Sea Canoeist Newsletter

The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

No. 113 October - November 2004 THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER

KASK President, Susan Cade, during a surf training session run recently at Wellington by John Kirk-Anderson (Photo: JKA)

The biggest seal launch in Australia! The editor about to plunge down into the Bay of Islands, in south-western Victoria. The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. - KASK

1 No. 113 October - November 2004 KASK LRB3 - KASK HANDBOOK HAWKE'S BAY- KASK Contact For a copy (or trade orders) of this Adrian Rhodes KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea mother of all sea kayaking handbooks, Ph: 06-8439853 Fax: 06-8439857 Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of contact Paul Caffyn, RD 1, Runanga, email: [email protected] New Zealand sea kayakers, has the 7854. West Coast. GISBORNE Sea Kayakers Club objectives of: e-mail: [email protected] John Humphris, 3 Matthews Rd, Gisborne 1. promoting and encouraging the Price: $24.00 Ph: (06) 868 4657 sport of sea kayaking New members: gratis email: [email protected] or 2. promoting safety standards Make cheques out to KASK (NZ) Inc. [email protected] 3. developing techniques & Website:www.geocities.com/ equipment THE LRB3, or the Little Red Book gisborne_sea_kayakers/ 4. dealing with issues of coastal 3rd. Edition, is a mammoth compila- NEW PLYMOUTH KASK Contact access and protection tion on all aspects of sea kayaking in Bob Talbot, 5. organizing an annual sea kayak New Zealand, by many of the most 10 Ranfurly St., Waitara. forum experienced paddlers in the Universe. Ph: 06 754 4191(H) or 0274 457038 6. publishing a bimonthly Following a brief introduction, the email: [email protected] newsletter. handbook is divided into six sections: WELLINGTON Sea Kayak Network - Kayak, Paddle & Equipment Christine Coshan, PO Box 26052, The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is pub- -Techniques & Equipment Newlands, Wellington lished bimonthly as the official news- - The Elements Ph: (04) 971 2141 letter of the Kiwi Association of Sea - Trips and Expeditions email: [email protected] Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. - Places to Go Website: www.wskn.wellington.net.nz Articles, trips reports, book reviews, - Resources equipment reviews, new techniques, SOUTH ISLAND letter to the editor, and moments when SEA KAYAKING the word 'Bugger!' was said singu- MARLBOROUGH larly or often {referred to by some as NETWORK ADDRESSES Helen Woodward incidents} are sought to enliven the NORTH ISLAND Ph: (03) 579 5669 pages of the newsletter. NORTHLAND Canoe Club [email protected] PO Box 755, Whangarei NELSON - KASK Contact Send in a plain brown envelope, or via Brian Lamerton Nora Flight cybermail to: Ph: (09) 437 2858 Ph: (03) 544 7877 Editor: Paul Caffyn, email: [email protected] email: [email protected] RD 1, Runanga. 7854 AUCKLAND Canoe Club CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Network West Coast .N.Z. 22 Spinnaker Dve., Andy & Deirdre Sheppard Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland. 53 Kent Lodge Ave Email: [email protected] email:auckland-canoe-club Avonhead, Christchurch. 8004 [email protected]. Ph: (03) 342 7929 KASK Annual Subscription HAURAKI Kayak Group email: [email protected] Pelham Housego www.CanterburySeaKayak.orcon.net.nz $25 single membership OTAGO ($75 for 3 years; $125 for 5 years) PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland WAIKATO KASK Contact Rob Tipa $30 family membership. (03) 478 0360 $35 overseas Evan Pugh, RD2, Putaruru [email protected] [email protected] A subscription form can be SOUTHLAND Sea Kayak Network downloaded from the KASK website. Ph: (07) 883 6898 RUAHINE Whitewater Club Stan Mulvany Cheques should be made out to: 03 215 7263 K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & mailed to: 71 Salisbury St., Ashhurst. Ph: 06 326 8667 Fax: 06 326 8472 email: [email protected] KASK Administrator Website: www.sskc.wwwizards.net PO Box 23, Runanga. 7854 www.q-kayaks.co.nz/pages/club.asp West Coast BAY OF PLENTY - KASK Contact Iona Bailey, Tauranga SKOANZ Sea Kayak Operators Assn. NZ Correspondence/Queries to: Ph: (07) 576 1492 email: [email protected] Suzanne Dent, Administrator Vanessa Hughes SKOANZ KASK Administrator ROTORUA- KASK Contact John Flemming, PO Box 1872, Rotorua PO Box 1222 PO Box 23, Runanga. 7854 Christchurch West Coast Ph/fax: (07) 347 9950 email: [email protected] Ph/fax; 03 329 8317 Rotorua Kayak Club email: [email protected] Send address changes for receiving Website: www.skoanz.org.nz the newsletter via email to Vanessa 7 Mahana Place, Rotorua at: [email protected] Ph: (027) 292 3138 email: [email protected] KASK Website: www.kask.co.nz

2 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

INDEX EDITORIAL my kind hosts was David Winkworth, EDITORIAL p. 3 The Safe Sea Kayaking Brochure who has yet to visit New Zealand. Our KASK Over 6,000 of the brochures have been voices were just about buggered after President’s Reports dispatched by Water Safety New Zea- several days of swapping tale tales by Susan Cade p. 4 land. The first full colour cover page, and true of paddling in tropical Aus- that featured with newsletter No. 112 tralia. David will be an ideal keynote LETTERS to the EDITOR was paid with help from WSNZ. My speaker for the 2005 KASK Forum. Cook Strait Crossing thanks to both Chris Robinson and Sarah from Caroline Gates p.4 Tomlinson with their invaluable help My Victorian hosts, Peter Treby and Collision Avoidance with getting the brochure printed and Peter Costello, took me on a nostalgic from Derek Wakeling p.5 distributed. Printing cost was funded tour of the western coast of Victoria, by a $5,000 grant from WSNZ. out as far as Port Fairy. At CALENDAR Warnambool, I caught up after 23 NZ Kayak Builders Get Together Special thanks to Max Grant for the years with Max and Heather Hall, 18 - 20 February 2005 p.4 cracker cover photo of Melanie Grant who looked after Lesley, Andy and Waikato Evening Paddle p.5 off Cape Egmont, also to Susan Cade myself during two days of gales. KASK 2005 AGM Notice p.10 and Iona Bailey for their input and Heather said I’ve got something for Hokitika Film Festival p.23 feedback, JKA for the surf pic and you. She handed over a small coin EASTER 2005 KASK FORUM feedback, and Tony Dumper and Alan wallet, that Lesley had left on a shelf Registration Package pp.11-14 Hall for feedback. in the living room. “We’ve been wait- ing for you to come back to give you SAFETY Please do your bit to ensure wide- this.” Incident Analysis Workshop spread distribution of the brochure. If by Cathye Haddock p.6 your local kayak shop does not stock Foreshore and Seabed Bill it, suggest the manager orders the In late November 2004, the Labour CONSERVATION brochure from WSNZ. Government bill on foreshore and Auckland/Northland DoC News seabed ownership was passed with from Vincent Maire p.9 ‘2005 NZ Kayak Buyer’s Guide’ support of the NZ First party. Owner- Blumine Is. Update p.10 Natalie Meek from Rotorua has made ship is now vested with the Crown. North Island Contact p.10 a great job of the ‘2005 NZ Kayak This has been a long protracted affair, Buyer’s Guide.’ A full page KASK following a 1997 Maori Land Court THE ‘BUGGER!’ FILE promotion has a lovely blend of safety ruling that iwi had customary rights to Rotorua Incident initiatives and photos of paddlers en- the foreshore and possibly the seabed. by Iona Bailey p.15 joying themselves. JKA’s lovely dog The decision was appealed and in paddler pic that featured on the cover June 2001, the High Court rejected BOOK REVIEW of KASK newsletter No. 110 is in full the iwi claim, and the case went to the ‘Outdoor Safety - Risk Management colour, as are some of my photos. Court of Appeal. In June 2003, the for Outdoor Leaders’ Look for the guide at your favourite Court of Appeal ruled that the Maori by Iona Bailey p.15 kayak shop or newsagent. Land Court had the right to investigate customary title. NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS Easter 2005 KASK Forum Pelorus-Queen Charlotte sounds Pages 11-14 are a pullout section for In August 2003, the Government re- by Sari Lewis p.17 registering for the Easter 2005 KASK leased a draft policy calling for Crown Waiheke Island Forum. It is your opportunity to re- ownership and placing the seabed and by Julie Reynolds p.18 quest topics or sessions you would foreshore in the public domain, ensur- like covered. For North Islanders, it is ing freedom of access and recognition TECHNICAL time to ensure you have ferry book- of customary rights. In August 2004, Selecting a Handheld VHF Radio ings made. A KASK forum subcom- a select committee received over 4,000 by David Fisher p.19 mittee is well advanced with planning; submission on the proposed policy, Susan Cade, Bevan Walker, Iona Bailer, including one from KASK. OVERSEAS TRIP REPORTS Alan Hall and Helen Woodward. Please Gulf of CarpentariaXing p.20 register as early as possible. Claims have been made by opposition parties that Maori would be able to TECHNICAL POLEMNICS Australia claim about 10% of coastline. Under Paddles In late November I attended the Vic- the new act, iwi with continuous oc- Direction Conrol torian Sea Kayak Club AGM at cupation of a coastal area where they by Alan Byde p.21 Portsea, south of Melbourne, and the practice customary rights can apply HUMOUR P.23 following weekend, showed slides to for guardianship of the area, but can- DEADLINE FOR N/L 114 a gathering of NSW paddlers at not stop access unless the area is a 15 January 2005 Bundeena, south of Sydney. One of traditional burial ground.

