Issue 54

I S S U E

5 4

Win See Page

40

Kayaking Kanakyland Kiwi Style Josh Neilson on his latest white water film -

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contents

Features

Sea Kayaking

Speight’s Coast to Coast Race Report: 26

Issue 54

08 22 48

Kiwis Kayaking Kanakyland - Friends & Family paddling New Caledonia.

Kayaking Tonga 2009 “Orca!” - Some Sit-on-top kayakers got up close.

16 32

Kayak Fishing 30

Multisport

Kayak Fishing - Holiday Style.

6

White Water Kayaking 14

Tail winds, Food and Coffee, make for a very civilised time - Kayaking Queen Charlotte Sound.

Remote Camping - Rediscover some of our more remote campsites.

12

Realm - Josh Neilson’s new film.

26 31

Quick find from the cover

What Next? - Finished training for the Speight’s Coast to Coast. So where to now?

From Lake to Sea - the inaugural Rangiteiki Paddle Marathon.

Speight’s Coast to Coast 2010 - Race report.

Trans Taupo Under New Direction.

Canoe Slalom 24

Kiwi Success at Aussie Slalom Nationals.

Regulars

I S S U E

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Win See Page

08 14

5 20 28 34

40

40

35 36 38 40 41

Kayaking Kanakyland Kiwi Style Josh Neilson on his latest white water film -

Editorial Technical - Insurance, are you covered?

Technical - Beacons of Hope. EPIRBS...

Technical - Rock Snot not the only pest to look out for this summer.

Join us for a summer of fun - listings of excursions available.

Product Focus - New Skua!

Start your adventure here - Courses available Smokin’ Aces - Smokers you can take with you.

Buyers Guide

REALM $7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST

ALSO INSIDE...

Coast to Coast 2010 Some of our favourite remote kayak campsites SPONSORED BY

Kiwis win at Slalom World Champs

Discover Another World

4

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

26 32 24

Front cover photo: Gareth Burgess of Mission Kayaking carving up at the Mount. Photo by Steve Knowles (C&K BOP) Photo above: Gordon Walker on his way to first - Photo courtesy of www.sportzhub.co.nz

www.kayaknz.co.nz

editorial Wow, how would you do this?

Ta k e a r o u n d 1 0 0 0 a t h l e t e s , probably 2000 support crew, hundreds of officials, set a course across the South Island, set up all the check points, arrange the traffic management including police road closures etc, etc, etc, etc.

That would be out of my league to start with, but then picture the potential chaos when half way through the race the heavens open, the river looks as if it will

flood and the telephone network goes down. You would think that the race would be cancelled but oh no not in these guys hands, they just ‘step up to the plate’ with the Apollo 13 attitude that ‘failure is not an option’. They change the course several times to suit the conditions and demands of government agencies and get most people through to finish the race.

Absolutely stunning. Well done Robin Judkins, Dale Coulter, his team, all the

Read these issues online... www.kayaknz.co.nz

I S S U E

gif a W t v $5 in ou 00 ch er

SubScribe to be in to Win one of 50 Dry PocketS. See Page 40

I S S U E

5 3

Get the Family Kayaking

5 2

Getting Kids into Kayaking

Now’s the time to take time...

We discover the joys of taking the family kayaking.

Wasps, Wakas & Wekas Some unexpected discoveries while paddling the lakes.

Nepal Update

I S S U E

I S S U E

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4 9

Speights Coast to Coast interview A sport the whole family can get into.

• Saltwater Fly Fishing • Speight’s Coast to Coast 2009

Paddling Antartica

Kayakers experience the magnificence of Antarctica and an unplanned polar swim!

• White Water Paddling in Africa and Nepal

Be prepared!

A follow up on the girls training camp in Nepal.

The Buddy System

Tale of the tuna, shark and me.

Scott Challenor and Steve Knowles provide tips for taking a newbie kayak fishing.

Women and Kayak Fishing Karen Knowles talks to a newbie kayak fisher-woman.

Taking on Jeff’s Joy $7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST

Tony Barrett and the crew take on the rapids.

• Coromandel Classic 2009 • Motu Challenge 2009 • D’Urville Island Circumnavigation • Discover Stewart Island SPONSORED BY

Discover Another World

wish yak luck e & Ka good Canoetitors eight's 10 compin the Sp ast 20 Co t to Coas

$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST

$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST

$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST

SPONSORED BY

• Multisport events for 2009 • White water paddling • Fishing in the Manukau

SPONSORED BY

Discover Another World

• Trans Taupo Race results • White water paddling Aratiatia • Taranaki Fishing Contest

SPONSORED BY

• Anakiwa Forum Review

Discover Another World

Discover Another World #49-9.indd 1

EDITOR: Peter Townend Ph: 0274 529 255 / (09) 476 7066 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz PUBLISHER: New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published five times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: MHP Print DISTRIBUTION: Gordon & Gotch SUBSCRIPTIONS: (see page 40) New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40 Overseas – 6 Issues = $60 Copyright: The opinions expressed by contributors and the information stated in advertisements/articles are not necessarily

www.kayaknz.co.nz

20/02/2009 10:25:20

agreed to by the editors or publisher of New Zealand Kayak Magazine.

Pricing: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate. However they may change at any time.

CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’ articles and photos.

• Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz.

New Zealand Kayak Magazine ‘Contributors’ Guidelines’ for more details.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: James Fitness Email: james@canoeandkayak.co.nz New Zealand Kayak Magazine

volunteer officials, the competitors and their support crews for organising, reorganising and competing in this year’s Speight’s Coast to Coast.

The joy of multisport to me (a very part time warrior) is that people are enthusiastic and competitive but also inclusive and supportive. When I did my first Coast to Coast teams event plenty of people ran and cycled past me giving positive words of encouragement. For an undertrained, over extended 40 year old this was hugely uplifting. It added to the stunning scenery to increase the feeling of massive achievement from just competing in the race, let alone actually finishing.

If you have not had a go at this great sport then pluck up your courage and kick start your motivation and have a go. You will never regret it.

Have a great remainder of the summer and early autumn. Do get out and enjoy this settled change of season, warm days, cool nights; my favourite part of the year.

Cheers Peter Townend

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

5

? t x e n at

h W

There is often a similar theme when it comes to the postevent actions of many individuals after a race such as the Coast to Coast. Chances are you have made significant financial, physical, social, family, and emotional sacrifices to get to the start line of such an event.

You elatedly finish, though as you cross the finish line, it is as though there is an anti-climactic paradigm shift. For weeks before, you likely had single-minded determination and focus towards your goal. For weeks, if not months after, you drift without direction, feasting on rubbish food and avoiding the likes of your inhumane fibreglass kayak seat. The realisation that your six-pack has rapidly become a keg, is for many the type of emotional jolt that allows them to reset, and refocus towards a new aspiration.

