SeaTrek

Safety on the Water www.vskc.org.au

Summer 2015/16 Issue 85 The VSKC Bass Strait, and take their kayaks its annual general meeting held to remote and interesting areas. as part of a weekend of activities The Victorian Sea Kayak Club Equally, we all love relaxing short on and off the water, with was formed in 1979, aimed at trips in our local waters, with informative training sessions and bringing together sea kayakers in plenty of time to socialise. presentations from interesting our part of the world, creating We welcome new members and speakers. We run a range of club opportunities to meet and encourage a culture in which trips throughout the year for all organise trips, and to promote members help each other with levels of ability, helping members the interests of sea kayakers. skills, gear, safety, trip to improve their proficiency and Club members have done some information and organisation. take part in trip leadership. We marvellous and sometimes very The club runs training courses keep in touch through this challenging trips by sea kayak and has a grading system, website, email news, and our club around our nearby coasts of although training is not aimed at magazine Sea Trek. Victoria and Tasmania and absolute novices. New members For more information read go to further afield. Our founding are expected know something of the Docs and Downloads link members made the first sea sea kayaking, have access to a from the Web page, and kayak circumnavigation of kayak, and be ready to explore download our Operating Tasmania and the first south to the marvellous opportunities Principles and Membership north crossing of Bass Strait. which sea kayaking offers. The application, or contact our Members regularly paddle across club gets together once a year for Membership Officer. Sea Trek 85 Summer 2015/16

In this Edition

Regular Columns Editorial 4 President’s Podcast 4

Feature A Frustrating Day Out (Terry Barry ) 5 Spray Skirt Safety (Terry Barry) 6 Caught in a Gale (Helmut Heinze) 8

Gear Why the Sirona? (Bruce Downes) 10 A Humble Safety Device (Helmut Heinze) 11

Day Trips and Overnighters A Winter’s Journey around French Island (Peter Wilson) 12 Christmas Turkey Burn–off Crossing (Helmut Heinze) 14 A Furneaux Adventure (Terry Barry) 18

Cover Club Life Photo: Ben Flora (Red Eye, 14 Feb 2016) Four Blokes, Five Islands (Simon Lehman) 25 Paddling Red– Eyed (Ben Flora) 28 Paddling, Peddling and Puddling — A Newbie on the Sorrento Circuit (Laureen Knight) 30 My First Day Trip with the VSKC (Gayle Burke) 33 Rescue Training at Barwon Heads (Peter Wilson) 35

Sigla BD: Bruce Downes • BF: Bob Fergie • BFL: Ben Flora • GB: Gayle Burke • HH: Helmut Heinze • LK: Laureen Knight • PW: Peter Wilson • SL: Simon Lehmann • TB: Terry Barry.

Responsible Editor for this Edition: Helmut Heinze

Contact [email protected] Photo Stories http://www.vskc.org.au Those Mornings — Photo Story (Ben Flora) p35 c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au SeaTrek 85 Regular Columns

Editorial

ter (see image) due to some safety on the water. Not mixed skill levels and ex- unforeseen work commit- only is safety something im- perience is a great way ments that took priority. Yet portant ‘anyway’ to warrant of sharing the adventure it was a heart-warming to attention but it goes to the of sea kayaking. Have a see how many chipped in core of the Club: enjoying read of Terry Barry’s arti- and wrote terrific pieces on the adventure of sea kayak- cle on group cohesion and short notice and helped out ing in many forms while then go out and paddle with great photo shoots. trying to mitigate its inher- together (and feel free to Apologies to everyone ent risks through safe prac- dunk your head under wa- whom I kept waiting for tices. It is not good enough ter, polish your strokes or this edition, and apologies to have training schemes zigzag within the pod if Finally another Sea Trek for the contributions that and rules on paper, what is you need a bit a technical is out, thanks to our trusty have been deferred into the required is a lived culture of challenge or need to let of authors and photographers. next number of Sea Trek. safe paddling. steam). Your editor struggled a bit This issue collects a cou- Paddling and practising — Ed. to keep his head above wa- ple of contributions about in a cohesive group with

President’s Podcast

dling out from Tasmania to large in my mind. On My thanks, on behalf two Island groups in the the scary side, when those of all club members, go to Bass Strait—in the North three ‘P’s are neglected, editor Helmut and all the East (Furneaux Group) and consequences can be se- article contributors. I’m the North West (Hunter vere, if not terminal. On the sure you’ll find, as I have, Group). We experienced other side, when they are that this is another won- some pretty challenging well covered, even very se- derful read. Summer may weather at times and I rious combinations of prob- have passed, but the cooler became keenly aware of lems can be managed and months provide some fan- the importance of being overcome. tastic opportunities for pad- well prepared for problems, You’ll find some very dling and so I hope to see Welcome to another is- both on and off the water helpful articles to this end you out on the water enjoy- sue of Sea Trek. This edi- during expeditions. in this issue. You’ll also find ing all of the challenges and tion’s focus on safety at sea From tiger snakes to some inspiring stories of a pleasures of paddling our is very timely given the fact mid-crossing capsizes, sea range of other short and long skinny boats together. that our sport has very real sickness, and pod separa- long sea kayaking adven- Cheers risks and potential dangers tion, the priority of be- tures undertaken by club Bob Fergie when things go wrong. ing ‘prepared, provisioned members in recent months. I have just returned and practiced’ well before I’m sure you’ll enjoy the (VSKC President) from a few weeks pad- things go wrong looms read.

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 4 SeaTrek 85 Safety on the Water

Terry Barry A Frustrating Day Out

Terry Barry is VSKC Instructor with a long over a decade. Here is what hap- leader was again torn between the history of contributions to leadership and pened. ‘rebels’ at the front and the tail en- kayaking safety as practitioner, educator After a good pre-launch briefing ders. Quote from the leader — I agree and author of training material – (Ed.) and group consensus of the days pad- that the next leg we got spread again, dle given the conditions and make- and I was torn about pulling everyone up of the pod, the group paddled off up, including those that went to play When you go sea kayaking you make to our first destination some 6–7 kms in the waves. Again we had the rebels a conscious decision whether to pad- away. This involved a ferry glide to head off and I did blow a whistle to try dle solo or with a group and who you overcome tidal forces as well as a 1 reel them in. will paddle with. km crossing of a busy shipping chan- After lunch this is when the situa- Most paddle with a group or at nel. tion further deteriorated. As did pad- least a buddy. The main reason is a dling conditions! feeling of safety, having someone to There was a designated leader and Destination was again five or so help out if you find yourself in the wa- two tail enders appointed. The group kilometres away, into the tide and a ter instead of on it! quickly headed off through a flotilla headwind causing small choppy con- Paddling with others also adds a of moored boats and it was soon ap- ditions. Tough going if you are not social side to sea kayaking and a parent that the pace of the group was used to it. And remember the less chance to learn skills. It also allows going to be a problem for a couple of experienced had already had a tough you to participate in paddles that oth- the less experienced. Not to worry, morning. erwise you may not have the knowl- the leader will soon realise this and edge and /or skill to safely attempt. It regroup and perhaps set a more real- So off we went, quickly the pod is arguably the main reason why we istic pace after the initial ‘adrenalin’ of spread ahead of the tail enders, also join the VSKC in the first place. the launch. Sadly no. the spread went to the sides. Paddling solo has its own rewards, The group did regather before It was not long before if you some of us enjoy the added adven- crossing the shipping channel, then looked hard, you could see some ture and challenge. However it comes as we set off again. It seemed to be heads in the distance and to the sides at the cost of significant risk increase a case of who could reach the first similarly. and should only be attempted by the destination the quickest. The leader I would estimate the spread to be 1 more experienced. was left mid-field and the less expe- 2 kilometre front to back, a little less I am prompted to write this piece rienced were left at the rear, albeit side to side. as recently I was on a club paddle shepherded by the designated tail en- Ask yourself if you needed assis- with 14 other members being led by ders tance in this situation, who would see an experienced club member. The Let me be clear — at this point you? Chances of being heard are next group was made up from a wide vari- there was no safety concern. The to nothing. ety of paddling experience from new destination was close, the less expe- Meanwhile, at the back, four of and relatively unskilled through to in- rienced were being looked after. Just us, one needing a tow and only two structors. a pity that they were made to feel less kayaks with graded paddlers set up A great recipe for a social adven- than adequate and missing social in- for towing. Whilst not the end of the ture. One where the lesser experi- teraction; the leader was also left feel- world, it was a long tow into head enced could learn and develop skills ing that pace and behaviour of the wind and tide. Where were the fit from others. A feeling of safety in group was being somewhat dictated paddlers? All at the bloody front of numbers. Certainly the leader could by a few ‘rebels’ at the front. course! take comfort that given the good After a break we departed for the Paddling way out front outside the spread of ability in the pod any diffi- second destination. Five or so kilome- parameters of the trip briefing is noth- culties could be overcome. The adage tres away, rear-quartering wind and ing short of ‘selfish’ paddling. These of safety in numbers certainly should with the tide. The pattern repeated it- paddlers have no concern for the pod apply here. self with the same small group at the as a whole, if something happens to This surely is the essence of the rear and members of the pod arriv- them, they have the whole pod com- VSKC. ing at the island destination for lunch ing from behind to help them out. If Sadly this turned out not the case, as small groups, some ahead of the something goes wrong behind, they a scenario I have seen played out time pod leader and some landing some are virtually useless to assist as they and again on VSKC paddles for well distance from the main group. The have no idea that there is an issue

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 5 SeaTrek 85 Safety on the Water

in the first place. I have also found group and conduct a safe and enjoy- •The Trip Leader has the final that these paddlers rarely bother to able experience for all. decision on who may partici- look behind them in case there is a This pressure is a major reason pate on a VSKC trip problem within the pod and from the some Grade 3 members do not place •The Trip Leader is entitled distance between us what hope have trips on the club calendar. Instead to ask paddlers to alter their they of seeing anything anyway? choosing to privately select who they conduct if it is affecting group safety or cohesion. At one stage the leader held the paddle with. group and we made ground, only So what is it going to take to fi- for them to take off again before we nally extinguish this type of ‘ugly’ be- could get close enough to communi- haviour on club paddles? Key learnings and points to cate. I have personally witnessed two consider Quote from the leader — On the near-miss incidents and felt that cold Key learnings and points to consider next leg, I agree the spread was too sinking in the gut feeling when a pad- from this are: great, but again I was caught trying dler is overdue and whereabouts un- The leader doesn’t need any ex- to manage a few less experienced pad- known. Luckily, and only by luck, tra pressure from you by uncoopera- dlers up front v what was unfolding they turned up ok. tive actions/ behaviour. They are run- down the back. I blew my whistle twice We all know better, are trained in ning this paddle as a service to the and we stopped several times but the group paddling and the leaders are club. Respect the responsibilities of chop you note (indeed reasonable run- drilled and tested on decision mak- their role. ners coming in) caused me to judge that ing, pod control and risk manage- Be objective in assessing your abil- it was best to get that front group to the ment. Why do we still have this type ity to undertake the planned paddle destination and then wait for you guys. of behaviour on a club paddle? in the conditions on the day. Don’t be I could see that you were towing and To me this was a frustrating day, afraid to speak up. if we had a VHF up back I could have a day when the very worst of pod At ALL TIMES participants need to checked to see if you required assis- behaviour was demonstrated to new be attentive to their position in the tance, I did head back at one point but members. A day when I wondered pod and paddle as a cohesive and was concerned for the group already had any progress been made in risk group. Experienced members should there — on the horns of a dilemma you management on club paddles and had be an asset to the leader not an en- could say.* the efforts of training, grading and in- struction given by so many for so long cumbrance. Once at the next destination, at a You should NEVER be out of com- feature in the middle of the bay, I cer- been a waste of time. I certainly hope not and hope I munication range at any stage with- tainly made my feelings known to the out permission from the leader. i.e. is assembled group. (Sorry if this spoilt never witness the ‘ugly side’ of pod behaviour again. it alright if XYZ head off ahead or over the mood guys. Well no I’m not sorry there and meet you at ... at all!) Let’s all learn from this and move on- in the right direction. With a little common sense and The pod then completed the rest The following extract is from the awareness we can all have a nice of the paddle, another 6–7 kms as a VSKC Operating Principles available day! group. The way every paddle should under Documents & Downloads on the be conducted. Each person aware of Club Web Site: where they were positioned in rela- tion to the group and within commu- 3 Conduct of VSKC Trips * The leader makes reference to the use nication distance. Some towing was 3.1: The Decision to Paddle of a VHF radio in assisting communica- still required, but this time there was Key Points: tion. In my opinion, whilst there may •The decision to paddle rests back up if needed. be a case for VHF radios being a useful with the paddler As you can see the behaviour of •The paddler must be objec- tool they should not be used to enable a few had a negative impact on the tive and honestly disclose ma- pod spread to be the norm and should experiences of many. Importantly it terial facts about their skills be totally unnecessary for communica- should be noted the ‘pressure’ that •All VSKC trips have a nomi- tion within the po d . the leader felt in trying to control the nated and graded Trip Leader

