerly gusts cautioning me to Sydney and that they had run out of having encountered exactly the same what the next hour or two might bring. these just short of Darwin in gigantic in the same place two weeks before. That’s the trouble with northerlies. overfalls. “They were right to get off Southerlies are worse, but at least they the water immediately,” he exclaimed. Then, I had paddled around Mana advertise their intentions. The norther- “If you no longer feel you belong with Tony Baldwin, on the finest sum- lies sneak up on you out of a clear sky. there, you don’t belong.” mer evening Wellington had seen for a month, a short lived lull in the other- After a misdirected jog up and around wise incessant northerlies. A classic the hills, I find Tony H in the boatshed paddle: glassy blue seas; teaming by my kayak. Glasses retrieved and HUMOUR Kawhai breaking surface in unison; gossip caught up on, Tony helps me (Plucked from the ChCh Press) the sun setting in front just as the full launch into the dark, assuring me that Legally Dead? moon rose behind; that odd rogue the new Seacat ferry is not due through A lawyer questioning a doctor about swell to keep one alert in the rock for a while. Those tiresome norther- an autopsy came unstuck in a trial in gardens each end of Mana; and finally lies have strengthened, so it’s jacket the USA. He began badly by asking tea, biscuits and yarns at Mana DOC on and I’m powering into a metre’s the doctor if he had checked for vital station courtesy Tony Henry. Moon- breaking sea. I’m thoroughly soaked, signs such as pulse and breathing be- light around Mana, one of the finest but warm and comfortable, and fore starting the autopsy. The doctor trips imaginable, and none the worse pleased with how the body’s perform- logically answered, "No". "Then how for being on one’s doorstep. ing after a summer’s idleness, cour- did you know the patient was dead?" tesy El Nino. I am pleased also with the lawyer asked. "Because his brain Leaving Mana beach by the full moon, how the Nordkapp handles the invis- was in a jar on my desk," was the reply. Tony B discovers that he’s lost his ible sea, steady through the onslaught, Undefeated the lawyer persisted. "But sunglasses. Why he needed them I do albeit by deflecting the rogue water could the patient still have been alive?" not know. After unsuccessfully scour- over me. For the best part of an hour "Yes, he could have been practising ing the beach we settled on a pleasant I am alone in the dark, soaking wet in law somewhere," said the doctor. paddle back to Titahi Bay and the a wild sea, paddling by feel. At last traditional beer on the beach. the Spirit and I approach the scattered lights of civilisation and reach the

7 No. 77 October - November 1998 shelter of Plimmerton channel. Be- Benj the germ bag’s weekend visit eration, I upgrade my stereo system fore the hour’s up I’m in dry clothes in (not, I’m sure, of winter night pad- with a quality tuner. I am particularly the brightly lit boatshed, sipping beer, dling). That has me out of commis- keen to pick up Pirate FM, a Welling- and drying and stowing boat and gear. sion for a few days, so it’s Saturday ton station whose fine repertoire As so often happens, the paddle is before I return to the shed. On the doesn’t quite reach the Titahi Bay almost a dream already. Have I really jetty I find my paddle, and kick my- coast. I have a man wander around the just been pitting body and soul against self for absent mindedly leaving it out roof with an oscilloscope, and soon the black forces of the sea? there: it could easily have blown have a hideous aerial, beautiful recep- away. I stow it back in the shed, tion, and another large bill. Three I leave the shed and lock the door. My noticing with horror the empty K1 rack. days later Pirate FM goes off the air. boatshed key is green, strangely allur- August is an expensive month. ing amongst its chrome and brass fel- No boat visible, but it’s high tide. I lows. The thought occurred to me that return at low tide to scour under the Conrad Edwards it was really a key to a magic garden. boatsheds, and around the inlet’s mar- Ahead of me, lights, traffic and tarmac gin. Nothing. My boatshed neigh- front rows of neat suburbia. Behind bours noticed it on the jetty a few days HISTORY me, a door beckons to a different world ago, but weren’t worried: he knows George Park (1863 -1939) of excitement and uncertainty, beauty what he’s doing, they wrongly West Coast Pioneer, Pioneer and danger. Who knows what adven- thought. It wasn’t there yesterday. ture that green key will unlock next? The following day I report its loss to a Canoeist & Adventurer disinterested policeman. by Trish McCormack Ross THE END OF THE That afternoon Brent of Mainly (Reprinted with permission from SELLOTAPE Tramping fame phones. He’s pad- the West Coast Times’, by Conrad Edwards dling around the inlet that morning Thursday June 20 1991.) One Monday evening in August I am and notices something brown in the driving home in the dark. Porirua water on the Police College side. Not West Coast canoeist George Park did inlet glistens clear and black, so I entirely unusual, but Brent investi- some great pioneer canoe trips last detour to the boatshed. I cannot resist gates anyway. My boat is on his lawn century - a crossing of Cook Strait by taking the K1 out for a spin. for collection. Seems OK, but stern Rob Roy canoe, many hazardous damaged. Spray deck gone. I thank open sea trips around New Zealand, My training K1 is an old boat, of ugly, Brent and my luck, and pick her up the and a daring coast to coast crossing of raw yellow-brown kevlar. It’s sealed following evening. the South Island by the Taramakau in places with waterproof Sellotape and Hurunui Rivers. from when I dropped it portaging the The boat is damaged more than some- Roto race some years ago. Ugly or what. Not only is the stern open, but He was one of Westland’s foremost not, we’ve had some great trips in the the coaming is broken off, and a rud- explorers, and does not seam to have last few years; dodging rocks, riding der cable has torn itself out along the been given the place in the history washes, chasing dolphins, surfing gunwale. Both hull and deck are books that he deserves. But thanks to home. Glorious balmy evenings, horrendously scraped, as if by some the enthusiasm of historian Peter Lucas howling cold southerlies, warm gray persistent clawed beast. The boat of Hari Hari, a record of George Park’s northerlies, and winter nights as calm must have been bounced by the south- canoeing has been put together, and as ice, like this one. Titahi Bay has it erlies against the rocks and sheds for this reveals some fascinating in- all, unfortunately. a day or three before going floatabout. formation.