3 No. 113 October - November 2004 practise drills and follow some peer PRESIDENT’S coaching tips which makes the learn- New Zealand REPORT ing more attainable. Thanks so much Kayak Builders for your time John. from Susan Cade Get Together I am now even more determined to As the year draws to a close, I am be pro-active about supporting skill 18 – 20 stunned with the rapidity of its pass- training at both club and national ing. I am sure the years are getting KASK levels. I have noticed with February 2005 shorter. In the past two months, I have the Wellington network training on paddled twice in the Marlborough leadership, stroke drills, rescues, Based at the Blue Lake in Rotorua. Sounds; one trip to Tory Channel with rolling and surf training, there is This is a chance for people interested the Wellington Network, looking at clearly an increase in knowledge in kayak building to meet other build- old whaling sites - and a second for being passed on and practised, mak- ers, try out different designs and pad- the pilgrimage, an annual gathering ing sea kayaking overall safer and dle one of Rotorua’s fantastic lakes. with formal dress for the Saturday more skilful for everyone. Even those unfortunate enough to evening dinner. Following the pil- paddle only plastic or glass will still grimage, I paddled into Mistletoe On a National basis, the brochure ‘A be most welcome to join in for the Bay and visited the Anakiwa Out- Basic Guide to Safe Sea Kayaking’ weekend. This will be an informal ward Bound Centre, both planned has been very well received around gathering with plenty of time to “talk venues for the 2005 KASK Forum at the country with bulk orders country shop” and socialize. A group trip on Easter. An overnight camp out at Mis- wide being supplied by Water Safety either Lake Rotoma or Lake Tarawera tletoe Bay is planned for the Sunday NZ. is planned on Saturday with Sunday evening. being the chance to test paddle those The KASK website has been tidied designs that have caught your eye. On a training note, I hosted John Kirk- up, thanks to Sandy Ferguson. Paul Anderson from Christchurch, for a Caffyn has been invited to attend the Accommodation is available at the Wellington training weekend. John is December meeting of the National Blue Lake Holiday Park: New Zealand’s most highly qualified Pleasure Boat Forum in Auckland. www.bluelaketop10.co.nz sea kayaking instructor, with BCU Ph: (07) 362 8120. Bookings are on a Level 4 Coach (Sea), a BCU 5 Star The KASK Committee and Adminis- first come basis and the management (Sea), and a KASK/ SKOANZ/ trator, Vanessa Hughes have contin- recommends booking early to avoid NZOIA Level 2 Instructor awards. ued to work in your interests. We will disappointment as they expect to be Six paddlers were coached including have the results of the KASK survey full for this weekend. An area for myself, a really positive experience out in the next newsletter - there has tents has been set aside for the kayak with a full on Friday to Sunday train- been a good response to this. builders but advance booking will still ing, including three pool sessions, two be required. Please mention that you sea sessions (one flat water & one surf So, safe sea kayaking out there, and all are part of the Kayak Builders Get session) and two video feedback ses- the best for our peak holiday season. Together. Food will be the individu- sions. We covered manoeuvring Susan Cade al’s responsibility but bring a plate for strokes, bracing, broaching, and roll- LETTER to the EDITOR the pot luck BBQ on Saturday Night. ing skills. Comments I have heard Subject: The Proposed Cook Strait ranged from: “I wish I had done this Crossing Building your own kayak is a fasci- 15 years ago”, “It was really affirm- From: Caroline & Peter Gates nating hobby as well as a way of ing for skills with some good tips”, “I In response to the previous letters on obtaining a craft suited to your par- know now why that style of roll didn’t the proposed Cook Strait crossing, ticular needs. So if you have already feel entirely right for me”, “Now I we would like to defend the crossing created a masterpiece or if you just know why I have had trouble with my by pointing out how well it was want to see what it is all about, we shoulder.” organized: hope to see you there. 1. Support boats Personally, I was left with a whole 2. Group practice - many hours spent For more information please contact range of skills to develop. My confi- on the water Graeme Bruce ph 07 332 3112 or dence in surf was improved and the 3. A very good skill mix of paddlers Grant Glazer ph 09 372 3267 email waves seemed smaller when I was (that doesn’t mean beginners) [email protected] broaching, and I am looking for big- 4. Not everyone that wanted to be ger ones! This training was a signifi- part of the event was accepted cant building block on the instruction 5. It was only going to happen in I had received from others, and what suitable weather and tide condtions, I have picked up from DVDs and hence why it didn’t happen. reading. It allowed me to make more Yours sincerely sense of techniques. I now have to Caroline Gates

4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

(remember you are still at the centre situation you can often, due to leeway LETTER TO of the clock as the imaginary clock and /or current, be on a collision course THE EDITOR face moves with you). If the direction with a moored boat, buoy or rock of the other vessel moves towards one when you appear to be steering to from Derek Wakeling o’clock then you will pass behind it. miss it. If, however the bearing (direction) of ‘Understanding how to determine the other vessel moves towards three If you have ever tried padding across a collision course’. o’clock you will pass in front of it. a harbour full of moored boats with a Mark Hutson’s method of determin- strong wind and strong tide on your ing a collision course in his article on The rules of the road, collision regula- beam that is, both the wind and tide page 9 of Newsletter 112 is unreli- tions, stipulate that to avoid a possible are pushing you sideways, you will able, as Jim Lott points out. It will collision, you should change course know what I mean. It is all to easy only work in a very few exceptional to your right (starboard) to leave the wrap yourself around the anchor chain circumstances as follows: other vessel on your left (port). This of a moored boat if you do not keep 1. The two vessels are on reciprocal can be important in confined water your wits about you and think ahead. courses, that is if they are heading because it is important that both ves- You sweep nicely past the bow of one towards each other bow on, when the sels turn away from each other. If both moored boat only to immediately find prospect of a collision is all too obvi- vessels change course in a tight situa- yourself on a close collision course ous. tion and one goes to his left and the with the next moored boat with insuf- 2. One vessel is stationary and the other to his right then they will still ficient, time to get safely past its tight other is sailing towards it. collide. Imagine you are on a river anchor chain. 3. The fixed point is infinitely far and see a powerboat coming at you, it away such as a star. is important that you both turn to the You back paddle like mad to get right relative to your own boat (star- around the stern of the boat hopefully The method will certainly not work board) so you go to opposite sides of without having to fend off only to find 90% of the time as Jim suggests. It the river. You should, in any case yourself in the worst position to get might work 1% of the time, for the rest always be on the right-hand side on across the bow of the next boat. The it will just mislead you, perhaps dan- any confined waterway to avoid this trick is to steer a course into the wind gerously so. A similar method of steer- situation. and tide that keeps the gap you are ing a course to keep two fixed point in aiming at on a constant bearing. In line can sometimes be useful for judg- There are a lot of other rules about effect you ferry glide across the wind ing the best course to make landfall at rights of way but the important thing and tide. a certain point or for clearing a head- for a kayak is keep clear of everything Derek Wakeling 30.10.04 land, but the only rule to use for deter- bigger or faster than you and that mining a collision course with an- usually means everything else on the other vessel or object is as follows. If water. It is also safest to assume the the bearing of the other object rela- other guy has not seen you. tive to your kayak does not change, then you are on a collision course. It is also important to remember that Hamilton/ due its relatively slow speed, wind Put simply, watch the other vessel for and current or tide have a large effect Central Waikato a moment, and if it’s bearing (direc- on the true course of a sea kayak, so tion) stays the same relative to your that your true course can be quite Evening Paddle kayak you are on a collision course. In different to where your bow is point- which case, make a large and obvious ing. This becomes obvious when you I am organising a group for a regular change of course, stop or paddle back- paddle across a fast flowing river. mid-week evening paddle for people wards, according to how imminent is This collision/constant- bearing rule based loosely around Hamilton. The the collision. One way to explain this automatically takes account of the venue will change depending on the is to imagine your kayak is at the true course and speed of both boats as weather/mood (e.g. Raglan, Karapiro, centre of a large clock face with the affected by leeway (wind effect) and River, Whangamarino etc). bow of your kayak pointing towards tide without you having to do any twelve o’clock and you see another mental arithmetic. If you're interested please contact vessel at, for example, two o’clock. Leigh Marshall That is in the same direction, as the This constant bearing/collision course email: [email protected] hour hand would be pointing at two rule becomes instinctive after awhile Ph: (021) 155 3419 o’clock. If you hold your course and and you use it without thinking. This or (07) 855 1467 the bearing (direction) of the other ability to act instinctively can be very vessel remains the same, which is it is useful in tight situations or when pad- still at two o’clock relative to your dling in a strong current and/or with boat, then you are on a collision course wind causing a lot of leeway. In this