With a goal in mind such a rut is much less likely, even less so if you take it one step further and map out a plan for beyond your event. As I write I am putting the finishing touches on my preparation for the Coast to Coast, and I have also spent some time putting the foundations in place as I build towards Total Sport’s North Shore City Coastal Challenge. I am definitely not suggesting that there shouldn’t be a period of rest and recovery after any event, though by

“unless my goals raised the hairs on the back of my neck... they weren’t powerful enough to guarantee success.” having the intent and desire already present, it allows me to leapfrog in my progression.

6

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

- James Kuegler shares tips on staying motivated post event.

Most people can force themselves to endure the torment of training through early mornings, aching muscles and unfavorable weather for a (short) period of time. I am willing to bet that

your motivation will fade, as discipline alone will never sustain you over a longer period of time.

This is why your goals need to be extremely real, so vibrant in your mind that they are almost tangible. In his book “Lucky Legs”, Steve Gurney makes the comment that “unless my goals raised the hairs on the back of my neck, made my stomach tighten, put a big cheesy smile on my face, made me flush, raised my heart rate or put a really big spring in my step, they weren’t powerful enough to guarantee success.”

Goals of this nature never falter, even when things are not going your way. Dr. Kerry Spackman talks of motivation being constantly topped up

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Benje Patterson: Speight’s Coast to Coast Two Day Individual winner 2006

with positive enthusiasm “The Winner’s Bible”. The same enthusiasm that has you leaping out of bed at 5:00am to train your fatigued body in merciless conditions.

Setting goals should be a multi-factorial process and can be quite time consuming, though most people find it a lot of fun. The process that I recommend using is to list your goals, and explore each one to ensure that each is S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based). Find some photos or pictures and create a story around the goal. Bring your senses into play, what will it taste and smell like not just how it will feel. In doing so you will begin to re-wire the circuits in your brain. Your goals should be revisited every day. It is not enough to think that merely mapping out your goals is enough to cement them in your subconscious mind. Dr. Spackman suggests formulating these goals into a private “Winner’s Bible” and spending five

minutes each morning visualizing, and making your goals come alive, so much so that they feel tangible.

I think it is extremely important to put the major focus on enjoyment rather than results. Athletes in endurance based sports always seem to be battling an insidious niggle or injury of some description. Too often I see peoples ‘world’ fall apart as a result of their inability to train due to injury. Though frustrating, in the grand scheme of the major goal it is often very minor, and hence with the focus on the enjoyment it is less difficult to deal with. In the words of Guatama Buddha “There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.” www.jameskuegler.blogspot.com for more of articles by James. Or email jameskuegler@gmail.com for help towards your goals.

3rd annual

The pinnacle of open fresh water paddling.

A 44km paddle race across the pure crystal mountain fed waters of New Zealand’s

3rd annual

(and Australasia’s) largest freshwater lake. surf ski

sea kayakhave now conquered the Over 200 paddlers waka ama lake crossing. www.epicevents.co.nz ocean See rower for more information, results, video footage and photos.

Sea Kayaks, Surf Ski’s, Waka ama and Ocean Rower.

From Tokaanu to Taupo.

New class for 2010 5km fun race - Wharewaka Point to the Taupo Yacht club - for plastic sit on top kayaks -

Sea Kayaks, Surf Ski’s, pinnacle of open fresh Full course and Team RelayThe options kids and Waka ama andnovice Oceanpaddlers!

Rower. water paddling. a great option for

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From Tokannu to Taupo.

A 44km paddle racePLUS across Reduced entry 3-6 person Solo and fee TeamforCategories. the pure crystal mountain Saturday 2010 fed waters of New craft, Zealand’s just $50 per person,20th greatMarch for Waka (and Australasia’s) largest freshwater lake. ama teams.

New class for 2010

5km fun race - Wharewaka to the Taupo Yacht club - for plastic sit on top kayaks - $20 per person - a great option for kids and novice paddlers!

PLUS Phone:Reduced 021 983 entry 766 fee for 3-6 person craft, just $50 per person, great for Waka Ama teams.

Email: nick@epicevents.co.nz

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Over 200 paddlers have now conquered the lake crossing. See www.epicevents.co.nz for more information, results, video footage and photos.

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

7

Feature

Kiwis Kayaking Kanakyland

by Nora Flight

Do you fancy an easy, warm, one way kayak trip along palm lined beaches with occasional foreign cultural exchanges?

You can paddle, land on a beach, snorkle over multi-coloured coral into clear deep blue water on La Cote Oubliee – the Forgotten Coast - where kayakers are rarely seen.

Four ‘Flights’ were in good company with four from the Rynn/Williams family planning our trip for 6 months. Though individually and together we had enjoyed remote expeditions for many years.This time we were going where there is no cell phone or VHF radio coverage. Our sea kayaking skills would be critical and of course we had to be ready to cope with emergencies.

On 30th June ‘09 Bevan and I were checking piles of gear on the cool floor of l’auberge de jeunesse in Noumea when fourteen year old Tarn Rynn’s distant Kiwi voice caused smiles. The expedition’s eight had meshed.

Odon Vanhalle heads ‘Terraventure’, an organisation of outdoor enthusiasts. He supplied our kayaks and for three hours drove us through the rugged hinterland of Noumea to Mamie, the end of the road on the South East coast of New Caledonia. It is a typical Kanak village of lightly made shacks in tidy yards amid flowering plants. A 90 km coastline inaccessible by road, stretched invitingly northwards.

An easy start on day 1, using a tent fly Photo Al Rynn.

8

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

Early morning camp 4 - Photo by Al Rynn.

Despite trepidations, in a sweaty 2 hours our plastic Prijon kayak doubles were stuffed to the gunwales. The large food bag, bursting Will it all fit.

Our 'put in' at Mamie.

Feature

��� �����

Approaching Menyuru Is with a rare tail breeze.

Palm lined sandy beaches between the with a mix of French cuisine and Kiwi Freeze headlands were perfect for camping, and there Dri, stowed between my legs, shrank all too was usually water. Following Terraventure’s slowly over the next 8 days. suggested itinerary, which recommended A gap in the reef 200 metres out, allowed suitable, but not essential, camps, we pitched us easy passage to the open sea. In a small tents almost on someone’s front lawn in the following chop we rafted together, rigged a Nickel mining community of Quinne. Fresh fly/sail with paddles as spars and covered bread from the mine’s shop was a bonus, as was 15 kms in 2 hours. Someone said and all chatting to expat New Zealanders. agreed, “This is the life” We caught a few fish My favourite camp was on a narrow neck of and Bevan hooked a Spanish mackerel, the land where we pitched our tents on a grassy largest fish caught for the trip. glade amongst hibiscus, palms and ficus. It In fading light we paddled the last 2 km was garden-like, a horticultural heaven. Another of the day to the sandspit of the Poco Mie great camp was amongst colourful shacks in River where we quickly pitched camp and raked yards under shady trees. This had been roasted marshmallows to celebrate a good the holiday community for workers during the chunk out of the trip. Our tired kids lit their first 1980s nickel mining heydays. Now uninhabited experimental coconut roasting fire. Typical for we gratefully used the tables, chairs, and tapped all our campsites bar one, there was plenty of water in a holiday away from the holiday. In firewood and coconut husks, for fuel. firelight we sang to a harmonica.

