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the magazine of nsw sea club ISSUE 91 JUNE 2013

Inside TRUEMAN CONFESSIONS | ROCK ‘N ROLL EXTRAVAGANZA | MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS NZ | JIM KAKUK’S ISLANDS WINTER IN VANCOUVER .... and more nsw club JUNE 2013 2 CATEGORY NAME 3

Whether you are looking to buy a home, start a business, purchase an investment property, SMSF or approaching retirement, we can help you fully understand the best route to take. From the PRESIDENT’S

• Deck 6am: Deal Island. 66km to Killiecrankie Photo Richard Barnes •

ell, well, well. This may be my for sharing some of their experiences with us. I’m .. last piece that I write under sorry if you missed the Rock and Roll weekend • this banner, as President. If and if you went, make sure you let everyone It has been an all goes according to plan, my know who didn’t go what they missed out on. planW that is, a successor will take on my role at I won’t risk doubling up on Campbell Tiley’s • honour to serve the the Club’s next AGM. I have been President RnR report but I do want to raise a in of the Club for the past two years and for two thanks to our guests, Nigel and Les, our club Club for the past years before that I was the Club’s Treasurer/ instructors, guides and leaders who got an • four years, Secretary. It has been an honour to serve the extraordinary number of paddlers on the water, Club for the past four years, to contribute our sponsors, beachmasters, presenters and all of to contribute back back to the Club that has taught me so many our club members who always make R’NR one skills. It is now time to offer that of the biggest and best kayaking events in the • back to the Club same opportunity to serve the Club to the country. ‘next generation’. On the ANZAC day long weekend, .. The Rock and Roll has been and gone. Raewyn Duffy and Campbell Tiley travelled to What a great event. I have an indelible imprint Victoria to conference with all of the other sea on my brain of a hundred storming kayak clubs from around the country. You’ll read in the heads at Port Stephens and landing about the event in this edition of Salt. Working on the beach, of dozens of kayakers defiantly together can only be good for our sport to taking on Sunday’s windy conditions and a encourage safe participation and leverage off big squad of us cruising to Shoal Bay to enjoy our common ground like training and interstate a café latte. I enjoyed sliding into the Hawks trips. Nest Golf Club for an ale and kicking back to listen to and Les Allen inspire my dreams of my next trip. The world is full of Keep wilderness and magnificent places to explore David Fisher, Club President and my thanks go out to these two gentlemen

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 4 INDEX & SHOPPING FROM THE EDITOR 5

Contents 6 Review: This is the Sea 5 Great kayak quotations 7 Saltiest Submission prizewinner 8 Review: Paddlers Guide to NSW “To take to the sea in a kayak is to know humility. To cross the sea in a kayak alone is to know 9 Review: All the Way Round God” Ed Gillet (Paddled solo California to Hawaii) 10 West Coast Scotland 12 Contact towing technique “When I was 30, to catch up with the young guns in the paddling group, I had no need for 13 Dennis rolls either skegs or rudders. To achieve the same results at age 40 I needed a skeg. At 50, I need a 14 Making videos - tips rudder”. 16 Canberra Lakes & Mt Koscuisko Club member Andre Janacki plays the age card in the rudder debate 18 Agendas: Pindimar to Seal Rocks 21 Leaders training weekend 22 Bass Strait crossing Every day is Christmas for kayakers 24 The GPS miracle From the 25 Sea kayak clubs summit 26 Oskar Speck 27 Rock ‘N Roll 2013 special section 36 Vancouver in winter EDITOR’S 39 Raewyn Duffy profile 40 Islands - kayaking paradise 44 Marlborough Sounds, NZ Sea cavern 48 Stuart Trueman profile 53 Winkworth in NZ Photo by Bruce Mozert a pioneer orld exclusive scoop!! 54 Judgement Day Wilsons Promontory Cute keyrings from hobkey.com Paddling top for Greenland of underwater photography who Salt recently invested significant alongside and getting invaluable support 58 Club details lovers from qajaqusa.org worked as an underwater motion club funds to send a team of from the volunteers on the committee; great picture cameraman for NBC, investigative journalists to Las people - generous, supportive, dedicated, ABC, CBS and many Hollywood VegasW for the sole purpose of tracking down funny and warm every one of them. It’s easy productions. Visit mozertstudio.com the elusive Stuart Trueman who was there on to forget that your committee spend a lot of to purchase his photos or the book: a media junket to promote his newly published their personal time to help the club for no Silver Springs: The Underwater best-seller ‘All The Way Round’. We intercepted reward other than enhancing the benefits of Photography of Bruce Mozert by him being ushered into his limo, leaving Caesar’s membership. My time as editor has taught Gary Monroe Palace where he had spent a few days enjoying me in future to thank them more often and the Presidents Suite. As we shared martini after provide feedback to them more carefully . martini en route to the Palm Springs Invitational I’ve made some pretty big changes to golf tournament, this most private of men the magazine, so thanks to Dave Fisher for exposed his demons – not a pretty sight. The backing me. Thanks too go to all the club results are here for you to enjoy. Do buy the book members who so generously spend time which is reviewed in these pages. preparing material for the magazine, repeat …pages which, for this bumper post-R’NR offenders of note being Vincent Weafer, Mark TROPICAL WILDERNESS PADDLING edition, are made of paper following the digital Sundin, Ian Vaile, Adrian Clayton, Dave Let us show you the best accessible wilderness sea kayaking in North Queensland adventures of the last issue which turned out to Winkworth, Cathy Miller, Meagan Pryke, be mostly well received but had the unexpected Russ Swinnerton, Mark Pearson, Rob Mercer effect of antagonising a few members. I thank and others; your unstinting support makes everybody who provided feedback – both the editor’s job possible…thank you. It’s also kinds! Digital plans moving forward? It would been a buzz dealing with contributors from be wrong of me to impose the direction of the around the world, legends like , magazine on a yet-to-be-named new editor, Jim Kakuk, Nancy and Eric Soares, Wayne but based on the recent experiment I have Horodowich and Tadhg de Barra – all so amended my ideas slightly and you’ll no doubt generous. And a final shout out to volunteer Explore the Majesty of Hinchinbrook Island – hear and see more about this in the near future. sub-editor for this edition, Emma Kirk and Australia’s largest National Park Island Please respond if asked for your input. proofreader Peter Osman. Stunning coastline, jagged peaks and secluded bays. As my stint at the editor’s desk comes to an As my shoulder injury finally heals, I’m back Considered one of the top paddling destinations in Australia. end (along with the longer and more generous on the water again and I can’t tell you how Paddle to and camp on tiny tropical islands, glide over the periods of volunteering by Dave Fisher and good it feels. See you out there! fringing corals of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Campbell Tiley), I have been thinking about • Small group tours & expeditions the satisfaction that came with doing my thing Cheers • Sea Kayak Hires & shuttles CORAL SEA KAYAKING for the club. Mark Schroeder, Editor • Private Charters For more information, maps, itineraries, ideas etc. Reviewing our digital feedback The highs were significant. Working Club members receive a 10% discount on all extended www.coralseakayaking.com or [email protected] tour bookingsJUNE 2013 SALT Tel or fax 07 4068 9154 nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 6 seen ‘n heard NEWS 7

Review by David Winkworth

Turner Wilson also featured with VOLCANOES, VOLCANOES... Cheri Perry in Curgenven’s recent instructional ‘This is the Roll’ DVD. The Saltiest submission MORE F***ING VOLCANOES! last segment (50 mins) again sees Justine Curgenven and Barry Shaw tackle a 1,000 mile circumnavigation together. This time There are eight segments in TITS 5, of 40 sea kayakers. It’s a pretty damn busy it’s the island of Tierra del Fuego right at ranging from six minutes to about 50 minutes half hour as we check out active volcanoes, the southern tip of the South American WINNER duration. Each segment can be individually more volcanoes and ice cream shops. continent. It’s high latitude, cold and very selected from the DVD menu. Total run time There’s even a dog rescue off a cliff! Then windy. The scenery is just stunning – is around three hours. it’s back to Sicily to harvest grapes in a glaciers tumble into the sea and wildlife After a brief action-oriented intro we vineyard. There is some great flat water abounds. meet Paul Kuthe, an American surfing cold paddling scenery including caves but that’s There is a nice intro to the pair in dirty water in Wales. There are some great not enough to redeem this piece – it’s a Wales – followed by the trip south, the kayak surfing scenes in this segment but stocking filler. (Ed: or was that a shocking collection of their kayaks from customs what is it with the higher latitudes of the filler?) etc. and with Argentinean bureaucracy northern hemisphere? Is it really that bleak Then it’s onto downwind surf skis for it takes them 10 days to get on the water. and cold? a 15 minute segment in which we meet Unfortunately, after only eight days on the THIS IS THE SEA 5 This is followed by another much identities Oscar Chalupsky, Greg water, Barry gets tenosynovitis in his wrist. By Justine Curgenven longer (42 mins) piece on Sarah Outen, Barton and Joe Glickman. The latter is It’s a nasty, common disabling injury for Run time: 3 hours an English girl getting around the world the author of Fearless, the book about a paddler and despite three week’s rest it PAL DVD Filmed in High Definition by human power and raising money for and her around remains stubbornly painful for Barry. 16:9 Widescreen various causes. Naturally, some of the trip Australia paddle. A world of alpha males The pair has no choice but to put the Available from: cackletv.com is by kayak and Curgenven accompanies it seems, with Chalupsky leading trip, and Barry’s wrist, on ice for Reviewed by: David Winkworth Outen on the sea kayaking legs across the pack. 12 months. the English Channel and from Russia to Back in the Mediterranean for a 500 They return the following year and Japan. Actually, Curgenven joined Outen’s mile pre-season circumnavigation of complete the circumnavigation with part team as the expert kayaker, a role she is Sardinia, the second largest island in the of it in the reverse direction to dodge eminently qualified to fill. This does carry sea – this time it’s just Curgenven and her blistering headwinds. Some might wonder risks however if the subject turns out to partner Barry Shaw. I like watching these if this qualifies as a legit circumnavigation! be a dud paddler. Thankfully that is not two – they have good chemistry between I’d be keen to give a go. It is beautiful! ITS, as the ‘This is the Sea’ the case but we do hear from Outen when them. They could make a full series by This segment is vintage Curgenven DVD series is affectionately she flops onto the Japanese shore that the themselves and I’d be cool with that. They – laughter, Barry eating, tears, problem known, first appeared on the just-completed paddle of 50 kms was her complete the circumnavigation of this very solving with minimal campsites, fierce sea kayaking scene in about longest ever! Really! pretty island, and along the way get flooded winds and glorious paddling scenery – all T2005. For us down under in the southern Paddling scenes along the Russian out in their tent, weatherbound and Barry beautifully filmed by the paddlers. One hemisphere, it was a great connection island of Sahkalin are beautiful with great gets to do an awful lot of eating for the minor gripe – I would like to have seen with sea kayaking in the big northern wildlife footage. Much of this segment camera. How come you’re not fat Baz? A a gear list for the trip and some more hemisphere paddling centres of Europe is shot in the dark or in dirty water and it nice segment and a warm- up for the best detailed trip info. A delighted James receives his and the USA. It was sea kayaking action had me reaching for the blanket to warm bits to come. So, what of the future for Cackle TV bounty from Rob Mercer. up close, it was alive, it was fresh and up. There is a bit of unnecessary hype Rolling maestro Turner Wilson fea- and the TITS series? Do we want her to it made Justine Curgenven with her in this segment too. Curgenven tries to tures in an all-too-short piece on rough do it again? I’d love to see more, perhaps LADEEEZ AND GENNELMEN, WE HAVE A WINNER! trademark cackle laugh a household convey a sense of urgency with Russian water rolling. Great footage, and great with Justine focusing her lens on some name in sea kayaking. bureaucratic and diplomatic stuff-ups but it rolling wisdom from the man with the more instructional segments. The TITS James Johnson may have written up a sailing Rob Mercer of Expedition Kayaks Curgenven pioneered movie doesn’t work. It reminded me of TV home smooth-as-bourbon voice. For my money, series is widely viewed by sea kayakers and trip and cunningly thrown in a few paddling caught up with James recently to present photography from a kayak, grabbing improvement shows where the renos need it’s worth buying TITS 5 just for this it’s a great opportunity to stick in a little mentions, but his article about a journey him with his prize - a carbon Wasabi 650 scenes that no-one had tried to catch to be completed before the owners come segment! If this gets paddlers working on training segment here and there. And – no through Patagonia’s Beagle passage had it all… Touring Paddle, just the thing for keeping before and teaming them up with home! their combat rolls then that’s terrific! one would dare call it padding! A real sense of exploration in a very exotic humpback whales at bay on the your next modern music themes. It was most likely A short segment on English paddler How about these pearls from Turner environment, breathtaking encounters with adventure, James! a bit of a punt with the first DVD, but it Harry Whelan is next. He’s done some Wilson: On going from skiing to kayak wildlife, the manly use of a drysuit and – best To all our readers, be assured you don’t paid off for her and she has travelled all big trips, including circumnavigations rolling: “Add the idea of swell and rhythm Review first published in of all – simply stunning photography. need to go to such lengths to win the next over the world in recent years paddling of Britain and Ireland but his favourite and stir.” New Zealand Sea Canoist which James’ effort in writing up his exploits prize – one will be awarded in each edition and filming successive editions. If you’re paddling, and most of what we see, is riding Or this: “Take advantage of the full pays Mr Winkworth more for his and sharing such a fantastic adventure with – you could simply write about your dream Saltiest a sea kayaker and you haven’t heard of her low ferry wakes on the dirty Thames. circle sea worthiness of the kayak.” journalistic skills than Salt could the club scored him the inaugural kayak, a new skill or local trip to nab the Submission - well then - you should get out more! We then skip to the Med for a trav- And this: “Rolling technique allows ever hope to afford. award. Near misses by Dee, prize – without even getting wet. Keyboard This is a review of her latest offering: elogue paddle through the Italian Aeolian you to become as one with a powerful sea.” Thanks Paul Caffyn for stealing Alexander and Frank and Vincent. Don’t give at the ready…. No. 5 in the TITS pentalogy. Islands, joining an ‘international group’ Yes, give this man his own show! our talent! up guys, you’re all contenders! Inset: James’ winning story

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 8 SEEN ‘N HEARD SEEN ‘N HEARD 9 Review by Ian Vaile Review by Adrian Clayton The Paddler’s Guide to New South Wales All the Way Round 101 great kayaking, and stand up by Stuart Trueman

paddling destinations by Scott Rawstorne gradual build-up of anxiety and apprehension it speaks of Stuart’s attitude that every time approaching the big, perilous challenges: the he talks about someone who helps him he types of craft, , PFDs, clothing. River/Broken Bay/Pittwater system, etc). Zuytdorp and Bight cliffs, the Gulf country. has a personal anecdote that gives some Transporting paddle craft and safety issues I think the snapshot offered for each Stuart increasingly alludes to these as they flavour about them, a human touch so often are also covered in the preliminary pages. destination would be improved if some sort draw nearer, until he rounds a cape or commits, missing from the egotist world of adventure Although canoeists and SUP paddlers are part of rating was applied to the challenges likely and then it’s on. And finally like a bass thread writing. of the guide’s target market, these pages are to be encountered. The recently developed running beneath the narrative is the heartbeat This is also true of Stuart’s reaction mostly related to the needs of the recreational PaddleNSW rating system would represent of his thoughts about Sharon and the girls, the to the environment. He’s deeply in it kayaker. a good starting point in this regard. pulse that grounds his trip and provides the the whole way: these are not just miles Within the guide proper, the state is While the advice on safety offered in centre of gravity for everything he writes about. to be covered but areas with attributes broken into four colour-coded regions: the preliminary pages and elsewhere within Stuart’s style is not lyrical or overblown: there and almost personalities, to be respected & Hunter (32 trips); Mid North the guide is generally quite sound, there are are no page-long descriptions of a sunset or the and appreciated. While he’s not prone to Coast & Northern Rivers (33); Illawarra & some causes for concern. beauty of a cliff face, nor exquisitely articulated hyperbole (!) and often it’s a long walk South Coast (16); Inland regions (20). Each The statement “…paddlers officially moments of epiphany or enlightenment on between adjectives, there are times in destination is given three pages, one of which have right of way over motorised craft” the sea. Rather we get a catalogue of events, of the book when you get a sense of the is devoted to a snapshot of the trip where is wrong and could result in a tragedy if his reactions, his concerns, how his body was transcendent subordination of self in the information is provided under the headings of: applied. Nowhere in NSW Maritime’s bearing up, how the gear was faring, interspersed landscape that is the hallmark of great • Waterway (e.g Karuah River for Allworth, Boating Handbook does it indicate that with back-story about his climbing or kayaking adventure writing. There’s a particularly the first destination covered in the guide) paddle craft have any right of way over other trips. It’s not prosaic, the utterly extraordinary strong passage as he encounters tour ships in his is a quite lavish A5-format • Distance craft (it’s a different situation for windsurfers nature of the journey ensures that, but the book the Kimberly and is finally left alone in the paperback publication of 360 • Time (based on a paddling speed of and kitesurfers). Reinforcing this view is y any standards Stuart Trueman clearly reflects a pragmatism, thoroughness, ancient silence. pages of glossy art paper with around 5kph) the instruction on the Paddle Smart sticker has led an adventurous life, with and ruthless self-deprecating honesty that I won’t commit a spoiler and reveal more than 240 colour pictures • Start (location of the put-in) issued by NSW Maritime which states numerous expeditions on the sea characterises his approach to paddling. the kicker in the last couple of pages when plusT a map for each of the 101 destinations • GPS (expressed in latitude and longitude) “When Paddling You MUST … keep and in the mountains. This trip was Unquestionably to pull off a trip like this a ten-year old asks Stuart a question that covered. • Finish (location of the pull-out) clear of larger vessels -- cross behind, not in aB different thing altogether and puts Stuart in needs an unwavering faith in yourself, a bloody- utterly stumps him and provides a deep Authorship is attributed to Scott • Parking (availability and where) f ront…”. very select company: modern expeditioners mindedness when it comes to obstacles, and a and unexpected insight into the soul of Rawstorne, an Australian Canoeing Flatwater • Toilet (loo options – if any) Also, the route direction indicated for who have embarked on a perilous trip lasting willingness to subordinate everything to the end. adventurers: but it perfectly rounds out a Kayak Instructor. Scott has worked for quite • Conditions (e.g. Open areas, mostly tidal, some of the Sydney Harbour trips where not weeks, not months, but over a year. A Never mind that end is over a year and 17,000 book that, countering a tendency to become a few years in various sectors of the paddling light traffic, shallow areas) the near shoreline is on the left give rise for hundred and fifty years ago this would not km away. Stuart obviously shares some traits a list of events and places, emerges as a very industry – guiding, instructing and as a state This page also includes a teaser paragraph concern (the rounding of Yurulbin Point, have been extraordinary as an idea, but today with Freya. But Stuart evinces something else human story about determination, fortitude, representative for a popular kayak brand and a basic map identifying put-in and pull- Birchgrove and Blues Point, are standout it’s uncommon to the point of rarity. Stuart altogether : an empathy and respect that shines humility and resilience. It will join Paul offering a broad range of recreational kayaks. out with some additional reference points. examples of the increased risk that the asked himself “could I embark on a trip so through when , over and again, he encounters the Caffyn’s book on the top shelf of personal The printed guide is a progression from the The other two pages combine a free-flowing proposed routes present). long I would have to live the adventure every generosity of strangers and the faith of friends. narratives of kayaking adventure. I look Global Paddler web site that has been around descriptive text (often including a potted In my view there are other issues day?” The answer, it turns out, is yes, and the A repeated theme is how a single person’s forward to his next trip and his next book, for some years covering similar content. One history) and a couple of photographs relevant relating to safety where the advice offered is book is an insight into what that extended acceptance of his dream and confidence in his though possibly Sharon may have other needs to be a subscriber to Global Paddler to the trip. questionable or inadequate. adventure really is like: what it costs, what it ability to carry it off overrides a crowd of know- ideas. to access the information online. However, Distances of the featured paddles range The author invites feedback so it is delivers. nothing naysayers. He clearly doesn’t suffer Published by Pan MacMillan a visit to www.globalpaddler.com.au reveals from eight to 32 kilometres. Most are on hoped that these concerns will be addressed The two obvious comparisons are Paul fools gladly and doesn’t withold his opinion, a sample entry for one of the destinations enclosed waterways. In the context of the immediately with the online content as well Caffyn’s book The Dreamtime Voyage for example the procedural buffoons who covered in the printed version. NSWSK Club’s grading system, the most as in any future printed editions. and Joe Glickman’s book about Freya futilely attempted to derail his traverse of the Written in a breezy, often quirky, style, challenging would rate at a mid level Grade 2 Despite the criticisms expressed above, Hoffmeister,Fearless . Like Paul’s, this is an Bight, adding bureaucratic grief to an already the guide does well to encourage paddlers to (when related parameters are applied). Even the guide should prove a valuable resource intimately personal account and Stuart’s immense strain. But there is a charming repeated visit each of the destinations it covers. Scott hardened sea kayakers enjoy the occasional for those who enjoy their flat water paddling. voice comes through on every page: deadpan, astonishment that time after time when things comes across as a paddling enthusiast. Some flatwater trip and the guide identifies some Copies can be purchased for $39.95 humour as dry as driftwood, humble, are tough strangers step in with a feed, a beer, of the place name derivations are a result of paddles that will definitely go on to my plus P&P from globalpaddler.com.au and pragmatic, understated. Like his trip, the a bed, a lift or sometimes all of those things. self-confessed inventiveness on his part (Dora Bucket list. selected retailers. book is relentless: episode after episode after Especially the beer. Creek being named after Dora the Explorer; Little mention is given to the combination episode, all the way round. You can’t help but feel that the journey is shot Mungo Brush taking it’s name from the of kayaking and camping and no attempt WIN your copy of the guide There are a few rhythms at work in All through with the people who emerge unbidden songwriter of Mungo Jerry’s 1970s hit In the has been made to promote the multi-day The author Scott Rawstone at Global the Way Round: the repeated iterative small to help him, replenish him, and wish him well. Summertime) expeditionary opportunities that some of the Paddler has kindly donated a signed copy incidents, a reef landing, a difficult cape, or I was personally gladdened to read about his The preliminary pages contain general destinations offer (e.g. The Myall Lakes/Port to give away to Salt readers; it wll be given to an awkward encounter with curious (or meeting with my lifetime paddling gurus Roger Would you trust this book information about paddling activities – from Stephens/Karuah River system, Hawkesbury the next flatwater trip write-up we receive. incurious) landlubbers. Then there is the Price and Barbara McGrath in Port Macquarie: reviewer?