5 No. 113 October - November 2004 Incident High Analysis A Workshop B P Cathye Haddock

At the White’s Bay KASK Forum in 2003, I ran an incident analysis workshop, using the Lyttelton Harbour In- C cident as a case study (KASK News- The edge letter, No 101 October – November - the line 2002 pp 4-7). Paul Caffyn asked me to write it up for the Sea Canoeist News- letter. Alas, it has taken me 18 months to finally complete the article D

OPERATION ZONES After reading out John Kirk- Low High Anderson’s incident report, we dis- cussed the Operation Zones Model Degree of difficulty of activity for adventure activities. The model is Figure 1: Operation zones model for adventure activities 1 a useful tool to help outdoor leaders understand the importance of their 1 Adapted from Martin, P., & Priest, S. (1986). Understanding the adventure own and participants’ competence in experience. Journal of the National Association of Outdoor Education, 3(1), 18-21. relation to the level of difficulty of an activity. It can also help leaders work The operation zones shown on the C - Challenge: out the ratio of competent leaders to model in Figure 1 above are explained The degree of difficulty of the activity novices for the trip. below: is above participants’ skill levels. A lot of learning takes place in this zone An outdoor leader should strive to A - Play: as participants rise to the challenges. keep a good safety margin between The skill level of the leader or partici- Maximum concentration is required; the demands of the trip and their own pant far exceeds the degree of diffi- there may be some anxiety or excite- competence, to enable them to look culty of the activity. There is no chal- ment and there is potential for mis- after their group and cope under stress. lenge or excitement in the activity. hap. Support for participants should For example: This can lead to boredom, a lack of be readily available from leaders, who concentration and to incidents if lead- should aim to be operating in A or B A grade 2+ kayaker leading a group ers or participants decide to create zones. Leaders should not aim to be down a grade 2 river, may have excitement for themselves. For the operating in C zone. trouble coping if something goes leader, careful management of the wrong, as their concentration will group is often required in this zone. The edge: be on their own paddling. Whereas The ‘fine line’ between C and D a grade 4 paddler leading a trip on a B - Cruising: zones, between pushing your limits grade 2 river is likely to be paddling without conscious effort, enabling The skill level is above the degree of and being out of control. There is high them to better cope with the unex- difficulty of the activity so leaders negative stress bordering on panic. pected and avert or resolve any in- and participants can cope easily with cidents. challenges or emergencies. There is D - Distress: often enjoyment without stress. The degree of difficulty is way above Outdoor leaders are most effective the skill level of participants or lead- when operating within their field of P - Peak experience: ers. Lack of skill, anxiety and fear can competence. The operation zones People’s competence matches the dif- lead to mishaps, serious injury or model can help outdoor leaders to ficulty of the task. It is a zone where death. A sudden change in weather determine the appropriate operation participants can experience the ulti- conditions can force a group out of A- zone for themselves and participants. mate goal of an adventure experience. C zones and into D zone quite sud- The model can also help leaders find denly. Leaders should aim to keep the right balance between competence their participants and themselves out and difficulty when planning a trip for of this zone. a particular group.

6 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

High Trip X Trip Y zones themselves, are little help to participants. • The environment is dynamic, so A B trips can fluctuate between zones. • The leader/s must be operating in A or B zones in the activity. If they find P the activity challenging, they will have no safety margin to assist if others 2 instructors 2 instructors require support or get into trouble. • The leader/s should seek their chal- C lenge in managing the group, not from the activity itself.

4 participants 4 participants Causal Pathways Once we had established the zones people were probably operating in on 7 participants D 7 participants the trip, I divided the workshop participants into groups of 5 or 6.

Each group were asked to “spot the Low High lemons” in this incident. Lemon spot- Degree of difficulty of activity ting is a good way of analyzing the Fig. 2: Operation zones model for the Lyttelton Harbour trip factors that contribute to incidents. Imagine a poker machine. Every time a leader takes a group on a trip, they TRIP REVIEW It does not take an expert to work out put $1 in the slot and push the button. The operation zones model can be that the return trip was beyond the For every risk factor the leader ig- used to review a trip and learn from it. capabilities of the leaders and partici- nores or overlooks, up pops a lemon The model can helps us determine the pants. in the window. The more factors over- zones participants and leaders were looked, the more lemons appear. If operating in as the Lyttelton Harbour The outdoor environment is dynamic enough lemons are overlooked, the trip progressed. The group were oper- so trips may not remain static. A leader will eventually hit the jackpot – ating in different zones on the way change in the weather or sea condi- a whole row of lemons - disaster!!2 over to Quail Island (Trip X), com- tions can cause a trip to fluctuate pared to the return trip where the between zones. So leaders need to Most groups spotted 20 or 30 lemons incident happened (Trip Y). take these dynamics into account in - factors that led to the Lyttelton Har- their planning and decision making. bour incident happening. Some fac- On trip X: Escape routes and a Plan B are essen- tors were apparent before the group The experienced instructors were tial in a risk management plan. As is even left the office, while others hap- probably operating in A Zone. Four calling a trip off if fluctuations that pened before they left the shore. Still participants were probably operat- could take the group out of their safe ing in B zone, cruising, as they had others occurred on the return trip and paddled before. Seven participants operation zone are likely. while the rescue was under way. were novices so were probably operating in P-C zones. Some prob- Points to note: The pathways to change model goes a ably found the trip challenging, es- • There will be a range of ability step further than spotting lemons. It is pecially those who felt ‘forced’ to within a group. a five-stage causal sequence. Causal go. The participant with the medi- • The trip chosen should be within the pathways show that multiple causes cal problem was totally dependent capabilities of everyone involved, are spread throughout several stages on the instructor, not being able to even if conditions change. Most peo- paddle. of an incident: immediate causes, ba- ple’s ability should match or exceed sic causes, and lack of management On trip Y: the difficulty of the task. control factors. Between these stages When the wind gusts hit, the in- • There should be adequate support are pathways where intervention can structors soon lost control of the for those in C zone. reduce loss. Notably, incidents are group and were probably operating • Ratios mean the number of skilled/ often the result of factors that only in C zone. The four participants that experienced people to the number of management has control over. had experience were probably in C novices in an activity; this does not to D zones. The seven novices will always equate with the number of 2Raffan, J. (1984). Images for crisis have quickly moved into D zone, leaders to the number of participants, distress. management. The Journal of Experien- as leaders who are out of their comfort tial Education, Fall 1984.

7 No. 113 October - November 2004

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Thus, the complexity of events lead- be required prior to a final decision.’ ing to incidents can be viewed quite CONSERVATION Motuora Island positively. The pathways provide op- The report states: ‘There is clear sup- portunities to intervene and ultimately From Vincent Maire port for a new hut on Motuora Island reduce the chances of an incident hap- to replace the current booked accom- pening. DoC extends facilities for modation.’ It seems likely the new hut sea kayakers will be located up the zigzag track as The small groups were given the task, the Motuora Island Restoration Soci- of transferring their lists of lemons In January this year KASK made a ety wishes to use the current cottage onto the pathways to change model. submission to the Department of Con- for its members. This hut is likely The following is the groups’ collabo- servation on recreational facilities in three years away. rative effort to identify the causal fac- a number of conservancy regions. The tors in the Lyttelton incident; place submission was part of a DoC insti- In the summary the report states: ‘Pro- them in the causal sequence; and iden- gated consultation entitled ‘Towards viding further basic overnight camp- tify strategies that may have prevented a Better Network of Visitor Facilities’ ing opportunities for sea kayakers is the incident or losses occurring. and KASK was one of 97 submitters supported by the national sea kayak- in the Auckland conservancy. ing organisation, KASK, and aligns Note that the closer to an incident you well with the Auckland Conservancy get, the less options there are for pre- The Department has published its re- Recreation Strategy. The overall cost venting any losses. This is consistent port and the wishes of sea kayakers of providing backcountry-standard with international research that shows have certainly been taken into consid- campsites will not be significant. that the earlier the intervention, usu- eration. Key developments are as fol- ally at the management control level, lows. The report also talks about establish- the greater the chance of avoiding a ing a ‘sea kayak trail in the inner disaster. Contrary to a phrase often Great Barrier Island Hauraki Gulf’ which is encouraging. used by the media, incidents are not Basic campsites (five tent sites maxi- “freak” events. Most incidents are mum) have been proposed for Miners Coromandel caused, and can therefore be pre- Cove and Rangiwhakaea Bay, which KASK also made a submission to the vented. are located on the west and east coasts Waikato Conservancy supporting the of the northern end of the island re- proposal that a low impact campsite Further Reading spectively. These locations are where be established on Mahurangi Island, Haddock, C.M. (2004). Outdoor sea kayakers start and end a trip around off Hahei. This has been accepted and Safety – Risk management for out- the top of the island and have been off the Waikato report also states: ‘This door leaders. New Zealand Mountain limits to sea kayakers. Camping will user group (sea kayakers) is well es- Safety Council Manual 38. Welling- be by permit only. Also of interest is tablished on the northern Coromandel ton, New Zealand. to put in more tracks in this wilder- coast and appreciative of campsites. ness area. There is an expressed need for more Acknowledgements designated sites (similar to freedom I would like to thank Diane Morgan, Rangitoto / Motutapu islands camping) to expand their recreation who helped me to re-construct the The idea of a campsite at Islington into multi day trips and or overnight group’s causal pathway analysis one Bay was rejected by DoC as it would trips. A diminishing coastal camping Sunday afternoon shortly after the likely attract drunken hoons who opportunity is linked to recent land Forum; and Beverley Burnett for help- would pester visitors and vandalise sub division trends and closure of ing to create the causal pathway model the batches. Instead DoC will be es- private and Territorial Land Author- on the computer a few weeks later. tablishing a basic campsite at Boulder ity campsites. The decision to pro- Bay on the northern side of Rangitoto. ceed with the low intensity overnight This is a bad location for yachts and shelter on Mahurangi Island addresses runabouts and therefore ideal for sea this need in part. Further low cost kayaks. opportunities need to be investigated.’