At first light the following morning Cath had When not hugging the rugged headlands, a brew on the fire. We repacked gear in better we had views of steep, nickel-rich hills. For places while Al scouted for water and Bevan years multi-national mining companies have ‘jury-rigged’ his ‘Pacific DownUnder’ V sail on been prospecting here and their burn-offs have his double. Then in mid 20 degrees we swam created many sparsely covered hills. before paddling.

Round a headland women in ‘mother hubbard’ Most mornings we were dogged by head dresses ran to greet us. We were expected! winds. We found that making an early start Quite daunting really. Eager hands helped to allowed us a reprieve from the wind. We drag the boats up, and we were led to the guest had extended lunches, beachcombed and house. Refreshments were spread on large snorkled then we were into the tables decorated with flowers while passionfruit, headwind again, inside the reef papaya and mandarins were brought on platters coasting centimetres above coral, or for the kids. Then, speaking stilted French, out in the deep. we enjoyed an evening with Georgette and When on day 3 we rounded a Jon, an elderly Kanak couple, who run a small headland Adele ( 14 ) called, “I’ve tourist establishment. Dinner, all local produce never been in such large head seas including octopus, was served under the before”. Thankfully, due to a reef further offshore, the waves were a large chop, In pursuit of the phone at rather than ocean swell. the tribu of St Roch.

Low tide about lunch time created tricky surf. Once Bevan mistimed the approach.

Dangling diagonally on the reef Al grabbed and hauled him on. Generally we had to float the kayaks across 100 metres or so of fringing reef, stepping carefully between the corals. Suitable footwear was necessary to avoid dreaded coral cuts.

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ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

9

Feature

Georgette Nonke and her gift of sugar cane. grand thatched roof of the guest house. “ The best part of the whole trip”, declared Francesca (13 ).

The Kanaks are the indigenous people of New Caledonia, and although supposedly not a sea-faring race, they certainly treat the reef as a food source. They own much of La Cote Oubliee. Often we saw their camps and gravesites, and spotted individuals way out on the reef with nets or spears. Run-abouts seemed the way to get about.

On leaving Chez Georgettes, our two fairly normal, but now travel

Tarn departing Quinne early Day 3 Photo Al Rynn.

stained, NZ families were out to bag a rest day, and an island.

Menyuru lay a few kilometres away, a low lying area of heavily forested paradise. Here we pursued individual activities, entertained by lurking hoards of hermit crabs who pounced on any scrap of unattended food. Kirk (11) had a hermit crab race course – no need for digital entertainment here.

Every day we saw elusive turtles and occasionally, when snorkling, we saw sharks. Often under water there was more beauty than in the world above. When the morning was calm and the sun was shining kayaking over the shallow inner reef revealed beauty almost as well as snorkling.

Cloud cover, and an opportunity to use a tail wind to Tupeti Island, caused us to cut short our 7th July rest day. At 2 pm we abandoned the kids huts and rafts, packed and paddled the 8 kms. We camped with a backdrop of dense bush and a roaring Rusa stag. Large bats flew into the trees. The 2 metre tide, which peaked at 6 pm, left sufficient dry sand for Adele to prepare a fire.

‘Woomph!’ On our last kayaking day a coconut shocked us awake. It had fallen10 metres right beside our tent. Any closer would have been dangerous! In drizzle we paddled a mangrove lined channel to the Tribu of St Roch. It was pouring with rain when we found a large picnic shelter which provided perfect cover for our tents.

Exploring, we discovered a very simple but beautiful church, the Tribu’s malfunctioning public phone and Rastafarian influence on Kanak lifestyle.

All too soon our kayak trip of the Forgotten Coast was over. It had been a privilege to share in our two families’ adventure and experience of French and Kanak culture.

Feature

Right: All happy at trips end. Nora, Bevan, Kirk, Cath, Al,Tarn, Francesca, Adele.

Below: Francesca and the Hermit crabs Menyuru Is - Photos by Al Rynn

Above: Tricot raye sea snake.

Left: Mother and Daughter heading to Menyuru Island - Photos by Al Rynn.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

11

From Lake to Sea - the inaugural Rangiteiki Paddle

By Jim Robinson Marathon Forty-two kilometres is a backside-aching distance to paddle a kayak. But it’ll be no problem for participants in the inaugural Rangitaiki marathon paddle race this March: because with several portages along the way, there will be plenty of opportunity to loosen the posterior.

The marathon journey will start at Lake Matahina and finish at Thornton, near Whakatane in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The event is designated a “championship” so many of the country’s best long-distance kayak and waka ama paddlers will be vying for kudos and prize money.

But fun is the real key and all levels of paddlers are welcome, including those in sea kayaks and plastic sit-ons. The river has a good flow but there’s no white water: it’s very user-friendly for even the inexperienced - who can take part in a relay.

The marathon is a highlight of the Rangitaiki River Festival – which celebrates the many communities and the long history linked together by the Rangitaiki. At 155 km long, the Rangitaiki is the fifth longest river in New Zealand. Its source is east of the Kaingaroa Forest in the northern Hawke’s Bay. Lake Matahina is formed by a hydro-electric dam.

Kayakers will do a large loop of the bush-edged lake waters, then carry their boats down to the base of the stone dam, where the waka paddlers will start, for a 33 km paddle down the river to Thornton.

Along the way, a couple more short portages will be thrown in for extra dimension. “Portages are a great way for spectators to get a good view of the action. And it’s an opportunity for kayakers to see how their competition is doing,” enthuses Bill Clark, who came up with the idea for the festival and has worked with local communities to bring it to reality. But waka paddlers, relax.

Portages are for kayakers only: you won’t be required to carry your craft.

Racing over, paddlers and spectators alike can then enjoy the main event: the Rangitaiki River Festival. Fun activities will include a kayak fishing contest, kids racing and a wealth of family entertainment, with masses of delicious kai from the fertile Rangitaiki plains and sparkling Pacific Ocean. What better reason to do the marathon paddle and work up a healthy appetite?

Entries and information: www.whaktane.com

Josh Neilson running the Hardanger River in Norway.

Photographer - Greg Dashper

As the New Zealand Summer 08/09 comes to an end I’m filled with ideas. “How can we do as much kayaking and travelling as possible with the limited funds we have?” The plan changed about a hundred times as an itinerary was patched together.

The crew committed, and the trip mostly sorted, I began a plan to capture our missions on film and share them with the world. New Zealanders are renowned for pulling off some epic first descents and are now making a name for themselves in the competitive extreme racing circuit. Our crew of paddlers are among the top in these fields. This got me thinking, the 2009 film would start by following a number of Kiwi kayakers on our mission to the Northern hemisphere where first descents were made and extreme races were won. The 2009 trip consisted of a bunch of extreme racing, mixed with expedition kayaking and to cap it all off some big water kayaking on the White Nile.