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 10 TRIPS & TRAVELS Sunset behind Ardnamurchan Point, the most11 westerly point of the British mainland. By Douglas Wilcox

Endless Shores The west coast of Scotland

through narrows like the Gulf of Coryvreckan. Winter conditions can vary dramatically hibernation and there are billions of them: the ‘Argonauts of the Western Isles’. Unfortunately many sea kayaking retailers, outfitters, guides We also have some very sheltered waters with though. These sunny photos were taken on fearsome Scottish midge! In Scotland humans with the development of GRP kayaks, in the and coaches. The coastline of just one county, great views of mountains, ancient castles and the 19th of February but as I write this on 23rd are not top of the food chain. 1970’s and 1980’s, paddle sailing all but died Argyll, is longer than the entire coastline of archaeological remains up to 9,000 years old. March, we have 4” of snow, 35 knot winds, a Recreational sea canoeing started in the out in Scotland. A few years ago, I imported a France. There is plenty of room, so you would White shell and cold water coral sand beaches wind chill of minus 16C, most major roads 19th century and one of the prime movers Pacific Action sail from NZ and one of Mick be most welcome to visit. contrast with dark grey rocks. The sea changes in SW Scotland are impassable, thousands of was a Scot, John MacGregor, who developed McRobb’s Flat Earth kayak sails from Australia. from turquoise to ultramarine and the tropical homes on the mainland and islands are without the “Rob Roy ”. His book, ‘A Thousand Mick’s sail proved highly suitable for our gusty appearance is emphasised by palm trees which electricity and ferries are disrupted. The moral Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe’ published in cyclonic winds and many can now be seen in Douglas runs a beautiful kayaking have been planted near some of the remote is, we sea kayak when we can! With such rapidly 1866, did much to popularise touring on the Scottish waters indeed a Scottish retailer is now blog at seakayakphoto.com which if Sunset in the Sound of Arisaig with villages. The Gulf Stream means that although changeable conditions, safety is a pretty big sea, lakes and rivers in Europe and North the Flat Earth European distributor. you enjoy these photos is well worth the Small Isles of Eigg and Rum in we are so far north (and the sea freezes in consideration. In winter and much of spring America. The Rob Roy was double ended The west coast of Scotland is well served by a visit. the distance. many places of similar latitude) the open sea and autumn, dry suits are essential with thick and decked. It was paddled, while sitting and temperature rarely falls below 6C. double fleece suits under. In the remote areas facing forward, with a double bladed paddle. In The sea is full of all sorts of cetaceans from there is almost no mobile phone signal and Scotland the terms canoe and kayak are used es we are pretty lucky paddlers porpoises and dolphins to orcas and fin whales. VHF communication with the coastguard is pretty interchangeably, we don’t need to go off in the west coast of Scotland. In summer sunfish and leatherback turtles are really patchy. PLBs are therefore a pretty good to Greenland or somewhere else to look for our We have an incredible variety of occasional visitors. Fortunately our 8m sharks idea for unplanned emergency situations. I don’t true heritage! From the beginning sea canoeists paddling conditions which have bask and don’t bite. Shoals of mackerel provide like to camp much before the end of February took trolleys to narrow isthmuses, Ybeen created by the complex coastline made a delicious supplement to rations in our hatches. because the nights are so long and in good which are often called Tarbert. This place name up of some of the oldest rocks in the world Otters are frequently seen round the shore and weather there will be a hard frost. My first camp is derived from the Norse “draw boat” and and some of the youngest. These have been the many bird species include colonies of tens of this year was on 26th February and the sun had is somewhere where Vikings portaged their sculpted by glaciers during the Ice Age then thousands of noisy gannets, comical puffins and set by the time we arrived at the beach, so the longboats to take a shortcut, avoid a headland or drowned by the sea to form a maritime Manx shearwaters, which nest underground temperature dropped like a stone. During the claim the land they had just “circumnavigated”. maze of islands and deep sea lochs. We are and make such weird noises there that foraging night we could see the ghostly green flickering All the early sea had sails and even well exposed to North Atlantic storms and swell Vikings thought they were trolls. They even of the Northern Lights. In midsummer it never into the 1960’s many still sported a sailing rig;. and so have have big surf beaches. There are named a mountain on Rum after them, calling quite gets dark so that is a compensation which just look at the photos in mid 20th century also powerful tide races like those round it ‘Trollaval’. Golden eagles and sea eagles are allows long lazy paddling days. However, in Scottish sea kayaking books such as ‘The Alpenglow on Rois-Bheinn (Rushven), 882m from headlands like the Mull of Galloway and often spotted, soaring high on wide wings. summer the Scottish predators come out of Canoe Boys’, ‘Kayak to Cape Wrath’ and Glenuig Bay. (The paddler is the author’s daughter)

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 12 TECHNIQUE MY KAYAKING LIFE 13 By Megan Pryke By Dennis Perigo Photos by Lynn McNaughton Mine’s ham and tomato, what have you got?

his is my usual reply to people who enquire about my roll. I took up paddling six years ago. TDue to an onocular knee replacement, I had to give up a promising career and future in football. I searched far and wide for a substitute sport. I came across an ad in the National Parks magazine, for a paddling day on Lane Cove River. After that first day I knew I had found an activity that would be satisfying. It After 4 years I can now paddle past Plus, I had achieved the other goal, I Towing without a line: seemed like bush walking on water. You Grotto point. had rolled before reaching my birthday, my could stride out or hang back and have a Within the club, rolling seems to be 71st birthday. Tick one off the bucket list. chat. the starting point in the search for the Holy I need no longer brush off questions Contact tows I bought a sea kayak from eBay Grail. If I wanted to find the Holy Grail about my rolling with those moronic bread (formerly belonging to George Jessup) and I had to push the memories of my past roll jokes. I can now nod my head and speak joined a flat-water kayaking club. Where experience with rolling to the back of my knowingly when the conversation around t was dark with lively seas. A brisk in the need for a rescue complicated with a would be to use the opportunity to turn the they taught me the basics of paddling. mind and brace myself with a good pep talk the campfire turns to the finer points of south easterly wind, powerful swell tow line. The further away from the cliffs, the kayaks into a safer direction for release. I spent the next two years paddling up in front of the mirror. rolling. rebounding off the cliffs south of less rebound, and the less chance of another Contact tows can be done in various and down the Hawkesbury with my new- I then signed up for Adrian Clayton’s As a postscript; I would take this Sydney heads. My kayak was rafted to capsize. configurations. Contact tows bow to stern, found friends, who showed great patience rolling course. opportunity to thank all the club members Imy buddy’s completing an assisted rescue. If a rescuee is able bodied, in their stern to bow, bow to bow, reverse paddling, with my inability to remain upright in my After a year and even with Adrian’s for their fellowship, generosity and I knew that a secondary capsize was a real cockpit and responsive to commands a forward paddling. In addition to maintaining boat for any length of time. I became very encouragement I still had not been able hospitality. possibility so I insisted on keeping the raft contact tow is quick to set up. I recall the first a good grip, the rescuee can use edging proficient in wet exits and assisted rescue. to master this elusive exercise. This one I have found that paddling has given until the electric pump had done its work. time I reversed paddled in lively conditions, and foot pressure to help keep the kayaks The club put on a rolling class which failure does not overshadow Adrian’s many me the same camaraderie that I had Meanwhile the seas and wind nudge us I capsized due to being more unstable as the together. I was appreciative of having prior I flunked and was banished from the pool successes in teaching rolling and I thank experienced in my 25 years of playing rugby closer to the cliffs, the rebound intensifies. waves behind are experienced before they are training and practice in milder conditions with the instructors words ringing in my him for his patience and the time that he so league and the following 30 years of touch Rob, the trip leader, paddled over to seen. The two kayak raft provided stability and recommend that sea kayakers get out on ears “you will never roll”. selflessly gave me. football. I think it may be from being a check in on our rescue as I was monitoring that a tow line wouldn’t. Another advantage the water and test what works. About this time I teamed up with a We all seem to need reference points member of a team facing a common foe, the distance from the cliffs and considering very gung ho fellow club member who and with my birthday looming I thought a in this case the sea and her many a separation plan. Rob was not sure how suggested we join the New South Wales good goal would be to perform a roll before moods. the rescue was progressing and yelled out Sea Kayaking Club. that day arrived, so at Rock & Roll this year, “contact tow”. So I acted. “Bob, grab and Now, I had heard of the club and in fact with the encouragement and help of two of hold onto the front of my kayak”. Once I had visited the website prior to joining the my fellow Oandorians, Brian and Geoff, I knew Bob had a good grip I reversed paddled. flat-water club. But the website scared the was determined to execute a roll! The rafted kayaks provided extra balance xxxx out of me and I quickly moved on. I was on the water, relaxed and in as I felt the rise up and slap down the steep With a lot of prodding from my gung position. Brian said “keep it simple”. Over I sea waves. After about than ten strokes, Bob ho friend, I joined the NSWSK club. went, bent forward swept the paddle and all communicated his cockpit was empty and he I am still a member of the flat-water of a sudden I popped up the other side. I had was ready to paddle solo. We broke the raft club and I enjoy paddling with my very done it! I had rolled!! and paddle out to sea. good friends. People I regard as a very I did it again to prove it wasn’t a fluke. This was the first time I had ever used significant part of my paddling family. Yes!!! And again. And again. Adrian’s a contact tow other than in practice. It was I turned up at Clontarf where I met instructions had finally sunk in and he remarkably effective, providing time for a Owen, Adrian and the OANDORA won’t have to mark me down as a lost cause. largish flooded cockpit to be emptied while Paddlers. Up until this time I was not game Now, when I remember that instructor keeping a distance from further hazard. enough to paddle past Grotto point. As a saying “you will never roll” I smile the Although the cliffs were still a good distance matter of fact I did not know where Grotto smile of accomplishment, or as it is more away another capsize would have resulted point was. commonly known the ‘up yours smile’. Dennis upright

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 14 TECHNIQUE 15

By Oscar Award winner Vincent Weafer

PROBLEMS WITH VIDEOING I have sometimes inadvertently switched on Vincent’s guide to Oscar glory the GoPro and flattened the battery. Also I have had problems with fogging inside the camera waterproof housing which can be Our home-grown master fim-maker shares the secrets that scooped him the highly coveted reduced by Palm D’Eau award at Rock n’ Roll 2013 – anti-fog treatment on the inside of the lens – GoPro inserts f you create something it’s really difficult MAKING VIDEOS TAKE A LOT VIDEO EQUIPMENT VIDEO STUFF YOU MAY WANT TO VIDEO TECHNIQUE – not having the camera running for long to tell whether it’s intrinsically good OF TIME The price is dropping dramatically for smaller THINK ABOUT I’m still experimenting and blundering on but … periods of time to reduce heat build up Who is your audience? (it could just be you). – I try to mount my camera in a low position and whether people would like to share It’s really really time consuming including : aterproof video cameras How long will they/you want to watch? so you can see my kayak otherwise, with the WATCH VIDEOS it…. – mounting cameras – usually people end up getting other I love sea kayaking and it’s relatively – charging batteries – sea kayaking can be a bit boring for non-sea kayakers constantly rocking, it can make viewers – I enjoy looking at videos occasionally…. I mounts and accessories so I like to keep my videos short, preferring around queasy but usually I’d rather be kayaking! easy for me to make videos of it, but my non- – downloading from camera You will need computer hardware including kayaking partner finds these videos boring. – editing – you will need to cut out large three mins to no more than six mins in length – a camera within arm’s reach allows you to – my videos can be viewed if you Google – a relatively fast/powerful computer My brother-in-law once showed me a very chunks, and then join the remaining clips into – I’m a sucker for the aesthetic side – low angle light adjust the camera if it gets bumped or a wave ‘Vimeo Vincent Sea Kayak’ or ‘Youtube long video on stationery engines – he found something (hopefully) watchable and then – largish screen for editing on water matched with slower paced music… what dislodges it Vincent Sea Kayak’ it fascinating and I was bored poo-less. ‘marry’ music to it – a lot of space on your hard disk. floats your boat?... and hopefully someone else’s – a tether for your camera is a really good idea Some other people’s videos, which I like, I live in a scenically beautiful part – encoding and exporting ‘finished’ vid You will need computer software I will do a rough edit, sleep on it, and do at least 1 or 2 which you can find on Vimeo, are of NSW and am lucky to have a pretty – distributing – how do you get it to possible –  I like VLC video player for playing videos further edits down the track. The more you watch the On the editing side… – Cascada and unbusy coastal National Park just 12 viewers? (which is free) same vid, the more bugs you’ll see – I don’t like to ‘treat’ my videos much usually – rwp 2012 minutes drive away. For me to get a worthwhile 3 - 5 minute – Adobe Premiere Pro for editing Look very closely at video clips using only auto contrast and auto levels. Too – Noccalula Falls I like images and photography; and video would take an average 3 - 5 hours editing (which is expensive, as in $500 to $900, – what seems good in reality, sometimes doesn’t quite much emphasis on titles, effects and transitions – Phantom Water Edit ‘sing’ when you look at the footage can be a distraction from the movie – Of Souls + Water: The Teaser just had to buy a GoPro camera, when once and I prefer doing the vid from the one ‘outing. but teachers and students can get it – sometimes it’s the inadvertent footage which – Atacama Starry Nights: Episode 1 I sailed my sea kayak (without a camera) Some video editors spend much more time cheaper) between a flying sea eagle and flying pelican. editing. grabs you

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 16 TRIPS & TRAVELS 17

By Alexander Manu and Frank Riitano

the museum it was back to the kayaks. 38°C !! We found Replenished we paddled hard still hugging the a lakeside park just TWO Guys, shoreline passing under another road bridge out of town and toward the Jerrabomberra wetlands. Once we unloaded the kayaks. arrived we were greeted by black swans and a With eagerness off we TWO Sea Kayaks, abundance of creatures, fish, turtles and even went paddling into a cows having a drink at the water edge. After stiff northerly wind. about 2kms upstream it was time to turn back. About 4kms into the TWO Lakes We re-entered the main lake and to the right paddle Frank’s paddle side was the mouth of the Molonglo River. If suddenly snapped in you kayaked the river some 12 kms it would half. It had been a bit AND take you to the junction of the Queanbeyan suspect for sometime River and Queanbeyan City proper. It was as it had been very tempting but that was for another time, previously repaired. ONE Mountain so on we went. We were now focused on that Here we were in the large water jet in the lake in fact the Captain middle of the lake Cook Memorial Jet which was some 3kms with no paddle. So I in the distance. Once there, we cooled off quickly rigged up a tow rope. point. It was about 4pm. After a brief Circumnavigations of Lakes with the water jet pounding down on us from Dragging frank’s kayak behind me I was discussion it was decided to push on…. Burley Griffin & Jindabyne some 60 metres high. It was now only 3kms now really feeling each paddle stroke for Mount Kosciusko here we come. Kayaks to get back to our original starting point so the 2kms to make it to decent shoreline to were unpacked and loaded back on the car by kayak and bike we power paddled racing each other to the effect repairs. We made miraculous repairs and off we went. After about a 45 minute finish line. We made it back and realized it was to the paddle via means that would make any drive we arrived at Charlottes Pass. still very very hot so we had a dip in the lake. survivalist proud. Before too long (after a dip It was 30°C being very unseasonal p to now our trips were pure was gripping the entire eastern seaboard at the PM’s residence, then passed under We loaded up the kayaks, changed and then in crisp pristine water) we set off again. After weather at such a high altitude. We kayaking. But this time the time of departure. After a 3.5 hour drive we the Commonwealth Ave Bridge. Having decided to have a look at the modern museum about one hour of paddling that unpredictable unchained our bikes and set off on a 9km combined passion of kayaking arrived in Canberra to a sweltering 35°C. It notched up at least 2hours of paddling in spending some 60 minutes there, it was a very weather lived up to its reputation. A massive uphill bike ride to the summit. It was a and push biking was the was late afternoon when we checked in to our sweltering temperatures it was time to have informative display of Australia’s last 200+ South-Eastern storm front was brewing and gradual two hour slow bike peddle grind Uinspiration for this trip. Our trip plan was to comfy hotel in downtown Canberra. Almost a break. We saw a lake wall where we could years of history. fasting approaching from behind. The weather to Rawsons Pass. Here we chained the circumnavigate first by kayak the national immediately we were in exploration mode, tie up our kayaks and go for a stroll. As we It was now approx 4pm, we had not had began to change and the wind really picked bikes and walked the last 1.4kms to the capitals lake Burley Griffin, then back it up by the push bikes were unloaded and off we wandered, by chance we came across the enough. So we unloaded our push bikes and up. Before too long we were battling very summit of Mount Kosciusko, along the way biking the lakes’ perimeter . We also timed went. In a few hours we had covered old and Australian National Museum. We sure were did a 25km circuit around the lake in 35°C strong winds and a 0.5metre swell on the lake, touching some snow patches still there from our visit to attend the Summernats; the new Parliament house, the foreign embassy a sight as we walked into the museum with with some heartbreak hills to keep us honest. then rain, blinding rain. It was brilliant, an the winters snow. There we were at the top petrols heads mecca of hotted up fast cars. area, the war memorial and the CBD. We our webbed kayak booties, board shorts Once we arrived back at the car … finally now adventurer’s dream come true. Our attention of Australia 2228m, what a ride, what an Then we would press on to Lake Jindabyne had some nice Thai food for dinner and it was and wet T-shirts. But we were in the Capital, we were satisfied. That night we had a great quickly turned to finding a camping site as it effort, what a day so far as the scenery and and circumnavigate the lake and find the back to the hotel. That night we contemplated the home of political correctness, so even meal and finished it off with a well deserved was now getting late and the conditions were landscape was so inspiring. After revelling in legendary snowy river that feeds it, entailing the next days kayaking. Lake Burley Griffin as odd as we looked no one dared blink body massage at the Canberra Mall. to say the least challenging. We saw a perfect our achievement we quickly decended back an over night camp stay. Finally, we would … 28kms to circumnavigate about 4 to 4.5 an eyelid. After our little parade through Next day it was Summernats day. We little clearing in wild bush, so we paddle over to our bikes and from there it was a quick 20 cycle via Charlottes Pass to the highest point hours kayaking. headed out to the Canberra Exhibition to it. minute downhill speed thrill ride back to in Australia, Mount Kosciusko and then drive We woke to a showgrounds in 41°C heat. Basically we We quickly setup our tent where we could Charlottes Pass. It was then a mad 6.5 hour back to Sydney. predicted 39°C day. spent most of the day watching the petrol rev and gathered dry firewood. We had dinner dash drive straight back to Sydney arriving As per usual full prior trip preparation We drove down to a heads of Australia show off their pride and joy cooking on the fire in a flash. But we quickly about 1am the Sunday night. Frank and was undertaken as a prerequisite to ensure drop off point at the street machines, culminating in the biggest found out we were not alone. We had setup myself were ready but not eager for work the survival. Just like the unpredictability of the lake edge near the new burnout in world history of 69 cars smoking camp on a Kangaroo colony’s home turf. next morning. ocean, Australia’s Alpine region can serve up Australian Modern and burning their rear wheel rubber tyres right Before too long we had about 15 Skippy’s some very challenging conditions which can Museum, unloaded the to their rims. But they weren’t finished yet, stalking us. It was a night to remember, overwhelm the unprepared. Namely Lake Kayaks and off we went that night a rock concerned smashed our ear Kangaroos everywhere, in our kayaks, in Jindabyne, very strong winds can besiege hugging the shoreline drums into submission. It was all a far cry from our supplies, going through everything and the lake. In fact in the past fisherman had in a north western the peaceful tranquil lake we had kayaked the anything they could… all night !! After very perished boating on the lake. Second was the direction. It was 10am day before. little sleep we were up at the crack of dawn. bike ride to the top of Mount Kosciusko, snap and oh boy, yes it was It was now the morning of the 5th of Had breaky, packed up, into the kayaks and cold conditions even snowfalls can befall the hot, very hot. We were January 2013, after a hearty hotel breaky we off we went paddling for 2 hours to make it to region. right into our paddle set off for Lake Jindabyne. This would be an the end of the lake, going thru some pristine So, with kayaks, mountain push bikes and strokes as we meandered approximate 56km kayak circumnavigation granite flooded gorges along the way. Now all necessary provisions loaded we set off from through some beautiful of the lake with an overnight camp stay. it was time for the return leg. Temperature Sydney on the 2nd of January 2013. What we scenery and birdlife. We arrived that afternoon and the cars update: 36°C and sweltering. After approx had not planned for was the heat wave that We passed Yarralumla The long, hot hill thermometer was recording an incredible 22kms we had made it back to the starting

