THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB ISSUE 104 | MARCH 2017

Coast Boast a new competition sponsored by ProKayaks Narrabeen

Solo or Group - what is your paddle style? | Shorebirds and Waders of NSW | Strength Training | The NSW Islands Challenge is underway | South Coast NSW | Raja Ampat 2

Above: Caoimhin Ardren exiting from High Tide Pool at Seal Rocks at low tide (Image - Adrian Clayton). Front cover: Nick Blacklock getting distracted on the last day of the trip from CONTENTS Batemans Bay to Eden (Image - Caoimhin Ardren) From the President’s Deck 3 NSW Sea Kayak Club Inc. From the Editor’s Desk 3 PO BOX R1302, ROYAL EXCHANGE NSW 1225

Solo or Group? 4 The NSWSKC is a voluntary organisation run by members who give their time freely to the club. Membership is offered yearly. Please see the website for details Shorebirds & Waders of NSW 12 and application. www.nswseakayaker.asn.au PRESIDENT: TRIPS CONVENOR: Surf and Turf 16 Megan Pryke Selim Tezcan [email protected] [email protected] Tight Arse Corner 18 VICE PRESIDENT: ROCK ’N ROLL COORDINATOR: The Coast Boast 19 Tony Murphy Simon Swifte [email protected] [email protected] Strength training for kayaking 22 SECRETARY/TREASURER: INTERNET COORDINATOR: Saltiest Submission 24 Alison Curtin Stephan Meyn [email protected] [email protected] Kayak snorkelling 25 TRAINING COORDINATOR: EDITOR: Club Trips Nick Blacklock Ruby Ardren [email protected] [email protected] Five Islands, Wollongong 26 Contributions yes please! Salt the magazine of the NSW Sea Kayak Club is published three to 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/or website is at the sole discretion Montague Island 28 of the editor. All articles submitted are subject to review by the editor who reserves the right to reject or edit material. Please email contributions as Microsoft Word or text files. Images need to be supplied at the Private Trips highest possible resolution. All material is copyright. The contributor retains underlying intellectual property rights in the contribution however the contributor grants the club a global perpetual all-media license to publish the contribution in club communications, including in print and digitally. Reproduction in whole or Bay of Islands, NZ 32 part is strictly forbidden without written permission from the editor, author or photographer. Advertisers must adhere to legal requirements and undertake to indemnify NSWSKC against any consequences South Coast NSW 36 arising out of their advertisements. For further information contact the editor. All views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Five go to Raja Ampat 40 NSWSKC. IMPORTANT: Please review the Paddler Safety, Required Equipment, Grading System and Club Calendar An uninhabited island 42 sections of the club website.

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smart phone! I have poked around From the the back end and found it to work better than I felt was rumoured. For a club our size it really assists President’s to achieve effective and efficient, paperless administration and record keeping. Deck This is the sixth year that Stephan has been in the internet coordinator MEGAN PRYKE role. Unfortunately, per the club’s constitution this means that Stephan is due to step down. Due I have perhaps been a bit slow at to the importance of this role and formulating a vision for our club the need for a good handover to share with members. The club we are calling for expressions of is already there in so many ways. interest in the internet coordinators It has been a scorcher of a summer. What I sought to achieve when role. The club’s website backbone I am pleased that the club has had joining the club was to get out on is Joomla 2, though the long-term twenty new members join up. I the ocean, have safe adventures goal is to move to Joomla 3. The know that our Vice President Tony with great friends and this has been system is a series of plugins and is Murphy has welcomed you all. It’s achieved. My vision for the club is designed so you do not need to be tricky to name everyone, you know to have trip leaders feel they can an IT programmer. who you are. Please enjoy your first lead club trips no differently to how Our Facebook page is up thanks edition of Salt. they would conduct private trips, to Karen Darby, and already has a The club calendar has been very except for a few bits of necessary significant following. It is a chance healthy and the registration page a administration. It does take more to check out what is going on and lot prettier. than just good intentions to be a share club experiences. The site leader, thus we need to ensure that is publically viewable. Facebook I am sorry but most likely I wont be the training, mentoring or support able to attend Rock ‘n’ Roll. It is has a lot of functionality that can of our leaders is available to those a club event that gets better each be turned on or off or changed. We who are truly passionate about sea year you go, as you know more and may broaden its scope once we kayaking. understand it more and the level of more people you share an interest demand from members. with. To the point that there’s The club website has great just not enough time to catch up functionality. I have found that I can I hope to see you all out on the big everyone you would like to. register my interest for trips from my blue, even if it is grey.

From the Editor’s Desk

RUBY ARDREN

This issue of Salt Magazine feels article on shorebirds, a theme she a little like a photo album! Thanks intends to build on in future issues. to all those who contributed Cath Nolan thankfully continues to unsolicited articles (such a pleasure find parts of the body to talk about, to receive!) and responded to my so our health will not be neglected! call for contributions. I’m indebted And make sure you check out our to the NZ Sea Canoeist Magazine new ‘Coast Boast’ competition courtesy of Adrian Clayton. for inspiring and assisting with the (half the cost of production), so it’s Solo vs Group article, and I thank all It’s time to clean out the Salt a very good offer. Unfortunately, the those members who provided their storage cupboards, so bring along most recent two issues (including commentary on the subject. One your spare change to Rock ‘n’ Roll this one) will not be available for of our newer members, Caroline to get your copies of spare back sale, as we maintain some stock to Marschner, has contributed a great issues. They’re selling for $5 each give to new members.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 4 Solo or Group? A collection of views on the virtues of paddling together or alone

COMPILED BY RUBY ARDREN INSPIRED BY AN ARTICLE IN THE NZ SEA CANOEIST MAGAZINE

I think everything happens in time. There’s a time for everything. There’s a time to be in a group, and there’s a time to be solo.

Lauryn Hill (Singer)

Above: Solo UK (Image-Stuart Trueman) 5

Adrian Clayton others. This takes in other skills And talking of egos, I’ve been on beyond those of kayaking. Over the group multi-day expeditions where I reckon I’ve been sea kayaking years I’ve had many “ah ha – that’s personality clashes have detracted now for nearly 20 years. It took how it’s done (or that’s a better way from the enjoyment (never my me more than five years before of doing it)” moments observing fault of course!). Competing for the I was prepared to take on what my paddling companions – both on best tent site, having your sleep I considered a challenging solo and off the water. Some of these disrupted by a snoring or farting paddling “expedition” and that was lessons have come from the most companion – these are some of the from Sydney to Forster (nearly unexpected sources. issues the solo paddler avoids. 300kms). Subsequent solo multi- day trips have been along the NSW Paddling expeditions with others Despite my advancing years I coast and the eastern coast of provide the opportunity to avoid still think I’ve got a couple of solo Tasmania. duplication of some essential items expeditions ahead of me but my such as cooking equipment, tarps, preference nowadays is to paddle The longest time I’ve been on repair kits, etc. thus freeing up with others. Being invited to do so my own on a trip is six days – a space and lightening the load. Gear mere trifle compared to the solo might be a problem. failures become less of an issue. expeditions of others. Accompanied Expedition logistics, such as car expeditions have been greater times sharing, shuffles, are simpler. and distances – Elizabeth Beach Barry Marshall to Brisbane (700kms over 19 days) Group trips generally provide There are no doubts that both solo being the longest. a great sense of camaraderie. and group paddling has some Sitting around a fire cooking a Paddling with others advantages over the other. What I meal reviewing the day’s events, like about solo paddling is the utter Paddling with others where skills, discussing the next and swapping freedom to do as you please. The experience and trip objectives war stories contributes a lot to the pace that you go has no constraints (destination or journey focussed) are enjoyment of a group paddle. - no need for the consideration of reasonably well matched increases Paddling alone any other member of the group. You the safety factor delivered through can stop whenever, go whenever the collective wisdom of the group In many ways paddling alone and wherever, push hard or just and strength in numbers. It opens removes some of the stresses of relax without having to be in sync up opportunities to take on bolder paddling with others. It provides with anyone. Simple things like challenges to test your skills (in greater flexibility – you have no one waking up when it suits, making rock gardens, gauntlets and caves, else you need to consider with the decisions on approaches to the surf, etc.). It’s a comforting thought plans you make and the way your day’s paddle and being drawn trip unfolds. that there’s likely to be someone into your surroundings without the nearby ready to extract you from a Paddling alone you can choose distraction of company. As a person dicky situation should you stuff up. your own pace. This takes away who loves company most of the time Also, beach launchings into pesky the anxiety of trying to stay in touch it is a good discipline to go without shore breaks are so much easier if with faster paddlers and avoids the company occasionally. I love it that I someone steadies your bow while frustration of regularly stopping to don’t have to convince anyone of the you wait to make your dash. wait for slower paddlers (admittedly virtues of sailing and can unfurl my Paddling in groups also lessens this is less of an issue for me these sail whenever I please. My brother, significantly the physical effort days). The solo paddler never with whom I’ve often paddled, required to move a fully-laden kayak suffers the ignominy of being the maintains a stubborn refusal to use after landing or when preparing to last to be ready to get on the water a sail and consequently (due to the launch. In some respects, camping after breaking camp. Any stuff ups need to remain in contact) commits options determined by the nature during the trip are not exposed to the group to a sail-less journey. of the shoreline are broader. For others and thus derision is avoided Group paddling on the other hand example, landing a heavy kayak on (the convention of “what happens has the advantage of knowing that rocky shorelines (e.g. Bushrangers on trips stays on trips” is rarely if you ever find yourself in difficulty, Bay in the Illawarra or Boulder observed). you have some backup. ‘Rafting up’ Beach on the far south coast) Despite being more circumspect is a definite advantage. I doubt that followed by a lengthy portage rules in respect of the risks taken, I would have had to spend a night out such options for all but the most completing a solo expedition can be camped on Curtis Island in Bass resolute of solo paddlers. great for the ego (however, falling Strait if I’d been able to discuss A major upside of paddling in groups short of completing an expedition navigational options with someone. is the opportunity to learn from can have the opposite affect). Someone else would have brought