K1s are the most unseaworthy boat in Life without a training K1 is of course Mr. Lucas researched extensively for production, so they make great train- unbearable, so I phone around. Noth- his book on George Park, which he ing kayaks. Low decked, knife-bowed, ing going in Wellington, but Mike entitled ‘Flashing Paddles or Explor- large cockpit Jaguars like the Sellotape Hayes in Auckland tracks down an- ing by Canoe’, but unfortunately this boat are the tippiest of the tippy. For other Jaguar in Hamilton. A kind work is not widely available. short inlet and fair-weather coastal trips Palmerston North lagoon paddler col- I prefer them to a sea kayak: they keep lects it, and I pick it up from there. The Hokitika Canoe Club was formed your technique scrupulously honest. I Brown kevlar and black carbon, albeit in 1886, with George Park as a member struggle to balance the K1 after five with splashes of red gelcoat. Light, and founder. Both he and his brother weeks in a Nordkapp, but between the fast and raw, and with some tape over Jim, a well known local solicitor, built wobbles and support strokes have an- old fitting holes it floats. A fitting canoes for the club. George tried build- other wonderful paddle. successor to the Sellotape boat. I ing canoes from a variety of native expect same great trips together. timbers. He built the ‘Waterwitch’ out Back home I contract a gruesome of kahikatea, the “Geni” out of kawhaka cold, a souvenir of my dear nephew That week, following years of delib- and others out of kauri.

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Waterwitch’ weighed 8 pounds, but come to pass - possibly because few The Parks were probably the first to may have bee a larger canoe. ‘Gem’ others have had such adventurous make the crossing by Rob Roy canoes (14 feet long, 27” wide and 7” deep) spirit and daring. However it became as Mr. Lucas’s research reveals that weighed only 60 pounds. The canoes a regular trip for George himself, as they were told at the time that it was were clinker built and could be used he used the route during his courtship impossible and that no one had suc- with sails for Cook Strait crossings of Caroline Burough of Holly Farm, ceeded before. and other expeditions. Okarito, whom he later married. A photo from the Alexander Turnbull The Park brothers began their canoe- In December 1889, George with his Library has an inscription to the effect ing adventures close to their Hokitika brother Jim, set off on the biggest that two brothers G and W Fitzgerald home - on places like the Styx River, adventure of all - a trip from Hokitika made the first crossing in 1890, but as Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua and to Lyttelton by inland waterways. the Park’s expedition was in Febru- the Totara Lagoon. ary, and given the publicity it aroused, They began their journey after launch- it hardly seems likely that two other The late 1880's also saw George mak- ing their canoes ‘Sunbeam’ and ‘One brothers had made the crossing a ing several canoe trips from Hokitika One’ onto the Taramakau River. On month or so before. to Greymouth, launching himself out Christmas Day they battled up the over the breakers under the gaze of an river, hauling their canoes through From Wellington the brothers headed attentive local audience. rapids with ropes, and camped at a hut out of the harbour and made for Mana Such cruises only whetted his appe- near the Otira River. They then Island where they broke their journey tite for more adventure. Once he and dragged their canoes and provisions exploring Maori sites and local land- his brother met a school of sharks over Harpers Pass, a job made more marks. They also returned to Porirua after they canoed out over the Hoki- difficult by the fact that lightning had for provisions. tika bar. The canoeists had to kill one created havoc by gouging out chasms’ shark with a pocket knife, as it was and covering the few available tracks After a false start which sent them showing a rather unhealthy interest in with slips. scurrying back to Mana Island in the them, and they were pleased to canoe teeth of strong wind, the Parks were back to safety and warn the locals This part of the expedition took two ready to set off for the South Island. against going swimming. days of hard toll, before the Parks could descend to the Hurunui River They calculated the ebb and flow of In January 1889, George Park was in on the Canterbury side. The Hurunui the tides which could be used to help Okarito contemplating a return to country was unknown to them, but them on their way and left Mana is- Hokitika over the rough tracks that they soon discovered the river to be land at about midnight. A freshening were the roads of last century. But unnavigable in places, and had to lower easterly encouraged George to hoist gazing up the coast he came up with a their canoes down rapids with ropes. his hundred square feet of sail, and he better idea - a canoe trip up the dan- towed ‘Sunbeam’ - an exhilarating gerous coastline in his canoe ‘Sun- The pair had many adventures cross- experience. beam’, one of his smaller craft. ing Lake Sumner - Jim’s boat bottom George also had business at the Salt- was ripped badly by a rock, and they As they approached Queen Charlotte water near Hari Hari and reasoned had no sooner got that fixed when a Sound they were kept busy with a rip that it would be easier to visit by sea gale sprang up on the lake. Many and the threat of being shipwrecked than taking the inland road. more adventures followed in gorges on the rocks. They eventually rounded and rapids further down the Hurunui. the cape arid sought shelter in a bay He avoided obstacles such as treach- Jim had to end his journey near for a brew before continuing to En- erous rocks .at Commissioners Point, Waikari, as ‘One One’ was leaking, deavour Inlet where they stayed the and a large shark south of the Saltwa- but George decided to complete the night. They had crossed the Strait in ter beach, before cruising up the Salt- last 40 miles and headed out at the five hours. Next day they scudded off water Lagoon as darkness approached. river mouth and went on round by sea down the sound in north-west gale, There he astonished the locals who to Lyttelton. He arrived there on 5 and arrived at Picton at five o’clock. turned out in force to see him launch January 1890, having covered 230 himself out into the sea next day. He miles in 13 days. It was hailed as a remarkable feat, later landed at Ross, to the delight of especially when ‘Sunbeam’s’ length a group of children before heading on George’s enthusiasm was undimmed, of 14 feet and depth of seven inches to Hokitika via Lake Mahinapua. and he headed off for the North Island was considered. ‘Sunbeam’ had two where he completed more canoeing water tight compartments, weighed 75 After this voyage George Park pre- adventures, before setting off to cross pounds and was powered by a silver dicted that canoeing up and down the Cook Strait in February 1890 with his pine paddle (and sometimes a sail!). coast between Okarito and Hokitika brother William. George’s boat was by Rob Roy canoe would become a the ‘Mermaid’ and his brother’s was George Park’s later canoeing was cur- popular activity, but this has never ‘Sunbeam’. tailed by family responsibilities and