Waiheke Island Northland The report says: ‘KASK asked if the KASK was one of 91 submitters to the department manages any land on Northland Conservancy. Waiheke that would be suitable for overnight camping. This would fa- Sea kayakers will have access to a cilitate links with kayaking opportu- new 22-bunk hut proposed for Deep nities in the inner Gulf and western Water Cove in the Bay of Islands. Coromandel Peninsula coast. While This is an ideal start / finish point for the department supports this proposal Cape Brett, but sadly, three submis- in principle further investigation will sions from sea kayakers calling for

9 No. 113 October - November 2004 ‘an informal’ campsite at species. Minister of Conservation Whangamumu Harbour appear not to Chris Carter said the island would be NORTH Is. have gained support. This is the other transformed into the most publicly CONSERVATION end of the Cape Brett trip and also a accessible island wildlife sanctuary very beautiful harbour. close to the South Island. Chris Carter CONTACT travelled to the island, where he an- Warkworth KASK paddler Richard Sea kayakers will also benefit from nounced funding of a government Bray has offered his services to the the upgrade in size and capacity of the grant of $22,000 for Department of KASK committee with respect to recently built hut at Peach Cove on Conservation (DoC) staff and other North Island conservation issues. Bream Head. supporters of the Blumine Island With a former police background and project. He noted by removing pests, currently employed by DoC, Richard The reports can be viewed at: primarily stoats and mice, DoC will has offered to work in a national liai- www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/DOC- be able to relocate visitor friendly son and advisory capacity. His offer Recreation-Opportunities-Review/ species such as robin, South Island was most welcomed by the newsletter My- Favourite-Place/index.asp saddleback and kakariki to the island. editor, who has been filling the con- In the long term, kiwi, geckos and servation role for both islands. BLUMINE IS.. long tailed bats may follow. Native land snails, kaka, weka and blue pen- If there are any local conservation UPDATE guins already lied on the island. While issues in your region, or developments it would be a wildlife sanctuary, Chris which will affect coastal access or Marlborough Sounds Carter said all 378ha of the island A press release 4 December 2004, have a detrimental effect on the envi- would continue to be open to the pub- ronment, please get in touch with Ri- notes Blumine Island may one day be lic. home to kiwi and other rare native chard Bray: email: [email protected] ph: (09) 422 2394

Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) inc. Notice of Annual General Meeting

The 2005 Annual general meeting of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) inc. will be held at 5.00pm on Saturday 26 March 2004 at the Outward Bound School, Anikiwa, Marlborough Sounds, in conjunction with the 16th Annual KASK forum. All notices of motion/remits/apologies etc. should be forwarded to the KASK Administrator: Vanessa Hughes, P O Box 23, Runanga, 7854, West Coast. Email: [email protected]

It is a requirement of KASK’s constitution for all notices of motion and remits to be in the hands of the administrator 30 days prior to the start of the meeting. The AGM will also elect officers of the association, these are, President, Safety Officer, Conservation Officer, Instruction Officer, Publications Officer, and Forum Organiser. Nominations for Officers must be submitted by members in writing, signed by proposer, seconder, and nominee prior to the AGM. Nomination forms are available from the administrator at the above address.

Make your contribution to KASK and recreational seakayaking by having your say at the AGM. A great opportunity to contribute to KASK’s annual programme - have your say on issues facing the recreational sea kayaker, and to influence the future direction on national initiatives for sea kayaking like training and conservation.

Nominations are also requested for the two annual Graham Egarr Memorial paddle trophies: - in recognition for services to sea kayaking in New Zealand - in recognition of outstanding contributions to the KASK Newsletter These beautifully crafted trophies were built by John Dobbie, laminated wooden blades on a stand. Send nominations plus supporting information to the KASK Administrator.

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

2005 NATIONAL KASK FORUM

Cobham Outward Bound School, Anakiwa, Marlborough Friday 25 - Monday 28 March 2005 - Easter Weekend Numbers are limited to 150 people.

Based in an ideal location at Anikiwa surrounded by beautiful bush and directly on the foreshore of Queen Charlotte Sound. Accommodation in spacious bunkroooms, all on site

A SOCIAL FUN WEEKEND WITH PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO PADDLE, SHARE IDEAS AND LEARN, ON AND OFF THE WATER.

Featuring Keynote speaker is New South Wales paddler, David Winkworth. David has extensive expedition experience; his last paddling trip was from Cairns to Darwin (KASK newsletter 107/9). In early 2000 whilst paddling from Cairns to Darwin Cape York, David’s paddling mate was attacked by a crocodile (n/l 84). David rescued his mate, by racing out and leaping onto the back of the crocodil. He was later awarded a bravery medal by the Australian Government. David also builds sea kayaks, and has extensive experience as a sea kayaking guide and instructor.

Other presentations by guest speakers and NZ experts whose topics include Navigation, Tidal and Sea Conditions, Safety Practices to reduce risk, Tropical Expedition Paddling

• Great Opportunities to take part in practical and theoretical Sea Kayak Training covering for example paddling skills and rescue techniques • A chance to see and share ideas on sea kayak design and equipment • Sea Kayak Top TownTeam Sports • Local Area information and exploratory paddles • The KASK AGM • Overnight paddle and camp out on the Sunday night at Mistletoe Bay

11 No. 113 October - November 2004

2005 NATIONAL KASK FORUM REGISTRATION FORM

Emergency Contact While At Forum Name(s): ______Name: ______Relationship: ______Address: ______Address: ______Phone: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______Fax: ______Mobile: ______

Accommodation. Will be in spacious multishare bunkrooms on site. If you wish to stay off site you may have to book alternatives ASAP, as it is a popular long weekend.

Meals Your registration fee includes Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch, Monday lunch. Bring your own food for the Sunday night campout dinner & breakfast Monday morning. There will be vegetarian food available for those that require this. BYO wine/beer.

Smokefree Anikiwa is a smoke free zone.

Transport Ferry pick-ups available by prior arrangement. Please indicate: • Number in party: _____ • Expected Picton arrival time: _____ • Number of kayaks to transport: _____

If you have kayak wheels you can walk your boat from the ferry terminal then paddle from Picton around to Anakiwa, which takes approximately a two hours.

Kayak Hire Kayak Hire by prior arrangement. If you need assistance with contact details for kayak hire in Picton, note here. See also pp 140 - 141 of the KASK Handbook.

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

SKILL LEVEL Please circle your skill level

Novice Just started sea kayaking, no formal skills training. Intermediate Some support strokes, can do wet exit and assisted rescue in calm conditions Advanced & Can complete an assisted and self rescue in moderate conditions and Intermediate have completed day trips in a variety of conditions. Advanced Can roll a sea kayak in rough conditions. Have completed several challenging sea kayak trips.

Leadership Experience. Please circle your response

• Do you currently lead sea kayak trips in your local area? Yes / No

• If yes, are you happy to lead a pod of up to 6 paddlers at the forum? Yes / No

Topics/Events. Please circle your response

• I am available to lead a workshop/instruction session Yes / No If so, what topic(s)?