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 6 7 a map! In group paddling there is a combination of strengths and weaknesses in the group - my weakness is technology but, having grown up on the ocean, I like to think that I can have a reassuring influence on someone less comfortable on the ocean. Better decisions are usually made after discussion and a consensus having been reached. The problem with group paddling is that more things can go wrong. The group is only as strong and as fast as its weakest member. Paddling to someone else’s cadence can be tedious and tiring. Paddling with people Many enjoy the social aspects of group trips Above: Wallis Lakes (Image-Ruby Ardren) of a similar ability on long trips is very important. The make up of the group must be very carefully hard of hearing so I have to raise my why paddling with others is so considered as, if and when the voice and repeat myself - a problem enriching. Not only do you get to going gets rough, some paddlers that doesn’t occur when paddling enjoy the journey; you also get to begin to lose their form and ability solo (I admit to singing and talking to know your companions and make as their confidence wanes. A lot of myself!). lasting friendships. The retelling and sharing of these memories around a paddlers are fine when everything is The paddle itself dictates whether campsite weaves them into a lasting going their way but fall apart when I would seek companions or fabric, later to be recalled and pushing into head winds and rough otherwise. I feel comfortable marvelled at over years to come. seas. Somewhere between Hogan paddling solo anywhere on the and Deal Islands when enveloped in east coast but have decided that Why would anyone wish to paddle a sea fog on a paddle across Bass if I attempt a paddle on the west alone? Strait, a paddler in our group began coast of Tasmania then I would to panic when his GPS unit lost The further a paddle is going to go, seek company –- being laid up for power. It was a trying time for the the smaller I like the group to be. days due to bad weather alone rest of the group who were pretty Further - as in further away from the doesn’t appeal and having input into relaxed as we had another GPS familiar and comfortable. Smaller - decision making and backup on that unit and compasses. This member as in the footprint set by attitude and stretch of coastline does. ended up pulling out on Finders ability in some undefined, unfixed Island which, although unfortunate, measure, as much as the actual made for a more relaxed Harry Havu numbers of souls involved. In that atmosphere for the remainder of the single word ‘attitude’ I’ve wrapped journey. It is advisable to really get Some of the most enduring the multitude of things that make to know all members of a proposed paddling memories I have, relate sharing a paddling journey with long paddle. to experiences shared with others. others enjoyable. I value flexibility I love getting to know people and The differences in reactions of the and sense of shared responsibility hearing their stories when camped many seem to magnify and expand highly. As difficulties or changes-of- in remote locations with the luxury of the experience of the individual. plan arise, I like to be surrounded an abundance of time – something The bouncing of thoughts and ideas by those who will focus on solutions which is sadly lacking most of the off your companions during a long and looking after each other. While time in the ‘real world’. Unfortunately crossing, the sharing of the sense ability will certainly be a ‘go’ or ‘no- I seem to strain my vocal chords of discovery and achievement with go’ gauge for some trips, I find it’s when communicating for long others as you land after a day’s the attitude that makes a trip great periods out at sea. My brother is paddle; there are many reasons every time.

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Taking this to a logical conclusion, to a partner! I landed at 8pm one Megan Pryke is the longest trip then the one evening after a 75km long day. It Solo paddling out at sea is to do solo? I greatly enjoy the was dark and raining and I was cold. relinquishment of the most important utterly simplified and focussed It was low tide on a long beach with existence while paddling alone. bit of safety kit you have, being many sharp rocks and I hadn’t put capable paddling buddies. Three to The connection to the sea and the my tent up yet. I would definitely wind, the sky and the clouds, it all sea as a minimum is a good number have complained to a companion to aim for, although there is little becomes more intense but at the but I just got on with it and it was same time more natural; I breathe point in taking an unsuitable paddler fine! it in, I become part of it. The mind out in exposed conditions just to tick travels, the senses sharpen. By the end of the trip around off the ideal numbers box. Vancouver Island, I was open to the Some paddles are meant to be I always learn more when sea done solo. Others would feel empty idea of company again. I’m a social kayaking in a group, and it is better without companions. I get my fill of person over all and I like to share for training. In a group you have both. things with friends. It is tricky to find someone to chase or someone people to go with when you’ve done to beat, someone to get you back a lot of trips in fairly technical waters in your kayak if it all goes pear- Justine Curgenven and you move at a decent pace, shaped. When it comes to a long and you want someone you get on slog, paddling in a group is a lot I really enjoyed paddling around well with and have compatible goals more fun. Vancouver Island by myself to - but I think in future I’d rather go As a leader it was, and still is, although as a general rule I prefer a bit slower with someone I like a important for me to know what good company. I guess the last lot, than go alone and do exactly conditions I am personally prepared two big trips I did before Vancouver island were with people who were what I want, when I want - but it to go out in solo before I could really slower than me - I had to look after will depend. I can see myself doing know that I was comfortable leading Sarah Outen in the Aleutian islands mostly trips with other people in others out in. Getting out on a few and she was slower so I had to the future but probably doing the solo sea trips provided factual proof. adjust my pace which I found hard occasional solo adventure if I want My forays into the world of solo for 67 on-water days. Then I joined to do it and don’t have a suitable paddling have been quite short. Sandy Robson in Indonesia for six companion! Following a solo week-long trip I felt weeks. It was a privilege to be able elated and for a longer time than to join her but again she was slower after the completion of Bass Strait. than me, and we very much did Rae Duffy Could I become addicted to solo things her way. That was always the paddling for the extra high that the There’s something very satisfying deal before I joined her, but I found solo element gives? I don’t think so. myself really looking forward to and liberating about solo paddling. going solo so that I could do exactly Making all my own decisions as As a teenager I did quite a lot of solo what I wanted, when I wanted, at the and when I need to, being totally windsurfing. I got bored with my own pace that I wanted! self-sufficient with the freedom to company and preferred taking out paddle as far, as fast (or slow) as friends on a catamaran to share the I loved the first two weeks solo on I want and in whatever conditions thrill of speeding through the water Vancouver Island for this reason. I powered by sail. I think that the suit me. A day paddle or many days, had a good mix of days by myself, same thing would happen with sea there’s simplicity, freedom and total and days when I met people and kayaking. I would love to still visit immersion in the environment. stayed with people. The sense the same coastline that I have done of achievement is better on your Having said that, most of my solo for subsequent trips – sharing own. The experience is heightened paddling has been and will continue the experience is more fun. in some way - I spend more time to be as part of a group. I enjoy taking in my environment and feel the shared experience and my more in tune with it. I was aware of companions always add to the Selim Tezcan every bird sound when on the land, every non-regular noise alerted me activity in many different and often Let me first say that I like paddling to possible bears and on the water I unexpected ways. They notice with others and sharing the joys enjoyed the broad scenery and the things I’d otherwise miss, see of paddling. Having a solo paddle small details of lichen on rocks. I the world slightly differently, have doesn’t mean I have a preference also found I ‘got on with it’ more by knowledge and ideas to contribute for one over the other. A solo paddle myself, when I may have moaned and generally it’s just more fun. at times is part of a balance when I

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need some ‘me time’ and also when I like to be on my own to make that difficulties when things go wrong or a paddle with others is not possible journey ‘my own experience’. It is attribute the successes of a trip to for practical reasons. a childlike behaviour. A solo paddle others when the things went right. allows me to internalise some trips Besides, I don’t perceive a solo On a solo paddle it’s just you. Hence and destinations. paddle as a paddle alone. I see it as you realise Nature is neither nice a paddle with my own company. And Sense of Self nor is it bad. It won’t accuse you that’s not so bad is it? I mean who of any failures nor will it take any When you are paddling by yourself else would be a more like-minded blame. It won’t victimise you nor with no one in sight there is the paddler to paddle with? will it give you a hand. It is neither realisation that you are just a tiny forgiving nor unforgiving. It doesn’t Internal Clock drop in the ocean. Similarly when care if you succeed or fail. Nature How much time does one need to you are lying in your tent and has no feelings. Everything you feel feel one has ‘been there and done looking at the stars you just can’t is because of your own actions. The that paddle’? Our internal clocks are help but think how enormously small ocean is the greatest mirror. There I different. When we are in a group you are in this universe. And yet in see myself without the ripples made paddle, we must compromise. The these moments, paradoxical as it by others. paddle must start at a certain time may sound, I feel the greatest sense Sense of Adventure and must end at an agreed time. of self. Some of us may feel they have The Mirror In our ever expanding built been ‘there’ by simply spending a environments, our lives 15-minute lunch break. Others may In a group with a leader and a plan, are becoming increasingly need an overnighter. For me there is a paddle is an enjoyable one. You predetermined. We stop at a red that feeling inside that I know I had are in the safety net of experienced light, walk when it is green. We eat sufficient time ‘there’ regardless of paddlers. That allows you to feel at certain times, work at certain how much time that is. A solo trip safe and hence your experience of places, we have ergonomic chairs, allows me that time. the paddle is different to one you work according to OHS, we have have solo. A group paddle is also a meetings to attend and set goals to Internalisation very social one. It allows us to get achieve. We obey the law and follow I remember when my daughter didn’t to know each other, share the same etiquette. We have comfortable share her Christmas toys with her experiences and provides us an homes, income insurance, health friend next door on a Christmas day opportunity to ask the question “do insurance, Road Side Assistance after both received their presents. I you see what I see?” and confirm and we invest into and plan our was furious. I didn’t know back then this beautiful moment isn’t an retirement. Almost everything in that kids needed time with their toys illusion inside our heads. It however our lives are ‘shaped’ or ‘taken to make them ‘their own’ before they also provides an opportunity to care of’ including how we feel could share them with their friends. shift responsibility, blame others or thanks to Facebook. But for all I see that in me now. For some trips justify our behaviour at the face of this comfort and certainty we pay

