THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW SEA CLUB ISSUE 99 | DECEMBER 2015

RnR 2016 REGISTER NOW!

ALSO INSIDE ✓✓Part II Beach Systems ✓✓ the Cocos ✓✓Our N.S.W. Challenge Continued

Hawkesbury Classic Results and Pictures Front Cover: The start of the This Page: Club members Anne and Bob Cumming did a four day kayak trip Canoe Classic on Saturday 24 October 2015. in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the world’s great safari destinations. Picture taken from a drone by Craig Arthurson of The main dangers were hippos and crocodiles but the many elephants also Forster and printed here with his permission. added to the adventure, especially when the elephants decided to cross the river. They did the trip in 2012 with Kayaktive Adventure Safaris.

NSW Club Inc. CONTENTS PO BOX R1302, ROYAL EXCHANGE NSW 1225 From the President’s Deck 3 The NSWSKC is a voluntary organisation run by members who give their time From the Editor’s Desk 4 freely to the club. Membership is offered yearly. Please see the website for details and application. www.nswseakayaker.asn.au Saltiest Article 4 PRESIDENT: TRIPS CONVENOR: Training Update 5 Campbell Tiley Shaan Gresser RnR 2016 Notice 6 [email protected] [email protected]

Hawkesbury Canoe Classic 8 VICE PRESIDENT: ROCK ’N ROLL COORDINATOR: Magnetic Switch 16 Tony Murphy David Linco [email protected] [email protected] Spraydeck Competition Results 17 Reborn; Building a Kayak 18 SECRETARY/TREASURER: INTERNET COORDINATOR: Alison Curtin Stephan Meyn Elbow Pain in Kayaking 20 [email protected] [email protected]

Beach Systems Part 2 22 TRAINING COORDINATOR: EDITOR: An Anxious Paddler 30 Stuart Trueman Steve Hitchcock [email protected] [email protected] Club Trips Contributions yes please! Salt the magazine of the NSW Sea Kayak Club is published three to four Forster: Best of Both 32 times a year by the NSW Sea Kayak Club. The NSWSKC welcomes articles relating to sea kayaking for Club Trip Tweets 35 inclusion in the Club’s magazine and website. Publication in the magazine and/or website is at the sole discretion of the editor. All articles submitted are subject to review by the editor who reserves the right NSW Challenge 36 to reject or edit material. Please email contributions as Microsoft Word or text files. Images need to be supplied at the highest possible resolution. All material is copyright. The contributor retains underlying NSW Trip 4 37 intellectual property rights in the contribution however the contributor grants the club a global perpetual all-media license to publish the contribution in club communications, including in print and digitally. NSW Trip 3 38 Reproduction in whole or part is strictly forbidden without written permission from the editor, author or photographer. Advertisers must adhere to legal requirements and undertake to indemnify NSWSKC Private Trips against any consequences arising out of their advertisements. For further information contact the editor. in the Cocos Islands 42 All views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Paddling in Skye 44 NSWSKC. IMPORTANT: Please review the Paddler Safety, Required Equipment, Grading System and Club Sea Kayaking in Greenland 48 Calendar sections of the club website.

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT From the 3 President’s Deck

CAMPBELL TILEY

added a few decent scratches to Dave Linco, who will be away my non-plastic vessel as a result paddling in the month immediately of this new-found enthusiasm. In before the event and needs to get One of the most rewarding summary they were a very friendly as much of the organisation as aspects of sea kayaking, from bunch and I owe considerable possible completed in early January. my perspective, is the community return hospitality to my host Dan it engenders. I have referred in Whether you are a crusty long term who provided transport, advice and previous pieces to this brilliant member or a new convert to sea accommodation and and to Bill, a aspect of our own club but was kayaking, RnR is a great opportunity very active west coast sea instructor fortunate a couple of months ago to develop or renew your paddling who lent me a boat and to to be able to join the Bay Area network. Block out the dates in bang on the rocks – favours which I Sea Kayakers, BASK, from San will hopefully have an opportunity to your diary now and I look forward to Francisco at their Rock n Roll repay down under at some stage. catching up on the weekend. equivalent which is an extended New members who have paid their weekend of sea cave, coastal and On the local stage Adrian and pourover padding. They hold the Stuart have continued their assault first membership in the last three event at the same venue each year, on training at all levels in the club months of 2015 do not need to pay based at a National Parks camping and Vice President Tony Murphy again for 2016. Contact a committee area at Mendocino, some 150 miles is continuing his predecessor’s member to sort out next years’ north of San Francisco. Mendocino commitment to contacting new membership out if you are a recent sports an amazing coastline, riddled members and helping them find new member. with complex caves and tunnels and their way to active participation For those of you considering a with a series of rocky outcrops and in Club activities including the northern Queensland trip, very platforms breaking up the incoming coordination of new members’ experienced Cairns based paddler . If you have recently joined swell and providing endless options Tim Trehearn has published a us and need assistance with getting for rock gardening. detailed guide to camping and involved in club activities, please paddling options titled ‘gone for There were a lot of features in contact Tony on vicepresident@ shore’. Copies of this 100 page common with our RnR event nswseakayaker.asn.au or any of with similar numbers and an on the other committee members. And soft cover book are available shore focus on catching up with if you are a long suffering member directly from Tim. I can provide old friends. The atmosphere was and have an idea for a paddle that his email to anyone interested more informal than our RnR with you would like listed and run, please and the facebookers amongst no organised presentations but me or a trip leader that you know of you can find details by searching cocktails with a kayaking theme in your paddling area and hassle us for ‘goneforshore’ on facebook. mixed by a group of members to list the trip. The area is on my agenda for an one night and a ‘pot luck’ where extended trip and my copy of the everyone brings food to share Please renew your Club book will be an invaluable aid in the membership before it expires at the provided great opportunities to planning process. mingle. Given the schizophrenic end of December and register early attitude to helmets on our club for Rock n Roll. Organisation for the See you on the water. paddles (more often in the hatch 2016 Rock n Campbell relishing a than protecting the head as is Roll at Jimmys Beach is well ‘pourover’ paddle at recommended by the Club) it was Mendocino, some 150 interesting to see them universally underway for miles north of San in use. Although the water is cold, a the weekend of Francisco few hardy souls in wetsuits but the 11-14 March. majority in drysuits, there was no The registration shortage of combats rolls, bailouts option will and rescues as paddlers pushed, now be active and found, their limits. The major on the Club downside for me is that I am now website. Please convinced I need another boat – register early to plastic and short to support this assist the RnR close contact with rock. I have also coordinator,

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just this calendar year, writing up each one for Salt. Thanks Lisa and From the Mark! On a practical note, I know many members appreciate the technical Editor’s Desk and personal pieces that appear in the magazine, and in this edition we STEVE HITCHCOCK have excellent contributions from Adrian, Caoimhin, Cathy, Darren, Stuart, Hans and Ruby. These are Belonging to this club has many Highlights in this edition start on all scrutinised carefully by club attributes; paddling in beautiful the front cover. I’m pleased to experts before publication. environments away from the publish what I think is the first maddening crowds, establishing drone photo in Salt, being the So thanks to all who have provided many friendships, health and fitness start of the Hawkesbury Canoe material for this issue. To the many benefits, plus personal challenges. Classic in October. Many thanks others, Salt 100 is just around Our small membership fee provides to Craig Arthurson of Forster for the corner. You’ll need to get in so much enjoyment. So I’ve had supplying his pictures. We have quickly over summer to ensure no qualms about giving something 10 submissions this year including your submission makes it into this back to the club through this editing paddlers and landcrew, their epic milestone edition! stories and impressive results are role. Indeed, it’s been my pleasure And finally a special thanks to Ruby set out within. to turn your moments of kayaking Gamble who turns the stories you pleasure into everlasting memories The private trips of our members submit into the professional artwork through our club magazine. I too continue to amaze me. Lisa before your eyes. Please show urge you to give something back, McCarthy and Mark Dabbs have your appreciation to Ruby and all such as joining new member paddled Greenland, Coco Islands, committee members, when you’re paddles and volunteering to help at Corsica, New Zealand and of enjoying the fruits of their (unpaid) RnR2016. course around ; and that’s labour. Saltiest submission WINNER I’m pleased to announce the of Mark and his allegiance to a winner of the ‘Saltiest Article’ from certain sponsor, than to Cathy’s Salt #98 was one of my most prize being an NRS H2Core shirt. regular contributors and health For anyone looking to buy Cathy fanatic, Cathy Nolan. a Christmas gift, a selfie stick In her last article, Cathy implored springs to mind. us to stay hydrated before, during On behalf of the club and the and after our paddle sessions. magazine, I wish to thank Rob In Rob’s words, “I really think the Mercer and Mark Sundin of issue of hydration needs to be Expedition for donating regularly covered and Cathy’s the shirt. I’ll be in touch with Rob article is very clear and easy to and Mark to determine the winner understand, so we vote Cathy’s from this edition. May the saltiest article as the winner.” submitter succeed! Pictured is Cathy modelling her prize from Mark, in a somewhat www.expeditionkayaks. hurried selfie, which shows more com EXPEDITION KAYAKS Drop in anytime from 0830 3/185 Port Hacking Road, Miranda, NSW 2228 HAS MOVED! to 1800 Monday to Fridays. Phone (612) 9559 8688 or mob 0417 924 478

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 4 5 Training Coordinator Report 2015

STUART TRUEMAN

The training calendar has been Aid Certificate. The response was How do you know if I’m busy with a good variety of less than overwhelming. Note that talking about you, and sessions. We are continuing to without proof that your awards are what can you do about it? provide Sea Skills training as a current, they will be considered to Check out the terrific ‘Basic Skills priority based on the responses be no longer valid within NSWSKC. Training Resources” on the web from club members on what training Thoughts from an site. It has video footage covering was required. We also put on a assessor all the basic strokes and what they few trips last year and this year to should achieve. Get someone to give members the opportunity to I have been assessing Sea film you, then compare your stroke be assessed as Sea Guides. This Skills for long enough to see with the video. It will give you some successful program resulted in four trends. When I started assessing idea what an assessor is looking at new NSWSKC Sea Guides. groups the main difficulty was and what they expect. the roll. Manoeuvring the kayak This year and next the focus will be forward, backwards, round and Practice your ‘off side’. I used to on the AC Instructor Award. Much sideways was generally done with have ‘Left Days’ I would only turn of the training provided will be confidence, although technique using left arm, brace on the left, roll attended and run by those working can always be worked on. The on the left and hold a beer in the towards the AC Sea Instructor roll however was dreaded, and a left hand. I still favour my right side award. As part of the re-vitalisation stumbling block for many trying to in the surf and so make myself use of the NSWSKC instructor base gain Sea Skills. the left when practicing. we are hoping to give Flat Water Instructors the chance to work The ‘Re-enter and Roll’ was Don’t just practice in calm towards the new AC award of regarded as a circus trick to be conditions. When you are paddling ‘Enclosed Sea Instructor’ Award in marvelled at from a distance and with others on a ‘bouncy’ day make 2016. not a real consideration. use of the safety net they provide and work on a few different strokes, As a club we are required to audit Now many being assessed for gain confidence in dynamic water. our members with Sea Leader, Sea Skills turn up with a good roll Not much point a sea kayaker Sea Guide and Instructor Awards. and workable ‘re-enter and roll’. having a sweep stoke that only An email was sent out requesting However the focus having been on works on flat water. evidence that your award is still these manoeuvres may have been current and you have a valid First at the expense of other strokes. In closing, I would like to congratulate those who gained AC awards for Sea Skills over the past few months: David Linco, Steve Hitchcock, and Andrew Hunt. Salt #100

March 2016 will mark the 100th G’day Steve edition of the magazine. We Regarding sponsorship, Hi Steve & Ruby have some ideas to help mark the magazine is looking I am very impressed by the special occasion, but need great and although only a the high quality of the your help. Between now and small readership it is nice magazine, it is a credit to Australia Day, please email the to be associated with it, so the hard work of those editor with your short answers we will be glad to continue. who produce it. to: Cheers, Regards, “What my club magazine means Rob Bill Thompson to me…”

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 DAVID LINCO Rock ’n’ Roll 2016 Friday 11 March to Monday 14 March (4 days/3 nights) Member Registration David Linco will be away in February so would appreciate member registrations for RnR to be predominantly completed in December 2015 and January 2016. If you have not already registered, please do so without delay at the club website. Interstate and Overseas Registration If you are from interstate or overseas and wish to attend, there will be a $10 additional cost to register for temporary membership before you can register for the weekend. Please join as an Interstate Reciprocal Member first, and then register for the RnR 2016 event as normal. Any registration assistance should be directed to our Internet Co-Coordinator at [email protected]

Imagine a slice of the stunning mention the Club to obtain your weekend from Friday 11 through coastline within reach of offshore accommodation discount and late Saturday and Sunday evenings to islands, 50km of dazzling white checkout on Monday. Monday 14 March 2016 to ensure beaches, vast sand dunes and you capture the full range of Our theme for RnR remains to “Get rugged headlands. Not to mention activities and entertainment. Connected” and we look forward the tranquil wilderness of nearby to helping you build new and Jimmy’s Beach is a favorite for lakes joined by river ways to a strengthen old paddling friendships many members, not only for the pristine bay. Sounds like another to keep you on the water range of paddling options but also RnR event? throughout the year. The weekend the very short beach . On the second weekend of March kicks off with the Expedition The core elements of the RnR being Friday 11 to Monday 14 Kayaks’ Beer & Pizza from 5pm formula will remain unchanged March 2016, we are heading on Friday evening and continues being to provide members with to North Coast Holiday Park at through to Sunday evening with the a full weekend of kayaking trips, Jimmy’s Beach. Located in Hawks Pogies (start preparing your kayak training options and plenty of Nest, Port Stephens the park is video submissions) and Naked time for connecting and telling tall only three hours north of Sydney. Paddler (incidents throughout stories. New members will benefit Speak to Susan or Michael at the the year) segment with people significantly from the weekend in Holiday Park at Jimmy’s Beach on departing on Monday. terms of gaining basic skills and 02 4997 0466 to book your cabin linking up with paddling buddies Be sure to block out the full or campsite accommodation and to ensure regular trip options are

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 7 available throughout the year. capacity of only 180 people at • Electrical Load Manager (sparkie) the Golf Club, so please register – Friday and/or Saturday In the spirit of training, a new without delay to avoid missing out. segment alongside the Pogies will • Registration Desk – Friday pm & be introduced next year on Sunday We aim to keep the costs of the Saturday am night titled “Naked Paddler” where weekend low and this would not • Marquee Setup & Pack up Team – we will spend time on “incidents” be possible without the help of Friday am & Monday am business partners. As at the time over the last 12 months. I look • Hospitality Team – Saturday am & forward to hearing first-hand about of writing this article, I would like Sunday am helicopter rides, rock gardening to thank Mark, Rob & Sharon from • Beach Marshall – Saturday am & anguish and surf dumping in Expedition Kayaks for their ongoing Sunday am order to improve our awareness support of RnR since 2007 and of paddling safety. Make sure once again for 2016. Our business • Fundraising BBQ Team – you stay on for Sunday night for partners allow us to raise funds Saturday pm lots of laughs and get involved to through raffle sales, which ensure • Raffle & Surplus Product Sales – win some great prizes, including the weekend remains cost neutral. Saturday pm & Sunday pm several first aid kits. Your involvement as a volunteer • Sat Night Dinner Co-Ordinator – I am pleased to announce our in making the weekend a success Saturday pm next will also be invaluable as the 2016 keynote speaker will be • Audio Visual Setup & Pack up event is fully run by volunteers. Huw Kingston who has a great Team – Sunday pm More hands make light work, so if passion for the outdoors. Huw has you are not leading a trip, please Email me at rnr@nswseakayaker. spent over 30 years completing consider putting up your hand for asn.au if you can assist in any of expeditions involving walking, a few hours for any of the following the above teams and if you don’t kayaking, rowing and cycling in roles; see a role that fits your particular Australia and overseas and will be skillset, we can create one just for sure to entertain at the Saturday • Hospitality & BBQ Shopping – pre you. night dinner at Hawks Nest Golf RnR Club which is within walking • Member Registration Packs – pre I look forward to catching up with distance. We have limited seating RnR you at Jimmy’s Beach.

by the power of human kindness in the mists of time. This group throughout, Huw travelled by sea was renowned for terrorising kayak, foot, and bike before finding holidaymakers along the South himself facing backwards in Mr Coast of NSW in the search for Hops, an ocean rowboat, for a caffeine, camps and massages. couple of months from Tunisia, a The Cruisers were a backlash mode of transport unplanned at against the mythical NSWSKC the start of the journey. Miss Grape Bruisers, a supposedly hardcore was Huw’s companion for five ‘pod’ of crusty, smelly kayakers. In time, as the Bruisers aged and months of the journey. fell apart in internecine beach As a NSWSKC member, Huw wars, many pledged alliance to the HUW KINGSTON founded the Coffee Cruisers back Cruisers.

