The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

No. 106 August - September 2003 THE SEA CANOEIST NEWSLETTER Kohi Point - Whakatane. Photo: Kerry Howe

Whitianga Bay - photo: Kerry Howe. See trip report on page 9. The Journal of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. - KASK

1 No. 106 August - September 2003

LRB3 - KASK RUAHINE Whitewater Club KASK HANDBOOK 71 Salisbury St., Ashhurst. KASK, the Kiwi Association of Sea For a copy of this mother of all sea Ph: 06 326 8667 Fax: 06 326 8472 Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc., a network of handbooks, contact KASK http:/ New Zealand sea kayakers, has the Treasurer, Max Grant, ruahinewhitewater.orcon.net.nz objectives of: 71 Salisbury St. BAY OF PLENTY 1. promoting and encouraging the Ashhurst, 5451 Alan Hall sport of sea kayaking Ph: (06) 326 8527 home Ph: 07 579 2922 Fax: 07 579 2923 2. promoting safety standards Fax: (06) 326 8472 email: [email protected] 3. developing techniques & email: [email protected] ROTORUA/TAUPO Area equipment COST: Emma Haxton 4. dealing with issues of coastal New members: gratis email: [email protected] access and protection Existing members: $22 Phone: 07 357 4660 5. organizing an annual sea Non-members: $24.95 NEW PLYMOUTH Contact forum Make cheques out to KASK (NZ) Bob Talbot, 6. publishing a bimonthly Inc.Trade enquiries to Max Grant. 10 Ranfurly St., Waitara. newsletter. Ph: 06 754 4191(H) or 0274 457038 THE LRB3, or the Little Red Book email: [email protected] The Sea Canoeist Newsletter is pub- 3rd. Edition, is a mammoth compila- WELLINGTON Network lished bimonthly as the official news- tion on all aspects of sea kayaking in Christine Coshan, PO Box 26052, letter of the Kiwi Association of Sea New Zealand, by many of the most Newlands, Wellington Kayakers (N.Z.) Inc. experienced paddlers in the Universe. email: [email protected] Following a brief introduction, the Website:Http:// Articles, trips reports, book reviews, handbook is divided into six sections: homepages.paradise.net.nz/ianjenki/ equipment reviews, new techniques, - Kayak, & Equipment SeaKayak/index.SeaKayak.html letter to the editor, and moments when -Techniques & Equipment the word 'Bugger!' was said singu- - The Elements SOUTH ISLAND larly or often {referred to by some as - Trips and Expeditions MARLBOROUGH incidents} are sought to enliven the - Places to Go Helen Woodward pages of the newsletter. - Resources Tel (03) 578 5429 [email protected] Send in a plain brown envelope, or via Each section contains up to nine sepa- NELSON cybermail to: rate chapters. The Resources section, Martin and Karen Clark Editor: P Caffyn, for example has chapters on: Tel (03) 548 5835 RD 1, Runanga. - guide to managing a sea kayak [email protected] West Coast .N.Z. symposium CANTERBURY Sea Kayak Network Ph/Fax: (03) 7311806 - Literature Andy & Deirdre Sheppard E Mail address: - Author profiles 53 Kent Lodge Ave [email protected] - Guides and Rental Operators Avonhead, Christchurch. 8004 - Network Addresses Ph: (03) 342 7929 KASK Annual Subscriptions are: - Sea in NZ listing email: [email protected] $25 single membership OTAGO $30 family membership. Rob Tipa $35 overseas SEA KAYAKING (03) 478 0360 Cheques should be made out to: NETWORK [email protected] K.A.S.K. (NZ) Inc. & sent to the SOUTHLAND KASK Treasurer: Stan Mulvany Max Grant, 71 Salisbury St. ADDRESSES NORTH ISLAND 03 215 7263 Ashhurst, 5451 [email protected] Ph: (06) 326 8527 home NORTHLAND Fax: (06) 326 8472 Brian Lamerton SKOANZ email: [email protected] Tel (09) 437 2858 Sea Kayak Operators Assn. NZ AUCKLAND CLUB Dave Watson, President Correspondence to the Secretary: PO Box 147-282 c/o P.O. Box 255, Picton Maurice Kennedy Ponsonby, Auckland. Ph: (+64) 03 573 6078 PO Box 11461 email: auckland-canoe-club Fax: (+64) 03 573 8827 Manners St., [email protected]. email: Wellington. HAURAKI Kayak Group [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Pelham Housego PO Box 46-146, Herne Bay, Auckland KASK Website: www.kask.co.nz 2 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

EDITORIAL appear to address some the MSA con- INDEX Apology cerns noted above by John Kirk- EDITORIAL p. 3 To those alert readers who advised Anderson. Sue Cade that her Port Underwood to KASK Committee Column Picton trip report (newsletter 105) was Susan Cade has prepared a draft over- by Vincent Maire p.4 a tad on the short side, well spotted! view of KASK Sea Kayak Training, And my apologies to Susan for some- with input from KASK committee OVERSEAS REPORTS how chopping out the bulk of her members (page 19). Susan is keen for Wales - A Land of Wild Water & report. It appears in this newsletter in feedback on this draft. Wild Women its original unexpurgated version. by John Kirk-Anderson p.6 Liasion with DoC Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) Following discussion at the August NEW ZEALAND TRIP REPORTS Consultation Meetings KASK committee meeting, with a Sea Kayaking the Bay of Plenty KASK paddlers, including Cathye view to establishing closer ties with by Kerry Howe p.9 Haddock, John Kirk-Anderson and the Department of Conservation, Max Grant have been attending the president Vincent Maire sent a letter Lake Hankinson - Fiordland MSA consultation meetings, four of to Hugh Logan, the director general, by Sue McAllister p.11 which have been held. expressing the aims and objectives of KASK and asking for closer liasion Port Underwood to Picton One issue raised at the consultation with not only head office, but also by Susan Cade p.12 meetings was the compulsory carry- local conservancies. ing of PFDs that meet the NZ standard SAFETY in all craft. There was a hue and cry In early October, editor Sea Kayaking in NZ from paddlers that buy their gear from will be appearing in Te Anau as a How Safe is it? small NZ companies that make activ- witness for DoC with respect to an by Dr. Iona Bailey p.13 ity specific gear that does not have the environment court hearing over aerial NZ Standards stamp but nevertheless access into the Fiordland National Park. Draft Overview of Sea Kayak Train- meets the requirements (getting the ing withn KASK standard approved is too costly for FORSHORE & SEABED by Susan Cade p.19 these small companies). MSA has OWNERSHIP decided to rescind this requirement The editorial (n/l 105) and KASK CONSERVATION from their pending regulation, so they website release generated a response Foreshore/Seabed Ownership DID listen to people at the meetings from several paddlers. Back in 1979, Kask Website Release p.17 (from Cathye Haddock). before the Maori grievance industry Letters to the Editor p.18 was kick-started, I recall no problems NZRC AGM Report p.18 JKA commented that MSA said they with access to North Island beaches, were interested in the commercial during my solo circumnavigation, ei- DEADLINE FOR NEXT N/L and kayaking industries, as ther for myself or the support crew. A recent email from a North Island pad- 15 November 2003 they were covered by the Maritime Transport Act. Soon after they agreed dler commented on the way some Maori are already actively excluding THANKS that ‘anything that floats and can be navigated’ fell under their jurisdic- the rest of us from some parts of the To tall those who contributed articles, tion. They said that - country, and commented on personal and to Max Grant for the printing and ing was also an area of interest but they experience at Pakiri Beach and Maurice Kennedy for the mailout. lacked the resources to tackle it - yet! Matakana Island; other friends of the correspondent had experienced trou- SEA KAYAKING BOOKS John was concerned with discussion bles re access at Karikari Peninsula New and secondhand sea kayaking of what was acceptable risk in kayak- (in the far north), and Bland Bay. The book cattledog is available from the ing. The MSA bloke was unaware of email concluded with the statement, editor, via email or snailmail. Cathye Haddock’s risk management ‘Rather than solving historical wrongs, LAST manual, for which her second edition the current processes are simply add- is due for release shortly. ing exponentially to grievance (on NEWSLETTER both sides).’ I agree totally with this Sea Kayaking Safety comment, in that the beaches and UNLESS Alan Hall sent me a paper by Dr Iona seabed should be owned by all New Bailey, which addresses the risks faced Zealanders, irrespective of colour or SUBSCRIPTION by sea kayakers in New Zealand and race. Whether this is legislated through FOR 2003/04 IS what is being done to educate pad- this new so far undefined term ‘Public FOR 2003/04 IS dlers to keep safe on the water. I have Domain’ or in crown ownership, the PAID included the paper in full, for it would issue has to be sorted promptly by PAID government. 3 No. 106 August - September 2003