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Moving boats is much easier with a group, and many prefer to have help Shaan Gresser achievement for me that was very around for difficult conditions different from a group paddle. I also I feel lucky that in general I have a Left to right: Rock ‘n’ Roll 2014 (Image- had a real sense of adventure that I foot in each camp – happy paddling Campbell Tiley); Landing at McBrides hadn’t fully felt when on group trips. Beach near Forster (Image-Ruby Ardren) solo and happy with good company. I think simply being on your own in This means that I have the flexibility the middle of the ocean or remote to paddle no matter the scenario. I coastline brings an intensity that a high price. Life by its nature is regularly head out through Sydney wouldn’t otherwise develop in the unknown. When life is known, life Heads on my own – mostly because presence of a companion/s. is ‘lived’. And then, ‘now’ becomes I am taking advantage of small time past, path becomes walked, life gaps dictated by the variability in There were certainly moments that becomes dead. On the contrary the nature of my work and it’ simply I would have loved to share along we feel ‘alive’ when we experience not being practical to find someone the way. I do remember feeling something new, something different, at late notice. I would happily share that strongly when I was camped something spontaneous and these paddles if someone wanted in Winter Cove on Deal Island – it unknown, something outside those to join in but I am also very happy was such a beautiful cove and I pre-packaged experiences. Unlike to just get out there and soak up an was in the mood to share it. On the the roads in our built environments hour or more on the water. other hand, had I not paddled there or the paths created by others on my own I may not have had the on the land, a path on the ocean I’m guessing it’s the multi-day solo opportunity to stay and experience it is never the same again. For all trips that intrigue many people for the few nights that I did. I made the knowledge and the forecast, and after I crossed Eastern Bass the decision to stay, in spite of a a paddle on the ocean is a Strait solo it was one of the most decent weather window predicted for commitment to the unknown. frequent questions I got asked – the day following my arrival that may why solo? I agree that it may not be have compelled others to not linger I must be cautious here not to for everyone, particularly if you don’t and push on the next day. This sound like I promote irresponsible feel confident in your ability and highlights another aspect of solo paddling, but the underlying risk in skill but I tell you what – planning paddling – you can go at your pace, a solo paddle brings that sense of a moderately serious trip on your make decisions that suit how you’re adventure, which makes me feel own will sharpen all your skills! You feeling from day to day. You‘re not alive. I don’t mean to undermine can’t rely on that person in front to constrained by other people’s time these elements in a group paddle navigate for you, or someone else to commitments or other constraints. either, they still exist when we make a decision about the weather Ultimately its what’s important to commit to a paddle together but a forecast, fix your rudder or indeed you for that trip – if company is solo paddle at times allows me to rescue you should things not go the key then you will happily wear have a micro adventure that with well. For this reason, accomplishing any compromises to the trip plan others is not always possible. something like the Bass Strait triggered by others. The other angle crossing solo had a special sense of to solo paddling is the potential

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adventures that you may have in the infinite beauty of that area with Stuart Trueman meeting people on your journey – I my friends. But critical to the joy Getting to the beach to start a trip had a wonderful experience on of this trip was the compatibility Flinders Island meeting and staying is an underestimated achievement. of the group – the harmony in the There are plenty of known and with local people in a way that would group during the trip (apart from not have been the same had I not unknown problems lying in wait to the occasional loud snoring!) was been paddling on my own. trip up expeditioners. With every wonderful and I think can make or extra paddler on the trip these It’s also a question of scale – break a group paddling experience. problems are multiplied. compared to paddling around the continent solo (aka solo artist ST) I Ultimately I enjoy sharing my Many paddlers have the best feel several weeks solo is just a dip paddling experiences with friends intentions to participate but can’t get in the ocean so to speak! - It’s a fundamental joy of being to the start line as ‘Real Life’ gets in human to connect and share the way. Having someone pull out, There are certain trips that I would close to the time of departure can not want to do solo – I paddled with others and especially within South West Tasmania last year beautiful isolated places. But there mean the end of the trip. with four other companions and I is something special about enjoying If you plan a solo trip you have more felt very strongly at the time that I your own company - particularly in chance of getting to the start. was happy not to be paddling that the wilderness. So if you haven’t stretch of coast solo – both from the tried it give it a go - you might However when the paddling starts the reasoning for and against solo perspective that I felt intimidated surprise yourself! by the place and for the simple fact paddling is harder to justify. that I was really enjoying sharing ••There is plenty that can go wrong 11

for the solo paddler; however the have been group trips; most of my I enjoy both solo and group larger the group the greater the greatest challenges have been Paddling. Solo paddling is easier chance of problems. done solo. to make happen, group paddling ••Some problems can be quickly solved happens to be easier. by the solo paddler, some are easier It is not hard to understand addressed by a group. why group trips would the more Thanks to Paul Caffyn ••It’s great to share a spectacular enjoyable, but tackling challenges campsite with others; it can be difficult alone is harder to reason. and the NZ Sea Canoeist to manage the various attitudes to magazine for allowing us Solo paddling allows the freedom hardship. to use their idea, and for to immerse yourself into the •The solo paddler has the satisfaction getting Justine Curgenven’s • environment without distraction. of knowing the trips success was due permission to use her To be in complete control of your to their decisions alone; the group piece. benefits from the experience of many. destiny for a few days, allowing your immediate future to be ruled by the ••A group paddler can have their apprehension halved and courage weather and tides can be liberating. increased, allowing them to paddle in Nothing evokes solitude more than The freedom is still there for a group a more relaxed state of mind. A solo this image of Rae Duffy leaving King trip but there has to be compromise Island to cross the Bass Strait to paddler has to remain more alert and Victoria. It sits in stark contrast to this aware of what’s going on, knowing for the group. I don’t have a problem image at Yellow Rock in 2014, with a they can ill afford things to wrong. with this; I just like the first option group on a Rock ‘n’ Roll day trip The most enjoyable trips I have done sometimes. (Image left: Kathleen Hunter, King Island Courier; right: Campbell Tiley). 12 Do you know who you are paddling with? Shorebirds and Waders of NSW

CAROLINE MARSCHNER

One of the many reasons why sea kayaking can be exciting is the likelihood of spotting marine wildlife. The biodiversity of Australian coastal waters is unique, especially shorebirds and waders, and they often do not get the attention they deserve.

Shorebirds and waders live on Ecosystem changes reducing site, do so where no birds are coastal shores, including beaches, the diversity and occurrence of resting or feeding at the time. Did rocks, mudflats, and tidal wetlands. invertebrates and crustaceans you discover a nest that seemed They are generally equipped with severely impact the survival of unprotected from human activities? long elegant legs to wade in shallow shorebirds. Serious decline in fish Mark it clearly with little rocks and waters, but can’t swim. Many of populations and ingestion of plastic sticks. We all have the responsibility them have a long wing-span and flotsam are further reasons for the to protect our fauna, please tell the are migratory birds. Similar to decline. Like everywhere else in the youngsters and even adults next to kayakers these birds use favourable world common threats of ground you if they have missed a few things winds and navigate skilfully; they breeding birds are rats and feral endure unbearable winds when cats that attack eggs and chicks. here. flying, can fly non-stop for days Loss of coastal landscapes due Education is the key to increased faster than 60 km/hour; but unlike to development is unfortunately awareness towards our living kayakers can lose up to 40 per cent very common in Australia and puts environment. The internet is an of their bodyweight in the process. increased pressure on remaining inexhaustible resource to read intact habitats, with most exceeding Compared to other inland birds, about our shorebirds in general, their carrying capacities. shorebirds are relatively sensitive but often also about our local bird to disturbances. Firstly as migratory Kayakers are certainly less occurrences. birds their journeys are extremely disturbing for shorebirds, however costly energetically. Secondly there are little things we can do to Why don’t you take the chance many species only have access to help them. By keeping a distance to on your next paddle to look out feeding grounds during low tides individual and aggregations of birds for our most common shorebirds! and huge numbers and different we can help to keep their energy In this article you can find the species congregate at this time. expenditures low. As soon as you most common groups of saltwater Disturbances during feeding see them unsettled it is time to back shorebirds illustrated. Happy bird- consequently reduce energy intake. up. If you can choose your landing watching!

Resources https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/threatened-species/shorebirds/index.html http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/birds/featured/Shore-birds-and-waders http://birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds-2020/educational-material http://www.ospreyhouse.asn.au/downloads/australian%20shorebirds_id_sheet.PDF Photo references 1. BIRDS IN BACKYARDS (http://www.birdsinbackyards.net) 2. ARKIVE (www.arkive.org)

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Cormorants/Darter Gulls Herons/Egrets

Cormorants and Darters are non- Paddlers will know the silver gull Herons and Egrets are not distinct migratory birds and mostly live particularly well, not only due to families, but differ to storks, ibises, sedentary lives in colonies around their omnipresence but also due spoonbills and cranes. They are the shore, on trees, islets or cliffs. to their attacking and harassing easily distinguishable by their neck The Cormorant feeds mostly behaviour when paddling close retracted during flight. Herons are on fish, crustaceans and some to their nests. Gulls are ground- an extremely diverse family of birds aquatic insects. It has special nesting carnivores, living on and their taxonomy is less clear. nictitating membranes that cover molluscs, fish, worms, echinoderms, Sometimes they are categorized as the eyes underwater when diving arthropods (sometimes including day-herons and night-herons. Night- for fish. Their feathers are not swarming termites), reptiles, herons are the smaller relatives with waterproof, that’s why you can amphibians, birds, small mammals, short legs and short bodies and see them perching with their wings and berries. Gulls have unhinging are not active during the day. Day- outstretched. jaws to consume larger prey. They herons and egrets are mostly seen are mostly sedentary, but the young during the day, standing motionless disperse locally. in shallow waters and waiting for prey. Cormorant Little Black Silver Gull Heron White-faced Little Pied Cormorant Pacific Gull Egret Intermediate Cormorant Large Pied Kelp Gull Heron White-necked Great Cormorant Darter Australasian