9 No. 77 October - November 1998 an accident causing the amputation of a compact VHF radio to contact pass- cific Ocean. I had underestimated the half of one of his feet. ing ships, and an emergency radio abuse my body - especially my hands beacon to alert aircraft flying over- - would take on the 63 day crossing. But he did get out on the Hokitika head in case I needed to be rescued. After only a few days at sea, my butt River when he was quite elderly, to Flares, signal mirrors, a strobe-light was covered with salt water sores and demonstrate how to do an Eskimo and a radar reflector ensured that I I could find no comfortable position roll. Peter Lucas records that heads would be seen. for sitting or sleeping. Within a week, were shaken over this as he was consid- the skin on the backs of my hands was ered too old, but no mishap occurred. My kayak was as stoutly built as any so cracked and chapped that I took fibreglass sailboat. I wanted to pad- painkillers to make paddling bearable. Trish McCormack Ross. dle a true kayak across the ocean - not a specialized sailboat masquerading Running downwind off California, I FOOTNOTE TO TRISH’S ARTICLE as a kayak. I used a stock Tofino wore several layers of synthetic pile In 1848 George Park’s family arrived double kayak with no mast, sail, cen- and polypropylene clothing - the type by boat at Dunedin and he was born in treboard or keel. My boat had a foot- of clothing which is touted to be warm 1863. While still a child, his family operated rudder and a wooden floor when it is wet. I stayed warm as long moved to Westland where George inside so that I could sleep a few as I wore everything I had but I was finished his schooling. inches above the water sloshing back certainly wet. and forth in the bottom of the boat. To George passed away on 29 August stabilize my kayak while I slept, I I was miserable but I spurred myself 1939 at the age of 75 years. inflated pontoons which I lashed to on with the thought that when I reached both sides of the boat. When the the southern trade wind latitudes, I pontoons were deployed I could move would find warm, sunny weather... EDG ILLET'S around in my kayak without fear of Sailors can have two distinct waking capsize. A sailor’s safety harness night mares: too much wind and too HAWAIITRIP fastened me securely to my boat. little wind. Heading south from Monterey, California, I lived through When I said that I was planning to To find my way at sea I used a sextant the first bad dream. The howling gray paddle across 2200 miles of open and a small calculator programmed to north-westerlies nearly devoured me. ocean in a twenty- foot kayak, people work out navigation sights. I could For two weeks I headed southwest looked at me as though I had told them figure my position to within a few before 30 knot winds surfing down 15 I was going to commit suicide. My miles - when I could see the sun. I foot high breaking swells. The seas listeners projected their deepest fears chose the crossing to Hawaii because snapped my half-inch thick rudder on my trip. Wasn’t I afraid of losing the summer weather patterns are sta- blades as easily as you might break a my way on the trackless ocean, star- ble and the winds and currents are saltine cracker. I needed every bit of vation, thirst, going mad from lack of almost always favourable. The trip the skill and strength I had acquired human contact, or being eaten by seemed to me to be the kayaking from years of kayaking to stay up- sharks? They were seldom reassured equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest. right. when I told them of my thirty thousand It was the most difficult trip I could miles of sailing experience and 10,000 conceive of surviving. The nights were unspeakably grim. I miles of ocean kayaking along the most set out two sea anchors and stretched formidable coastlines in the world. On a cold foggy morning three kayaks out on the floor of my kayak. Tor- glide out of the harbour at Monterey. tured by salt water sores, I snatched a But I was confident that my kayak and My wife Katie paddled one of the few moments of sleep while great I would arrive safely in Hawaii. Most boats. At the one mile buoy off Lov- waves crashed over my kayak, forc- people think large vessels are the most ers point, we said goodbye, embrac- ing themselves into the cockpit. As seaworthy ones. But this is not al- ing from the kayaks. Pointing my the ocean slowly filled my boat, I tried ways true. Survival at sea depends on kayak west and heading out to sea was to ignore the cold water soaking preparation, experience and prudence the hardest thing I have ever done. through my wet sleeping bag until the - not on boat size. I turned my kayak Tears rolled down my face and I could rising tide forced me to sit up and into one of the most seaworthy little hear Katie crying. I looked back from pump out the kayak. When the kayak boats in the world. I did not need to 50 yards away and I knew that we was dry I settled into the bilge and the carry a life raft - I paddled a life raft. were thinking the same thought: that miserable cycle repeated. Inside my kayak, I crammed 60 day’s we might never see each other again. food and 25 gallons of fresh water. I felt utterly foolish attempting to pad- The cold wind was relentless. When With my reverse osmosis pumps, I dle to Hawaii. Who was I to attempt I poked my head out in the mornings could make unlimited amounts of ad- such an improbable feat? I screamed into the wind, I don’t want ditional drinking water from sea wa- Despite extensive preparation, my to die! I felt as exposed and as stressed ter. I carried fishing gear, tools, and confidence was soon shattered by the as I had on long rock climbs. I relied spare parts. In a waterproof bag I had relentless pounding swell of the Pa- on my skill and equipment for sur-