On 26 April 2014 Huw and his kayak Miss Grape kayaked away from Gallipoli to begin a 12-month journey circumnavigating the Mediterranean. Ultimately mediterrannée would pass through 17 countries and cover 14,000km before Huw returned to Gallipoli 363 days later; two days before the Anzac Centenary. A human powered journey that was touched

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 8

Tony Murphy

An Avocet RM is not the first boat you’d think of for the Hawkesbury. But with time running out and no 39th luck sorting out the seating in my Mirage, I decided I’d have to paddle the boat that I could sit in. Hawkesbury Canoe Classic The Brooklyn or Bust (BoB) group was pretty large (60 kayaks), and when the starters horn sounded 24-25 October 2015 they all took off at a furious pace while I looked around feeling a bit shell-shocked. Pretty soon I was to change that. I even made the dead last, but oh well it’s not a race rookie mistake of going wide on and I just got on with paddling. the turn between N and O thinking There was about an hour and a the river turned the other way. In half of ebb tide to play with, so previous years I have chuckled at I wanted to make the best of it. the inexperience of beginners who After two hours I’d done 17km and take that wrong line. It wasn’t until wasn’t feeling too bad. I passed a I could smell the finish line at Bar few skis in my little plastic Avocet Point that the tiredness lifted and and had a little bit of a giggle. I faked a burst of energy for the By then the tide had turned so I benefit of the crowd. I committed started working hard on finding last year to take this year’s event eddies, and managed pretty well. slightly less seriously and that Got to Sackville in 3:53, which was made the whole experience more about 20 minutes ahead of my John Duffy fun. schedule…maybe my schedule wasn’t right? I found it a bit tougher than usual Highlights were as usual “meeting” and the incoming tide and wind lots of paddlers on the river plus The tide was now in full flood, so I at the 6pm start obviously had the moon, which was a welcome wasn’t in too much of a hurry to get something to do with that as I addition this year. And of course back on the water. But Karen gave figured I paid for it later. I was just doing the HCC is a buzz me dry clothes and soup, restocked extremely tired for the last hour that non-paddlers just don’t quite my boat with food and water and and no amount of music, singing understand. Lowlights? Just so pushed me out into the river again or shouting to myself was going bloody tired, but I’ll be back for #15. in 20 minutes. Now I’m 40 minutes

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 9

ahead of schedule - guess I better up again I’d drifted get on with it! For most of the next a long way off line sector to Wiseman’s I was running (more Z’s on my the numbers in my head and kept GPS record) and concluding that my schedule of wasn’t really sure 3:45 was never going to happen! which way I should Still the flood passed before too be heading. The long and I got to an OK speed, and GPS trace gave then the ebb really got going and me two options I started to fly! Happily made it to … only one of Wiseman’s in 3:55. which was correct! Well I got through Karen and Matt were there this that three or four time – gave me another change of times without clothes and some solid food. Don any mishaps, from the Lane Cove club gave me and I started to a great back massage, then time spark up as some to get at it again. The ebb was still Ruby Gamble light appeared about Bar Point. I belting along and so was I. Made needed my wits about me there as it to Low Tide Pit Stop in two hours It’s a lonely race when you start the tide kicked me wildly sideways and I was pretty chuffed. I was early and paddle fast. I passed and my speed dipped below 4kph. starting to slow down, but didn’t most of the Brooklyn or Bust crew Well, just gotta slug it out now. really feel the tide against me till by Sackville and was mostly on my Sackville. I had a quick food stop Through Milson’s Passage and I own for the remaining 70km of the on the water and my GPS trace could see the lights of Peat’s Ferry race. showed me going backwards about Bridge. Wasn’t quite sure where to I had a good ride from my start at 300m – not really what you want! look for the finish, but it appeared 4.15pm, but a strong headwind From there it was quite a struggle. of its own accord soon enough. ensured I didn’t do as good a time The moon had finally left us, though Finished! The last 11km from as I had planned. Just metres short there was still enough starlight to Spencer had taken me 2½ hours, of Sackville (literally), I fell out of see, and there was some really so I was very glad to call it a day. my kayak when a Maritime boat spectacular phosphorescence. I 5:34 from Wiseman’s and 14:07 all created wash just as I hit the strong was fading though, and having up. But I felt pretty good –and still eddy on the Sackville corner. A yawning fits that had my eyes good the next day, which amazed stronger than expected flood tide closed and head hanging back for me. Reckon I’ll be back … with a made sure I had a slow run from a minute at a time. When I’d look faster boat and a rudder next time. Sackville to Checkpoint H, then I cruised all the way from there Opposite top left: NSWSKC Happy Participants and Crew – to Checkpoint P (just before Bar before they started, photo by editor Below: “That’s it, I’m never Point) at 11-12 km/hr. paddling again” said Tony Murphy, photo by Karen Darby I kept stops at both Sackville and Wisemans to five minutes each, but had to stop five minutes at Low Tide Pit Stop as I was falling asleep. Someone held my boat quietly in the dark and the mud while I closed my eyes for a minute and had some food. I slowed down over the last 5km as the tide turned, but had made up enough time to arrive on target at 3am, finishing in 10 hours 48 minutes and within an hour of the record. I was the fastest single female paddler on the night, and may have been seen doing a fist pump at Mooney Mooney!

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lurches into double figures. enjoying the spectacular light show For me this was about an in the water from the bioluminescent hour from my planned stop at algae that lit up the blackwater. Wiseman’s Ferry, so by the Paddling real hard over the last 3km time I skidded onto the astro turf lining the boat ramp I was I was going just 7.6kmh in a ski well feeling pretty cheery. A quick capable of going 13kmh, so the poor stretch, beanie on, and after buggers behind me must have had a seven minute rest I had the a very hard run home. balletic and quite wet David Little for company as we both I crossed the line in 10hrs 43mins, chugged out of the lights and some 16 minutes outside my best headed for home. time in last year’s race, but last By now the tide was really year I had a lot of training under humming and I was clipping my belt, in a boat that is probably a it along, bang in the middle of little bit faster, in an easier tidal year the river, lining up the turns (this year I had 4hrs 30min with the easily in the glow of a very tide, last year 5hrs 30mins). Even bright moon, probably as though it wasn’t my fastest, I reckon Mark Sundin perfect a set of conditions you could ever hope to paddle in this it was the best I’ve ever paddled in The start was somehow even race. I caught Rodrigo after an hour a Classic. It just goes to show how more furious than other years, and & gave him a wash riding tutorial silly it is to compare one Classic to despite having the experience to on the go, which he took on board, the next if you’re looking for a good know that I shouldn’t be chasing slipped his Taran onto my wash and time. We might get better, fitter, or the K2 down the river, I couldn’t hung around with me for a good worse, but no river is ever the same resist and whistled through the first hour chatting away in his South 10km of slack water in under an American lilt. He went on to do twice, right? hour. The tide then turned and by 11.30 in his first Classic, not bad for a guy who can really hang one in a the time the sun set, I was down to Top left: Mark Sundin 7.8kmh and seriously contemplating mean sea, and only started paddling with mum Suzanne, photo by editor; pulling the pin at Sackville, the a year ago. Below: Neil Duffy and daughter landcrew Megan, photo by editor 30km checkpoint. It just seemed too Just at the point I was early in the tide cycle to be going starting to fatigue, a big old so slow, and I surmised that maybe OC6 loomed behind me, and spending the Thursday night before I took my chance to glide the race enthusiastically catching onto their slipstream and up with my old Randwick mates hitch a good thirty minutes until 3am was biting me on the up the line as they powered bum. Whilst I usually whizz past the through the night. Six man Sackville stop, a little smug that I paddling does look like fun, don’t have to stop there, this year I gotta give it a whirl one pulled in, disconnected my knot of day...! goo and drinking tubes, and stood in the mud. I stretched my legs, my As the last big turn loomed, back, looked around at everyone the head tide returned with a punch, however the bright welcoming their paddlers ashore full night made it a little easier of smiles and cheers, and decided to get out of the full flow and to truck on after two minutes feeling catch a few eddies going my very sorry for myself. way. The last bit of the race Inevitably in this race, if you can just has been a painful one over tough it out, the tide turns and you the years, but Saturday night start to feel better as the resistance with no goal time I just took on your stroke eases and the GPS it all in, alone for once and

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 11

without incident and then the tide making for a great ride through to started to ebb making for a quick the finish. 9+ km/hr across the last trip into Wisemans. By this stage 2-3 kms to the finish line was the problems with my right shoulder fastest I went for the whole event. were messing with my enjoyment of the moment. However a couple A moving average of 6.8 km/hr of neurofen, some hot food and a and overall average of 5.9 km/hr quick visit to the physio tent soon resulted in a 16hr 58 minute time, had me back in the boat, albeit at slower than last year by almost an the cost of nearly an hour which I hour however I finished and was hadn’t planned on. able to walk. Two out of three isn’t bad in my book. Five days later and From Wisemans the plan was to the shoulder is feeling good, no go all out and use as much of the damage and I have recovered well Colin Melrose ebb tide as I could. That worked for everywhere else. This was my second HCC. I came a while but then it turned again so back this year with my trusty it was back to hugging the banks, And next year? I will be back. It’s in plastic Boreal P200 with the goal of trying to pick up the eddies and the diary and there is a plan; more finishing, being able to walk and go nursing my sore shoulder as best I training (at least two months), book a little quicker than the first attempt. could. With the tide flooding again it a massage for the day before the Oh, and to enjoy the ride as well. became mind over matter. race and a physio appointment for Despite that it was a beautiful night. the Monday afterward. See you In the months leading up to the big there! night a combination of too much An almost full moon made the work, family needs and problems navigation easy and contributed finding a landcrew meant I did not to the scenery, warm water, finally commit to the event till mid- fish jumping, pleasantly cool air September. I managed a 25+km temperature, small patches of sea paddle in early October then headed mist, light winds and calm water. off to China for an 8-day business When the sun came out I was well trip returning three days before the past the Low Tide Pit Stop and start. Hardly ideal preparation. making for Milsons Passage. So it was with some trepidation I The tide turned again as I entered lined up at 4:00 pm for the start. The Milsons Passage around 0750 first half of the leg to Sackville went by pretty quick and I was happy Above: John Hutchinson with partner and landcrew Michelle, photo by editor Below: The finish line on Sunday morning. with my progress. However when Photo printed with permission from Craig Arthurson the tide turned, the 20km progress slowed considerably. I narrowly avoided getting wet while waiting for the . Two young guys with no plan to stop for the ferry ran into me from behind, turning my boat 90 degrees across the path of a second boat which rode up and almost right across my foredeck. A narrow escape, which got the adrenalin pumping. Around the corner at Sackville, Junya, my landcrew had everything organised so after a 30 minute stop for food and to check my rudder, it was back in the boat and onwards, still into the flood tide. Checkpoints E, F and G went by

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 12

Left: Rodrigo Matamala with landcrew Lambrini and Mark Hempel with landcrew Bohan, photo by editor

Right: The price of a good landcrew. Bohan getting amidst highway central for the David Linco perfect shot of Mark at Cattai, photo by This was a far cry from my paddling David Linco intention to smash the sub 12hr mark in this year’s Hawkesbury Classic. My preparation had been going well until Friday afternoon; my boat was loaded, nutrition prepared Mark Hempel but with a growing itching sensation winter through to October. in my eye. Next morning after an Three was a recurring theme this Come race day I was completely early GP visit, I knew my hopes for a year for my Hawkesbury Canoe happy with all aspects of my personal best were dashed. Classic campaign: preparation. In a way all to be done With my designer eye patch in now was the easy bit, paddle 100km > It was to be my 3rd time to place, I drove out to Windsor on as quick as I can! compete in the event. Saturday morning for lunch duty but The gun fired at 5pm to start the still with my landcrew & father in > It was to be the 3rd time I raced in law Ron in tow, just in case my luck a different class in a different boat. MRec Vet40+ category, one crazy guy took off as if the finish was at changed. I joined Mark (Blowfly) > It was the 3rd time I have had a Windsor bridge! (He ended with Hempel and Rodrigo (Bubba) new landcrew assist me, hopefully a 9:40ish time) Myself an SLR-1 Matamala and their landcrew Bohan this time they do not miss my finish and a Flash formed the top four of (B1) & Lambrini (B2) to set up and for the third time too! our start and we stayed together prepare. B1 & B2 were busy helping boat setup and paddler comfort, until Sackville. We all knew what I also had a secret goal to finish in so I set up the marquees and fired the tides were going to do between the 3rd hour of the new day! up the BBQ to keep the troops Sackville and Wisemans so it was nourished. Having now resigned Even though I was to compete for important to get a wash ride to ease to not paddling this year and given the 3rd time there was still quite a the agony. I arrived at Wisemans that B1 and B2 were new landcrew lot of “new-ness” about this attempt on track for my sub 11hr goal. (as was I?), I decided to join and I was really excited, looking Leaving Wisemans I was held at the forward to it. them through the night becoming Webb’s Creek ferry, this was to be Landcrew for Landcrew (L4L). My sea kayak, a Rockpool TARAN a blessing. A ski pulled up. I wash 18’ was to be my ride. I had been rode this guy on a Think Uno Max Once Blowie and Bubba had raced paddling this boat for six months racing ski from there to well past the off, our next stop was Cattai for and was still in many ways adjusting Spencer check point. He was really an encouraging wave. B1 led the to it. tough to hold, and he pulled away vehicle convoy followed by B2 and with two checkpoints to go. I just L4L close behind. At Cattai, we Given that I could leave home and snuck through the Pass as the tide proceeded down a steep descent be on the water under Silverwater went slack and scored another ride onto a sandy beach about 200m Bridge (on the Parramatta River) off a passing double to the finish before the official checkpoint. It was within 5 minutes, this would be the line. I set a new PB of 10hrs 21min still early so we enjoyed the cool place for my intensive training. The water and practised shouting and 03sec, in the 3rd hour of the new 20km return trip from Silverwater dance moves to the many passing day. Bridge to Gladesville Bridge was paddlers and blaring kayak music. an early morning Sunday ritual I am happy it is over for another B1 was keen to capture the perfect extending from the cold months of year. fly by shot so stripped off to capture

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 13

the moment snapping off some By this time, B2 was ready for her beauties as the paddlers raced by. time to shine. After observing the B2 refrained from such behaviour challenges at the last two stops, she and instead encouraged B1 to was down at water’s edge reserving remain in the paddling danger zone a landing spot for her paddler with long enough for Bubba who was not gear bag over her shoulder. Bubba far behind. was sighted approaching fast and the cheering began, Bubba passed by Anticipating shuttle delays to and disappeared into the darkness, Sackville beach we decided to without stopping. B2 was left set up early. The road was very pondering the meaning of landcrew well signposted. The race plan for with the only comment from Bubba Sackville was a re-fuelling stop for being “Meet at End and When did he Blowfly and a fly by for Bubba. My pass?” We decided to push on. suggestion of a new improved mix of cider infused nutrition mix was The Wisemans to Brooklyn leg frowned upon. of the paddle can be tough. Not only is the paddler tired, but it gets Ian Vaile With Blowie in sight, B1 leapt lonely with very long stretches towards the beach providing an between other paddlers. The drive Was that really my right rudder overall changeover under three from Wisemans to Brooklyn is just pedal breaking off? Here? Four minutes before pushing him out to as bad. Being tired, sleepy and kilometres upstream from Low Tide “get back to work”. Bubba was not still a good 6-8 hrs before a much- Pit Stop, with another twenty to go far behind and clearly recognisable welcomed bed, the long & windy after that? in the quickly fading light with roads seem to never end. In truth, Yep, the pedal has definitely gone. the high angle stroke and strong the alternate route via Pennant Hills After over seventy kilometres, tired, cadence. B2 was on her feet, would be much more comfortable. aching, full of self-pity, I have to do cheering him on and ready for an With Blowie sighted, we were the remaining twenty-odd km of unplanned pit stop. His only words energised from our slumber and winding curves, tides, eddy currents as he flew by were ‘When did he go rushed to help him exit his boat after and crosswinds, only able to turn by?”. We were left pondering the untangling his water lines. After one way. Edging a rudderless meaning of this question though getting him seated in a comfortable Mirage after that long in the seat is anyone who knows Bubba knew camp chair, the crew washed down like turning a church. A long night it was in reference to his paddling the boat, packed away wet gear, just got longer. nemesis, Blowfly. loaded the boat and shoved him a This was never going to be a Being overly diligent and highly bacon egg roll and strong coffee. personal best time. My eleventh committed we decided to proceed 20 minutes later, he returned to HCC in twelve years, it was the one straight to Wisemans. humanity and the war stories began. I felt least prepared for physically The Dragon Team featuring Annie With Bubba’s pending arrival and and mentally. A complicated and Sue arrived in record time completion of his first HCC, B2 and busy year personally and and as the ladies stepped out, was awoken and once again on professionally meant my training Owen & Colin demonstrated years standby to greet her paddler. After regime never really got out of its of landcrew skill with a precision 11 hrs of paddling, the high angle slippers. A few dawn paddles up changeover. They even posed for forward stroke remained true and the Lane Cove River (sometimes some happy snaps before setting cadence strong. Bubba paddled in my Dancer, for God’s sake!), a off again. Blowie pulled up shortly in with a beaming smile and was single offshore trip of about 45km, thereafter for re-fuelling and GPS warmly embraced whilst B1 and L4L some weekend paddles around the problems. Whilst B1 did the fuelling, completed the pack down routine. harbour and the daily commute and that was about it. Where were the I was handed the GPS to fix (given The landcrew role is certainly repeated strenuous 40km training it was mine). After some fiddling challenging and left me wondering paddles of yesteryear? Nevermore. around and more luck than anything, which is the tougher deal. Having a the unit was re-set and handed back group to travel with however makes So it was with heightened with B1 pushing his paddler out with it much easier. I for one, plan to be trepidation that I lowered my older- “No time for Chit-Chat, get back to back on the water next year and than-ever backside into the boat on work”. aiming for a personal best. Saturday afternoon, tended by my