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 14 15

Shearwaters/ Albatross Spoonbills Petrels

Members of the family Among the nine Albatross species There are only two Spoonbill “Procellariidae”, which includes existing in Australia, the Wandering species in Australia, which can be shearwaters, petrels and prions, Albatross is the largest with a 3.5 easily distinguished. The Royal are commonly seen offshore when metre wingspan. Being quite a Spoonbill has a black beak and sea-kayaking. They share the order heavy bird, Albatross are still highly black face, and the Yellow Billed of “tube-noses” with the Albatross. efficient in the air by using “dynamic Spoonbill is yellow (the name says it They are pelagic birds, living soaring” (https://en.wikipedia.org/ all). Both can be found in saltwater constantly off-shore, and come on wiki/Dynamic_soaring) and “slope wetlands, intertidal mud flats and land only for breeding. They can soaring” (https://en.wikipedia. wet grasslands. The spatulate swim well and often form rafts on org/wiki/Ridge_lift). Breeding is bill has vibration detectors on the the water’s surface. Like other a serious effort for these birds, inside, so the bird can feel the prey seabirds, nesting time is elongated, as a breeding season can take in murky water and can feed by day incubation taking up to 50 days and over a year for a single egg in the or night. fledging another 70 days. They use nest. They also start breeding at a either burrows or crevices in rocks delayed age at 10 years in some for nesting and guard the sites at species (much time to practice night in order to avoid predators. dancing rituals) but fortunately they can reach ages of up to 50 years. Spoonbill Yellow Billed Yellow Sooty Shearwater Albatross Black-browed Spoonbill Black-faced Shearwater Wedge-tailed Wedge-tailed Albatross Wandering Wandering Gould’s Petrel Gould’s Oystercatchers

Oystercatchers prefer mudflats, sandbanks and sandy ocean beaches to feed on molluscs, crabs Sooty

and other crustaceans, marine Oystercatcher worms, starfish, sea urchins, and small fish. The current Pied Oyster catcher population may be as low as 10,000 individuals therefore is listed as an Endangered Species on

the New South Wales Threatened Pied Species Conservation Act, 1995

(TSC Act). The Sooty Oystercatcher Oystercatcher is also vulnerable.

MARCH 2017 | SALT 14 15

Plovers Terns Sandpipers

Up to 60 species of Plovers exist Terns are usually found near the Sandpipers are by far the most and a large share of these are coast, on coastal and interior diverse group of all. It can be seen in Australia. This family also beaches and sheltered estuaries. difficult to identify some of these includes Dotterels. Plovers are They almost exclusively live on birds for non-experienced bird- migratory birds and like others fish. Some species are sedentary watchers. The Eastern Curlew is fly up to the arctic Northern others migratory. In one instance a one of the most popular, and has Hemisphere for breeding in the Common Tern has been found on a very specific appearance with northern summer. There are some a beach near Fremantle, Western its long curved bill. Unfortunately exceptions such as the Hooded Australia in 1956. It was banded as the Eastern Curlew has a sad Plover being a residential bird found a nestling in Sweden, and within 6 story to tell, as the population has around Jervis Bay. Plovers forage months it flew 20,900km around the declined by 80 per cent over the mostly on beaches with washed up Cape of Good Hope to Australia. last 30 years and is now critically seaweed and tidal mud flats. The Caspian Tern is the largest tern endangered. These birds migrate in Australia. between Australia/New Zealand and Eastern Russia/North Asia twice a year. The group of Sandpipers includes

Plover Stilts, Gotwits, Curlews, Snipes, and Stints. They can be found on

Double-banded mudflats of estuaries, lagoons, Common Tern mangroves, as well as beaches, rocks and in floodwaters. Most of them are migratory birds, breeding in North Asia or even Alaska. Tern Grey Plover Great Crested Common Sandpiper Plover Pacific Golden Caspian Tern Curlew Far Eastern Masked Plover Common Greenshank Curlew Sandpiper Hooded Plover

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 16 Surf and Turf An exercise in finding where you want to be

CAOIMHIN ARDREN

Charts, maps, Latitude, Longitude, magnetic variation, magnetic deviation, bearings, transits… sometimes it all becomes too much, even for those that are very active paddlers. Many of these navigational terms and tools are left well alone until required for Sea Skills assessment or when planning a multi-day expedition paddle. Suddenly there is a cry “Oh dear… I wish I had practiced this stuff a bit more, I can never remember if I add or subtract the magnetic variation…” With this in mind, a training day that combined navigation exercises with some surf practice was put on the Mark A (Yellow Cross) – showing blue dots for each paddlers estimate club calendar in November. A week before the event, all five participants were provided with a copy of the Mark A was located in the middle Paddler 2 had this to say: of the channel into the Hawkesbury relevant chart and six navigational “In practice, I think that Gerrin Point River. questions. Horror of horrors…a club was more obvious than Box Head trip with homework! The three closest to the Mark all on the water. I also mistook Umina / Once everyone found their way to first did a “big picture” sanity check. Ettalong Point for Green Point, and the launch beach (some found this From looking at the chart, they hence heading too far west with a challenge in itself) and after an knew they needed to be “sort of the transit. Note to self - if you are on-land navigation review session, in the middle of the channel”. So going to pass a point that you will the group headed out into the they paddled into the approximate later use as a transit, take a good depths of Broken Bay to find Marks position before commencing with look at it and remember what it A, B and C. Each participant used aligning transits and bearings. This looks like!” is a good practice to adopt. their own methods to determine Closest to the pin, Mark A: when they were at each location, Quite a few of the paddlers planned Paddler 1 – 45m upon which Adrian would record this to use a transit off Box Head with his GPS for later verification. and the east side of Lion Island. Paddler 2 – 170m Unfortunately, most paddlers then So how did the participants Paddler 4 – 180m perform? mistook the headland just west of Maitland Bay (Gerrin Point) for Box Paddler 5 – 452m Head. Paddler 1 made the same Paddler 3 – 787m. mistake, but realised the error and did another transit.

MARCH 2017 | SALT 17

Again, the practice of using the “big picture” first to gauge your approximate location proved to be very useful. In addition, if at first you do not recognise the features you were expecting to see, don’t throw away your carefully calculated plan and simply start making guesses to suit what you see. Paddler 1 had this to say: “I didn’t agree with some other paddlers who had stopped off the point, instead of paddling around to inside the curve of the headland. I then looked for the tank. It was making me nervous that it took so long to Mark B (Yellow Cross) – showing blue dots for each paddlers estimate see the tank, but I kept going and eventually it appeared”. Mark B was located South east were still trying to get their heads Closest to the pin, Mark B: of Mount Ettalong head at the around the method they had Paddler 1 – 33m, southern end of Umina beach planned to use to identify the Paddler 2 – 71m Paddling to Mark B was the first location and resulted in all electing point we reached after leaving the for a location, well away from the Paddler 3, 4 and 5 – 263m. beach. Three of the five paddlers Mark.

variation – you should have worked out your back-bearings in Magnetic before you left the shore. Paddler 2 observed: “Back bearings with hand held bush walking compass. Would have been better with a sighting compass – it is on the Christmas list now.” Paddler 1 had this to say: “I had two bearings, one at 45 degrees and Lion Island directly west, and tried to guess my position from those. I was far less confident using bearings than transits, and I think this showed in my results”. Mark C (Yellow Cross) – showing blue dots for each paddlers estimate Closest to the pin, Mark C: Paddler 3 – 39m, Mark C was located 450m due east side of Lion Island is often subject of the high point of Lion Island to in coming swell and rebound. Paddler 4 – 92m For Mark C a position was selected All the paddlers quickly encountered Paddler 1 – 126m that did not allow for the use of easy difficulties taking multiple bearings Paddlers 2 and 5 – 201m transits, instead the paddlers had to from their kayaks in bouncy water. rely on compass back bearings. You Because you and your kayak are need a minimum of three bearings getting moved around by the wave to accurately locate a position. action, you have to be quick and This was no easy task as many club accurate. This is not a time to start members will know that the east trying to add/subtract magnetic

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 18

The intent for the day was not to some books and doing more up for Adrian Clayton’s annual embarrass anybody, but rather to practice on the water, by the time navigation weekend. give paddlers chance to put into you run your next course I will get Attendees: Darren Friend, Richard practice the tools and techniques of closer to the marks.” Hackett, Ruby Ardren, Derek Le navigation. While paddler 5 had this to say: Dain, Tom Cox. Instructors, Adrian Considering the size of the ocean “I wasn’t joking when I said I was Clayton and Caoimhin Ardren. and the nature of the paddling we below novice. The training gave me do – achieving results of under an insight into navigation and I have 50m is really impressive. It is very to admit I had never given it much seldom that we would ever need to thought. My failure was generally be more accurate than within 100m because I wasn’t prepared properly -200m of a location. in many ways. Most fundamentally I need glasses to read now and failed The feedback from the paddlers to bring them on the trip.” was very positive with Paddler 4 stating: “The training has motivated If all the discussion of transits, me to do more self-study on bearing etc. leaves you a bit navigation. Hopefully after reading confused, make sure you sign Tight Arse Corner

MATT BEZZINA

If you’re sick of getting scuff marks this great new invention, leaving on your shiny hull due to those surfski paddlers to prop up the ageing rubber kayak cradles on roof rack industry rather than us – your roof racks you can hold off suckers. buying new ones by adding this nifty Apart from making an anti-fashion little fix. statement, socks are remarkably Put socks on your cradles! cheap, and you seem to always be able to get a two for one deal. Any old socks will do however in But if you’re really tight like me you keeping with the fashion conscious could scour sports ovals early in the nature of sea kayakers I suggest morning for possible freebies. you use the socklet type for a more streamlined look - Don’t worry they Here’s to a scuff free hull – and will still look like socks which should squeezing an extra decade or two ensure that only sea kayakers use out of your existing cradles!