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 6 SeaTrek 85 Safety on the Water

Capsised — Photo: BFL

Terry Barry Spray Skirt Safety

Spray skirts are an important safety proximity. • Consider fitting a small ball such as feature of all sea kayaks, they keep In one case the paddler had per- a float or practice golf ball to the pull the water out of the cockpit and keep formed a wet exit successfully earlier tab to ensure it is easily located in an us warm and dry in cold conditions. in the day. The rollover was a planned emergency. They do however pose a safety risk if exercise in order to practice rescues. • Practice wet exits on a regular basis they are not easily detached from the The paddler was wearing full fingered with and without using the pull tab cockpit combing in the event of cap- neoprene gloves which impaired their with an observer. size. finger dexterity. The pull tab was very • Check the location of your pull tab To my knowledge there have been flexible being an old skirt it had be- every time you fit your skirt and ob- two ‘close calls’ on VSKC paddles come soft and had tucked itself along- serve other pad members skirts for where a paddler has found them- side the combing making it difficult to correct fit (pull tabs visible). selves upside down and unable to exit locate. • the cockpit. In both incidents the pad- In the other case the paddler had Use fingerless gloves designed for dler was rescued by another paddler upgraded to a new spray skirt and paddling, not dive gloves. who had the presence of mind to see new kayak which had not been tested the trouble these folk were in and in a wet exited. Assistance was re- It is also very worthwhile to prac- help right the kayak. quired at launch to fit the skirt. It tice wet exiting without using the pull What are the common factors in was a tight fit. The capsize was not tab on your spray skirt. Try pulling both incidents: planned. The pull tab was obscured the sides of the skirt — Push down • Both paddlers had previous wet exit by a camera bag on the front deck. hard with one hand on the side of the experience. skirt and use the other to grab hold of • The ‘pull tabs’ in both cases were ob- Lessons to be learned the edge of the skirt and pull. You can scured. • Always ensure the pull tab is clear also try pushing up with your knees. • Neither paddlers had mastered a of any obstruction. Each cockpit combing and spray skirt roll. • Always observe any capsize and be will be different — see what works for • Both paddlers were small framed ready to assist in needed. you — IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRON- and not particularly strong. • Always test new gear to make sure MENT of course! • There were other paddlers in close it performs as required.

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 7 SeaTrek 85 Safety on the Water

Helmut Heinze Caught in a Gale

watching. The black cloud moved ing rodeo in short steep wind waves I lost my hat the day the Spirit west and started dissipating. The with breaking crests. The wind was of Tasmania broke from its moorings strange grey ‘smoke’, though, was still steadily cranking up. I was fighting to and lost its loading bridge. This hanging in the west behind the sea keep the kayak perpendicular to the is how it happened and what went wall of the dock. waves. Sweep, sweep, sweep — and wrong. Finally I resolved to go and pad- it made barely a difference. I was The 13th of January was a hot day, dled to the end of the sea wall. Only close to a buoy and realised that I was close to 40 degrees. The forecast when I turned west at the corner (B) barely travelling forwards. I could promised a cool change late at night. I saw Williamstown on the far end barely prevent the kayak from broach- During the day there would be a gusty shrouded in pitch-black darkness. I ing. Finally I remembered I still had northerly, turning NW in the late af- could see street lights and the lights the rudder down (I don’t use it often). ternoon. of cars in the distance. The view was In a split-second I pulled up the rud- Earlier in the day I had paddled stunningly beautiful and terrifying at der. Now the kayak was now bounc- down the Yarra to Sandridge Beach the same time. It was like a black ing more freely. Leaning forward to (A), just north of Port Melbourne, for band painted along the horizon. lock in the bow, I regained control. some practice in the shallows. Still fearing an electrical storm I Then came the gale-force squalls. In the late afternoon the sky be- hesitated briefly but decided to pad- The colour of the sea suddenly came grey and the wind unsteady, dle on. I told myself I could escape changed far out at Williamstown and with north-westerly component. As into Williamstown or pull out at vari- something like the shadow of a cloud forecast. Beach goers started packing ous points on the river which I would came racing towards me. up. I readied myself for the paddle reach in 10 minutes of brisk paddling. A second later I was hit by a strong home, up the Yarra. Just before leav- By now the wind has suddenly be- blow that made me duck low over ing I noticed a menacing black cloud come very blustery and I was strug- the front deck while fighting to stay just above and a smoke-like whisp gling in the rebound off Web Dock. — upright in steep waves. The initial of grey in the West, just visible over I lowered the rudder and focused on blast lasted only a few seconds but it the top of the sea wall that forms a fast transit into the river. pushed me backwards 10 or 20 me- the eastern border of Webb Dock (A– Two minutes later it was too late tres. I stayed upright by planting the B). I was concerned about lightening to turn around. A strong wind was blade of the paddle far at the front and waited for another 15 minutes, gusting from west, and I was rid- into the water and let it trail while

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 8 SeaTrek 85 Safety on the Water travelling backwards. • Rudder or skeg must be UP in strong ally prefer a Euro blade for better con- Then I saw another squall coming. headwind! trol. This time the sea turned foggy-white • In extreme winds crouch forward as • Extreme winds can whip up break- at Williamstown, and two or three much as possible, plant paddle into ing waves even within a short fetch of seconds later I found myself fight- water at your feet (works as well water (not more than 1 or 1.5km of ing breaking waves whose crests were when caught in the whitewash of a water across from Williamstown). blown off horizontally. I barely could big, freshly broken wave). It helped that the water was warm, I see, with the water sputtering into my • Keep bow pointed into wind or was dressed for prolonged immersion, face. With great difficulty I stayed up- waves, even when travelling side- despite the heat. The wind was blow- right, but after a few seconds I was ways. ing to the shore. In that sense I never able fight my way a few metres into • In extreme wind, you are entirely on was in any imminent danger. This the lee of the spit that separated the your own. You will be fighting waves made it less stressful. I could take on dock from the river (D), at times go- blow by blow, both hands on the pad- the battle in a slightly more relaxed ing backwards, at other times gaining dle. There’s no way communicating, manner. I was carrying a waterproof ground. let alone rendering or receiving help. phone and a VHF radio in my PFD (I A construction container and The noise of the wind deafening. always do on the river). If I had cap- some big machinery provided some • Always keep a firm grip on your sized and if the wind had blown me protection, but being close to the kayak, lock in your legs (in case of a into the any structure my kayak could edge of the spit had to deal with wet exit keep holding the kayak with have been crushed, but it also could waves bending around the corner at least one hand while getting out of have been blown away while sitting (a physical effect called dispersion). the cockpit). on the beach — these were just ex- I had to hold my position within a treme conditions at any rate. patch of about 10 by 10 metres, wary Finally: what were the wind Final notes of getting too close to the rocky spit speeds? There had been reports of wall, too far away out of the lee or measurements of up to 100km/h . I loath myself having misjudged the too far into the waves on my left. Fawkner Beacon 20km further south severity of the front. I found myself Then minutes later the worst was ‘only’ recorded a gust of 80km/h. I in conditions where had very limited over. The wind was still strong but never will know exactly what hit me control. I was lucky to be able to steady, and the breakers subsided as (and the Spirit of Tasmania). fast as they had appeared. I waited creep into some lee just 50 or 100 another five minutes, and then I was metres away, but it was a long tug of on my way up the Yarra (E), in bouncy war, with the strongest gusts pushing but manageable water with a solid me backward and short ‘lulls’ (all rel- westerly giving me a fast ride home. ative) just long enough to gain a few A bit more than an hour later I metres over ground. I do not care to arrived at the rowing club houses at ever repeat this experience. Yet it pro- South Bank. The air was stale and vided some interesting insights, such stuffy, flies were buzzing around, and as: it felt as if nothing had happened at • It is possibly to weather extreme all. winds for a few minutes as long as you stay focussed (I also took care not Lessons learnt to paddle full force to prevent injury and to be able to sustain the battle for • Turn around or seek shelter immedi- some time). ately upon seeing an unusual, menac- • My wing paddle worked surprisingly Wind graph at Fawkner Beacon ing sky or sea (in my case deep black- well, it provided a good grip in the ness over Williamstown which I have messy water and little wind resistance become aware of at point B). — in rough, complex conditions I usu-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 9 SeaTrek 85 Gear

In the new Sirona

Bruce Downes Why the Sirona?

As some of the club members might came down to three contenders, Val- hour of playing around, though I know, I have suffered some major ley Etain 17.5, Wildness System Tem- didn’t push the Sirona to her limits. medical issues over the last year, re- pest Pro 170 and the new Valley Sirona At the time of last years AGM, I sulting serve restriction of blood flow 16.1 under my initial criteria. With wasn’t yet ready to purchase a new and nerve damage to my left leg and my foot and leg problems, I knew that boat as the arterial bypass I had done foot. With the result that I am no I wouldn’t be able to do any great last Easter, was blocking up and I longer able to sit comfortably in my paddling distances, and until I had knew I would need another operation Nadgee Solo or paddle for any time. some of my medical issues sorted out before I could commit to anything. This has left me with a choice of paddling would be restricted to a few My research on the Valley Sirona either giving up paddling altogether hours at the most, so stowage space via the internet, didn’t turn up much or finding another kayak to paddle. for a multi day expedition in the boat information. Very few people had Since October I have tried a number wasn’t going to be a concern. purchased one and there were only a of hire boats but my foot didn’t feel I was intrigued with the new Val- few short reviews so far written, but comfortable in them. At the Cape ley Sirona, being a shorter than the the comments so far on the Sirona Paterson Club AGM last year, I was most sea kayaks on the market and says its “manoeuvrable and playful” able to take the opportunity to sit in a what was said to be a new design and “suitable for ocean play”. The number of kayaks both owned by club by Valley, though it’s close in size to stats on the Sirona are 16 ft one inch members and the demo boats brought the now discontinued Valley Avocet, it (4.92 metres), 22 inches (56 cm) at to the AGM. has been designed for larger paddlers, its widest (abreast of the seat), and a so after Mark Sundin from Expedition weight of 22 kg. There will be three Selecting a new kayak Kayak gave me the permission I took models of the Sirona available 15.9, the demo Sirona out for a short pad- 16.1 & 16.3, but only the 16.1 is cur- My selection criteria for a new kayak dle in the front of the life saving club rent on the market. was a cockpit with enough foot room at Cape Patterson. The Sirona is a four hatch boat to allow me to both rest my foot com- I found that Sirona had a nice with the largest rear oval hatch I’ve fortably and to allow for plenty of feel (for me) to it, it paddled well ever seen, very nice lines (typical Val- movement, the other criteria was no in a straight line into the waves with ley style), skeg, adjustable foot pegs rudder pedals, as I cannot ‘feel’ the a small amount of skeg deployed, and soft chines. amount of force I’m applying. This turned reasonable well and went off In January after a second opera- left me with a choice of a skeg boat. like a rocket when travelling with any tion on my bypass in December, I was After hopping into and out of a waves. More importantly I wasn’t feeling a lot better and wanted to get number of kayaks at the AGM, I in any great discomfort after half an back on the water. so I contacted