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 14

generous landcrew Trine, took up SLR2 and SLR1 and having a short my trusty GP and assumed the encounter with a double canoe position. and the sand bar made sure we stayed awake. Our luck ran out Quick out of the blocks again around checkpoint Q and we again at the start but by 14km I had battled into the tide for the last few drifted to the back of the pack kilometres to the finish. from my starting group. Wasn’t too We finished in 10hrs 29mins and 24 fussed this year, I just wanted to seconds breaking the current record finish in good shape and a not too by 45mins and were the first women appalling time. I was feeling OK as over the finish line. dusk deepened and found myself Owen Walton at Sackville earlier than I expected. (Landcrew for Anne and Sue) The tides were benevolent until well after Wisemans so I didn’t have the This year my good lady wife demoralising slog too early in the Anne Moore completed her 5th night. I found for once I was actually Hawkesbury Canoe Classic. Originally she was going to do it in hungry at Wisemans, usually I feel The “Dragon Ladies” Anne Moore and Sue Smith looking eager to start, photo her pure racing K1, but to help her way too full. Trine fed and watered by Owen Walton friend Sue Smith have crack at the me as I sat in my boat - damned if I Anne Moore Classic, she switched to a double. was getting out! I spent a bit longer Thanks to our mate Jack Ward stationary this year overall, 12 This was my 5th HCC. Every who loaned his awesome, “Double minutes as opposed to seven last year is different and presents new Dragon” (the original SLR2); 7.5 year, but I wasn’t in a rush. challenges and experiences. This metres of clear coated, carbon fibre, year was the first time the moon purpose built racer, they were set. As I headed out from Wisemans I made its appearance for a good The girls became known as the was paced by double loudly playing length of the Classic and was visible “Dragon Ladies”. awful sixties pop (What’s new, at the finish. The next few weeks were spent pussycat, wo-a-wo-a-wo-wo) and I again paddled in the front seat of setting up the boat to suit the girls, every time I managed to put some a SLR2 Long Rec kayak (commonly getting their hydration/feeding distance between us over the next known as the double dragon) systems sorted out, whilst they 40km they would catch up when I accompanied by a new paddling went out for a few practice paddles slowed momentarily to think. buddy Sue Smith. It’ s an excellent culminating with a successful 50km kayak for the HCC, very stable and paddle up the Hunter River. They After I busted my pedal that music performs well. In fact the quickest were ready. became the soundtrack to my kayak this year. We planned to finish ordeal, as it slowed me down just Col (the “Professor”) Sheringham the race in around 11 hours to break and I were again press ganged into enough that I couldn’t get away from the current record in the Women’s the critical role of landcrew. Now we them. Oh, the inhumanity! Vet40+ Class for LongREC2. recognise the paddlers have a job Eventually, after a very Having a 4.15pm start meant we to do, but the real intelligent part of uncomfortable twenty kilometres of had the tide with us for the first 20 the race is the responsibility of said landcrew! (All the paddler has to do edging and draw-stroking to the right kms. What a flying start!!! Of course is jump into the bloody canoe and and ruddering to the left, against a it doesn’t last forever and we then paddle the thing.) flood tide, I arrived at the nirvana battled into the tide for the next 30 kms. We had a short break at of Mooney Mooney: 12 hour 37 We prepared the maps, worked out Wisemans that included having the the tides and timings, tactics, loaded minutes, some 50 minutes slower worst coffee I’ve had for a long time, the track into the GPS and mixed up than my PB but by then I wasn’t snapping at the landcrew, photos the “rocket fuel”. We loaded the boat fussed. Trine and an unknown being taken by David Linco and on the roof, the girls in the back and muscular young man extracted me sickness problems being sorted. at 0700 set out for Windsor. Upon from the boat and I limped off into We paddled on with the tide while arrival we set up the “camp” under the dawn yet again. attempting to wash ride another the shady trees, got out the comfy

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 15

around Wisemans, Sue had to they were well ahead of schedule, remove this expert work – I won’t despite battling through the run-in repeat the language she expressed tide. They arrived, got out, (Anne on my work, but I reckon my career was snappy, which is a good thing as a hand taper is at an end.) as it showed she was very serious) toileted and added some clothing. After spending a lot of the afternoon Meanwhile, we cleaned up the boat, reminding the girls to eat and drink re-fuelled their hydration systems it was time to go. We carried the and within 10 minutes they were boat down to the second round of gone, going at a good pace to try scrutineering, loaded the girls in, and get down the River as far as gave them some further advice they could before the tide turned (totally unwelcomed) then set them against them again. We packed off. At 4.15pm they took off, sprinting up and headed for the finish near under the Windsor Bridge with the Brooklyn. seats and hung the hammock. ultimate goal of arriving at the finish Whilst the girls lazed about we by 3.25am Sun, hopefully eclipsing We got a great park near the finish readied the boat, double checked their Class Record (Ladies Veteran ramp, then set off to continue our everything, fitted all the required 40+ Long Rec 2) of 11H 11m 28s. feeding quest with chicken burgers, safety stuff then dragged it off to before resuming with the bacon and We packed up and headed for Scrutineering. With the finalisation eggs. We watched all of the quicker their next and only planned stop (male) finishers, then some 10H of all this, our next role was to walk at Wisemans. (This was a cunning 29m and 24 seconds after starting, about the other competitors (looking planned strategy to “disincentivise” the big, black boat emerged from for any good ideas we could use) them from stopping for a bludge the night and crossed the finish but mainly to sledge, tell them at Sackville.) We unpacked at line. The girls were smiling, we all about unfavourable currents, Wisemans, set up all their re- were cheering and their record was possible storms and lots of other fuelling, feeding and warm clothing smashed! “helpful” stuff. stuff beside the pre-arranged spot If you can’t paddle this epic event, near the boat ramp, then set off for Mid-afternoon the girls set off to but still want to be actively involved, a serious attempt on the bacon and get their hands expertly taped by I thoroughly recommend you try egg roll consuming record. the qualified Physio staff. Upon landcrewing for a fellow paddler. their return we reckoned we could Eventually we got the word that the It might not be as fulfilling as improve upon this and proceeded girls had reached the Checkpoint competing, but is still very satisfying. to add more tape. (Eventually at about 11Km before Wisemans; I’ll be back next year.

Paddler Name No Start Class Kayak Landcrew Time Tony Murphy 234 4:00 BoB Yellow Avocet RM Karen Darby 14:07:23 Neil Duffy 245 4:00 BoB Flame Red Tiderace Megan (daughter) 13:29:58 Ian Vaile 152 5:00 MV 50+ LRec1 Green/White Mirage 580 Trine Beaumont 12:07:14 Mark Hempel 215 5:00 MV 40+ MRec Red/White Rockpool Taran 18’ Bohan Johnstone 10:21:03 Martin Vanderpoel & 210 5:00 40+ LRec 2 Battleship grey M730 13:04:47 Glen Boulton Colin Melrose 140 4:00 BoB Yellow Boreal P200 Junya Kato 16:58:48 Ruby Gamble 164 4:15 LO LRec Blue Elliot’s Renegade Caoimhin Ardren 10:48:01 Anne Moore & Sue Smith 212 4:15 LV 40+ LRec2 Red/Black Double Dragon Owen & Col 10:29:24 Mark Sundin 267 5:30 MV40+ ORS1 Evo II Suzanne 10:43:57 Rodrigo Matamala^ 264 5:00 MO MRec Orange/White Rockpool Taran Lambrini 11:35:42 John Duffy 101 6:00 MV50+ UN1 Sonic 11:15:48 John Hutchinson 288 4:00 BoB Black/White Pace 17 Michelle 12:28:10 Eric Filmalter 104 4:00 BoB Mirage 580 Gary Thompson 13:52:22

^First time paddled

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 16 Magnetic Bilge

Switch were above my technical ability. I broadened my search and went DARREN FRIEND to the virtual teacher of everything, YouTube. There were lots of ‘how to build a switch’ videos and then I came across a helpful video titled: How to Fit an Electric Bilge Pump switch, the little pump jumped to “Magnetx” Sea Kayak Mirage 580. life. It is here that the story really This video showed both the how to begins. of pump installation, and featured TJ explained that the pump had a pre-built magnetic switch. A short The fact that a bilge pump would be been professionally fitted by a search further and I learnt that an asset is simply common sense. well-known kayak manufacturer the supplier and the manufacturer The fact that it is a requirement for on the central coast. To my eye are both Australian and based in grade 3 boat compliance makes it it all looked great and gleefully Victoria. The supplier’s website more than a simple luxury item. It loaded up and raced home looking gave me the choice to purchase is a necessary attachment if one is forward to paddling adventures in just the magnetic switch, or as a kit, remotely serious about paddling. my new craft. When I got on the magnetic switch, battery housing For me it was on my to do list for a water and tried a few simple things with glands installed and pump. long time, though not being gifted such as the cowboy re-entry I found I tried the switch as a replacement with handyperson skills, it was the pumps toggle switch sticking for my Epic’s toggle and found that something that was always pushed painfully into my upper thigh as to be an easy install. Emboldened, to the back of the list. I always I straddled the boat. Soon after I bought the kit and installed a thought that either a solution I noticed it’s protective covering had pump in my old plastic skeg boat. would present itself (somebody split, probably from being squashed The YouTube video had some by my bum. A replacement switch would offer to do it for me) or I useful tips on the process and I was purchased and installed by would upgrade with a boat that completed it all without tears. I was self, quite an accomplishment in came with a pump installed. That intrigued that such a useful bit of itself, but after a short time the day eventually came when TJ kit was being produced cottage same problem occurred. offered up his Epic 18X Sport with industry style here in Australia, so professionally installed pump. I What to do? I consulted Rob I called the creator, to get his side quickly placed a purchase order Mercer, the wise old sage of the of the story. with my financial controller and sea. “A magnetic switch is what after some pleading, permission you need,” he said, and went on to Neil Brenton’s Story to acquire was granted. The boat list reed switches, circuit boards, was in near new condition and as soldering points, conduits and About 10 years ago, I was kayaking TJ demonstrated with a flick of the other incomprehensible items & one or twice a week - which meant activities. It all replacing so-called waterproof Above: Darren with completed switch sounded a bit toggle switches every 3-4 months. Below: Pelican battery box and daunting and the I decided to use what I knew from magnetic switch idea of drilling my trade and created a switch unit holes in my boat that can be retro-fitted to any type was somewhat of kayak; double or single. The unit nauseating. So comes complete with a heavy-duty my research relay and spare reed switches all began. There in parallel so if one fails, you won’t were some notice. About two hundred units previous articles have sold across the world, so the and posts on product has had quite a bit of field- the club website testing. I am now in the process and magazine of developing lithium batteries for but these too, kayakers too!

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 16 17 SPRAYDECK COMPETITION Thanks to those members who submitted their reasons for wanting a free spraydeck. Entries closed on 31 October, and their submissions and photos are below. To avoid any bias, I left the judging to Catherine Garndner-Gaskin from ElectricWater. The Club and I wish to thank Catherine for selecting TWO winners for their free spraydecks, plus donating $50 vouchers to all THREE runners up towards their next EW custom-made spraydeck.

1st BILL THOMPSON I need a custom-built Electric Water spraydeck because the cockpit of my kayak has been modified to accommodate my large size and now I can’t find an “off the shelf” spraydeck that fits. My current spraydeck leaks and comes off the rim. I have written a Limerick to summarise my plight: A kayaker paddling rough water If he has any brains then he oughta 1st Wear a spraydeck that fits Without leaking bits Better choose Electric Water. LISA MCCARTHY I would like to submit an entry for the ElectricWater spraydeck competition please. “Heaven sent my partner an ElectricWater sprayskirt. He worships it. I have since being praying to Heaven to send me one too, to replace my one from Hell.”

MEGAN PRYKE BARRY MARSHALL From a waltz to a jive I may not have the best reason for winning The seas are alive the new ElectricWater spraydeck but I just Dancing to the rhythm of the wind may have the best reason not to win it. I As a small spec in a great expanse, recently bought a second hand Dagger Across the seas my kayak is forced to dance Coorong sea kayak and not one of my I do not have gills dozen or so spraydecks fit it, although I have Though I must be prepared to take a spill modified one to make a rough fit which won’t For I cannot ever be pass muster in the surf. I had been planning A master of those lively seas to purchase a custom-made ElectricWater And when occasionally I take a stumble, spraydeck, so now I’m holding off till after the The sea reminds me to be humble competition. Because I want to stay a little dry Because I want to feel revived www.electricwater.com.au 0488 ewater / 0488 392 837 I am glad to have an ElectricWater. [email protected] PO Box 424,Dingley Village, Vic 3172

TOM COX People love their Reed Chillcheater skirts. They are light, they breathe, dry quickly and shed water well. However, they are susceptible to damage in assisted rescues. I have had my skirt for years, and someone owned it before me. It has seen its fair share of wear and tear. I tried repairing it with bicycle tube patches (no luck) and ShoeGoo (no luck). Eventually I found McNett’s Aquaseal, a urethane repair sealant, which has kept my skirt alive for the past couple of years. I think it’s time to move on to a new skirt!.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 18

1 2 3

Inspiration and measuring up Plans of the skeleton The skeleton takes shape

forward the boat, must be exact; plywood stroke. is out of the question. Western Red Reborn Slowly the Cedar bends well and releases the idea takes temporary hot-melt glue spots used hold. Vague to hold the strips in place while the plans to permanent glue sets. Wondering build a how many strips it would take to faster, complete the project, I measure better- around the outside of a similar looking, kayak. Seventy strips six meters Stripper long should do it. finally I’ve got an old Cedar beam that HANS SCHMIDT take real shape. Since my current long. Light enough to lift overhead Shearwater 17 Hybrid needs a with one hand, it’s held up many I know that sound of furious refurbish after nearly four years a ceiling during 40 odd years of paddling behind me. An instant of constant use, a new kayak is building projects. A weekend at later Rob Mercer shoots past me definitely needed. in his red and white Taren 16, the saw bench produces 56 strips Weeks later, plans finished, 18mm wide by 5mm thick, plus skipping effortlessly over the wave I look around for a source of violent hay-fever from a Cedar crests. If I had his boat, his skill and decent timber strips to form the allergy. Some strips are marred by his strength…dream on! complicated curves that are nail holes, but they can be plugged. I bet I could build a Kayak similar possible with modern fibreglass or That gives me an idea what to the to that though, learn to paddle plastic. The shape of the hull, so name the Kayak: Reborn from old the skittish thing and improve my critical to the final performance of timber.

Preparing the cockpit Building the stern Finishing the bow 7 8 9

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 18 19

4 5 6 Gluing the timber strips The hull after sanding and oiling Glassing the hull

The work truck is banned from the on weekends you’ll find me in the the other hand, that would feel garage for the duration of the build. garage. Interspersed by periods of right. But not before I’ve had the In its place a heavy, square steel self-doubt in my ability to pull this pleasure of paddling it for a while. tube sits on trestles, ready for the off, I live and breathe kayak. Lek, It’s impossible to convey the feeling 16 temporary stations to which my poor wife, knows that far-away of sitting in a kayak I’ve built. I the Cedar strips will be attached. look across the dinner table while know this craft; every triumph, Getting these right will make or I’m problem solving; she’s lost every mistake, every part of it. It will break this project; they are like the me for the duration. By the end of always be part of me, but it’s not bones giving our body its shape. October, after around 500 hours, about owning it. she’ll get me back. Many hours later the skeleton is While my father was alive I longed ready for its Cedar skin. Great Building a kayak is like creating a to hear him say, just once, “well care is needed to cut the floppy work of art; a wooden sculpture. done, son, that looks great.” I guess five-meter long strips to the right No amount of effort is too much. he was never praised by his dad; length for a perfect fit between the While shaping a piece of timber, all didn’t experience that uplifting hardwood bow and stern pieces. my cares fade away; nothing else One millimetre too short and it’s put recognition of achievement. Maybe matters. I can’t imagine anything that’s why I keep building, hoping aside to be used as a shorter strip else I would rather be doing. elsewhere. Each strip is bevelled to hear those words from him. All by varying degree along both When asked for how much I would you fathers out there, don’t miss edges so it follows the curve of the sell a boat I’ve built, words fail the opportunity to praise your hull. It soon dawns on me that this me. They are not for sale; talk of son’s or daughter’s efforts. While boat will require a lot more time, money would cheapen the process, compliments from others are okay, effort and skill than the previous the pleasure of creating. Giving nothing means as much as when one. After work, after dinner and a kayak to a special person, on it’s said by you.