The year started with Lou Urwin, Tyler Fox and myself exploring the Central and Northern reaches of Quebec in Canada. With a car loaded with cameras and gear bulging from the seams, we spent 3 weeks driving river to river and running a bunch of ‘sweet’ sections and ticking off a few new rivers in the region. The atmosphere was set to change. From being in the wilderness of Quebec to the bustling ski town of Vail, Colorado.

Here we met up with Mike Dawson, Sam Sutton and Bradley Lauder who were hot favourites, in our minds, to place highly in the Homestake Creek race.

My racing speeds were far from best, but it was still fun to compete.

Once I had taken my run, I filmed Mike, Sam and Lou’s runs. Unfortunately Lou had a DNF, with a boat break after a collision with a rock. Sam had a slower first run but came back in the second run with a course record.

This was not enough to get ahead of Mike’s consistent runs which took him to gold.

Other events over the weekend saw the Kiwis on the podium once again.

Lou headed back to Canada while Sam, Brad, Mike and I headed out to Italy, meeting up with Jared Meehan for Mountain Games in Italy. Due to a few travel mishaps, I missed filming the guys on the first Extreme race.

But I made it in time for the World Teams Extreme Race Championships.

Sam, Mike and Jared took gold, another success for the crew!

We parted ways, with Jared heading to Russia, and Mike to Spain for slalom commitments. The rest of us headed to Norway for the Voss Extreme race and another season of amazing waterfalls! Between runs, with camera in hand, I captured the kiwis dominating the rounds with a new kiwi face, Mike Abbott taking out the first round with Sam not far behind. In the end Sam missed first by just hundredths of a second and Mike Abbott took third.

The racing scene was mostly over, so we went back to river running.

For some reason one of Norway’s best rivers decided to run for a whole week, instead of its usual 2 or 3 days a year! With a pile of racing footage, it was a nice change to be behind the lens capturing the guys hucking off massive drops and running tight smooth lines! The New Zealand dollar was weak against the Norwegian dollar and more time in Norway was not looking very promising. There was one more race in 2 weeks, but if I stayed, I would be forced to return to NZ immediately after and back into the heart of winter!

A few emails here and there, and a new plan was hatched. With the funds I had, it was either 2 weeks in Norway or 3 months in Africa.

Four days later I was on a plane to Uganda. I contracted Malaria three years ago while paddling the Nile in Uganda. Since then, I have been making films and showing these throughout New Zealand, raising money for a malaria clinic on the banks of the Nile. Previously I had sent the money over, but this year I wanted to hand deliver it. While the film has focused on the talents of Mike and Sam, their racing and the expeditions of Lou and myself, the fundraising is also an important function of the film.

It’s pretty selfish to go to these amazing places and not give something in return. To paddle the Nile every day, while helping out the community and raising awareness back home about a cause that is close to my heart, is pretty choice!

Within 3 weeks of of my return, I was back to rock bottom with another case of Malaria. Thanks to good friends and help from the clinic close by, I was once again treated and back on my feet. To help show the severity of this sickness, Bernard Oliver, also from NZ, got behind my camera while I shared my experiences. Once I was well again, we set out to document the clinic and what they do, as well as capture the raw power of the river.

Another reason to return to the Nile is the dam construction which will flood the famous Silverback section. It will be shut down to kayakers and rafters by April next year and gone forever. Part of the film set out to show what will soon be lost and to find out how it will affect the locals and users of the river.

With my time fast running out in Uganda I changed my flight and stayed for another month so I could be there for the last Nile River Festival in November. The last month was amazing with trips to the equator to tie in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere theme to the film as well as filming out in the Murchison Falls National Park where we saw elephants, hippos, leopards and lions.

The last week was the hardest, as I was having my final runs down one of the most amazing sections of river I’ve ever paddled and leaving all my amazing friends. I rounded the corner into an eddy, looked back upstream, having come down the Silverback rapid. It slowly disappeared as I floated silently thinking “I am defiantly thankful to be able to do these things and sad to see them go.” I will always have the footage from these years of film to remind me how lucky I am!

Now the Northern Hemisphere summer has come to an end. Mike, Sam, Lou, myself and the rest of the kayaking nomads from the South have made their way back to NZ. Here I will be putting the finishing touches to a worldly kayaking film, which follows a bunch of mates from their home in the South to the far reaches of the North.

Now that the edit has begun it was time to get the film a name! The film this year is called ‘REALM’ and you can expect to see shows around NZ during March and April with the global premiere at Murchison’s Buller River Festival!

Cheers and hope you enjoy it!

For More information on my travels for the year and for what you can expect from the Southern Underground Productions film for 2009 check us out at www.whitewater-koa.blogspot.com

Sea Kayaking

Tail winds, food and coffee, make for a very civilised time.

by Mandy Gilmour

When Andy pulled out a chocolate gateau from his kayak I knew it was going to be our kind of trip. I also knew we could have packed much more food into my kayak. You live and learn. The trip to Queen Charlotte Sounds for the weekend was the first Yakity Yak trip for myself and my partner Neil. Some in our party of eight would be adding leadership training along the way.

We arrived at Picton around 10.30pm on a beautifully calm, mild and starry evening for the night paddle to the campsite at Kumutoto Bay. Helped along by a tail wind we set up camp after midnight slightly further round the bay from our planned site.

Saturday was a lovely sunny morning.

The duck we thought had pecked Neil awake turned out to be the Weka flitting in and out of the tents whilst we had a lazy breakfast on the beach.

n

Quee pristine e th in Neil nds tte Sou Charlo

The author making the most of the weather

Serenity , Marlbo rough S ounds s raining in tyle-it w Wellingto as n during this wee kend

16

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

A tail wind again made paddling easy and we had a leisurely time, taking in the seals on the rocks and clouds of jelly fish. Andy, fishing for a few minutes, reeled in a nice fat fish. We stopped off for a picnic lunch at Lochmara Lodge and indulged in real coffee.

Very civilised.

The afternoon produced even more perfect weather as we explored the coast’s coves and headed for the Davis Bay campsite.

Once we’d pitched our tents right on the edge of the beach we relaxed in the sun, took in the view and generously fed the local sandflies.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Sea Kayaking Weakened by all the paddling we needed nourishment. We chipped in our shared nibbles but the prize once again went to Andy with a platter brimming with goodies.

It must be a magic bottomless kayak he’s got. I want one.

The weather on Sunday was cloudy with slightly stronger winds on the cards and we made an earlier start to take account of conditions. Spookily, the wind was in the right direction again. We had another tail wind for most of the way. We spent the morning paddling round the coves and then after a dash across the shipping lane, picnicked at Bob’s Bay close to Picton.

The final leg was a short paddle back to Picton, arriving just before the rain. We certainly had the best of the weather and couldn’t have asked for better for our first trip. A kayak is definitely the best way to appreciate this beautiful area and the trip has certainly given us a taste for more.