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 18 TRIPS & TRAVELS 19 By John Piotrowski Photos by John, Shaan, Dave and Matt Shaan always harboured a desire to paddle Bass Straight and had her own agenda of seeing if she could match it with the boys as a tester for a future Bass Straight crossing. Me - I Agendas and INJURY was only ever going to do Bass Straight if the islands were spaced 10km apart and I stopped, explored and stretched the legs at each little island. We checked the forecast for the morrow - 15kn southerly and a 1m Easterly swell - we would all be sailing to Seal Rocks the next day. We had a chat before setting off on the morning of day two. Because of the conditions we would all stick together, if some wanted to blast ahead they were to keep sight of the group and tack back to rejoin them - no bolting like yesterday. These were prophetic decisions. Long wet day hands The paddle from Broughton Island to Seal Rocks was about 18km point to point - there couple of kilometres from the northern tip of We landed on the beach on the northern was virtually nowhere to land safely and it was Broughton Island. side of Broughton Island - a southerly had hit one long beach break all the way. The southerly More tension as Dave raised the issue of and it was starting to rain as we put up out wind was filling our sails, but it had a chill to it group spread, whilst Mark countered with tents. Mark and Matt were first to put up their and the quartering swell from the east meant the issue about slow paddling speed, whilst I tents and then back into their boats wanting that we had brace and lean into the swells often was eyeing off the chance to stretch my legs at to paddle around the island before dinner. to stay on course in between brisk bouts of The ‘Red Cordial twins’ V-towing with Shaan supporting the inviting little beach nestled cosily inside Phhht ... too much red cordial in their drink paddling. Rain had set in as well, but we were Dark Point. Mark chorused in with “What bottle ... I just ignored them. They ended up all enjoying the conditions - this is why we are we stopping here for?” paddling out to Storm Petrel Island and back paddle - to enjoy nature and the ocean - well I t’s not till you paddle with someone over “What are stopping here for?” Personally I “Because it’s there” was my response. before joining us for dinner. I’m sure I heard do anyway. We all obeyed the agreement that a long distance, that you really get to hadn’t paddled for about three months, so any Dave was keen to land as well because he’d Mark say to Matty when they were coming in we reached before we set of that day - the red .. know them - their moods, their emotions chance to stretch the legs was snapped up by never landed there before. It’s often listed to land “What are we stopping here for?”..... cordial twins, Matty and Mark, stayed with the and their motivation. Throw in some myself. 8km of paddling and the group was in Broughton Island trip plans as an escape So here’s where the hidden agendas group and I didn’t sulk and drag my heels. Terry was Ihidden agendas, some discomfort and a serious already showing signs of tension. route if the conditions turned nasty, so I come in to play. Matt, Mark and Terry were We were about half way to Seal Rocks - in situation and you find out a lot quicker. We rounded Yacaaba and explored a wanted to do a reccy of the place. using the trip as a training run for a planned the middle of nowhere - when Terry started immobilised A few years ago, six of us set out to paddle few sea caves and gauntlets along its jagged Matty, Terry and Shaan weighed in Bass Straight crossing in a few months, to lag behind - then stop - I thought he was from Pindimar, within Port Stephens, to shoreline before then deciding to take the on Marks side and the group voted 4-2 to hence the lively pace and dislike of stopping just getting his cag out of the day hatch or trying to find a less Forster, a total of 95km over three days. David long way to Broughton Island by following the head straight to Broughton without landing. anywhere. Dave was interested in joining something mundane, but then we realised he painful position… Fisher runs a trip out of Pindimar most years, coastline along the entire length of Bennetts Dave paddled off with them whilst I still them, but hadn’t really paddled much with was having some difficulties - his back had between Xmas and New Year, usually to Beach. I was the one grumbling now - I wanted contemplated landing before languishing them before and wanted to make sure they spasmed and he was in considerable pain. He he was in a lot Broughton Island, but this year he thought he’d to take the shortest route possible to Broughton way behind - akin to a toddler digging his would get along together - it takes two weeks tried stretching - or trying to - but it only made make it a bit more substantial. Along for the - mainly due to my lack of recent paddling. heels in whilst being dragged along. Poor to paddle Bass Straight - you would want it worse. The bracing and leaning along with of distress ride were Matt Bezzina, Mark Schroeder, Terry The rest of the group stuck to the shoreline, form I know. to be sure that you were all going to get on. the chill wind had caused him to seize up. This Walsh, Shaan Gresser and myself. a safe distance beyond the breakers, I sulked, was serious. We were at least 9km from Seal .. Car shuffles are never fun and our car paddling about 1km out to sea - hoping to save Rocks, the rain had set in, the visibility was shuffle to Forster in driving rain and Xmas myself a precious few kilometres of paddling. poor and we were maybe 3km from the nearest Holiday traffic, funnelling three lanes into Group spread was becoming a problem, and to shore which was a deserted beach break. An one through Buladelah was a slog. However exacerbate the problem, Mark, Matt and Terry assisted V tow was quickly agreed, however it we found a well lit place near the boat ramp had bolted and were about a kilometre ahead of took us a good ten minutes to get Terry into a at Forster and parked three of the cars and Dave and Shaan before Dave decided to blow cag, before the Red Cordial twins took up the then had a pre-paddle dinner at a Chinese the whistle and hoist the paddle straight in the tow and we cycled through turns supporting restaurant, before getting back to Pindimar air to say “come to me”. Terry who was immobilised in his kayak about 11:30pm and a comfortable bed to sleep I obeyed the call and paddled over to them, just trying to find some less painful position in before setting off early the next morning - but not without whinging and whining about huddled forward in his cockpit. He was in a lot luxury. how boring it was paddling along the beach. of distress. The wind was benign when we left They should have just tipped me over then We knew there was beach camp named Pindimar, paddling around Corrie Island and there. The others kept paddling, claiming Yagen about 5km north - that would be our heading towards Yacaaba head and the they didn’t hear the call. They eventually interim destination. As we towed Terry, we ocean. We decided to stop at the eastern end stopped and waited, bobbing around off Dark discussed options. I had my doubts about of Jimmies’ Beach much to Marks’ protests. Point at the end of Bennetts Beach and only a landing at Yagen - I had studied Google Earth Terry aka TJ. Solid paddler when uninjured JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 20 TRIPS & TRAVELS TECHNIQUE 21 Pindimar to Forster continued By Mark Alchin Photos by Joanne Alchin .. Leaders training weekend This was serious. We were at least 9km from Seal Rocks, the rain had set in, the visibility was poor and we were maybe 3km from the nearest shore .. Shaan enjoying bleak conditions

in the weeks leading up to the trip and saw as soon as we get a signal on our mobiles? Or do bag. Should we call an ambulance? some photos of the campground which we assess him once we land him. This is the point in the movies when the David Page makes a statement was basically a few pit toilets and a grassy We were soon in the protected waters of guardian angel appears ... not Nicholas Cage camp area behind some towering sand Boat Beach - still raining - but the water was as this time, but rather a good Samaritan by the he annual club trip leader training Andrews, a new club member and experienced Harry Havu and John Wilde for leading dunes - not to mention a surf landing with smooth as silk. This might have been a relief name of John. He owned a majestic beach weekend was held at Shoalhaven army adventure training guide, regaled us with the various training sessions, Josh Andrews an incapacitated paddler. It wasn’t a good to reach a safe landing spot, but we still had to house overlooking Boat Beach and was having Heads on the weekend 6th & the function and operation of this training for his insightful talk and special thanks to option. look after Terry. Whilst we were deciding the lunch with some friends under the cover of his 7th April. Nineteen Sea Leaders, program. He’s basically paid to scare the our training co-coordinator Ian Vaile for We decided to press on to Seal Rocks ... best spot to land, the shortest carry etc, a gentle verandah perched high above the beach when GuidesT and Instructors as well as several @$^&#! out of all the participants. Imagine organizing such a productive and enjoyable we couldn’t see it because of the heavy rain swell crept up on us and nearly dumped Terry he saw us carrying Terry up the beach. He Trainee Sea Leaders attended. going out into surf and rock gardens your weekend.. - but we knew it was only a few kilometres and Shaan, as the support, onto the beach. came down in the pouring rain and offered his After an early morning weather and very first time a sea kayak. further on and the beach should be protected Phew ...don’t turn your back on a wave ever. house to us to assist Terry. Dripping wet we safety briefing we headed down to the This experience is designed from the wind and the swell. All this time we Once we safely glided Terrys’ kayak carried him through his lavish abode and got nearby lagoon for rescue and contact to mentally and emotionally cycled through supporting Terry – he had onto the beach we carried him shivering and him under a hot shower. We got him warm towing demonstrations which proved to be prepare soldiers for battle. gone very quiet – I thought it was just him incoherent, through the pouring rain, up the and dried off, into his dry clothes. John and his informative and entertaining. We then split On Sunday we split into focussing on his pain – but we were soon to beach towards the lone picnic shelter next to wife gave him warm food and hot sweet tea into small groups and practiced various rescue two groups with some heading find out it was the early signs of hypothermia. I the boat ramp. We wrapped him in a space and then let him sleep under a warm blanket techniques including assisted, hand of God back to the surf zone and the was asking what will we do when we get him to blanket and were discussing where we could on their lounge whilst we decided the next and scoop rescues. We practiced various tow remainder following Adrian Seal Rocks - should we ring for an ambulance pitch a tent and get him warm inside a sleeping stage of our journey. line and contact towing methods. We also to practice rock gardening Terry’s paddle was over. He was still in experimented with a quick release tow line techniques. Real rock gardens pain but no longer hypothermic. He didn’t system which proved to be a useful method are rather sparse on Seven Mile want an ambulance and thought that he would of releasing tow lines in a hurry. (Megan has Beach so we had to be creative. be able to sit up in a car to get home. We rang written elsewhere in the magazine about Once simulated rocks were in his wife to let her know – she wanted to drive contact tows). place (kayaks) and Adrian’s up and pick him up, but you know what – I Saturday afternoon was spent practicing ingenious wave machine kicked gave Terry a lift up to Pindimar in my car -–it surf launch and landing on Seven Mile Beach. in, we were able to practice was only right that I should take him home Due the small swell, sand bars and dumping maneuvering, rescues and too, as all his gear was in my car now parked waves sea kayaks were not suitable for catching paddling through hoops in tight, in Forster ... so what if my trip was cut short ... waves but several members brought small surf choppy conditions. A lot of fun there would be other trips ... and besides the kayaks and showed us how to surf waves in was had by all. Sunday afternoon great thing about this club is the culture that a craft designed for that purpose. John Wild was spent assisting prospective has been built up over the years and that is we enthusiastically demonstrated the extremely Sea Leaders preparing and look after one another. manoeuvrable capabilities of these kayaks present a trip plan using forecast Terry didn’t make the Bass Straight which made most of us green with envy. conditions, virtual paddlers and paddle. Matt and Mark did. So did Dave, but Fernando ventured out in a surf kayak for the mock up emergencies. with a different group and that sly dog Shaan first time and after a few spills, followed by All in all, a very productive went and paddled it all by herself. Me - I did it snappy rolls of course, carved up the waves and informative training L to R: Shaan, Terry, Mark, John, Matt, Dave vicariously – with plenty of leg stretches along like a pro. weekend. Many thanks to the way. After dinner at the local pub, Josh instructors Adrian Clayton,

MARCH 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club MARCH 2013 22 TRIPS & TRAVELS 23 By Barry Marshall

Murray Passage (which separates Deal Island were unable to do. We sat out the tide for an Another crossing into a fresh head-wind Island until the inevitable change of tide had from the islands of Erith and Dover) and spent hour and made our way around the point into which eventually became a following wind us trying to gain the channel on the inside an enjoyable day on Deal Island visiting the Killiecrankie in a freshening sou-easter and on turning the corner on the approach to of Swan Island. The tidal current increased Four became three in lighthouse and meeting a lovely couple who had were greatly relieved to see Brian and Geoff had Preservation. Off Cape St. John on Cape the closer we got to Swan Island and we were just taken commission of the caretakers job for arrived before us. The relief that we felt was not Barron Island I elected to go wide to avoid relieved to round the point. The alternative their three month stint. There is an eight year reciprocated by Geoff and Brian, who felt that some shallow reefs and Geoff and John would have been to drift west on the outside waiting list for the posting due to its’ popularity. we had strayed from our planned approach. It decided on the inside route. As I was first of Swan Island and perhaps sit out the tide It was a bit unfortunate that on this particular was this incident which really brought home through I waited and after some time I began whilst visiting the lighthouse and buildings. day the winds (10 knot nor-westerly) were the truth, to me at least, that in these regions we to worry that something had gone wrong Little Musselroe Bay was a favourite of mine Bass Strait perfect all day for a crossing to Flinders. That were complete and utter novices and lessons closer to the rocky coast. I turned back and with very interesting, hospitable characters. afternoon, back on Erith, we were entertained were to be learned and due caution taken. searched the coastline without success, all the Donated fresh mullet fillets cooked in a he idea of paddling across Bass anxious to clear the marked shipping lanes and by the local pod of dolphins performing an We met very interesting people immediately while attempting to blow the pea out of the Thai curry sauce that John produced from Strait (still a somewhat iconic was happy when we had done so. This crossing incredible show of synchronized acrobatics. We on arriving in Killiecranckie, not least of whistle. I turned back again assuming that we his considerable stocks was a fitting way to achievement amongst paddlers) was on an oily, calm sea with an unrelenting planned to leave by 5:30 the following morning whom were Matt Watton, a very experienced had missed each other and sure enough we celebrate our arrival in Tassie. was first suggested by my brother sun beating down. Nine hours of uneventful to take advantage of the conditions and the tides Tasmanian sea kayaker (who provided us with had – they had turned back by this stage and Enjoying favourable conditions we GeoffT a year ago and, as usual, I enthusiastically paddling except for schools of fish, an inquisitive at the Flinders Island end. every assistance regarding conditions) and his were contemplating setting a flare off. The ease continued on to St Helens on the east coast consented to going along. The photos on manta ray which swam along under my boat We launched into Murray Passage in the father, Tony, on a bicycle tour of Flinders Island - with which paddlers can become separated over the next two days. After rounding St Google Earth were spectacular and the for a couple of minutes and minor differences dark and were dazzled by the light show of a most fortuitous meeting indeed! whilst in close proximity in a choppy sea is Helens Point, with a 15 knot trailing breeze opportunity for a holiday away from driving of opinion regarding navigation had us arrive at phosphorescent algae rippling from the bow Brian accepted a lift back to Tasmania astounding – another good lesson! The house and an incoming tide we were propelled cabs in Sydney were all the incentives I needed. the campsite on Hogan. A small channel on the and exploding with every dip of the paddle. with some young fishermen aboard the punt on the eastern shore of Preservation Island is swiftly up Georges Bay to the quaint Brian, a Canadian friend of ours in Melbourne north-east approach would create an interesting Flinders was clearly visible all the way after from Lady Barron which left the three of us to part of a lease controlled by 23 partners on a township of St Helens to be met by John’s was in on the venture from the beginning, tide-race at times! Stunning scenery of rocky sunrise and the crossing was uneventful until we continue. A most unfortunate circumstance share arrangement. A couple who happened wife Julie who had trekked down from having crossed the strait a couple of years earlier outcrops. No discernible drinking water on the neared the coast at Killiecrankie. We were still which proved to be unavoidable. On our last to be there at the time were surprised to have Byron Bay! with a group from the Victorian sea kayaking island and colonies of Cape Barren geese, Little a few kilometres from shore when my paddle night together Geoff and John drained the anyone turn up as they had flown over from The beauty of the Bass Strait Islands fraternity led by Julian Smith. The fourth Penguins and marsupial (we think) rats. At blade began to meet genuine resistance which local bar of a particularly tasty German beer Launceston. The young bloke was less than was offset by the terrible desecration of the member of the group was John, a longtime the setting of the sun a cacophony on wailing, I found interesting, as we were supposed to be and the normally teetotaler Brian a bottle of happy to see us although his girlfriend was past, which began with sealing (we saw 2 resident of Byron Bay who I’d only recently met screeching and honking fauna, which continued arriving at slack tide. Brian quickly exited left wine. The next day the three of us headed fine. A tolerable truce ensued after boundaries seals the entire trip!) and whaling before when we paddled from Cronulla to Batemans all night, made for a difficult sleep. The Kent down the bay, John altered course to his right off around the north-east capes of Flinders were established. The atmosphere greatly the ravages of cattle rearing, wrought by Bay. Prior to the Batemans Bay paddle we group of islands were clearly visible looming on to offset the considerable drag to our left and I heading for Emita, Geoff and John a little less improved after they flew back to Tassie! In European settlers. spent an invaluable day with Rob Mercer who the horizon which was heartening. promptly followed. Geoff followed Brian which effusive in their demeanor. A strengthening hindsight we would probably have done better was more than willing to offer advice gained The reports for the third day of paddling was reassuring. As John and I tried to make easterly wind had us take a prolonged lunch finding a campsite on Clarke Island but I’m not THE KAYAKS by considerable experience. The subject of were a little concerning, being 10 to 15 knot the shore to the right of the bay the current break along the way. really sure. We sat out a stiff westerly for a day Geoff paddled a Valley Nordkapp (not the sail assistance was discussed and although head winds, but the prospect of another night increased and we countered by altering our And so on to Whitemark with its’ renowned before heading off to Little Musselroe Bay on low volume one) which, being the smallest, both Brian and I thought it a good adjunct on Hogan was enough incentive to have us heading further right. The last two kilometres pub and excellent meals. Two days in the Tasmanian mainland. necessitated him attaching a sleeping swag to paddling, Geoff’s vehement opposition launch at first light for the 40 kilometre paddle. were a slog which required the bending of our Whitemark and an ascent of Strzelecki peak The usual early morning ritual of launching to the aft deck creating problems when into resigned me to an unassisted crossing for the The Kent group was barely visible this morning backs to make any headway. John and I landed which revealed the island and its terrain were had us catch the ebbing flow out around Clarke a head wind due to resistance. His cockpit sake of harmony. In the final month before as the weather had turned hazy. With heads and proceeded to the point to see if we could greatly therapeutic. A night in Trousers Bay Island out into Banks Strait. Great weather admitted water (not sure of the reason) departure we were to familiarize ourselves with down we paddled into the breeze, all expecting catch a glimpse of Brian and Geoff which we and off the following day to Preservation Island. for our last day had us surging towards Swan which had to be manually hand pumped current navigation thinking (with varying a fairly rough day at the office. An hour or two hourly. His skeg at one stage became degrees of application). into this crossing, a sea fog began to loom, jammed with coarse sand in its’ box which Geoff and John drove down from the heading our way. We were a bit surprised fortunately was overcome with a bit of north coast and picked me up on the way to when the wind actually increased upon careful maintenance. Melbourne. With Brian on board we arrived being enveloped by the fog when we were all Brian paddled a Nadgee with a sail which at Port Welshpool on the 5th of March for expecting a moderation of the breeze. Visibility was never used due to contrary winds. a departure the following morning after was reduced to 200 metres which called for an John paddled a Rockpool Taran which an eight a.m. high tide in order to ride the immediate tightening of ranks. Tension was allowed ample room for provisions – outgoing tide. The weather was hot and, palpable when Brian’s GPS ran out of power stowaways however were a problem! It also from all predictions, was going to continue due, no doubt, to over usage. Luckily John’s unit admitted some water into the cockpit. for some time to come as an unprecedented proved to be a reliable backup. After a paddle I paddled a Mirage 580 which gave me series of high pressure systems were lining of 9 hours we finally arrived at our camp site room for provisions. My hatches proved up to enter Bass Strait. Easy day paddling to on Erith Island which was a little surprising as very waterproof but prior to leaving I was Refuge Cove at Wilsons Promontory. most of us were led to believe that we would having trouble with the forward hatch Seven a.m. departure the following morning be camping on Deal Island. At this juncture which I overcame by cutting off the carry for the first leg of the actual strait to Hogan the group dynamic suffered a setback with toggle and deck line and filling in the holes Island, 50 kilometres away. Incredibly, even at Brian declaring that he would be continuing with sikaflex and this worked a treat. I don’t that distance, Hogan was visible on the horizon alone. Common sense prevailed so that we did understand why these holes are not bored aided by a strobe beacon which we had all failed continue as a group, at least until Killiecrankie through solid fiberglass/kevlar to prevent to see indicated on our nautical charts (a rather on the north coast of Flinders Island. this problem (perhaps later models have damning reflexion of our inexperience)! I was A day of leisure was called for so we crossed been rectified).