A week or so after the meeting, secre- Please circle the first weekend in KASK tary Maurice circulated the minutes March for this great event and watch Committee and I found that I had a to-do list the website and future issues of the comprising 17 jobs. (Please don’t tell Sea Canoeist Newsletter for details. Column my wife.) Some needed immediate September 2003 action such as circulating information The KASK website is becoming more to members, clubs and networks about and more popular with distinct visits from: Vincent Maire making a submission on the seabed up more than 100 percent on the same issue. Others don’t start to take shape time last year. We now have almost I missed my deadline for the last issue until next year. But it’s going to be a 120 subscribers to the KASK news as I had been overseas. We had our busy spring and summer. service. It is easy to register. Just visit once-a-decade trip to Europe and the site and add your name to the box struck that incredible weather. Indeed, The 3rd edition of the KASK Hand- at the bottom of the home page. I can it was too hot for much of the time we book (LRB3) has been a huge success assure that the database is totally se- were there, especially in France. I with upwards of 400 copies having cure and you will not be bombarded kept my eyes peeled for sea kayaks been sold. Once again, a huge thank with emails from KASK – perhaps though. On my birthday we did a you to our hard working editor Paul one or two a month at the most. three-hour boat trip on the Rhine and Caffyn for devoting so much time and came across a pod of mostly folding energy to this very important project. And finally, I think it appropriate to kayaks out enjoying themselves. An There is just so much depth of knowl- remind you of just who is on the uncle of one of the friends we stayed edge in the New Zealand sea kayak- KASK committee. Susan Cade (train- with had just bought himself a sea ing community and KASK is fortu- ing), Paul Caffyn (publishing), Max kayak (he lives on the Rhine near nate that so many people were pre- Grant (treasurer), Alan Hall (safety), Mainz) and had taken it on holiday to pared to contribute to the book. Maurice Kennedy (secretary), John Italy. There he heard about the annual Kirk-Anderson (safety & training), circumnavigation of the island of Elbe The committee is considering two Bob Talbot (conservation) and Doug and took part. He said there were sea more publishing projects. One is a Vickery (finance). kayakers from all over Europe and it KASK Safety Book for which fund- was a great event. So if you are going ing has been made available by Water Happy paddling to Europe keep this trip in mind. It Safety New Zealand. Alan Hall, Paul takes place late June/early July and Caffyn, Susan Cade and John Kirk- Vincent Maire information is probably available on Anderson will be working closely to- President the Italian Sea Kayak website. There gether on this book which has a tenta- is a link to this site on the KASK tive publication date of late 2004. WANTED website. RECIPES & IDEAS & RECIPES The other book currently simmering & IDEAS & RECIPES & IDEAS On August 22 - 23 the KASK commit- away (pun intended) is the KASK For the tee gathered in Wellington for its an- Kayak Cooking Book. THE KASK KAYAKING COOK- nual brainstorming session. This event BOOK was so successful in 2002 we decided The committee is working on a number to repeat it this year. The main focus of other interesting projects including Do you have a favourite recipe or type for the committee in 2003 has been how KASK can better support net- of food that you take kayaking? If so getting the assessor training pro- works around the country. These will KASK would like to know about it for gramme up and running. A huge be featured in up-coming issues of the a proposed new book. amount of work has been done behind Sea Canoeist Newsletter. So watch the scenes in bringing the programme this space. It is envisaged the KASK Kayaking to our members around the country. Cookbook will be A5 in size, spiral By the time you read this, a number of With summer on the way forums and bound and will fit easily into a cockpit assessors will, or will about to be, symposiums are beginning to take or food bag. trained. Wellington-based committee shape. The Northland Canoe Club is member Susan Cade has taken on the hosting a KASK mini-forum on 31 While the idea is still at the early job of KASK Training Officer and October - 2 November 2003, and I development stage, possible chapters she is working closely with Gareth urge all upper North Island sea kayak- include diet, pre-trip food prepara- Hare, John Kirk-Anderson and ers to make the effort to attend. The tion, stoves, containers, dehydrated Maurice Kennedy in making the as- registration form and programme can foods and stowing. sessor training happen. To find out all be downloaded from the events page about the training and the KASK quali- on the KASK website. Also in the But what we want most of all are fication, visit the training page on the planning stages is the KASK recipes. These will likely fall into the KASK website (see also p. 19) Coastbusters Sea Kayak Symposium, following categories: breakfast, lunch, which will again be held in Orewa. snacks, dinner, dessert and drinks.

4 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

These kind of books can only become SITUATIONS VACANT Your role will be to simply alert the a reality if contributors support them. KASK committee that an issue has If you have a favourite recipe please CONSERVATION arisen in a particular area, what the email or post to the addresses below. ADVOCATES implications are for sea kayakers and Every recipe will be published under perhaps make one or two recommen- the contributor’s name. North & South islands dations on what the committee should do. You may also be asked to vet any Proceeds from the sale of the book submissions KASK may take on en- will go towards funding training ini- The KASK committee wishes to beef vironmental matters. tiatives around the country. up its conservation advocacy role and needs two people, one in each island, You will not be expected to attend And if you feel like writing one of the to work in an advisory capacity. committee meetings unless specifi- chapters mentioned in the second para- cally invited. graph, please let us know. The ideal person is someone who is a sea kayaker, is close to the conserva- If you can help please contact Paul V. Maire, 7 Motuora Rd, Manly, tion community and takes a strong Caffyn at [email protected]. Whangaparaoa, 1463. interest in what is going on nationally, [email protected] especially in regard to coastal issues.

KASK MINI-SYMPOSIUM NORTHLAND

31 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER 2003 This should be a great fully catered weekend for up to 100 recreational paddlers, all for $100 and just 30 minutes from Whangarei, set against a backdrop of Mt Manaia with a panoramic view of Taurikura Bay. Staying at the Manaia Baptist Camp at Taurikura, about 34 km from Whangarei. The camp has its own safe harbour beach, with Ocean Beach ten minutes away by car. The accommodation consists of a hall building with five rooms containing up to 13 bunks in each (including hall/dining room, toilets and showers), Jensen House (self contained for up to 20 people including small kitchen, fridge, freezer, toilets and shower), two lodges (containing three rooms for up to ten persons in each lodge, sink, zip, stove, fridge, freezer) and plenty of room for anyone wanting to camp (with a separate ablution block available). Plenty of options throughout the weekend, including – - Social event Saturday night (including jazz/blues band) - Exploring Whangarei Harbour, Tuatua collecting, surfing, fishing from your kayak - Visit Limestone Island with Patrick to track the kiwis, get up close to a kiwi and learn about its habitat (limited to 20 people on a first come first serve basis) - Use GPS to show the effect of current flow on your paddling. Option of organising two groups of paddlers paddling across the Whangarei Harbour mouth to Marsden Point - one group will paddle across just heading straight toward a certain point, the other group will use the GPS to ferry glide across keeping a straight line. We can then plot the tracks on a chart to see the difference. We could have another group paddling straight across a section of deep and narrow water to determine the effect of depth on current. - Search and rescue scenario on Whau Valley Dam - Walk Mt Manaia for breathtaking views of the Harbour - Displays - places to explore in Northland, gizmos and gadgets, trade displays - Key note speakers - listen to Ingrid Visser sharing her experiences researching the Orcas (subject to availability), fishing from your kayak with Steve Tapp (Northland fishing guru), KASK training syllabus for New Zealand sea kayakers A registration form and programme are available by emailing Sue Drake on [email protected]. Register early – this is run as a non-profit event. It is managed under the auspices of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers Inc (KASK). KASK is dedicated to promoting and encouraging the sport of sea kayaking.

5 No. 106 August - September 2003

Paul Caffyn, and so accepted an en- her way up the BCU scheme, but her dorsement of me. All I had to do then current status was a little unclear. Her OVERSEAS was complete the three days training buoyancy vest, or being American, and two day assessment. At the end of her PFD, was covered by a fisher- REPORTS that testing process I passed my Five man’s vest, loaded with more gear Star award (or Advanced Proficiency), than Batman’s utility belt. Most fasci- WALES, A LAND OF which felt earned, as I knew I had nating of all, everything was attached WILD WATER & WILD been through the grinder. with little retractable tethers, like those WOMEN extendable dog leads. Anything she Now, five years later, I was back, let go of snapped back into place. I by John Kirk-Anderson hoping to show that I could teach would have been worried about los- these same skills that last time I had ing an eye! KASK Instruction Officer, John Kirk- merely demonstrated. Anderson, finds danger in unexpected That evening we toured the local places during his visit to Wales. This As Holyhead came into view I scanned Coastguard station, and learned about is the second of his three-part story. the rocky coast for familiar landmarks. their organisation and procedures. The There, isn’t that North Stack, where I staff showed amazing patience as they As the coast of Ireland disappeared had nearly collided with Nigel in a sea listened to our daft questions. behind, I turned towards the coast of cave? That’s right, there’s the beach Wales and new challenges. we landed on after leading a group in Our trip from a local beach the next a howling storm. morning was cancelled due to sea The last week had been great fun, an conditions. We had planned to prac- informal time in a relaxed land; a time My Welsh improved during the taxi tice coaching while underway, but it to make new friends and to paddle ride to ASSC. I learned that local was a good time to talk about ‘Re- foreign waters. town Trearddur Bay was said “Tree mits’, or the conditions in which cer- Arthur”, and something else about a tain levels of coaching should oper- Ahead lay formal training and assess- dog and a wooden door, but that didn’t ate. It sounded very limiting, but eve- ment, as I faced the structure of the make sense even then. ryone realised that common sense British Canoe Union (BCU) and their must prevail. instructor awards scheme. I was Chris Duff, whom I had last seen in headed to the Anglesey Sea and Surf New Zealand after his South Island The trip was instead run in Holyhead Centre (ASSC), circumnavigation, was the first per- Harbour, with a deceptive offshore [email protected], on the son I met on arriving at ASSC. After wind keeping everyone on their toes. island of Holyhead, to attend “BCU much excited chatter he took me along A novice paddler in a new boat joined Week”, a period of instruction at the to find Nigel, but we bumped into us, and I latched on to her straight end of their annual sea symposium. Roland Woolven who had assessed away. While the other potential Paddlers from around the world would me five years ago. Roland recognised coaches were pretending to fix each take advantage of the gathered coaches me immediately and launched into a other’s faults, I had a real live student. to work their way up the award scheme tale about me that had grown in the A couple of other trainee instructors ladder. intervening years. Still, it sounded saw what I was up to and tried to good. muscle in, but after witnessing my But first, a little background. style they left. My fierce glare may The last time I had met instructor have helped. I had first attended ASSC in 1998, Peter Jones I could barely understand after a lengthy process to be exempted him. A tough little Welshman, he That night, I was kidnapped. from starting at the bottom of the spoke at 100 miles an hour, and I had BCU awards. These awards follow been forced to fill in the gaps. As he Bright light shattered the darkness, two pathways, Coach Awards for in- sorted papers before starting our Level and turning towards it all I could see structors, and the Star Awards, an Three training, I cursed inwardly, was grinning female faces. Scream- indication of personal proficiency. thinking this was going to be hard ing maniacally, they scooped me up Both have five levels, which require enough without having to guess what in my sleeping bag, carried me down attendance of a training course, and was being said. However, the taxi the stairs, and dumped me in the mid- following further experience, a for- driver’s lessons must have paid off; dle of a party raging in Nigel’s home. mal assessment. Further explanation no problems this time. When it was revealed that I slept na- of these awards, and their relevance to ked, I was allowed to leave, on the recreational paddlers will be the sub- After a morning of lectures, we trained condition that I return, wearing ject of a later article. in the bay of Rhoscolyn, but not be- clothes. I may have been bare-arsed, fore being amazed by the gear that one but they were embarrassed. Nigel Dennis, who owns ASSC, had woman was wearing. An instructor paddled around Great Britain with from the US, she was also working I was the subject of much male-envy