Andy

enjoyin

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orning

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ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

17

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The Yakit concentra y Yak Kayak Club tes on th e importa in life. nt things Spending ti mates, ex me with a bunch p beautiful loring New Zeala of nd’s coastline an What is m ore impo d waterways. rtant than We don’t th dreaded get bogged dow at? n with the ‘club com mittees’. none. We Th nibble an gather once a mo ere are nth for a d a drink ,d we’d like to organiz iscuss the trips Show up e, then ju a s our motto nd have fun. That’ t do it. . s Because are differi we are all differen n t, Easy day g types of trips a there vailable. trips for th multi day e ‘not so e adventuro xpeditions for the fit’ and u for the ge s. You are never more too old ntle motio Anyone w n ith averag of kayaking. can padd e fitness le.

So come get a we and join our club. e Y you padd kend skills course ou will to show ling techn safety sk iques and ills Don’t wo . rr kayak- w y if you don’t ow e have h na ea have com pleted th ps. Once you e weeken course, co d m can hire y e along on club skills trips. We ou a kay ak for the need. se if you There is s weekend omething on nearl y y go away ear round. Someti every camping, mes we cruise aro fishing, o r u beaches nd the harbour sto we just for coffee pping on our legen a dary club nd chocolate, or pancakes We’ll eve !

Zealand n send you the N Kayak M ew agazine a are loads n o f in -s to re benefi d there club mem ts for our bers.

So take a give your look at the back p lo a call or b cal Canoe & Kay age and ak centre etter still We’d lov come and e you hook to tell you more a see us. e n of kayakin d on the wonderf d get u l g sport a nd pro kayak clu b in the w bably the best orld!

Photo by Mik

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The boys check out the rapids.

Multisport Technical

Am I insured?

By Ruth E. Henderson

Maybe, maybe not...it depends… Do not presume and then be disappointed when pay out is declined. It pays to ask questions, curly questions at the time of taking out a policy or before glibly thinking your new pride and joy is covered under your household insurance policy.

It pays to be honest. Your insurer needs to know if you are an ‘ordinary’ kayaker, or are planning on doing a Paul Caffyn or Freya Hoffmeister and circumnavigating something bigger than Great Barrier Island, or spending your weekends hurtling down the Huka Falls one weekend and the Aratiatia rapids the next like Josh Neilson and friends, or competing alongside Sam Goodall in the Speight’s Coast to Coast. The type of kayaking you do may affect your premium or excess or eligibility for cover. And sometimes, so does your “profile.”

All the companies who participated stated in one way or another – that we, the insured must take care, and that insurance cover is for sudden and accidental (unexpected, unintended, unforeseen) loss or damage.

Aaron Mortimer of Mariner Marine Insurance said “The insurer must always act as if they are uninsured” and in the scenario of the kayak being left overnight on the roofrack at the boat ramp he said the test would be along the lines of “was the insured taking all possible care to minimise or avoid a loss? Would they leave the boat like that if they were not insured?” He did go on to say that in extenuating circumstances such as if the insured had an injury kayaking and was taken to hospital overnight and was not able to organise alternative storage, then they would take a more benevolent approach to a kayak stolen in that situation.

Chris O’Connor from Ansvar made the point that “The client must take precautions. Must take enough care so that a reasonable person would say that you have taken reasonable care.”

To answer the question “Am I insured?” it does ‘depend’. It depends on you, and the precautions you take and the company you select.

To get a feel for what would be covered I chose five different craft (kevlar Southern Skua, plastic Shearwater, Cobra Fish ‘n Dive, Blisstick Mystic mini, Ruahine Swallow) that a “fifty year old female with a mortgage and five years kayaking experience” could conceivably own and posed a number of questions to eight different companies. These included: Am I insured if my kayak; 1. Is on my roof rack?

2. Flies away/ comes off my roof rack (not tied down properly, or roof rack faulty)?

3. Is sheared off as I enter an underground car park?

4. Is stolen, whilst in a Supermarket for one hour, from the car park?

5. Is stored at my residence, and stolen from the carport within a fenced section?

6. Is stored at my bach, and stolen from locked storage beneath?

7. Is on the beach, while I am sleeping after lunch and the incoming tide takes the kayak.

8. Is smashed on rocks or against obstacle (e.g. channel marker) while training or in normal use.

9. Is smashed whilst on expedition, racing, on white water Grade 3 rapids or surfing?

Know the he ight of And, “Are my fitted accessories on my insured kayak covered your vehicle and load. too? e.g. Fitted compass, fish finder, flag, rod holders, hatches, foot pump?”

“What about the non- fitted ones in my insured kayak? e.g. dry bags, hand pump, paddle float.”

20

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

www.kayaknz.co.nz

y, n save the da Duct Tape ca . at bo e if not th

Technical Be ins

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Visit www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/insurance for a table of questions and answers about kayak insurance.

–wise:

ßß W hen sto ring a k ayak ou choose tside a a place locked w h ich is n garage street’. ot visib , Store y le to th our boa house. e ‘man t ‘aroun on the d th e back’ ßß In or unde vest in some lo r the ckable your ra tie dow cks and n s and se boat. U your bo cure th se lock at to yo ese to able tie ur roof downs Centre rack. S to secu to chec e e y re o k that y ur Roo good re f Rack our roo pair an f rack a d corre ßß U nd crad se bow ctly fitte les are and ste d. in rn rope less ch s so tha ance o t y f o fl ur kaya ying if y Haverk k has our roo ort of T f rack d hule NZ oes fail packag comme . Greg ed our nted “S Quickd ince we 874 ka raw bo h yak cra ave w & stern dles, cla lines w racks h ims for it h ave fall our lost boa en to z ßß To ts from ero.” help wit ro o f h gear retrieva and ph l identify one nu mber o it. Put y the wate n or in our nam your bo rproof p e at, dry e n mark some d b ags etc s wear uct tap . If off in th e on th e cockp write on e unde it, stick r side o that. ßß Be f your h ware o atches f ‘loose and canons such as ’ in your full 2 ltr hatche water b punctu s. Item ottles o re your s r axles boat in of trolle a surf la ys can nding.

Sometimes you just gotta land whether your kayak likes it or not!

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

21

Travel

Kayaking Tonga 2009

By Chris Shirley

'Apiteniko Kalavi & Malia Veamatahau (Front), do it Islander style...

Kayaking has become the love of our lives. Each year the two of us paddle/camp many 100’s of miles along the coast where we live and on the lakes in the Central North Island during the summer holidays. For us it is all about doing the things we love together with our family and friends.

We are always looking for new adventures and this year Tonga was the place we could afford. We had been there many times before as ocean sailors, but never as kayakers. This proved to be one of the most fantastic paddling places we have been to.