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

vival - even a small mistake could a piece of bait and another mahi-mahi to look at the southern horizon, I was prove fatal. became sashimi. annoyed by the mountain filling my sextant viewfinder and fouling up my A thousand miles southwest of my Those days were the best of the trip. view of the horizon line. ‘That damned starting point I found the flip side of The strong trade winds were ideal for mountain...” I thought. Seconds later, the nightmare - calm weather. In the paddling. The royal blue surging I realized I was looking at land! That calm conditions, I dried my sleeping swells were no more than six feet high dark mountain had to be Mauna Kea, bag and clothing and my skin lesions and my yellow bow skipped over the 80 miles away on the big island of healed, but my progress slowed dra- waves as if my kayak knew the way to Hawaii. The island of Maui 40 miles matically. the islands. ahead was hidden under a blanket of squally clouds piling up on its wind- “This can’t be!” I shouted at the empty Three hundred miles from the islands, ward shore. As the clouds cleared, blue sky. For about the fiftieth time, I was caught up in a northerly current. Haleakala reared its head and I knew I looked at my pilot chart. Sitting The wind shifted from north-east to I was almost home. motionless in my kayak in the middle south-east, and the strong current set of the Pacific Ocean, a thousand miles me north at the rate of thirty miles a I whooped for joy when I saw land. I from land, I cursed the winds that had day. If that current had not changed, had only been pretending to be a sea abandoned me There was no swell, no I would have landed in Japan, missing creature. I was a land creature travel- wind - no sound. Without the boister- the islands by hundreds of miles. ling through a hostile environment. ous trade winds and the westward My survival depended on the life sup- current they spawn, it would take me I thought that if I was soon to become port system I carried in my kayak, and two more months to reach the Hawai- a life raft, I ought to prepare my life my support system was exhausted. ian Islands. I did not think that I could raft equipment. I rummaged through Nearing land, I felt as though a weight survive that long. I had been at sea in my storage compartments, collecting was being lifted from my shoulders. my twenty foot kayak for 30 days. I my emergency radio beacon, flares, was thinner and weaker than when I and signal mirrors. If I were going to After paddling and kite sailing all began my trip. miss the islands, my best chance for night, I brought my kayak into the rescue would come when I crossed calm lee of Maui outside Kahului As night overtook me, I snapped a the shipping lanes fifty miles north of harbour. The scents of rainwashed lightstick and placed it over my com- me. On my sixtieth day at sea, I ran soils and lush tropical plants washed pass. However slowly, I had to keep out of food. My school of mahi-ma hi over me like waves of perfume. No my kayak moving towards Hawaii. had left me a week before. I had eaten one greeted me when my bow dug a Where were the trade winds? The my tooth paste two days earlier. There furrow into the sandy beach. Step- night was so still that the bowl of was nothing edible left in the boat, ping onto the beach for the first time bright stars over my head shimmered and no fish were biting my lures. in more than two months, I could not and danced in the calm sea I felt as Looking up, I watched a line of jet make my legs obey me. They crum- though I was paddling off the edge of aeroplanes heading for Hawaii. I pled underneath me and I sat down the earth and into space. thought about the passengers eating heavily in the shallow water. A local from their plastic trays. My food character staggering down the beach For two weeks I pushed my kayak fantasies were so real and so complete asked me where I had come from. slowly westward, until I reached lon- that I could recreate every detail of When I told him that I had paddled my gitude 140 west. Nine hundred miles every restaurant I had ever visited. I kayak from California, he whistled. from my goal, the trade winds blew could remember the taste, texture and strongly enough to launch my parafoil smell of meals I had eaten several “That’s a long way”, he said. “Must’ve kite. This colourful flying sail did not years ago. I thought about how I taken you two or three days, huh?” replace paddling, but the kite’s pull should have gone to a grocery store in “Yeah”, I said. doubled my speed, and I averaged Monterey and bought fifty cans of fifty miles a day. Spam, or chilli and stuffed the cans I talked him into helping me drag my into my boat. kayak up the beach, then he wandered A school of blue and gold mahi-mahi off. Reeling like a drunken Popeye, I fish played about my boat, frolicking I had nearly completed the world’s marched off in search of a junk food and jumping in my bow wave. Catch- longest open ocean crossing, but I did breakfast. ing them was easy since they always not feel any closer to land. I had been seemed voraciously hungry - fighting scribbling different latitude and lon- Ed Gillet each other to be first to bite the lures gitude numbers on the side of my which I trailed behind on a handline. boat, but I had no sense of progress. I even trained them to gather close to My kayak trip seemed as though it my boat when I knocked on my hull would last forever. In my 63rd day at by feeding them cut-up pieces of bait. sea I was taking my usual noon lati- Once a day I slipped a fish hook into tude sight. When I swung my sextant