• I am willing/know of someone to be a speaker on Saturday night: Yes / No

• I am willing to share some great slides from a recent trip: Yes / No

Note: All participants will be expected to abide by the guidelines set out by the FORUM organisers. • FORUM COST: • If paid before 1 March 2005 - $140 per person • If paid after 1 March 2005 - $150 per person

(Includes bunkroom accommodation Friday and Saturday Night plus Sunday night campout fee and Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch, Monday lunch. ) For those not camping at Mistletoe Bay, Sunday night accommodation is available at Anikiwa for an additional cost. I enclose my/our registration fee of $ ______Note if you require vegetarian meals: ______Make cheques payable to: Sea Kayak Forum 2005

Please return form with payment to: Helen Woodward, 82 Hutcheson St, Blenheim. Ph/fax: (03) 579 5669

This form will also be available on: www.kask.co.nz (email queries: [email protected])

13 No. 113 October - November 2004 What are you interested in participating in or getting from the forum? Please tick the things that might interest you over this weekend. This doesn’t guarantee that all of these topics will be covered and that there won’t be others included. It will depend on interest and availability of presenters, etc. If registering for a couple with different ability levels, use different coloured biros for each person. General Activities I am interested in participating Sea Kayak top town team event Local paddles Overnight paddle and campout Practical Skill Beginner Some skills Wanting to Wanting to Happy to teach & knowledge refine skills develop teaching others at the tips around forum these skills Boat set up for paddling

Forward paddling

Maneuvering strokes

Support strokes

Rescue skills -Self rescue -Buddy Rescue

Towing clinic

Rolling

Land based Sessions

Topic Interested in Interested in Interested in learning more sharing knowledge presenting

Emergency communication & safety equipment Wooden boat session

Boat and equipment session First Aid emergency management Risk & safety management for a group Navigation Bugger incident sharing Local paddling & area information Weather and Tides We are considering organizing some self-funded focused training workshops, probably on the Friday morning and Monday afternoon. It will depend on available instructors and participant’s etc. Limited numbers. Note if interested: ______There is an ideal opportunity to do a post-forum paddle from Tuesday to the following Sunday. If you are interested in knowing of other paddlers who are interested, please sign and give permission for your contact details to be circulated to those interested. ______

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

the island and thought conditions most of the kayaks said that the kay- THE looked OK. They checked the marine aks were ‘full’ of provisions and very forecast using the cellphone. They set heavy. This would have made self or ‘BUGGER!’ out for Ohau Channel heading for assisted rescues very difficult but it Rotoiti Holiday Park for the night. showed they had plenty of food to stay FILE About 500m from shore they were out on the island another night. caught out on the reef. This is a well Rotorua known hazard to local kayakers. The Iona Bailey water here is about 1 metre deep and (Iona is a travel doctor in Tauranga, Accident is a hazard in these conditions. They and a KASK committee member). by Iona Bailey had not checked with anyone local so that they did not know this. There was Date: Wednesday 22 September 2004 a 1.5m chop. Location: Lake Rotorua. Weather forecast: (direct from They all capsized. One of the leaders BOOK REVIEW MetService) ‘Cold Southwesterlies dialled 111. Shortly before this a passer rising to 45km/hr in exposed places’ by on the lakeside had seen the NIWA on land; ‘ rising to 25knots and waves boat ‘White Pointer’ in the dreadful Title: Outdoor Safety - Risk 1 metre’ on Lake Rotorua. conditions and thought they were in management for outdoor Actual weather: ( from Rotorua Air- trouble. That person called the police. leaders port) SW winds. Ave 10 – 22 knots. An ‘all stations alert’ was posted by Max gust 40 knots. the Harbourmaster. The NIWA boat Author: Cathye Haddock Max temperature: 12.5.C. reported that he was OK but had seen Published: January 2004 some kayaks paddling on the lake. Publisher: NZ Mountain Safety Coun- This involved a group of children, The Harbourmaster, who knew noth- cil, Mountain Safety Manual 38 boys and girls, between 9 – 14 years ing about the kayakers, redirected a ISBN: 0-908931-19-0 with three adult instructors on a 10 helicopter, which was in the vicinity. Content: Spiralbound, 145pp, illus- day ‘Project K’ Adventure trip. These The helicopter spotted the capsized trations, B/W photos, Appendices. were ‘ troubled’ kids from Auckland kayaks. Size: 160mm x 210mm on their first kayaking trip. They were Price: $20 organisation $25 indi- all novices. The leaders apparently A rescue was organised involving the vidual were either SKOANZ or NZOIA Harbourmaster, “White Pointer’, Po- Availability: NZ Mountain Safety qualified. lice, Ambulance and local kayak op- Council, Box 6027, Wellington. erators including ‘Sunspots’ Some of www.mountainsafety.org.nz The kids were paddling Necky the kayakers were picked up by the Review: Iona Bailey Amurak doubles. The leaders were in White Pointer. Others managed to get a Penguin, Storm, Contour. The first to shore along a 2 kilometre stretch of This excellent book was first pub- night of their trip was spent camping lakeside. They were all picked up, lished in 1993 and is acknowledged on Mokoia Island in the centre of taken to ambulances at Sulphur Point within Australasia by outdoor instruc- Lake Rotorua. Prior to the trip they and transferred to Rotorua Hospital tors, tertiary lecturers and the general had not sought any local advice from with hypothermia. All were sent home public as a prime reference. It should local commercial operators or the after treatment. There were no other be compulsory reading for anyone Harbour Master. injuries. leading sea kayaking trips and I can thoroughly recommend it. The Harbour master did not know According to the Harbourmaster , this they were on the lake. They had a trip group had sought no local knowledge The scene is set with a poem by Janet plan with the parent organisation in nor had they informed the Rand entitled “Risk” which points out Auckland but nil locally. These Guides Harbourmaster of their intentions. that “The greatest hazard in life is to were a Service Provider for the or- They did not carry a VHF radio. They risk nothing” Cathye points out that ganisation looking after the children. did not carry flares or any other sig- participating in adventures involves Apparently the group carried a cell- nalling devices. They made the mis- taking risk which makes the activity phone with which they checked the take of not walking around the island challenging, fun and worthwhile. The marine forecast that day . They had no to check conditions on the other side skill of the leader is to ensure that the VHF, no flares, no signalling devices. ( ? remember the Lyttleton accident- participant is protected from harm. The group was well equipped other- same thing happened) They made a Outdoor organisations now prefer the wise with PFDs, plenty of food and gross misjudgement. They had wanted term ‘Safety Management’ to reduce clothing. to get to their next destination so set the potential for harm because the off without adequately checking the language is more ‘positive ‘than ‘Risk On the morning of the accident the conditions. They were well equipped. Management’. This manual outlines leaders looked out from the lee side of Donald at Sunspots who retrieved the principles of managing risk by

15 No. 113 October - November 2004

Author of the Risk Management Manual, Cathye Haddock, experimenting with a new digital camera on the November sea kayaker’s Pilgrimage to the Marlborough Sounds. matching residual and perceived risk. - Risk homeostasis (have cell incidents. To illustrate this theory This involves identifying factors that phone, will travel) Cathye uses a sea kayak incident which contribute to risk which includes fac- was reported in the Bugger Files some tors associated with the people, equip- These factors underpin safety man- years ago. The manual describes ways ment and environment in which the agement procedures covered in the to spot lemons and identify the causal activity takes place. Human factors manual. Tools required for outdoor sequence occurring in incidents. It account for more than 90% of near safety management are described and outlines skills and experience required miss incidents in the outdoors and, an outline given of what to do if things for a competent outdoor leader. The from Paul Caffyn’s accident data, sea go wrong. Cathye talks about the im- chapter about legal requirements and kayaking incidents follow a similar portance of accident reporting and responsibilities will be of interest to pattern. Cathye has particularly re- analysis; she describes the ‘lemon all trip leaders. The KASK Hand- searched social and psychological fac- theory.’ This is a tool which helps to book is (of course!) advised as con- tors contributing to incidents in the remind leaders of some risk manage- taining the best practice guidelines outdoors. She lists these as: ment principles. The analogy is to a for sea kayaking in New Zealand. The - Being too familiar with the poker machine. Imagine every time a extensive references will be invalu- situation group is taken out on a sea kayaking able to anyone wishing to investigate trip that money is put in the slot and risk management in greater depth. - Risk shift the button pressed. Each time a factor that could lead to an incident is ig- If you are leading groups in outdoor - Dropping your guard nored, up pops a lemon in one of the activities, then you NEED this book. windows. It is not just for the professional guide; - Get home-it is a group could be your own family! As more contributing factors are over- - Wild cards looked, more lemons pop up. If enough Iona Bailey lemons are hit then the jackpot is - The behaviours associated with struck and disaster occurs. Compe- attribution theory (take the credit, tent leaders will identify the lemons share the blame) and deal with them before they cause