Before the trip we researched the area and found only one business which provided kayaks, k aya tai K a F of . ner way , ow the y s a d D lea Tim res, entu v d A

and they o n paddle

22

were sit Cobras. Julie and I the older single Puffins and

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

have a QK Dusky Bay Classic Double for our expeditions. We have never really liked the sit-on-tops, but we were certainly in for a surprise. The Cobras were excellent. They tracked well, were very stable and are ideal for the hot conditions that you get in the tropics.

On our kayaking days, we were met by Tim and Vila of Fatai Adventures. They are a young couple who live right beside the lagoon with their extended family. We had been given an invitation to teach them what we knew about kayaking in return for the use of the Cobras.

Once on our kayaks, we paddled into the wind and along the sheltered lee shore of the lagoon. The tide was nearly full and the places we could go with the kayaks were amazing. We were able to paddle around small islands, right up close to villages, people fishing, birds, fish and sea life in an unspoilt, clean and beautiful environment. We really appreciated that it was so quiet. No engines, just the sound of our paddles.

Tim and Vila offer many kayaking options such as day trips to the inshore islands with all food supplied, but the experienced kayaker can also choose from the small uninhabited islands around the main island of Tongatapu. They are easily reached and you have them completely to yourself.

Julie and I spent a lot of time teaching Tim and Vila about wind, tides, rescue/paddle techniques, VHF, and how to weather proof this type of business. The trade winds certainly have a huge bearing on where and how you would kayak and great care is needed with the strong tides and currents around the island. Once away from the main island you are in the ocean and the seas can be huge.

You certainly would not want to be in fading light, an offshore current and a strong trade wind.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Travel Po c on kets Mu no ltis w po ava rt i de labl ck e s

The Rasdex Multisporter PFD has had another successful Speight’s Coast to Coast, taking a win with Gordon Walker. A good number of the other top 10 finishers in all classes also chose it. Why? Because it is the most complete multisport PFD on the market: quick side entry, light weight, plenty of pockets, comes with bladder and routing for 3 tubes via our innovative block system. Why compromise your race? Use what the winners use!

Editors Note: A great range of boats! The photo featured is European. In NZ a buoyancy aid must be worn.

RRP $289.95

The new Hydra PFD has been tested to NZS 5823:2005. It is also approved for night time use. Available in high viz yellow (see Auckland harbour bylaws) and red, and in 2 sizes. Features large front pocket and key clip, plus hidden side pockets which allow extra foam to be fitted so it can be used for canoe polo.

Holonga Lago

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atapu ckground.

Island in the ba

In the 2010 July School Holidays we are going back to Tonga with a group of paddling explorers.

If you would like a budget holiday, living in very basic fale’s, eating heaps of local food, having a wonderful time with the locals and exploring the small coastal islands, please contact us .This invitation is open to anyone who would like to come.

Julie and I live in Maraetai, right above the beach. There is excellent parking for kayakers, on a reserve right next to us, and an easy launch spot beside that.

We welcome kayakers, so please do call in anytime and share your adventures with us.

Chris and Julie Shirley 09 5365106 chris@nzoe.co.nz

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

23

Canoe Slalom

KIWI SUCCESS AT

By Aaron Osbourne

The boys at Snobbs creek water fall

sbourne

Aaron O

Andrew Robins on and way to Bryden winning Nichola the Sou s on the thern C ir up Seri es

24

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Canoe Slalom

AUSSIE SLALOM NATIONALS On the 28th December 2009, in blazing weather, the New Zealand Junior Development Team reached the small town of Eildon, Lake Eildon, with its many houseboats, and Snobbs Waterfall, 2 hours north of Melbourne. To cope with the shocking 40 degree heat we frequently needed ice, frozen drinks, to steal the fan, and in my case to stand in the fridge!

But we settled into team life; between training, enjoying movies, cards, swimming and cook offs. A storm on New Year’s Eve brought 48 mm of rain in one hour and some relief from the heat!

Amongst over 190 athletes from all over Australia the Kiwis did well in the Australian Secondary Schools Championships, races three and four of the Southern Cup and then the Australian National Championships.

New Zealand paddlers dominated all age groups in the schools competition for K1 men with young guns Andre Sperling winning the U14 K1 and Finn Butcher 1st in U14C1. Shaun Travers paddled to victory taking the Southern Cup in the U23C1, while his sister Kelly won the women’s U16 K1 Southern Cup. Kiwi’s Ben Gibb & Bradyn Church arrived earlier in the week to win the Australian Schools title. Bryden Nicholas and Andrew Robinson took out the Southern Cup Series. Gibb and Church then produced some great paddling to win the Under 23 C2 class at nationals. I had success as well, winning the Southern Cup Open Mens title and took silver in the Open division at the Australian Nationals.

The New Zealand team did exceptionally well in the Australian Open

Nationals picking up a bunch of medals and wining most team events we entered. In a outstanding performance Callum Gibb beat all the Aussie juniors (under 18) to the podium’s number one spot. Team mate Jane Nicholas won the U18 K1 women’s the day after she won the overall under 23 category in the Southern Cup. Racing extremely well in individual and team events, we won close to 80 medals making the tour one of the most successful for New Zealand’s young canoe slalom paddlers. Canoe Slalom New Zealand is in good shape for the future and everyone was a great ambassador.

Full podium results can be found at www.canoe.org.au.

For more information about canoe slalom go towww.slalomnz.org.nz or follow me at www.aaronosborne.co.nz

Ian Mercer Feeding out lollies after hard training Session

Southern cup winners

The team and our medals!

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

25

Speight’s Coast to Coast 2010

By James Kuegler The 2010 Speight’s Coast to Coast will certainly be remembered, like 1992 and 2004, for extremes in weather and course changes. Under difficult circumstances, with confusion and 11th hour course changes, competitors and officials still managed to produce a competitive and exciting race.

In scorching sunshine on Friday 12th February the two day competitors raced on bikes and foot from Kumara, half way across the South Island to their day’s end at Klondyke Corner. Rangiora’s Rhys John recorded the fastest time for the Mountain Run over Goat Pass.

In direct contrast, the metservice forecasted 150 mm of rain at rates of up to 45 mm/hr, with 70 kph wind gusting to 130 kph, between midnight and 9 am on Saturday morning. As a result, race director Robin Judkins was forced to move to plan B. The competitors in the Speight’s World Multisport Championship, Longest Day competition would ride 55 km as normal from Kumara Junction to Aickens Corner. Then they’d run up the steep Otira Viaduct State Highway 73 to Klondyke Corner instead of the

usual 33 km Mountain run over Goat Pass. From Klondyke the Longest Day and Two Day competitors would have a gruelling 140 km cycle over Porters Pass, via Waddington and along Old West Coast Road to North Hagley Park in Christchurch before a revised relatively short 20 km kayak down the rapidless and recreationally busy Avon River to Sumner.

Talented duathlete Simon Kristiansen had a four minute lead at Klondyke Corner. Defending champion Gordon Walker, and 2008 Two Day winner Dougal Allan then chased down Kristiansen in a partnership that lasted all the way to transition from bike to kayak at Hagley Park.