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 24 SHOW US YOUR GEAR EVENTS 25 By Russ Swinnerton By Campbell Tiley

Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA 94) that is Australian Sea Kayak Clubs Networking Sea Kayak Navigation the Easy Way compatible with coordinates produced by GPS, to the accuracy that hand-held GPS Summit, Snake Island, April 2013 receivers are capable of working to. Many GPS receivers allow you to specify the ho said being on the club that clearer understanding of the differences Electric Dreams: output in Universal Transverse Mercator committee was all talk and would facilitate interstate paddling and is (UTM) grid, rather than lat/long, so your no action? Sometimes true a work in progress. There were interesting eastings and northings can be plotted self-sacrifice is required, and variations in the overheads paid to umbrella directly onto the topo. Wso Rae Duffy and I found ourselves jetting organisations and for insurances, with QSKC The GPS miracle down to Melbourne on Anzac day with as at the high end and NSWSKC consistent with IN THE HAND much paddling and camping gear as we could the other clubs. I use a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx receiver carry. We had responded to an invitation The following were agreed in principle, or those of us who’ve had to per day. The US Air Force manages – a very capable piece of equipment. It’s from Terry Barry, outgoing president of pending approval by the committees: make a living out of finding our the system, and brings satellites in waterproof and ruggedized, and runs the VKSC, to join a weekend meeting of • Paddle Signals:we will jointly communicate position at sea, the satellite-based and out of operation to maintain the off two AA batteries, rechargeable or Australian sea kayak clubs which the VKSC the concern to AC that aspects of the recent GlobalF Positioning System (GPS) is a minimum coverage of four satellites alkalines. It will run for about 18 hours had offered to coordinate and part fund. Our changes are inappropriate for sea kayaking . really big deal. And for those who do it above the horizon, anywhere in the from one pair of batteries, enough for destination was Snake Island, just across from • Visiting Experts: we will work together to recreationally, it’s just as big an innovation: world – enough to fix your position. a weekend of paddling. Mine’s loaded Wilsons Promontory. organise and jointly fund overseas instructor as well as being global, it works pretty well They fly 31 active satellites, and with marine charts for the east coast of Terry met us at the airport and ferried us and paddling expert visits, building on Geoff locally too. several residuals – decommissioned Australia – and I’ve got a micro-SD card Eastward. Over lunch on the way we met the Murray’s (TSKC) efforts in recent years. Satellite navigation systems originally birds that can be reactivated when with charts of the Pacific Islands to cover other representatives: Raia Wall (incoming • Proficiency Standards Mapping: we will appealed for their ability to give reliable necessary. Since 2011, they’ve aimed my Solomon Islands folding-kayak trip. VKSC president), Greg Simson and John work to map their training standards against positions when out of sight of land – to keep a minimum of 27 satellites on The Garmin lets me set up waypoints, Dawson (TSCC former Commodore and the national standards with the aim of more but they have evolved into systems for the boil at any one time, improving and plan routes, using either the hand- incoming Commodore), Eddie Safarik easily hosting paddlers from other clubs. precise navigation in confined waters. the performance of the system. held receiver or a laptop. And the GPS and Will Winton (QSKC President and • Sharing of Club resources: we will look at Their continuous coverage and – when How does it work? Well, it’s records tracks travelled, which can also Treasurer) as well as Bob Fergie from the facilitating access to newsletters, magazine fitted with a plotter – their ability to show basically a ranging system. The be downloaded to your computer. Its VKSC as facilitator, holder of the texta and archives and other resources. That clubs also positions graphically relative to dangers, satellites transmit a signal giving data entry interface is not brilliant – one butchers paper and peacekeeper. WA was give consideration to strengthening visiting makes them invaluable in high-workload their locations and precise time day, hand-held GPSs will work as well unable to send a representative and contacts membership arrangements. situations where navigational difficulty from on-board atomic clocks. Our as smartphones – but its PC interface is were not identified in NT or SA. • Inter–club specialist collaboration: we will is compounded by problems of collision GPS receiver records the time of slick and easy to use. If you’re deciding on On the beach at Port Welshpool was consider putting our specialists in contact to avoidance. the signals’ arrival, and knowing which model to buy, it’s good to try out a fleet of kayaks kindly loaned by VKSC address common issues such as training, web So how accurate is GPS? It’s very the speed of light, it can determine their user-friendliness first. members. Rae scored a grey plastic Avocet resources and lobbying. accurate. It will tell you your position with the distance from the satellites, and Garmin GPSMap 60CSx – finding its satellites It also has a man overboard function, and I had a Tempest. We loaded up and • Collaborative Inclusiveness: we will include single-figure accuracy (between three and calculate a fix. The process is analogous to and an anchor-drag alarm – although the paddled off into the 20kn headwind that WASKC and other state clubs we become eight metres), 95% of the time. And that’s plotting a fix using radar ranges. And with accuracy of GPS is spectacular, you have latter may not be much use in your kayak Terry had also organised. After a couple of aware of in these and any further initiatives. using the single frequency mode. Differential signals from four satellites, the receiver can to remember that it’s the relative accuracy if you’re sleeping ashore… the alarm isn’t hours we trundled ashore through the sand • ASKCs Networking Summit continuation: GPS (where a correction is applied by a find a position in three dimensions. – relative to charted dangers – that really very loud, and if your kayak does float away, dunes to the Cattleman’s Association huts on clubs are encouraged to participate in regular reference shore station) is available in many The US military used to have the ability to counts. So navigators are always checking, it will probably be out of earshot before it Snake Island, an absolutely magic spot used summits, hosted on a rotational basis. The areas, and new multi-frequency capabilities degrade GPS performance for non-military to make sure the GPS rendition of the world announces it’s gone! for grazing cattle for over a century. next summit will be held in March 2014 at coming on line will give even greater users, with a thing called selective availability. matches what they can see through the It can be loaded with the highway The strong sou-wester kept up the whole Rock n’ Roll, Batemans Bay. accuracy – and will be compatible with The US has since legislated to remove the charthouse window – or from the cockpit. system, too, and can navigate to the put-in time we were on the island, maximising The weekend was a useful and positive some of the other satellite systems coming capability – which they stopped using in GPS works with a mathematical model just like a car’s GPS (although it doesn’t opportunities for networking on shore, event with clubs now having a better on line, such as Europe’s Galileo. 2000 anyway – guaranteeing that we’ll of the earth called World Geodetic System provide voice commands – it just beeps ). although we did find time on the Saturday for understanding of each other. The benefit of With a sextant, I was pleased to be able get uninterrupted GPS unless some nasty 84 (WGS 84). And your chart or topo map So do you need GPS? Of course not. a paddle over to Wilsons Prom. personal contact with committee members to find a position to around one nautical adversary jams the signal. probably doesn’t. But your marine chart We’re able to navigate our kayaks safely A wide range of issues were discussed will improve communication and advice mile, twice a day at morning and evening GPS receivers either show your position will tell you how far GPS-derived positions and efficiently by traditional means, using a in an open, and occasionally animated, or paddling opportunities when heading stars (if it wasn’t too cloudy). The general on an electronic map or chart, or give you need to be moved to accord with the datum compass and a chart or map. But needs and exchange of opinions and ideas. Our interstate. I am looking forward to browsing standard is to within three nautical coordinates to plot on your paper chart. The on which it’s based. It can be metres, or wants are very different things: I’d hate to overwhelming impression was that the the magazine archives of other clubs and hope miles. GPS is continuous and orders of more capable the display options, the more hundreds of metres, depending on the age be without my little Garmin. clubs had very similar aims in relation to we can implement access for members of all magnitude more accurate. No wonder $$ and amperes you’ll need. Yachts and of the chart. And it’s often zero. The map set And it can save a lot of anxiety if you’re skills development and enjoyment of sea clubs. The summit may facilitate initiatives navigators love it! power boats usually use a large-screen chart- loaded into your GPS already compensates caught out in fog, or are trying to find a kayaking for members. Although there were in the future such as inter-club workshops for based plotter, but power-starved kayakers for the datum difference – this only applies pull-out spot (or get back to the put-in) in a differences in grading and certification, there senior instructors. SPACE LIGHTHOUSES make do with hand-held receivers, map- when transferring positions to paper charts. heavily indented coastline or amidst a bevy were many similarities, with most clubs Thanks to Terry Barry and the VKSC GPS uses a constellation of more than based preferably. And of course electronic charts need to be of islands. You can do it with a chart and a basing their paddling competencies on the for putting so much effort into such a well 24 satellites in six orbits which fly at an But here’s the thing. The charts and maps kept corrected up-to-date (by downloading compass (and if your batteries go flat, you’ll national standards. NSWSKC and QSKC organised weekend – except for the wind, altitude of around 20,200km above the we use for navigation were drawn with far less updates), just like paper charts. still need to…) but if you’ve got the tool, are closely allied to Australian Canoeing in which was 20kn on the nose on the way back earth’s surface, circling the globe twice capable tools than GPS. So while the absolute Australian topo maps use the Geocentric why not use it? terms of training as is WASKC. We agreed as well.

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 26 MY KAYAKING LIFE ROCK ‘N ROLL 2013 27 By Emma Kirk Oskar Speck ROCK ‘N ROLL 2013 on display Legends & laughs “The best I have attended” Owen Walton

rtefacts from Oskar Speck’s Danube to the Yugoslavian border... leaving retrace his voyage. remarkable journey that began Germany… and seeing the world seemed like On her website Sandy says: “A few years when he launched his kayak in a better option.” ago someone told me about a kayaker the River Danube, Germany Speck’s seven-year voyage was full of who paddled all the way from Germany to paddlingA 50,000 kilometres to Australia adventure and challenges. He could not Australia. This has to be one of the most are now on display at the Australian swim and had to make many alterations amazing kayak journeys of all time. I am National Maritime Museum. to his kayak in order to survive. Along the going to find out.” The museum holds 600 pieces way Speck overcame malaria, beatings and Sandy’s last update was from India on the including photographs, letters, documents, lootings and he arrived in Australia the week 14th March 2013 where she was preparing to and passports from Speck’s epic voyage. the country declared war on Germany. leave Palk Bay for . The Salvation Army has sponsored the Australian authorities labeled Speck an So, next time you are in Darling Harbor it conservation of this collection, which enemy, because of his German nationality, is worth taking time to check out the Oskar was donated by Speck’s late companion, and sent him to internment camps around Speck display on Level 1 of the Australian Nancy Steele. the country. Speck was released after the National Maritime Museum (unfortunately Speck’s achievements are well known war, became an opal miner a Coober Pedy, only a small number of items are on in Europe, and Australian canoeing and then retired to the NSW Central Coast. The permanent display). Who knows how it kayaking groups, but few others know his museum is continuing research to learn more might inspire your next adventure story. A German film company is now about his voyage, internment and life. in contact with the Australian National Speck is now inspiring a new generation Photographs courtesy of the Australian Maritime Museum to make a film about of adventurers. In 2011, Sandy Robson, a sea National Maritime Museum. Read his life. kayaker from Western Australia, launched Specks story in his own words in our If you do not know the story it is her kayak in the River Danube, Germany to club magazine at tinyurl.com/ospeck extraordinary. It starts in Germany post WWI when the country was being crippled by economic downfall and millions were unemployed. A keen kayaker, Speck took to the water in his collapsible Sunnschien to seek work in copper mines. The museum quotes Speck in an interview with Margot Cuthill, for Australia’s SBS TV in 1987 saying: “I had no idea that I would eventually end up The Laughing Legend himself. Photo by Andre Janecki in Australia... but I took my collapsible boat, went to Ulm and then down the

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 28 ROCK ‘N ROLL 2013 29 Report By Campbell Tiley Photos by Mark Sundin, David Gibbins, Ray and Bron Davies, Michael Taylor, Henry Vonderpoel and others

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ROCK ‘N ROLL FUN BY NIGHT 172 Rock ‘N Rollers at Jimmys Beach made the 2013 event a roaring success despite a The Saturday evening proceedings less than encouraging weather forecast. Once again registrations were a record for the opened with our President Dave Fisher’s event. At least 250 paddlers got onto the water on club paddles over the weekend with welcome and acknowledgement of the assistance of trip leaders from our own club as well as 14 experienced paddlers from Megan Pryke, Shaan Gresser and Queensland. We were pleased to welcome 18 paddlers in all from beyond NSW borders. Fernando Charnis being assessed as Fortunately we had no significant rain during the day. The strong Southerly on Sea Leaders in the previous year as well Sunday provided ideal conditions for a training session on manoeuvring in chop and strong wind off Jimmys Beach after onshore sessions by both of our invited speakers as Rae Duffy as a Flatwater Instructor. Les Allen and Nigel Foster. Nigel went further, demonstrating that with precise edging After rejecting the Golf Club’s attempt and minimal but precisely placed paddle strokes it is possible to run rings around Andre we were fortunately able to rapidly in the wind and surf. Occasional enormous rollers from the cyclone to the north east deploy Mark Alchin’s PA system so that earlier in the week made the Saturday trips to Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah Islands all the speakers could be heard. The raffles were then drawn with winnings seeming the more interesting. by Campbell Tiley Les and hosts to be disproportionately distributed to Queensland. Thanks to the generosity of silver sponsors Greenland Downunder for the split carbon Greenland paddle; THANKS Flat Earth Sails for the Inflatable PFD, Rock ‘N Roll is a cooperative event that deck line and netting kits and a split euro would not happen without the overt and paddle; Solar Australia for a solar panel covert support of many people (apologies and to Bronze sponsor Helinox for a to anyone that I have forgotten). Special lightweight and extremely comfortable thanks to the following: ‘Chair One’ collapsible chair. The club committee for their support Nigel Foster presented on his and advice. ‘Stepping Stones’ adventures in The trips coordinator Megan Labrador in 2004, completing a trip Pryke and the trip leaders for getting from Baffin Island to Nain cut short in so many trips out despite less than 1981 at the northern tip of Labrador after straightforward conditions. an epic 40 mile crossing of the Hudson The volunteers: Beachmasters Strait. He painted a vivid picture of rocky Wrong way up, Shaan Roger White, Rozzy Dickson and Henry landings complicated by enormous tidal Freiburg; AV and video by Selim Tezcan; ranges and marauding polar bears Dinner coordinator Nerissa Worwood; intertwined with the fascinating Inuit Registration by Anne Moore, Owen history of the region. After dessert Les Walton, Vincent Weafer and Henry Van Allen followed up with an eclectic and DAILY HIGHLIGHTS de Kolk; Beach Shelter loan from Dee Ratcliffe and lugging up and down from entertaining presentation on paddling in The weekend began with what is becoming an RnR tradition with the beer and the beach by Neil Duffy. WA leaving us convinced that we needed whatever excellent nosh Mark Sundin from gold sponsor Expedition Kayaks could Gold sponsor Expedition Kayaks to overcome the tyranny of distance and hunter-gather from the local environment, rather good seafood and chips this year. represented by Rob Mercer, Mark Sundin ‘go west’. Les was brought over for RnR Saturday was a great day on the water with 167 paddlers getting wet, assisted and Sharon Betteridge. by gold sponsor Expedition Kayaks. by 26 trip leaders. Our guests Nigel and Les ran training sessions with Les focussing Silver sponsors: Flat Earth Sails Then back to the campground hoping on Surf for grade 2 paddlers and Nigel running two on-water boat control sessions. represented by Mick MacRobb; that someone had had the presence of Mike Eggleton ran a forward stroke clinic with Rae Duffy in the hope that one day she Greenland Downunder with Wayne mind to hide or destroy Mark Sundin’s would have some competition in local kayak endurance racing. There were a wide and Mel Hanley unable to attend; ukulele. variety of other paddling options on the menu from basic skills, kayak snorkelling at Solar Australia represented by Brad Sunday night’s short videos session Fly Point, as well as a bit of surf drama at Fingal Spit – apologies to Hans for being McPherson. – the kayaking Oscars – was a great Les Allan – a giant in the sea kayak world landed with some post R’N R maintenance courtesy of a reversing Mirage. Bronze sponsor Helinox with Norm success with excellent submissions The afternoon was primarily social once the sand and salt were rinsed off, with Photo by Ian Watkins Sea Kayak WA Moxey unable to attend. from as far afield as Queensland and plenty of interest in the tempting offerings from sponsors EK, Flat Earth and Solar the mysterious deep south of NSW. Australia. After an exhaustive scoring process Sunday morning brought a strong wind warning from the south and an interesting challenge for our Trips Coordinator Megan Pryke who did a great job getting 75 by randomly selected judges from the paddlers on the water. Activities ranged from thwarted attempts to dodge the wind audience, and a mentally exhausting in the Myall River to revelling in it by paddling across to Shoal Bay with a very rapid process adding up the scores, Vincent wind assisted return trip back to Jimmys Beach. Nigel Foster ran his ‘dry’ session Weafer was the clear winner and took with an effective and rather unique chair paddling approach. home a Chair One donated by Helinox The opportunity to work on turning and control skills up and down wind worked so he can plan future videos in seated out well in the strong onshore wind and waves. comfort. The video screening continued Sunday afternoon provided time for yet more socialising. Mick MacRobb from into the late evening until curtailed by Flat Earth did an informal session on the use of folding kayaks. The Gizmos and Gear noise restrictions. Selim Tezcan needs session was well attended, kicked off by our President demonstrating just how many to be acknowledged and thanked for VHF radios the well-connected kayaker needs. arranging the large plasma screen for Shawn Armitage took out the first prize of a Solar Panel donated by Solar Australia the videos and for coordinating and for his commitment to improving the diet of kakayers on tour. In easing conditions running the session. Thanks also to on Monday a further 44 stayers paddled before wrapping up RnR for another year. Toshiba Australia for lending the screen. The incredible shrinking Nigel The daily commute

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 30 ROCK ‘N ROLL 2013 31

Andrew Benoit Bruce Lew David Fisher Damiano Visocnik Gemma Collett Howard Rogers Stephan Meyn Steven O’Brien Silvio Testa Selim Tezcan Stuart Trueman John Friedman Les Allen Michael Mertens Norman Carter Peter Middleton Rob Mercer

Anne Cumming Brian McCarthy David Gibbins Denis Whitfield Geoffrey Dauncey Hans Schmidt John Gillette Leonie Auld Megan Pryke Neil Duffy Peter Murphy Roger Merrell

Andre Janecki Brad McPherson Digby Hall Eddie Safarik Gary Forrest Henry Van der Kolk John Karren Lorraine Lew Mark Schroeder Nigel Foster Petra Ries Rhys Ward

Audrey McDonald Caoimhin Ardren Davina Harding Elizabeth Thomson Gina Hooper Ilija ilcesin Joel Murray Lynne McNaughton Michael Steinfeld Nicholas Gill Paul Schramm Roger White

EXCEPT THE SATISFACTION OF Anne Moore Claus Busseler David Linco Elizabeth Tracey Garry Mansfield Joanne Alchin BEING AT THE BEST DAMN KAYAK Jana Osvald Mark Alchin Mark Sundin Neil Gow Phil Thompson Rod Wilson EVENT IN AUSTRALIA

Brian Burke Cecilia Goon Dragomir Pejic Fernando Charnis Gary Roberts Josh Andrews The main offender: John Piotrowski Malcolm Bersten Michael Taylor Nerissa Worwood Roy Davies Shawn Armitage Campbell Tiley (retired) Tina Willmore

Bob Cumming Clare McArthur Dennis Perigo Geoff Adams George van Mal Jeff Collins John Slattery Matt Bezzina Martin Vanderpoel Owen Walton Rosalind Dickson Sharon Betteridge

Bronwyn Davies David Brown Deirdre Ratcliffe Graeme Auld Henry Freiburg John Dening John Thane Mike Eggleton Matthew Yager Paul Edwards Raewyn Duffy Shaan Gresser

William Ben Khan David Slattery Graham Brown Harry Havu Jonathan Doig Todd Tai Tony Wennerbom Tina Willmore Vincent Weafer Wade Carberry Janice Wright Mick MacRobb Naomi Buchhorn Peter Leman Ronald Hurst Siddhartha Thompson Majumdar

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 32 ROCK ‘N ROLL 2013 33 Photos by Mark Sundin, David Gibbins, Ray and Bron Davies, Michael Taylor, Henry Vonderpoel and others