6 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

the next morning, as my exploits with As part of the assessment, Peter was been blowing, had changed to the five women were retold. I quickly required to give me pointers for my northwest, with a half metre sea. This emailed home, in case my wife heard future development as a coach, in was almost directly against the flood- the ‘improved’ version of the story. preparation for my next level. I was ing tidal flow, and caused the seas to being assessed in a couple of days, so stand up. Because I was attempting to do sev- he didn’t spend too long on that. eral years worth of assessments in a Penrhyn Mawr is a tide race of world few days, the next day I started my One thing he could have shown me renown. As the tidal stream flows Coaching Process course, which is was how to tie boats onto trailers, as through the Irish Sea, the western normally only done for the L4 coach. heading to the session, ‘my’ borrowed coast of Holyhead Island and the head- I had been warned that it was a ‘com- Romany fell off, grinding a large hole land of Penrhyn Mawr constrict it, in pulsory’ course, and would be the through the stern. This did allow me both width and depth. This causes most boring two days I would spend. to demonstrate how to patch with duct large overfalls, similar to a rapid in a The thought of classroom work pained tape, but I felt rotten about it. That was whitewater river. With flows of up to me, as Chris Duff was spending his my second of three ‘flying boat expe- seven knots at springs, boat-handling days paddling the tide races for which riences’. skills can be put to the test. With no Holyhead is famous, and returning wind, the flow forms very distinct pumped full of adrenaline. Later that day I took the damaged eddy lines, and standing waves allow kayak along to Nigel’s factory, hop- for long surfing rides. The critics of the course could not ing to repair it. The boat was brand have been more wrong. We kicked new, prior to my use, and I wanted to Wind-over-tide is a different story. footballs, skipped, juggled hoops, get it straight back in his rental fleet. Tidal streams are impatient beasts, drew pictures on the instructions of The manager of the huge factory just and when the wind or an opposing others, and explored a great deal about laughed, and said, “What? Look swell tries to hold them up, they get teaching and learning. We were made around, we make kayaks here. This angry. Haystacks of white water form, aware of the differences in teaching at will be lucky to get repaired in the and collapse as quickly. Holes open in this level. “Instructors instruct skills, next year.” the sea surface, and waves come from Coaches coach people.” every direction, trying to catch you Free from the formality of BCU off guard. As I hadn’t done any previous coach- courses, it was now playtime. The tide ing awards, I then had to step back and races had been calling for me all week, This was one such day. I was once be assessed for my Level Two Coach, and that evening we had a reunion. told, “If you can still spit, it ain’t that which caused a little mirth among bad.” fellow trainees. Peter Jones assessed Canadian kayak guide Chris Lockyer, me as I took a group of four, in a small and Axel Schoevers, a Dutch paddler, Spitting out salt water, I relaxed and tidal lagoon between the islands of were the last of the ‘Internationals’ at enjoyed the ride. I was even able to Holyhead and Anglesey, gently intro- the centre, and we teamed up to play shoot photographs, and came within a ducing them to kayak and paddle. It in the big waters. Chris had been fol- heartbeat of front looping into a hole went well, and luckily Peter didn’t see lowing a similar training path to me, so deep, the bottom looked black. the clients, who all knew each other, while Axel had already been in the Nigel and his girlfriend joined us and chuck the smallest member in the races during his time here. As the we played until the flow slackened, river at the end. That would have tides were building towards Springs, paddling home well after sunset. looked good - finished the paddling the races were getting faster during and then a drowned participant! the week. Southerly winds that had A deep furrow was upon the brow of Axel, as he studied the maps and charts of Holyhead during breakfast the next morning. Too many tide races, too little time. We decided on Point Linus, the northern-most point of Anglesey, and were prepared for a testing day. Spoiled by the big water of Penrhyn Mawr, the metre high standing waves of this race were a let down, and we returned to ASSC disappointed. Nigel was surprised to see us and, knowing better than most what the races do, said “Rhoscolyn is just starting. On ya bikes!”

7 No. 106 August - September 2003

Rhoscolyn race doesn’t have the same A playboater at heart, he had also The trip was completed on dusk, tak- reputation as the nearby Penrhyn paddled half way around Britain, so ing us exactly eight hours, which later Mawr, but it was still big and fast. we felt he was well qualified to join was sniffed at by one paddler claim- Unless surfing, it wasn’t possible to Chris and me. ing it could be done in one tidal cycle, paddle against the flow, and the eddy “with proper planning”. Whatever! lines were sharp. Blind-sided by a The 34km trip is very dependent on wall of water, my roll was a reaction, timing the tides, both for the races, Penrhyn Mawr beckoned the follow- completed without thought. and the flow through the Inland Sea, a ing day, but as both Chris and I were large tidal estuary. We got the races packing to leave, we resisted and in- Keen to get a photo from a different right and the Inland Sea wrong, which stead watched as Nigel Dennis and angle, I swam onto a rock mid-flow, meant a over a road, through his girlfriend Ruth showed how it towing my kayak. I had practised swim a narrow gate in a stone wall and then could be done. The wind and swell landings during my Five Star assess- over a railway track. had dropped, so the race was very ment years ago, and it was appropri- smooth and fast. It was a joy to watch ate it was here that I did it for real. “Its OK there are no trains here, Nigel do breakouts with a perfect FUUUUUU..” hanging- Dufek, it was Slalom in a The ‘International Holyhead Island sea boat. Circumnavigators Club’ was nearly Phil had been so well spoken until this disbanded the next day, when a por- point, when the Holyhead express I had often wondered how Nigel could tage was interrupted by an express roared past, whistle screaming. coach kayaking day-in, day-out, and train. Axel had taken the day off, then go paddling, but the tide races of pleading fatigue, and his replacement Wales, a land of wild water and wild Holyhead Island explained it all. With was a young Englishman named Phil. women, and we were nearly killed by such stunning water to play in, how a train! could you not?

That evening I plotted how I could get an NDK Romany into my luggage, but try as I might, it wasn’t going to happen. Take care my lovely, we’ll meet again.

After the wild-women and wild-wa- ters of Wales, what would Scotland bring? I was about to find out, as the Highlands called, with assessment for my Level Three Coach, and the Scot- tish Sea Kayak Symposium.

In the next article, wind, rain, and an epic off the west coast of Skye.

Kayakers in training! Photo: JKA

PRODUCT INFORMATION Designs from Europe, Quality from NZ from Rasdex NZ A new brand of kayaking kit is coming to our shores in the very near future. Rasdex NZ Ltd is beginning manufacturing in Christchurch now, and will have New Zealand-made products in the shops for the spring/summer season. Rasdex has long been established in the UK and Europe as a manufacturer of specialist kayaking wear, and is bringing its European design features and waterproof fabrics to NZ for the benefit of all sea, white water and multisport kayakers here. Having the kit produced in NZ should ensure that prices are kept below the cost of imported brands. Current Rasdex garments include neoprene sprayskirts to fit all sea kayaks, plus a range of breathable waterproof jackets with special features for sea kayakers to cover all types of weather conditions. Rasdex NZ will be able to supply the garments you need for all types of trips, from lazy summer coastal to extreme ocean expeditions. Look out for the kit in your local shop! Rasdex NZ can be contacted on (03) 382 5931 or [email protected].