Walker made the comment “It wouldn’t have made sense to leave each other”. By staying together, they shared the work, and built a solid advantage over the chasing competitors.

The defending champion’s superior horse-power quickly showed through in the kayak, as the pair battled the weedy and shallow Avon river, as well as negotiating their way through and around the Two Day competitors and Punts that were also occupying the river.

Walker crossed the line in 9:43 to claim his third Speight’s Coast to Coast victory. Dougal Allan claimed second exactly five minutes behind, with Cantabrian Jacob Roberts third.

In the women’s race Elina Ussher shook off her Coast to Coast hoodoo.

She led from the start, winning her first Speight’s Coast to Coast over thirty minutes ahead of Louise Mark and

112 Milan Talley and 02 Emily Miazga in the One Day event.

Tony Le Sueur powers down the Avon

Sophie Hart.

Adam Milne, James Kuegler, and JJ Wilson recorded the three fastest individual times for the 140 km cycle to overtake Rhys John’s first day lead. They finished first, second and third in the Two Day event. Joanna Williams won the women’s two day individual title ahead of Amy Brazier and Helen Chittenden.

The Christchurch and Palmerston North pair, Luke Vaughan and Peter O’Sullivan, held on to their day one lead and won theTwo Day teams race. Fleur Pawsey and Sia Svendsen were dominant in the women’s Two Day teams.

Cameron Durno in the One Day

Gordon Walker crosses the finish line.

0380 Peter Fullerton-Smith and 0576 Nigel Lowry competing in the Two Day Individuals

Technical

Beacons of Hope Mosgiel hunter John Adams knows better than anyone the value of carrying a personal locator beacon (or PLB) when going bush – the device saved his life.

John was hunting alone in the Nitz Creek area of Fiordland in April 2008 when he slipped and fell, landing chest-first onto a log, cracking several ribs and puncturing a lung.

“Initially I thought things weren’t too bad, and with a spell and a drink, I would be okay, but I had severe pain in the left side of my chest and ribs. After a spell of 30 minutes, I tried to put my pack on and descend to the valley floor…it was at that stage I started having breathing problems and also blood in my urine, and realised for the first time that I was in serious trouble.”

Unbeknown to John, his lungs had begun filling with blood from the injury, which if left untreated, would be fatal.

“Even though it was a lovely warm day, my body was beginning to shiver and shake, and breathing was becoming increasingly difficult. I knew my condition was fast deteriorating.”

Fortunately for John, he was carrying a 406 MHz personal locator beacon (PLB) – a recent gift from his daughters.

Thanks to the PLB being recently registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) – who detect and respond to all New Zealand 406 MHz emergency beacon alerts – rescuers were able to call the emergency contact numbers provided and confirm

is a hired beacon, the hire company should have registered all their beacons, and you just leave your details with the company for the particular trip you are doing,” Nigel says.

“Once you have your beacon, it’s also important to know how to activate it in an emergency and also understand that it does have some limitations.”

“These limitations mean that while activating your beacon will initiate a rescue response, it won’t necessarily result in an ‘immediate’ rescue,

John is one of many people whose lives have been saved thanks to carrying the beacons. as it takes time for the beacon’s signal to be confirmed to an accurate position, for other checks to be made, and for rescue resources to be mobilised and dispatched. Factors such as the terrain, beacon type and satellite passes can affect the beacon’s performance and the time taken to receive and then respond to the distress alert. In addition it may be very challenging or even impossible to mount a rescue attempt immediately at night or in very poor weather.”

“While every effort is made to respond to every beacon alert as quickly as possible, people need to be realistic about response times and be adequately prepared to be able to survive on their own until such time as help can reach them. In some cases, this may take 24

“Even though it was a lovely warm day, I knew my condition was fast deteriorating.”

John’s details and location, before launching a rescue mission.

“When I heard the noise of the (rescue) chopper coming up the valley, and hovering directly above me, it’s a feeling I will never forget,” John says.

In hospital it was revealed he had three broken ribs and a badly punctured lung. He was operated on immediately, and his condition successfully stabilised.

“The surgeon told me how lucky I was…that I would have died in the next 24 hours without treatment.”

RCCNZ’s Group Manager, Nigel Clifford, says John is one of many people whose lives have been saved thanks to carrying the beacons.

“As John’s experience shows, carrying a beacon can make all the difference between life and death in an emergency. Although beacons vary in price from about $700 to $1,500, they are still a pretty cheap form of life insurance.”

“However, if you’re going into the bush and cannot afford a beacon, don’t worry, as many Department of Conservation visitor centres and tramping and alpine clubs have beacons available for hire at low cost,” Nigel says.

“Whether you hire or buy your beacon, it is critically important that it is registered with RCCNZ. This service is confidential and free, and provides us with important contact details that allow us to get in touch with you or your nominated emergency contact person if the beacon is activated. This not only greatly assists in the response during a genuine emergency, it can also save us from launching an unnecessary and potentially costly and time-consuming search if the beacon is set off by accident.”

“If it is your own beacon, then you need to do the registration. If it

28

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

TAKING THE SEARCH OUT OF SEARCH AND RESCUE GPS positioning 406 MGHz 121.5 MGHz Homing signal SOS strobe

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Technical hours or even longer.”

“The accuracy of the beacon, however, can be improved if people buy a model that is fitted with GPS, which provides rescuers with more accurate positional data when the beacon is activated.”

Nigel says “While RCCNZ encourages those going into the great outdoors to always carry a beacon, this should be in addition to a range of other safety precautions, such as telling someone where you are going and what time you are expected to be back – making sure you have enough food and water and the appropriate clothing and equipment to survive in the outdoors.”

RCCNZ provides a professional search and rescue service 24/7.

Each year they respond to around 1,200 incidents, over half of which involve an activated distress beacon.

More information on emergency beacons is available from: www.beacons.org.nz or by contacting RCCNZ on freephone 0800 406 111 or 0508 406 111.

tion situa on a le is simp ticle s, a is ar h in t a t h n ug ou as Altho the m d. uickly se in ne o r r as q a a t d le a e e h u t sc nb n. n n ca be re eaco falle lesso nt to ss b a e r w have t s u is ap e o d e y ic h If ry a .C s, pr , car nline onic le r o t ib c e y s ll le com ll e pos rma has ith a s no logy ent.

As w terie o t n a h b cem c ring epla w te e r e id g n New s as con quirin Maritime e e c r n e ra by efor insu lied ars b supp 5 ye ly t d s in la les k Artic nd Zeala .

- Ed

Disposing of old beacons

Old EPIRB’s need to be correctly disposed of in case they accidentally activate and trigger a false alarm. Active beacons have been found at the bottom of rubbish tips, triggering expensive and unnecessary search operations. There is also the risk that someone may think one of the old 121.5MHz EPIRB’s is a useful safety device.

It is also important to the environment that beacons are disposed of

correctly. The batteries are normally toxic and must be disposed of in accordance with the relevant regulations. Please take the batteries out before disposing of an old beacon or return it to your beacon retailer.