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 10 SeaTrek 85 Gear

Mark Sundin at Expedition Kayaks place on Tuesday with my new kayak. Sirona. My paddle fitness is still very about the Sirona, Mark answered my So after unpacking it it went straight low and it’s going to take a lot of short question about the Sirona and sent on to my car and over to Neil Brenton paddles to work myself back up to be- me photos I had requested. He had to be fitted with the latest version of ing able to do “Red Eyes” and other one in stock ready for delivery and as his MagnetX switch and battery tech- club paddles. luck would have it Richard the Kayak nology along with a bilge pump. Pick- One thing I can say about the Courier was due to do a delivery run ing the Sirona up from Neil later that Sirona is that it does fly down waves, down the east coast that weekend. week I was able to make to the Half and even mild surf off Ricketts Point I quickly arranged to buy a Sirona, Moon Bay rolling night to launch my I’ve had the boat running at over 11 the only one available for purchase new kayak, no skills practised, just a km/h !! with a white deck, grey hull with red relaxing hour or so, on the water. First impressions? — This is a re- trim, the demo boat I saw in Novem- ally great boat for anybody wanting to ber with orange trim wasn’t for sale First impressions play around on waves, it tracks well (damn!!). and its short length will suit anybody After a few days waiting, Richard So far to date I’ve been out four times who has storage issues. the kayak courier turned up at my and I’m just getting a feel for the

Helmut Heinze A Humble Safety Device

A pea-less whistle. Cost: A$ 5–15. You get whistles from marine and Weight: 5–15 gramms. When to be outdoor shops. Anything to watch out used: ideally never (because we are for? Possibly a shape that allows you paddling as a close pod and looking to blow the whistle hands-off. For you after each other all time, aren’t we?). may want to use your hands to protect But sometimes things fall apart, you your ears. A good whistle is deafen- need to be heard and the voice does ing. not carry far enough. Little money and weight for added I carry my whistle on a short thin safety in an emergency. Highly rec- cord tied to the shoulder strap of my ommended. PFD. The shorter the better. This way it does not get tangled (but it may get trapped under the shoulder — I always check when pushing off the Have it ready! beach).

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 11 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters

Around French Island from Hastings — one of many sketches circulated in preparation of the trip

Peter Wilson A Winter’s Journey around French Island

Hastings to Hastings. 13 June 2015. Start milestones etc, if you are in- of little assistance/hindrance, so it 6:45a.m, return 17:00. Distance about terested. We need to average would come down to careful pacing 70km. Participants: Andrew Campbell over 7km/h over two legs of and endurance. This would easily (Arctic Raider), Peter Costello (Aquanaut), 30km. So it’s tough. — Hel- double the longest distance I’d ever trip leader, Helmut Heinze (Epic 16x), Peter mut paddled and so was an exciting but Wilson (Aquanaut RM). Wind: very light rather daunting challenge. northerly, <8kt in the morning, later <3kt 71 km in 10 Hr’s. Now there’s a chal- Obviously with only a day and a est.; sea: some minor chop <0.3m in the lenge, was I up to it? I wasn’t sure half left to prepare there was not a lot morning, later flat. — Photos and plots by but there was only one way to find various members of the trip. I could do physically other than eat- out. After checking with the family ing carefully and well, some stretch- and some quick Internet cramming on ing and ensuring I was well rested. I On the 11 of June last year I received Google Earth and “how to prepare for did what I could to familiarise my- the following email and 2 days later endurance events”, I was in. self with the route, channels, banks, joined 3 other intrepid VSKC mem- The basic plan was to depart Hast- beaches and identified some possible bers on what was to be an epic day’s ings before sunrise and ride the last bail out points should something go paddle . . . of the incoming tide as far as pos- wrong or I keeled over. But most sible north and east around the is- important was to get a sense of the Hi Pete, interested in a win- land in an anti clockwise direction, tides and how the current might flow ter French Island circumnav- following either Horseshoe channel across the day. Pete C, Helmut & igation this Saturday. Tides across the top or venturing in close Andrew had come up with 3 slight are right. So far: Peter and shallow through the marine park variations on the basic route, all with C, Ancrew C, myself (Helmut during high slack water. Some- tight schedules of waypoints we had H). We have been working out where around the eastern corner we’d to make by specific times to maximise plans the last two nights. It’s break for lunch while the current tough, fast trip, good tidal our tidal assist and not get caught out turned and then get sucked down currents, light wind, early by a turning current or left high and start, early finish: Hastings along the south coast as far and fast dry in the shallows. launch: 6:30am, Return: ˜4- as possible, rounding Tortoise Head as 5pm, est. 9-10 hrs paddling the low slack approached and catch The Paddle time. Distance: 71km . Send the incoming tide back north and you the trip details, route, home. The forecast winds looked Looking back in hindsight it was a

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 12 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters great day, and fantastic experience ... a quick on water break, stretch and even fun! I really appreciate the more snack stop with a decent lunch break experienced paddlers taking a chance through the slack water on a beach a and inviting me to join the paddle, I couple of kms north Spit Point. learned a lot. At the time it was a serious SLOG, but enough time has passed that if someone asked me to do it again I’d probably jump at the chance.

Actual course paddled

Helmut’s notes from the day and my tips for first time distance paddlers follow:

Lunch stop From Helmut’s Notes Paddle 13 June 2015. Start 6:45a.m, return 17:00. Participants: An- It was after we got back in the drew Campbell (Arctic Raider), Pe- Pre-dawn launch at Hastings boats, rounded Spit Point and began ter Costello (Aquanaut), trip leader, to tick through the 40‘s and 50‘s and Helmut Heinze (Epic 16x), Peter into the 60 kms that it started to be- Wilson (Aquanaut RM). Tides: H come hard work. Fortunately we 10:15am (Jam Jerrup), L 2:15 were able to hit all our key tidal mile- (Cowes). Wind: very light northerly, stones and got some great tidal assis- <8kt in the morning, later <3kt est.; tance when we needed it most. With sea: some minor chop <0.3m in the the outgoing tide down the East Arm morning, later flat. channel we were averaging around Hastings to NW corner of French 10km/hr for about 6km. Island (Crawfish Rock/Scrub Point): ˜10km: Navigated out of Hastings Looking at our tracked route on in darkness, after clearing harbour my phone app we managed to find a headed to NW corner of French island very efficient route with only one nav- on a magn. bearing of 45 degrees igational hiccup. We had turned up NE. Found some shallow water at top Blakes Channel only to find it getting of Middle Spit. Reached NW corner at shallow quicker than planned. We ˜8am. then tried to shortcut across Tortoise Sunrise at the top of French Island Northern part of French Island: Head Bank back into the main chan- ˜15km: Magn bearing of 90 degree. nel too early and had to backtrack The pre dawn launch and sunrise Did not contour the coast nor seek slightly to avoid a long walk in very were wonderful and indeed the first deeper water further north. Passed is- shallow water. 25-30kms across the top through the land (Joes Island?) on the right. Rel- marine park to Palmer Point and and Our stats via Pete C’s GPS show atively slow progress. Still rising tide down past Jam Jerrup on the opposite the total distance covered as 69.8 km did not assist. Speed avg about 6.5 shore all went smoothly, only pausing with an average speed of 6.6 kph, a km/h. Close to land some shallow ar- briefly back around Joe’s Island to de- total paddle time of 9 hrs 24 mins and eas but a few hundred meters off we cide whether to stick to deeper faster total trip time of 10 hrs 33 mins. Our always had deep enough water to al- moving water with a longer indirect maximum speed reached during peak low us to stick to an almost straight route or straight line it across the flow on the southern leg was13.6kph! line. Short break on the water. No slower shallows to Palmer Point. We (note GPS started when kayaks were place to land, all mangroves. opted for the shortest possible route up next to the cars and stopped when Northeastern edge of French Is- this time. On the hour we’d take the kayaks were being unloaded) land to eastern corner (Spit Point

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 13 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters opposite Jam Jerrup on the mainland) time goals etc. and were able to agree water I also took 2 x 600mm elec- ˜5km. Continuing on SE bearing. about the strategy (at times taking a trolyte drinks to help prevent cramps. Landscape now a bit more varied but punt). • Pack a couple of clothing combo’s, still predominantly mangroves. Main- 2. Funnily the magnetic bearings again like hiking layers are best, pack land closing in from east. Reached after correcting the compass varia- a wind shell to quickly chuck over eastern corner at ˜11am. Distance tion around French Island turn out your wet paddle clothes during shore so far: 30 km. Early lunch break on mostly very simple ones, like exactly breaks. Changing your head wear can beach just north of Spit Point. Contin- NE, then E, then SE etc. It paid off quickly adjust your temperature with ued at ˜12:00 pm. sticking to these figures and travel- minimal effort. Spit Point to southern corner ling almost straight lines. We beat • If leaving pre dawn don’t forget (Long Point) ˜20km. Found good the calculated distance by a 1km or your boat light, but just as impor- tidal flow, at times 4km/h, Averag- so (by crossing the North Arm back to tantly don’t forget a light to read your ing speed in the high 9 km/h. Again, Hastings in a more efficient way than compass by ... knowing which way is we went in almost a straight line SW, initially sketched out, not stopping at forward can be quite helpful! A head- letting the French Island coast recede Sandy Point) — a sign that we were lamp with a red light setting allows to our right and getting closer to the paddling extremely close to the opti- you to maintain your night vision. mainland on our left at Settlement mum (bar a minor blip close to Tor- • Post, Corinella toise Head). Laminate a computer screen grab Southern Corner to Tortoise 3. Lots of redundancy of equip- from Google Earth to the back of Head ˜10km: Ebb flow now slowing, ment (not just charts, GPS’ ) but your chart and spend some time prior Tortoise Head clearly visible. Headed spare paddles (we were travelling to the paddle trying to find features there on the inside of Tortoise with twice the number of paddles that should be identifiable from the Head Bank which started emerg- than actually used to cater for all sort water. Landforms, man made fea- ing. Reached Tortoise Head at of personal preferences, including a tures, vegetation types all help. Low 2:45pm, half an hour after low tide. Greenland paddle and a wing pad- slung, gently curving land masses and Tortoise Head to Hastings dle. mangroves can make it very tricky to ˜11km: Found slack water, decided gauge distance and speed. to head to Hastings without a fur- What you need ... • Paralleling your boat to the shore, ther break cutting across the North- taking a compass bearing and find- ern Arm diagonally (compass bearing Find below some personal notes for ing the parallel on the map can some- about NW)), but staying in deeper long-distance paddles, based on what times help. waters not to miss any little help worked and what didn’t work on our • Mark your key waypoints, mile- the incoming tide could offer (it was French Island circumnavigation. stones, tides and forecasts directly on • very little judging from the water During the paddle eat like you’re the laminated chart with permanent movement at two channel mark- hiking, little snacks often. Your body pen, (wipe off with metho after) ers), Headed closer to land at Crib can only process food at a given rate, • Take note of potential Point, passing the submarine on the if you exceed that rate while you’re tricky/interesting spots and try and left, skimming along the right side of paddling it can lead to queasiness and identify some bail out options in case Sandstone Island and meandered into stitches. I found my home-made trail of emergency Hastings following some channels as mix and oaty muesli bars interspersed • the water was still too low to go direct with fresh fruit great. Munching a And finally the distance to the next line. grape every so often was fantastic and waypoint is ALWAYS longer than it Finally noteworthy: my Lady Finger banana at the 50km looks, don’t get too excited, pace 1. Each member of the team had mark tasted incredible and gave me a yourself, and always try and keep a done their navigation plan indepen- huge pep. reserve of energy incase something dently — we were travelling on four • Stay hydrated, as with food, little unexpected happens. sets of routes, way points, lapsed mouthfuls often. Along with 2L of