8 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

The following morning I experienced ing the volcanic plateau. It then runs NEW the first of the head winds that plagued through the Kawerau paper mill where NEW the rest of the voyage. They started it is instantly transformed into a black ZEALAND near Opotiki, where the dramatic hills and stinking waterway that eventu- and headlands of the previous few ally runs into the sea near Matata. No TRIP REPORTS days gave way to the empty beaches one seeing it pouring into the Bay of that stretch all the way to Tauranga. I Plenty, staining the sea black for kilo- gave up late in the day after 18 nauti- metres around could ever believe in SEA KAYAKING THE cal miles and was pleased to take New Zealand’s clean green image. It BAY OF PLENTY refuge from the windy chop at the is a national disgrace. (against the wind...) campground at Waiotahi. Early next by Kerry Howe morning I went past the entrance to But I had no time to indulge in eco- Ohiwa Harbour, its bar was awash political sentiment, for I had to cross [Reprinted with kind permission from with large swells. the smelly thing. I lined the kayak the New Zealand Kayak Magazine, upstream until I came to slower wa- Issue 21] Then the nor’westerly set in and I ters, and then very gingerly ferry glided spent hours clawing along Ohope to the other side. This was not the My intention was to sea kayak across Beach. Twice large waves caught me place for a capsize. I then lined it the Bay of Plenty, from East Cape to side on and took me on a broaching down the other bank, back to the beach, Waihi Beach. That would complete surfing run into the shallows. That and continued with my man-hauling, my East Cape to North Cape project, was to happen several times over the fortunately now upwind of the dread- undertaken during the summers of next few days. No matter how far ful river. I decided to camp in the sand 2000-2003. offshore I tried to paddle, there were hills, but abandoned that idea when I always a few rogue waves that broke saw that they were recently heavily In late January, my son James drove even further out. My best campsite of churned up by four-wheeled drive me to Hicks Bay/Te Araroa, a seven the trip was that night, in a sheltered vehicles. I had no desire to be run over hour trip from Auckland. There was cove just beyond Ohope Beach and at night by drunken hoons. massive surf and a howling southerly. tucked inside Kohi Point which lies to After a rapid retreat back to the Bay of the east of Whakatane. Another mile or so down the beach I Plenty, I launched my kayak in calm came to a camp ground at Matata and seas at Otamaroa, just inside Cape The next day was rotten - a stiff west/ gave up for the day. The campground Runaway. In the late afternoon I pad- nor’wester and rough seas. My nor- owner took pity on an exhausted sea dled across Waihau Bay, around reef mal 3 knot speed was often closer to 1 kayaker and gave me a night’s free strewn Orete point, and along Papatea knot and the sea kayak bucked about camping, plus a fifty-cent coin for the Bay. The water was dirty and full of in steep chop. The coastline past shower. Did I really look/smell that massive logs from the local rivers. Whakatane was a featureless beach bad? That evening I indulged in fish that stretched to the horizon. After and chips at the local shop. As evening approached I wondered about 5 hours I had had enough and how I would get ashore, since the decided that I would make better The next day I was hell-bent on get- steep gravel beach was being pounded progress towing the kayak on its fold- ting to Maketu, before the predicted by dumping surf. Fortunately at the ing trolley along the beach with a strong nor’westerlies set in again in end of Papatea Bay I found a sheltered harness around my waist. Bad move. the afternoon. If the trip was now in way in through rocks and camped on The sand was soft. My wheels left danger of being aborted by bad head a grassy ledge. The next day was fine deep furrows. After every ten steps I winds, I at least wanted to get there. I and calm and I made good progress had to stop and gasp for air. I read a lot had one nasty moment when a tiny past Te Kaha. This coastline is quin- about Antarctic travel and have al- wave made me overbalance while tessential East Coast - a background ways dreamed of man-hauling a sled getting out of the kayak for a rest stop of rugged dark mountains, and an to the South Pole. Not any more. I on a steep stony beach. I sat up and indented bush and rock coastline. I thought about heading back through saw big black spots before my eyes. was a little disappointed to see how the waves, but the wind was scream- For a milli-second I thought I might parts of it were quite built up with ing. Then the sea turned black, and have damaged my optic nerve. But holiday homes, which is in stark con- very smelly. no, it was just small stones jammed trast to when I had last been in this part between my sun glasses and my ordi- of the world forty years ago. After 22 I was nearing the entrance to the nary glasses. And they were under my nautical miles of great paddling I called Tarawera River. This river begins in hat, in my ears, and everywhere. A it a day just past the Motu River. The pristine Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua. couple more times I was washed nearly landing was through surf on steep It leaves the lake in a trout filled to shore by sneaky rollers, and my gravel. I camped amidst acres of drift- stream which disappears into a huge rudder was bent in the enforced wood, and sweltered in evening heat hole and then gushes out half-way broaching. But after 6 hours I finally until the sun set. down the massive escarpment mark- made it across the bar into Little Waihi,

9 No. 106 August - September 2003 at Maketu. It was high tide and I was dreds of caravans, family sized tents of the island are well known as canna- able to paddle right up to the empty and four-wheeled drives. With gale bis country, so my mind dreamed up campground in the sheltered estuary. force winds predicted for the next few nasty scenarios of being found with It is a restful place. The tide ebbed in days, my time and luck had run out. I all my spying equipment - such as my the later afternoon and I watched pipi was rescued the next day by my wife GPS and my VHF radio. gatherers on the vast drying flats of Merrilyn who drove from Auckland. the estuary. I spent a happy evening The weather forecast said no rain for dismantling my rudder assembly, fi- I had paddled 100 nautical miles, but days. It started to rain overnight, heav- nally being able to use a spanner that there was still unfinished business - ily. The morning was miserable, rain for years I have faithfully carried for the stretch from Papamoa to Waihi and mist. I assumed that the patrol the very purpose, and straightening Beach. I went back a few weeks later guys would be lying in bed until late, the rudder blade using a rock for a and headed off from Papamoa on a but the first car came past at 5.00am, hammer. I also repaired a badly worn beautiful calm afternoon. By the time in the dark, and others followed at stern keel with epoxy glue kindly lent I got to the Mount a strong head wind, regular intervals. All my gear was to me by the camp owner. against all weather predictions, started soaked, and I lay on the wet ground, up again. Progress along the outside trying to keep out of sight, cooking The weather forecast for the next day of Matakana Island in the evening my breakfast. When I thought the was very bad - 30 knot head winds - so was slow and painful. I came ashore, coast was clear I made a dash for the I planned a day off. The tent was very weary of the unfriendly locals sea. It was low tide and it seemed to buffeted by high winds overnight. I who are known to patrol the beach to take an age to get to the water. Car had a luxurious sleep-in, instead of repel strangers, and were doing so lights appeared from both directions. my usual 6.30am on-the-water regime. now - big muscular types in four- I smashed my way out through the But by about 10.00am a front moved wheeled drive vehicles. surf. It was 7.00am, but still dark and over and the wind dropped. I hastily very misty. packed up and set off for The Mount. I had hoped to camp in the pine forest, I saw it for the first time through but the scrub was so thick I could not The next obstacle was to negotiate the passing squalls as I rounded the point get into it. I camped behind a low bush bar at the Katikati entrance. I ended at Maketu. I found out later that on on the dunes, and spent most of the up more than 2 nautical miles out to that day its regenerated native bush time lying down so as not to be spot- sea before I was safe from the swells. had been set ablaze by idiots. Inevita- ted by the 4WD patrols that now Then it was a short run through the bly the nor’wester returned, stronger cruised the beach about every 20 min- rain to the northern end of Waihi than ever, and the sea was now very utes. I cooked my meal lying down. Beach, where I completed my East rough. I was hardly making any head- As it got dark, I covered all my reflec- Cape to North Cape Odyssey. I was way at all. After 5 hours I reached tive tape on the kayak in case the car cold and wet, but glowing inwardly. Papamoa. Being now in a suburban lights caught it. landscape where free camping was Kerry Howe ([email protected]) not an option, I was forced to go to the The patrols continued intermittently Papamoa campground - a seething throughout the night! Where were they mass of humanity crammed into hun- going? What were they doing? Parts

10 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

It took us almost four hours to reach only a short walk to the hut. The last the head of middle arm with a small people in the hut were DOC workers NEW head wind near the entrance of south at the end of May so recent renova- ZEALAND west arm and with one short stop for a tions had been done and there was a ZEALAND stretch and a snack. We then started good supply of wood and coal. TRIP REPORTS the portage across into Lake Hankinson. All sorts of variations of Day two started with balloons, party LAKE HANKINSON time on how long this portage would hats, birthday cake and candles for FIORDLAND take, what the track was like etc. had one member of the group. There was by Sue McAllister been given to us. We were pleasantly a steady rain all day and we decided to surprised to find a good track, a bit up walk up the track for two hours to the Jan Nicol, Bruce Robb, Chris and down, that really only took about next hut and check out Lake Thomson. Thomson, Sue McAllister 15 minutes to walk over carrying gear. This was well worth it to see the Otago Canoe and Kayak Club Carrying boats, however, was a com- waterfalls all along the way and espe- 26-28 July 2003 pletely different story especially the cially the huge one right near Thomson heavier plastic boats. One member of Hut. Once back in Hankinson Hut the In July of this year four of us from our group had his home made wooden birthday celebrations continued with OCKC journeyed to Lake Hankinson. sea kayak and the normally two strong about four hours of eating! We were This is a small lake located off the fit males who carried this were red in determined we didn’t want to carry middle arm of Lake Te Anau in the the face and cursing mildly by the any more than we had to on the por- heart of Fiordland and is the starting time they got to Hankinson! Alto- tage on the way out! What better ex- point for the tramping track leading gether it took us about two hours to cuse does one need for eating? over to George Sound. I used the word each do three trips, one carrying gear “journeyed” because to just say “pad- and two trips carrying boats, unloaded Day three, the rain had stopped, the dled” would not accurately describe and reloaded boats, by which time we mountains were clear with only wispy the trip ….. I will explain later. were well and truly ready to get pad- bits of cloud hanging in the valleys dling again. and again the lake like a mirror (the We put in on Lake Te Anau just above weather gods were looking after us). Te Anau Downs at the mouth of the The paddle up Lake Hankinson only We set off on our return journey in a Eglington river. The forecast was for took about one hour. This was truly meandering like way, partly because rain and wind for the first day of the majestic – very steep sided, snow of a reluctance to leave but also such trip which was a concern especially capped mountains towering above and is the incredible beauty of the area we crossing the exposed part of Lake Te a feeling of being very remote. We had to stop frequently to view and Anau into the entrance of Middle Arm. paddled up the Wapiti River, at the absorb it all. The portage going back However, when we woke on Saturday head of the lake, to the first rapid and didn’t seem nearly as difficult or take morning the lake was like a mirror and parked our boats from where it was as long. could not have been better. The first view again of Lake Te Anau quickly dissolved any worries we may Long, long beaches in the Bay of Plenty. Whale Island on the horizon. have had of being caught in wind. The Photo: Kerry Howe reflections of boats and mountains on the lake provided real picture post cards type shots. We knew we had plenty of time to get across Te Anau so we were all in cruise mode enjoy- ing everything around us, the intense silence with only the sound of paddles hitting the water, and the privileged feeling of being able to be in such a wonderful place. It all finished too soon. It was then time to unload boats, get off the smelly gear and drive back to Dunedin.