11 No. 77 October - November 1998

Lindemann, Hannes; ALONE AT amazed when I started putting the list BOOKS SEA. Random House, NY, 1958, together. I thought I would have about BOOK REVIEW 180pp, 8vo. Frontis. Quarter Cloth. 500/600 books at best, then more and Title: ‘CANOE and KAYAK BOOKS’ Reprinted in softcover with addi- more just kept popping up. If I would Editor: Jerry Cassell tional information and photos. (See edit it now, I could add another 400+ Published: 1997 Peter Schwierzke’s reading list.) titles, including some older books. Publisher: The Wilderness Collection Extreme sea kayaking in folding 716 Delaware Court, Lawton. boat. Author sails in Klepper Aerius I recognized your name right away, as MI 49065. USA across Atlantic, testing survival I sell some of your books. I see you Subject: Guide to paddling books. techniques. First half of book is have done some pretty impressive Cover: Softback about same crossing in African stuff. Congratulations on some excit- Contents: 144 pages. canoe made the year before. Very ing paddling! Size: A4, comb bind. interesting reading. Toy 552. RRP: US$29.95 We do sell a lot (for a mom & pop Availability: from the publisher Perhaps upwards of 70% of the titles business operating out of our home) Reviewed by: Paul Caffyn relates to canoeing, whitewater pad- overseas, however we have no cus- dling and rafting. An appendix at the tomers in NZ. We sell the guide for I hate it when books like this are rear of the book carries a chronologi- $29.95 US plus $4.00 surface ship- produced. Just when I vainly reck- cal listing of over 550 books and ping (6 - 8 weeks to NZ). Air mail (7- oned my collection of paddling books ephemera in the guide published be- 10 days) is $13.00 postage cost. Pay- was bursting at the seams, I bought a fore 1950, with entries listed by the ment has to be in US funds, as we do copy of ‘CANOE and KAYAK first known date of publication. not take credit cards. BOOKS’ and sadly realized just how many paddling titles have been pro- The book format is similar to the If you or some of your friends would duced over the years. KASK Handbook, A4 size with a plas- happen to see something they could tic comb binding. use, a group order would make things a For bookaphiles, or bibliophiles which lot simpler probably. I may have forgot is the proper name for obsessive book Apart from its value for bookaphiles, to mention that we offer a 10 percent collectors, this book is the world’s this compilation is an ideal source for discount to anyone in the ‘trade’. most comprehensive compilation of paddlers seeking knowledge of areas Jerry Cassell paddling titles. The subtitle notes: ‘A where they are planning expeditions The Wilderness Collection guide to over 2,000 English Language and for those interested in such areas 716 Delaware Court books and ephemera written about the as Polynesian outrigger canoe voyag- Lawton. canoe, the kayak and other ing. MI 49065 paddlecraft.’ USA As Jerry noted in the introductory The introductory section explains the section, the listing is not a bibliogra- Jerry’s latest cattledog (Summer/Fall rationale for the guide, and the criteria phy. He and his wife are book dealers, 1998 #12) contains a 30 page listing used for inclusion and exclusion of not bibliographers. There are some of both second-hand and new titles. material. Material excluded is: eight titles, related to both New Zea- For a cattledog you can fax or email - magazine articles land paddling and military kayaking, Jerry: - theses and research papers which I found not listed. But as Jerry Fax: 001 616 624 5309 - canoe manufacture catalogues notes in the letter below, he has an- email: [email protected] - general histories other 400+ titles which need to be - videos, films, artwork etc. added to his 1997 compilation. Lindemann, Hannes; - foreign language books. ALONE AT SEA. Naturally I sent away for a current book The 1993 reprint of this book, in This is followed by recommended cattledog from Jerry Cassell, and re- softcover format, is available both reading lists from 12 paddlers in vari- quested information on pricing on the from Jerry Cassell at US$23 plus $4 ous parts of the world. Ten biblio- book for New Zealand bookaphiles. post and packing graphic reference sources follow and Jerry sent the following response: or from ‘Sea Kayaker’ PO Box 17170, a guide of how to source books with Seattle, WA 98107-0870, USA at various mail order book suppliers. Thanks for the kind words about the US$25.95 plus $1.50 for surface mail. Canoe/Kayak Guide. It is far from The bulk of the book is then an alpha- perfect, but I went ahead and printed This reprint has additional photos and betical listing of author, with the book some for my customers so they could maps, plus an additional informative title, publisher, date of first publica- at least have something to work with. chapter telling of the lessons learned tion, size, cover, illustrations, maps, from the two trips. index and a brief synopsis of content. What you said about your ‘meagre’ P. Caffyn. For example: collection is true for all of us. I was

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

In retrospect the journey held differ- steel strengthened yacht, the Eleanor HISTORY -AUST . ent highlights for each expedition Rymill. member, but all were equally hum- EXPEDITIONT O EAST bled by the absolutely uncompromis- Within 14 days, towards the end of the GREENLAND ing environment, where just to sur- trip in September-October near disas- vive is an extraordinary accomplish- ter struck 3 times. Each time lives ment. came horribly close to being lost and The following two articles were a lot of prayers were offered. The plucked off the P & H web site by In the afterglow, memories of frost- volatile nature of the mountainous, cybermail searcher Sandy Ferguson, bite, trench foot, sprained ankles and imperceptibly-moving icebergs means and reproduced with permission from being frozen to the bone are all but there is hardly ever more than a few Julian Patrick of P & H Canoes UK. forgotten. seconds warning before they collide and explode. East Greenland Kayak Memories most vivid for the four ex- Expedition. plorers are the majestic bergs, the While passing through a maze of bergs Reproduced from the “Weekend Aus- Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis at the end of the most serious ice tralian Magazine” Dec 13-14, 1986 which appear in winter when the sun sector at Kap Mosting, Larry Gray disappears for six months, the harsh came within what felt like a hairs Team members - Earle Bloomfield, lifestyle of Greenland’s natives, who breadth of being crushed by falling Graeme Joy, Larry Gray, George are just as vulnerable to nature’s va- icebergs. Two bergs had collided and Pompei. garies as the intruder. Here the differ- in the explosion a one ton block of ice ence between life or death is slitting landed on Larry’s kayak. “I thought it Kayaks used on expedition - P&H open the torso of a bear and sheltering was death. I looked up and all I could Icefloe inside for warmth. see was ice coming down on me” Larry said. Graeme Joy, who was There is an Indiana Jones quality about While the four kayakers were seasoned ahead of the collision, said when the Earle Bloomfield, the 36 year old quiet outdoor challengers none had experi- two bergs crunched, “it sounded like achiever whose entire adult life has enced an expedition on this scale. a double barrelled shotgun going off...a been a quest for supreme challenges, pregnant pause of two or three sec- a doctrine that has taken him to the During the 1000 km trek down the onds and down came the ice”. last great frontiers. tortuous east coast of Greenland, the biggest ice mass in the northern hemi- George, who was thrown from his Bloomfield, who began sea kayaking sphere, the four braved subzero tem- kayak by the force of the collision, when he was 11, first heard of Gino peratures, 280 kph winds, heaving said the team was a lot more wary of Watkins and his Arctic exploration seas and perhaps the greatest danger the bergs after that. Luckily nobody nine years ago. Watkin’s words 'A of all, collapsing icebergs. The expe- was hurt although this was more a man can achieve absolutely anything dition retraced the open boat stroke of luck than anything else. if he really wants to', haunted and British Arctic Air Route Expedition imprisoned Bloomfield in that he felt (BAARE) made in 1931 by the great Only days later it began to snow heav- obliged to do everything he felt he explorer Watkins from Angmagssalik ily and the kayakers were forced to could do - thus the Arctic emulation to Julianehaab (Watkins was killed by seek shelter in a cave-like area on the this year. a collapsing iceberg during the sec- coast. As Earle described it “at one ond stage of BAARE in 1932.). This minute to eight we were sleeping The raison d’être of the $600,000 ex- new journey was fraught with danger peacefully. Bang on eight I was float- pedition, largely sponsored by a Mel- for the four explorers and one from ing on two feet of water”. The icy bourne stockbroking firm, was the which they were lucky to return. The water had caught them out. Through- making of a film to be shown on trip down the coast was timed to start out that night, with an increasingly Australian television. Earle had re- at the beginning of summer, but prob- rising tide, they had to move camp six sponsibility not only for the lives of lems delayed them by two months times. During the first incident the sea his fellow expeditioners but the cam- forcing them to begin at the start of the had claimed tents, fuel, stoves and era crew as well. Arctic winter, when conditions are most of their food and clothes. The virtually inhuman. That delay said support boat was a long paddle away. Passionate about exploring Earle is Earle made the trip 100% more haz- After six days surviving on meagre motivated by curiosity and challenges. ardous. uncooked rations, they met three Es- “People respond best to challenges kimos and spent two days with them and threats” he explained. If he had Whilst risk taking is the accepted lot as they waited for bad weather to died on the trip all he wanted was a of the explorer, the prospect of death subside. Earle, who had studied simple unmarked grave and the place was ever present as they paddled down Greenlandic in preparation for the trip, marked on a map. the coast. The four kayakers were was able to communicate with the shadowed by a support boat, a 14 m. Eskimos. The East coast of Greenland