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Sandringham — Port Arlington — Sandringham return (chart with navigation notes)

Helmut Heinze Christmas Turkey Burn–off Crossing

Sandringham to Port Arlington and return: Bumpy but within the limits. So our regular Red Eye time — creatures of 28 Dec 2015 — Peter C, trip leader (Val- annual pilgrimage to Port Arlington habit we are. The plan was simple, ley Aquanaut), Helmut H (Epic 16x); San- (including its famed bakery) was on, we would follow a straight line on a dringham to Port Arlington one way: An- and dutifully we were going yet again bearing of about 225 degrees (mag), drew M, (Stellar Intrepid 18). Paddled dis- through the set stages of our jour- exactly SE on our compasses. tance ca 80 km. ney which would span the hours from dawn to dusk. All the ribbing would Red Eye paddlers are creatures of not affect us — “why would you do habit, have to be. Otherwise one it again, you are either very forgetful would not do it. When Christmas or a slow learner” (Terry B), we just comes around it has to be framed by followed the rules of the Order of the the traditional Chrissie Red Eye with Red Eyes. a breakfast and by the no less tradi- tional “(Day after) Day after Boxing Prime — at day break Day Christmas Turkey Burnoff”. It’s a movable holiday which can fall on Sandringham Yacht Club. Our small any day after Boxing Day and before group — some regulars were missing New Year’s Eve. due to injury or other commitments The 28th of December was shap- — pushed off in beautiful fresh morn- ing up as a suitable day. The wind ing air, at the break of dawn. The forecast promised light south–easterly air was almost still, the Bay was calm winds in the morning and a fresh and welcoming. And so we began our south–westerly for the ride home. epic crossing, at 6:15 am exactly, our Ready to push off at 6:15 am ...

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where are you heading?” — “Port Ar- before I hit ground I looket at my lington ...” — pause — “Good bak- watch: 12:14 pm — exactly 5 hours, ery!” — “... and then back to San- 59 minutes since Sandringham, pad- dringham in the afternoon.” “Are you dled in a straight line of about 37 km. aware that there’ll be a fresh south- We extracted our aching bodies westerly later in the day?” — “So we from the boats, caring little whether hope!” . . . and off they went, plough- landing on dry sand or halfway in the ing a wide lane into the sea. water. Anything was good as long it wasn’t a kayak seat.

Sext — noon

... and sail into a beautiful calm morning

The first hour passed pleasantly. The sun rose in the east behind our backs. A bit of chatting, but mostly silent paddling. Soon we crossed the shipping channel, Fawkner Bea- con in sight to our right. First snack stop. And off we paddle again. It got warmer and brighter. We kept pad- Off they went ... dling at a steady speed, enjoying the absence of any head winds. A light We lapsed back into our medita- easterly was even helping during the tive mode of paddling. The mind was early hours. Some big ships under drifting, the odd sailing yacht popped VSKC kayakers are renowned for being im- anchor over our right shoulder were up and disappeared. The wind fresh- peccably organised — getting ready for the happily debated, other things as well. ened a little. We were now paddling journey home And so passed another hour, and we into a light head wind. The first nig- became eligible for yet another brief gles in the wrists or shoulders were The long awaited lunch break at pit stop. setting in. last. Visit to the bakery. Food and The only thing that did not change drink on dry land. Andy M who was Terce — mid-morning was our destination. It kept looking doing a one-way trip started cleaning the same for hours. A hill with a town, up and packing up. The time passed, The third hour was a quiet one. Con- assumed to be Port Arlington. We as always, too fast. versations started thinning. Tedium endlessly speculated about the exact By almost exactly 2 pm we were crept in. Yet we were making happy location of the beach and the harbour. gliding out of Port Arlington. Beau- progress, our destination coming into There seemed to be a strange naviga- tiful, clear and shallow water pro- sight as a hilly streak of land. First tion curse hanging over the town, for vided for a tropical scenery. The fore- opinions were offered which hill we nobody could ever remember exactly cast promised S to SW wind later should be aiming for or whether Port the final approach. You just had to let in the afternoon, but at this point Arlington may still be hidden behind it happen . . . it was still more like ESE — which a land feature. During the fifth hour another meant we had the wind almost on During the fourth hour our cross- kayaker in a Greenlander popped up, our nose. In addition we encountered ing was briefly enlivened by a po- seemingly coming from nowhere— a some unfavourable tidal flow pushing lice launch stopping by for a brief sign that we must be close to land (it us north. chat. They had been attracted by the turned out that he had come from be- Usually one would head back to glow of my orange hat and were a bit hind a large oil tanker anchored close Sandringham almost on a magnetic curious about three kayakers pretty to our destination). bearing of about 45 degrees (NW) but much in the middle of the bay. Two Finally, I don’t really remember we decided to counter wind and cur- young boys in blue looked a bit scep- details, we made it around a break rent with an additional 15–30 degrees tical. The conversation went about into the harbour, then the last 50 further south (WNW) in order to have this way: “Where are you from?” — metres through shallow water with an easier downwind run later into the “Sandringham.” — pause — “Hm . . . sandy ground towards the beach. Just crossing.

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Initially progress was modest. We traversed an aquaculture a few km off Port Arlington, then aimed for a lonely marker, and then there was nothing but blue sky and blue water.

Nones — in the afternoon The wind picked up and turned more southerly, and waves were emerging. Waves were running from SE, but with the increasing and shifting wind a second wave pattern developed, cre- ating complex textures. In the distance the first whitecaps ... the paddle partner appeared ... Wind plot Fawkner Beacon — Source appeared. Gradually the water be- http://www.baywx.com.au Wind Archives came more agitated and charged with energy. We were flying along, zipping By now I no longer was chasing down the slope of the occasional big- waves and more than once I backed ger wave. This was fun, fun, fun! We off from the edge of a particular steep were zig-zagging, making the most of wave. A couple of times I had to brace any tempting wave, often ending up harder than I wanted, on the verge of in need of correcting course and re- capsizing. joining the paddle partner. We had a forced break at the ship- ping channel, letting three ships pass: first the Spirit of Tasmania steaming south, followed by a German cargo ship, the Wilhelmshaven, and finally a particular ugly car transporter creep- ing north. While waiting we to main- tain an upwind stall to deal with steep waves rolling in from SW. Finally we crossed behind the car ... and disappeared transporter and began our final ap- proach. The last few kilometres were easy paddling, with wind and waves pushing from behind, but our hearts Snack stops were kept short, and were no longer into it. We reached two or three hours into the crossing Sandringham and finally pulled into Leaving Port Arlington on an easterly course we were no longer rafting up as con- the harbour. ditions became quite bouncy. Now the troughs of a bigger waves were Compline — conclusion of the day deep enough for the paddle partner to disappear out of sight. One would And thus we hit ground (that is: mud quickly check the position of the part- — it’s Sandringham!) at 7:15pm. ner while on top of a wave, and then Thrilled, happy, tired. We made prob- catch a few runners. ably around 40km in 5 hours and 15 minutes, some of them spent wait- When we were finally approach- ing for shipping traffic to pass. And ing the transit zone of the shipping the best: being greeted by a grin- channel (still aiming off south, to- ning reception committee (Andy and wards the cliffs of Black Rock in- Graeme) with two steaming cups of stead of Sandringham Yacht Club), coffee! They presented us with the we were dealing with a stiff SW most difficult decision of the day: get- wind of 18+kts and the occasional ting out of the seat first or having a 2m wave (see Fawkner Beacon wind coffee first. The waves became lumpier and ... plot).

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Terry Barry A Furneaux Adventure

Over the years I have had a few of- son, John Woollard & Bill Zombor. fers to join a ‘Bass Strait Crossing’ crew but have always declined. The thought of long ocean crossing just The only itinerary firmly fixed was doesn’t sound appealing to me. One the booking for the Spirit of Tasma- thing that did interest me was the is- nia to take us to and from Victoria to lands encountered along the way. I Tasmania. The in-between part was also heard many groups talk about purposefully left to be planned as the how good it would be to spend more trip unfolded and fitted in with the time exploring rather than being des- overall aim of “spending time to ex- tination focussed. So the idea was plore”. Although we discussed things born to paddle across Banks Strait to we wanted to do, places to visit and the Furneaux Islands and spend some must–see attractions in reality our time exploring the area. plans would be at the mercy of the Being a holiday I didn’t want to weather and tides. A great place to get into the holiday mood open the trip up to all and sundry with the leadership and risk management After shopping for fruit & veg and that goes along with that, instead I We departed on the Spirit on the methylated spirits all of which you quietly invited individuals who I knew 11th Jan and arrived early in the cannot take on the Spirit, we drove to would be more than capable skill wise morning at Devonport on the 12th. On Little Musselroe Bay arriving mid af- and more importantly be easy to get board that night we planned our first ternoon along with on a 3 week trip. I thought part of the trip as we now had an ac- Robin had used his contacts and a group of six would be ideal but this curate weather forecast for the next we had a very kind offer from Liz quickly expanded and I had to put the few days. There was a small weather Ponting to park the cars securely at brakes on, sorry for those that missed window to do the most difficult part her house. The wind was blowing out or didn’t get invited! of the whole adventure — make the hard, 18 knots ESE, there were white So what I referred to as the ‘Dream 30 odd kilometre crossing of Banks caps everywhere but the forecast was Team’ was soon assembled. There Strait to Clark Island. for the wind to drop and we set our were originally 10 of us but as the sights on making a start and paddling date approached two had to pull out 6 km to Swan Island for the night for health and other reasons, leaving So after disembarking breakfast so as to set ourselves up for a small a group of eight: Terry Barry, Robin was had at the ‘Hula Hut’ a themed weather window to make the rest of Boundy, Steve Collins, Pete Dingle, caf´e in Devonport where we soon got the crossing to Clark Island in the Richard Rawlings, Graeme Thomp- into the holiday spirit. morning.

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We quickly set about packing the to refill his water supply for the days kayaks with gear and supplies, each paddle and as we approached Clark of us wondering what would not fit Island he had become dehydrated to in. We also carried 20 litres of water the point of cramping up and required each. To our surprise not much had assistance. The weather was warm, to be left behind and soon the first we made landfall at a nice albeit rocky of many kayak carries was underway. bay where we were able to get out Eight to a boat made it not too heavy of the kayaks and rehydrate him with but time consuming and we had to al- water and hydrolyte. A good lesson low 20 minutes each time to launch on the importance of making sure you and recover the kayaks. stay well hydrated for us all.

An off water day!

We went exploring the immediate area, there were many granite tors and boulders. Walking was made eas- ier by a recent fire that had swept the island making the vegetation much less dense that would have otherwise been the case.