11 No. 106 August - September 2003

men inflicted a defeat on Te good time. Before we reached Queen NEW Ruaparaha. Charlotte, a boaty had advised us to ZEALAND head back the way we had come to Further along the coast we started to camp, asking us whether we knew TRIP REPORTS see the odd fishing boat and closer to where we were going. Then he said Port Underwood to Picton Jordy Rocks (these were named after “You two Sheila’s” and left. We did a whaler) we saw many more recrea- have a bright night-light and we were 26 - 27 July 2003 tional fisherman, obviously good con- hugging the side of Tory Channel, by Susan Cade ditions for them to be out there. with me often in fact having a play Giselle Clements and I set off from with the prolific inshore weed. It was Ocean Bay at the eastern entrance of Past Jordy rocks we were interested to one of Giselle’s first serious night Port Underwood after a very late night see a couple of small sandy beaches paddles in the real dark, so she did and early drag out of bed. we could have landed on, but our really well. We were determined to go sights were set on the Tory Channel on. After a marine radio trip report and entrance. The westerly run was due to condition’s check, it was hard to be- start at 1233hours and we entered at In the dark it was quite an interesting lieve that we were on our way. I had 1300hrs. We had heard of the poten- aspect watching the Cook Straight had lots of contemplation whether the tial for really rough water on the east- Ferry turn to go into Queen Charlotte trip was a goer with the weather con- ern side in particular, but it was as Sound as we were ourselves crossing ditions. Thank you to those that of- calm as, with no ferries in sight. the sound, aiming well to the North of fered thoughts and wisdom to me in Tory Channel entrance to West Head. the trip preparation. There was sup- We peered around the corner and There was very little boat traffic. At posedly a 25-knot north-easterly wind crossed Tory Channel as quickly as West Head we discussed our location forecast and a one metre swell, we we could. With great relief, we stopped and made an accurate assessment as were both very conscious of going for lunch at Te Awaiti Bay, after six to where we were, then paddled al- into the Cook Strait area - the mention hours in the kayaks. Thank you Conrad most directly to a campsite in Ruakaka of potential rips off Lucky Point and Edwards for the tip on the ‘thermarest’ Bay. Jordy Rock, the normal ocean current seat - I’m sure it kept me far more running along the eastern coast from comfortable. John Guard named Te This time, after four hours in our Rununder Point north of up to one Awaiti Bay Fairhaven in 1827 and he boats, we were certainly a lot stiffer knot, as well as the need to enter Tory returned a year later and established a and the day’s paddling was starting to channel ideally at the start of a west- whaling station there. In 1840 this tell. Over 50km with tired limbs and erly flow. The cruising guide also said was where the township of Wickett noticeable stiffening. I for one, with that north to north-east winds tend to was, with a population of 240 as the the previous late night, opted for bed curve and blow down these whole most considerable township in the and snacks while Giselle warmed up coastal areas. Time would tell! South Island. Joseph Toms who is and cooked some food. buried there succeeded Guard and has Definitely there was a bit of a wind the oldest European Gravestone in the The rest of the trip was pretty smooth swept flow coming out of Port South Island there. There were still (about 26km run home), with time for Underwood and from there we had some old tri-pots near the beach and me in the morning paddling with some the joy of variously sheltered patches some of the early graves. A current Dusky dolphins. We then paddled to as we headed north along the rugged resident we met, has the contract to Double Bay to check out its fish re- cliffy coast. There were fantastic views mow the lush green cemetery strip serve. The only fish I saw were more of snow clad Tapuae-o-Uenuku, in that runs like a park up the middle of of the cockabilly nature, other than the glow of the sunrise and also in the the current bach sites. This was the jellyfish and starfish! However there clear sunlight of the beautiful day that bay where many of the whalers, who were lots of nesting raucous shags and emerged. As there were dips in the worked at Fishing Bay, lived. There it was an interesting place to visit. On ranges we got momentary blasts of being a track over the hill. the final leg near Allports Island we wind and seas to battle until we were saw some Hector Dolphins that were clear again. But overall paddling con- After a lunch break we had a look at heading on a mission north, as we ditions were very good. the old whaling station Fishing Bay, made our way into the Waikawa Ma- this had been operating from about rina. We thought the last real camp spot 1924 to 1960’s. Some of the remains would be Fighting Bay, but it looked have been protected and set up with I am now looking forward to going like there was still a good chance of a information board and photos that back and exploring the coast further, clear run, so we went on without ques- proved very interesting - worth a visit. as well as the old historical sights. tioning. I was curious about the name, Thankyou Giselle for a great trip and it was named to commemorate the After an extended break we set off company. event when Tuhawaiki, the famous again at about 1600hrs and paddled to Scribe: Susan Cade Bloody Jack from Southland and his Queen Charlotte Sound, making pretty

12 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

the event of a capsize. Nevertheless designated sea kayaking professional sit on top kayaks are perceived as organisation, the Sea Kayak Opera- SAFETY safer and easier to use by inexperi- tors Association of New Zealand enced kayakers mainly because they (SKOANZ), which has developed a SEA KAYAKING believe there is no danger of being code of practice and assessment pro- IN NEW ZEALAND - trapped under the boat during a cap- gram for commercial sea kayaking size. Interestingly none of the litera- operators (6) .Eleven sea kayaking HOW SAFE IS IT? ture I investigated mentioned sit on operators are listed on their website. by Dr. Iona Bailey top kayaks. There are two other organisations of- fering qualification standards for out- Sea kayaking in New Zealand is an Racing or multisport sea kayaks are door leadership in sea kayaking. (7) increasingly popular aquatic activity quite different to recreational sea kay- Kayaks are often rented only to ‘expe- and is perceived as relatively safe by aks. They are designed for speed over rienced’ kayakers. However there is many people. There is a wealth of distance and thus are lighter, narrower, no national qualification standard for literature emphasising the skills and and more oval in hull shape and usu- recreational kayakers in New Zea- techniques necessary for safe pad- ally have no watertight bulkheads. land and because of this it is unlikely dling but the question of quantifying This means the racing kayak is quite that most sea kayakers are actually the actual risk remains unanswered. unstable, difficult to Eskimo roll and aware of their ability level. Guided This essay will review and discuss the likely to sink if capsized. The only sea trip are advertised as suitable for ‘nov- data available in New Zealand which kayaking fatality in recent times in ices’ but there is no way of knowing addresses the safety of sea kayaking New Zealand involved an inexperi- whether the trip leader has the neces- and relate this to the overseas litera- enced multisport kayaker (2) who sary experience to address all safety ture on this topic. In particular it will ventured off Sumner Beach, capsized issues. I contacted a number of sea focus on safety issues within the con- and drowned. It was noted at his in- kayak commercial operators in New text of Wilderness medicine. It will quest that he was lightly clad, had no Zealand for information regarding not be within the scope of this essay to signalling equipment and that his their qualifications and to get an idea discuss medical issues in detail. kayak was partially submerged (called of the number of kayaks sold or rented. the Cleopatra Needle scenario) and I received a polite ‘no comment’ from Modern sea kayaking was popular- because of this impossible to re enter one and no reply from the others. The ised by the Scot, ‘Rob Roy’ McGregor, without assistance (3). Kayaks are Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers who designed the first recreational sold in New Zealand as ‘sea kayaks’ (KASK) realises that voluntary trip canoe in 1865. Modern sea kayaks with only one watertight bulkhead; leaders and recreational paddlers need vary in design and materials, although these are considered unsafe in the to be skilled and experienced to keep most are constructed from plastic, open sea by experienced sea kayakers safe (7) and is attempting to address kevlar or fibreglass. (1) Folding kay- because, like the mulitsport kayak, if the situation of a qualification stand- aks are experiencing a revival due to capsized they sink easily and present ard for recreational paddlers their portability and increased access the Cleopatra Needle situation. to over seas travel but are rare in New There are no studies in New Zealand Zealand. Sea kayaks are intended for Sea kayaks are propelled with the use looking at the safety of sea kayaking. long sea voyages and are therefore of a double blade paddle whilst seated In fact there is an extreme paucity of designed to move fast forwards and in the cockpit with the knees and hips any information relating to the inci- track in a straight line in wind and slightly flexed and ‘braced’ against dence of injury or accidents involving waves, whilst being adapted to suit the sides of the kayak. Paddle design sea kayaking. We do not know even body configuration and storage re- aims to prevent overuse injury in the how many people there is sea kayak- quirements. The sea kayak is longer upper extremity and increase effi- ing in New Zealand. Out of a popula- and more stable than the white water ciency. Paddle blades are usually tion of 4 million we know from the kayak and should have two watertight feathered, which refers to the degree 2001 census (8) that in the previous compartments fore and aft to enable of offset of the planes of the two blade twelve months 2% of the population storage and buoyancy. surfaces. This confers less resistance (80,000) had participated in boating to the wind during use and is overall for leisure (9). Boating includes sea ‘Sit on top’ open kayaks have become more efficient then non feathered kayaking. KASK (7) has a member- popular in New Zealand but are con- blades. Bent shaft paddles have an ship of more than 500 and represents sidered unsafe in open water accord- offset shaft is ergonomically designed the interests and speaks for recrea- ing to experienced sea kayakers. (Per- to reduce wrist strain. (4) tional kayakers in New Zealand. Its sonal communication, Alan Hall, primary goal is that of disseminating Chairperson, Bay Association of Sea According to the Marine Safety Au- information via publications and a Kayakers 1/7/03) This is because the thority (5) in New Zealand there are website. It organises sea kayak fo- sit on top kayak is difficult to manoeu- more than 100 commercial kayaking rums around the country. 60% of vre, offers no protection from the ele- operators offering sea kayaking sales, members belong to the thirteen sea ments and is difficult to hang on to in rentals and guided tours. There is one kayaking clubs or networks around