Hans and Lek christening Reborn Hans at work Smooth lines of the finished hull 10 11

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 20 Elbow Pain in Kayaking

CATHY NOLAN

Elbow pain in kayaking is not The onset of elbow pain is usually comfortable light grip around uncommon. Repeated loading of 24-72 hours after a day’s paddle or your paddle shaft. If you are the elbow joint by overworking in some cases can occur straight experiencing elbow pain, then it the muscles of the forearm and/ away, such as when lifting a heavy might be a good time to revisit your or the shoulder can eventually kayak. There is localised pain on forward stroke. As you know we cause wear and tear on the the outside of the elbow and this have some excellent instructors in tendons attaching to the bone. If increases on touching the elbow the club to help you with getting the you have ever experienced elbow joint. There can be a dull ache into biomechanics right and video clips pain in kayaking, the good news the forearm itself and there can be in the Basic Skill Training Resource is that in the majority of cases a noticeable loss of grip strength. section of the website to help revisit it will resolve but will probably There is often pain when extending the right technique. require some changes to your the middle finger of the affected Also be mindful when lifting/ kayaking technique and ongoing forearm backwards as this activates carrying the kayak by the exercise management to prevent the muscle tendon most often handles that your wrist is not bent reoccurrences. implicated in lateral elbow pain. backwards and/or elbow locked as Lateral elbow pain (or tennis elbow) The main causes of lateral elbow this sustained load can cause a is the most common site of elbow pain in kayaking is repeated loading tear in the elbow tendon. pain. This condition is caused be of the elbow joint due to poor In the meantime, to settle the degeneration in the tendon that paddle technique. This is usually condition down, here are some of anchors the tendon and muscles due to a lack of torso rotation the treatments that can help. of the forearm to the outside of during forward stroke and instead the elbow. The degeneration is using your shoulders with a bent Short term or acute usually due to repetitive overload elbow to pull the blade through the painful stage water. Other causes of increased of the tendon cells, which causes The best treatment approach if you microscopic tears in the tendon. load at the elbow is gripping the paddle too hard especially with experience acute lateral elbow pain The repeated tears lead to cell is to stay away from paddling until death and replacement by scar your wrists bent backwards, which will load the tendon attaching to the the pain reaches quite a low level tissue. The scar tissue is not able outside of the elbow. Other causes and ice for 15 minutes not more to stand the forces placed on the can also include a lack of strength than every two hours. tendon with repeated loading in flexibility in the forearm muscles resulting in pain about the elbow. Other treatments that are also and/or shoulder muscles of the effective and will help you recover affected arm. quicker are: Treatment • Soft tissue therapy to affected No single treatment has area to release shortened/tight proven to be totally effective forearm muscles and break down in the treatment of lateral scar tissue around the tendon elbow pain. Rather there is a • Acupuncture or dry needling suite of treatments for various can be useful for pain relief and stages of the condition, which restoring normal muscle length to will result in resolving the affected tissue condition in nearly all cases. • Ultrasound (therapeutic) can The key preventative for speed up the healing process and help reduce pain levels lateral elbow pain in kayaking is a good forward stroke • Stretching tight forearm and/or technique and having a shoulder muscles

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 21

the weight is either too much or you to exercise is exactly that. Start are attempting it too early in the with a 30mins to one hour paddle rehabilitation process. to ‘test’ out the elbow and make sure symptoms aren’t returning. Correct posture The following day should be a Posture is key to good shoulder non-paddle day as it can take 24 and elbow biomechanics. Try this hours or so for pain to fully appear. as a posture check. Sit slightly If there is no pain, try another slouched and take your arms paddle a few days later, once again forward and up over your head. 30 minutes to one hour and if still In this position your shoulders symptom free, try a slightly longer are rotated slightly forward and paddle the following week following it is really hard to straighten your Instructions: Keeping your elbow the same principals above, until you elbows. Now sit straight on your straight, slowly bend your wrist get back to your regular paddling sitting bones and spine upright. down using your other hand until routine. Pain should be your guide. Now take your arms forward and you can feel a mild to moderate You should always be pain free as up over your head. Does it make a you increase your distance and/ stretch pain free. Hold for 15 difference to your elbow position? seconds and repeat three times. or speed. If you develop pain, drop It probably feels a lot better and back on the distance/speed and Medium term stronger in your shoulders and consider some relative rest & ice in back. Any repetitive movement in a the meantime. Once pain has settled down, it is slouched position is going to place important to strengthen muscles extra load in muscles in tendons There are other causes of elbow of the forearm and in some cases around your elbow and shoulder pain in kayaking which are less shoulder to help prevent further joint, so have a check on your common such as bursitis, nerve episodes. It is best to seek advice posture in the kayak to minimise entrapment, inflammation with from a physiotherapist or other this load. the joint itself and instability of the qualified health professional as elbow joint, so if your elbow pain Graded return to kayaking to the right type of exercises to isn’t settling, you might need to specifically address for your needs. Once pain in the elbow has see a physio or your GP for an However there are some standard subsided, your grip strength has assessment and in some cases forearm exercises that are key in returned and you are making investigations. way with strengthening exercises strengthening the extensor muscles I hope this information helps keep and forward stroke correction (if in the medium term. you pain free out on the water! needed), then this is the time to try out some paddling. A graded return Happy paddling!

2016 National KASK Forum

Friday 26 to Monday 29 February 2016

Cobham Outward Bound School, Anakiwa, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand Concentric strengthening A social, fun weekend with plenty of opportunities to paddle, share Place a 500g to 1kg weight in your ideas and learn, on and off the water. Registration fee is $180. hand and support your forearm Kayak hire is available. on a table with your hand over the edge. Slowly raise your hand Your fee covers accommodation in bunkhouse, Friday night nibbles, upwards and then slowly lower it Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch. back to the start position. Repeat x Registration form and queries to Lois Cowan at 10. Build to two sets. This exercise [email protected] should be pain free or mild pain only. If it aggravates your condition,

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 22 Beach Systems and their Significance to Sea Kayakers Part 2

INSPIRED BY ADRIAN CLAYTON AND AUTHORED BY CAOIMHIN ARDREN

In Part 1 of this article (SALT Vol 98 Rip currents: Rips are narrow Swash zone: This is the zone September 2015) the formation and currents that flow from the beach between the upper limit of a wave types of waves was discussed. This between breaking waves. They are run-up to the lower limit of a wave article continues on this theme, essentially carrying the volume of run-down, i.e. that portion of the but focusses on the beach types water ‘deposited’ on the beach by beach that is ‘washed’ by each found in NSW, their influence on breaking waves, back out to sea. It breaking wave, but is ‘dry’ between waves, the formation of rips and is an effort by the sea to maintain waves – not underwater at all how all these elements impact on equilibrium. They are usually times. The swash zone moves up sea kayak landing and launching confined to deeper channels and down the beach face as water through the surf zone. between sand bars. Look for the levels vary. Steeper beaches have ‘clean green’ calm water heading a narrower swash zone. Understanding these interactions out between breaking waves. and recognising them on the Aspect / orientation: this is Generally rips flow fastest at low the direction in which a beach water allows us as kayakers to be tide. They also experience rapid forewarned and forearmed. faces. Clearly the orientation of increases in speed (pulses) shortly the beach to the predominant Beaches are classified into four after wave sets break. swell and wind direction will have broad categories: Troughs, gutters and rip channel: significant influence on the beach • wave dominated These are terms used to identify shape. Beaches protected from the the deeper channels of water, prevailing swell will only receive • tide dominated usually with water flowing along the refracted waves (which have lost a • tide modified length of the channel. Troughs and lot of their energy), while a beach facing directly into the predominant • intertidal rocks and fringing reefs. gutters are usually used to describe the channel that forms between the swell and wind will be subjected All NSW beaches and a large shore and the bar. These transport to and shaped by the full wave portion of the southern Australian the excess water sideways (parallel energy. coastline are categorised as to the beach) before turning Below: Beach cross section – showing wave dominated beaches, while seawards and flowing out to sea, in beach features (image from http://www. the northern coast of Australia is a channel between ozcoasts.gov.au/conceptual_mods/ predominately influenced by the sand bars, as a rip beaches) tide. This article only addresses the current. six wave dominated beach types. Cusps / horns: Wave-dominated beaches occur These are the ‘ridges’ where the spring tide range is less separating crescent- than 1.5 m and the average waves shaped troughs or range between 0.5 and 3 m. swales, found on Before exploring the various beach the foreshore at types and the influence they have relatively evenly on the surf zone, it is important to spaced intervals (see clarify some terms of beach and photograph of Pearl surf ‘features’. Beach).

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 22 23

Beach Types

The six wave dominated beach types are differentiated between high and low energy beaches, as well as rip-dominated beach types. It is important to keep in mind that Backwash - the descriptions below are only not a rip really applicable during ‘normal’ weather and tide conditions. The surf zone, waves and rips will all vary dramatically during storms and during spring tides (high and low). Cusps/ High energy beach – Dissipative horns beaches Usually these beaches have a low gradient with two or more sand Above: Pearl Beach – reflective beach showing shoreline cusps; Below: bars (running parallel to the shore) The northern end Catherine Hill Bay Beach is a rhythmic bar and beach separated by troughs. Incoming (Photos - Andrew Short) waves break on the outer bar and then reform when crossing each heading back out to sea as Rip dominated – Rhythmic bar trough, to break again on the next backwash from the centre line of and beach bar – thus dissipating their energy the cusp. The next rip-dominated beach in successive breaks over a wide In many cases there is a ‘step’ type with waves averaging around surf zone up to 500m. These at the low tide level / bottom of 1.5m is the rhythmic bar and beach beaches generally have a straight the beach face of 15-30cm in type. These are characterised shoreline with no rip currents. height formed of the coarser sand by a rhythmic outer bar, which Low energy beach – Reflective particles. You may have noticed this is separated from the beach by a deep trough. The bar is not beaches when you last had a bad landing on uniform, but varies in width and a reflective beach; coarse sand in Warning! – They are called ‘low height/depth along its length – like everything and a step you fall over energy beaches’ - do not be beads on a string. Waves break deceived, there have been more when you head into the water to more heavily on the ‘fat sections’ / injuries occurring in the swash zone grab the stern toggle of your kayak. ‘beads’ with the broken wave and on reflective beaches than any Rip dominated – Longshore bar white water flowing off the bar into other beach type. and trough beaches the deeper tough, where it moves Usually these beaches have a shoreward and also sideways into a relatively steep narrow beach Usually these beaches are rip feeder current. The converging (coarse sand) and are found identifiable by the near-continuous feeders turn and flow offshore as a within bays or at protected ends of bar located approximately 100- rip cutting through the bar between ocean beaches. Waves on these 150m off shore that triggers the ‘beads’. beaches are small (<0.5m) and typically 1.5 – ‘break’ directly onto the shore. The 2m high waves, ‘break’ is more a case of collapsing together with a or surging up the face of the wide and deep beach. The energy of the wave is trough running expended in the swash/backwash parallel to the and the rest is ‘reflected’ back out shoreline. These to sea as an outgoing wave. beaches have The strong swash, together with widely spaced the coarse sand, builds up a steep rips (250-500m) beach face and often have cusps/ crossing the horns at 15-40m intervals. The bar fed from horns force the swash sideways the longshore into the centre of the cusp, before trough.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 24

Rips

Transverse bars - attached

Above: Boomerang Beach – clear example of a Transverse bar and rip beach (Photos - Andrew Short). Right: Lighthouse Beach – a Transverse bar and rip beach in foreground - but a longshore bar beach in background.

Rip dominated – Transverse bar channel there is a higher energy Risks and the and rip beach swash/shorebreak. The shoreline significance of the undulates as deposition occurs to beach structure to sea This is the most common of NSW’s kayakers wave-dominated beach types. form the horns (ridges between cusps) and the cusps are scoured The name comes from the fact In the table below, we have that the bars are perpendicular to out in lee of the rip. separately identified the risks (transverse) and attached to the Rip dominated – Low tide terrace associated with each beach type beach, separated by rip channels. and made suggestions on how to The rips are usually regularly Low tide terrace beaches occur plan your transit through the surf spaced, typically 250 m apart along where waves average about one zone for each. the NSW coast. The waves break metre and have a moderately steep There is no one perfect approach heavily on the outside of the bars beach face behind an attached or path to take for each beach and do not reform as there is no terrace/bar. The terrace extends type. You need to observe what is trough on the shore-side, resulting (20-50 m) seawards from the actually occurring ‘in front of you’ in lower energy swash in the lee of bottom of the beach face at the low before each launch and landing. the bars. While in the lee of the rip tide level, hence the name - low tide terrace. The terrace is often The height of the tide, swell direction(s), wave size / interval flat and featureless, but may be cut Below: Wreck and Box beach in period and timing between sets will every so often by small shallow rip foreground are Low Tide Terraces as have significant influence on what well as the far end of Fingal Spit channels. path to take. Another factor to consider is that there are quite a few cases, especially on long exposed beaches where two beach types occur in parallel. For example a beach may have an ‘inner bar’ that would be classified as a Transverse Bar and Rip (TBR), but the outer bar operates as a Rhythmic Bar & Beach (RBB). Curl Curl beach, Wanda Beach and Garie Beach are a few examples of this. Other major influencing factors are rocks, reefs and river/estuary

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 24 25

mouths. These additional elements Acknowledgements Invaluable information for this will often occur at the end of a article was obtained from the All credit goes to Adrian Clayton beach and completely alter how book Beaches of the New South for this article. It was his idea and the beach operates in that part of Wales Coast (2nd edition), research that brought this article the beach. For example there are Andrew Short, Sydney University to life to follow his Part 1 article in frequently rip channels that flow out Press, Sydney, Feb 2007. SALT Vol 98 August 2015. On the to sea alongside rocky headlands. long drive back from a Nadgee trip, Below: Editor at his successful Grade This can be both advantageous or we discussed Part 2 content and 3 assessment – heading into the soup a trap when the bigger wave sets and surf (Photo - Adrian Clayton) some of the extra info I was keen to come rolling in. add – so Adrian kindly allowed me In all cases: to pull together Part 2. • Do some planning before the trip. Thanks also need to go to Stuart Look at weather, swell and tide Trueman for his review of the forecasts. Consider the direction content of this article. of the swell and its relationship to beach aspect. Rule out beaches I’d like to express my thanks and that will be wearing the brunt of appreciation to Professor Andrew conditions during the trip Short allowing the use some of his • Ask around for local knowledge photographs and diagrams in the from other kayakers and surfers preparation of this article. Sources have been identified in the captions • Spend some time (before to each item. launching and landing) just observing and taking note of the The beach type images throughout timing of and how the larger wave the article were sourced from http:// sets react when they cross each www.ozcoasts.gov.au/conceptual_ bar or obstacle. mods/beaches/wdb.jsp Find an elevated position to obtain a clear view of the beach so that you can get a clear ‘map’ of where the rip channels run and determine if you are able to make use of these pathways. Once you are in your kayak with the surf breaking all around you, you will not be able to see much except the waves in front of you. Eric Soares and other Tsunami Rangers refer to these as ‘green zones’. Once in the surf zone, The Challenge paddle from one green zone to the CROSSING next green zone. See re-published Help us raise $40,000 for six month’s BASS STRAIT

article in SALT Issue No 89, Jan funding of the Oasis Youth Network in KAYAKING TO THE END OF THE WORLD TO GET OUR KIDS OFF THE STREETS 2013 by Eric Soares, originally Surry Hills. published on the Tsunami rangers 1. Support David, Mark & Rodrigo in their epic crossing to Van website at http://tsunamirangers. Diemen’s Land by connecting with us on the website page below to com/2011/06/20/entering-the-surf- receive updates of the preparation and journey as the boys paddle over zone/ 400kms through some of the roughest water this world has to offer. Share the challenge with others by spreading the word on Facebook. But always remember – don’t try to get too clever, the longer you spend 2. Partner with Oasis Youth Network to help break the youth in the surf zone, the higher the homelessness cycle through education and donate a fixed amount, or likelihood that you will be exposed an amount for every kilometre paddled. to potential injury and you will be on Join with us to change the course of a young person’s life today. the receiving end of thoroughly wet Donate at: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/kayak-bass-strait-2016 lesson.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 26

All images in table sourced from http://www.ozcoasts.gov.au/conceptual_mods/beaches/wdb.jsp