13 No. 77 October - November 1998 is inhabited by only about 2700 na- to stain the hat brown with coffee tives and most are primitive Eskimo The White Hat from one of their numerous flasks. hunters. by Derek Hutchinson With some reluctance I gave my hat to (from the P&H Web Site) the director who wandered of with it On October 1st the kayakers finally out of sight ...... rejoined the Eleanor Rymill near I’ve just finished making a TV movie Skjoldungen. They decided to set off for a US film Company called “Any He returned about 20 minutes later to the calmer West coast and rejoin Place Wild”. They do a very popular with what appeared to be dirty, limp the route on to their destination, adventure series on Public TV in the looking rag. This was my hat. It now Julianehaab. US. That’s the equivalent of our BBC. looked like a floor cloth that had been The whole affair turned out to be very used for washing out the Saturday But disaster struck again. On October interesting. First a team came over for night toilet pans of a public conven- 7th. It was to be their worst encounter a recce two weeks before the actual ience. “We couldn’t get the coffee to with the Arctic elements. At anchor, shoot. I had already persuaded them take so we stuck it down into the mud at Kungerdluluk, the infamous Arctic that the Farne Islands would be far on the bottom of the harbour but I blasts began and at 5 am the Eleanor more exciting that the west coast of think it should be dark enough now!” Rymill was rammed by an enormous Scotland. The trouble was that when What followed could not be described Iceflow. The anchor was snapped and they arrived it was so calm you could as an ugly scene but after that things the support vessel was blown out to see the image of the Inner Farne light- were never the same between us. sea and forced to ride it out in what, house reflected in the North Sea. They from photos that survived the epi- looked at me like they would at a pick I did get my own back however...... sode, resembled a cauldron of boiling pocket and it was obvious they thought black oil. The presence of huge ice- I’d been shooting a line about the tidal Our second day filming would start as bergs increased the danger level. streams and all the rough water they John Vietnam and I would be ‘shot’ could expect. dragging our kayaks across the By late afternoon the winds had scrubby marsh grass that grows on the reached over 280 kph and it was not It was during this visit that I was told mud at the beginning of the Holy possible to even go out on deck. At that I could not paddle an all white Island Causeway. This causeway is 5.40 pm the yacht was knocked down kayak. This was something to do with exposed for two miles at low tide. It is and rolled 180 degrees by a massive white being too bright on video. I took only at this time that it is possible to wave. Damage included one kayak me a day to paint the deck of my boat walk across these dangerous sand flats missing, one destroyed, snapped British racing green! and get to the island of Lindisfarne. boom, inflatable boat and motor lost, main sail overboard, broken rudder, When the whole team finally arrived We got our crackled instructions on lifebuoys lights and windows for the actual movie, the Farnes lived our radio link from the Director. “On smashed. Below though the most se- up to their reputation. It was rough ACTION,” he said, “I want you both rious damage was to sailing master, and it was spring tides. The host of the to drag your boats in the direction of Tony Axford, who had suffered pel- program, who I would accompany the mainland” We let him know we vic and spinal injuries. Otherwise the out to the Longstone had not done a understood what was needed. “AC- bilges were filled, electronic radio great deal of paddling on the open sea TION!” We started to drag the kay- and navigation aids waterlogged and so he tended to be a little ‘apprehen- aks. After 30 seconds came the cry food and gear lockers emptied. Fortu- sive’ during or on the water shoots. “CUT!” We stopped. nately the life raft was retained. On some of the crossings his face was decidedly pale. However he turned In the distance we could see the cam- All said it was the longest night of out to be made of strong stuff. era crew changing their position. They their lives, one in which several prayed obviously wanted a head on shot. The - George is said to have sung hymns - We were all milling around in voice came over the radio once again. and all contemplated death. Certainly Seahouses Harbour on the first morn- “When I say ACTION I want you to nobody slept. By late the next day the ing prior to our first two mile paddle drag your boats forward toward us. storm was subsiding and the coast out to Inner Farne Island. It was then You see that shallow pool of water up was visible. I was given some bad news. I was told ahead. Well I want you to wade that the new, rather stylish, white hat through that with a bit of splash. OK?” The Eleanor Rymill was rescued and I was wearing with the stiff brim (it Before replying, I said to John, “Watch towed into Nanortalik by a freighter, prevents water going down your neck) this” Then through the radio I said to the Johanna Kristina. Forty eight hours could not be worn because the white- the director, “I see it. Could you check later they reached Julianehaab and the ness would affect the quality of the it out for depth for us?” His reply was journey was ended. film. In righteous annoyance I told impatient. It’s only shallow - but - Oh, them I would not change. Things got OK!”. We watched him approach the quite heated. Anyhow I eventually pool. The bottom was black and weakened and said I would allow them smooth and it appeared to be covered