13 No. 106 August - September 2003

New Zealand each of which has 50 or Most sea kayakers do not own a ma- 1992 and 2001 found 38 hospitalisa- more members. Thus it is likely that rine radio, usually do not expect to tion events that had the word ‘kayak’ there are around 1000 sea kayakers need rescuing and often rely on cell and only two of these also contained affiliated to a group which attempts to phones which are not always able to the word ‘sea’ or ‘ocean’ There were address safety issues. be used (Personal Communication 12 fatalities between 1990 and 1999 Alan Hall) Despite this the Opera- where the event description involved The Marine Safety Authority (MSA) tions Director with Tauranga Coast- ‘kayak’ but none containing the words investigates any fatalities involving guard could only recall one incident ‘sea’ or ‘ocean’ Hospitalisation refers water activities. It also collates infor- involving sea kayaks in the last few to admission to a public hospital where mation relating to incidents reported years (Personal Communication a person stays at least one night and to it – often by NZ Police and Coast- Murray Wilson, Operations Officer, excludes non injury events and guards I obtained a list of all boating Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard As- readmissions. ACC data on their accidents recorded by MSA between sociation. 3/8/03). This was a group website (13) does not distinguish be- 1/1/99 and 1/6/03. (Personal email of kayakers fishing off the main beach tween different types of boating so is communication. Helen Fletcher , As- at Mount Maunganui who were not very helpful. sistant Analyst Maritime Safety Au- thought to be in difficulty (but were thority 30/07/03 ). Of the 765 recrea- not) by an observer on the beach. The I also looked at other sea kayaking tional accidents there were 75 fatali- New Zealand Police record all Search literature in New Zealand. KASK pro- ties and 99 injuries. Only 2 incidents and Rescue callouts. (Personal Com- duces a comprehensive and informa- involved kayaks at sea and of these munication Senior Sergeant Lyn Man- tive handbook (14)which it claims ‘ is there were no fatalities or injuries ning, Tauranga Police. 10/08/03)) not to highlight the risk of sea kayak- recorded. Of the 1134 commercial However, prior to July 2003 the NZ ing but to emphasise the skills and accidents there were 28 fatalities and Police database is unable to identify techniques necessary for safe, inci- 160 injuries. Five incidents involved ‘sea kayaking’ as a contributing fac- dent free, and enjoyable paddling’ kayaks- 3 fatal and 8 injuries. How- tor. Thus although there is a Search The inference then is that sea kayak- ever there was no way of knowing the and Rescue(SAR) process for sea kay- ing is not necessarily safe but the risk type of kayak involved in these inci- akers there is no way of knowing how can be managed. The handbook is dents. Most incidents were caused by often or for what reason there are SAR very comprehensive and covers equip- lack of knowledge, poor judgement or call outs. ment and skills required to prevent failure to comply with regulations. injury and immersion in cold water The finding that there are more com- I also undertook a search of the (which can lead to hypothermia and mercial accidents may be because rec- websites of The New Zealand Herald death) Much of the advice regarding reational accidents are less likely to and the Christchurch Press for sea equipment and skills highlights the be reported. Because not all incidents kayaking incidents in the last two perceived risk of sprains and strains to are reported these figures can only be years. I discovered five reports, three the upper extremity and back. There taken as a ‘guide’ to likely trends. of which I think were not mentioned is a first aid chapter which includes Also on the MSA website (5) I found in the MSA data. One of these three advice about first aid kits and implies a document written by Director of incidents was the multisport kayaker that skin wounds, sprains and strains MSA regarding Adventure Tourism. in Canterbury already mentioned. The do occur. Avoiding sunburn is con- It claimed that between July 1998 and other 2 incidents involved young, in- sidered important, rightly so given November 2002 there were 5 kayak- experienced, poorly equipped kayak- current trends in melanoma incidence ing incidents including one fatality ers who made unsafe, potentially life and UV radiation risk in New Zealand involving commercial operators and threatening decisions (11, 12). Both (28) Hyperthermia, dehydration, al- 27 incidents involving kayaks or ca- incidents resulted in hypothermia and lergies, sea sickness and diarrhoea are noes including 11 fatalities involving hospital admission- one kayaker had covered although no mention is made recreational paddlers. Little can be a core temperature of 27 degrees C of the frequency of these problems. concluded from this as the report did and was lucky to survive. Carrying adequate food, clothing and not distinguish between type of kayak shelter to prevent illness and hypo- nor the sampling method. However it The Injury Prevention Research Unit thermia is advised although interest- does highlight the concern of MSA (Personal Communication by Email ingly there is little information re- about the safety of kayaking. Dan Russell 4/9/03) at Otago Univer- garding hypothermia and drowning sity provided some useful data. Un- specifically. The New Zealand Coastguards (10) fortunately sea kayaking is not ex- monitor marine traffic and with Po- plicitly specified as an activity within KASK also circulates to members a lice assistance undertake search and their current coding standards. Within bimonthly newsletter (15) edited by rescue operations involving boaters, the public hospital and fatality data Paul Caffyn, who is to sea kayaking including sea kayakers, in distress. sets kayaking can fall under a number what Edmund Hillary is to mountain- Sea kayakers like other boaters should of codes e.g. ‘struck by’ ‘drowning eering. The newsletter includes a maintain radio contact with the Coast- and submersion’. A search of public ‘Bugger’ File. These articles relate to guard when venturing into the ocean. hospital event description between incidents in New Zealand where there

14 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

was usually avoidable injury or risk to ‘close call and serious injuries’ where USA. Ohio requires registration of all welfare. The newsletter also includes there were 11% near drownings and watercraft including kayaks which reports of sea kayaking trips where 8% fatalities. Shoulder dislocation was provides a means of obtaining data on often incidents do occur. Between June common in all the studies and oc- a random sample of boats. Compli- 2001 and July 2003 from the Bugger curred in up to 45% of respondents. ance with registration is high because Files there were reports of 7 incidents Head injury occurred in 16 – 18%. of a $100 fine for defaulters. Injuries involving 27 people with no fatalities The most common mechanism of in- relating to water transport, most of but 7 injuries. All but one incident jury was striking an object (44%). which occurred during recreational involved capsizes. All related to inex- The studies however are limited be- boating, are among the top ten causes perience, lack of judgement and lack cause they are retrospective and do of years of life lost from unintentional of proper equipment. One incident not include paddlers who have injury. Again this was a retrospective involved alcohol intoxication. Of the dropped out of the sport due to injury study involving 759 respondents of 7 injured, 6 suffered hypothermia and or death. The selection of participants whom 12.1 % owned or kay- two required hospitalisation. (some from the internet) creates sam- aks. Factors associated with risk of pling bias and depends on memory of death were less than 20 hours of boat Talking to experienced sea kayakers the injury. The studies do not examine operating experience, lacking of for- in New Zealand it appears that the factors leading to specific injury mal boat safety training and age less longer one is paddling the more likely events. Whilst the studies are from than 30 years. Canoes, kayaks, one is to experience an injury or a white water kayakers and not sea kay- rowboats and inflatables were associ- potentially unsafe incident. (Personal akers, the results are still of interest ated with a higher rate of fatal inci- Communication Alan Hall) Appar- for New Zealand sea kayakers. Im- dents per million hours of use than ently the potential for injury or acci- pact injuries involving striking an motorboats. Young age and lack of dent is high in New Zealand because object, particularly where the head experience were associated independ- few paddlers limit their paddling out- and shoulder are involved, would ently with higher risk. The implica- ings within their skill and experience probably be less frequent in sea kay- tion is that supervised experience and level. The most common injuries aking in New Zealand .This is be- safety programmes aimed at younger involve sprains and strains especially cause in New Zealand sea kayakers operators should be aimed at higher of the upper extremities and back. generally paddle in deep water and risk boats (which might include sea Most often these types of problems therefore avoid submerged rocks. kayaks) It would be interesting to can be avoided by correct technique Launching and landing through surf know if there are similar trends in or the use of appropriate quality equip- may the riskiest time for head and New Zealand. ment. Poor risk management and lead- shoulder injuries for a New Zealand ership on trips can lead to accidents sea kayaker. Head injury could occur There are a number of overseas texts which can be life threatening espe- when the sea kayaker is turned upside which look at sea kayaking injuries cially if associated with hypothermia. down in shallow water and the shoul- and injuries specific to the wilderness There is no objective data however to der injury when the kayaker is at- setting. Auerbach’s Textbook of Wil- tell us how often accidents or injury tempting a high brace manoeuvre in derness Medicine Fourth Edition ( occurs. This may explain why sea breaking waves. In my experience 21) covers many topics which may be kayakers frequently take unaccept- most sea kayakers try to avoid surf relevant to the sea kayaker in New able risks; they are simply ignorant of landings in New Zealand. Other ‘im- Zealand. The list of potential risks to the actual risk. pact’ injuries could include collision health is too long to detail here but with other boats; there are anecdotal some of the problems not already cov- Overseas literature concerning the reports of near misses with jet-skiers ered in this essay which may be en- safety of sea kayaking is only margin- in the Bay of Plenty (Personal com- countered in New Zealand are worth ally more enlightening than in New munication Alan Hall) mentioning. Giardia is considered a Zealand. From USA there are at least risk in the bush setting in New Zea- four retrospective studies of current There was one study examining the land (29); disinfection with halogens, paddlers looking at white-water pad- skeletons of Alaskan and Canadian filtration or boiling water should suf- dling injuries. (4, 16, 17, 18) The Inuits which found that there was a fice. Shellfish are unsafe in many ar- findings from these studies show simi- high rate of spondylosis of the lower eas due to toxic algal bloom or chemi- lar trends. Most respondents were male back caused by stress fractures in these cal contamination (30). Arthropods in with several years experience. The people(19). This may be because the New Zealand are generally more a most frequent site of injury was the Inuits spend many hours in kayaks. nuisance than a danger, except for the upper extremity especially the shoul- These findings could have implica- Katipo spider which has been found ders, wrist/hand, elbow/forearm. Blis- tions for sea kayakers in New Zea- in the sand dunes on some beaches. ters, sprains, tendonitis, lacerations, land. Those nature loving kayakers wish- abrasions and contusions were the ing to visit Uretiti nudist beach in most common injury diagnosis. Most There is also an interesting study (20) Northland should take care, as the kayakers in the studies made a full looking at fatal incidents and risk fac- potentially lethal Katipo spider has recovery. Wallace (1992) examined tors in recreational boating in Ohio, recently been found there by Lincoln