Risks to sea Type Diagram Characteristics NSW examples Launching & Landings kayakers • Low gradient, fine sand There are no beaches of • Multiple impact zones Luckily for us, there are no dissipative beaches in NSW in ‘normal’ conditions. With no rips particles this sort in NSW under with high energy breaking through the breakers/impact zone, one has no choice except to punch through each waves sized 2-3m • Two or more sand bars normal conditions. breaker zone, remembering that the further out waves will have the most energy (just when • Surf zone too wide you are feeling really worn out). Timing to go out between sets is very difficult with such a • Wide surf zone up to 500m to make use of lull wide surf zone. Plan to avoid landing or launching from these beaches. • Straight shoreline between sets • No rip currents • No easy channels through break zones Leave these beaches to the Tsunami Rangers. Dissipative beaches

• Low gradient, fine sand Very few Longshore bar • Two impact zones with Plan to avoid landing or launching from these beaches. However, if you need to land/launch particles and trough beaches in high energy waves on these beaches, given the size of the waves especially on the outer bar, it is often a good sized 1.5 – 2m • Generally one continuous NSW. Closest to Sydney idea to try by-pass the outer breakers when landing by paddling through the impact zone in sand bar – Seven Mile Beach • Surf zone too wide the rip channel. Once ‘inside’ the outer bar/break zone, one can then pick the best landing south of Gerringong. to easily identify lull spot on the beach. Reverse this process when launching. Get through shore break into wide • Deep wide longshore trough between sets trough, then paddle into the rip channel to escape through the outer breakers. Others found are long • Surf zone up to 200m exposed beaches with • Wide and deep • Straight shoreline, but may fine sand on the NSW troughs (with side rip) have a terrace or cusps north coast. – long swim to beach if you lose kayak on trough beaches • Rips in trough outer breakers Longshore bar and • Seaward rip currents 250- • Plunging waves on 500m apart outer bar at low tide

• Rhythmic outer bar - varies • Bennett’s beach • Two impact zones with These beaches are generally well exposed to ocean swell, so should be avoided unless you in width and height/depth – medium-high energy • Catherine Hill Bay have local knowledge. If you need to land/launch on these beaches, given the size of the like ‘beads’ on a string waves averaging 1.5 waves especially on the outer bar, it is often a good idea to try and by-pass the outer breakers • Northern Avoca beach m • Bar not connected to shore when landing by paddling through the impact zone in one of multiple rip channels. Once • Dee Why (mid section) • Wide and deep ‘inside’ the outer bar/break zone, one can then pick the best landing spot on the beach. You • Undulating shore line troughs (with side rip) can however expect to be pushed up or down the beach due to active side rip currents. • Curl Curl • Deep wide trough flows – long swim to beach For a launch, try to find an elevated view of the beach to identify the ‘line’ you will follow – directly into rip channels • Wanda beach (mid if you lose kayak on section) outer breakers once on the water you will not be able to see the clean green pathways. Get through shore • Rip channels 250 - 500m break into wide trough, then paddle into the rip channel to escape through the outer breakers. apart • Garie Beach • Good chance kayak will be taken out to If you do come out of your boat in the outer bar break zone, be aware that there is a good • White water flows • Windang (North of river sea chance your boat will be caught by the rip current in the deep trough on the inside of the outer shoreward and sideways mouth) bar. Leave your best ‘surfer’ as your sweep to pick up any boats that get taken out to sea. • Plunging waves on

Rhythmic bar and beach outer bar at low tide • Rip strength increases at low tide

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 26 27

Risks to sea Type Diagram Characteristics NSW examples Launching & Landings kayakers • Low gradient, fine sand There are no beaches of • Multiple impact zones Luckily for us, there are no dissipative beaches in NSW in ‘normal’ conditions. With no rips particles this sort in NSW under with high energy breaking through the breakers/impact zone, one has no choice except to punch through each waves sized 2-3m • Two or more sand bars normal conditions. breaker zone, remembering that the further out waves will have the most energy (just when • Surf zone too wide you are feeling really worn out). Timing to go out between sets is very difficult with such a • Wide surf zone up to 500m to make use of lull wide surf zone. Plan to avoid landing or launching from these beaches. • Straight shoreline between sets • No rip currents • No easy channels through break zones Leave these beaches to the Tsunami Rangers. Dissipative beaches

• Low gradient, fine sand Very few Longshore bar • Two impact zones with Plan to avoid landing or launching from these beaches. However, if you need to land/launch particles and trough beaches in high energy waves on these beaches, given the size of the waves especially on the outer bar, it is often a good sized 1.5 – 2m • Generally one continuous NSW. Closest to Sydney idea to try by-pass the outer breakers when landing by paddling through the impact zone in sand bar – Seven Mile Beach • Surf zone too wide the rip channel. Once ‘inside’ the outer bar/break zone, one can then pick the best landing south of Gerringong. to easily identify lull spot on the beach. Reverse this process when launching. Get through shore break into wide • Deep wide longshore trough between sets trough, then paddle into the rip channel to escape through the outer breakers. Others found are long • Surf zone up to 200m exposed beaches with • Wide and deep • Straight shoreline, but may fine sand on the NSW troughs (with side rip) have a terrace or cusps north coast. – long swim to beach if you lose kayak on trough beaches • Rips in trough outer breakers Longshore bar and • Seaward rip currents 250- • Plunging waves on 500m apart outer bar at low tide

• Rhythmic outer bar - varies • Bennett’s beach • Two impact zones with These beaches are generally well exposed to ocean swell, so should be avoided unless you in width and height/depth – medium-high energy • Catherine Hill Bay have local knowledge. If you need to land/launch on these beaches, given the size of the like ‘beads’ on a string waves averaging 1.5 waves especially on the outer bar, it is often a good idea to try and by-pass the outer breakers • Northern Avoca beach m • Bar not connected to shore when landing by paddling through the impact zone in one of multiple rip channels. Once • Dee Why (mid section) • Wide and deep ‘inside’ the outer bar/break zone, one can then pick the best landing spot on the beach. You • Undulating shore line troughs (with side rip) can however expect to be pushed up or down the beach due to active side rip currents. • Curl Curl • Deep wide trough flows – long swim to beach For a launch, try to find an elevated view of the beach to identify the ‘line’ you will follow – directly into rip channels • Wanda beach (mid if you lose kayak on section) outer breakers once on the water you will not be able to see the clean green pathways. Get through shore • Rip channels 250 - 500m break into wide trough, then paddle into the rip channel to escape through the outer breakers. apart • Garie Beach • Good chance kayak will be taken out to If you do come out of your boat in the outer bar break zone, be aware that there is a good • White water flows • Windang (North of river sea chance your boat will be caught by the rip current in the deep trough on the inside of the outer shoreward and sideways mouth) bar. Leave your best ‘surfer’ as your sweep to pick up any boats that get taken out to sea. • Plunging waves on

Rhythmic bar and beach outer bar at low tide • Rip strength increases at low tide

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 28

Type Diagram Characteristics NSW examples Risks to sea kayakers Launching & Landings

The most common ‘surf’ • Boomerang & Blueys • Medium energy waves of To land, try to paddle in through the rip channel until on the shore-side of the impact zone beach on the NSW coast. beach 1-1.5 m. and then head back into the surf zone to take advantage of the dissipated wash onto the Beaches are generally • Bennetts beach • Diagonal rips line the beach on top of the connected bar. An advantage of this approach is that should you exposed to ocean swell with break zone – in a capsize in the surf zone on the bar, you have a good chance of you and kayak getting • Avoca & Macmasters waves in the 1-1.5m range. capsize, it is easy to be washed up to the beach (rather than have your kayak dragged seaward in the rip). beach caught and kayak taken • Bars are perpendicular to Often the rip channels are not perpendicular to the shoreline, but at a 30 - 45 degree • Putty & Umina (middle out behind breakers. (transverse) and attached to angle. As you reach the end of the rip channel (close to the beach) you will be exposed section). beach. • Undulating shoreline to breaking waves and a side rip current (see picture of Boomerang Beach). Continuing • Rips are usually 250 m • Sydney’s ocean means lots of sideway directly to the shore from the rip channel could expose you to surging waves on a steep apart in NSW. beaches including: wash – get in/out quickly. beach face. Palm, Whale, Bilgola, • Plunging waves on outer • Rips channels do “move” Newport, Mona Vale, Similar to a Rhythmic bar and Beach, find an elevated view of the beach to identify the ‘rip edge of bar at low tide. along beach, especially Bondi, Bronte and channel line’ to follow before launching. For a launch, you have two options: after storms. Maroubra • Rip strength increases at • Either launch off beach on the ‘horn’ of the connected bar, before then finding your way low tide. • Waves break on outside of • Killalea (The Farm) into the rip channel. (Launching on the side of the ‘horn’ will only expose you to a lot of bars. sideways swash – resulting in a lot of foul language.) • Disaster Bay & Nadgee Transverse bar and rip • Waves do not reform - Beach • Or launch into the middle of the rip channel embayment, down the steep beach face, lower Shoreline undulates timing it to avoid the larger surging waves. horns & swales. • Lots and lots more If you come out of your boat in the outer bar break zone, be aware that there is a good chance your boat will be caught by the rip current in the deep trough on the inside of the outer bar. Leave your best ‘surfer’ of the group as your sweep to pick up any boats taken out to sea.

• Smaller waves about 1 m. • Elizabeth Beach • Small waves trap you Even though this beach type is the lowest energy rip influenced beach, it has the most into ‘lowering your • Steep beach face behind an • South Bennetts beach variability as the tide levels change. At high tide smaller waves (<1m) may pass right over guard’. Lean or edge to attached terrace/bar. the bar (unbroken) until they reach the steepish beach face, then act like a reflective beach. • Zenith, Wreck Box and the sea side and fall/roll (See risks and issues for kayakers on reflective beaches). At spring low tide the entire bar • Terrace often flat and Fingal Spit beaches onto shoulder. is usually exposed as a terrace running parallel to the beach with a result that the waves featureless, but may be • South Fingal Bay beach • At low tide – often break heavily on the outer edge. Between tides, these beaches generally provide ideal sea cut by small shallow rip get dumping wave kayak launch and landing locations, with typically spilling waves dissipating their energy channels. • Terrigal Haven on outside of terrace over the width of the terrace. • Often found at estuary • North end Putty Beach straight onto bare sand. mouths and protected ends Small waves and the flat gradient of a terrace is deceptive – easy to be broached in • North Bondi Beach • At spring high tide – of beaches. shallows ‘slipping and tripping’ up the beach – Do NOT put out your hand to stop falling • Currarong Beach reflective beach hazards. over! • Merrica River Low tide terrace beaches

• Steep narrow beach (coarse • Jimmys Beach & Shoal • Lack of break zone Because these beaches are typically within bays and protected from direct ocean swell sand). Bay. is deceptive – traps they are a favourite for launching, but they can be deceptive as they do hold some risk for paddlers into false sense • Within bays or protected • Maitland Bay. us right on the shoreline. In 2014 a small boy playing near the swash zone at Pearl Beach of security. waters. was carried into the sea by the backwash from a surging wave and drowned. • Pearl & Patonga Beach. • Surging waves – strong • Waves are small (<0.5m) On a reflective beach, because all the wave energy is expended in a single break onto • Bongin Bongin. swash and backwash and ‘break’ directly onto the the steep beach, the swash and backwash tend to carry some power, enough to drag our shore. • Fishermans (Collaroy). • Surging wave and cusps kayaks back out to sea when we are still half in/out of the cockpit. With no breaking waves combine to make difficult • Waves collapsing or surge. to contend with, for a landing it can be a good idea to get the skirt off and feet out before • Quarantine, Little Manly launch/landing & Wash Away beaches. hitting the final ‘break’ zone. Ride the back of the wave/surge as far up the beach as • Strong swash/backwash. • Usually very short time possible, then hop out quickly when you are at the top of the swash zone. Don’t send the • Watsons & Camp Cove • Often there is a ‘step’ at the period between surges – old bloke with the dodgy knee in to land first! hop in/out quickly. low tide level / bottom of the • Clovelly, Long & Little The steep beach face means the water becomes deep quickly making it awkward to try beach. bays. enter your kayak once it is afloat – best to get all set and closed up on the sand, then a Reflective sandy beaches • Jibbon beach. quick launch to take advantage of the backwash. This can be difficult for kayaks with non- • Bittangabee bay. retractable rudders. You may be better off to consider a stern first launch.

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 28 29

Type Diagram Characteristics NSW examples Risks to sea kayakers Launching & Landings

The most common ‘surf’ • Boomerang & Blueys • Medium energy waves of To land, try to paddle in through the rip channel until on the shore-side of the impact zone beach on the NSW coast. beach 1-1.5 m. and then head back into the surf zone to take advantage of the dissipated wash onto the Beaches are generally • Bennetts beach • Diagonal rips line the beach on top of the connected bar. An advantage of this approach is that should you exposed to ocean swell with break zone – in a capsize in the surf zone on the bar, you have a good chance of you and kayak getting • Avoca & Macmasters waves in the 1-1.5m range. capsize, it is easy to be washed up to the beach (rather than have your kayak dragged seaward in the rip). beach caught and kayak taken • Bars are perpendicular to Often the rip channels are not perpendicular to the shoreline, but at a 30 - 45 degree • Putty & Umina (middle out behind breakers. (transverse) and attached to angle. As you reach the end of the rip channel (close to the beach) you will be exposed section). beach. • Undulating shoreline to breaking waves and a side rip current (see picture of Boomerang Beach). Continuing • Rips are usually 250 m • Sydney’s ocean means lots of sideway directly to the shore from the rip channel could expose you to surging waves on a steep apart in NSW. beaches including: wash – get in/out quickly. beach face. Palm, Whale, Bilgola, • Plunging waves on outer • Rips channels do “move” Newport, Mona Vale, Similar to a Rhythmic bar and Beach, find an elevated view of the beach to identify the ‘rip edge of bar at low tide. along beach, especially Bondi, Bronte and channel line’ to follow before launching. For a launch, you have two options: after storms. Maroubra • Rip strength increases at • Either launch off beach on the ‘horn’ of the connected bar, before then finding your way low tide. • Waves break on outside of • Killalea (The Farm) into the rip channel. (Launching on the side of the ‘horn’ will only expose you to a lot of bars. sideways swash – resulting in a lot of foul language.) • Disaster Bay & Nadgee Transverse bar and rip • Waves do not reform - Beach • Or launch into the middle of the rip channel embayment, down the steep beach face, lower Shoreline undulates timing it to avoid the larger surging waves. horns & swales. • Lots and lots more If you come out of your boat in the outer bar break zone, be aware that there is a good chance your boat will be caught by the rip current in the deep trough on the inside of the outer bar. Leave your best ‘surfer’ of the group as your sweep to pick up any boats taken out to sea.