The EK pizza night...beers were drunk TERRIFIC NIGEL FOSTER I wish to express my gratitude and admiration to all on the committee for a FIXED ME “job well done” with Rock ‘N Roll 2013. Pulling together such an event is no easy PROPER task, yet Campbell and his team made it appear so. And indeed R’NR is always just I came to NSWSK Club Rock and that, a team effort where the committee Roll 2013 as a ‘plateaued Grade 2’, members all work together on the many sceptical that I had any motivation tasks that come together for a fun-filled left to change. However all this was weekend, providing club members with a fixed for me in Nigel Foster‘s Sunday terrific experience. By Dee Ratcliffe Some people like Paul even paddled! afternoon where we all sat in chairs on the grass as our imaginary kayaks – holding our paddles in hand trying to Off our trolleys repeat what Nigel was telling us. Nigel Foster’s patient, sparkling FIRST TIME ROCK ‘N ROLL… TRIPS GALORE explanations of the mysteries of A big thank you to all our trip leaders who kayak physics and how this gives us helped run trips over the three days. We the power to use ‘just right’ paddle WHAT A “BUZZ”! strokes (and no more) for everything had a number of AC qualified interstate I remember hearing about the annual morning. I quickly signed on to one of paddlers who helped run trips including was wonderful. We fired question after question at Nigel and he always Rock ‘N Roll on my very first club trip the trips around Cabbage Tree Island Les Allen from WA and a large number gave thoughtful and independently to Tomakin Beach last October long with Rob and Gary. It was a real treat to from Queensland and the internationally famous Nigel Foster. considered answers peppered with weekend. I was lead to believe that it paddle around such a magnificent island I also would like to thank the smiles and humour. was an event not to be missed……….. with such experienced guides. We stuck beachmasters Roger White on Saturday Then from the comfort of standing they weren’t lying! together as a group and Rob provided an and Rozzy on Sunday. It is an important on the shore we watched Nigel on the We strapped the kayaks onto interesting commentary of the history of function to have a system of knowing water seemingly effortlessly suspend the roof, packed the gear, cooler the island and the birds that breed there. numbers and groups on the water the laws of nature in his real kayak in gale force winds with just the right box, insect repellent and headed for Beautiful scenery, especially seeing especially with so many groups of paddle strokes. We had the proof in Jimmy’s Beach. As a first timer, I the rainbow of colours in the water as kayakers. Art installation by Vincent I have provided a chart of the trips Bronwyn catching some air front of us that what Nigel told us on wasn’t too sure what to expect, but I the kayaks ventured out. and training sessions run. In some cases, the land really works! had been on several club trips so was Now it was time to tee off at the golf there was a bit of swapping of participants I thank the Club for inviting Nigel, no stranger to some of the faces, and club for dinner with guest speakers on agreed amongst trip leaders. There were and I can’t thank Nigel enough for knew the company would be good if the menu. There was a real “buzz” in a few private trips conducted as well, this turning my head and heart around. the weather decided to misbehave. the air as we enjoyed our meals, and this draft report is just club trips. Chatting with others in the class indicated I am not alone in this The tent was pitched and the time it wasn’t the mozzies, everyone was Sunday presented a challenge with appreciation. crowd started to gather, there were relaxed and busy exchanging stories. gale force winds out at sea and strong winds within Port Stephens. Thanks It’s up to me now to work all this not many kayak-free zones around the We were later entertained by some to Les Allen for the presentation on 10 out in practice so Nigel’s gracious campground, it was an awesome sight! amazing polar experiences from Nigel, ways to turn a kayak and Nigel Foster sharing of his years of experience is So many kayaks, so many stories to and all inspired to travel over to Western for conducting an extra theory, un- not wasted on me. be heard, so much experience to be Australia to borrow a kayak from Les programmed lesson on that windy day. Thanks so much again. shared. and explore the west coast. Many participants got to then test Now it was time for beer and pizza The wind picked up and the trips out the theory on water, either on a skills By David Gibbons (disguised as fish and chips). were limited to skills training close training session on Myall River or a near shore grade 2 plus session off Jimmys The 2013 Rock ‘N Roll had officially to shore the next day. The perfect Love on the beach Beach. Others watched Nigel perform his Nigel’s guide to armchair paddling begun. There were demo boats for all opportunity for the brave paddlers to refined turning skills on the water. to admire and test drive, latest gear play in the wind, I was happy to observe I have not heard of anyone missing and much more on offer. There was a and learn onshore. out on the on-water opportunity at R ’N lot of laughter, smiles and conversation For some, it was now time to say R and thus regard it as a success. I had amongst the sound of skin slapping as farewell. It was my first Rock ‘N Roll, a great time. the mozzies set in. Who would have definitely not my last. Great times A big thank you to Campbell Tiley our club Rock ‘N Roll Co-ordinator for being thought that kayakers were such a were had, good friends were made and so pleasant, professional and keeping friendly bunch? It was a great start to hopefully plenty of memories will be things simple when it came to organising a great weekend! shared with a collection of stories from what is probably the largest sea kayaking Blessed with good weather, the the event. event in Australia. trips were announced early the next Happy paddling! By Gemma Collett By Megan Pryke, trips co-ordinator

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 34 ROCK ‘N ROLL 2013 35 Photos by Mark Sundin, David Gibbins, Ray and Bron Davies, Michael Taylor, Henry Vonderpoel and others

The Queensland invaders enjoyed the Northern location A LITTLE FURTHER ANGRY MOB NORTH EACH YEAR FLOTSAM With only a handful of members from TURNS ON THE ED south of Nowra attending, President Meanwhile Editor Mark Schroeder Fisher triumphantly announced “we’re GOES TO almost there! It’s taken 20 years but spent the weekend avoiding hordes of we’ve at last found a venue where angry “Saltites” (a term loosely based we can enjoy the weekend without on the Luddites of the early nineteenth hordes of those southern recalcitrants century), who, with trangia burners criticising everything we do and banging on about the good old days when they ROCK strapped to their paddle blades, ran the club.“ Mr Fisher continued “next marched on the Executive marquee year we plan to move the event even ‘looking for blood’. The cause of this further north just to make sure these ‘N ROLL David Linco impersonating furore was the recent release of a soft characters really get the message!” a speed bump copy only Salt magazine. Saltites spokesperson Dee Ratcliffe told Flotsam “A real magazine NEW INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED TRUEMAN SHOW is a piece of art … I love to pick it up Following rumours that R’NR Coordinator Campbell Tiley had “gone beyond from the coffee table, hold it gently in exhaustion” in trying to resign from the Coordinator position over the event ‘DEBACLE’ my hand, waft the pages backwards weekend, the club leadership has stepped in to address what is a perennial issue. and forwards, feel the medium weight President Fisher said “we’ve long known that many committee members, after THREATENS coated 70gsm paper, smell the sweet years of good work, almost have a breakdown in the act of simply trying to step aroma of the synthetic gravure ink. It’s down. So I can announce today the establishment of the Transition to Normal Membership program which will be available in the future to all those seeking a tactile sensual experience for me, BOOK SALES to leave office.” Designed by former President Elizabeth Thomson and former and I think for many other women. Now Training Coordinator Harry Havu, the program will provide participants with a What was planned as a major all we are getting is a characterless range of skills including influencing and negotiation techniques, and even menace, promotion for his new book quickly assortment of bytes on a screen, and stand-over tactics and blackmail. President Fisher added “unfortunately all turned sour for tough ‘Around it’s all thanks to Schroeder and his these skills are required to convince naive paddlers to put their hands up for an Australia’© kayaker Stuart Trueman. Dee happily hydrated meddling!” executive position in the NSWSKC.” Members contesting committee roles While attempting to show off on an Fellow protester John Piotrowski unfamiliar surf ski front of a large was also fired up “I hate it! When you R’N R NEWS HEADLINES and adoring crowd, Trueman quickly Sunday Blowie Sunday – move the cursor thing to the right the too much for Mr Trueman? found that a carefully manufactured screen pans to the left, when you move Hempel reverse rams Friebur’s hand made strip boat – d’oh * QLD visitor’s legend can be destroyed in minutes. it down the screen pans up! This totally stern destroyed following unintended surf The muscle bound kayaker fell off does my head in. Schroeder must DIE!” endo – runs away to calm of Morton Bay the ski almost instantly and then But the besieged Editor had some * Egos on the line: Sundin vs Bezzina, ski compounded the error with several supporters. Ex-Editor Mark Pearson vs kayak & sail. Outcome hotly disputed in ungainly attempts to re-mount. sprang to his defence telling Flotsam blogs. * McRobb bounces in with folding rubber boats, partners with Durex. “If she Shocked onlookers stated their “I’m too proud to wear glasses, so springs a leak, I quickly pull out and apply displeasure to the roving Flotsam couldn’t even read the last few issues a patch” * Film night degenerates into reporter “I was expecting a show of SALT and its new age font, although homo-erotica featuring Sundin in skimpy of skill and power, but he was of course I pretended to everybody I lingerie * Weafer scoops film prize, waking rubbish!” said John Friedman. High had – so give me a zoomable pdf any judges up following epic seven-hour opus of self-portraits inside tubes. performance junkie Rae Duffy told time.” Matt’s boast – “beat him this much” Flotsam “I used to think that he was kind of cute, but not anymore. Trueman’s audience. John Friedman particularly unimpressed. I like a man who can get on and MUP AWARD ANNOUNCED stay on!” Silvio Testa, leader of the In a development that surprised no- one, new club member Josh Andrews was a unanimous Queensland invasion commented winner of the 2013 RnR Most Unpopular Paddler (MUP) award. “it was, like, totally embarrassing .. The MUP Committee’s commendation stated that Mr Andrews, a serving Sergeant there’s no way I’d buy his book after Major in the Australian Defence Forces, “demonstrated a total lack of people skills in forcing that display!” club members to assemble at dawn besides their kayaks” and furthermore “adopted an overbearing military style demeanour while carrying out a strict ‘spit and polish’ safety As further evidence of the inspection.” magnitude of this PR disaster, Trip Leader Matt Bezzina told Flotsam “mate, that was nerve-racking, I nearly wet Flotsam can reveal that Hokum myself when the Sergeant Major screamed “wots all this then!!” in my ear when he spied Publishing has reduced the initial something not tied properly on my deck!!!” print run of All the way Round© from Sergeant Major Andrews upholds a proud tradition of former unpopular ADF paddlers 10,000 to less than 250 copies. such as Major Doug ‘ADFA Incident’ Fraser and Midshipman John ‘the Bastardiser’ Josh Andrews on parade Lipscombe. Flotsam salutes you.

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 36 TRIPS & TRAVELS 37 By Russ Swinnerton

cockpits are small, but there’s a larger size for the tubbier paddlers amongst us. You build the frame of the Wisper in two halves, bow and stern, and slip them into the skin Seals – no dry suits needed through the cockpit. Then two- piece longerons and deck-bars are added and extended, to complete the frame and stretch the skin longitudinally. Sponsons (air bags) run the length of the boat under the gunwales, which when inflated stretch the skin laterally. The boats come with a sea-sock to compensate for the lack of bulkheads, and the cockpit has a coaming that fits the sea-sock and a proper spraydeck. There are even hatches, with roll-down sealing, dry-bag style. Thigh-brace Wheeling to the put-in rods complete the cockpit, and there’s a footplate (or bottom- pivoting rudder pedals) to give you something to push against. How long do they take to build? The handbook says 30 minutes, but it normally takes me a bit longer. The end result is well worth Winter paddling in the trouble. The boat flexes a little, like a skin-on-frame should, but feels very sure and secure on the water. VANCOUVER CHILLING OUT, ON THE WATER We probably over-prepared a Bridge to nowhere, Squamish The real thing, but not for hire! little for our first experience of cold-water paddling. I’d emailed t’s five days before Christmas, 8am, and the seller was offering free postage in the Then ribs, seat and other fittings on top of they were happy to let us in – and kindly gave the local sea kayak clubs, but no one had any there’s snow all over the hire car, a couple continental US, so we did a deal for shipping the skin. So off we went to the airport in us a tour. They’ve managed to incorporate trips scheduled during our visit (a lesson of centimetres thick. OK, back to bed, no to Vancouver. I’d already arranged to visit Sydney with our old boat. No dramas at state-of-the-art machinery, processes and there, maybe?). And they warned about the paddling today. the Feathercraft factory there to pick up a few the check-in – we paid our $$, had the boat materials while keeping a family feel to the conditions. IWe’re spending Christmas in Vancouver, things, so they kindly agreed to babysit the tagged, and off it went into the hold. place. Doug often paddles to work, year-round. Tidal range was up to four meters, water .. British Columbia, with partner Meg’s family. new boat until our arrival. Arriving in Vancouver, I staked out And no dry suit: he argues that on the Fraser temperature around seven or eight degrees, And we’d decided to bring along kayaks. That made it two paddlers, and two the oversize baggage carousel. And there River, you are never too far from shore to make and air temperature between zero and eight. A chilly Last year in Sydney, as we were planning Wispers, so we were all set. But with a rather were plenty of oversize bags -- ski bags, golf a quick retreat. And did I mention that it rains a lot on the trip, I’d taken a quick inventory: folding bemused Canadian side of the family! It’s clubs, hockey bags… but no kayak. Instead, The Feathercraft boats themselves are Canada’s west coast? pilgrimage to kayaks, one (a Feathercraft Wisper); number important to make a ‘splash’ when meeting she was circulating on our flight’s regular brilliant. The frames are made of aero-quality So we’d equipped ourselves with dry Feathercraft of grown-up NSW Sea Kayak Club paddlers your partner’s family for the first time, and they carousel. Obviously a mere kayak doesn’t aluminium/magnesium alloy tubing, with ribs suits, from an ebay seller in China. Although needing a boat, two. Hmmm – we were going weren’t entirely sure about winter kayaking. qualify as oversize in Canada. of HDPE high density polyethylene. The skins they only cost about $360 delivered, they country to need reinforcements. – welded urethane ‘sealskin’ – are waterproof, worked fine. The suits had latex neck and So during November and December, I FLYING TO VANCOUVER FABULOUS FEATHERCRAFT and very durable. And the boats look great – wrist seals that worked as intended. Might .. was checking ebay and craigslist for second- The Wisper folds up into a big backpack for We dropped into the Feathercraft factory baby Greenlanders. even get used on the lake in Canberra in hand folders in the Vancouver area – but no travel, and Air Canada offers a good excess at Granville Island on our first afternoon in The Wisper is 4.75m long, with a beam winter! You do need to vent them through luck. And then on the forum baggage deal, just CAD$70 for your second town, and met Doug Simpson, the founder, of 58.75cm – a little small (but beautifully the neck seal before a swim – otherwise you site (foldingkayaks.org), I found a near-new 23kg bag. To minimise the risk of damage, the designer and owner of the company, which formed…) and very nimble. It weighs only end up looking like the Michelin Man, as Wisper XP at a great price – but in New skin is rolled first, and placed in the centre of he runs with wife Theresa. Although they’d 17kg in basic form, and 18kg in the expedition all the air gets pushed up into the chest and York! Well, that was closer than Sydney. And the back pack, with the frame rods either side. just closed for their end-of-year stocktake, variant (XP) with rudder. On our boats, the shoulders (as it did, to the delight of passers-

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 38 TRIPS & TRAVELS MY KAYAKING LIFE 39

Winter paddling in Vancouver continued By Emma Kirk RAE’S DOUBLE

Rae’s husband Neil also competed in both events. Rae said: “We are much happier now Neil is kayaking. He could see how much fun I was having and I was hardly ever home, so he overcame his fears and joined me on the water. “One day we plan to just get in our sea kayaks and head north or south from Sydney for a week, depending on which way the wind is blowing. “I feel alive when I am out on the ocean, there’s a wonderful sense of freedom.” Rae has encountered some hair-raising moments sea kayaking, one of which required a helicopter rescue. “I learnt an important lesson that day, stay Rae and Neil – winners are grinners alert and never take your eyes off the ocean.” Not one to be discouraged Rae says her first love is sea kayaking, and talks about some f you thought paddling 100km overnight it my best shot to see what I can do. Finishing of the amazing experiences she has had on the down the Hawkesbury was tough, is the most important goal.” ocean. try five days and 400kms down the Having competed in the Hawkesbury four “The best moments have been encounters Murray taking on heat and the strongest times, Rae had some idea of how she might go with whales, orca and seabirds swooping past headwinds the race has experienced in ten in last year’s race. the bow of the kayak, and the expeditions with Off we go up the creek … with a paddle I years. And while you are it, smashing records. She set goals for each checkpoint my kayak buddies exploring coastline the way This is just what Rae Duffy did late last including the stop (only one of five minutes) only kayakers can.” by, when I float-tested the suit in the ocean disassembly times, we decided to stay local, year when she won both the Hawkesbury and applied the same goal setting strategy to Rae is already in training for this year’s pool at Curl Curl). and not try to load up the hire-car boot with Classic and the Murray Marathon on the Murray stages, but had no idea how she Hawkesbury Classic, she will be competing We’d gone for the Tizip version – a wet kayak skins. handicap. would manage backing it up each day. in a K4. lightweight (but still waterproof) nylon zipper Feathercraft makes a foldable trolley that Seven years ago Rae had ankle surgery “The Murray event is gruelling, we “It has not been done in a K4 by women across the shoulders that needs a friend to works either with the back-pack or with the that left her struggling to walk. Having always paddled up to nine hours each day and had to over 50, so as long as we finish we will set a unzip. So you need to go paddling in a group boat assembled. So we were able to build and been active she was feeling frustrated by be at the start point at 6.30am each morning. record. of at least two. Underneath, we wore thick store the boats in Meg’s brother’s garage, and her situation until a friend mentioned sea “With the driving and preparing for the “We have been out once and that was thermals and polar fleece, with hiking socks. wheel them a hundred metres to a creek that Where’s my bear bell? kayaking. next day there was very little time to relax or pretty wobbly but we have not fallen in yet. Polar-fleece beanies, and gloves rounded out flowed into Dees Slough and joined the Fraser “Sea kayaking,” she thought. “I can do socialise. “Four of us working together in a fast the costume. We opted for neoprene gloves, River. Fabulous paddling – wetlands, marinas, bird life – so we paddled right through the that.” “It was tough too for our amazing land unstable kayak for about 10 hours is an which weren’t perfect, and left us with aching and plenty of birdlife. times allocated for water-skiing! It must be Five months after taking up kayaking, Rae crew, who had to contend with the heat and exciting new challenge.” fingers. Next time we’re in cold climes (ever The Fraser itself can be challenging, with Christmas -- everyone else was either hunkered competed in her first marathon event with dust and climb down steep banks to stand in the folding-kayak optimist…) I might try the lots of outflow on top of a large tidal range, but down in front of the fire, enjoying mulled wine Kate Nicholls who she met through the sea the mud swotting flies while they waited at the old windsurfing dodge of cotton gardening we were lucky during our visit to have mostly and Christmas pudding, or off skiing in the kayak club. checkpoints.” gloves under washing up gloves – bargain- neap ranges during the day, and pretty benign nearby resorts. But we paddled every couple of Kate suggested they paddle the Even though Rae admits marathon events priced dry gloves. conditions. Weather patterns come through days, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hawkesbury Classic together in a double. Not can be gruelling, what she enjoys most about After crunching across the residue of last pretty quickly, but as you can see in the photos, When we did travel out of Vancouver one to hold back from a challenge Rae agreed, racing is the feeling you get when everything night’s snow on the first morning out, that we had some beautiful days for paddles. On (through the inner islands to Victoria on and they began training several times a week. comes together. first step into knee-deep water at the put-in one day, we could actually see the beautiful Vancouver Island, and to Squamish, at the Rae said: “I learnt a lot from Kate, the race “When it is smooth and effortless it feels was a revelation – no feeling of cold at all! snow-covered peaks surrounding Vancouver; head of Howe Sound), we were reconnoitring went well and we were very excited when we great and the euphoria at the finish can last for the rest of the time, it was crisp, wet and for a return in the summer. The offshore set a new record in our class.” days. NOT-TRAVELLING, M AN cloudy. islands are beautiful, and several commercial Last year was the first time Rae raced in “It is very different to most sports. Our preparations hadn’t extended as far as There was a sign at the marina, giving year- companies offer guided trips of varying the singles division, just to prove to herself that Paddling hard down the mighty Murray River roof racks. With the daytime temperature round timed slots on the slough for different degrees of difficulty. she could do it alone. is tough but you are surrounded by massive eight degrees max, and almost daily rain, water activities, including paddle sports. But So we’ll be back, with our boats in a bag, She said: “I am competitive but not really gum trees, and chatting and laughing with the Rae under power nothing dries quickly. And given assembly/ we were lonely on the water – just us and the to enjoy the place with the sun shining. with others in the race, it is more about giving other competitors.”

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 40 MY kayaking life 41

By Jim Kakuk

About the photo: in Wayag, Raja Ampat, West Papua, home of the last Sea Nomads, destructive fishing techniques employing homemade fertiliser bombs and potassium cyanide have become common practice, driven predominantly by the live fish trade – a $1bn industry centred in Hong Kong. Target species like grouper and Napoleon wrasse are key to the preservation of coral ecosystems. These practices have not only decimated reefs in the most diverse marine bio-region in the world but have destroyed countless human lives as well. The Bajau Laut, some of the last true marine nomads, have perhaps suffered the most. The Bajau Laut have for centuries lived out their lives almost entirely at sea between Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia living on long boats fishing and freediving for food and pearls. In the last few decades, many have been forced to settle permanently on land, leaving a dwindling number who still call the ocean home; a rich ethnic culture facing extinction. ISLANDS Photo & inspiration by James Morgan. http://jamesmorganphotography.co.uk SEA KAYAKING PARADISE

There are some 27,000 islands charted in the oceans around the world and while they are all different, according to Jim Kakuk, they share many things in common.