15 No. 106 August - September 2003

University researchers (22). Allergic (BCU) Handbook (1) contains a com- 2. .Search for missing kayaker called reactions to arthropod stings can oc- prehensive ‘Safety’ section where it off (31/12/02) NZ Herald. Retrieved cur. Sea kayakers may encounter large emphasises sudden cold water im- 24/8/03 from www.nzherald.co.nz/ sea animals such as whales, sharks, mersion, hypothermia and drowning. storyprint.cfm?storyID- 3009273. dolphins, and seals. There are no re- New Zealander sea kayakers may con- 3. Scumann. R, Schriner, J (2001) Sea cent reports of attacks or mishaps sider this not surprising given the Kayak Rescue. USA:Globe Pequot involving sea kayakers although warn- colder climate in the UK; in fact hypo- 4. Schoen,R.G.,Stano,M.J. (2002) ings to kayakers have been issued in thermia and drowning hardly gets a Year 2000 Whitewater Survey. Wil- some areas (23) to stay clear of seals mention in the KASK handbook. derness and Environmental Medicine, and sea lions which can inflict nasty However we know from the ‘Bugger Vo. 13,119 – 124. bites which frequently become in- Files’ (15) that hypothermia is in fact 5. .About the MSA- Introduction.(n.d) fected. In the Abel Tasman seal pups common when a capsize occurs. Other Retrieved 4/8/03 from http:// have been known to climb onto sea topics covered by the BCU Handbook www.msa.govt.nz/About/about.htm kayaks. (24) Occasionally venomous include hyperthermia, swimmers ear 6. Paddling areas and Operator List- sea snakes are seen in Northland but and osteomata, sunburn and drown- ings-Sea Kayak Operators Associa- have not been reported in recent times ing. The book specifically mentions tion of New Zealand. (n.d.) Retrieved as a hazard for sea kayakers. Sting- leptospirosis as a danger in polluted 07/08/03 from http:// rays are frequently spotted by sea water. Leptospirosis is more related www.skoanz.org.nz/seakayak/ kayakers in New Zealand and may to contact with infected cattle in New nzmap.html present a risk when wading through Zealand and probably rarely a danger 7. Maire,V. (2003) KASK committee shallow water. Marine envenomation for the outdoor enthusiast. The book forum. The Sea Canoeist has been reported from time to time mentions superficial keratitis of the Newsletter,Vol 104. especially on the Northland coast as a eye which can result from prolonged 8. Population of New Zealand (n.d) result of the Pacific man o’ war jelly- periods sea kayaking in bright sun- Retrieved 20/08/03 from fish. (25) The sting is usually not fatal light without eye protection – un- www.stats.govt.nz and removal of tentacles (without skin doubtedly a potential problem in New 9. Participation in sport and active contact) and application of cold fresh Zealand. leisure by New Zealand Adults (n.d.) water helps to alleviate the pain. A Retrieved 23/7/03 from multiday kayaking trip involves camp- What conclusions then can we make www.sparc.org.nz/research/ ing where there is the risk of burns from all this information regarding participation_adult.php from the camp fire or cooker. Dental the safety of sea kayaking in New 10. Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard trauma, eye injuries, drug and alcohol Zealand? The indications from the Association Inc. ( 2002) 2002/2003 abuse, prevention of tetanus, infec- literature in New Zealand and over- Members Handbook.Tauranga:Kale tious diseases, and problems related seas tell us that most injuries are self Print. to age or pregnancy, anxiety and stress limiting and often involve the upper 11. Tourists found up a creek without reactions are other problems which extremity. Death whilst sea kayaking a paddle. (9/1/03) NZ Herald.9 Sep- may be relevant to the sea kayaker in is rare but a capsize for an inexperi- tember 200316 September 2003 Re- New Zealand. (26) enced kayaker frequently results in trieved 24/8/03 from hypothermia. There is concern regard- w w w . n z h e r a l d . c o . n z / Shelley Johnson an experienced ing the number of sea kayaking acci- storyprint.cfm?storyID=3050529 American sea kayaker has written a dents reported to MSA and poten- 12. Gower,P.Dearnaley,M. (28/04/03) number of (non medical) sea kayak- tially serious incidents do occur regu- Kayakers Romantic Date ends in Mid- ing texts (27).She particularly writes larly especially involving young and night Salvation. NZ Herald. Retrieved about wrist and shoulder injuries inexperienced kayakers. . Sea kayak- (24/8/03) from www.znherald.co.nz/ caused by incorrect paddling tech- ing worldwide is associated with many storyprint/cfm?storyID=3451486 nique and poor conditioning. Shelley perceived and sometimes serious risks 13. Recreational Water Activities also mentions that’ many sea kayak- but those risks probably can be man- (n.d.) Retrieved 25/8/03 from ers have experienced or observed dis- aged with skills training, experience www.acc.co.nz/injury-prevention/ located shoulders’ Other injuries cov- and proper equipment. Nevertheless safe-in-sport-and- recreation/sports- ered include sprained ankles from we have no objective date which gives codes/wat.. walking on slippery rocks, back us a clear indication of how safe sea 14. Kiwi Association of Sea Kayak- sprains from a poorly customized kayaking is in New Zealand. There- ers. (2003) The KASK Handbook- A cockpit combined with poor posture, fore until further research has been Manual for Sea Kayaking in New numb feet from sitting for prolonged carried out, the safety of sea kayaking Zealand. 3rd Edition. periods with pressure on posterior in New Zealand remains uncertain. Runanga:P.Caffyn. thighs, sunburn, dehydration, hyper 15. Caffyn, P. (June 2001 – July 2003) and hypothermia, saltwater rashes, References The Sea Canoeist Newsletter. The cuts from shells, poisonous insects 1. .British Canoe Union. (2002) Ca- Journal of the Kiwi Association of and plants, blisters, burns and eye noe and Kayak Handbook. Sea Kayakers (NZ) Inc. Runanga: problems. The British Canoe Union Bangor:Pesda Press. Caffyn,P.

16 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter

16. Kizer KW. Medical Aspects of context such as for shellfish gathering . Physician FORSHORE - or fishing from a . Sportsmed. 1987;15:128 – 137 17. Wallace D. Dancing with risk: the SEABED 3. KASK believes that any defini- results of the 1991 AWA close calls tion of customary rights must specifi- and serious injury study. American OWNERSHIP cally exclude any monetary recom- Whitewater,1992 pense being derived from activities 18. Fiore,DC. Houston J.D. (2001) KASK WEBSITE RELEASE such as aquaculture, oil and gas rev- Injuries in Whitewater kayaking. Brit- Subject: Sea Kayakers and the Fore- enues and tourist ventures. Monetary ish Journal of Sports Medicine; Aug shore and Seabed Issue recompense could create a precedent 2001;35,4 .235-241 that may lead to a user-pays approach 19. Merbs CF (1996) Spondylosis of The Kiwi Association of Sea Kayak- to beach and foreshore usage. the sacrum in Alaskan and Canadian ers (KASK) is taking steps to ensure Inuit skeletons. Am J Anthropol . Nov that sea kayakers are represented in 4. KASK is recommending an ap- 1996;101(30:357-67 the debate over ownership of the fore- proach used for several national parks, 20. Molberg PJ; Hopkins RS; Paulson shore and seabed. (Mt Egmont & Mt Cook for exam- J; Gunn RA. (1993)Fatal incident risk ple), which were publicly given back factors in recreational boating in Ohio. This is a profoundly important issue to local Iwi with immediate return by Public Health Rep. May-Jun 1993; for all sea kayakers as it impacts on Iwi to crown ownership. What Iwi 108(3):340-6 the critical matter of access to coastal gained was ‘mana’ or acknowledge- 21. Auerbach PS. (2001) Wilderness areas for recreational purposes. Can ment that the land was returned to them Medicine. St.Louis:Mosby Inc you imagine how terrible it would be and they gave it to the Crown. This is a 22. Gregory A (9/2/00) Deadly Katipo if sea kayakers were prohibited by potential positive suggestion and one love nudist beach. NZ Herald. Re- law from landing on large areas of our that has yet to be mentioned by any of trieved (4/8/01) from coastline? the many parties involved in the debate. w w w . n z h e r a l d . c o . n z / storyprint.cfm?storyID=115958 KASK committee member Paul Caf- 5. KASK believes a change of status 23. Watterson M (19/8/03) Keep away fyn is preparing a detailed submission to foreshore ownership has the poten- pal, I can bite and infect. Bay of Plenty on this issue to the Government. How- tial to present a serious safety issue for Times.P3. ever, the KASK national committee all sea kayakers. 24. Rogers B ( 2003) Sea Kayaking would very much like to see as many the Abel Tasman. Waterline. clubs, networks and individuals as 6. Sea kayakers are, by the very Sept.2003. Issue no 79, p14 possible also speaking out on behalf nature of their sport, very concerned 25. Thompson W. Thompson A (2002) of sea kayaking. and often very active environmental- Marine stingers go to war on west ists and sea kayaking is a pastime, coast. NZ Herald. Retrieved (4/8/030) Written submissions can be sent to which has minimal impact on the from www.nzherald.co.nz/ Foreshore and Seabed Submissions, marine environment. storyprint.cfm?storyID=585038 Department of Prime Minister and 26. Wilderness Medical Society Cabinet, PO Box 55, Wellington or KASK requests that your club com- (2001) Practical Guidelines for Wil- made on line at mittee, or you as an individual, take derness Emergency Care 2nd edition. http:///www.beehive.govt.nz/fore- this opportunity to make a submission USA:Globe Pequot shore. Feedback must be received by on an issue that could have an impact 27. .Johnson S. (2002) Sea Kayakers Friday 3 October. on the recreational use of the coastline Pocket Guide. Camden: Ragged for generations to come. If speaking Mountain Press. The Government has made it very easy on behalf of a club or network, it is 28. Bulliard,J.Cox,B. (1996) Recent for submissions to be made and appears important that you identify how many trends in melanoma in New Zealand. to be making an honest effort to be people are represented by your sub- The NZ Public Health report. October inclusive. The above website has ex- mission. 1996.Vol 3 No 10;73- 75 tensive information on the issue. 29. The Ministry of Health. Giardia PS If you do make a submission please Intestinalis retrieved ( 9/9/03) from The key points in the KASK submis- let us know so that we have an idea .http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/science- sion are as follows. how many people have spoken up for technology/data- sheets/giardia- 1. KASK believe the foreshore car- sea kayakers in New Zealand. intestinalis.pdf ries the same values and should be 30. New Zealand Food Safety accorded the same status as our na- Vincent Maire Authority.(n.d.)Protecting customers tional parks KASK Webmaster from marine biotoxins.Retrieved(9/ 9/030from http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/ 2. KASK says it is not against rec- consumers/marine-biotoxins/ ognising customary rights providing index.htm they are viewed only in an historical