Left: Nick Blacklock admires the solution

MARCH 2017 | SALT 19 The Coast Boast The Coast Boast is a competition being run over four consecutive issues of Salt. It’s a great opportunity for you to test your knowledge of the NSW coast, your observation skills and, maybe, your memory. The objective of the competition is for you to identify as many locations as you can of the six pictures appearing in each of the next four issues of Salt, describing where each was taken. In all cases the pictures will have been taken at a NSW location at which the Club has (Clue) Many NSWSK clubbies will have the chance to see conducted a trip, training activity, this spot soon. Rock ‘n’ Roll event or Navigation Location: Corrigans Beach, Batehaven looking out to Challenge over the last five years. Snapper Island and beyond towards North Head, Batemans The member who correctly identifies Bay (alternatively 35°44’S, 150°12’E) the most locations over the four issues is the winner and, apart from Include the location number Send us your pics boasting rights, will be the recipient alongside each of your answers of a gift voucher to the value of Members are encouraged to submit and email them to the competition photographs to thecoastboast@ $400 kindly donated by ProKayaks coordinator (thecoastboast@ nswseakayaker.asn.au for inclusion at Narrabeen. nswseakayaker.asn.au) no later in the competition, however, The caption to the picture to the than the copy deadline of the acceptance of such pictures will be right shows an example of the following issue of Salt (see club restricted to one per issue of Salt per type of answer we are seeking. updates on email and Facebook). contributor. Alternatively, answers expressed Locations will be revealed Acceptance of any pictures in latitude and longitude, rounded and results published in the submitted for use in the competition off to the nearest minutes, following issue of Salt with scores does not preclude the contributor are acceptable. Accuracy is accumulating from issue to issue. from including the location as one of encouraged. The winner of the competition will his/her answers. The same applies be announced at Rock ‘n’ Roll 2018. The first six pictures of the to any Club members who appear in A sudden death tie breaker will competition appear on the next any of the pictures. be used in the event of more than page. Online versions allowing Any pictures used in the competition one member achieving the highest larger format viewing (thus revealing have to be taken in an area in number of correct answers. greater detail) can be accessed which the NSWSKC has conducted through “The Coast Boast” link Participation in the competition an activity such as trips, training appearing in the navigation bar on is restricted to members of the activities, Rock ‘n’ Roll events or the left-hand side of the home page NSW Sea Kayak Club. Members Navigation Challenges over the last of the Club’s web site. of the Club’s committee and five years. They should show an the competition coordinator are identifiable feature (even though one To help get things going we have precluded from entering. might need to look hard to find it!) provided a written clue (perhaps a such as shorelines, significant rock little cryptic) in this issue for each Any member appearing in any formations (islands, stacks, hollows, picture. Don’t expect this to be a of the pictures may include the caves, arches), land forms (dominant regular feature as the competition related location as one of his or her peaks, unusual contours, ridgelines), progresses. answers (a memory challenge). buildings, training walls and signage.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 20 21

Location 1: Edible trees ahead?

Location 2: I see a seal but I don’t see a swan! Sounds contradictory to me.

Location 3: Shaan well away from dragon territory but nearby landmarks suggest otherwise.

MARCH 2017 | SALT 20 21

prokayaks COMMITMENT TO LIFESTYLE 11 Narrabeen Street, Narrabeen www.prokayaks.com.au 02 9970 7081

Location 4: There’s a Singapore connection with this place.

Location 5: Something’s on the nose around here!

Location 6: A place for newlyweds?

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 22 Strength training for kayaking

CATHY NOLAN, PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Have you ever started out paddling Power = f*v. SALT 101 for flexibility training) and with someone who compares with as always I can’t overemphasise In paddling terms: you in speed and distance, only good paddle technique and the to see a dramatic improvement in Paddling Power = how hard you concept of the paddler’s box. their ability over time, or their ability pull your paddle through the water How to improve muscle to generate enough paddle power (force) x how fast your pull your strength? to catch a wave – leaving you in paddle through the water (velocity) The best way to build muscle their wake? I certainly have and By increasing either of these strength is resistance training. as you suspect, it is not the secret variables you can increase your Resistance training builds not ingredient in their wheeties. Other paddling power and therefore your only the size of your muscle than improving their technique, boat speed.* which is an important component, it fibres (hypertrophy); it also is highly likely they have increased *I know in reality kayaking is not a improves the ability of your muscle strength (and power). directly linear activity as we are in a nerves to communicate with the boat on a moving sea and there are muscles, what we often refer to in What is muscle strength also rotational forces to consider physiotherapy as motor control. and why is it important in but I will leave this discussion to the Improved motor control allows your paddling? physicists amongst you, as this is muscles to perform movements with way out of my depth as a physio. increased speed and accuracy and Adequate muscle strength is also allows you to perform more important to paddle both efficiently So if you are keen to increase your coordinated movements like forward and comfortably and will definitely boat speed you can: stroke with more force. help protect you from injury. In ••increase your velocity (or stroke What is Resistance sports science, muscular strength rate) refers to the amount of force Training? ••increase your force which we a muscle or muscle group can know is related to muscular Resistance training is any exercise produce with a single maximal strength (and good technique) that causes the muscles to contract effort. against an external resistance ••do a combination of both. Muscle strength is measured during with the expectation of increases Perhaps more importantly and muscular contraction, usually with in strength, tone, mass, and/or particularly from my perspective as a one-rep maximum (1-RM). During endurance. The external resistance a physio, muscle strength training a 1-RM, an exerciser performs one can be dumbbells, rubber exercise helps improve core strength, bone repetition of a single exercise to see tubing, your own body weight, strength and joint stability which how much weight he or she can lift. bricks, bottles of water, or any other all allows for a better distribution Muscle strength training increases object that causes the muscles to of load. This makes the paddler contract. the size of your muscle fibres and more resilient to injury and more the ability of nerves to activate What are good resistance efficient in their paddling technique. or communicate with the muscle training exercises for Often paddling injuries are related fibres. It allows groups of muscles paddlers? to muscle strength imbalances to generate more force and hence where one group of muscles are power during a paddle stroke. Paddling as you know is a whole overloaded and just don’t have body exercise, however there are As you probably know, in simple enough force to do what we are some key muscles groups that mechanical systems, the rate of trying to get them to do. This is you can focus on in resistance doing work (power) is dependent on largely preventable through muscle training to help give you more both force and velocity. strength and flexibility training (See power and contribute to injury

MARCH 2017 | SALT 23 prevention. These include the core legs) and have access to a gym, footplate, which initiates the hip muscles (abdominals, lower back a rowing machine is a fantastic lift and torso rotation required in and obliques), the pulling muscles work-out. It also helps gives you forward stroke. It also dynamically (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, rear an aerobic workout and builds works the pulling muscles, shoulder deltoids) and the shoulder blade endurance. Recently I have been stabilisers and core muscles. stabilisers (serratus anterior, using a rowing machine two times If you don’t have access to a rowing trapezius muscles). per week for 5-10 minutes at a time with a noticeable improvement in machine or gym, here are some If you are after an all-round off- my paddling power. This exercise great exercises to build up muscle the-water exercise that works on has helped with initiating the push strength in these major muscle all these muscles group (and your off phase of my foot on the kayak groups at home.

L raise (Core and Pulling Muscles)

Lie face down with your arms in an “L” position so that the upper arms are in line with your shoulders and your elbows are bent at 90 degrees and facing forwards. Keep your head aligned with your spine. Imagine you are reading a book on the ground. Your hands should be facing palms down with your fingers extended. Now tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilise your Scapula protraction/retraction (Scapula trunk and slowly raise both arms off the floor no higher stabilisers) than six inches and hold for the required time, then slowly lower your arms down to the floor. Lie on your back and flatten your shoulder blades against the floor. Repeat 10 times. Build up to two sets over 3-4 weeks. Hold a weight in your hand. Throughout the exercise, keep your arms at 90 degrees through your elbows in the “L” position and Whilst keeping your shoulder blades still, slowly lift ensure your trunk and legs are aligned. your arm up, leading the movement with your thumb. Perform this exercise in a slow controlled manner and Keep your elbow straight and point your arm straight do not jerk the body into the up-position when raising up towards the ceiling. the arms. Lift your shoulder off the floor by reaching your hand up towards the ceiling. Hold this position before returning your shoulder blade to the floor. The movement should come only from your shoulder blade so do not allow your body to rotate. Repeat 10 times each arm, two sets.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 24

Side planks (Obliques, scapula stabilisers)

Lie on your side your knees bent. Prop yourself up on your elbow. Your elbow should be directly under your shoulder, your trunk long with your hip joint and shoulder joint in line. Draw in your side trunk muscles, then slowly lift your hips off the mat until you have a straight line from your knees to the top of your head. Hold this position for five seconds then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Repeat 5 times each side. Build up to 10 each side with five-second holds.

How often should you do increase your weight first and paddling speed very much. In resistance training? drop your reps until your muscles fact you are more likely to injure become accustomed to the new from overloading your muscles in Twice per week is enough to build weight, then increase your reps. undesirable positions. So my tip muscular strength. You will begin is focus on good technique first, As always, if you have any pre- to notice a difference to your power then build up your strength to do existing back or shoulder conditions in 2-3 weeks and this will continue those extra kilometres or develop a then seek advice from your health to build over the next 5-6 weeks. powerful stroke to get some extra professional before commencing At this stage you are likely to feel speed when you need it to catch a any new exercise program. as though you could either do wave etc. more repetitions, more weight or One final point, increasing muscular I hope this information helps and as a combination of both. The rule strength without good paddling always happy paddling! of thumb is: to increase power, technique is not going to help your

Saltiest submission WINNER

The winner of Saltiest Submission for Issue 103, Dee Ratcliffe, has elected to view the full range of goods available from Expedition Kayaks at Rock ‘n’ Roll in Batemans Bay before selecting her prize. We’ll include a photo of Dee showing off her prize in the next issue of Salt. Dee wrote an article celebrating Sandy Robson’s arrival in Australia. Sandy will be speaking at Rock ‘n’ Roll. Make sure you check out the Expedition Kayaks stall at Rock ‘n’ Roll this year.