JUNE 2013 SALT Potential paddling paradise – for how much longer? nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 42 MY kayaking life 43

Islands Sea Kayaking Paradise continued

EVOLUTION, MYSTERY biggest problem if there is no fresh source. People spiritual place, we named it after the Dreamer & SURVIVAL who are isolated on an island in a survival situation faith of the Nez Perce, the native American Science is indebted to islands as a clear track show their real character and values. Personal people living in the Pacific Northwest of of biology’s evolution and the specialization of vices, habits and addictions become paramount America. The Nez Perce believed in the species to the environment they live in. Darwin when human nature and individual interests power of revelations through dreams, songs and the origin of the species on the Galapagos is are put at odds with the common good. ‘Lord of and dances. Eric Soares and I first landed on one example. Islands hold many mysteries also; the Flies’ is a novel about a group of British boys Dreamer Island in 1987 and over the years the statues of Easter Island and the fortress of stuck on an uninhabited island who try to govern went there often on retreats and vision quests. Nan Madol on Pohnpei, Micronesia are just a themselves, with disastrous results. Fletcher We have had many interesting experiences few that come to mind. Christian and the mutineers of the Bounty fled and special times on Dreamer Island and it Disappearing islands like Atlantis are a to Pitcairn Island in 1790 with other Polynesian has become part of Tsunami Ranger history. common theme in history and have always men and Tahitian women. Though they learned On our last visit to Dreamer we honored Eric’s stirred the imagination of sailors. Non-existent to survive comfortably by farming and fishing, request and scattered some of his ashes in a islands that show up on the map or that are infighting soon ended the tranquil setting and ceremony on the island. rumored to exist are called “fly away islands” nearly half of the male inhabitants were killed over I have had many wonderful adventures and are usually the result of legends, optical prejudice, land and women. on islands along the Pacific coast and in Baja, and navigational mistakes or deliberate each with their own story. In New Zealand I misinformation. ISLAND STORIES have kayaked in the Bay Of Islands, explored Living on an island has some disadvantages. In September 2001 the Tsunami Ranger retreat and camped on islands along the outside coast With a limited cultural exchange some people was held on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel and looked at charts plotting new islands to experience “island fever” after a while and feel Islands. On the 11th we were camped in Scorpion visit. When my mind has time to wander and the need to leave and travel abroad. Islands are Bay when the ranger came to inform us of the I dream of my next kayaking adventure, I subjected to major storms that come from the World Trade Center attack. We were concerned always remember the view form the plane and sea. The term “marooned” usually applies to but not traumatized like those who watched it think of the island of New Zealand. shipwrecked sailors being trapped on an island. on live TV. We spent the day paddling along the Hopeall Island, Newfoundland by blogger Lee Gilbert www.awholebunchofings.com Sailors lament being stranded on a deserted island coast and noted the absolute tranquil even island and become crazed like Tom Hanks in serene environment. There was a noticeable lack Jim Kakuk is Captain of the Tsunami the movie ‘Cast Away’. There are numerous of boat and air traffic, it felt like we were insulated Rangers and lives on the coast in lying over the Pacific coastline of destinations like Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, etc. The are few, it is a low stress environment with a casual jokes and cartoons about being marooned on from the event and on a different reality from the Sonoma, Northern California. In Aotearoa “the land of the long white attraction is isolation and pristine beaches, your dress code, no worries be happy! On a primitive a small island. “If you were trapped on a desert rest of the country. 2011 he was a guest of NSWSKC cloud”, the view below is a daisy chain own territory surrounded by the sounds of ocean island your senses are heightened and you are island who would you want to be with”? Dreamer Island is a small rock Island in and appeared at Rock ‘N Roll of rugged green islands with jagged waves and a fresh clean breeze blended with the able to notice subtle changes in the environment. Finding water on a small island can be the Oregon that the Tsunami Rangers claim as a tsunamirangers.com rockyF shorelines surrounded by a shocking blue smell of salt water and tropical flowers. Island Communication by sight and sounds with your sea sprinkled with sun diamonds. New Zealand, hopping is a form of travel and there are tropical neighbors IS called the “coconut telegraph”. Time one of my favorite kayaking destinations is islands, desert islands and volcanic islands. There passes in a different way as you observe the sunrise comprised of 33 main islands and many more are island countries (New Zealand), island and sunset looking out over the water. Island time small ones. nations (Micronesia) and one island continent is based on the light of day, weather and the mood (Australia). of the ocean. The main source of transportation ISLAND IMAGES on or around is by foot or small paddle craft, As a sea kayaker what captures your attention THE ATTRACTION IS INSULAR perfect for kayakers. The sport of surfing came more than an island in the distance? Sailor’s lore Accessible only by boat or plane and usually from the islands and was first noted by Captain is peppered with stories of islands appearing as remote, people and birds travel to islands regularly. Cook in Hawaii in 1779 at Kealakekua Bay on the mirages in the open sea. Photos of islands look There are many stories, lore and legends associated Kona coast. like natural movie sets with blue tropical water, with islands throughout history and music is rife Houses are small quaint bamboo huts in sandy beaches, coral reefs and lagoons. Islands with island songs and poems. Painters like the clusters surrounded by coconut trees. Small paths evoke a peaceful and alluring image in literature, composition of sunny beaches, blue water and lined with tiki torches connect the dwellings they draw you in, tempt and seduce your colorful flora and fauna. Sanctuary and solitude and community areas. A simple primitive and imagination. My early fantasy was to live like is synonymous with islands and the term “island tribal way of living, you must use creative ways of the castaway Robinson Crusoe” on a deserted paradise” is heard often. making things from available materials. Fishing Island, making it on my own. Images of buried An island gives you the protection of the and gathering food is a daily ritual along the treasure chests filled with gold coins infiltrated surrounding water, a fortress of independence beaches or rocky tide pools. Cooking is on a my daydreams. The adventurous life of a pirate, with a wide moat. Islands have a weathered and a small wood fire, pit or camp stove. Let’s not forget ‘Treasure Island’ must have been every child’s leeward shore, a sunrise from the sea and sunset romance, the ultimate fantasy is of finding love on fantasy. I remember watching TV’s ‘Gilligan’s over the water. On a small island you are familiar an island – ‘Blue Lagoon’. Wedding ceremonies Island’ and later ‘Fantasy Island’. The TV reality with all the boundaries and hiding places. The well are a popular theme on an island, with white sandy series ‘Survivor’ is filmed on an island and the traveled paths follow the natural terrain to tucked beaches, blue water and solitude. Colorful dress, iconic two-piece swimsuit was named after a away corners or perches. There is often something native culture and a barefoot warrior protector in Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. new around the bend on the trail or interesting to a traditional sarong make for a memorable setting For holidays we think of exotic island be found on the beach after a high tide. Formalities and lasting union.

june 2013 SALT Dreamer Island the spiritual home of Tsunami Rangers nsw sea kayak club june 2013 44 TRIPS & Travels 45

By Lisa McCarthy

Marlborough Sounds New Zealand 1500 km of coastline to choose from

Party: Adrian Clayton, Mark Dabbs, Lisa McCarthy. Kayaks: Mission Bezhig x 2; Perception Contour x 1 Main photo courtesy Wildernessguides.co.nz Lisa McCarthy

Thursday March 14; Crail Bay- Friday March 15; Kauauroa Bay; Fine & Sunny, Windy; home-made apple crumble being one of them, chook-sized NZ bird. These birds ended up Kauauroa Bay–Wynens Bay (Wharf); consideration. We found most beach/ to catch up, and we turned around to find him Distance Paddled: 15 kms that had to go in a ‘safe place’. being a serious pest, attempting to steal, not Cloudy, Sunny Breaks, Light Wind: landing places were littered with a profusion just paddling from the wharf. We returned, as We left Crail Bay, which is about 2 ½ just food, but anything that wasn’t tied down. Distance Paddled: 28 kms of driftwood, in the form of old logs etc. The something was clearly wrong. lan A….swiftly changed to hours from Picton, at 2pm, with a good stiff They are not afraid of humans at all, and had scenery was undulating, forested with some It appeared that the screw-on flag on the Plan B….. north-westerly breeze making us pant a to be closely watched at all times. Our morning ritual was waiting for the farmland interspersed. Luckily there wasn’t rear of the kayak, had come un-done, and Due to our proposed plans of little. It was great to finally be on the water. This area experiences four metre tides, so 8.35am weather forecast, before setting off too much wind, but my kayak was suffering fallen off….disappearing into the clear, green circumnavigating D’Urville Island The forecast was looking good for the next we dragged the kayaks up to high ground and for the day. The reception was very crackly, from ‘nose dive’ and the front was often depths below…. beingP dashed because of the weather and couple of days. We pass what is to be the first tethered them to the sign. This was just as well, and we couldn’t really determine what was submerged. This was corrected after moving Knowing Mark’s overt reluctance/ strong, poorly timed tidal currents, we settled of many mussel farms, their black and red as during the night, when checking on them, reported. the water containers around, and re-arranging aversion to deep water, along with the low on another very pleasant option of exploring buoys bobbing gently on the surface. We the water had begun to lap at the hulls! We paddled off, with no sign of the other items. This improved its handling temperature of same….well, it was never the Marlborough, Pelorus and Kenepuru paddle north, around Whakamawahi Point, We collected our water from a nearby resident Weka…..maybe they are not early significantly. gonna happen that he was going to dive Sounds. and cross over to our first nights camp, in creek, which had a waterfall, where at the risers…? We arrived at the wharf in Wynens Bay, into the drink! Adrian, however, showed There was great concentration, as we Kauauroa Bay. bottom, the water disappeared underground. Our first stop for smoko was Ketu Bay; and inspected its campsite potential. Mark got no hesitation in ripping off his PDF and carefully packed, (read: shoved!) enough gear This is a nice spot, although a little small. We visited the waterfall again, later in the dark, we wanted to check this out, as a potential out to investigate, and suggested it was fine. sprayskirt, stripping off some clothing, into our kayaks, to last us for six days. There We find suitable spots for our tents, and are and enjoyed the glow worm display put on camp site. The grass was a bit long and the Adrian and I began to paddle off; however, donning his goggles and diving into the deep, were certain priorities, naturally; Mark’s entertained by the resident Weka, a native for us. ground a little too lumpy for it to be a serious ‘where is Mark??’ He was taking a long time green water….cold, cold water…..suddenly,

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 46 TRIPS & TRAVELS 47 Marlborough Sounds NZ contiinued

there was a ‘pop’ as the bright yellow flag found it much easier (am missing my own light accompanying cloud made for some beautiful emerged from its watery grave! Yay! Adrian paddle very much!). My arms were quite tired ethereal images, and we glided along, seeing was a hero! Just add ‘Flag Rescuer’ to his list of today. a number of big stingrays in the clear water. qualifications, please! We stop at Waiona bay for lunch; it would Today was our lazy day, and we paddled around From here, we crossed from the northern be a very nice place to camp as well. Then, down the corner into the bay, where the water was point, Kaitira Point, to Forsyth Island, going through Apuau Channel, all the way past Maud absolutely still, and we were surrounded by along Duffers Reef, approaching the open Island (Tom Shand Scientific Reserve), across mountains, partially covered with mist. It was water. This changed to a rockier landscape, Tawhitinui Reach, to Cregoe Point. incredibly beautiful, and we spent much time with many interesting formations to Here we stopped, just prior to Tawa Bay, for here, taking photos of each other, and the mirror investigate. Adrian withheld his urge to rock a snack on the water. We had local knowledge images that the mountains and still water garden, using a loan kayak, and without a that the sandflies were terrible at Tawa Bay, so reflected. helmet. We paddled around the isolated rock we were not keen to stop and camp there, unless Moving along, we encountered an columns, navigated around fast tidal races there were no other options. As there was a hut enormous number of jellyfish. Leaning over the and explored up as far as Goat Point. Then a down and around the next bay, we decided kayak….but not too far out! There were jellyfish long slog back to the wharf; we had the wind to push on for another few kms to reach this. downwards to infinity. We were amazed by the affecting us, and we were pleasantly tired by Pulling into this bay, we wondered if we had vast numbers. the time we reached our intended campsite. missed it somehow? A thorough search of the As we moved through Tennyson Inlet, it The best tent site was occupied by a smelly shoreline eventually uncovered this extremely began to rain properly. The decreased visibility dead sheep….Mark and I ended up camping well-hidden hut. We had it to ourselves, which made navigation more challenging, and we on the wharf itself, while Adrian set up at the was great! It sleeps six, so there was plenty of kept a close eye on the map and compass. We end of it. We enjoyed our tea, overlooking the room for us to spread out and make it homey. had Elaine Bay pegged as our lunch spot…. bay; the resident Weka(s) were gorging on the Plus, it was an escape from the ever-present there were some facilities there, according to the Area map showing popular camp grounds. Map by Soundswild.com sheep carcass, but still managed to pester us sandflies. It was a very long portage, where again map….I began to dream of hot chips, followed Atmosphere by NZ later in the evening. Occasionally an aroma we tethered the kayaks to a tree. Again, the by a cream bun….Ahhh, I should have known Approximate trip area marked would waft towards us….I, for one, was glad to overnight tide almost floated the boats; it was better!! There was fuel there, yes; but, only off move on in the morning! crucial to carry the boats up high. the jetty, to serve boaties. No shop, or anything become 30 knots, not good news for us. The south at Tawero point. It just kept raining from NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership else besides holiday cottages! However, as we water was calm to begin with, and as we turned and we stopped briefly for a break. It was at Skills). I saved myself a few extra strokes going Saturday March 16; Sunday March 17; Matai Bay hut-Elaine huddled underneath our puny umbrella, soggy, east at Cregoe Pot to paddle along Tawhitinui this point vaguely suggested that we could in there, and focused on my chocolate intake, Wynens Bay – Matai Bay hut; Bay-Matai Bay hut; Cloudy, then Rain; cold, trying to eat our sandwiches without Reach, there were some very nice rollers here. keep paddling on past Pipi Beach……go all which had suddenly, seriously, increased! Fine & Sunny, but Cloudy later; Distance Paddled: 27kms Distance Paddled: 28 kms getting them wet….a friendly couple in a I paddled hard, and managed to get the little the way back to the finish…..ohhh….that’s a As we passed Turn Point on Pelorus We decided to stay here another night, so motorhome approached us, and invited us to blue boat moving enough to enjoy a few rides, long way. I tried to get my head around this, Sound, the wind picked up and we had some After listening to the weather forecast on the left our gear behind. It was a nice, easy kayak come sit under their awning, on their chairs, and but it was hard work and I couldn’t afford to from what was already a big day, to what was 25-30 knot gusts thrown into our faces. This radio, we set off over to the distance shoreline, portage to the distant waterline, a very pleasant eat our lunches. Thanks guys! They even took get too tired too early in the day! We turned now threatening to turn into a 50+km day, sent us scurrying (well, struggling for me) down Waitata Reach through very calm change. Upon our departure, we found that the our rubbish away for us!! in the rain, in a short, to the protection of the shoreline. I cast my waters. It was quite hot as we paddled down resident Weka had stolen Adrian’s neoprene Although the rain had now set in, there were heavy, plastic kayak…. gaze toward Pipi Beach as we went past; this Waitata Reach, stopping for smoko just past front hatch cover (whoops there, who forgot to pleasures of a different kind to enjoy; we saw hell yeah, let’s do it!!!! didn’t appear to offer the protection from the Reef Point. We follow the shoreline past Clara lock that up?!). We did a search, and Mark found more stingrays; the birds that we recognised Who wants to put up a elements that we would have required, had Island, admiring Maud Island on the opposite it under a nearby bush. The missing sponge, included pied cormorants, shags, a white faced tent in the rain, hide all we stayed there. Our final bend was made, shore. Today I try a different paddle; this however, was gone for good…. heron, terns, Australasian Gannets, sooty oyster afternoon, all night, cook Koutuwal Point, with a last 10 km to go. It was was lighter than what I had been using, and I We set off in light drizzle. The catchers, and a solitary pied oyster catcher. At etc in the rain, then pack the last slog that had me drained. My arms were Elaine Bay, the resident Weka had some half- up a wet tent, and wet tired, my left foot hurt from pressing on the grown chicks. Also, a first for me; I saw my very everything else, in the footpeg (maybe my Croc had a poor angle?) first penguins, whilst kayaking! I was thrilled! rain? Especially when my butt was sore from sitting on it for so long, We returned via Tawhitinui Island, along the alternative is to only and the many wet clothing layers and PFD the south end, then headed south back to paddle on a few more had begun to chafe a hole in my lower back…. Matai bay hut. There was no sign of the 30 kms hours (another 17kms!) but, who’s complaining? We were nearly there! winds that were forecast, but they were right and reach the house??? After reaching the next (last) point, which was on the nose with the rain! Back at the welcome We had a quick hiding our intended bay, and consuming yet hut, we quickly got warm and dry, and the hut lunch on an inlet near more chocolate, I found the energy to diddle resembled a chinese laundry in no time! Stafford Point, and then along the final 5 kms to St Omer Bay. As we continued on. We saw could finally see our destination, it was easier to Monday March 18; Matai Bay hut – St some kayaks and tents find the last bit of grunt needed to get there; the Omer; Rain & some Strong Wind gusts; pitched at Jacobs Bay, chocolate intake also helped (By this time I was Distance Paddled: 52 kms which looked a very reaching chocolate saturation point!). After raining all night, with the nearby creek inviting place to camp, Yep, you guessed it….as we pulled in….it rising quite high, we packed up in dismal except for the current stopped raining!!!!! conditions, all primed to paddle 34 kms to conditions. Adrian and A great trip, in a highly recommended Avoiding dead sheep our next camp site at Pipi Beach. The forecast Trip log: Day 1 – red Day 2 – green Day 3 – purple Mark talked to these area. winds were expected to turn southerly and Day 4 – orange Day 5 – grey young people, who were

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 48 MY KAYAKING LIFE 49 By Mark Schroeder

the trauma of these experiences, but there are or seem to know it. Perhaps it was growing a few telling comments. During his thirty- up in a small country village, spending hour epic crossing the Baxter cliffs, suffering much of his childhood time outdoors, but hypothermia “I repeated the name of my kids then again there are many people who grow First to be third, and told myself that to weaken and give in to up that way without being left with any the physical and mental strain would mean appreciation of the wild places. I’d never see them again”. Stuart told me about school hiking After completing the Bight, he made a trips in England, which he loved and it was and satisfied at that presentation to the VSKC in Melbourne, probably there, he concedes, that the seed speaking for the first time about the journey was sown. The hiking trips quickly led to Our club’s living legend paddled around Australia then wrote a book. SALT dared ask his Our star before the hair and makeup across the cliffs, he found himself choking rock climbing, then, on leaving school, to least favourite question: ‘Why’? department got to him back the tears as “I realised what I’d put mountaineering which he attacked with myself through…the tension I’d been hiding characteristic vigour, spending consecutive erhaps it’s the fear of life passing by was “47 or so”. He’s in a “job for life” working or even scared for a few hours. How much fear from myself surfaced”. seasons in the European Alps. too readily that makes people like in IT, a career he has dedicated himself to can you amass over 16 months of paddling? He put it more prosaically to Sharon “I’m Climbing partners would sometimes Stuart Trueman push themselves all his adult life. He’s steady. But hardly a Surely all that time alone must have provided never doing that shit again!” prove frustrating. “I didn’t have a car and to the brink of their abilities, plodder. some insight. How were his travels through Endurance performance is mentally relied on others to take me climbing. I enduringP almost unimaginable hardship and In company, Stu can be warm and what George Eliot called ‘The unmapped tough; the best athletes are able to push used to get furious when they let me down deprivation along the way. he’s definitely a funny bugger when country within us’? themselves through physical fatigue and because I hated missing my climbing Perhaps. But in Stu’s case, like so many he wants to be, but like many men, in FelicityAston, the first woman to ski solo remain psychologically positive over long weekends. I figured it was easier not to rely other extreme adventurers, the reason they do particular to English men perhaps, he’s across Antarctica has said the real challenge distances and durations. Andy Lane, of the on anyone.” it is not something that comes easily. Unable more comfortable talking about his deeds was winning the mental battle with solitude. University of Wolverhampton has researched It was during this period that he to come up with anything satisfactory when than the more elusive, abstract issues “Every single morning, the first thing that ultra endurance athletes and found this discovered the benefits as well as the his daughter asked him why he was doing the like motivations, fears and weaknesses. struck me was, ‘Oh my goodness, I can’t doesn’t happen by chance; endurance dangers - of going solo. He rationalises it trip, Stu put his mind to his own motivations. Conversely he’s not afraid to point out other do this, I don’t want to be here, I’ve made a athletes can train the mind to develop in unemotional – and uncompromising “I knew the most common question peoples. At the end of my Sea Skills test terrible mistake.” emotional control. - terms: “Being solely responsible meant I would be ‘why’ so I worked on it and now day under Stuart’s assessment, he drew the Talk to Stu at length and you realise two Lane says: “In the same way you train could give myself full credit for all that went my answer is ‘I just like testing myself while group together on the water. We nervously things: one, he really loves being in the wild your body to cope with the demands of well, and would have nowhere to hide when exploring the outdoors’”. waited to find out who he had failed and places, the wilder the better; two, he’s done it training you also train your mind to think things fell in a heap.” And a test it was. 16,000 km in 16 who had passed. for so long it’s just part of who he is. He’s very positively about the experience”. And sometimes falling in a heap, solo months solo and unsupported. When Stu’s “The first thing you need to know,” comfortable in that environment, completely Stuart’s lifetime of endurance expeditions and unroped, is exactly what he did. Several wife, Sharon, wrote of his “drive passion and he said as we held our collective breath, assured, engaged and totally relaxed about has given him an instinctive, inbuilt ability bones were broken, clearly some lives were get-up-and-go,” arguably she sold him short. “is you’re all fookin’ useless”. We couldn’t being alone. It’s just not an issue for him. to cope. used up. Many of us never paddle 40 km in a day. believe it – all failed! “It is these very dangers, this alternation “Any negative thinking, any doubts that Neverthless, solo has become his Stuart averaged nearly that every day for 16 He went on to make the very valid of hope and fear, the continual agitation… I was going to make it, would just exhaust me signature style. His friend and Antarctic months. point that Sea Skills is just the start of sea which excite the huntsman, just as they further and help make my fears a reality”. paddling partner Lawrence Gaeoghegan .. What kind of man does that make him? proficiency and we had much, much more animate the gambler, the warrior, the sailor” Thirty, thirty five years of expeditions is put it this way: “I’ve known and paddled “Twenty years from What lies behind the bushy beard, crinkled to learn…and then passed us all. It was Voyages dans Les Alpes, Horace de Saussure more preparation than most of us could ever with Stu for along time now and always eyes and gruff Midlands accent? And is Stu’s classic Stu, a compelling lesson not easily Stuart freely admits he gets off on the draw upon. How many of us can casually now you will be more explanation of ‘Why’ a satisfactory one? forgotten. (Sorry if you pull that stunt with thrill of adventure. We debate the definition remark, “it’s not unusual for me to hallucinate Salt caught up with this humble achiever every group, Stu, I’ve just blown it for you!). of the word, he’s not happy with mine which when I’ve paddled for extended periods disappointed by the to scratch the surface a little further and revolves around the necessity of an unknown without sleep”? celebrate the imminent release of his book THE INTERNAL ADVENTURE outcome. He does better: “Adventure is the Or indeed the enormous self-confidence things you didn’t do of the trip ‘A Long Way Around’. It speaks ‘Au fond de L’Inconnu pour trouver du process of managing risk with an uncertain in this simple statement: “All was going to than by the ones volumes about the man that he happily nouveau’. (Through the unknown, we’ll find outcome and a penalty for failing”. On plan, and if it wasn’t I’d change the plan”. sacrificed a precious Saturday to travel by the new). Charles Beaudelaire. that basis, he points out that investors are So if for Stu the how can be explained you did do.” public transport from his home in the Blue Where, then, does the restless pursuit adventurers. I leave that one alone, thinking by a lifetime of getting out there, mostly solo, Mountains to attend Salt’s headquarters in of adventure stem from? Frankly Stu so are criminals! what about the why? Mark Twain. the Eastern suburbs for an in-depth chat. The doesn’t know. Like many men he’s more Stu’s risk management leading up to As I mentioned earlier, his official fact that track maintenance required him to about actions than words. This is not to say the trip focussed on the three big unbroken answer is “Because I like testing myself while .. change to a bus significantly extending the he’s taciturn, he’s not, and his warmth and cliff lines: Zuytdorp on the West Coast, and exploring the outdoors”. already long trip appeared not to have phased humour is never far away. But he’s no navel Bunda and Baxter in the Great Australian Yes, as his youngest daughter would say: him one bit. gazer. Bight. Each requires paddling non-stop but why? Driven to achieve a supremely high level Solo adventure is a specially through day, night and well into the next day, To get to the real drivers behind Stu’s of achievement in adventure he may be, but committing kind of endeavour. You battle with no feasible prospect of landing and with ability to push further than just about he hasn’t got ants in his pants – he seems not just your environment, but also your big swells and winds to cope with. Each cliff anybody, I suspect you’d have to delve further more satisfied than restless. His marriage to own doubts and fears. Those of us who like section delivered the punishing hardship he into his psyche than he bothers delving Sharon has lasted he says, “at least 375 years”, to push our skills by heading out into wild had anticipated - and perhaps more. himself. If adventure compensates for some claiming he met her when he was 18 and she conditions know what it is to be concerned His descriptions in the book don’t talk up missing element in his life, he doesn’t show it,