17 No. 106 August - September 2003

RESPONSES TO THE My friend sent me this info if you want tend to put a very different light on EDITOR & WEBMASTER to read it. Just a few points to think recent events and suggest a very much Subject: Re: Sea Kayakers and the about if you intend to make a submis- more appealing situation with regard Foreshore and Seabed Issue sion. to the foreshore issue. It does not 1. KASK believe the foreshore carries appear to be the problem that the Dear KASK the same values and should be accorded media has suggested that it is. Thank you for this opportunity, I do the same status as our national parks. I believe that Kask, as any profes- wish to make a submission in this Large plots of land in our National sional organisation should, takes a regard. I will be representing myself parks were illegally confiscated from renewed look at the comments and and two others, my children Isaac and Maori. The word ‘national park is not intentions before propagating what Ashlin. You seem to be focussing on an excuse to override property rights. MIGHT be a false situation. the issue of native Maori claims re- Yes we should all make ourselves garding the coast (vis a vis your points 2. KASK says it is not against recog- aware of the true processes and inten- 3 & 4). To my (admittedly limited) nising customary rights providing they tions, but not be too hasty in formulat- knowledge Maori have never prohib- are viewed only in an historical con- ing replies that we might regret later.. ited public access or enjoyment of any text such as for shellfish gathering or Ian Calhaem coastal areas, with the exceptions of fishing from a waka. This would make isolated sacred/burial or pa sites. I am sense if Europeans were prohibited NZ Recreational Canoeing much more concerned with the rev- from fishing except when using 19th Assn. AGM elation that upto one third of the coast century sailing vessels and twine nets. report from Max Grant line is privately owned by individuals Pakeha fishing methods have evolved in the 150 years since the treaty was I attended this meeting in Wellington who often have (and are) preventing last weekend as a RWWC rep, and any access or use of the foreshore by signed. It’s idiotic to suggest that, had Maori been granted rights to the fish- also put myself down as a representa- anyone else – I see this as leading to tive of KASK. The NZRCA have ‘user-pay’ scenarios (I have read of at eries that they had a right to 150 yrs ago, they would not have developed several concerns at present which are least one absentee (American) owner the same as our concerns, eg fore- who has reputedly blocked public ac- their fishing methods in any way and would still be fishing from a waka. shore & seabed issues, liability prob- cess and began charging for private lems and PFD safety standards prob- access to the beach in one area). As a 4. KASK is recommending an ap- lems. I spoke for some time explain- civil engineer, I was taught that ‘ripar- ing KASK's concerns on the fore- ian rights’ could not be passed on proach used for several national parks, (Mt Egmont & Mt Cook for exam- shore issue. outside of the original family owner- We agreed to putting forward a joint ship (i.e. they ceased when land was ple), which were publicly given back to local Iwi with immediate return by statement to support the Government's sold) and that the queen’s chain did proposed creation of 'public domain' indeed apply to all coasts and water- Iwi to crown ownership. What Iwi gained was ‘mana’ or acknowledge- for the foreshore and sea bed along ways elsewhere. I feel deeply shocked with the following organisations: and disturbed to learn that this is not the ment that the land was returned to them and they gave it to the Crown. Forest and Bird case. I hope we can resolve this issue in Fish and Game NZ a manner that is to the benefit of all This is a potential positive suggestion and one that has yet to be mentioned Federated Mountain Clubs concerned, whether Maori or pakeha. NZ Fishing Council Jim Rolfe by any of the many parties involved in the debate. What’s the point of this? If ECO Coalition NZ Recreational Canoeing Assn Dear Editor (The Sea Canoeist) property rights to the foreshore do exist (and I am not saying that they KASK I would like to challenge your edito- The joint statement reads as follows: rial (Newsletter No 105) no doubt do), returning property to the rightful owners on the proviso that they give "We, the undersigned Environment, penned in haste to catch the publica- Conservation and Outdoor Recrea- tion / distribution deadline. them straight back is completely point- less and does not acknowledge that tion organisations of New Zealand, support in principle the creation of a I believe you have entirely missed the property rights mean you can do what you like with your property. new, statutorily recognised status for point. Most of the foreshore and land, called 'Public Domain', for the seabed is currently actually or effec- foreshore and seabed of New Zea- tively now in Crown ownership. As For the record, I’m very much in fa- vour of ‘one law for all New Zealand- land. This 'public Domain' (or 'New such, ie owned, it is open to owner- Zealand Commons') status to be dis- ship claim by any group of people ers’. This means that when you sign a treaty, you honor it, and when prop- tinct from Crown land, and binding who can mount treaty or other owner- upon the Crown, which would be des- ship claims..When the seabed and fore- erty has been illegally confiscated, you give it back. ignated as the statutory manager re- shore is held as public domain it is sponsible for the Domain's ecological safe from such claim. I believe the Alan Bell Thanks for the information. sustainability and permanent avail- policy is on the right track. ability for free recreational enjoyment Martin Ward I wonder if you have read the recent comments by Dr Rangi Walker? These by all the people of New Zealand" 18 The Sea Canoeist Newsletter A Draft Overview Of KASK Sea Kayak Training by Susan Cade Background The KASK Committee identified - This allows the opportunity Following a call from members the following goals : for KASK members to receive for more training opportunities, - To promote safety standards certificates of recognition for KASK decided it was timely to to members these units through NZQA, via develop a more comprehensive KASK. training approach aimed specifi- - To provide opportunities for cally at recreational sea kayakers. training in sea kayaking skills, - The initial stage is to develop This builds on the significant work knowledge and leadership a group of KASK members as already done by KASK with lead- trainers with skills in teaching ership training and specific skill - To provide a seamless training ,and an assessment process training. The need for this training pathway to KASK members to was reconfirmed at the last AGM structure their training should - Over 25 KASK assessors will at the Whites Bay Forum, and members so desire, and increase be trained around the country KASK is addressing this on a the skills of those interested in by Gareth Hare between Sep- number of levels. training others. tember and November 2003.

To date there has been a lengthy - For KASK to have a strong A Coordinated approach process involving extensive liai- voice in supporting the inter- See diagram, ‘The Coordinated son with many parties and obtain- ests of our members and the Approach To Training’ on page 20. ing feedback and opinions from wider recreational paddling KASK members. This has resulted community KASK is developing this training in a memorandum of understand- structure in the full understanding ing being signed by KASK, the - To provide the opportunity for that members can improve their Sea Kayak Operators Association members to have nationally skills in whatever way they choose. of NZ (SKOANZ) & the NZ Out- recognised evidence of their Any recognition or assessment door Instructors Association skills. through KASK is an optional com- (NZOIA). The purpose of this ponent. document is to show willingness The Sea Kayak by the three organisations to work Proficiency Awards It is envisaged that a number of together and develop an all-em- - This is made up of five NZQA training opportunities will be de- bracing set of assessment stand- standards. The New Proficiency veloped in time, as well as strength- ards for sea kayakers in New Zea- Awards are made up of five ening those currently in place. land. Each organisation would be proficiency NZQA standards, primarily responsible for its re- which can be down loaded from For further information on this spective sector; KASK for recrea- the training page of the KASK project, visit the KASK website or tional sea kayakers, NZOIA for website (www.kask.co.nz): contact Susan Cade on: professional instructors and ( [email protected]). I wel- SKOANZ for commercial guides. 1. Prepare and demonstrate Sea come any feedback or questions. kayaking skills Gareth Hare was appointed by the 2. Rescue skills Late nominations for this current Aviation, Tourism & Travel Train- 3. Knowledge & maintanence assessor training may be still pos- ing Organization (ATTTO) to sup- of equipment sible. We are taking names for port KASK in getting the training 4. Skills for and completion of further assessor training and those for assessors and the proficiency Day & multi-day trips wishing to do sea kayak training standards formalised and on the 5. Rolling and /or assessment. NZ Qualifications Authority Susan Cade - KASK Training (NZQA) framework. Coordinator

(With considerable input from John Kirk-Anderson, also Vincent Maire, Maurice Kennedy and the editor)

19 No. 106 August - September 2003

MAILED TO

If undelivered, please return to: Maurice Kennedy, PO Box 11461, Manners St., Wellington. 6034

Draft Diagram of KASK sea-kayaking training structure. Training either within KASK or with other providers KASK Supported Training Ongoing links and/or working rela- NZ Coastguard Federation KASK courses ould cover tionships with organizations such as: Education Service the following: Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) Marine VHF Operators - Basic skills / knowledge Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) Day Skipper - Stroke skills SKOANZ Boatmaster - Rescue skills NZOIA Marine Medic Course - Rolling NZQA Rescue Liaison and Practices - Surf Training SFRITO - Leadership Skills ATTTO Other Sea Kayaking Training - Expedition knowledge SKOANZ - Safety Training Level 1 Guides - Navigation NZOIA SKOANZ KASK NZOIA For meeting the Sea Kayak Profi- Instructor courses ciency Award (This is made up of NZQA unit standards, but it is a stand First Aid Qualifications alone award) St Johns Red Cross Mountain Safety Council Coast Guard 20