A mountain of gear and supplies to pack Rehydration stop At 5 pm we launched and quickly made the 6 km crossing by 6 pm and set up camp on the beach on the West- ern side of the island. A very star- filled night with a new moon. After 20 min or so he had recov- Next day was an early start up in ered enough for us to complete the the dark at 4.45 am and on the wa- paddle ter by 5.45. Winds were 8 knots NE by heading up the Western side of and predicted to increase to 20 knots Clark Island to Spike Bay. The last by 11am. This was a head wind so part of the paddle was made difficult we were keen to go as early as possi- by a now 20 knot NNW wind and we ble but still had to take into account were glad to make camp after 28 km the tides. They run at up to 3 knots in at 11.30. During the crossing we saw an east/west direction through Banks Richard was feeling homesick as is shown the first of many flying fish we en- Strait. Banks Strait has an awesome by this photo – We were glad we each had countered on our trip and one of only reputation for rough water with wind our own tents! two seals seen on the entire voyage. against sea. With an ebbing tide it was certainly a lively bit of water. The The weather was hot so a swim or predicted tide change was for 7 am snorkel and much lazing about was but as became the norm for the area the order of the day. The first of many We saw a few wallabies and one the change was an hour and a half snakes was encountered when I went tiger snake as well as great views and late and we were drifted over 4 km for a look at the dry creek bed nearby. exposure to the winds on top of the off course before the change brought A 1.4m copperhead . rocky outcrops made you feel like you us back on course for the SW tip of were in a remote and adventurous Clark Island. During the night a southerly place. On return to camp it was evi- In our rush to get on the water and change swept in at 2 am and we woke dent we needed some shelter from the nervous energy for the first big leg of to winds gusting to 40 knots. An off wind. The tents were taking punish- the journey one of the party neglected water day! ment, but gladly all survived intact.

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in February 1797 and was a catalyst dinner Steve finally caught a Snook, for exploration and exploitation Bass which was quickly despatched to the Strait and the beginnings of the deci- pan and he regained some dignity. mation of the Tasmanian aboriginals) We were off again next morning We contoured the SW coast of Preser- after a chilly night. Blue clear sky and vation Island and landed at the hut calm seas. We contoured the coast- for lunch and did a bit of exploring. line towards the settlement on Cape After lunch we decided to head over Barren Island and met up with Three to Thunder & Lightening Bay on Cape NSWSKC members on the last stages Barren Island for camp. We were met of their Bass Strait crossing. by a large barrier of sea grass which required some ingenuity to overcome to reach the beach. A 22km day full of highlights. Tents taking a pounding

There were a few pieces of roofing iron lying about and some star pickets so we soon constructed the ‘Spike Bay Hilton’ a structure that served us and a NSW Bass Strait crew a few days later well. We also returned to Spike Bay for a night at the end of the trip and the ‘Hilton’ was again a saviour, this time from the heat of the sun. Raewyn from the NSWSKC

After a few minutes of greetings we went our separate ways and we A large barrier of sea grass were soon approaching the small set- tlement on the NW corner of Cape Barren Island. We were met at the beach by ‘Mort’ a true ‘Straitsman’. He made us feel very welcome and we asked permission to take a stroll around the village.

‘Spike Bay Hilton’

Next day we woke to blue sky and a settling sea with a 10 knot southerly wind. After a leisurely pack we were on the water at 10 am and enjoyed great conditions heading north along Proud fisherman Steve, notice Richard try- the shoreline of Clark Island. Sails ing to save face! were deployed and we revelled in the rugged granite coastline. We contin- Steve & Richard went fishing, no ued North and crossed over to Rum luck, In fact as suppliers of fresh fish & Preservation Islands in calm condi- for the expedition they were a dismal Welcome from Mort on the beach tions, enjoying a bit of rock garden- failure. Despite fishing at many sites ing and very conscious of the historic over the course of the journey nei- There was evidence of a fire be- significance of this place. (This is the ther had caught anything other than ing near the village recently. Mort en- site of the wreck of the Sydney Cove parrot fish. On the last night after lightened us with this rather comical

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 20 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters

1 story: snakes and the thousands of shearwa- clear water came within 1 2 meters ters that nest on the island in bur- of me. It was amazing as we checked Fire was started by ‘igets’, a rows each year. The local Straits- each other out. My only regret is I couple of young fellas. Sev- men still harvest the chicks each year. didn’t take the time to grab my cam- enth Day Adventists had vis- Chicks are caught prior to fledging era as well. The others joined me ited the island and left behind by putting your arm down the bur- in the water but the dolphins has a bible. The two young fellas got pissed one night and de- row and pulling them out. I asked satisfied their curiosity and departed. cide to burn the bloody thing. how the locals know which borrows What a welcome to Flinders Island! Not happy with it burning have chicks in and which have tiger We made camp and then set about slowly they threw a couple snakes? Answer — You don’t, if you fulfilling another goal of the trip- of aerosol cans onto the fire feel something cold pull your hand out climbing to the summit of Mt Strz- which exploded and set the quick and when you stop shaking try elecki. bush on fire. It was 2am and another burrow! John elected to stay behind, it was soon the whole village was up a 4 km walk to the start of the track fighting the fire, bloody ‘igets’. up the mountain. It was hot and the A few of the boys gave them a good clip under the ear and light gravel road we walked along am- they have left the island. plified the heat. By the time I reached the start of the mountain track I had Being Saturday the shop was not open had enough. Blisters were forming on so we were unable to get a pie or ice my feet, I didn’t bring good walking cream we had been thinking about shoes. I left the others and started to and soon headed off toward Badger walk back. Soon a car came along Island. and pulled up, Graeme was in the Badger Island turned out to be back, he had given up shortly after our favourite campsite of the trip. me. The ride back to camp was more The water was warm and crystal than welcome. The three of us at clear, white sand that reminded me camp were concerned about the oth- of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsun- ers. They didn’t have enough wa- days, and one of the best views I can Wasn’t long before I got my wish and we ter for the trip, we had underesti- remember anywhere. We had struck were up close and personal with one of the mated the heat of the day. In the paradise! After 25km for the day we local inhabitants afternoon a family arrived and made quickly decided that this would be a camp, we soon befriended them and two night camp. We also wanted to climb to the Mike and his family kindly agreed to summit of Mt Chapple but after walk- drive to the start of the walk and ing right around the island we were wait for the others with some water. unable to find any track and were re- This proved to be a real saviour, the luctant to go through the scrub for others had made the summit (except some reason! Found out later that no Richard who stopped short) and Steve such track exists and the locals would had gone down ahead of the group not recommend walking off track ei- to source some water from a nearby ther. house. He met the car waiting and re- We returned to Badger Island and turned partway up the track to deliver spent the day relaxing and planning some well needed water. They re- the next few days. turned to camp after 6pm, buggered The next morning we departed at but happy to have made the summit 7am for Trousers Point on Flinders Is- in clear blue sky’s. land, 13km in a NE direction. With a After a swim, rehydrating and din- forecast of 12 knot NE winds we were ner and early bed was the order of the We had struck paradise! ready for a slog but fortunately the day. winds did not arrive and we made the Next morning all were feeling well Next day we went over to nearby crossing in good time in calm condi- so we departed for Lady Barron, the 1 Mount Chapple Island a 2 hour pad- tions. As we pulled up on the beach second largest town on Flinders Is- dle away. It had been a goal of mine dolphins were spotted just offshore. land. Winds were 15 knots NW and to see one of the infamous Black Tiger I immediately grabbed my mask and increased throughout the day. This Snakes indigenous to that island. Mt. had a wonderful experience as they made for a great down wind run Chapple Island is famous for these headed straight for me and in the along the coastline with many beau-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 21 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters tiful bays and rocky headlands. Sails and it was arriving at 5 am the next we returned the owner to Whitemark, were soon up and we made good morning! Furthermore it was loading the main town of the island and had progress, later in the morning Graeme with livestock from the island which breakfast in a local caf´e. Not great fair (the only one without a sail) was get- were being delivered to the yards all and we were a little disappointed, We ting tired so we rafted up and still afternoon. So we found ourselves ad- then headed off to the north of the is- made 8km/h. jacent to a great number of stressed land to check out Killakranki, North cattle and sheep. At least we didn’t East River and Lilly Beach. It was our hear each other snore that night! first wet day so we were glad we were Pete ‘avachat’ Dingers quickly in the van. We also spent some time made friends with Mick one of the lo- at the Furneaux Museum. This was cal wharf employees who kindly left the highlight of the day with many in- out an electrical cord for us to charge teresting displays and information on any gizmo’s we had. the areas we were visiting. It later turned out Mick also let us We returned to Whitemark for refill with water from the sheds tank lunch, again disappointing fair on of- as the town water was not of drinking fer but restocked on supplies for the quality. remainder of our trip. Dinner that Dinner that night was a pub meal, night was at the pub again. There really friendly service and great food we met up with Chris a local yachts- man who had Google Earth printouts for us and gave us much needed lo- Sails were soon up and we made good cal knowledge for the eastern side of progress Cape Barren Island. This was all due to Pete ‘avachat’, a handy bloke at We arrived at Lady Barron at times. Chris had crossed Bass Strait 11.15, not bad for a 29 km paddle in over 200 times and had lived aboard 1 2 4 hrs. his catamaran for 4 years in these wa- We had been informed there were ters. He was a wealth of knowledge two camping options at Lady Barron, on the tides and camping spots. The park in the centre of town by The next day we timed our depar- the wharf or the camp ground 2 km ture to coincide with slack water at out of town called Yellow Beach. Af- the entrance to Lady Barron at Van- ter checking out the park we though sittart Island. So it was on the wa- maybe Yellow beach would be the go ter at 7.15 after an interesting launch as we didn’t want to upset anyone Barge waiting to load over rocks as there was no beach near camping in the park. As it turned out the wharf. I had scrounged a big Yellow Beach was a shocker and the lump of shade cloth the night before newly installed toilets were not in use. and this made a good slide for the So we returned to the park and set up kayaks as I stood in the water hold- camp. There was a new toilet block ing all the boats until they were all there too, but this one was in usable launched. The hire car guy from condition. Robin discovered a shower Whitemark turned up to watch the and told the rest of us after (!) he proceedings, curious as to what these had showered. It felt great to have a silly people were up to. fresh water shower, albeit cold water We were soon off and had made as the hot water system did not have our timing spot on hitting the en- and gas bottles on it yet. We then set trance at near slack water. We cruised off around town and the boys quickly past Vansittart Island and then came identified the pub and had a cold one. across another of our aims for the We then found the general store and trip to see the wreck of the Farsund, had lunch there. The owner was very aground in sand in the entrance be- friendly and said we would have no Furneaux Museum tween Vansittart and Cape Barren Is- trouble camped where we were. lands. However by the time we got The only problem with our camp The following day we had ar- there slack water was over and the was that is was right next to the load- ranged to hire a mini van and tour the tide was ebbing a great speed. We ing dock for the islands supply barge island. The van arrived at 8.30 and all managed to scoot past the wreck

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 22 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters snapping photos and disturbing hun- travelling along at great speed. We dreds of birds using the wreck as a were then faced with a major hur- roost. dle — getting through Sea Lion Pas- sage between Cape Barren and Pas- sage Islands. It was more like a white water river than a sea passage as we paddled furiously between eddies and made progress along Cape Barren Is- land. We were now battling raging ebb tide and headwinds. Luckily we were all up to the task and soon were clear of the passage. We had in- tended to cross over to Passage Island and make camp but the conditions Little thirsty, lunch stop put that option out of reach, Instead we opted to continue along Cape Bar- We made good time along the ren to Kent Bay. Kent bay being the coast with a NW wind of 12 knots and first white settlement south of Sydney, soon found ourselves rounding Cape used for whaling and sealing. A good slide for the kayaks Barren and then a short hope to ‘Tin- Expecting a hard paddle we were ker Gut’ a small sheltered bay on the surprised that the wind dropped out SE end of Cape Barren Island. A total completely and we enjoyed a cruise of 37 km for the day. along shallow water and on arriving at Kent Bay spotted a shack through the trees. It was raining and the thought of some shelter was wel- come. The shack turned out to be an ideal campsite, but as we were on aboriginal land we thought better of it. A fresh track had been slashed to the shack so we opted to make camp a short distance away in the bush. 27 km for the day. Shortly after setting up camp we heard vehicles and a group arrived at the shack. We went over and intro- duced ourselves seeking permission to ’Tinkers Gut’ camp, conscious it was very close to The wreck of the Farsund Australia Day- invasion day for the lo- Camp was made on the beach with cals. We met Colin, Bill and Bour- only a small margin for high tide. bon, three locals who were newly Steve and Richard went off fishing so made rangers for the island. We re- I went for a snorkel and we had a few ceived a warm welcome and discov- We continued contouring the east- abalone cooked with garlic and other ered they had just slashed the track ern side of Cape Barren Island. This spices —delicious. into the shack (11kms) two days pre- was new ground for all of us and we We awoke in the morning to thick vious. The shack was unknown to were not disappointed with the ma- smoke, with eighty bushfires burning them until recently. They had discov- jestic scenery we encountered. First in Tasmania the smoke had enveloped ered it on Google earth and it was stop was at “Little Thirsty” a small the island overnight. a poachers shack, fully set up with estuary with a tidal entrance. We We got underway at 6.45 and a heater, chairs, kitchen and flushing were informed there were 6000 year NW wind kicked in soon after at toilet! They were there to give the old Pilot whale bones there but could around 12–15 knots making head- ‘owners’ a surprise and do some fish- not locate them, later we were told way tough going. The rugged coast- ing while waiting. As they figured it they were slightly north of where we line made things interesting and we was their shack now and a few others stopped. spotted some dolphins in the distance of the village were arriving the next