EXPEDITION KAYAKS Drop in anytime from 0830 to 3/185 Port Hacking Road, Miranda, NSW 2228 1800 Monday to Fridays. Phone (612) 9559 8688 or mob 0417 924 478

MARCH 2017 | SALT 25 Kayak snorkelling

RUBY ARDREN, IMAGES - THE ARDRENS

I had never thought about how one might snorkel from a kayak until we went to the Whitsundays in 2015. It’s not always possible to land your kayak on a shoreline and leave it there while you snorkel over the reef. Often there is no accessible shoreline where the best snorkelling is; or the coral is too shallow and you might risk damaging it, your boat or yourself trying to take it to shore; or the reef might be located some distance off shore. The methods we tried out including paddle-float snorkelling and drift line snorkelling.

Image: www.adventure-life.com

The alternative is to attach a line to the front of your Paddle float snorkelling involves attaching a paddle kayak, head upstream of the current, jump out of your float to your paddle and then tipping the boat towards kayak and attach the line to yourself, snorkelling and it, using the paddle with its float to balance. You then viewing the reef as you drift with the current. You then dip your head into the water to view the reef. When you re-enter your kayak on your own, or use the assistance want to return to the surface you use the paddle float, of your paddling companion/s. I prefered to attach the your knee and a hip flick to right yourself. I wasn’t keen line to my ankle so my hands were free for photography. on this method, as it wasn’t a very comfortable position A longer line is easier, as we found the kayak ran into us for my shoulder. a bit.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 26 NSW Island Challenge Five Islands, Wollongong

NICK GILL, IMAGES BY NICK BLACKLOCK

On a mid-week morning in November a group gathered at Wollongong Harbour for the first of the club’s NSW island circumnavigations. It’s about a 20km round paddle from the harbour and, like most paddles, depending on conditions, it can either be a relaxing half-day outing or a rather thrilling paddle with gauntlets, deep water rebound and exciting surf over a rocky bottom. Having smashed a boat on one of the islands some years back (NSW Sea Kayaker No. 81), I knew firsthand the potential excitement. This day however, looked suitable for the grade two outing I had listed, with good winds, not a lot of swell and plenty of sunshine. The islands themselves are located from half to three and half kilometres off the central Wollongong coast, and lie roughly between Wollongong Harbour and Port Kembla. There are five islands; the more northerly Flinders Islet (aka “Toothbrush” Island, named for its appearance from a distance) and Bass Islet, and the three clustered off Red Point to the south, Big Island, Martin Islet, and Rocky Islet. Big Island contains evidence of Aboriginal occupation and was used for grazing in the nineteenth century. Today the five islands are a Nature Reserve, providing homes and breeding sites to various seabirds as well as sometimes hosting seals. In recent years, there has been a concerted weed management (read removing enormous quantities of Kikuyu grass) program on Big Island in an effort to rehabilitate the island’s native plant communities and restore habitat. Plan A was to start from Wollongong Harbour (Plan B was a shorter paddle out of Port Kembla) and so six of

us – myself, Nick Blacklock, Geoffrey Dauncey, Caroline Marschner, Dirk Schneider, and Kevin Kelly – met at the harbour boat ramp. The group motored along well in the good conditions and we reached the first island, Flinders, in good time. Flinders was the site of a 2009 yachting accident when the 80-foot maxi yacht Shockwave hit the Above: Wollongong’s Steelworks island and the skipper and navigator perished. Flinders

MARCH 2017 | SALT Club Trips 27 also has a rather good gauntlet for doubly rewarded by the presence of getting out) – making it one of the kayakers, which runs more or less seals on the eastern shore of Martin highlights of the day, especially for north-south. In the right conditions Islet – their usual location if they are those who hadn’t done any kind of it can be entered via a narrow around. beach landing before. After that we rocky notch from the little bay on just had the paddle back to Flagstaff The gap between the mainland the eastern side of the island. Nick Point and around to the harbour and Rocky Islet/Big Island can be went to check it out but the tide was where several got into a bit of rolling a great spot to surf sea kayaks but wrong and he had to content himself practice. I left them to pack up and it can also be a bit challenging. with heading into the gauntlet from headed over to land at North Beach It has a largely rocky bottom, the somewhat less challenging where I had launched and left my shelves quickly in some spots and northern end. Having watched this kayak trolley after walking from my waves can steepen and break bobbing safely off the rocks, the rest place nearby – a little experiment unexpectedly. So it was for us, even of us, with Nick in tow, headed ESE in running a club trip and leaving on a day with very moderate swell. out to Bass Islet, the easternmost the car at home. The others soon We had to ease our way though and island. Bass is pretty much due east joined me at the North Beach Kiosk dodge a couple of steeper waves. of the entrance to Port Kembla, for a coffee and some log book Even then, I decided we wouldn’t so once we got around Bass and entries. So ended the first island land in the usual spot on the beach headed south toward Martin Islet, circumnavigation on an enjoyable at Red Point (Fishermans Beach). we were treated to an ocean view day without dramas, with great The beach seemed quite exposed of the industrial landscape of weather and conditions, with seals to the wave direction that day and Wollongong – the steelworks, port and industrial scenery, and where I was unsure of how the group infrastructure, grain silos, the coal some paddlers extended their sea would go. Instead we headed up loader and so on. It’s a view with its experience and successfully did to the next beach, known locally as own aesthetic and it doesn’t always their first beach landing. M and M’s for a break. There was evoke negative responses from still a small surf running and we paddlers, even as the juxtaposition had some who never done a surf of heavy industry with the islands as landing. Nonetheless, everyone did Nature Reserve and the activity of Below: Geoffrey Dauncey at Big Island; a great job getting in to land (and sea kayaking always seems a little The Five Islands on the Horizon incongruous. I always enjoy coming up to and around the southernmost islands. The water is deep close in and even on relatively calm days the water always seem to be moving. One can paddle close in, enjoying this and keeping one eye on the waves, or cruise around wider, still getting a bit of movement and taking in the rocky shorelines and breaking waves. It’s a good spot and we were

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 28

NSW Island Challenge Montague Island

GERARD RUMMERY, IMAGES BY JOSH ANDREWS

Above: Gerard shows the way to Montague Island. Below: The kayaks lined up ready for the crossing to Montague Island. Opposite: Gerard sizing up the lighthouse.

MARCH 2017 | SALT Club Trips 29

On Saturday 3 December, Josh experienced paddlers are prepared panicking, not distressed, just Andrews, Steve Hitchcock, Greg to have me in the group. unable to process what I needed to Prutej and I met on a beach at do in order to execute a roll. I was watching the weather all Mystery Bay on the NSW South week, with Saturday originally Popping out next to the kayak, I Coast for a circumnavigation of forecast for strong winds and over made myself take a breath and Montague Island. This is part of the 2m swell. Happily, the prediction for look around. Despite the surf and club’s NSW Island Challenge for both dropped through the week and proximity of some rocks, I decided 2016. on the day the weather was ideal! I had enough space and time to try For me personally, this was a long- Light wind, less than 1.5m of swell a cowboy. With my long legs and standing bucket list item. Having and a very civilised maximum of 25 short cockpit I find it can be tricky, spent much of my formative years in degrees. and sure enough the first try ended Tuross Head, Montague Island has with me back in the water. The next The plan was to paddle across to been one of the fixtures of my life. go I got one leg in and my bum on the south end of the island and if Seemingly close enough to touch or the seat, and I figured that would conditions were suitable, to make a impossibly distant depending on the serve until I could paddle out to circumnavigation with the direction weather, with its reliable light arcing calmer water and get Steve, who to be chosen once we arrived. Total across so many night skies of my had already launched, to stabilise distance would be about 26km. childhood, youth and adulthood, me while I got leg #2 in. Having it has always represented I had a wet start launching through done that, I pumped most of the permanency and timelessness, the surf when I hit a wave just as water out and recombobulated (see, in contrast to my own short life it peaked, and as I pitched over it’s still funny!) myself by the time measured in human years. the other side I think there was a Greg and Josh joined us. No harm moment where the nose was in done, just a bit annoyed at myself. I always thought I would get out the water, the tail still at the top of Sooo much easier if I could just get there one day under my own steam. the wave, and the bit with me in my roll sorted. #1 kayak priority this In fact that was one of the reasons it wasn’t much in the water at all. summer. I bought a sea kayak, and after a Whatever the reason, the next thing couple of solo open water paddles So off we headed for Montague on I knew I had lost my balance and where I realised how much I didn’t a NE track. With the swell coming was upside down! Bah! Despite know, I joined NSWSKC. from ESE I found it awkward until doing some rolling practice with I dropped my rudder, which made When the long anticipated Adrian Clayton in the Sans Souci life much easier. The Nadgee tracks opportunity arose to paddle out pool over winter, I didn’t have my really well in most conditions so I there, I eagerly applied andand head together enough to consider a don’t use it much, but at times like was stoked when Josh gave me roll in the surf, so I opted for the wet this I find it really helps. the nod. Although paddling in open exit. Reflecting later on my state of water is definitely where it’s at for mind while underwater, the hilarious We got to Montague after about an me, I am still fairly new to it and but useful word ‘discombobulated’ hour and a half, with a couple of I really appreciate it when more seemed particularly apt. Not short rests on the way. Josh had