• Smaller waves about 1 m. • Elizabeth Beach • Small waves trap you Even though this beach type is the lowest energy rip influenced beach, it has the most into ‘lowering your • Steep beach face behind an • South Bennetts beach variability as the tide levels change. At high tide smaller waves (<1m) may pass right over guard’. Lean or edge to attached terrace/bar. the bar (unbroken) until they reach the steepish beach face, then act like a reflective beach. • Zenith, Wreck Box and the sea side and fall/roll (See risks and issues for kayakers on reflective beaches). At spring low tide the entire bar • Terrace often flat and Fingal Spit beaches onto shoulder. is usually exposed as a terrace running parallel to the beach with a result that the waves featureless, but may be • South Fingal Bay beach • At low tide – often break heavily on the outer edge. Between tides, these beaches generally provide ideal sea cut by small shallow rip get dumping wave kayak launch and landing locations, with typically spilling waves dissipating their energy channels. • Terrigal Haven on outside of terrace over the width of the terrace. • Often found at estuary • North end Putty Beach straight onto bare sand. mouths and protected ends Small waves and the flat gradient of a terrace is deceptive – easy to be broached in • North Bondi Beach • At spring high tide – of beaches. shallows ‘slipping and tripping’ up the beach – Do NOT put out your hand to stop falling • Currarong Beach reflective beach hazards. over! • Merrica River Low tide terrace beaches

• Steep narrow beach (coarse • Jimmys Beach & Shoal • Lack of break zone Because these beaches are typically within bays and protected from direct ocean swell sand). Bay. is deceptive – traps they are a favourite for launching, but they can be deceptive as they do hold some risk for paddlers into false sense • Within bays or protected • Maitland Bay. us right on the shoreline. In 2014 a small boy playing near the swash zone at Pearl Beach of security. waters. was carried into the sea by the backwash from a surging wave and drowned. • Pearl & Patonga Beach. • Surging waves – strong • Waves are small (<0.5m) On a reflective beach, because all the wave energy is expended in a single break onto • Bongin Bongin. swash and backwash and ‘break’ directly onto the the steep beach, the swash and backwash tend to carry some power, enough to drag our shore. • Fishermans (Collaroy). • Surging wave and cusps kayaks back out to sea when we are still half in/out of the cockpit. With no breaking waves combine to make difficult • Waves collapsing or surge. to contend with, for a landing it can be a good idea to get the skirt off and feet out before • Quarantine, Little Manly launch/landing & Wash Away beaches. hitting the final ‘break’ zone. Ride the back of the wave/surge as far up the beach as • Strong swash/backwash. • Usually very short time possible, then hop out quickly when you are at the top of the swash zone. Don’t send the • Watsons & Camp Cove • Often there is a ‘step’ at the period between surges – old bloke with the dodgy knee in to land first! hop in/out quickly. low tide level / bottom of the • Clovelly, Long & Little The steep beach face means the water becomes deep quickly making it awkward to try beach. bays. enter your kayak once it is afloat – best to get all set and closed up on the sand, then a Reflective sandy beaches • Jibbon beach. quick launch to take advantage of the backwash. This can be difficult for kayaks with non- • Bittangabee bay. retractable rudders. You may be better off to consider a stern first launch.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 30 An anxious paddler

RUBY GAMBLE

Anxiety and paddling Anxiety and sea- sickness What is anxiety? Paddlers often experience stressful situations due to the nature of There is a link between anxiety and People feel stressed or anxious the environment we enter in our sea-sickness. Motion sickness is a when they believe themselves boats. Fear on the water might be common ailment and is caused by unable to manage or cope with associated with: repeated unusual movement. Your a situation, particularly one with • size or pattern of the waves inner ear balance mechanisms an uncertain outcome. The body feel different signals to those seen responds with a fight-or-flight • tides and currents by the eyes, causing your brain to response, which will express as • weather receive confusing messages and fear, confusion, raised heartbeat resulting in feelings of nausea. • unknowns under the water and muscle tension, and inability to Once you have experienced motion (sharks, jellyfish, rocks etc.) process the situation. sickness, you are more likely to Stress can also be a positive • distance from shore feel it in future and with increased experience that motivates and • lack of skills intensity. challenges, making you more alert • feeling unable to keep up with Anxiety can worsen the symptoms, and better able to get through a other group members as the brain expects the nausea tough situation. Stress and anxiety and responds. Anxiety also impacts • low confidence will pass once the stressful situation breathing and rapid and shallow is over or the ‘stressor’ is removed. • poor swimming ability. breathing can make motion sickness worse. This is why people There are a number of ways our An anxious paddler might have can feel motion sickness before attitude, personality and approach shallow, rapid breathing or may getting on an airplane or boat. to life influence how we might hold their breath. They may be respond to a stressful situation: unable to communicate, unable Helping yourself • problem-solving ability to act, or may act with bravado If you know you experience fear or that results in foolhardy risk-taking • previous experience of the anxiety when paddling, there are behaviour. They could lose focus, situation several things you can do. • degree of control over what is hearing, experience partial to happening complete paralysis, or extreme Before feeling anxious tiredness due to the energy used to • general feelings of anxiety Make sure you are well-rested, ‘freak out’. This might be expressed with a good night’s sleep the night • self-esteem through more bracing and/or before paddling. • available support. capsizing. Prepare yourself. Understand what Activities which allow you to test yourself in controlled conditions are good for situations make you feel stressed, building confidence and skills, like Clayton’s Rock Gardening (training session). and decide which you can and can’t control. Prepare for any stressful events in advance by visualising how you will respond. Think about times when you have handled a situation well, and focus on the successful ways you responded. It can be useful to build a better connection to your boat. Rocking your boat side to side with your hips on flat water and learning the feel of your boat can prevent you stiffening your body when there is a swell.

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When you feel anxious Build confidence and skill that way’. Well-meaning I’m sure, but not useful. Controlled breathing can help to The more familiar we are with reduce or prevent anxiety. As soon situations and the more success If you can catch up to the scared as you start to feel anxious, take we have, the more we build paddler – ask them how things are deep slow breaths and visualise confidence. Learn about waves, going. Remain calm, as the paddler being calm. This will help relax your weather and local conditions. will pick up on that calmness body. Build your kayaking skills and respond to it. If they express gradually and in particular learn concern about a situation, break If you sense yourself starting to to self-rescue in calm and in more down the activity for them. In many feel anxious, try to focus on how challenging conditions. Once you cases a bit of information can help you will solve the problem at hand. are comfortable with a skill at a a lot, for example telling them it’s Assess your own skill level and act particular level, gradually increase easier to turn on top of a wave on your best judgment. difficulty. A skilled teacher can help than in the trough. Avoid correcting Don’t be afraid to let others know you with this process. them repeatedly, as your focus when you are anxious, particularly Helping an anxious needs to be on them building their the trip leader. Their support may paddler confidence and believing in their help you cope with the situation, own decision-making skills. and knowing you’re anxious will NEVER dismiss the way someone If the paddler starts to panic, help them manage the group’s feels. Feelings can be reasonable someone needs to help out. Ideally safety more effectively and or completely unreasonable, but the group leader will nominate understand what’s happening they are very real to the person someone (or more) to assist the when you high-tail it out of an area, feeling them. Rather than passing paddler, such as providing an or refuse to join the group in an judgement on their feelings, offer assisted tow, while the group leader activity. them methods or techniques to makes sure everyone else in the reduce their anxiety – and this does group is safe and accounted for not include telling them to ‘think of and understands their roles. something else’ or ‘try not to feel My story

My big fear is tipping over my boat I paddle regularly with a very and not being able to exit, so I will competent sea guide, who has become anxious when I feel I am often stepped in to help me not in control of my boat. Concern manage a situation that he knows about inconveniencing others will is likely to cause me anxiety. The add to the stress of a situation. best example of this is the time I can often be heard crying out we were paddling with two other (particularly in surf), but the time to paddlers at Minnamurra. He asked truly worry is when I start crying. My them to paddle to a safe point anxiety is also expressed through beyond the waves and provide me poor breathing management, for with a path along which I could instance when rolling I lift my head paddle most safely through the as soon as I surface in order to break and avoid the rocks at the drag in a breath (even though I destination. I avoided a potentially could hold my breath longer), which stressful situation, at the same time experiences that have left bruises results in me not completing the roll as building confidence and skills. all down my arms and legs. and tipping back upside down. The more I paddle, the more I have had a number of experiences In my head I know that I have the confident I get and the less anxious that have contributed to this fear, skills to survive. I know that if I fall I am. Paddling regularly, increasing including falling out of a raft in a out of my boat I can do both an my paddling skills, and exposing Class 5 rapid and struggling to assisted or self-rescue. Sometimes myself to a range of different surface, only to come up under the I can even roll. I am strong, fit and conditions has also helped. Paddle raft; and panicking due to taking healthy, an excellent swimmer and with someone you trust, and learn substantial time to release myself can hold my breath for a very long to prepare yourself for difficult from my kayak cockpit due to tight time. In light of this, my anxiety is situations. And most importantly, skirts or unfamiliar thigh braces - very unreasonable. breathe.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 32

Best of Both

HUBERT WIEST

When my alarm went off at 5am on a cool winter’s day and I had to leave the comfort of my warm bed, I wasn’t feeling that this was “Best of Both”. Adrian chose this headline when he put up this overnight trip on the club website. The idea was to start at Elizabeth Beach, heading north towards Cape Hawke on the ocean before entering Wallis Lake at Forster/Tuncurry and then returning back down south on the lake to where we started. I picked up Tom and we had an easy three hour drive from Sydney up to the tiny village of Elizabeth Beach – located between Seal Rocks and Forster, where Adrian used to live. It had been his home for several years, so I knew we were in safe hands. The catchy headline attracted some more kayak enthusiasts of the club. We were eleven in total; Bruce, John, Tom, Nick, Deb, Ruby, Steve, John and myself, plus of course our experienced guides Adrian Clayton and Caoimhin Arden. The majority of us paddled Mirage kayaks (582, 580 and 530), with three Nadgee Expedition kayaks and Nick’s Arctic Raider. Clockwise from top left: Map; Wallis Lake at sunset; At 9:30 am Adrian gave us the Tom harvesting Cockle Weed; Landing at the camp on Tony’s Island (Photo - Ruby Gamble); Nick and briefing and off we went. The Caoimhin running to help Tom Cox land (Photo - launch on the north-east facing Ruby Gamble); Enjoying the paddle north; Preparing beach was text-book perfect. to launch at Elizabeth Beach.

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT Club Trips 33

The conditions were quite infinite blue. However it was too far benign, a 1-9 knot wind away for any exciting photos. from various directions After a while of paddling we finally (west to south) with a southerly swell and a passed Cape Hawke, continuing secondary swell from east our path in a more westerly around 1.5 metres. We direction towards McBride Beach. headed north, crossing We saw a pod of young dolphins the bay of Nine Mile showing their tricks. Already we Beach. Nine Mile Beach could see our beautiful lunch site, stretches a long way, but with just the surf separating us from nine miles seemed to be the beach. The waves weren’t very an exaggeration. Further big, yet some dumpers made it offshore we spotted a somewhat tricky, with Bruce failing whale. It showed up only to get the exact timing of Adrian’s twice in order to take instructions “PADDLE HARD, a deep breath, before PADDLE HARDER!” forcing him to disappearing into the surf on the crest of a wave directly onto the beach. He received an overwhelming applause. I personally had a less professional beach landing and took a refreshing dip after broaching. After lunch we enjoyed the beach launch, which was expertly coordinated by Adrian and Caoimhin. Like always the surf seemed to increase dramatically when you sit in your kayak, but everybody managed to keep the kayak upright through the surf.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 During the afternoon we paddled After a peaceful night and a short an outdoor chapel, which is mainly along a varied coastline with nice brekkie we launched our kayaks used for wedding ceremonies. rock features and a bombora, on a sunny calm Sunday morning. There was no Mass on this Sunday. which was totally tame today. After We headed south on Wallis Lake While Tom tried to fill in for the a further good hour’s paddle we passing Pelican Island, which is minister, we were eager to get back reached the entrance to Wallis barely a real island. Hundreds of on the water, some deciding to Lake, a narrow channel between pelicans were sitting on a patch stand and paddle in their kayaks for Forster and Tuncurry. Adrian had of sand in the middle of the lake. a while. told us that this part could get quite Quietly we watched them for a Finally after almost 17 Kilometers choppy, but again not on this day. while, taking care not to frighten we pulled out on Pacific Palms (the these funny looking birds. Adrian It was close to sunset when we lake side of Elizabeth Beach) and showed us cockle weed. If you grab entered Wallis Lake, passing had just a convenient 10 minute a bunch of this water plant, you dozens of oyster farms. The glassy walk to pick up our cars from the can be sure to catch some edible water and an impressive sunset beach on the other side. mussels attached to the lower parts escorted us to our campsite on of the plant. The water was crystal Best of Both? Definitely yes. Tony’s Island in Wallis Lake. We clear and we glided silently to Tiona Thanks to Adrian for a wonderful had completed 29 kilometers on Coffee Shop for a short break. kayak trip! the clock. However due to the mild Even in our smelly kayak gear we conditions we achieved it without were pleasantly welcomed and Top: Hubert at Pelican Island getting too exhausted. Below left: Tom as Minister at the Green beautiful banana bread was served Cathedral We had the secluded campsite to by the friendly innkeeper. Below right: Nick SUPing ourselves, perhaps not surprising During the rest of the paddle to given it was mid-winter. During the southern end of the lake we summer time Wallis Lake and stopped to visit Green Cathedral, Tony’s campsite in particular is said to be crowded by tourists and mosquitoes. We kindled a campfire and gossiped mostly about kayaking. The only downside of this wonderful spot was the trip to the amenities; a muddy track, nearly as long as Nine Mile Beach. I think some of us used other options…

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT Club Trips 35

27 September 2015 Team Leader: Megan Pryke Club participants: Ken Collins, Club Trip Tweets Greg Prutej Highlights for the day: exiting Ettalong to Maitland Bay Lake Illawarra with an outgoing tide; punching southwards into a 15-20 knot headwind; lunch near the old loading wharf on Bass Point; large SE swell running; surfers on the reef break near our lunch stop, and a downwind run with increasing fetch on return.

Back at low tide at the mouth of Sunday 13 September 2015 Lake Illawarra and conditions Team Leader: Campbell Tiley were rougher than before due Club participants: Selim Tezcan, Deborah Cunneen, to low tide. We landed between Bronwyn Davies, Roy Davies, Roger Merrell wave sets at the beach just to the south of the break-wall On a beautiful, sunny spring morning, we set off from Ettalong then portaged our kayaks back to paddle to Maitland Bay. We experienced idyllic conditions and into the channel. A strong tidal reached Maitland Bay in no time at all. After morning tea, we headed outflow provided opportunities further north to Little Beach, which presented us with a rock shelf for crossing eddy lines, breaking landing. Campbell, our intrepid leader landed first and then assisted in and out. Within break walls the rest of the group to land without incident despite regular sets of we enjoyed lots of great spilling one metre waves (big enough for nearby surfboarders in the bay). and occasionally breaking Special mention must be made of Bronwyn who landed with aplomb waves, friendly enough for a sea on the slippery rocks. She is one inspirational sea kayaker. After kayak though we had to be wary lunch, we cruised back to Ettalong with everyone getting a bumpy of the tidal outflow, which was ride across the sand bars at Little Box Head. Return trip was approx dragging out murky lake water 27 kms. Thank you Campbell for a great day’s paddling, Roger to the sea. Eventually the waves died down with the easing current, which was probably just as well as we did need to get home, though it was good to know we left as the fun was lessening off!

Friday 9 October 2015

Team Leader: Stewart Morgan (on behalf of Owen) Club participants: Steve, Hans, Geoff, Geoff, Mark, Barry, Brian, Bruce, Cecillia

This trip was about 16kms all up. The white line between Hornby Lighthouse and Old Mans Hat is about 1.3 kms, while the distance between the OANDORA Gap and North Head is twice that at 2.6 kms. The NE wind at 10.30am, which was about the time we crossed the Heads as measured by BOM was 17 knots gusting to 23. A big thanks to all who provided morning tea! Stewart.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 The Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong (a.k.a “NSW”) Coastal Sea Kayak Challenge

Since the publication of Salt98, the following trips have taken place: #3 Watsons Bay to Frenchmans Bay - 5 September 2015 10 participants led by Megan Pryke and Adrian Clayton #4 Ettalong to Terrigal – 18 October 2015 13 participants, led by Campbell Tiley and Caoimhin Arden To date the N.S.W. Challenge is 52 percent of the way to completion. The run of luck in regards to weather ran out with two days of coastal Strong Wind Warnings delaying the overnight camping trip from Bundeena to Coledale which was scheduled for the weekend of 31 October to 1 November 2015. A high pressure system was stuck in the Tasman, with the risk of it edging closer to the coast and creating rough conditions near shore, meaning there was a real possibility of members not turning up to work on Monday. On the Saturday a small group completed a day trip from Bundeena to Boat Harbour then out to near Cape Baily and return via a stop over at Jibbon Beach, thus covering part of the coast. Meanwhile, Raewyn Duffy is leading the Kurnell to Cronulla leg on 6 December. To be rescheduled is the Bundeena to Coledale stretch covering the Royal National Park; Nora Head to Terrigal; (Palm Beach) to Long Reef which may also include a small GPS cartage from Ettalong to close the Gap and Coledale. So keep your eye out on the club trip calendar and join us!