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 23 SeaTrek 85 Day Trips and Overnighters day. Arriving at Spike Bay in time for rived back at Little Musselroe Bay. lunch we set up camp and went swim- ming, Steve and Richard went fishing with Steve catching the only ‘edible’ fish of the trip after tea. I went to the dry creek bed to see if the copperhead snake was around, the small water hole was a bit big- ger after the rain and to my surprise there were two copperhead snakes there. They were entwined and mat- ing mostly in the water with their heads on about 30 cm out on the bank. We watched for around 20 min as this seldom seen act of nature took place. It finished when one broke free Colin, Bill & Bourbon, newly appointed of the other and headed off leaving Back at Little Musselroe Bay Rangers the other on the back resting — I’m sure it was looking for a cigarette! Richard and Steve went of fishing All up we paddled 250km for the again, no luck the locals got 24 floun- trip. It was everything we had hoped der that night! for and more. The group dynamics That night we checked the fore- were superb, at all times we paddled cast, we had about a week to get back as a pod and all decisions were made to the mainland of Tasmania to catch as a group. Although it may seem the Spirit home and Banks Strait to we didn’t get to too many places we cross. There was a weather window achieved our objective in taking our to achieve this in two days and the time to explore and enjoy the environ- rest of the week was not looking good ment. I would enjoy another trip to so we decided to go for it. this area, it has so much to offer — Next morning we left for Spike remoteness, strong tides, and rough Bay on Clark Island, a 24 km pad- water, but it is not a place for the in- dle. The smoke had mostly cleared experienced. so visibility had improved. We said Thanks to Robin, Bill, Graeme, our goodbyes to Colin, Bill and Bour- John, Pete, Richard and Steve for bon and they paid us the compliment Timing for the next day was cru- helping make this such a wonderful of “you guys are welcome back any- cial crossing Banks Strait so we hit adventure. time.” the water at 8.45 with the last of the We contoured the coast of Lady two hours of the flood tide. Visibil- Barren into a 10 knot westerly wind ity was again poor, the smoke had re- until reaching ‘Sloping Point’ where turned. Within 40 minutes of leav- we angled across to Clark Island, The ing the end of Clark Island it was out 1 tide was with us and it got pretty of sight and we spent the next 2 2 bouncy our there with wind against hours with no sight of land. The sea tide conditions. Waves were breaking was still a bit lumpy form the pre- 1 at up to 2 metre, great fun! A brief vious days swell and the wind was stop when we made Clark island was negligible. Robin and Bill took turns welcome and then we set off toward watching the compass. The GPS in- Spike Bay. The swell on the western dicated the tide was slowing and we side was up to 2 meters making for ended up 6km off course before it fi- more lively conditions and we gave nally turned and start to send us back the shoreline the respect it deserved on course. Soon after this the Tasma- keeping clear of bommies and reefs nian mainland came back into sight along the way. and we stuck to our bearing and ar-

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 24 SeaTrek 85 Club Life

Rabbit Island Beach

Simon Lehman Four Blokes, Five Islands

Photos by TB and SL – Ed. nights sleep knowing everything had Marry and took a little longer to get it’s place. up to speed but all in all it was cer- tainly better than carry a pack and When Terry Barry drew my attention hiking. The conditions on the water to an upcoming Prom trip he posted Day 1 were very calm, probably a little too on the VSKC website, I wasted no calm for my liking. I was hoping to time reading up on the details. From Day 1 was Monday 14th December, experience some chop but it was early an ungraded newcomers perspective meeting at Port Welshpool jetty and days. it was an opportunity too good to on the water no later than 8:30. I Staying in the main channel to miss. Ultimately, I took up sea kayak- left home at 5:00 am as I wanted to take advantage of the outgoing tidal ing to do these types of trips. leave plenty of time to load my kayak. stream, we paddled west around little A few days before the trip date I also don’t like the stress that’s in- snake Is. and then south across Cor- Terry informed me that there would duced by the thought of running late. ner Inlet towards the northern tip of be four of us, Terry Barry, Tony Chick, Besides, I have been late previously Wilsons Prom. The aim was to be at Steve Collins and myself. What a on a paddle with Terry and I know the point before the end of the outgo- lineup, three Grade 3 paddlers and he looks dimly on being unpunctual ing tide. We were out in the channel one ungraded. How lucky was I! and I didn’t think it would make for of Singapore Deep when Terry (with My decision to take part in this a great start to a five day trip. As it a smile on his face) informed me that trip was a little last minute, leaving turned out, Steve Collins was on the it was a renowned breeding ground me with about four days to prepare. water last which was great from my for White Pointer sharks. I could only Some may consider this to be am- point of view since it took the heat hope that they find fiberglass more ple time but for a newbie to kayak away from me! palatable than plastic! camping it seemed a little tight! I We were soon off and finding our Our first night was to be at Tin have quite a few years of hiking and paddling rhythm. The 40 kg of equip- Mine Cove. We arrived with ample camping experience to draw on, so I ment made a huge difference to the time to prepare lunch. The camp- had some idea. I also participated in way my kayak behaved. I had never ing site and beach were everything I the expedition packing seminar at the paddled with this much weight before hoped. In the distance Bennison Is paddle fest and have watched numer- and I was wondering if it would float! and Granite rock beckoned for a visit. ous You Tube videos. The occasional In fact it took the weight quite well. We pitched our tents and organized email from Terry with his “little tips” The waterline was noticeably lower our communal kitchen. During lunch, was also a great help. A test pack but not by much and the primary sta- a visit to Bennison Is. was mentioned. of my Kodiak the night before was of bility was even more “luxurious” than A study of the tide charts and our great benefit and left me with a good before. It still turned like the Queen watches gave rise to a simple paddle

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 25 SeaTrek 85 Club Life plan. We had already paddled about ing and camping for a quite a num- derestimated the influence that these 15Km from Port Welshpool so why not ber of years and always enjoyed the two phenomena play on trip prepara- add another 12! use of my multi fuel stove and never tion. Feeling a bit lazy, I could have eas- really given these Trangia’s much of ily succumbed to an afternoon nap a thought, that was until it became Day 2 but there was no way I was missing very obvious that sand gets every- out on this! One thing I love about where and a stove with no moving After a blissful night’s sleep and kayaking is the ability to “sneak up” parts seems the obvious choice for breakfast, we were once again on the on bird life. It wasn’t long before we kayaking! Nonetheless my stove per- water. With the tides in our favour the spotted a mature Sea Eagle, gliding formed beautifully, albeit a little noisy. coastline seemed to whiz past with effortlessly over the beach. It was from then on that Tony referred next to no effort. The seas were very As we drew closer to Bennison Is- to it as the Oxy acetylene kit and fu- calm and the winds were light. In fact land a small beach, maybe 50m wide ture use of my stove on this trip drew I was a little disappointed in the size came into view. We landed and took a much attention. The fact that it pre- of the swell as I was hoping to throw wander along the beach looking back cluded any normal conversation was myself into some challenging condi- toward the Prom. The skies were blue found to be a source of amusement, tions. and the water was clear, we could at least by me anyway. I found myself Well as it turned out I may not have been in Queensland for all I turning it up just that little bit more have gotten any more experience with knew! After a quick look around we just to watch the reaction. big waves that morning but what I were back in our yaks and paddling did get was a lesson in paddling in around the island taking in and mar- tides. Staying out in the deeper water, veling at its intricate rock formations. we made the most of the tidal move- One last look an we were off to visit ment. Paddling with Terry, Steve and Granite rock. Tony was like paddling with an ency- As we drew closer to granite rock, clopedia of kayaking! Rarely was a it became apparent why it appeared conversation had where I didn’t learn white. It was home to hundreds of something. Steve was still looking out sea birds. Great Pacific Gulls and cor- for that ever-elusive sail friendly wind morants adorned every possible posi- but he was to be disappointed once tion of the rock with their nests. We again! meant them no harm as we glided With the influence of the tides no past their home but they weren’t too longer noticeable, we continued our pleased to see us nonetheless. The oc- paddle along the coast. Lighthouse casional Pacific Gull saw fit to fly out point could be seen in the distance. and swoop us. Cooking up a storm ... It was mentioned that it would make We said our goodbyes to Granite a great stop for lunch on the way rock and set a course back to our In the evening we planned the back, weather dependent of course. camp site. Steve got a little excited next section of our trip. Johnny Soon we were experiencing the slog when a tail wind briefly appeared. Souey beach was our next destina- of Three Mile Beach and I was re- Desperate to try out his new sail be- tion. It was discussed that an outgo- minded that Five Mile Beach (fur- fore the Tassie trip he wasted no time ing tide would be advantageous while ther south) seemed to go on for even in hoisting his latest pride and joy, we paddled north and then around longer, go figure! only to find a wind change foiled his the northern tip of the prom and back We rounded the northern point plans. Secretly, hoping for no tail south down the east coast. The aim of Johnny Souey beach and landed winds since I was the only person was to be as far south as possible, at the southern end, well ahead of without a sail! away from the influence of an incom- schedule and in time for lunch. The Back at camp and our conversa- ing tide before the tide changed. It beach landing was a non-event with tion was centered around what we was decided that a 6:30 am start on barely 1 foot waves. I’d had an ab- had seen on our island visit and the the water would give us the best op- solute ball but after 20 km of pad- amazing birdlife. However it wasn’t portunity with the tides. From a per- dling it was still nice to get out and long before all our paddling caught sonal point of view, I was learning stretch my legs. We scouted around up with us and our attention turned to just how much we (as kayakers) plan for the best camp spot and location diner and meal preparation. In terms our trips around the tides and (natu- for our communal kitchen. There was of equipment, it seemed that every- rally) the weather. With less than 12 no signs of life. In fact the beach one who had a sail on their kayak, months of kayaking experience, it was was ours for the taking and remained also had a Trangia! I’ve been hik- occurring to me how much I had un- that way for the two days we stayed.