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Cape Jackson with a gentle tail wind winds blew in from the north east! NEW had us well pleased with our progress. The next morning clearly called for a ZEALAND Marty, with his sail, was almost able rest day as winds battered the camp- to keep up with my paddling! We site (and the coastline from Cook Strait TRIP REPORTS were able to slip easily through the to Nelson). After re-siting my tent Pelorus / Queen Charlotte – tidal flow at the cliff edge, at the same deep amongst the macrocarpa I noted time giving some thought to the cruise that the winds and next high tide had Two Sounds Adventure ship, Mikhail Lermontov, who buried the oyster catchers’ nest and by Sari Lewis scratched her bottom (and came to even swished over my previous night’s grief) travelling through the same nar- camp spot! Although we searched for Early November, Marty and I headed row passage. her eggs, it was the oyster catcher out of Moutapu Bay, (east of herself who managed to locate one Havelock) in the Pelorus Sound, for a Now in the Queen Charlotte Sound, a single egg from amongst the drift- five day trip around to Ngakuta Bay gusty nor’west wind blew in from our wood and seaweed cast up on the near the head of Queen Charlotte right, against an outgoing tide, mak- shore. Sound. Leaving a vehicle on the road ing the 10 km down to the Cannibal above the launching ramp, we headed Cove campsite definitely seem like By late afternoon the winds had out in the morning on an outgoing tide the hardest part of our 60 km day! It obeyed the forecast and were drop- with settled weather forecast for the was a welcome campsite and well ping, so we packed up our camp and next couple of days. sheltered with huge macrocarpa trees headed out at 5pm. There were still and the promise of much history (both big swells and initially with a tail We had planned on campsites about Maori and Pakeha). A couple of oys- wind, so we rafted up and whizzed 30 km apart, and the first evening saw ter catchers abused us heartily as we along under Marty’s sail. It was not us comfortably settled at Kauauroa inadvertently stood beside their cam- the conditions for sailing a kayak Reserve (east of Maud Island) by 5pm. ouflaged nest of three eggs on the alone! but it was certainly an exhila- The notoriously wild waters of foreshore. Just on dusk the training rating ride for the two boats. We then Tawhitinui Reach were oily calm and ship, Spirit of New Zealand, slipped had a good hour of paddling into big the skies were clear. (Looking at the passed the mouth of the bay, and gave seas and moderate winds before pull- map, it appeared there might be an us a chance to reflect on the history of ing in to the Blumine Island campsite. easy portage across Piripaua Neck the area. Just off shore we had our first cell- bypassing the mouth of Pelorus Sound phone coverage of the trip, and later but conversation with previous pad- Still the weather held, and in the calm picked up on VHF at the campsite. dlers assured us that the map does not of the next morning, we headed across do justice to the low, but rugged, cliffs the northern end of Motuara Island to Forecast for our final day was for to which no kayak owner would wish explore the tidal flow and cliffs of nor’west winds increasing to 50 knots to subject their boat!) Cape Koamaru. It is a magnificent during the day. Launching from the area with huge caverns and clear steep stony beach at Blumine into a Thinking to maximize the calmness depths. It was here that we saw our light wind and moderate seas, gave us of early morning we were on the water most spectacular tidal effects, and the opportunity to refine our style on again by 6am and enjoying mirror experienced the situation of riding the driftwood log rollers. We both calm seas out to the mouth of Pelorus. waves and going nowhere! I was fly- emerged into the waves fairly dry! Still wanting to make the most of the ing along in the waves beside a dol- Big swells rolled us south west but the extraordinarily calm Cook Strait con- phin but when I glanced up at a nearby excitement started when we encoun- ditions, we chose the outward passage rock to my left, it was in the same tered the gusty crosswind at the mouth across to a colony of the endangered position as some minutes previously! of Bay of Many Coves. king shag at Duffers Reef, rather than A most disorientating experience … heading south east through to Allen and requiring considerable effort to Less than 2 km across, it was a hard Strait. We tucked in on the eastern push the boat beyond the grip of the slog with some of the stronger gusts side of Culdaff Point for breakfast and outgoing tide. The bottle-nose dol- requiring us to hang in there with our a pleasant swim. phin must have found us too slow and braces. A commercial fishing boat boring as it continued to enjoy its solo had pulled into the western side of the Still benefiting from calm seas we surfing! We cruised down the west bay to watch us safely across (bless decided to give Titirangi campsite a coast of Arapawa Island, across the his heart!). Aware that there were miss and headed against the tide across northern tip of Long Island, and back several more similar open bays to the 8 km to Alligator Head and an- to Cannibal Cove as the nor’west cross before we would reach our des- other shore break. Time for lunch, a winds again blew up in the late after- tination, we decided that discretion swim and to collect a few paua for our noon. was the better part of valour and pow- dinner, we then chewed up the kilo- ered up to the Bay of Many Coves metres to Cape Lambert. Another short My tent site with a view almost proved Resort to link in with the regular water break and the run across Port Gore to my undoing in the night as gale force taxi service back to Picton. Coffee

17 No. 113 October - November 2004 and cake at the very comfortable res- but thankfully no wind. The water Unanimous. The wind was a howling taurant was some compensation for was flat and in some places remark- 35knots and at times gusting upwards the break in the rhythm of our trip! ably clear. Visibility was limited so of 40knots. Colin called us from we kept in our groups. One group of Omana Beach on the mainland to give By the time we reached Picton the five went via Pakatoa Island to Kauri us a report that did nothing to alter the seas had abated somewhat, so we Point and the rest of us ambled across decision. We jumped straight to plan repacked, dropped our boats in the the bays. B. Or at least we made plan B up as we water and completed the 10 km pad- went along. The Backpackers man- dle to Ngakuta Bay, feeling well sat- As we rounded Kauri Point we were ager organized us a trailer and we isfied with our adventure! rewarded with some stunning rock hitched it to Colleen’s car. We loaded formations, blowholes and caves. I two boats on the roof and four on the Distance covered: approx. 160 km think this was my favourite portion of trailer and drove across to Kennedy Boats: 2 singles - Skua and Nordkapp the trip. At the 17km mark we stopped Point to arrange travelling back on the Map: Marlborough Sounds Parkmap for lunch. The rain was still falling but Car Ferry. Subritsky’s was great. 1:100,000 this had kept the wind away so we Sari Lewis were feeling relaxed and in good spir- While the car went back for the sec- November 2004 its. We were averaging a leisurely ond lot of boats we booked ourselves 5km per hour and making good time. on the 11am sailing and then waited, WAIHEKE We were pleasantly surprised when watching the weather steadily dete- we realized that Onetangi was only a riorate. We had to move our boats ISLAND further 10km on from our lunch point. once or twice because they were be- When is Summer Coming? ing blown around on the dock. Even- by Julie Reynolds. When we landed on the beach at tually the ferry arrived and with mili- Onetangi we were greeted by fellow tary precision and haste, we jogged 10 clubbie Colleen who had kindly agreed boats on to the deck. We were just Our trip around Waiheke Island turned to play the support role. She brought about settled in the upper lounge when out to be quite the adventure. I have to her car across on the car ferry at mid- the Skipper sent word that he needed admit to being a little dubious about day so that we had an out option if any us to rearrange the boats, so down we the distance but Scott seemed confi- of us were not up to completing the went and moved them tightly against dent, and I hate being left behind on third day or if the weather packed in. poles and roped them together. outings, so there I was on the beach at Colleen started her support duties by Omana ready to go at 3.30pm Friday locating the backpackers we were As the ferry made its way across to afternoon. We were joined by 9 other booked in to. She reported that it was Half-moon Bay, we didn’t even begin paddlers. on top of the hill above us so we to question Scott’s decision. It was started trundling our boats full of gear truly awful out there. At Half-Moon We had a following wind with an up the hill. I can tell you, after 27km Bay we were greeted by my brother outgoing tide, so the trip to Otakawhe on the water this was tortuous. I don’t who at short notice had come to meet Bay on the Eastern end of Waiheke know why I thought not having to us at the ferry and drive those with was fast but bumpy. I had to dust off take a tent would make a difference in cars still parked at Omana back to the brace stroke on occasion, but over- weight. them. I’m sure he was quite amused all we covered the 15km comfortably. by the sight of us carrying our fully I am biased of course, but find that my On a bright note though, the new laden kayaks off the ferry and did Southern Skua comes into it’s own in manager of the backpackers was awe- make comment about kayakers being waters like this. some. Nothing was too much trouble rescued from Waiheke Island. Hey, I and as it turned out his efforts for us on was very happy to be rescued. The DOC lodge at Otakawhe was Sunday were much appreciated. After excellent, old and rustic with the con- hot showers and some down time we Anyway, thanks bro. The final part to venience of electricity and hot run- went to, 21 The Strand for dinner. our adventure came when we returned ning water. Although when I say hot, Another great night with the group. to our kayaks with our cars. The wind two of us managed a hot shower then The rain hadn’t let up and we had had picked up sufficiently to make it was cold water for the remaining heard a weather forecast on the VHF loading the kayaks onto roof racks paddlers. After a convivial evening predicting 40knot winds on Sunday, quite a challenge. Spirits remained and a restless sleep we were up and so understandably the conversation at high though and all of us are keen to preparing breakfast at 6am on Satur- times focused on the next day’s plan. return to Waiheke and complete the day morning. Scott’s plan was to have circuit. Maybe next year, weather per- us all on the water by 7.30am. The Sunday greeted us with strong winds mitting. theory being that if the weather turned and rain. After breakfast, again at to rubbish in the afternoon as pre- 6am, Scott, Paul, Chris and Grant Julie Reynolds dicted we would be at least 2/3rd’s of went off for a wee recce. They re- the way to our next destination. The turned with a ‘No paddling’ verdict. day presented us with continual rain

18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

Eventually the ferry arrived and with military precision and The DOC lodge at Otakawhe was excellent, old and rustic haste, we jogged 10 boats on to the deck. with the convenience of electricity and hot running water. Photos: Julie Reynolds TECHNICAL Selecting a Handheld VHF Marine Radio by David Fisher. November 2004.