Left: Completed sections of the NSW Challenge in green and remaining sections in red. Ettalong to Terrigal - Below left: Rhys Ward and Mark Clarkson sharing a laugh, Below right: Bruce Lew powering home Club Trips 37

N.S.W. Challenge - Trip 4 Ettalong to Terrigal Terrigal

CHRIS YOUNG

One of the great things about sea kayaks for no kayaking for me is the scenery. reason on flat Looking from the sea toward the water and here landscape, formations and places were 12 boats hidden from view on the land moving with where you live. This stretch of the confidence. Ettalong NSWSKC Challenge begins at the The 13th boat southern most tip of the Central however was on Coast and took me back to when high alert - I was I bought my first sea kayak “White having a hard Fang”. Living at The Entrance at time constantly the time I declared to my best mate adjusting to so snorkeling around here and cliff “I’m paddling to Patonga can you many colourful variables only a few edge walking tracks too! pick me up in the morning?”; it was feet away. I stuck to my rules when the scenery and challenge on this paddling alone around headlands Paddling between Boudi Point and first trip that had me hooked. or points; no dawdling, no photos Maitland Bombora, the next section to Mourawaring Head is five or so This trip on 18 October 2015 would of that massive eagle, no prying my kilometres featuring more cliffs and be the reverse, from Ettalong Turkish delight out of my pocket. plenty of rocks. On that first trip paddling north to Terrigal. Rounding Just head up bum down till calmer of mine to Patonga, this strip had Box Head after leaving Ettalong water. This was a new and exciting been a real challenge for me as our group of 13 were welcomed by experience. I headed into a healthy southerly some healthy rebound combined This first half of the trip has us and had never paddled for over an with the SE wind and sea. Here I paddling off the coast of Boudi hour in constant rebound. This time encountered a scene, which you National Park. An area with vast however was different. The wind don’t get kayaking on your own, views over the northern beaches, was at our backs with terrific views the sterns of 12 multi-coloured with scenic bushwalks, camping of the land around Caves Bay and kayaks radically dancing, bobbing spots, massive sea cliffs and Bombi Point. and whipping in wide arcs before some sneaky reefs and bomboras. disappearing behind the next Campbell had obviously been here Passing the headland south of swell! Cool! It amazed me how the before and had us paddle single file MacMaster, we at last sight beach- majority of the group nonchalantly between Gerrin Point and a reef, goers and surfers and leave the paddled through these rebound which so far had not been visible. National Park behind. sections chatting away, lazily Sure enough a set came through It was interesting how insignificant looking at the headland. I’ve seen to reveal a fairly sedate slab the Skillion at Terrigal looked friends fall out of their and underneath. If we had still been from the sea in comparison to the paddling side-by-side, we may headlands we had just passed. have had some too-close bumpy encounters with each other. As the group rolled into The Haven at Terrigal, someone suggested Maitland Bay was our stop for that the Club President approve morning tea. Named after the SS club funding for fish and chips! Maitland paddle steamer, which Meanwhile, we sorted out the crashed on the reef outside Boudi mathematics of car shuffling and Point, this quiet crescent shaped headed back to Ettalong. beach can be a great place to stop for sea kayakers as there are no My abundant thanks to our trip safe landing places to the north leaders and Sea Guides Campbell until MacMasters Beach. Great Tiley and Caoimhin Ardren.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 38

N.S.W. Challenge - Trip 3 Frenchman’s Bay to Vaucluse Bay 5 September 2015 Reflections on a Tow TOM COX

We were heading up the coast with a southerly swell and SSW winds of 15 knots gusting to 18 knots. I had my sail up and was having fun zigzagging across the back of the group, catching runners and zipping along. I had (atypically) left my tow-rope at kayak. Once he was back in, skirt home. I was going to use Bruce’s, on and ready to go, I reattached The sea was dynamic, and but Megan pulled up alongside, the tow-line. Megan stayed rafted bouncing around a fair bit. Bruce offered hers and hooked it on. Up with Bruce. I set the sail and off was in his newish Pace 17. I could with the sail and off we went in a we went, the two of them in tow. see that he was struggling with the tow. Although it was heavy work, it conditions, so I paddled up to him wasn’t all that hard. The sail made The sail was a great aid, but it and offered to give him a tow. He a big difference. Others offered to took concentration to deal with said he didn’t know if it would help, relieve me, but I didn’t feel the need it was his balance that was the the vagaries of wind and sail, the to stop. I felt like I could have kept problem. We pressed on, but a little sloppy water conditions, dropping going for a long time. At one point later I could see he was still having down the face of a wave and Adrian hooked up his tow-rope so a hard time of it, so paddled up climbing up the next, the sudden that we could do a V-tow, but the again and offered to tow him. Again yank on the tow line as the kayaks sail was giving me so much oomph he said it was his balance that was pulled in different directions, that after a while Adrian detached the problem, but if I thought it would bracing strokes and quick strong his line, and I continued on. I had help, he’d give it a go. At this point plants of the blade into the water to hooked on the carabiner by clipping we were south of Diamond Bay. keep upright. it up from underneath the deck line, We made as Adrian had taught us to do, but some twice the tow-rope detached from progress, and Bruce’s bow while under tow. The then Bruce lost second time, Steve and Malcolm his balance took over in a V-tow, and continued and was in until we rounded South Head. Once the water. we were in calmer waters, Bruce Megan called was fine and was off like a rocket out, I stopped, paddling the remaining distance to dropped my Vaucluse Bay. sail, turned Having been the recipient of tows around and on two occasions two or three years paddled ago, when I was lagging at the back back. Megan of a group and the day was wearing assisted Bruce on, it felt good to be able to offer to re-enter his that help to someone else.

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT Club Trips 39

Some observations: aware of each other, and work 10. At a recent sea skills training as one. In most V-tows I have weekend, Stuart Trueman 1. A sail can be a great aid in seen, one person does all the talked about the problem of one towing. work. person doing all the work with 2. Always take your tow-rope. V-tows. He suggested clipping Don’t forget it! 7. Although it’s highly desirable the two tow-lines to each other for the tower to look back if there’s time, through rather 3. Use your own gear and you regularly to check on the than to the towee’s deck line. should know what to expect. towee, in demanding conditions Assuming no obstructions, this 4. When it’s windy, it’s really hard it’s not easy to do. Having means the joined tow lines will to communicate with others in someone else keeping a close stay in tension. the group unless they are very eye on the towee helps. close by. A whistle is good for 8. It’s a good idea to practice grabbing attention, but shouted towing regularly. This directions are easily missed. helps make sure that both 5. Megan told me she hooks her methodology and equipment carabiner through two deck are right. Equipment failure lines where that is possible. I’ll meant this tow did not go as do that in future. well as it could have. 6. For a V-tow to work, tow ropes 9. For more on towing, see must be the same length, the the NSWSKC Basic Skills paddlers must paddle side by Training Resources at http:// side and quite close together. www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/ They must stay constantly homepage/basic-skills/towing

Opposite page, Top: Tom Cox flying like a shuttle (Photo: Steve Hitchcock), Below: Adrian Clayton approaching Coogee beach, This page, Right: Megan Pryke approaching Coogee beach, Below: Group photo by friendly native beachgoer.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 40 Rhyme of an Eastern Suburbs Paddle

MALCOLM BERSTEN

We gathered there at Vaucluse Bay one brisk September morn, “Hello” and “Good to see you friend” our smiling faces said. The M’s were there – Mark, Megan Malcolm Michael Mark – with Deb and Steve, and Tom, and Adr’an too, a leader come to help.

We paired our boats and filled our boots to get us to the start. For some thru Bondi back streets, the scenic route for sure, whilst others followed GPSs by more familiar ways - the back streets won that little test, not that anyone was racing!

At Frenchman’s Bay we started to prepare, now serious and earnest; so Megan gathered us around to brief and check our gear. But wait, another now had come to join our special group, one Bruce it was from way up north, from Forster he had come. (with apologies to everyone who We cast about for smiling omens as we left the shore - can write good verse!) a joy to see around the point come Sharon’s Sat’day fleet. We figured in some tourist snaps around Bare Island Fort, then out beyond Cape Banks we went, to open ocean now.

The sea was rolling small and soft, the breeze its gentle friend; the sou’-ea’ flow they forecast appeared to be quite true. Some silken veils of sunlight fluttered up from down below, the wide horizons beckoned out across the sparkling blue.

The rocky cliffs were colourful in orange, ochre and grey; some golfers shared the headlands with walkers and wanderers too. There’s old Prince Henry now renewed with chapel and vibrant living where once in old brick mausoleums the sick did lie, and cry, and die.

So, Little and Long Bays we passed but did not venture in, for Coogee for lunch we were heading, and time had slipped away. Then there was the broad Maroubra, the Bra Boys little haunt, with ugly blue pavilion smudging the beachfront walk.

A horror in view at South Coogee, an ugly mash of houses arrang’d around the clifftop like a barrio or slum. A fortune you’d pay to live here, just to see the sea; but such a sorry sight it is out here, from the sea to see.

In contrast is beautiful Coogee, with its old timber baths and its green’ry, Its walkway a colonnade of concrete, curving gently ‘round the sand. We tackled the surf with aplomb and style, it was only little you see; but landing with grace and elegance, now that’s something else altogether.

Tom brought out some home-made goodies for all of us to share; his bread and tasty fresh hummus made my sandwich seem rather glum. We toasted his birthday bounty and soaked up the warmth of the sun, allowing a reflection on friendship, this pastime we pursue can provide.

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT Club Trips 41

We set off again at 1.20, through surf that had grown with the breeze. The sun was still shining and warm, but in the grey of the clouds it was chill. BOM With his sail aloft Tom embroidered the sea, tacking left and then right. I’m sure that I heard the sound of “Yippee” as he flew like a shuttle past me. UPDATE

Past narrow Clovelly, around towards Bronte we steadily went. Update from the Now hold just a minute, for back there behind us we could easily have miss’d Met the rows and the lines of the tombstones, the memorials to the dead; The BOM has updated a as sombre silent watchers of our little passing brigade. number of their web functions, as recently passed on to us We stayed out from Bronte – it’s a danger in there to eschew and avoid. from Lisa Sainsbury, their Beyond glam Tam (arama that is) and sculptures not yet to be seen, Media and Communication and then across Bondi we paddled well out, in line with the tower ahead. Manager. A few hardy souls were ‘sunning’ themselves, for the selfie and to say that they did. Satellite imagery from Himawari-8 The sun had gone in behind some dark clouds; the chill in the air became Near-real-time images are cold. now available from Japan’s The wind it was rising and with it the seas, perhaps a metre and 15 in breeze. Himawari-8 Satellite, allowing The water was grey, opaque, and malevolent, reminding us people weather to be viewed in detail that we must take care - for sea creatures we’re not – out here in Neptune’s as it unfolds. domain. www.bom.gov.au/australia/ Around the Ben Buckler we split into 2, the Gap our intended next gath’ring. satellite. The cliffs ahead were imposing; but the rebound had caught our attention! Himawari-8 generates about It came from all ‘round, the left and the right, ‘twas lumpy, and bumpy and 50 times more data than the grumpy. Bureau’s current satellite Exhilarating fun or fearful progression - a state of mind or reality. with four times the current resolution, accuracy to 500 As Bruce was struggling to keep a good balance a tow was attached to assist metres, and updates every 10 him. minutes, rather than the black But over he went; a rescue ensued, by Megan relaxed as expected. and white images currently Then Tom with his sail pulled them along till Adr’an joined in the tow; available every hour. This he couldn’t keep up – who could? we observed – his effort to little avail. marks a spectacular new era in satellite meteorology—akin Then the time did come for our tower to change so Mark and Steve took over. to switching from black and They started too wide with blunted effect, then narrowed and made it much white TV to high definition better. colour. We others looked on and gave our support and noted the change with approval. New swell maps on And Megan did what good leaders should - she watched and guided so MetEye calmly. MetEye maps now have new swell and wave map options We rounded South Head from a distance, to avoid the wide breaking shoal. including information now Then sudden alarm from creaking spars under strain: “The tow line!” “Keep available on the height and clear!” direction of different swell A fool in his yacht was racing his way on a rhumb line too fast and too close! conditions—as well as wind A matter of metres - that was the gap – ‘tween his hubris and general waves and total wave height. distress. www.bom.gov.au/australia/ At last we returned to a calm Vaucluse Bay too tired to practice our rolls. meteye/?loc=NSW_FA001 The sun was setting as we washed down our boats and changed into dry Some locations have gear. preformatted displays (for A final debrief and thoughts on the day, then goodbyes, farewells and example, Collaroy): www.bom. departure. gov.au/places/nsw/MV33/ The night it closed in on a memorable day for this very tired happy paddler! forecast/detailed/

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 Kayaking the Cocos/Keeling Islands May 2015

MARK DABBS

Above: The best kayaks

I believe in summer there are days company; actually there is only the of no wind and extreme humidity! one shop. So lots of searching, The Cocos/Keeling Islands are Rain? Yes, we had our fair share. scrounging and begging was situated 2750 kms northwest It rains every day so you carry on required, to find the three kayaks of Perth, Western Australia; the with what you are doing in the wet that did exist on the islands. or dry. Besides, it is hot enough islands are a group of coral islands Were the kayaks ‘sea kayaks’ and not to worry. The best time to visit that form two main atolls. Only two were they seaworthy? of the 27 islands are inhabited. is May–September, outside the cyclones and wet season. Of the two best kayaks, one was “Australia’s last unspoilt paradise missing the front buoyancy tank lies in the azure waters of the The Cocos has many areas where porthole cover, while the other had Indian Ocean, kissed by the sun the water is very shallow, warm, a trifle leak necessitating emptying and caressed by fragrant trade clear and uncrowded. Surf? Yes, every hour. Neither had deck lines, winds...” or so the tourist office there is a bit. Groups come here knee braces or stability. They both reports. for the 3-6m dumping surf on the coral reefs and in the process turned like an ocean liner and Lisa and I were heading to Cocos get trashed across the coral. We punched through rather than over to visit my brother who lives there, decided that maybe a bit of surf the waves. Still, they were good and teaches kiteboarding. We kayaking could wait another day. enough to go paddling in, even decided to take the opportunity for if they failed their seaworthiness some kayaking as well. We have About 50-100m off shore the ocean tests. never heard of anyone kayaking bottom drops almost vertically for around the Cocos so thought it some 3,000m. Inside the reef there Ah, but the paddles were magic. could be very interesting. are “holes” in the atoll where the Good thick, heavy aluminum shafts bottom drops similar distances. with very flexible yet thick, plastic The West Island of Cocos has a Quite eerie. blades. They did have a fixed population of 150, the Main Island feather of 90 degrees (or more). about 500. We were staying on The planes travelling to the Cocos But even more importantly, they West Island for eight days. are rather small, so the opportunity would not fly away in the wind to take our own kayaks would The temperature ranges from due to their onerous weight. We have required us to pack them into 27‑29C throughout the year! And did notice that our biceps were a large container and have them it’s humid. Although we were told noticeably larger by the end of our shipped to and from the Island. that he period of our stay was not paddling, helped considerably by This method takes about three as humid as it can get in summer. hours of massage to overcome the months each way. Needless to say, cramps and muscle overload. Being in the trade winds we had we used what we could find on the a constant breeze of 20-35 knots. island. There was no kayaking hire So, due to these four safety

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT Above: Lisa in the better kayak Right: Hermit crab concerns – dumping surf, the other way. Despite our bottomless ocean, heavyweight best endeavours to miss paddles and un-seaworthy kayaks, them, some were more we decided to paddle inshore suicidal than others. around the atoll. Here we were Besides the crabs, amongst sea turtles in knee to waist there were chooks and deep water - absolutely amazing. various birds which were The turtles were surprised to have us near them and took off like a introduced a century or shot. As the water was so shallow so ago. There are no they were not able to swim too fast predators on the island which was fortunate as we paddled so they flourish. The only other animals are mice. after them in our bathtubs. We The water was so crystal clear; fish Nothing dangerous that will eat, chased them for a short distance were everywhere. There was a little sting, bite or harm you. On the until they tired, or our arms felt bit of coral reef with fish swimming beaches were hundreds of hermit like they were about to fall off. through and around it. Then my crabs. So funny to watch them Then they would casually swim brother took us to “The Rip”. As the lugging their shells around and near our kayaks after they realised name suggests, very fast flowing hiding should you approach. we were not going to harm them. water. Once across we were into I even had one enormous one We managed to borrow a tinny the real coral. The fish! Amazing swim under my kayak, which due to motor over to and past Home varieties, colours and simply heaps to the shallowness of the water, Island and on to Prison Island, of them. This was a fantastic place, rubbed the underside of the kayak which we walked all the way where the fish allowed us to almost and almost flipped me. They are around, in about four minutes. touch them. We also swam over a beautiful creatures, very inquisitive, Prison Island is a little island where few reef sharks, which left us alone, strong and fantastic. years ago, prisoners were left with fortunately. West Island is about 10km long and no way off. Then continued on to Oh, yeah, we also kite boarded. 500m wide, so on land a pushbike Deception Island, where all the Lots of “air time” and face plants ... is best for getting around and ocean crossing boaties land. The but that’s another story. exploring the island. Especially as boat trip was too far to tow our the highest mountain is a mere 10m kayaks. Besides I think they would Our eight days were marvelous. high! But watch out for all the large have sunk from the wash and The Cocos is a fantastic place, crabs that scurry across the road maybe taken us down with them! though we recommend you send just ahead of you. They would run We wandered around here for a over a spare kayak three months one way then suddenly turn and go while then put on snorkeling gear. ahead if you plan to visit.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 Paddling in Skye

Above: Boat Selection

Finally we arrived on Skye with Gordon tried to find something to no car, to discover that it was a challenge us but the conditions 12 km round trip from our B&B were way too easy. Some seals to the nearest town, and even seemed interested in us and started then we didn’t get as far as the following, keeping us entertained. supermarket. On the positive side KAREN DARBY In addition, Gordon gave us our B&B was lovely, it was a scenic plenty of technique suggestions to walk to and from Broadford with consider as we paddled. In June Tony and I spent nine views over the water and we picked days on the Isle of Skye with six a mostly dry week to visit. At the end of the day I convinced of those days spent paddling. Day 1 one of the other kayakers to give Skye gave us great paddling with us a lift to the far end of Broadford. fantastic scenery and interesting Started with a briefing, we met A good result, we finally found the weather. While organising the some other paddlers coming out ATM and supermarket. At dinner we trip we had communicated with with us for the day and got to select started listing all the things Gordon various companies in the UK about our boat from the large collection of had discussed during the day and our paddling plans and ended up Valley boats lying around. During were surprised at how many ideas booking with Gordon Brown at the week I paddled an Avocet LV, he had given us. I just need to Skyak Adventures. The plan was Avocet and Nordkapp LV. The remember to put them into practice. for three days of instruction and/or Avocet LV was my favourite. Tony It was then only an 8km stroll back paddling, two days off and then a paddled Nordkapps; standard to our B&B. three day camping trip. Nordkapp LV, carbon Kevlar Day 2 I checked out the weather on Skye Nordkapp LV, a Nordkapp and the at the start of June. The Sydney Nordkapp Forti. I think he wants a The weather was completely Nordkapp LV for Christmas. winter was warmer. I rethought my different on Day 2. Low cloud, packing and put in my warmest We drove to Ord and paddled showers and plenty of wind. We paddling gear, which I really in Loch Eishort. Though not geared up in wetsuits and headed doubted would be enough. Selim’s challenging conditions it was a over to the tide race at Kylerhea. Facebook likes of Mediterranean lovely location. This was a day with The tide was flowing strongly as kayaking locations started to look lovely warm and sunny weather, we arrived, then watching the car very attractive. Then people started though sadly not enough swell to ferry crossing made us realise telling me that they wouldn’t visit have fun playing with the kayaks how strong the current was. Seals the west coast of Scotland in in the rocks. This was the only passed by at high speed with heads summer because of the midges. day we had other paddlers along. out of the water watching us.