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

with about two inches of clear water. a submarine and tried to bail water The director approached the pool and INCIDENTR EPORTING from his cockpit using the hand bailer. without any hesitation planted his foot Double Kayak Rescues & This had no effect. He then got out of firmly into it about 12 inches from the Broken Rudder Blades the boat and they both tried bailing edge. For some unknown reason he their cockpits before getting in again. suddenly seemed to kneel down onto by Bill Gibson the dry side knee. The other leg van- Fiordland Wilderness Again this had no effect, waves re- ished downwards out of sight. Now Experiences placing the bailed water as fast as they the only thing shallow about that pool (reprinted with permission from the bailed. Their concern about re-enter- was the thin film of clear water on the SKOANZ newsletter #12.) ing the boat with all the water in was surface. The jet black ooze which that the dramatically reduced stability formed the bottom went all the way During the 97/98 season our business would capsize them again before they down to Australia. A leg covered with experienced for the first time a situa- could pump out the water with bilge black slime was the first thing to reap- tion where clients required outside pump. After about 20 minutes of bail- pear. Shortly afterwards, a Welling- assistance in a capsize situation. The ing a motorboat was sighted coming ton boot was extracted from the now two rental clients were on a multi day down the reach towards them and black sump hole. A toneless voice trip paddling in Doubtful Sound in a sensibly they decided to get assist- came over the radio. “No - er don’t Tofino double kayak. Both paddlers ance and set off two mini flares. walk through that pool. Err...on ‘AC- were New Zealanders with signifi- TION’ just cut across to the left!” cant outdoor and paddling experience As an operator we learnt a number of between them. The capsize occurred things from this episode: Should I write a book and call it “The while crossing (15 minutes paddling memoirs of a Kayak Star”? time in normal conditions) the main 1. That many paddlers, even very ex- Derek Hutchinson reach of Doubtful Sound in rough perienced paddlers have little or no windy conditions (gusting 40 knots). first hand experience of dealing with Editorial Note: Derek has designed The two paddlers had received our a capsize situation in rough 'real' con- several sea kayaks in production by normal safety briefing and been given ditions. P&H Canoes and is the author of instruction on the use of the self res- several good books on how to sea cue equipment we provide to all dou- 2. That when faced with a kayak com- kayak and rolling. He made the first ble kayaks paddling alone - a sea pletely awash clients may well be crossing of the North Sea and has anchor and paddle float. psychologically reluctant to try to get been on expeditions to the Aleutian back into the boat, replace spray skirts Islands and Prince William Sound. Approximately half way across the and start pumping even though that is main reach the rudder blade snapped what they have been instructed to do. off without warning immediately be- low the support shoulders leaving 3. That although provided with a pad- WANTEDT OB UY them with no rudder steerage. The dle float they felt that this while al- Hello Paul two paddlers ferried across the re- lowing them to re-enter would not Enjoyed the latest newsletter im- mainder of the reach and turned to run provide enough stability to allow a mensely. Great trip reports on Stewart with the wind and waves approxi- completely swamped kayak to be Island and Cape Jackson in Cook Strait. mately 200 meters off the northern pumped out in rough conditions. Es- shoreline. Conditions at this stage had pecially in their situation where one Also, I would like to put a “wanted” moderated somewhat and they were paddler had a good brace stroke but ad in the next newsletter able to run with the wind and waves the other didn’t. reasonably comfortably maintaining Am looking for a second-hand Blue control with a stern rudder. Having 4. That double sea kayaks with large Marlin, Southern Skua or Arctic started to relax a bit they were then cockpits and no rocker are perhaps Raider (prefer fibre-glass, but would caught out by a sequence of larger not suitable for sending out alone on a also be interested in kevlar). waves combined with a huge wind rental trip due to their proneness to gust which put them in the water. extreme swamping in a capsize situa- My details are as follows: tion - further aggravated if one or both Duncan Atkinson They righted the kayak and deployed storage compartments are low volume. tel: 03.546.4957 (h) the sea anchor and set up the paddle 03.547.5255 (w) float. Having organized the equip- 5. That marine grade aluminium rud- e-mail: [email protected] ment the rear paddler got back into the ders may resist corrosion but in terms kayak. At this stage rather than imme- of metal fatigue have a relatively short We enjoy and appreciate the work diately replacing his spray skirt and life span due to the flexing that is you are doing! getting the front person onboard he happening more or less continuously Duncan became concerned by how the kayak to them when the boat is being pad- was basically awash and making like dled - the rougher the conditions the