I have an Icom M1 handheld marine larger models are cheaper. Higher use, even those with good (e.g. JIS7) VHF radio that I am happy with. It is degrees of water resistance or specifications. This is part of my ‘belt one of the more expensive, but good waterproofness cost more, as do ‘name and braces’ philosophy. radios. The replacement model to my brands’. radio in this range the IC M1V, which My background is with coastal and is waterproof with the specification of Another desirable feature is the abil- offshore yachting, and the local coast- submersion up to 1m depth for 30 ity to select or ‘tag’ a few channels for guard so I ‘m familiar with marine minutes which I believe is a desirable scanning. I generally paddle with my VHF radio and so use it (mostly just spec for marine electronics for kayak- radio in the pocket of my buoyancy listening) whenever I’m on the sea. ing. (JIS7) (My older model has the vest; it is turned on and scanning Have a look in your local boating waterproof spec lower something several channels including Channel shop, and the NZ boating magazine(s) about so much water thru a one inch 16 – the emergency & calling chan- for what models are available. If you hose over so much time). nel, plus the local repeater channel, happen to be in Auckland, the boating local harbour channel if applicable, and marine electronics shops around Other desirable specifications to look and maritime radio’s local channel. Westhaven marina have a good selec- for in my opinion are: This gives me local shipping move- tion. The Hummingbird brand has ments, weather forecasts etc. If you lower priced models and Uniden offer - Nickel metal hydride recharge- are just going to have the radio for physically larger and cheaper model(s) able batteries or better. That is bet- listening to weather and emergency plus some newer smaller units. Icom ter than the older NiCads that I calls out, then the scanning refine- have several models, and there are have which are subject to memory ments are not so important. You ex- others. I have only recently seen Auck- charging problems. pect the option of two transmit pow- land boating shops advertising sev- ers usually 1 and 5 watts or similar. eral model of a Cobra brand. Gener- - Also desirable is the provision Uniden had a 1 watt model only that ally physically larger models are (not available on my radio) of us- quite a few sea kayakers purchased a cheaper ing alkaline or other disposable couple of years ago. batteries. Some brands loose their As with most electronics technology water resistance when using alka- If you do long trips and choose a is improving and new models with line battery packs so check this out. model with rechargeable batteries, better specifications and features are then one that has the option of a 12volt being introduced regularly. If you Models (not Icom) start from two charger could be desirable. search the internet the latest models hundred and something dollars up to- can be found, often including brands wards $900 or so. Should be better People who repair such radios and I, and/or models not (commonly) avail- now with high NZ$ but may not have recommend that they be carried in a able in NZ. This can be a good way of filtered thru. Generally, physically waterproof ‘bag’ designed for such comparing features and relative prices.

19 No. 113 October - November 2004 built detachable outriggers to provide on the bottom of his kayak. He said OVERSEAS stability at night. the saltwater ulcers were the only ill TRIP REPORTS effect of the trip. Australian Geographic Society trus- Adventurer Stalked by tee Rory Scott said the society had He said he used a battery operated Shark & Crocodile defended a number of adventurers bilge pump to suck water out of the John Andersen - this year after rescues had to be kayak, but he was never able to empty ‘Townsville Bulletin’ mounted. ‘Exploration is part of our the canoe of water completely as it 26082004 cultural heritage and Australians seeped through the sprayskirt cover- should be encouraging the spirit of ing the cockpit. A Sydney man attempting the first adventure, not squashing it,’ he said. solo canoe crossing of the Gulf of Ms Sandrail said yesterday’s weather Mr McAuley, who had encounters Carpentaria has already faced off a conditions were ideal with only a light with two sharks and a crocodile and rudder-chewing shark and a lurking breeze and a flat sea. numerous sea snakes, said the cockpit crocodile. Andrew McAuley, 34, an Townsville Bulletin, 3 was only seven centimetres above the IT executive with Coca-Cola Amatil, waterline. One of his key pieces of left Weipa yesterday after paddling September 2004 A man who paddled a sea kayak safety equipment was a homemade his sea kayak down Cape York Penin- outrigger he used to stabilise the kayak sula’s west coast from Horn Island in 530km across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy in the Northern Terri- at night while he slept. He said an the Torres Strait. He expects to com- attachment to the outrigger which plete the gruelling 530km in six or tory said staying calm in dangerous situations was the key to survival. broke would have left him in a serious seven days and to arrive at Nhulunbuy situation if he had not been able to on the Northern Territory’s Gove Pe- repair the device. ninsula on Sunday or Monday. Andrew McAuley, who arrived at Nhulunbuy at 9.15am Tuesday, after ‘It was a big mental challenge. When His aunt, Susan Sandral from leaving Dufyken Point near Weipa at 6am on August 25, had seas breaking you have bits of gear failing you just Nhulunbuy, said that a shark had have to stay calm and level-headed,’ mauled the rudder of his sea kayak over the bow of his kayak the entire trip. He told the Townsville Bulletin he said. ‘If you’re suffering in the while paddling to Weipa from Horn kayak you know one thing, and that is Island. She said that while the shark that he had broken out in ulcers after sitting in salt water during the journey it’s going to be a lot worse outside the was attacking the rudder a crocodile kayak.’ was following the canoe. and lying in it at night while sleeping

‘He told me he had to keep one eye on Andrew and the kayak he used for the the shark and one eye on the croco- six day crossing of the Gulf of Carpentaria dile. Fortunately they both went away,’ she said. Ms Sandral said Mr McAuley had been able to straighten his bent rudder by hand.

A spokeswoman for his sponsor, the Australian Geographic Society, said that after leaving Horn Island, he was briefed on currents, sharks and croco- diles by members of the Injinoo com- munity in the far northern peninsula. ‘They also gave him fishing tips as space for food alongside his water supplies is limited,’ the spokeswoman said. ‘He’ll have to endure the energy-sapping daily 100km of paddling.’

She said he would sleep in his kayak and that on a previous trip across Bass Strait, he had capsized while asleep and awoke to find himself submerged. Mr McAuley had made modifications to the kayak including hollowing out the bulkhead so that he could stretch out and lie flat, she said. He had also

20 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

On page 20 of the book Petersen names of the centre of lateral pressure (air). TECHNICAL "assaat qilorat" as the "distance be- Because the influences on the kayak PADDLES tween the top joint of the fingers and vary moment by moment the control a Picton Polemic* the inside of the thumb" as the width surface must be adjustable. of the paddle blades and the throwing Alan Byde - 29/10/04 board. (I tried that and it seems inor- The centre of lateral pressure (air) is The Inuit seal hunters built kayaks suit- dinately wide. I think he means the in most cases aft of the centre of able for their needs. For thousands of bottom joint of the little finger to the gravity of the kayak and its contents. years the design of the kayak devel- thumb.) The kayak and its equipment The directional balance of the kayak oped. With that design went the narrow were built for an individual, to his on the move is affected by the load it bladed paddle they use. With what au- measurements, for a purpose. One carries. Putting the majority of the thority does the modern sea kayaker human body shaped the kayak and it weight aft of the cockpit could be dismiss the narrow blade paddle as a equipment. Now we buy it mass pro- enough to achieve directional balance fashion statement, a stylish gizmo? duced from shops. without a control surface but weight distribution isn't usually adjustable You put on a sea kayak and apply The excellence of the West Green- while on the move. power to move it with the paddle shaft land sea kayak cannot be denied. It by pushing the kayak past the paddle has a history of development that puts H C Petersen in his book "Skinboats blade. Narrow blade or skinny blade today's paddlers in place. How in of Greenland" (p68) refers to a fixed you grip a narrow shaft approx 3cms Hades can the sea kayaker, however skeg at the stern being used to reduce diameter. (Petersen, p 20 "eqinneq" is great his or her reputation, decide yaw and roll when the harpoon is the circle formed by touching the tips grandly that the narrow blade Inuit about to be launched. Jens Reimer of the fingers with the thumb which paddle is "elegant but least efficient experimented in 1867 to achieve sta- determines the paddle hand grip) of all"? At the very least a thousand bility at the point of launching the Every action has an equal and oppo- years of development of a deep sea harpoon. At first he put the skeg right site reaction, so power on the shaft vessel and its equipment mock his aft but soon moved it further forward must find resistance at the blade. presumption. If it was inefficient, how and had better results. could a hunter paddle sixty miles a The Europeans played about with day, days on end, or haul two killed I visited Norway in 1977 and saw old blade shapes. Most of the develop- seal behind his kayak? Come on! Get longboats with a steering oar on the ment took place on rivers which are real! starboard side (steerboard side). The often shallow. A long narrow blade Alan Byde, is a retired British pad- old term before port side was "larboard must go deep to develop resistance to dler, currently domiciled in Picton. side' or landing board side. They usu- shaft power. A spade blade need go He wrote some six books back in ally moored port side to the jetty. Pho- only the depth of the blade to get grip. the late 60’s and early 70’s on kay- tographs of various Viking steerboards aking and building kayaks. Spade blades are more useful in shal- show they are situated between 12% (* a polemnic is a contoversy or argu- low water. and 15% of length overall fore of the ment over doctrine). aftermost part of the ship. Seafaring H C Petersen in his book Skinboats of Vikings knew what worked. Greenland (ISBN 87 85180 084) DIRECTIONAL (pp18-19) details the timber used for CONTROL Stern hung control surfaces are often various parts of the kayak, its equip- Another Picton Polemnic ineffective in waves. When the stern ment and the paddle. He states that from Alan Byde. is hoisted up the control surface is out timber came from Alaska, from the Direction in a sea kayak on the sea of the water. Wind effect is greatest native timber in the warm protected and control least on the crest. Stern fiords of the south and from driftwood. varies. Each wave has currents which tweak the kayak this way and that. hung rudders are out, side hung rudders or skegs fore of the stern are in. In the early eighteen hundreds Danish Wind is the major influence on the traders supplied suitable timbers. buoyant kayak. Try this: retract control surfaces from the water with the You could have a central control sur- There is some evidence (Meddelelser face in a box (leaks?) under the hull om Groenland, Danish Geological kayak abeam to the wind. Take a transect in line with the kayak at the and this has been used many times. survey, look it up on the web) that the The magazine "Yachting Monthly" Hanseatic League of traders took long start. Let the kayak drift sideways and see which end is leading the drift after for 1910 shows on p 199 a prize win- Baltic timbers to Greenland for the ning design for the sailing canoe early Scandinavian farmers in the a few seconds. The stern almost always will lead downwind. "Mattie" It has a rudder which can be twelfth and thirteenth centuries. When retracted into a box in the centre the settlements failed the roaming Inuit To keep the kayak balanced on the line of the hull. It is near the stern of must have found deserted farmhouses the hull approx 5% of loa forward of with timbers for the taking. If they had wind in that place at that time in those influences, some form of control sur- the stern. "Nerenuf by Morgan Giles needed them they could have built has a centre rudder fore of the stern. spade blade paddles. face should be applied in the water aft