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 45

the eddy calmly and quickly. Day 3 After lunch the tide wasn’t Warm, sunny, no wind and no running so we headed out swell. One of those paddling days to work on boat handling in when you have plenty of time to the wind. Lots of interesting look around and marvel at where ideas for us to take away your kayak has taken you. We and practice, to improve drove over to Elgol, dodged the our boat handling. As the touts competing to sell boat tours current again increased it and paddled on glassy seas over to was back to an eddy for Loch Coruisk, a freshwater loch in more boat handling. Gordon the Black Cuillins. had us trying to do 360’s Initially we paddled out into the This is a favourite destination for current and attempted surfing on in our kayaks on the eddy line. He could do this and keep the boat boat tours and walkers. I couldn’t the waves. Though not enormous stop taking photos with the the wind-against-tide conditions almost in one place with only a relaxed stroke or two. Not so pretty combination of glassy seas and meant the waves were steep and the beautiful scenery behind. First they were enough to keep me when we tried it. We could spin the lunch was on a lovely sandy beach focused. boat but travelled a fair way with the current. Tony then managed a near Loch Coruisk and then we Then we moved over to an eddy credible effort, I followed him out paddled off to circumnavigate Soay. and worked on crossing the eddy only to completely mess up my In most conditions the ocean side line into the current and back into edging and end up in the water. of Soay would be a somewhere to the eddy. Gordon emphasized that Maybe Gordon was being kind be very careful. It was very shallow he wanted us to have a plan before when he said people who are used for a long way out. With no swell starting. His point was that if you to rolling in warm water often fail we paddled close to the cliffs and don’t plan your strokes you will to roll the first time they hit the even got out on the rocks for a revert back to your basic strokes colder water. I certainly rushed my second lunch in the sun. A detour rather than more effective stroke setup and the roll never happened. in Elgol for ice cream completed an combinations. After a few turns Something to think about if I’m excellent day of paddling. working out the best combination ever paddling in colder waters of strokes to calmly get out into This was the summer solstice, at and just assuming that I will have the moving water and back to the 10 pm we still had sun pouring an effective roll to get me out of eddy it was time to repeat this with through the window of our room. trouble. our eyes closed. I was surprised The amount of light at that time to find that I did a better job of it The hot tub in the garden at Skyak of year is incredible. Sunset was this with my eyes closed. I had to HQ was perfect for warming up around 10.30 pm but it was only rely on feeling how the current was after my swim. That and the now really dark for two hours from about pushing the boat and make the traditional stroll into Broadford for midnight. You could spend hours strokes based on that. I was back in dinner. taking photos as the light changed. Top: Tony Murphy in a Tiderace at Kylerhea, Below left: Looking at Lock Coruisk, Below right: Second Lunch at Soay

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 46

The weekend Left: Karen and Tony in front of Skye Bridge; This page: We decided to hire a car for Donald and Tony launching from the weekend. We got soaking Sandaig Islands wet in Portree, nearly blown off the headland at Uig, ate lunch in the sun on a lovely read Ring of Bright Water by beach, walked in the Black Gavin Maxwell the book was Cuillins and travelled to written near our campsite for the mainland to a beautiful the night. harbour that even had palm trees. No otters, instead I saw a Day 4 lot of seals. The seals loved following the kayaks but Gordon had arranged for a local options around the Knoydart disappeared underwater when paddling guide and companion Peninsula. This area is one of the you turned to look at them. Donald Donald Macpherson to take us on most isolated areas of Britain and is pointed out that if you paddled the camping trip. Unfortunately we accessible only by boat or foot. backwards the seals are happy to had to work with a difficult weather Our trip started with another day follow and you can watch them. forecast. Very strong northerlies of lovely weather and fantastic This technique worked really well. were forecast for later on the scenery. We paddled under the second day and all of the third day. Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh Assisted by the current we We also learned that northerlies where we stopped to resupply powered down to our campsite. on Skye come from the Arctic and at the Coop. We met some uni Tony recorded 17 km/hour as we it was going to get very cold. The students spending the summer passed Kylerhea. The campsite forecast limited our options. We break paddling up the West Coast. was a beautiful location apart from considered a couple of plans and It sounded like an interesting decided to launch from out the a midge or two. I spent some time adventure. front of the Skyak HQ, head down watching what I thought were sea to Kyle of Lochalsh, past Kylerhea Most of the day was spent looking otters only for Donald to get a good and camp at Sandaig Islands. for sea otters, they are rumoured look at them and decide we were From here we had various paddling to live in this area. If you have being tormented by baby seals. 47

Tony arriving at Day 6 Islornsay I was too sick for paddling. Tony had a lot of fun launching from Camus Croise and heading downwind in about 20 knots to Armadale. Donald provided some ideas on downwind paddling, including…put the skeg up! I would recommend paddling on Skye, it was fun and we came away with many technique ideas to consider. At times I cursed the so- called summer weather. However Day 5 interest in paddling no matter how when I look back over our photos spectacular the location. Our warm It rained all night and through the from the trip to Europe it is the ones B&B seemed a more pleasant morning. The day started with no from Skye that catch my attention. option. By lunchtime I was happy wind and the midges went crazy. A truly beautiful part of the world. to agree to heading back over to I understand why some people just Skye. Donald planned well and http://www.skyakadventures.com/ can’t face camping on the west landed us at Isleornsay with a warm Gordon Brown’s business coast of Scotland. We launched in pub to sit in while we waited for our wet conditions and found the wind http://www.explorehighland.com/ transport. was against us. Not the forecast Donald’s business northerlies that we had planned for As the gale force winds howled http://www.strathgorm.co.uk/ - Our but a lovely headwind. In addition around the B&B that night I was excellent B&B. Alison was a lovely I had caught a cold and was losing happy with our decision. host and very helpful.

Where: Usually a venue on the eastern side of Sydney Harbour, but sometimes we launch from Malabar or Frenchmans Bay, or occasionally further afield. Who: All grades of paddler – all you need are the three P’s – a pulse, a paddle (and kayak) and a positive attitude. (If you haven’t done your wet exit and swim, let me know and I can organise it). How: By sea kayak. Sharon’s Regular Saturday Morning Club Paddle Leader: Sharon Betteridge What: A paddle of around 8 nautical miles (or Paddlers: Grade 1-3 around 15 kilometres for the landlubbers). With Date: Saturday mornings an obligatory stop at a café for morning tea and

Club Trip Tweets Club Trip to share stories. Where we go depends on the weather and sea conditions and the skill level of the group. Why: Because paddling is fun, socialising is great, Sydney Harbour is a beautiful waterway to explore and you can improve your fitness and practice a few skills along the way.

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 Sea Kayaking in Greenland!

LISA MCCARTHY

“As the pack ice closed in around us, I glanced uneasily to the shore, less than five metres away from where I sat in my kayak. It may as well have been five miles.

From the top of an enormous rock Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? off the point, Belinda cried ‘there’s But where, when, how, etc. The a lead through there’ pointing and questions were endless and adding directives to Stan, in the logistics seemed insurmountable. forefront. I followed him cautiously However, knowing some people through the fast moving blocks of who had kayaked there the ice of varying sizes and therefore, previous summer was a big ‘heads speed; all carried towards the sea up’. The fact that they wanted to go back again to explore more of the by the outgoing tide. Behind us, area … well, it all started to fall into and therefore out of sight, Mark place just nicely. and Belinda were moving as fast as humanly possible, to enable Just getting to our destination took Belinda to get back into her kayak, quite some time; from Sydney to then frantically following us through Copenhagen via Dubai; then to the quickly closing lead; they were Narsarsuaq (Western Greenland), finally by helicopter to Nanortalik. having great difficulty in achieving Over 30 hours in travel time, this. Only through supreme efforts excluding changeovers. did they both escape the clutches Top: Lisa at the campsite near Our first view from the aircraft, Aappilotoq of the ice, with Belinda only narrowly avoiding disaster. flying over Greenland, was Opposite page, clockwise from top left: spellbinding; rugged, snowy Sermerunerit Glacier, in Prins Christian After this episode, we realised how mountains, long meandering Sund; Lunch spot Imerdlugtoq; In Prins very lucky we were to have learnt fjords and an enormous number Christian Sund, which leads to the east our lesson regarding icebergs, of icebergs, right below us. Our coast. pack ice and fast flowing currents, helicopter ride was fabulous, with without anybody being injured (or views of steep sided fjords studded worse) and no kayaks damaged.” with icebergs. Nanortalik seemed like a charming we set off south east, following the upon. We fully expected many days village; there wasn’t time to notice rocky shoreline. There was much of poor weather, with fierce winds much else. Grocery shopping excitement as we spotted some such as the local Piteraq being was quite an adventure. Some musk oxen ambling along the grass quite common. food items were obvious, but as above the shore. These animals (Despite) Being so well prepared, none of us understood Danish, let live much further north as a rule; due to the abnormal calm alone Greenlandic, I was a little it turned out these ones had been conditions, it came about that we apprehensive about many items introduced to this particular island. reached our intended most eastern on the shelves. Ones that showed The plan had been to follow point, part way along the Prins pictures were usually helpful. The the coastline towards the island Christian Sund well ahead of time. rest was guesswork, with fingers Nunarsuaq, before heading north This allowed us to stay in some crossed. into the extensive fjord system and camps for two nights, affording The departure of four heavily laden exploring these, whilst still working time to do day hikes in certain kayaks, with 32 days of food on- our way east. Poor weather, rest areas. This proved to be a good days and days off for hiking had board, was observed with polite relief from non-stop kayaking every been factored in for a trip of this disinterest by passers-by. It never day, and enabled Belinda to add length. ceases to amaze me when that to her professional photography enormous pile of gear actually fits We were graced with outstanding collection. into my kayak! weather for almost the entire trip. Our four plus weeks found us Most days were so calm, it was Belinda warned us to take as many similar to paddling on a mill pond, constantly in awe of Greenland’s photos of the few icebergs floating except the views were better. If spectacular scenery. We visited the around the bay, as we probably this trip had been graded, it would tiny remote villages of Frederiksdal wouldn’t see many more on the trip. have been an easy to medium trip. and Aappilotoq, absorbing as much Well, she couldn’t have been any The trouble being of course, that of the local culture as we could. more wrong! With a glorious sunny this could never have been relied Nestled beneath towering snow- day, no wind, and icebergs galore, capped massifs, in protected bays,

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 these communities still lived in provides a corridor for polar bears, On one occasion, Mark was the a relatively simple fashion. With who travel on the pack ice along it. designated ‘kayaker’ model, with no cars or roads, just boats and I wish I had known this before we our request for him to paddle first helicopters as the only means of left. Bedtime saw me with my (tiny) towards, then to veer off past, an transport, they were cut off from the knife next to my head, and our gas enormous tower of ice, which would mainstream, as we know it. Yep, burner on my other side. If a polar provide splendid photographic they even gave the kayaking away, bear should attack our tent during opportunities for Belinda and I. as tinnies are easier, and faster the night, I figured I could use my Neither of us understood why he than polar bears & orcas. knife, and maybe singe its fur… seemed reluctant to go past it, until it was our turn. Upon a closer We encountered some fast flowing just before it bit my head off. Then approach, I noticed the structural currents, as the coastline was I heard about the Orcas, which got fracture that spanned its entire scattered with many islands. Not so me worried again. Happily, we saw vertical height. This was a matter bad, you might say, until you see neither polar bears nor orcas, but of some concern, until I then saw a gigantic iceberg zooming along, we did see a few arctic foxes. the shattered, mangled mess of and heading your way. Close to Paddling alongside the highest what its other side consisted of. Aappilotoq, we observed the first of unbroken vertical sea cliff in I paddled harder than I have ever the ‘pack’ ice. We had to be careful, paddled in my life, until I got past as the tide was ebbing, thus the world was quite a buzz, but the ‘squeezy’ bit between it and the pushing them towards us. I also nothing really prepares one for steep, rocky shore where I could grew tense, as pack ice = polar the spectacle of an iceberg which breathe easy again. bears. In Frederiksdal, one local fractures with an ear-splitting thought us crazy, as we didn’t carry thunderous crack, like a canon We explored all the fjords to the a firearm, or any flares. Our leader shot, disintegrating into several north of Aappilotoq. At the end of had said it wasn’t essential, but (large) pieces, which then roll in these waterways, were glaciers. I did have a number of sleepless the water until they reach their Some had receded to the point nights, particularly near Prins new equilibrium. This happened of being five kilometres further Christian Sund. This long ‘Sound’ frequently, and was rather nerve back from where they were shown is a thoroughfare from the east wracking when it occurred whilst on on the map. Who says global coast to the southern point. It also the water. warming doesn’t exist? Quite often,

DECEMBER 2015 | SALT 51 there were birds nesting on the that we had brought along with us, nothing to compare with camping narrow ledges on either side of the at considerable cost. Those two amongst vibrant wildflowers, with glaciers. We frequently saw seals, extra thermals? Well, it turned out blueberries within easy picking sometimes in large numbers. They we didn’t need them, because the range, with jagged, snow-capped were usually inquisitive, but this is weather was so good. Even so, we mountains surrounding and an much to their detriment. The Inuits all used our pogies several times. I imposing glacier on the other side just shoot them. always used gloves, but the other of ‘your’ creek. And, we had them Our extra ‘spare’ days allowed us three usually did not. Mark and I all to ourselves! to paddle the entire length of the wore dry suits every day, along Hiking through the area is incredibly Tasermiut Fjord, some 70km long. with top & bottom Polartec base rewarding as well. Although very If that doesn’t appeal, you can also layers. The others wore similar do it on a jet boat. This massive base layers, with dry top and dry steep, we did not encounter any glacier directly descends from bottom combinations. The dry suits scrub as such, and being granite, the main Greenland Ice Cap, and were sometimes a bit too warm, the rock was easily negotiated. was a wonder to behold. Paddling but, only a little bit. If you dress Occasionally we would come across one’s kayak right up close and for immersion, then you can’t do an animal pad path, otherwise personal to a Glacier as it spills without a dry suit. If it were much there were no tracks to follow. From into the ocean isn’t what most windier, wetter etc. then all our these high vantage points, we could people come across every day. To excess clothing would have been absorb the stunning scenery, but describe the experience accurately used. not necessarily escape the flies. To just escapes me. I could waffle on Finding campsites was sometimes our astonishment, the vast mass of for some time, but that would still challenging, as there aren’t really ice underneath the water line of the be inadequate. Let’s just say it was any good maps of Greenland, icebergs was incredibly large. We an awesome, magical moment, a and the best we could get didn’t vowed not to paddle over anything true ‘must do’. It was one of several show much. What would appear that could have the potential to tip glaciers we paddled to that spilled potentially decent usually ended up over, which may take us along with it. into the ocean. It was fantastic being sheer cliffs to the sea, or big seeing monster icebergs that had bouldery ‘beaches’. River or creek We spent 32 days paddling through calved floating at the tongue of their mouths were normally the best. scenery almost too incredible to glacier. But it was not a place to be As the tidal range is two metres, describe. I fully expected the trip when an iceberg calves, unless you every night involved some serious to be exciting and memorable, wanted a few forced rolls!! grunt-work to move the kayaks but it definitely far exceeded With the conditions so forgiving, we high enough, then a reversal in my expectations. I loved the trip hardly used our cold or wet weather the morning. However, there was and can’t wait to go back again, gear. Mostly, we pondered upon the no such thing as a camp without perhaps even in 2016 or 2017 substantial amount of warm gear extraordinary views. There is I hope you can join us!

Opposite page: Remote village of Frederiksdal. This page, Left: Campsite at Narssap sarq fjord; Right: Mark in Amitsuarssuk Fjord

NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB | DECEMBER 2015 Mark Dabbs at glacier end of Kangersuneq Qingo Dleq Fjord (Greenland) (Photo by Lisa MCarhty)