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 26 SeaTrek 85 Club Life

It was everything you would expect backwards inside a cave! to see in a postcard, clear blue wa- OK, it got the better of me and I ter, clean uninhabited beach, Rabbit had to have a go. What an amazing Island in the distance, kayaks in the experience. The swell echoed inside background and four dudes hanging as the cave opened up behind me. It out in a makeshift camp kitchen com- went in a lot further than I was pre- plete with drift wood. pared to go but hey I went in, I did it. In any case if I didn’t have a go then it would have eaten me for the rest of the trip! I find it’s often a fine line be- tween stupidity and challenging your- self. While I certainly don’t want to be the recipient of a Darwin award, how am I supposed to improve if I’m Me rock-gardening always in my comfort zone! Paddling with Terry, Steve and Tony, who are After a short paddle past rabbit Grade 3 paddlers presented the best rocks we rounds the point and landed environment to safely challenge my- on the northern end of Five Mile self; these opportunities don’t often Beach. After a quick visit of the camp- come along. ing spot and a wade in the creek we Still buzzing from my cave expe- were off once again. From here we rience, we continued on, back to the Jonny Souey camp kitchen headed to Rabbit Island via the rabbit beach we first saw. Sheltered from the rocks. prevailing conditions, the beach was We pulled our gear out of the We passed through the gap in rab- very calm and landing was once again kayaks, set up camp (Steve got the bit rocks and on the other side, three a non-event. First impressions were of best spot) and got ourselves orga- seals lounging on their bellies greeted an island without much animal activ- nized for lunch. The rest of the day us. Fins in the air like they just didn’t ity but a closer look revealed it was was pretty cruisey, the other three care! host to large colony of penguins. lounged on the beach with a good The west facing side of Rabbit Is- After lunch we headed back to book, I lay in my tent listening to the land had a beach approximately 50m camp. All in all we covered about ocean before succumbing to an after- long but before landing we paddled 12Km today, this gave me plenty of noon nap. around the island. The eastern side time for some R&R. It was time for a was as beautiful as it was rugged. swim. Anyone interested in rock gardening The afternoon gave way to Day 3 would find it a delight. The swell evening and the end of another day was just enough for me to present was near. Tomorrow we would head The third day was a pretty easy day a challenge but not feel as though I of to Snake Island leaving this par- incorporating a trip out to Rabbit was risking life and limb. Having said adise beach camp. I’m really going to Rocks, northern end of 5 mile beach, that, a bit further on and we were re- miss this place. lunch at Rabbit Island and return. warded with a magnificent sea cave. After a lazy morning we left out We all propped just outside and af- Day 4 camp at around 10:00am paddling ter a bit of chit chat, Terry decided to south and hugging the coast nice and paddle in for a closer look. The cave Next morning we were abuzz with ac- close. The sandy beach once again would not have been any wider than tivity. After breakfast we all began to gave way to granite boulders en- maybe 2 metres so reverse parking pack our kayaks once again. It didn’t crusted with barnacles and kelp. The was the way to go. The cave went in seem to matter how much time I al- swell wasn’t massive but it was a little a lot further than I could see and soon located to this activity, I could never bigger than the previous days. Terry, Terry was all but a silhouette. Before beat the others! With most of my food Tony and Steve took some enjoyment long Steve and Tony decided to ex- consumed and only about five litres in getting in nice and close with some plore the cave too and then came the of water left, packing really should rock gardening. Personally, I strug- inevitable question, “what about you get easier and quicker. It just seems gled to judge just how close to get be- Simon?” Well at first I wasn’t keen. that the hatches in my kayak shrink fore being washed up on the rocks but The swell inside the cave made things towards the end of a trip! after some playing around I was get- very interesting. I wasn’t keen on the Routine is definitely the key to be- ting better. idea of catching a wave and surfing ing organized and the only way to

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 27 SeaTrek 85 Club Life achieve that is to do lots of trips. der to do this. Island. This was definitely the case with meal We landed one at a time and in Apart from the miggies, it was a preparation too. Terry, Steve and the end we all made it through un- nice spot to camp. We were only a Tony had their nice, neat ground scathed. Playing in the waves had few feet from the water and so trans- sheets with everything they needed built a healthy appetite so I was starv- ferring gear was pretty easy. for their meals. While I too had my ing. Lunch was looking good. ground sheet, I found I had stuff ev- After 45 minutes or so at Light- erywhere. I must have been a con- house point we departed for Snake Is- Day 5 stant source of amusement. No won- land. We passed the northern tip of der they were keen for me to come Wilsons Prom and there was a stiff In the morning we were heading back along! SSE wind from the rear. The other to Port Welshpool, not much more It wasn’t long before we were all three couldn’t get their sails up quick than a 15 minute paddle. I couldn’t kitted up and ready to go. A cou- enough. I’d dodged a bullet so far but believe how quick these five days had ple of the others were performing last not this time. With no sail I really had gone. I was amazed at how much minute adjustments on their (yet to to pull my finger out. kayaking experience I had gained in be used) sails. I saw it as an oppor- these five days. As a newbie, I would tunity to have a play in the waves. never have been able to achieve this The swell was up a little; certainly on my own. My club fees paid for it- the highest so far on the trip and it self many times over. Furthermore, produced some nice breakers just off due to the nature of the trip, I was shore. I was keen to catch a wave or able to successfully demonstrate my two. Soon enough we were all out ability and competency required for a catching waves, it seemed as though level 1 paddler. I left as an ungraded none of us were in a hurry to leave. paddler and came back as a Grade 1 By this time I’d caught a few waves and got to see some of the best kayak- and was getting a bit cocky with my ing places in Victoria. bracing techniques. It was then that I completely underestimated a wave and it got the better of me. Over I went! Did I mention that I’m yet to master rolling? I let my kayak go and Rafting up to Snake Island it caught a wave back to the beach, I was forced to do the walk of shame to We were half way across to snake recover it. Island in the channel when the oth- The swell was up and it was pro- ers must have taken pity on me as we ducing some entertainment. Catching all rafted up under sail. Now that’s waves made up a good part of the trip what I call kayaking! Time for a well to Snake Island we must have spend earned rest and a drink. We contin- the entire length of Three Mile Beach ued this for about 15 minutes before doing just this, which made the seem- breaking off and paddling again. The ingly endless beach pass by just that channel between Snake Island and bit quicker. We all gathered at Light- Little Snake Island seemed to take for- I couldn’t believe how quick these five days house Point with the intention of a ever to get to. Eventually, in what had gone beach landing for lunch, a nice surf seemed an eternity we made our final break needed to be negotiated in or- camp site next to the jetty on Snake

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 28 SeaTrek 85 Club Life

Red Eye launch Jan 2016

Ben Flora Paddling Red–Eyed

The idiom “Red Eye” is usually used VSKC AGM, having sat next to An- self being one, on a particular paddle. for late night flights. The Red Eye drew Campbell, one of the Red Eye More about this later. paddle can be seen as just that. Some leaders on the Saturday night pro- I have been paddling around in getting up at 4.30am to make it to gram. I heard that it is for the the bay for a while in smaller craft, so the waters edge by the 6am start. hard core with a strong pace cover- paddling wasn’t new to me. But tak- I started going to the Red Eye pad- ing about 14kms. Later, I found out ing my regular 6km paddle to a 14km dles shortly after the Cape Patterson that they do look after stragglers, my- one was something that played on my

c Victorian Sea Kayak Club – http://vskc.org.au 29 SeaTrek 85 Club Life mind, could I hack it? What would and square, not ideal for challenging vous exhaustion to complete my most happen if I got too tired? What if it conditions. challenging Red Eye to date. Without was too rough? Well the only way to I needed a little help keeping the support of Peter and the paddling find out is to get out there and give it my nose straight just getting off the group I wouldn’t have been able to a go. beach. Then it was an adrenaline rush complete this one. My first paddle was from Ricketts as I pumped through the waves. This It’s now February and it’s dark at Point south to Mordialloc. There was time we paddled north towards San- 6am so another adventure awaits as I about 14 of us on this day, which as dringham Yacht club. I was fretting learn to paddle in the darkness with I found out later was a large num- having to paddle sideways to the large lights. ber for the Red Eyes. I have been at- waves, but managed to head north The Red Eye is a great way to tending the Red Eyes most weekends with the group. It wasn’t long before get experience in a lot of different for the last 3 months. The numbers I ran out of energy and started to fall and challenging kayaking conditions, are usually from 6 to 10. We trav- back. I struggled to get to Half Moon and if the opportunity presents itself, elled the hypotenuse of the triangle Bay. learn to push oneself beyond your to get to ‘Mordie’ pier, cutting across We paddled around the Cerberus own expectations. It’s a great way to the deeper water. It wasn’t a calm with following seas, had a rest and mix with interesting, supportive, like day, blowing about 15kts with a bit then had to paddle back out through minded people, stay fit and enjoy the of chop, just on the edge of white– the waves. It was too much for me as marvels of nature. There is always capping. Enough of a challenge for it seemed I was gaining centimetres some sea life to see, and the scenery me on my first Red Eye. heading back out through the waves. is stunning, watching the sunrise over On the water I met another rela- I was ready to throw in the towel and the bay lifting the fog and turning the tively new sea kayak paddler to the beach it half way through. I men- soft blues and greys of the twilight Red Eye, Stephen, it was great to dis- tioned this to a few other paddlers. It zone into the reds and oranges of the cuss how we found our boats and was at this point when, Peter Costello early day is breathtaking. Isn’t this what we have learned to date as we the other Red Eye paddle leader came why we love our kayaking? pushed through the 14 kms bobbing to help. up and down. On the way back we He talked me up and said that it We are usually back on land be- hugged the coast passing the Parkdale will be easier if I can just make it tween 8 and 8:15am, followed by a Yacht club and then cut north west to out past the rocks and head south. coffee or brekkie at the Richetts Point Ricketts Point just before reaching the His support did the trick. As we cafe. What a great way to start the Mentone Surf Life Saving club. I man- pushed south Peter was close by and weekend. aged to complete my first Red Eye all he taught me the brace stroke. A in tact. What a relief. stroke where you lean into the wave During these three months I have and hold the paddle on the face of also learnt that the Red Eye paddlers the wave forming a solid stable tri- go out in all conditions day and night. angle, between your blade, your boat People are free to come and have a and the face of the wave. It was a look but if it’s too rough sit out and new sensation for me to feel this sta- meet up for the coffee and cama- bility in rough conditions. I could feel raderie afterwards. the water moving under the blade as Having paddled a few more week- I held it still on the face of the rising ends where it was nice and flat I came wave. to a Red Eye where the swell was Just after learning this technique BIG. At least BIG for me. Unfortu- a nice big wave started to lift my nately this day I forgot my paddle and boat. I planted the brace as the wave was lucky enough to borrow an emer- moved under me and to my delight I gency paddle so I could get out on the slipped down the back without learn- Heading into the twilight zone water. I thought the worst that could ing how to see the world from under happen was for me to get blown back the water. Yay, I learnt a new tech- onto the beach. The blade was small nique and pushed myself through ner-

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Sorrent Circuit 27 Dec 2015 — Plot by Richard Rawling

Laureen Knight Paddling, Peddling and Puddling — A Newbie on the Sorrento Circuit

Me? What an exhilarating and scary life of any sort has had a strong ap- thought, at the same time! peal. What me? I always relish any opportunity to Kayaking came my way in late be on the water, and sea water prefer- teens, when on a camp. Since then, I You mean, I can actually have a go ably. As a regular visitor to the Morn- and my family, have hired kayaks reg- at paddling out in Port Phillip Bay ington Peninsula from a young age, ularly over the years. We also owned doing the iconic Sorrento Circuit? and later in life, Yamba, N.S.W., beach a Canadian canoe, but living in the