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 30 Club Trips 31

promised us at least one seal, and head. I recalled being out with Tony is beyond the comfort zone of sure enough what I initially thought Murphy in some rebound off North most people. In the company of was a dead turtle turned out to be a Head outside of Sydney Harbour. experienced paddlers however, seal floating along with one flipper As we paddled along, he asked me and now with enough experience in the air and a bunch of seaweed what my comfort level was from of my own to understand what is on its belly, drifting halfway between 1-10 (1 being totally bored, 10 being actually happening, it’s okay, even the coast and the island. It was totally overwhelmed). I found the exhilarating. Once again I am glad totally unconcerned about us being question helpful in focusing me on I found this club and met great there – happily drifting along under being present and thinking about people who share the sport they the big blue sky without a care in what was actually going on, rather love with such generosity. the world. than the gut reaction of being fearful Of course once we got around the in an unfamiliar situation. I used The shearwaters flying by were northern tip the conditions eased the same question in this situation a treat to watch, skimming over and we could relax and check out and again found it helpful. For the the waves so low that their wing the island properly, taking our time record, I said 5. Steve said 3. tips almost but not quite brushed and poking into all the nooks and the water. From time to time one A note here: I find myself drawn to crannies. We met heaps of the would peel off from a group and being on the ocean and love the locals hanging out on the rocks, come straight over our bows, way you are immersed in it when in swimming or just lying around in just checking us out. Same with a kayak. I am also a life-long bike the water like the guy we met on a couple of gannets- you could rider and I find it immerses me in the way over. It was great to see so see them change direction to fly the environment in the same way as many seals up close- we estimated straight over the top of us. There is being on my bike. You see and hear about 70 all up. They are inquisitive something about watching seabirds so much more, you feel the cold and fearless and great fun to watch, in their natural environment – there and the heat, you make the effort but man they are stinky when you was never such a match between a required to be self-propelled and get downwind! Clear blue water, creature and the element it inhabits. reap the reward of being self-reliant. plenty of wildlife and great weather; As a new environment however, and this was all the best things about Approaching the south end of the a very dynamic one at that, I am still sea kayaking! island, we made the call to go learning about being comfortable Although landing on the island is around anticlockwise, giving a big in challenging conditions. I am not permitted, there is a spot where breaking swell off the south tip a learning through experience, and you can get out for a stretch in waist wide berth. the experience of others in the club, deep water. Taking advantage of The east side of the island had a about the difference between fear that, I found the back of my boat heap of rebound off the shore and and actual danger. Getting bounced suddenly hung up on a rock as a couple of times I found myself around by rebound on the ocean a swell receded and the water concentrating hard, with the mantra side of an island 11km off the coast, dropped quickly. The movement of “two hands for beginners” in my with the next stop being Antarctica, the water rotated the boat as well,

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again with you, foolish boy! I have managed fine with bracing before in practice, but after a long paddle I guess I just wasn’t thinking clearly or quickly enough so out I came for the second time that day. Beach 2, Gerard 0. As I manoeuvred the kayak through the surf it seemed unusually heavy and awkward, and when I got it on the beach I realised why. The adventure with the rock on Montague had actually put a hole in the rear compartment, which was two thirds full of water! Boo! None of these misadventures could put a dampener on what was overall a great day out. Skills can always so there was a lovely grinding noise With a little wind assistance the be improved and fibreglass can be repaired. In fact it’s already back coming from behind me as I waited, return trip was quicker than the way with Mr Geoghegan getting a Kevlar almost high and dry, for the water to out, although I admit I was feeling keel strip fitted. There will no doubt come back. With a little assistance it by the time we got back to the be more rocks lurking in Georgie from Steve I managed to get free beach. My paddling muscles were Girl’s future). and didn’t think about it again until fine, but I think I have to get my seat position organised a bit better, as we got back to Mystery Bay. Overall a fantastic experience with my core and thighs were aching and good company, bucket list item After completing the I wasn’t able to find relief. checked, lessons learnt. Thanks to circumnavigation we headed Getting onto the beach required Josh for organising and thanks to back home, with Josh giving us a timing the surf- watching it for a Steve and Greg for the company! reciprocal bearing to track to. This couple of minutes showed there Gotta get my roll sorted this was the first time I found my deck was a suitable lull between sets summer! compass useful, being bang on so we headed in one by one. As I target as the horizon revealed the came in I got picked up by a wave, Opposite: Greg in front of the lighthouse. beach we started from. broached and rolled. Into the water Above: Steve checking out local seals. Below: A distant Montague Island.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 32 Bay of Islands, New Zealand

BART MALECKI

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What an amazing couple of Over the coming days the group – ohh and sometimes a bit of weeks spent sea kayaking in New was treated to a very special place, bravado. The good news is that, Zealand’s north east. It was a real and without doubt a world class unlike white water, these more pleasure joining Mark Hutson on his paddling destination. We had some advanced obstacles can easily 10 day Bay of Islands Outer Coast pretty experienced paddlers in the be avoided by those not wishing trip. Mark has been running NZ Sea group that had paddled in many to push as hard, so the whole Kayaking Adventures out of Paihia areas around the globe, but the group can remain within their own for over 25 years and I was really collective jaw just kept dropping. experience level while moving up pleased to be invited to come along The coastline is a mixture of rolling the coast together. and join his longest trip of the year. green hills and thick forests leading The days rolled on and we visited to a labyrinth of jagged rocky This is a spectacular area to some amazing campsites. Some outcrops and mazes, mini islands, were completely wild shingle paddle, with something on offer for protected coves and beaches and everyone. We started at an amazing beaches. While maybe not as towering cliff lines and sea caves. At comfy, I loved these campsites most campsite at Mimiwhangata Bay, times it felt like we were on the set south of the Bay of Islands. Based of all. Truly remote and unspoilt, of Jurassic Park. with no access apart from the water. here for the first three days we We felt a million miles away. The spent our time kayak surfing crisp, I do go on about the rock gardens nightly feast, accompanied by solid clean waves on deserted beaches, here, but they are amazing to doses of wine, great comradery exploring the infinite array of rock paddle and I am a certified addict. and a chat about the day’s paddle gardens in the area and touring The sheer abundance of these rock was a real highlight of the trip. As around the small islands and bays. formations over many kilometres of coast is not something I have was waking up each morning with a Amongst the day paddles we also ever experienced. Around every million dollar waterfront view!!! took the opportunity for some group corner there is a new part of the Eventually came the crux of the training to get ready for the open maze to explore. For those of us trip – the rounding of Cape Brett. coastline ahead. This included looking for some more adrenalin, This is a significant cape and the finding a few steep dumping there is plenty to offer as the swell most exposed area of the trip with beaches to practice landing and rolls and breaks into and over the few escape opportunities through launching procedures (and a bit of rock formations, through chutes and the day. This is when Mother pride bruising at times) as well as cracks that create mini canyon like Nature finally had her way with rescue drills and stroke technique. features. Here there is a mixture us. After days of incredible warm This was a great first three days of sea kayaking and white water sunny weather and light winds, and we were looking forward to paddling skills and it requires we faced a tougher challenge with continuing the adventure as we careful lines, good judgement and a strengthening offshore wind headed up the coast. a lot of observation and patience buffeting the group. With a fair bit of

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rebound off the cliffs, we rounded the cape and hid inside a narrow passage (about three metres wide) that cuts through the land mass. No landing spots here, but muesli bars and a swim to stretch everyone’s legs was available while the kayaks were rafted up together. After the requisite re-entries, we were off again to a lunch spot an hour away. Greeted by a steep, narrow shingle beach, landing required some discipline but all went well and we were joined by a curious Pied Shag that came in for a rest amongst our kayaks. Launching provided some excellent comedy after lunch as a number of the group attempted seal launches down the steep beach, with mixed results. After another few hours of bumpy paddling as the weather built, we were finally spat into the Bay of Islands itself, where a sheltered shingle beach awaited the group. We were tired but very happy to have rounded the cape and successfully dealt with a bit of weather. Now in the last few days of the trip we enjoyed the waters of the Bay of Islands as the weather subsided and made for easy paddling. The rock gardens

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Thanks to our sponsors for this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll event

were still there, as were a myriad After a great roast dinner with Adventures, and the entire paddling of islands to explore and gawk at. the group, I was home by the group for making this such a great Civilisation now beckoned with next evening. It felt like I had trip. It’s been my second time paddling this part of New Zealand, more motor boats and camp site been magically teleported from a and I will definitely be back. neighbours. After a fantastic final remote wilderness to the real world (perhaps it was the wine talking). The paddling is world class, the day, we paddled into Paihia with landscape is amazing and the water a light tail wind pushing us to the Thanks again to Mark and Connor is clear and warm. In short, paddling finish where we “decamped”. at New Zealand Sea Kayaking paradise!!

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 36 37 Batemans Bay to Eden

NICK BLACKLOCK AND CAOIMHIN ARDREN ADDITIONAL IMAGES FROM ADRIAN CLAYTON

Due to annoying things like work, a planned trip to Bass Strait became a “smelling the roses” “look in every cranny” trip down the south coast of NSW. During the planning phase, the challenge was put up – if it was really about looking into every crevice we could – then why bother with sails. So they were left at home. Further complications were discarded along the way – no definite destination, no car shuffle, no booked in dates… just go with the flow. And if the flow was not in the right direction, sit tight and explore the coast.