21 No. 113 October - November 2004 enough when there was ample Consider the rudder. Even in a well How will the slight one-sided drag of searoom to achieve the desired result maintained system there is lost mo- the control surface in the water affect which might take a minute or more. tion in rudder pivots, slack lines, rud- direction? Would there be a tendency Ergo, the faster the turn, no control der bar or pedal pivots. By the time the to yaw off course? Offside drag could surface, if time is not important a paddler has recognized the need to ap- be, say, 4 inches or 10 cms off centre. control surface is used. ply correction through the rudder, by Multiply that moment arm by the drag the time the lost motion has been taken and you get a small figure. Set against When a rudder blade is turned away in the tendency to yaw has become a that the resistance of the whole hull in from the centre line, one can draw the swerve. Skegs are automatic and in- the water multiplied by its length (mo- parallelogram of forces showing drag stant, rudders slow and inefficient. ment arm) and the hull has the advan- versus turning effect. When the rud- tage many times over. der blade is about 30 degrees from the Marchaj in his book "Sailing" deals centre line of the kayak drag equals with rudders on sailing craft. The ideas I built two or three off centre control the turning effect. That is inefficient. are interesting and could work on kay- surfaces and found that in a double sea Turned at 90 degrees it is a brake aks. The Americas Cup yachts all have kayak, if I wanted to turn rapidly, my without turning effect. long fin rudders forward of the stern. partner and I used opposing draw strokes and turned the kayak almost A skeg is always in line with the Why do almost all sea kayaks have on a central pivot. The control surface kayak. It can be lowered or raised. stern hung rudders? Only because the was retracted or it would have slowed When fitted to one side it can be rotate Nordkapp fitted them and Valley Ca- the rate of turn. through 360˚. It can knock-up mov- noe Products sold them. Frank ing forward or backwards. There is Goodman who adapted the Nordkapp Because the control rod worked only one control line unlike a rudder from the Igdlorssuit kayak had a lot to through a screw system from the aft which needs at least two. When the write at different times about skegs cockpit, I found that a very small turn kayak is caused to yaw by the influence and rudders, both pro and anti. He of the screw was necessary to adjust of the conditions, sideways pressure represents the uncertainty of the river the kayak to a course, balanced on the opposing the yawing effect is gener- kayaker when it comes to 'directional wind. The maximum amount of turn ated on the skeg. It is instant and takes control' on the sea. That term, like of the rudder blade was very small, effect before the yaw becomes a swerve. 'military intelligence' is an oxymoron. perhaps +/- 5 degrees which was quite Alan Byde

Pics of a recent pilgrimage to Queen Charlotte Sound: Left: The lovely campsite in Ruakaka Bay ‘Bottom’ left: The proud owner of a Nordkapp adjusts a new rudder pedal system Right: The last of the hairy Mohicians Bottom right: AJ with his home made paddle float; velcro wraps around the paddle shaft and a wine kask bladder for flotation.

22 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

press a quiet scream, the man sprung "This is my second son. He is a martyr HUMOUR up, pulled down his pants, and exam- also." Ouch! ined his lacerated and bleeding but- "A fine looking young man," replies A drunk gets up from the bar and tocks in the full length mirror of a his friend. After a pause and a deep staggers for the toilet. A few minutes nearby darkened hallway. He then sigh, the second Arab says wistfully, later, a loud, blood curdling scream is managed to find a large full box of "They blow up fast these days, don't heard from the bloke’s toilet which Band-aids and proceeding to place they?" reverberates through the bar. A few patch each laceration as best he could, minutes after, a second loud scream on each place he saw blood. After Passengers Panic echoes through the bar. The bar man- carefully concealing the now almost A man was flying from San Francisco ager throws down his dish rag and empty Band-aid box, he managed to to Seattle. Unexpectedly the plane strides into the toilet to investigate shuffle and stumble his way to bed. stopped in Sacremento why the drunk is screaming. The flight attendant explained there “What's all the screaming about ? In the morning, jet skier awoke with would be a delay, and if passengers You're scaring the customers!” searing pains both in his head and wanted to get off the plane, it would The drunk replies, “ I'm just sitting buttocks and his wife staring unsym- be re-boarding in 45 minute Every- here quietly on the toilet, and every pathetically at him from across the body got off the plane except one time I try to flush the loo, something room. gentleman who was blind. comes up and squeezes the hell out of She said, “You were drunk again last A passenger noticed the blind man as my family jewels.” night.” he walked past, and could tell the With that, the bartender opens the gentleman was blind because his see- toilet cubicle door, peers in, and says, Forcing himself to ignore his agony, ing eye dog lay quietly underneath the “You bloody idiot! You're sitting on he looked meekly at her and replied, seats in front of him throughout the the mop bucket.” “Now, honeybunch, why would you entire flight. He could also tell he had ask such a mean thing?” flown this flight before, because the Bloke’s Night Out “Well,” she said, “it could be the open pilot called him by name and said, A bloke jet skier, staggered home in front door; it could be the glass at the “Keith, we’re in Sacramento for al- the early hours of a morning after a bottom of the stairs; it could be the most an hour. Would you like to get boy’s night out with his drinking bud- drops of blood trailing through the off and stretch your legs?” dies. Shoes in left hand to avoid wak- house; it could be your bloodshot The blind man replied, “No thanks, ing up his wife, he tiptoed as quietly as eyes; but, mostly.... it's all those Band- but maybe my dog would like to stretch he could toward the stairs leading to aids stuck on the downstairs mirror!” his legs.” their upstairs bedroom, but - he badly Picture this: misjudged the bottom step in the dark- Life in the Muddle East All the people in the gate area came to ened hallway. Two Arabs are sitting in a Gaza Strip a complete standstill when they looked bar chatting over a pint of fermented up and saw the pilot walk off the plane As he caught himself by grabbing the goat's milk. One pulls his wallet out with a seeing eye dog. The pilot was bannister rail, his body swung around and starts flipping through pictures even wearing sun glasses. and he landed heavily on his rump. A and they start reminiscing. People scattered. whiskey bottle in his back pocket "This is my oldest son, he's a martyr." They not only tried to change planes smashed. This made the landing ex- "You must be so proud," says the but they were tying to change airlines. tremely painful. Managing to sup- other. True Story Apparently!

Wet West Film Festival makes a splash! HOKITIKA - 7 to 9 January 2004.

The Wet West Film Festival is an international, competitive film festival, to be screened in Hokitika, with water as its theme, mixed liberally with the outdoors and stirred by adventure! Think laterally: there’s snow, ice, sea, lakes, rivers, sea, rain – all sorts of connections! The Wet West Film Festival is a world first in its aim to celebrate water, its power and energy in many settings and water’s place in the outdoors. Hokitika plays perfect host, naturally surrounded by wild sea, world class rivers, internationally acclaimed glaciers with a backdrop of the snow covered Southern Alps to complete the water, ice and snow capped environment. Then of course, there’s the odd shower of rain! 7 – 9 January will see Hokitika in a splash of swirling excitement as the Wet West Film Festival is screened at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre. Details of the Festival can be explored at: www.wetwestfilmfest.com - check out the programme of films from all around the world.

Weekend passes are on sale at the Hokitika Information Centre and can be phone ordered on (03) 755 6166 for just $25. Now's the time to book as seats are limited for this truly unique celebration of water and water people.

23 No. 113 October - November 2004 MAILED TO

If undelivered, please return to: KASK , PO Box 23, Runanga, West Coast. 7854

KASK MEMBERSHIP POLICY Current membership fees are: - $25 for ordinary membership - $30 for family or joint membership - $35 for overseas membership - new members receive a free copy of the handbook - members should endeavour to renew by 1 August - the KASK financial year runs 1 August to 31 July the following year - a subscription due notice and up to two reminders are sent out with the newsletters between June and October - if a membership renewal is not received by 1 December, membership lapses - new members who join between 1 June and 31 July automatically get their membership credited to the following year, receiving a 14 month membership - the KASK committee puts its emphasis confirming renewals from existing members from July to October; and promoting new KASK memberships from November to February.

Wallace Weka, at the recent pilgrimage. This stealthy raid resulted in Peter Simpson chasing Wallace through the bushes to recover a smoked chicken! (photo: Cathye Haddock)