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Dandenongs and raising young chil- friend, created a stronger urge to find and guidance, I came away hooked dren, did not create good use of the something outside, which will main- even more. Oh, what fun. Oh, wait, boat. tain fitness. How could all those peo- there’s more ... One year, while camping on the ple find it ‘enjoyable’ to repeatedly do To be able to kayak in winter too, Clarence River, in Yamba, I decided the same workout s, with the most meant more requirements. More gear, to take a paddle in the canoe to go miserable looking faces? Not for me! better kayak! What? I just bought fishing. My family were all happily So, what activity can I do, which one kayak. How can I tell my family I occupied at camp, so why not push will carry me through my senior ‘need’ another kayak, already? out into the middle of the river and years, to maintain a level of healthy After some caution, many ques- find those elusive fish? I was to- fitness? What can I do that is out- tions and research, here I am pad- tally enthralled with the experience, doors, requires no money every time dling a sea kayak and a member of the and took my time. Eventually, I be- I do it, and doesn’t require bookings VSKC! gan to paddle back to camp, only and appointments? — That was my It has been a pleasure, and scary, to find that my husband had sought big question. It took a few months of as I learn to paddle correctly. I had no out the camp manager to come look- pondering. idea there are ‘correct’ paddle strokes ing for me in his motorised boat. I The answer came like a light bulb to learn, and practice and practice. was slightly indignant, but they in- moment . . . it was cycling. (No costs? Paddling in the sea, with the club, sisted I be towed back to camp, as the Ah, well, yes there was an initial out- means dealing with waves! I know, wind was lifting. I hadn’t noticed re- lay). that’s no surprise to anyone reading ally. The entire experience provided All riding events and challenges, this. But some of these waves present a great sense of freedom, peace and over the last decade, have been a de- a few new challenges for a beginner, delight. The Clarence is a wonderful light. Cycling has taught many valu- like me. river to explore, with an exciting rock able lessons, not the least being: en- I found out that sea kayaks do not wall mouth to the sea. (No, I didn’t durance. turn as quickly as smaller boats. head that way! I went towards the in- I found out that you don’t get at- land direction.) But then ... tacked by sharks every time you go Over the years, any opportunity to out in the Bay! be outdoors camping, boating, boo- . . . came the moment when I found I found out that you can get hand gie boarding, water skiing, playing myself in a canoe shop, drooling over injuries paddling! No one told me tennis, all have contributed towards the various boats and thinking: it’s that! a continuous desire to be outside, time I stopped wasting money hiring I found out that the VSKC are a re- rather than inside. kayaks to paddle. It’s time I stopped ally nice bunch of people. puddling around with this. It’s time to I found out . . . that not everyone buy my own boat! in the club is young! A humble ‘sit on top’ kayak. How I found out that they organise a exciting! great AGM week-end too! I think I am My new venture began. But not on the right track, but what an inter- quite how I thought it would. After esting one. regular summer time paddling, I dis- covered greater flexibility, increased On the Sorrento Circuit core strength! And, this aided my cy- cling . . . (high priority)! With minimal sea kayaking experi- Logically, it’s time to stop just sum- ence, I accepted the opportunity, and mer paddling and puddling. It’s time massive challenge, to tackle the pad- to find out how to continue paddling dle in Port Phillip Bay. Out to the right throughout the year! Woo hoo! Fort, across to Mud Island and then Can someone my age start another on to Chinamans Hat to visit the seals, Like a light bulb moment . . . it was cycling hobby? and back to Sorrento. But what if Can someone my age actually ‘do’ ... And what if ... The trip leader I have rarely needed encourage- sea kayaking? (Richard R) assured me that this is ment to be active, but by the ripe Cycling and kayaking ... the per- doable. (I won’t die doing this.) I will old age of 50, I recognised that my fect combination for fitness . . . and be supported by experienced people. body was showing signs of becoming fun! He was right. There were supportive sedentary. It was time to intentionally My first kayak lesson was with and kind people assisting me. (I was focus on something weekly. Rohan Klopfer. (Eastcoast Kayak- the weak link.) Fourteen eager kayak- Six months of gym work with a ing). With his practical knowledge ers ventured out that day.

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The buzz for me was actually sur- when, out of nowhere, we came crossing the Channel requires good viving and arriving, at each planned across a bunch of surf waves, seem- judgement and focus. destination. But, I have to admit, the ingly going in the ‘wrong direction’! The return towards Portsea and trip was a big step and marvellous It was not explained why they went Sorrento, provided a calmer sea to experience. With wind and currents one way, and the general flow of the ease up with. Though I was helped providing challenges, I struggled to waves seemed to travel in a different with some towed sections, the expe- keep up with the main bunch, but direction. Several guys lunged at the rience came to a completion with re- was kindly supported by several guys. opportunity to have a surf, in the mid- lief and joy. I remained upright. I This meant actually being towed in a dle of the Bay! was not eaten by sharks. I actually couple of spots. (I did continue to Mud Island . . . Which isn’t all did arrive at the three planned desti- paddle, but it was a great relief to mud! Not that I explored it all. We nations. And, everyone were still talk- be moved along in those moments. had our lunch on the sandy shores. ing to me, slow though I was. Thank Thanks guys so much!) This was exciting for me. To think, You everyone! You are a pleasure to Arriving at the Fort was stage one. that after all these years of seeing paddle with. What a fabulous site to view and be Mud Island way out there, I was ac- allowed to walk over it! It was built in tually sitting on it, with a bunch of 1880’s to protect the Bay from intrud- people, happily devouring some food. So, what is it like ... ers. It is worth a visit. The challenge (No coffee shops out there though!). there, is to extract yourself from your Next, we were off to Chinaman’s . . . to be a beginner sea kayaker in kayak safely, and climb a vertical lad- Hat. This is an old sea marker, re- the VSKC? der, and return into your kayak, with- vamped, especially to provide 2-star Firstly, scary. These guys like to out capsizing. (Yes, I made it.) accommodation for seals. I was very take on big seas, none of this calm, keen to see them, but ... Could I make flat water stuff! They like adventure. it? We were now heading towards the So do I, but being battered by waves, lower part of the Bay where the in- and currents, and wind, all going in coming tide decided to come our way, the wrong direction? Crikey mate! accompanied with the wind, coming I have not given up though. I may our way. This is not a good set up not ever gain great speed, but I aim for a beginner kayaker! That is, when to improve in strength and skills, to I found that I was tiring and getting enjoy the whole adventure! slower and slower. A big thank you to the VSKC Mem- To be able to venture to these lo- bership Officer Richard R awling who cations, we had to cross the south has been an encouragement, providing channel twice. This is an interest- me with advice and guidance since I ing event, as it is necessary to com- first contacted him early in the year. A mit to the crossing with an element of big thank you to Rohan Klopfer for his speed. Something I left behind some- on-going encouragement and knowl- Mud Island — no coffee shop! where. It is evident, that ships which edge! And thank you to all in the Club appear to be a long way off in the whom I have met and shared the joy of The experience and enthusiasm distance, can suddenly appear a lot kayaking with! of many paddlers was demonstrated closer, within a short time. Therefore,

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Left: Werriby South / Port Arlington (plot by RR) — Right: the pod leaving Port Arlington (GB)

Gayle Burke My First Day Trip with the VSKC

Werribee South to Portarlington and re- waves spread out a bit, but we still quite a lot of fishermen and families turn, Sunday, 21st February, 2016, ca had 2 foot waves coming sideways on the beach. 35km. Participants: Gayle B (Mirage 530), at us. Pleased that I had managed A rest stop to drink and refuel Helmut H (Epic 16x), Peter N (Nordkapp), to stay upright in the messy waters around the half way mark allowed Richard R (Rockpool Taran — trip leader), of the sandbar, with no real idea me to notice that conditions were im- Roger B (Nadgee Solo), Matt T (Seabird). of how to tackle them, I was feel- ESE 10kts in the morning, some minor proving, with just a nice gentle swell ing pretty confident until a couple chop, dropping off to almost flat conditions rolling in from the east. in the early afternoon. of steep waves in a row managed Approaching the Portarlington to dump a lot of water in my lap. jetty, some went left around the jetty, Amazed that I was still upright, I and some of us went under it, where Under the watchful eye of trip leader pushed on a bit more confidently. Roger managed to catch an unseen Richard, our small group set out from Richard decided we would do bet- fishing line. I was amused to see that Werribee South in conditions that ter to head a little more east, to make fisherman was so annoyed that he fol- were a little more challenging to me the going easier, and then head back lowed us all the way in to the beach than the forecast had lead me to be- with the waves into the beach at Por- where we had landed, just to tell us lieve. tarlington. Seemed like a good idea what he thought! Accompanied also by Peter, who to me, as full on side waves are not A short lunch break saw us saying was doing a one way trip, Helmut, greatly to my liking. goodbye to Peter, whose wife had met Roger and Matt, I tried to calm my Those early few kilometres were him at Portarlington, to spend the day nerves and headed straight into the the most challenging conditions I in the local area. heavy chop over the sandbar, and out have paddled out in the Bay, as I do Feeling refuelled and refreshed, into Port Phillip Bay, with a plan of most of my paddling solo, and I was the remaining five of us headed back heading straight across to Portarling- really pleased that I hadn’t disgraced into tranquil green waters, all the way ton, visible in the distance. myself in the nasty conditions on the back to Werribee South, a very pleas- Once clear of the sandbar the sandbar, where I was still in view of ant and easy paddle.

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It took us around 2 hours 45 min- trip, where I raised my personal bar Everyone was very helpful and of- utes to do the 16km trip each way, just a little. It has given me the confi- fered advice and encouragement all with a pretty consistent speed the dence to be a little more adventurous the way. whole time. when I go out on the Bay by myself, I look forward to my next big ad- Upon nearing Werribee South always keeping in mind my relative venture on the water with a lot more Roger, Helmut and Matt did a few inexperience. confidence successful rolls which impressed me. Thanks to Richard for allowing That’s next on my “learn to do” list! me, an ungraded newbie to sea For me this was a very successful kayaking, to accompany the group.

Peter Wilson Rescue Training at Barwon Heads

On a mild Sunday morning, 14 Feb then divided the group for some one– one on one towing, trying forwards 2016, I met with seven other club on–one practice, swapping partners and backwards tows from bank to members for some Basic Rescue train- to broaden our experience with differ- bank across river current. With every- ing lead by VSKC instructor John E ent boats and bodies. one starting to get a little peckish the at Barwon heads. After introductions After regrouping we moved onto group split again to explore the ad- and a briefing we jumped in our boats options should the heel hook fail or vantages and disadvantages of multi for a quick warm up paddle to find the rescuee is injured or incapaci- paddler V and inline tows. These some deeper water out of the main tated, including the scoop and Hand group tows culminated in a 3 tower, 3 river current and start some flat wa- of God rescue. Thanks to Andrew for towee convoy under the bridge which ter demonstrations. donating his body to the cause while was a great demonstration of com- We soon settled upstream of the John demonstrated different grips, pensating for current and the length bridge in what was still lovely warm weight and body placements. During of tow to ensure the tower’s don’t pull water, this was comforting because I’d all this the wind had come up and the towee’s into obstacles (bridge py- volunteered for the first swim. John it was time for another quick warm lons). It was also a good opportu- took us through a thorough demo of up paddle back under the bridge for nity for Helmut to practice some ‘tow the heel hook rescue, paying particu- more one on practice of the scoop res- rolling’. lar attention to the order of tasks, im- cue. After a much needed lunch and portance of speed, efficiency and talk- We then began some basic towing hot coffee break several of us ven- ing through the rescue with clear vo- training with John offering appraisals tured out for a very short surf session cal instructions to the rescuee. We and advice on our various tow line set where I got to put my rescuee skills discussed and explored variations of ups, describing the advantages and quickly back into practice after falling the rescue and worked through op- disadvantages of different clip and out twice in five minutes and so neatly tions to consider when dealing with rope combinations, thick or thin ropes concluded the day as it had began ... different body shapes, weights and or cords, preferred tow points on the with a swim flexibilities, skill levels and exhausted boats and also storage locations on Thanks to John and the experi- or panicking paddlers. We looked at your body or boat. The critical points enced paddlers for running this train- ways to minimise the effort required being the priority of maintaining per- ing and contributing to a fun and very to empty and manipulate the res- sonal safety, ease and efficiency of de- worthwhile practice session. cuee’s boat and, importantly, things ployment and the speed of pack up to consider to ensure our own safety and stowing. before and during the rescue. We We then partnered up for some

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Those Mornings — By Ben Flora

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