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 50 INTERVIEW 51 Stuart Trueman continued

Hanging around in England interviewer who, on finding out that Stu’s He went out and bought a kayak, taught Despite this, writing the book was surely a no the news till he was through it in order not to circumnavigation was the third ever to be himself to paddle, to roll and to survive brainer? distract him from the task at hand. completed successfully (after Paul Caffyn the sea. Not for Stuart the “start slow and “It’s a tradition isn’t it: do the expedition, “I must admit” she writes “there were and Freya Hoffmeister), asked him, “well were see where it takes me’ school of kayaking – write the book. I wanted to. It’s sort of a times of resentment towards Stu…but you first to do anything?” within a few weeks of taking up the sport he debrief”. generally these moments were short-lived. “Sure” Stu fired back, “I was first to be paddled solo from Sydney to Brisbane. He’s pleased with the book, but that doesn’t I found strengths within that I never knew third”. Tellingly, that quip became one of “Men dull in mind find no cause for prevent him from being self-deprecating. “If you about”. the titles he submitted for his book; beating wonder anywhere; they just idly sit at home have an unsuccessful expedition and write a “It takes a strong woman to put up with a anybody to anything is just not what it’s about instead of going to see what is on view in the book, the book has to be really, really good. You prick like me”, agrees Stu. Meeting the media for Stu, and in fact he writes “if your main great theatre of the world” Conrad Gesner can have a successful expedition and write a object is to impress rather than enjoying the 1541 crap book and that’s OK – so I had to finish the MAKING FRIENDS AS HE MAKES became the source of some of the best of journey, then motivation would be harder”. Within six months he’d soloed East bloody trip!” THE DISTANCE times...and worst. During his climbing exploits of course, Bass Strait. ‘A promising student’ they Little did he realise the writing would take If you head out to the farthest reaches of Almost wherever he went, this lone he also learned about himself, his mental would no doubt have called him. Or maybe longer than the trip – but more of that later. Australia, you’re going to come across some dragon slayer’s story fired the imagination, admired the “style” that he accomplishes his and physical capabilities; mountaineering a prodigy. pretty unusual folk. and his charm fanned the flames. People paddling trips. Solo is his choice for his more demands endurance, brute strength, When he joined NSWSKC, he knew BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN… “You’d be surprised about what goes on responded, and the book details some challenging trips that require that little bit of perceptive risk management in a dynamic nothing about paddling with others and Stu’s the first to acknowledge his wife Sharon’s out there. There are all sorts of people just astounding acts of generosity from strangers edge over each previous one”. environment, problem solving skills under the old guard like Dave Winkworth, Norm critical role in the expedition. First, with two doing their thing quietly. You pull into a small – a surprising number of whom seem to One of his close shaves served to drive stress and an appetite for long periods of Sanders, John Wilde and co taught him young children to consider, she needed to NT town, chat about your plans to paddle the have got him happily drunk! home another aspect that has formed an exposure to danger – he was knocked what they knew. Later he had his first close agree to it. He broached the subject three years Kimberley and somebody’ll tell you ‘Oh yes, But then there was the outback important part of his ethics: don’t compete unconscious by lightening twice during one shave on the water, a navigation error that before the trip eventuated and her acceptance the butcher did that last month’. bureaucrat who very nearly stopped the trip with anyone but yourself. One day his ascent. Steadily he built a base of mental and nearly saw him washed out to sea on an was pretty immediate. The scene: a ragged looking man with a dead – in a way that nature’s rawest forces brother, a publican, served a climber who physical resilience which could be equally be unsuccessful attempted first solo crossing of “She’s used to it,” he says jokingly, “besides I several month growth and a strange accent could not. after too many drinks started noisily claiming applied, as he has shown, to different sporting West Bass Strait.* (* see the club magazine always tell her this’ll be the last trip”. kayaks onto a remote beach, exhausted, He met the lot: “Deep in the outback feats which sounded a little unlikely. In the endeavours. archives for a gripping write up of this near Mid-way though the planning period, his presence inexplicable to the outback in the most remote far North I came across mischievous spirit of the Truemans, he He loved climbing, but his knees didn’t disaster at tinyurl.com/straitdirect). This there was the terrible tragedy of Andrew character who happens to be fishing there. To an old woman shacked up in an ancient suggested the climber hook up with Stu for a agree. Aged thirty-five he faced a new was followed by successfully pulling off McAuley’s loss at sea. How did this affect his the local he seems a race apart. What happens caravan – she was covered in sores. I asked if day at the crag. Stu was only too happy to buy challenge…that of his own body failing him. the second unsupported kayak trip down family? next could frequently have impacted on Stu’s she was OK ‘Oh yes, love’ she answered ‘I’m into the plan to show up the self-appointed It became clear that the pursuits he loved - the Antarctic Peninsula paddling 800km, “We’ve lost friends to mountaineering, we success or otherwise. just allergic to the sun’”. big shot. As Stu tells it, the guy was so slow which had become his lifestyle for the past further South than anyone before (with both understand it can happen when you push The English don’t have a great track Following a moderate surf landing he getting ready “by the time he was reaching fifteen years - were no longer an option. A the late Andrew McAuley and Lawrence things. Andrew went out there with absolutely record with this sort of thing. As their was welcomed by a couple who had been for his boots I’d already soloed half the routes crisis ensued. Geoghegan). This was his only notable nowhere to hide for weeks on end. I was Colonial might swept through the world, watching him horrified, convinced they there”. The humiliation was complete but His solution was characteristically group expedition and whilst he enjoyed the planning to hop along the coast, sheltering from they developed the belief that English will were about to witness a drowning. As he then a handhold broke, sending the unroped pigheaded - run the City to Surf. He group dynamic, (they were close friends), weather when necessary. Sharon understood the be miraculously understood by people of pulled up on the beach, the man literally Stu plummeting to the deck, breaking a leg overtrained and gave himself shin splints in again Stuart took away a lesson: keep it low different risk profile, but Andrew’s death upset all tongues – so long as you speak it veeeery danced around his boat, singing at the top and his coccyx. He survived a motorbike ride both legs. Told he had the arthritic joints of key. Brittany my eldest daughter who for a long time slooowly! Explorer William Edward Parry of his voice with relief! in that condition to the local hospital, and a sixty year old and reduced to crutches, he “That trip was sponsored, and they associated every kayak trip, even regular training took a flag painted with an olive branch on a Stu’s a bloke who gets on with people. vowed from that time on to compete only found himself depressed at a climbing festival insisted on us being clean shaven in all the days, as having fatal possibility. It was really hard trip to Greenland as a gift to the ‘Esquimeaux’, As Lawrence Geoghegan put it “ Not only with himself . in the Blue Mountains. photos…in Antarctica! I just don’t need for a while”. never thinking that the symbolism of an olive is he a bloody good paddler on the ocean, He relates an exasperated radio It was here that the super fit but hobbled all that, I go out there for a holiday, I didn’t Still Sharon’s support didn’t waver, even to branch may not be apparent to a people who rock solid in his decision making, cool expeditioner happened upon a talk being want the extra work and obligations”. the extent that when their other daughter Ella scarcely saw any vegetation in their lives, let under pressure and reassuring when it given by Peter Tressider about kayaking needed minor surgery at a time when Stu was alone a southern Mediterranean species! comes to the tough stuff but better than across Bass Strait. “Aha, you can sit down, QUIET ACHIEVER mid way through a difficult section, she delayed As it turns out, Stu’s contact with locals that he is a great person to hangout with I can do that,” he thought. For most total There are two kinds of people who don’t say whilst campingn I have always enjoyed the novices, Bass Strait would be an idle dream much (the saying goes): those that are quiet, Man of the people; with pommy accent whilst sitting around the fire, that would come to nothing. When Stu says and those that talk a lot. Bron and Roy Davies watching him sipping on his whiskey and such things, he means them – and he has the Stuart’s the first kind. He self-financed sucking on that god-damm pipe!!” chops to pull them off. the big circumnavigation, receiving only a People both at home and those he met “I must go down to the sea again, to the few bits of gear by way of ‘sponsorship’. But out in the back of beyond were equally lonely sea and sky” John Masefield he chose what he used and there was never touched by the adventure. Stu was forceful And so it was in 1997 that the man any kind of deal, or expectation put on him. in asking me to convey the immense descended from the mountains to sea level, And he has no plans to do it any differently importance of the support he received, knowing nothing but wanting everything. in the future. both moral and financial, from our club and First stop: the bookshop. He bought the late “I don’t want to be obligated to use our equivalents around the country and to Derek Hutchinson’s kayak instruction book some crap bit of gear,” he explains. reiterate his deep gratitude for it. and Paul Caffyn’s tale of circumnavigating In fact anyone who’s spent time with Talk to Stu about his trip and it is hard Australia ‘The Dreamtime Voyage’. Stu is struck by how down to earth the guy not to be inspired. For this reason alone, Freezing in the French Alps Some people are content to read about is. He’ll talk about his trips if asked, but clearly, it was worth writing it all down. extraordinary feats. Not Stu. never introduces them into conversation. And that became his book. And his book

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 52 INTERVIEW LETTER TO THE EDITOR 53 Stuart Trueman continued

the heightened profile that will no doubt come “Still water is only really appreciated when with the book release, but you can bet he’ll stay reached through a challenge”. grounded. As he says: “ the person next to me There’s a world of adventure out there for Letter to the may not look like they climb mountains or Stuart. Self–supported, often solo and never paddle kayaks, but it’s a fair bet that I haven’t with any fuss or fanfare. achieved what they have”. “Imagine…the amazing variety, grandeur Having written the book, Stu has little and beauty of a thousand astonishing sights; interest in the rest of the process, in fact he may the pleasure of seeing only totally new EDITOR even be away on his next trip when it’s launched. things…in some sense...finding yourself in a PUT IT AWAY, WEE WILLY photo) competition, including a gorgeous Kiwi Exactly what do you do after you’ve paddled new world” Nouvelle Heloise, Jean Jacques WINKIE, your Kiwi mates might whitewater paddle who was wearing only a helmet the entire continent… every last inch of it? Rousseau 1761* like that sort of thing but you’re not and a lifejacket, and questions are now being asked Stuart confirms: you feel satisfied! Perhaps after The lonely journey impressing anybody over here in Oz. by Kiwi paddlers as to if he bats for the ‘other side.’ 16 months, a better word would be satiated. But Exhibit 2: Dave has been Addressing these concerns will be a top as with every good feast, the flavours fade and finalising radical new boat designs priority for the incoming President. the hunger reappears. You start planning the specifically for the NZ market. Yours, A proud Ozzie Mirage paddler became his thank you. next meal. For somebody to whom adventure is These are being hailed over there as necessary nourishment, it’s only a matter of time. a technical breakthrough. Adrian THE CHALLENGE OVER… “I’m off to do a winter circumnavigation of told me “I was extremely fortunate to ANOTHER BEGINS Tassie”. have my hidden camera at the ready “We are lonesome animals. We spend all our Is this an extension of the mainland when Dave presented the prototype life trying to be less lonesome. One of our circumnavigation? “Absolutely not. Nothing to to a gathering of Who’s Who of ancient methods is to tell a story begging the do with it, I just love it down there and it should NZ sea kayaking. The project has listener to say – and to feel – Yes, that’s the way be a bit harder in winter”. been branded as the “Winky” and it is, or at least that’s the way I feel it. You’re not And this time he intends to provide considerable effort has gone into as alone as you thought.” John Steinbeck Facebook updates, so we can continue to live the design of the logo, just another Was Stu kidding himself, his wife or our adventures vicariously through him. * In Nouvelle Heloise, Rousseau tells us example of Dave’s eye for detail. The the rest of us when he wrote how the trip And then? Who knows. A throwaway to do what is imposed upon us by society only Dear Sir/Madam, kayak is a direct play for the lucrative Kiwi Pygmy made him feel “satisfied at last”? It’s not comment in the book is an unintended but so long as it’s consistent with our own ethical Are NSWSKC members being secretly and Leprechaun markets and my photos are framework. It might have been written for Stuart uncommon on returning from expeditions marvellous metaphor for Stu’s life: Trueman. brainwashed in the Eastern Isles? trading hands for big money in NZ.“ to hit an emotional slump as you return to Not being a rugby fan, I have nothing against I read a couple of editions ago Salt’s report the comparative banality of the day-to-day our quaintly spoken brethren in NZ, but I wanted that Winkworth had emigrated Eastwards. My routine. Stu’s been there, particularly after to make you aware of some recent events that have information is that Salt was forced under threat his Antarctica trip,“that was such a foreign ROB MERCER’S VIEW: set an alarming tone. of legal action – DENY IT IF YOU WILL, environment.” Many years ago I remember sitting on the beach at North Era reluctantly deciding to join First, it was Gina Hooper running away MR EDITOR – to retract the story, despite the But not on this trip, “I was happy to be the rest of the group portaging all our gear and boats about a kilometre over a steep hill and with a kayaking cult based in the Bay of Islands. mounting evidence to support if not his physical back, after 16 months I was done with the trip. muddy track to South Era to avoid an almost impenetrable surf that had built up overnight. Tragically it took her family some two years to emigration, then at least a spiritual abandonment. I’d been away long enough that being home I say “almost impenetrable” because Stuart Trueman was already sitting out the back. extract her from their clutches, seriously depleting I put this to Caffyn who responded with a was the novelty, not being away. After an intense hour of silently watching the maelstrom and planning his breakout, the local paddling talent as a result. Gina’s in stream of unintelligible New Zealandish, claiming “Even being back in the office was fun,” he with a minimum of fuss he had paddled straight through the whole horrible mess. An air recovery but the odd slaughtered vowel still slips I don’t understand the Kiwi paddling scene “the Editor’s update: adds with a laugh, “for the first two hours!” of dread descended among the so-called “hard men” back on the beach. Discretion was out occasionally. only culture you NSW paddlers get is from fat-free In an unexpected development, our spy no longer an option and boats were readied for the challenge. (So much for the non- And so he settled back … and picked Concerned, Adrian Clayton infiltrated the yoghurt pottles”. Can anyone translate this for me? appears to have gone double agent. We competitive nature of sea kayaking!) off another battle: the book. Pan Macmillan annual KASK forum (KASK stands for Kiwi Shockingly, he went on to cast libellous received the following blackmail attempt. A paddle was broken, backs strained and egos battered but ultimately the rest of expressed an interest and gave him his brief: us walked to South Era. From that day forward I realised Stuart was a pretty unique and Affected Secret Klan). Adrian’s discoveries there aspersions on our Adrian’s sexual orientation, “As “Because you are known to be a man come back with 100,000 words and we’ll focused character. about our former President Dave Winkworth for your spy who attended the KASK Forum, he who loves a scoop, I’m favouring you the first let you know. The notion of a ghost writer As I watched him paddle into Watsons Bay on his way around Australia many years were so shocking, he swore me to secrecy, but after failed to mention the luscious ladies in the (nude opportunity to buy these hot NZ pics. Just never came up. Starting with not much of later nothing had changed except the challenges just seemed to get bigger much soul searching I feel it’s my duty to share. think of what they’ll do to your circulation a plan, he set about it, realising after several Stuart’s respect for the achievements of others is one of the qualities that separates Exhibit 1: Dave won a trophy for ‘most figures and ad revenue potential. I reckon months’ work that his extensive notes needed him from most others at the sharp end of the kayaking world. On numerous occasions I significant contribution’ to NZ Sea Canoist, $100,000 is a bargain (and I’ll even throw fresh eyes to extend them into a novel. A have seen him listening to vivid accounts of more modest adventures (my own included) KASK’s extremist nudist rag that barely bothers to in some steak knives). If you don’t want to friend “who writes a bit” offered to help and with the same genuine keenness as he would if he were comparing notes with peers. Then disguise itself as a kayak magazine. Apparently his take up the offer there are others who would Stu ultimately handed over the draft to Pan again he has so few equals in the sea kayaking world that these exchanges are probably ‘significant contribution’ referred to a part of his be very eager to have them (Flotsam, Gnarly McMillan’s editor, having no idea what to an important means to remind Stuart that there are many people from a pretty broad anatomy. Such rampant exhibitionism is the sort Dog, Fat Paddler – the list is endless). Dave expect next. demographic in the paddling community who share his passion for open water adventure. of thing Kiwis as well as Germans are commonly himself would probably offer that just to To his surprise they didn’t rewrite I think Stuart is refreshed by these meetings with paddlers experienced enough to inclined to do but members of our club should prevent them being published. Payment by anything. “They made suggestions but mostly grasp the enormity of his project. To sit around a table with people who at least speak the NEVER swing so low. When I rang the High month’s end and they’re yours just asked me loads of questions that I had to same language of sea kayaking, must be very reassuring when compared to the chance Priest of KASK, Paul Caffyn, to complain he Regards, Adrian Clayton” clarify. Oh, and they rejected all my suggested meetings with so many strangers who, despite their good intentions, know nothing of warned me off, telling me, “KASK is now seeking Salt’s policy is never to bow to terrorist titles.” kayaking and just keep asking WHY? or even worse, dismiss his efforts as “madness”. international rights to use Mr Winkworth’s body threats and so I’ve published and be damned. It remains to be seen how he’ll process as a marketing tool”. See you in court, Clayton.