Day 1 - 21km Very hot start. Great rock gardens on southern side of Burrewarra Point, normally bypassed on day trips in the area. Important to never be a gentleman and look out for your mates…they will Wind NE 15knts just bag you out when your kayak gets stuck on some rocks. And when someone challenges Swell NE 1-2m you about camping on private land (a nice beach); stand your ground. Images left to right: Guerilla Bay (AC), campsite at Tomakin (NB)

via Guerilla Bay Batehaven to Tomakin Batehaven to Tomakin

Day 2 - 25km Moruya outlet interesting with strong outflow and breaking waves.Top speed of the trip achieved in the outflowing tide at 16km/h. Mullimburra Point will be the destination of a club trip Wind NE <10knts with plastic boats – some of the best slots and fantastic rock features on the south coast. Be Swell NE 1-1.5m careful where you pitch your tent - the far corner might just smell like the spot everyone else chooses as a piss-stop. Images left to right: Slot at Mullimburra (AC), stacks (AC) – Tomakin to Tomakin Family Beach via Moruya Heads Mullimburra Point

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Day 3 - 34km Hot day, timed Narooma bar perfectly for high tide. Long lunch as we waited for wind to drop. The Irishman was disappointed there was no chip shop at Potato point, but interesting story Wind NE <10knts about how the location got its name at the time of the potato famine (not). Finding your way to SE 15knts across the training wall with the flood tide running can lead to some gel coat scratching if you Swell NE 1m are too eager. When looking for a discrete campsite – always chat up the “locals” under the Day 4 - Rest bridge at Narooma. You might just get something a lot better than you expected. S 20knts + Images left to right: First two - Mullimburra Point (NB), Nick reclining on rest day (AC) Potato Point to Narooma via Mullimburra Point

Day 5 - 41km Longest day paddled to get a good stopping point, great rock and points of interest on the way.Had a slog against the tide out of the Narooma inlet, bumping into seals (literally), before Wind SE 12knts exploring some caves under the local golf course. Glasshouse Rocks are spectacular and Swell NE 1m worth a visit. Brilliant bucket caves at Mystery Bay (see photo of Adrian). Set up camp on private land after spending 90 minutes trying to find something suitable. Clockwise from left: The trio leaving Narooma, Glasshouse Rock (NB), Mystery Bay (AC), Does my head look big in this? (CA) Narooma to Barragga Bay via Mystery and Bermagui

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Day 6 - Rest Surf landing for lunch at Picnic Point – some of the team got wet, but all stayed upright. Close shave when landing at Baronda Head, before Adrian cut through the rocks and did a dash up NE 25knts + the beach for the best campsite. Day 7 - 27km Images left to right: Barragga Bay at dusk (NB), Baronda Head (AC) SE 10-12knts Swell NE 1.5m Beach via Picnic Point Barragga Bay to Nelson

Day 8 - Rest 8 - Paddle on lagoon and surf session. Discovered the new prototype for a portable inflatable camp toilet. SE 15knts 9 - Morning Tea and restock in Tathra, great coastline south of Tathra. Long swell period Day 9 - 26km swell and breaking wave 250m off beach made interesting landing at Bournda Island. Brilliant bioluminescence show as waves broke off the bommies and beaches. NE to SE 12knts Swell NE 1.5m Clockwise from left: Sunrise at Nelson Beach (AC), Bournda Island (NB), Adrian testing the prototype camp toilet (it’s a hollow log) (CA), look who’s been in the campsite (AC) Nelson Beach to Bournda Island via Tathra

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Day 10 - 24km One party member got an early soaking when paddling too close to a bommie…luckily their cap was recovered. Coffee, cake and surfing on Merimbula bar. NE 10knts Swell E 1m Images left to right: Tura Head (AC), Departing Merimbula (NB) Inlet via Merimbula Bournda Island to Pambula

Day 11 - Rest Paddle on Pambula Lake, read a book, kayak SW 25knts hatches filling up with windswept sand, while Caoimhin has the joy of riding a bus to Batemans Bay to collect the car to drop off at Eden, and then a “taxi” ride back from Eden with campsite Pambula manager. Image: Pambula (NB)

Day 12 - 31km Calm after the storm, no wind day! Oily calm seas, before exploring the caves and rock gardens of Twofold Bay. Shouts and screams from onlookers at Eden above the rock gardens Calm later E – mates of Adrian’s…he always knows someone no matter where you are up and down the 12knts NSW coast. Images left to right: Big penguins (NB), arriving in Eden (there’s three boats in this photo) Pambula to Eden (Boydtown)

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Five go to Raja Ampat

KAREN DARBY

When Alison suggested a paddling trip to West Papua ••Stopping at a beautiful little island on our 25 km I had to do some research, as I was unaware of this as crossing to Fam. Everything you expect a tropical a paddling destination. Turns out it has picture perfect island to be. White sand, palm trees, more fish, coral tropical islands, beautiful coral reefs, unbelievably good and amazingly blue water. snorkelling and friendly locals. ••Sitting on the beach at Airborek watching the sunset Alison had found a company called kayak4conservation turn the tropical storm clouds red. operating in Raja Ampat. They are trying to build ••Watching schools of fish under our homestay at tourism that directly benefits local people and promotes Warikaf and waiting for the bigger predators lurking in conservation efforts in the region. deeper water to attack. Highlights of the trip for me were: ••Seeing the dawn display of the Red Bird of Paradise. ••The snorkelling. Huge numbers of fish and wonderful ••Tony’s bonus highlight coral. My favourite snorkel was when we stopped at ••The first beer and air conditioning for 10 days when an island during the day and drifted (flew!) with the tide we got back to Sorong. along the reef drop-off on the edge of the island.

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Trip Details competent sea kayaks; Alison said it Fish, rice, stir-fried greens for three felt a lot like her Mirage 530. meals a day. Some homestays are Team: Alison Curtin, Rae and Neil attempting foreigner food, mostly Duffy, Tony Murphy, Karen Darby Conditions: At the time of our visit in you will eat a lot of fish. Places to and Kate from England. Trips run October-November conditions are with six people. very benign. No swell, and winds buy alternative food are rare. not expected to be more than 15 Location: Raja Ampat - chain of Guide: The guide is a local who knots. There were some interesting islands off the western tip of West knows how to get from A to tidal flows at times and one small Papua, Indonesia. B and can communicate with section of paddling where we had homestay owners. Don’t expect Trip: We did a 10 day trip which wind against tide and it got a bit professionally qualified kayak included 2 nights camping. rough. Yes several club instructors guides. Our guide Ayub was friendly https://kayak4conservation.com/ and guides may have had no skirt and incredibly resourceful when wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ or pfd anywhere useful as this problems occurred. He was also Description-10Day-Trip-A.pdf happened. very strong and towed Kate an Transport: While close to Australia Accommodation: Local homestays. incredible 20+kms on one day. getting there isn’t easy. We flew Very basic but all in beautiful The contents of his kayak could be to Bali, Makassar and Sorong locations either on the beach or built interesting. One day I noted he was before getting a boat out to over the water. Just a mattress on transporting in his kayak all his own kayak4conservation on the island of the floor and a mosquito net and gear, 20 litres of water for our camp, Wasai. windows without glass to let the seven lunches for us, two papayas, breeze in. Kayaks: Locally built and based on three coconuts and five freshly a South African design. They were Food: You eat what the locals eat. caught tuna.

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An uninhabited island in the south west pacific

ALISON CURTIN

I’m a huge fan of David harbour, and then before we had Attenborough, as I’m sure many made a plan we were launched onto paddlers are, so you would the rock platform and leapt out of appreciate how privileged and lucky the kayak in socks to stop the kayak I was to visit Phillip Island by kayak, going back with the returning wave. towards masked boobies snapping an uninhabited island 6km south of Socks on rocks work well - a tip photos from 10 metres back only Norfolk Island. from the local Norfolk fisherman. to get within a metre of the bird, It was an unplanned adventure After putting on our shoes, we then which continued to pose. Many while I was visiting a friend working climbed up to the top of Phillip birds streamed along the high steep on Norfolk Island last Easter. We island, it reaches 280m above sea cliffs and we could see enormous did a day trip in inflatable kayaks level. On the way the evidence of turtles in the water below. We saw off Norfolk which was heaps of fun. past erosion caused by pigs, goats tropicbirds, boobies, terns, ternlets The coast line is spectacular once and rabbits was still obvious due to and gannets. you get outside the surrounding the reddish colour that was caused Next we decided to circumnavigate reef. This is done by a speed boat by the absence of topsoil. All the the island (I think it may have been ferals were removed by 1988 and loaded with kayaks getting winched a first by kayak!). The view from the island is naturally revegetating into the water and gunning it out the south side of the island back up and now once again home to a between sets. While the swell the cliffs was equally as impressive prolific array of seabirds. seemed small in height they were from the cliff bases, although we long and full. Landing for a snorkel I looked under bushes and saw didn’t get in close because of the and swim on a rock garden, made nesting red-tailed tropicbirds; crept swell. Once all the way around us appreciate the surge and just how tough the boats were. Anyway I had spied Phillip Island when we arrived and a quick chat with the tour operator led to a boat hire and expedition out to the island for Dave and I. It took a couple of goes to launch of the steps/ladder at the jetty and sprint out of the harbour without getting caught in the surf breaking on the surrounding reef and then a pleasant hour paddling over. How to land? We had been given directions to the one place this was going to be okay, which we followed, into a small

MARCH 2017 | SALT 43 we landed again for lunch before the kayak, hanging onto my paddle moved on - no fish feeding after all, paddling back to Norfolk. in one hand, and the kayak hooked but a fantastic day out and definitely by my foot. And luckily this worked my best ever David Attenborough- We had hoped to go to the beach and Dave got out too and the locals like experience! where friends were snorkelling and swimming on Norfolk but looking at the waves breaking on the reef from the outside, we were not going to get through. So back to the ‘harbour’ where we had started. Once again we negotiated the surf zone without any hassles. Once inside we had to land on the boat ramp as the surge was too big to get out at the steps where we had launched. Hmmm, we lined up next to the ramp, it was a metre above my head - how are we going to do this? A few locals had stopped to watch as this was not usual and perhaps they wondered about the sharks - which get fed here daily (well-fed sharks - why worry!). Then suddenly we were up on the slimy boat ramp and I seal launched onto my stomach, being in the front of

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | MARCH 2017 Adrian Clayton relaxing on a rest day at Nelson Beach (Image - Caoimhin Ardren)