15 No. 77 October - November 1998 more flexing. The rudder blade on the services endeavour to provide a this kayak had had some minor previ- RADIO fast response to emergencies many ous bends straightened out but had factors may prevent or delay commu- never been badly bent and weakened. COMMUNICATION nication and the response. Extended A week after this event I snapped off INTHE GR EAT monitoring times are more likely at the blade on our other Tofino surfing peak times (summer holidays) and in and then broaching on a standing wave OUTDOORS the central South Island. Best choice in the Doubtful Sound tail race current. for most South Island areas. The following is a brochure received from Peter Sullivan, which has been We have modified our rental opera- jointly published by The New Zea- EMERGENCY tions policy with regard to a double land Search and Rescue Inc. and LOCATOR BEACONS kayak travelling alone and now: NZ Mountain Safety Council. Re- (ELTs/ELBs/PLBs) printed without permission, but in the 1. Issue two paddle floats to maxim- Advantages interest of safety, I feel the two pub- ise stability for re-entry and during Compact, lightweight, satellite detec- lishers would not mind. pumping out. tion, remote activation possible, In- ternational distress frequencies, air- 2. Issue two bilge pumps rather than MOUNTAIN RADIOS craft detection and homing possible. one to speed up pumping out. Advantages Activation and detection possible day/ Compact, lightweight. Two way con- night. Response dependent on when 3. Do not allow Tofinos out on a versation with bases and other sets for a satellite or aircraft detects and lo- rental trip alone - although personally weather forecasts, message services cates the signal, and emergency serv- I really enjoy paddling these boats - or knowledgeable assistance. Com- ice response times. especially down hill. munication is available from most mountain areas. Regular nightly con- Disadvantages 4. Put even more emphasis during the tacts. A record is maintained of your Currently one way alert signal only briefing on re-entering, replacing route which can speed searches. (success uncertain), untested in steep spray skirts and then pumping. mountain valleys/gorges. Limited to Disadvantages emergency use only; problems caused 5. Spend more time discussing per- Long wire (40m) antenna that has to by false alarms and multiple sonal experiences and a range of strat- be erected. This may be a problem for activations. Designed for sea/air emer- egies for dealing with a capsize. an injured person. Night-time inter- gencies. ference possible. Communication in 6. Replace all Aluminium rudder some areas may only be possible at Use blades on our double kayaks that are scheduled calling times (normally Use only in an emergency. Ensure the two or more years old with stainless early evening). battery is replaced regularly (before steel - (which is still subject eventu- trip). Extend any aerial to the full length. ally to metal fatigue). Use Try and use in a clear area; avoid deep Know the listening times of the base narrow gorges or heavy foliage. If you’re doing rental briefings make stations and what channel to use. Try sure that you have got out there your- the Christchurch channel during the Cost/Availability self and practised capsizes in a variety day. Use concise, planned messages. $300-$700 per unit, may be hired, of boats in “real” capsize conditions Agree with the base station on contact available from ships chandlers and so that you can relay first hand the times. Keep the aerial centre high and specialist NZ manufacturers. realities of self rescue. Keep in mind clear of trees, use in an open area that what seems easy to you in terms (broad-side to the base station). Carry Comment of re-entry and control will not be the spare batteries on long trips. ELBs available for 121.5MHz, case for clients out there by them- 406MHz and 121.5/406MHz. Satel- selves faced with their first ever cap- Cost/Availability lite position fixing is more accurate size for real. Low cost hire, typically $25 per week, with the 406MHz ELB. Aircraft are from Mountain Radio Services in equipped to receive the 121.5MHz Bill Gibson Whangarei, Taupo, Napier, Welling- ELBs only but this should change. ton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hokitika, Further technology advances are ex- Invercargill. See the Mountain Safety pected for this equipment. Average Council pamphlet “Mountain Radio signal detection is some 1.5 hours. Service” for hire details. The response will be slowed by the evaluation and callout procedures. No Comment confirmation of alert detection. No In most cases mountain radio is the messages currently possible. ELBs preferred choice for trampers under- may have some advantages for a solo taking overnight or longer trips. While tramper when injured.

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

CELL PHONES Consider - Advantages Time to get help NEWWEBSITES Compact, lightweight, two way con- Location SOUTHERN EXPOSURE versation, unlimited choice of con- Activity SEA KAYAKING WEB SITE tacts including 1 1 1 services. Service Group size Just a quick note to let you know that available in most urban areas, main Party skills and experience the SOUTHERN EXPOSURE SEA roads (SH.1), some open ridge/hill Medical problems. KAYAKING web site is now (finally!) top coverage mainly in the North Is- up and running. There are still some land. Coastal coverage in many areas. Remember the golden rules for minor changes to be made ie. logo safety in the outdoors - change, which will happen over the Disadvantages Appropriate experience next couple of months. Check it out at Cellphones are designed principally Adequate clothing, equipment, http://www.nzkayak.co.nz. Our first full for city and surrounding areas, use in food & drink colour brochure is out now (along with the outdoors is a bonus. Very little Local knowledge & navigation more of my hair producing it!!) also. mountain valley coverage; very lim- skills Al Rynn ited coverage in South Island or more Don’t travel alone [email protected] isolated North Island mountain areas. Respect rivers and weather. http://www.nzkayak.co.nz Flat batteries often when required. Not designed for emergency commu- Leave party details/intentions with AUCKLAND CANOE a friend or relative. nications in remote areas. CENTRE WEB SITE Auckland Canoe Centre has a new e- Use If assistance is required, plan care- mail address: Reliable communication cannot be fully. Write out your message giving [email protected] assumed in most mountain areas es- maximum information to assist SAR If you wish to e-mail Peter, Su, Mike pecially river valleys. Send a concise, personnel reach your location with or any of the staff personally, you can planned message. Use the 111 serv- the required equipment and skills. Pro- do so by addressing mail as follows: ice. Include the phone number as the vide details of location, assistance [email protected], [email protected] Police and SAR may need further required, urgency, party details, etc, just changing the recipients name. information. Arrange suitable con- weather and terrain, disabilities or tact times during the initial call for medical problems, time, how and Our web site is up and running. There assistance, and turn phone off at other when to contact. Communication can will be changes and add-ons in the times. Ensure you remain at a point be by runner or radio. future, but you can access it currently where the phone on:http://mysite.xtra.co.nz/ will work, open mountain/ridge tops Make your location clearly visible ~AklCanoeCentre/ are the best locations. Battery conser- from the air - use bright colours, light vation is essential - don’t ring friends. a smoky fire, use movement to attract the attention of searching aircraft and LRB2 - KASK Cost/Availability search parties. Carry a whistle. $50 upwards, plus rental, readily avail- HANDBOOK2nd. Ed. able from communications stores. In remote mountain country, moun- The 200 print run of the LRB2 is tain radio is the best choice for com- almost sold out. For a copy of this Comment munications. mother of all handbooks, contact Access to ridge tops may not be pos- KASK Treasurer Helen Woodward: sible due to weather. Better than MORE INFORMATION 82 Hutcheson St. nothing; plan carefully for best re- Batteries Blenheim sults. Carry a spare battery. Line of Batteries should be new (or fully email: [email protected] sight to a service providers’ cell-site charged), carry spares. Conserve bat- antenna is usually required. teries - don’t make unnecessary calls, COST: and only turn on radio/cellphone for New members: gratis GENERAL COMMENT short periods at agreed times. Keep Existing members: $10 + $1 p&p All communication systems have limi- batteries warm when using. Non-members: $18 + $1 p&p tations. Ideally at least two different types of emergency alert system Ensure all party members know how Make cheques out to KASK (NZ)Inc should be carried (e.g. Mountain Ra- to use the communication device. dio plus an ELB). Consider carefully Trade enquiries also to Helen. your particular circumstances and needs before setting out.

17 No. 77 October - November 1998

If undelivered, please return to: Helen Woodward, 82 Hutcheson St. Blenheim. SUBSCRIPTIONS - $20 - due 28 February 1998

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