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 54 TRIPS & TRAVELS 55 By Mark Pearson

Harry emailed to say he was struggling with reviewed the trip route and possible camp behind the beach. The south westerly now a sore throat and was doubtful. I encouraged spots. We discussed the plan and the gusted almost as a headwind, sometimes him to pull out, but unfortunately, showing the forecast. It was looking like Wednesday with squally rain that shocked me with its toughness exhibited by his Finnish forebears would be the rest day as we waited for the chill. Felt just like Canberra rain in July. Even in the 1939 war against Russia, he said he ‘big front’ to pass through. worse Rob was showing no sign of tiring and Judgement Day would be OK. A raspy voiced Harry arrived at While this conversation went on and my position as Tail End Charlie in this group my place on Friday night with a throat so sore on, I observed the cabin Paul had booked was officially confirmed. Two hours later, it required almost constant gargling with my was of the ‘basic’ variety. This meant a ‘living with the scenery improving all the way, we nother gust of wind chilled my red wine. area’ of about 6 square metres with a double turned west to the camp at Five Mile beach. face. My forward speed stalled as bed at one end, and a tiny room with two The last two kilometres were into a persistent the wind and swell combined for a SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER – double bunk beds at the other. All in all it westerly and choppy sea, and the landing few seconds. But this was just wrap THE DRIVE SOUTH had the look and feel of a large Bulgarian in the picturesque creek entrance actually Aaround stuff, the real westerly - the one that had We set off from Canberra at 8am in cool grey prison cell, except that it had no toilet bucket involved surf. blown all night – was waiting around the corner. skies. Paul and Rob left from the NSW south in the corner. As I sipped on my red wine I Camping at Five Mile was pleasant As we closed on the lighthouse high above an coast at about the same time. After 20 minutes did a quick analysis of the four men that fate despite some light showers. I had purchased impressive headland I could see the lumpiness of polite conversation Harry and I realised would have me share this sleeping area with. a down jacket, some decent woollen of the ocean on the horizon to the south east. we had absolutely nothing in common so I Harry had a bad cold and was nasal, Greg thermals and a new beanie that felt great The big right turn into relentless wind and a suggested we put on Barack Obama’s talking looked like a corpse after his 80km paddle, in the cold. We knew that the Victorian really developed sea was now only minutes book “Dreams from my Father.” As we listened Rob looked he could be a black belt in sleep National Parks bureaucrats, presumably away. 13 kilometres of south facing cliff line to the President’s silky voice I realised that this apnoea, and Paul probably talked even in because of the 2009 fires, had applied a awaited. Cliffs that would energetically repel the was my first experience listening to a ‘talking his sleep. Within seconds I had made my total permanent fire ban to the Prom. Yes, powerful western bass strait swells back across book’ and it proved to be an interesting way to decision. Tonight, one night earlier than some genius had come up with an all year very large wind waves. Air temperature was pass the kilometres. I thought about Rob in the planned, would be my first in my new Big fire ban despite the Prom being a cold and around 10C, with the wind chill meaning it felt other car. Rob probably didn’t have a talking Agnes one-man tent! wet place for 9 months of the year. Anyhow not much above zero. book, but he did have the next best thing in we had brought an assortment of LED I looked left and right to my companions. Paul Loker. SUNDAY 7TH OCTOBER DAY 1 – lights and by clustering them together we Were they having any doubts about this? After lunch in Cooma, I took my turn at YANAKEE TO FIVE MILE witnessed a miracle – our virtual fire seemed Couldn’t they see the brutal evidence before driving Harry’s X Trail diesel. After getting A mild south westerly greeted us as the to be generating a fair bit of virtual heat and them? Were they blind – was I paddling with used to the different power curve, I spotted the group emerged from tent and cabin. We had smoke! three Mr Magoos, blissfully ignorant of what Momentary relief in Refuge Cove trip computer and became fascinated by the planned to get away by 8am latest to avoid a they were heading into? But I didn’t think so. instantaneous read out of fuel consumption. nasty tide change as we crossed 15km wide MONDAY 8TH OCTOBER – The three men were obviously in ‘weather semi-retired to the NSW south coast. Rob’s weather was looking bad. I said I could take any Two hours later, by using advanced techniques but relatively shallow Corner Inlet. But as FIVE MILE TO SEALERS COVE. denial’ as evidence mounted that the much professional occupation was interesting and I week off, and was happy to delay the trip a month such as changing gear on hills (scorned by we jumped in the boats proud of the fact we Cool and cloudy weather couldn’t obscure cherished plan was not going to work. They looked forward to discussing it. Rob ‘did’ bulls. for better conditions. Harry said he could move Harry), the fuel consumption came down to were on schedule, the ever unhelpful Greg the fact that the scenery was mightily plodded on into the increasingly hostile That is, he is an expert at extracting the valuable the week if need be but was confident our week 6.5l/100km, totally smashing Harry’s rather pointed out that daylight saving had started impressive as we cruised down the 14 kms conditions. semen from huge stud animals. Respect. would be OK. Harry said he expected it to be ordinary 6.6l/100km. Harry didn’t take this overnight and it was now already 9am. We to Sealers Cove .To me, the Prom was just a As I chew on making what would be a very Paul also had come up with a plan. We typical Victoria - when the wind blows from the well, protesting strongly that I had had the paddled off frantically, all of us thinking that piece of Tassie that somehow floated away BIG decision, my mind wanders back in time to would start at Yannake, paddle east out of north it’s warm, when from the south west it’s benefit of ‘driving downhill’ from Cooma the first chink in Paul’s leadership try and understand how the hell, despite all my Corner Inlet, turn south down the Prom’s freezing. to Lakes Entrance. After this unpleasant skills had been revealed even before warnings, a sensible paddler like me had got into east coast, then turn west around the rugged In the two weeks leading up to departure disagreement we resorted to the 4th CD of we hit the water. such a terrible position. southern headland to our destination of Tidal I took an even more forensic interest in the Dreams of my Father. An hour later we were making River. Paul added that “this would give us a more weather of Wilson’s Promontory. A website We arrived at Yannake to meet Paul good progress but I was already PLANNING interesting finish than going the other way”. In called Accuweather gave a 14 day forecast for and Rob and found someone sleeping in our unhappy. In the early planning for It was coming up to the ‘Chaos’ time of year, but my ignorance I thought this all sounded fine, not nearby Port Welshpool. Even 10 days out, the cabin. It was the Victorian Sea Kayak Club’s the trip Paul had promised to invite then came news that Laurie Geoghegan, the realising at the time that it’s not common at all to forecast was for our trip period to be days of ghastly version of Goldilocks – one Greg a ’slow paddler’ along, in recognition ‘brains’ behind the annual event, had decided, go east-west around this striking peninsular that 11and 12C, with regular rain. I didn’t like this Murray. Murray, a tough sea paddler we had of my strong dislike of being Tail End along with his acolytes Richard Styles and thrusts 60km into Bass Strait. at all - and when I looked at the swell forecast all known for several years, has a hobby of Charlie. I had assumed this would Stuart Trueman, on a north west Tasmania trip We agreed on the second week in October. I I liked it less - a five metre swell forecast for making visiting NSW paddlers feel inadequate be Rob, but the man was built like with only a week to play with. My friend Paul asked old salt and multi Bass Strait crosser Mike western Victoria slap bang in the middle of the by completing their entire expedition route in the animals he pleasured, and he was Loker rang me to discuss Laurie’s plan. “Mate’, Snoad if he would like to join us, but he politely expedition. Knowing that the others would be one day. For this reason alone he had driven pushing his big Mirage 580 along at said Paul, “that sounds a bit dodgy, so how about declined while also adding that we had rocks in oblivious to this intelligence on 2 October I through the night from Melbourne to paddle a fair clip. In desperation I put up my we do Wilson Prom - better weather and not so our heads in doing this particular trip so early in emailed them. Tellingly, only Paul responded the 80 kms from Tidal River to Yannake, sail and caught up but I knew this was far to travel!” Spring. – he remained optimistic, saying that these starting at 3.30 in the morning. So although not the solution. Now I had been meaning to paddle ‘the So with this warning in mind I began to forecasts ‘always exaggerated’, and that “it would Greg was about as welcome in our cabin as We emerged from Corner Inlet Prom’ for at least fifteen years, so I signed up monitor the weather at the Prom. It was indeed all be fine.” a fart in a spacesuit, he did say one thing that and I got my first sight of the Prom’s without thinking. The world class Harry Havu volatile and more like a Tasmanian climate with So I resigned myself to the week chosen stuck with me – at this time of year he always east coast stretching south as far then came aboard, then Rob Richmond, an average temperature of 15c in October. On by Paul Loker and tacitly supported by Harry wore a wetsuit when paddling. Always. None as you could see. Here the result of an experienced kayaker who I had met only 12 September I emailed Harry, the only other and Rob. However, on October 4 as I gloomily of us NSW greenhorns had one. the fires of 2009 was evident with briefly some years ago, who like Paul had also ‘worker’ in the group, about his flexibility if prepared for the trip, there was a late ray of hope. Paul then produced a chart and we thousands of blackened trees rising up Harry’s best ‘virtual fire’

JUNE 2013 SALT nsw sea kayak club JUNE 2013 56 TRIPS & TRAVELS 57 Judgement Day continued

and attached itself to the underwhelming Kerrie in Melbourne on the Saturday) there coast of Victoria. At Sealers Cove we found were no good things about finishing the trip going to take on in the morning, the trees I turned the kayak and ran with the wind while conditions I at last wasn’t the slowest paddler. a great spot at the northern end of the after four days for me. were swaying in the wind. I woke up several the three others mulled on a possible Plan B But after the excitement of the crossing, on beach. While my companions engaged in And this is the point where I began to times throughout the night, the trees were still which might have got them to their cherished arrival I had a strong suspicion I had mild meaningless conversation as they huddled really resent the wilful deafness that had swaying and stronger gusts even found their destination of Tidal River. hypothermia. around a roaring virtual fire, I picked up greeted my warnings over the past month. way down our creek bed camp. ‘Beat the wind’ As I sped away I experienced a range of Rob and Harry retrieved Rob’s car from the local general weather forecast. The Thanks to this obstinate group of weather was doomed and I knew it. My morale sank to emotions. An initial feeling of guilt was very Tidal river, returning with the news that the forecast for Melbourne for Thursday, which denialists, it looked like we had driven nine record breaking lows. quickly overwhelmed by one of relief. And then BOM forecast was rubbish and that the western according to ‘the plan’ was our chosen day hours for a four-day trip in ongoing cold of triumph. I had finally broken free from the coast of the Prom was flat calm. We had long to round the peninsular, was 13c with severe cloudy showery weather, with the last day’s WEDNESDAY 10TH OCTOBER – twin evils of optimism and denial. It was brilliant hot showers and Rob and I spent a few extra hail. I broke the dramatic news to the group, paddle likely to be dangerous and at the very LITTLE WATERLOO BAY TO 700 to at last take control of the trip, to no longer be minutes enjoying a shave and the feeling of and this at last seemed to shake off their least an ordeal of some magnitude. I now felt METRES FROM WILSONS PROM the victim. I smiled as I imagined the miserable looking civilised again. Arriving in Foster mental sloth. At last I had their attention. justified in officially adapting a jaundiced LIGHTHOUSE faces on the trio behind me, their dreams of for lunch the guys went easy on me and the Harry then used his smart phone to get view of the trip and the paddlers who had And so it is 9am and we are 700 metres rounding the Prom shattered. And then, like a cost to my wallet for my outburst of common a detailed marine forecast, and it was even organised it. from the most southerly point of the Australian madman, I laughed out loud. sense was only $65. As we shook hands to say worse than anticipated. Thursday would mainland. I’m expecting sanity to prevail any We rendezvoused at Refuge Cove. There goodbye, I felt a touch of sadness as I realised I bring an intense low pressure system with 30 TUESDAY 9TH OCTOBER – moment with a group meeting and a decision was a strained atmosphere and little chat but we would never paddle with these men again. knot winds and 4 metre swells on the west SEALERS COVE TO LITTLE to go back. But it isn’t happening. My brain agreed to head for the camp at Jonny Sui beach As their cars drove away I sent to a text to side of the Prom. Meanwhile Wednesday’s WATERLOO BAY is active, as you would expect a brain to be to the north. As we pushed out of Refuge I put the very wise Mike Snoad asking him to email forecast hadn’t changed much – a decent Heading south again we stopped at the when faced by a clear and present danger. I my sail up and pulled away. The thought that my me the weather observations for the week and front bringing an increasing westerly beautiful Refuge Cove, which looked compile the facts and the risks, and it is quite companions would not like this made my extra the detailed observations for Wilson Prom throughout the morning which would then great during a rare spell where the sun a list. Beat the Wind plan f*cked - tick. Poor speed even more enjoyable. lighthouse on the morning of Wednesday 10th drop off in the afternoon. It was clear that the actually came out. Then on to our target weather forecast - tick. Westerly wind over But time heals everything. Three hours later October. The general observations showed great plan, with its rest day on Wednesday of Waterloo Bay, the launch pad for the next The author: beached and jaundiced 20 knots all night so a developed sea - tick. we arrived at Johnny Sui. The sun came out and that over the last five days, the week that suited and a triumphant attempt to round the morning’s ‘beat the wind’ plan. A kilometre later Conditions already worse than expected - tick. it actually felt warm as the temperature hit 13C. Paul Loker had been colder than even NW peninsular on Thursday, was in tatters. there was a gap between a small headland and That night at Little Waterloo Bay we clustered 13 kilometres of cliff line ahead - tick. Powerful We set up camp. Rob went fishing and caught Tasmania’s miserable Cape Grim. We held a team meeting. Paul came a rock. I considered going through the gap but hypothermically around yet another life saving swells and horrible rebound - tick. Slowest fish. Paul and I did some stretching. Harry built As I bring this account to a close, I believe up with the bright idea that we attempt the then noticed the occasional powerful swell was virtual fire. My companions seemed to be relaxed paddler - tick. F*cking freezing - tick. 13C a huge virtual fire. We were back as a group. Life I could sum up my experience of the Wilsons peninsular at dawn on Wednesday which sweeping across it, then peaking up alarmingly and confident about what lay ahead in the morning. ocean – tick. No wetsuits - tick. Totally pissed was good again. Promontory expedition of October 2012 in would give us a chance of “beating the and changing direction at peak height. I noticed I was searching for some personal optimism but off - tick. That night we ate Rob’s excellent fish and just a few words. Analysis. Warning. Optimism. wind”. Paul added optimistically that there Paul going through. As I passed the outside of wasn’t finding it. I sounded out Rob, hoping that this got slightly drunk on our final rations of red Deafness. Denial. Cold. Judgment. might be “a few bumps” but that “it wouldn’t the rock a larger set went under me and I turned Sensing a lull in the conversation, I again would give him the chance to voice any wine. We discussed the day. At one stage Harry And to this list I’d like to finish with one be too bad”. We could then perhaps camp around to see Paul in difficulty on the peaking suggested that we should have delayed the trip until inner concerns he might have on actually mumbled that I may have made the right call. more important word. Facts. Wednesday at Oberon beach only 5kms swell and then capsizing as he was hurled November. And then, in a pivotal moment for the executing this plan. But no, he said, in his But Paul stuck to his guns, clinging to the belief from Tidal River. Harry cautioned that this sideways. Due to the rapid lateral movement entire expedition, the truth finally came out. Paul understated way, he was happy to ‘give it a go’. that “it wouldn’t have been too bad.” Conscious Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse might not be wise if Thursday’s swell was there was no roll and Harry, who was behind said he would have been ‘too busy’ in November. But I knew from long experience that once we that I had delayed my companions from the Observations – Wednesday 10th October. indeed of the several metre high variety. So it Paul, calmly came up and executed an excellent He had several multi-day cycling tours lined up, not hit the conditions around that corner, things comforting loins of their women for at least 24 was looking very possible we would finish at assisted rescue in the danger zone. to mention a commitment to help with Leonie’s would pan out a certain way. There would be hours, I offered to buy everyone lunch in Foster. Time Temp Direction Speed Gust Tidal River on the Wednesday. Now this was the first time I had ever seen furtive ‘horse whispering’ activities. I realised with unavoidable group spread. There would be And then the still of the night abruptly ended as (knots) (knots) As I watched my companions high five the very competent Mr Loker being rescued and some dismay that Paul’s steadfast refusal to move difficult communication in that wind and sea a strong north wind kicked in. A very cold north each other with the cleverness of the ‘beat it made me think. And worry. These Bass Strait from the second week in October, despite the state. There would be hours of tough paddling wind. In Victoria! Harry was wrong again. The 10:30am 11.1 WSW 19 26 the wind’ plan, I noticed, as I had in the past swells weren’t huge, but what was obvious was ominous weather forecasts, was simply because and fatigue would be a factor. And it was cold much-hyped intense low had arrived, its vigorous with men like these, the prospect of finishing that they had more weight and grunt than an any change would have disrupted his meticulously above and below. clockwise rotation bringing the northerly. We 10:00am 11.0 WSW 28 31 the trip early was not unwelcome. In fact equivalent sized swell in NSW. We pushed on. planned leisure calendar! And that all this could lead to retired to our tents. my companions saw many positives in this Some time later, Paul, Harry and Rob landed With these revelations I then realised consequences. That if anybody got into trouble We woke up at dawn to a solid 20 knot 09:30am 10.9 WSW 28 32 debacle! Harry could be back in Sydney at a beach on Waterloo Bay. Rob got wet trying something. I was heartily sick of these bloody they might not be seen to be in trouble for easterly and a decent sea. More freezing paddling with Dee by Thursday! Paul could be back to get out in what was a powerful shore dump. I retirees and their self induced busy-ness. The some time. That if there was a capsize and a as we headed north, the waves threatening 09:00am 10.6 WSW 30 33 to Leonie, Rob back with his roses and the bobbed around for a few minutes while the trio constant listing of their plans and activities - their lengthy rescue process under those cliffs it enough to force us to regularly change direction kinky Judy etc etc. wandered about looking for what I assumed Monday bike rides, Tuesday lake paddles, the was a hyporthermia situation. The visions of and paddle hundreds of metres from shore, 08:30am 10.4 SW 27 35 But this did not please me. To emphasise would be a camp. After a confusingly brief hand double yoga on Wednesdays, the renovation helicopters and winches weren’t unreasonable. the black and scary low pressure system clearly my displeasure I decided to give these three signal from Paul Loker I then landed only to get projects, the gardening, the camp-trailers, the going We had pushed our luck so many times in the visible ahead of us. We watched the huge dark 08:00am 10.3 SW 24 30 men, who I had assessed as barely numerate, into trouble for misreading his directive, which to India next month. Enough!! I decided there past. Maybe not this time. cloud in awe as dozens of lightning flashes lit a maths lesson. Slowly, I explained I had 20 apparently was meant to convey the message and then to never join this tedious tribe and their So, as my internal voice screamed ‘F*ck it up. It was snowing just east of Melbourne in 07:39am 9.6 SW 30 34 work days of holiday each year. Five of these “I f*cked up this is the wrong beach there is no concocted lifestyles. I would work, five days a week, this’ for the 20th time, my decision was made. what I was to learn was the coldest October day precious days were invested in this trip. If we camp site here.” I then got smashed by a side- until I died. As we sheltered momentarily behind a small in 40 years. And then the final fifteen kms across finished on Wednesday I was pissing two swiping shore dump as I attempted egress, and That night, while my companions snored headland, solemnly and apologetically I told Corner Inlet in washing machine conditions days leave, or fully 10% of my annual leave, had a brief swim in the refreshing water. Even mindlessly, I lay in my tent thinking, listening the trio I was turning back. Harry and Paul as that arctic wind fizzed across the shallow Footnote: A PhotoStory of this disastrous against the wall. And as I couldn’t just go Harry lost his cool in the chaos. All in all it was and looking. High above our camp, on a ridge tried to persuade me but they could see in my inlet. My hard chined kayak was in its element trip (with a brilliant soundtrack) can be home (I had arranged to meet my partner bad end to the day. exposed to the west, the very same west we were eyes it was already a lost cause. And with that and I was pleased to see that in these testing seen at tinyurl.com/pearsonjudgement

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NSW Sea Kayak Club Inc PO Box R1302, Royal Exchange NSW 1225 Contributions yes please! Salt the magazine of the NSW Sea Kayak Club is published four times a year by the NSW Sea Kayak Club. The NSWSKC welcomes articles relating to sea kayaking for inclusion in the Club’s magazine and website. Publication in the magazine and/ The NSWSKC is a voluntary organisation run by members who give their time freely to the club. or website is at the sole discretion of the editor. All articles submitted are subject to review by the editor who reserves the right to reject or Membership is offered yearly. Please see the website for details and application. To contact the club. please email: edit material. The closing date for contributions and advertising bookings is (in theory) the 15th of the months February, May, August and November but don’t let that stop you. Please email contributions as Word or text files. Images need to be supplied at the highest possible resolution. All material is copyright. The contributor retains underlying intellectual property rights in the contribution however the President David Fisher Trips Convenor Megan Pryke contributor grants the club a global perpetual all-media license to publish the contribution in club communications, including in print [email protected] [email protected] and digitally. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden without written permission from the editor, author or photographer. Vice President Tony Wennerbom Rock’n’Roll Coordinator Campbell Tiley Advertisers must adhere to legal requirements and undertake to indemnify NSWSKC against any consequences arising out of their [email protected] [email protected] advertisements. For further information contact the editor. Secretary/Treasurer Rae Duffy Internet Coordinator Stephan Meyn [email protected] [email protected] All views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the NSWSKC. Training Coordinator Ian Vaile Editor Mark Schroeder [email protected] [email protected] IMPORTANT: Please review the Paddler Safety, Required Equipment, Grading System and Club Calendar sections of the club website.

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Photo by Lisa McCarthy plays with the wildlife off South Head. Thought to be a JUNE 2013 SALT Long-beaked common dolphin, one of a pod diving on a 4mnsw bait sea ball kayak of Yellowtail. club JUNE 2013 Photo by Adrian Clayton