If you sell or dispose of a registered 406 MHz beacon, please let RCCNZ know by phoning 0800 406 111.

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ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

29

Fishing

Kayak Fishing

By Andy Doncaster

. . . e l y t S y a d i

Hol

All the best ideas are never planned and this was definitely

start to a week’s fishing, boy oh boy it had only been about an hour. What a welcome to Tauranga Bay! the case with our summer holiday. Having a good yarn with Day two arrived with the same great weather and by 6.30 am were some mates around the BBQ, talk always revolves around we heading for Stevensons Island’s hotspots. Not long after arrival we our adventures kayak fishing. Then the inevitable happened. were again into the fish this time we however had managed to find the Suddenly we were all going away together for our December nursery with not much over the 30 cm mark. Moving to another local holidays and it was agreed Tauranga Bay was the go. Booking hotspot about 2.5 kms further around the point of the island we were with the Tauranga Bay Holiday Park was easy but packing my introduced to the full brunt of the swell running and fairly soon some of the guys were feeling a bit ill. But fish we did and were rewarded with fishing gear even easier - my gear is ALWAYS packed ready a nice catch. That night I whipped up a batch of my world for the next trip. famous (in our house at least) fish A few short weeks later a rainy Auckland was in our rear-view mirror fingers and the kids as we headed to the far north for a week of kayak fishing, devoured them in oh and some time with the wife about 10 minutes and kids of flat, the big kids course. only getting some Our first if you could fight morning hard enough for was clear them. but crisp Day three so out came saw us on my trusty the water Sharkskins bright and and by 5.30 early again am we were at heading the water edge for some being greeted b r o k e n by a wide islands just open ocean. north of Stevenson the bay Island was off about an in the distance, hour and a slight swell a half of running and the paddle predicted offshore a w a y. breeze.

In this We found some region the offshore er! best ev good ground but to no avail we caught a Andy’s breeze is common whole bunch of nothing. I tried every trick in the book including until about 9am then fishing some standing waves forming over a concealed reef but still it normally swings to an onshore making nothing. Heading home about 3.5 km’s offshore luck at last. I landed a the trip home a bit easier, yes it’s a kayak fisho’s paradise. On couple of good ones including a 10 pounder. However there is sometimes the water I immediately kept my eye on the sounder to find at just 500 m a price as half way through the fight the fish took about 4 metres of my off the shore the area was teeming with fish. One of the guys decided to precious 6 pound braid with it, but like they say just stick with it and you head out further but my mate and I turned round and paddled about 200 have a chance. About 7 minutes later I had the fish onboard and we at metres back in and set the drift anchor least had a feed for the night. in order to drift back over the spot where Boaties were all whinging about Apart for one day of bad weather the we had seen the activity. rest of the time was much the same with how slow the fishing was.

Kayakers Drifting back I got my line in the water, the boaties not liking us kayak fisho’s at all. on the other hand were cleaning up. gave it about 40 seconds for the soft bait All week the boaties were heading back to get to the bottom in around 15 metres in with minimal fish and whinging about of water then bam! First fish resulted in how slow the fishing was. Kayakers on the other hand were cleaning up about a 35 cm snapper brought to the surface, in this area this is a small with most of the guys catching personal bests and beating all previous fish so these ones we put back. Every cast after that resulted in the same records held within the clan. All in all the trip was a great success and I success as well as kahawai we caught for live bait because we were will be going back there again, many times. planning some kingfish action. Next I landed a 14 pound porae, which I have formally nicknamed the rubber lips fish, and a few casts later ended in me losing some tackle to a kingfish that reefed me. All in all a great

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ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Trans Taupo Under New Direction for Year 3

News Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers N.Z. Inc. (KASK) KASK is a network of sea kayakers throughout New Zealand

Familiar Faces - Pete & Bronnie van Lith competing last year.

The country’s biggest open water paddle race – the ‘ Trans Taupo’, taking place 20 March on Lake Taupo now has new local owners. Nick Reader from Epic Events Ltd has taken over the event created by Neil Gellatly of Dare2Sweat events.

The iconic water sports event across Australasia’s largest fresh water lake has attracted top quality fields of kayakers and rowers since 2008. Categories include Surf Skis, Sea Kayaks, Waka ama and Ocean Rowers. Competitors race the length of the lake with the wind at their backs.

The fees for multi person craft have been

www.kayaknz.co.nz

reduce to encourage more Waka ama boats involved, including the W6.

The full course is 44 km and is a true challenge for even the strongest paddlers, so there are shorter options available including a team relay with two legs of 25 km and 19 km.

To get more kids involved in this fantastic sport a new 5 km race has been created from Wharewaka Point to the finish line at the Yacht club.

On line entries are now open at www.epicevents.co.nz/page/52-Trans-Taupo For more info, please see www.epicevents.co.nz or e mail nick@epicevents.co.nz

KASK publishes a 200 page sea kayaking handbook which is free to new members: the handbook contains all you need to know about sea kayaking: techniques and skills, resources, equipment, places to go etc.

KASK publishes a bi-monthly newsletter containing trip reports, events, book reviews, technique/equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’ file. KASK holds national sea kayaking forums.

Website: www.kask.co.nz Annual subscription is $35.00.

Kask PO Box 23, Runanga 7841, West Coast

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

31

Remote Camping

By Karen Knowles

Making the most of the shade at Fantail Bay

The traditional Kiwi campground has certainly had a makeover in the past decade. Facilities border on 5-star luxury.

Splendid for some, but what if you prefer to camp where rules are not plastered on every wall, the loudest noise is a tui’s call and from time to time there’s a waft from the long drop? Happily for you NZ has plenty of remote camping grounds, many offering fantastic kayaking.

The Department of Conservation has over 250 campsites with vehicle access , many more with only water access. In addition both regional and district councils administer remote, basic camps throughout the country.

From the quirky flax labyrinth of Curio Bay Campground to Spirits Bay in Northland you can find your own, unique piece of paradise.

A great way for kayakers to enjoy remote

camping is to string together a number of campsites. Packing up each day can be a drag but the scenery and paddling in isolated and far flung places is reward enough. Amongst places which combine basic campgrounds with fantastic paddling are Lake Waikaremoana, Lake Tarawera, Marlborough Sounds, the Hauraki Gulf Islands. the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island.

Yakity Yak member Natasha Romoff has paddled Coromandel’s stunning coastline and has this to say about its campgrounds and paddling.

Stony Bay makes a great base providing access to the top end of the Coromandel Peninsula and some amazing paddling. It’s very easy to paddle around to Fletchers Bay for a lunch stop and a swim and even go onto Port Jackson before returning to Stony Bay. Alternatively, head south down past Sandy Bay to Waikawau Bay. The coastline is

wonderful, but best done in a south westerly flow as it is exposed to easterly swells.

Stony Bay is also good for non-paddling family members because of the hiking, mountain biking and snorkeling options right there. Being at the end of a long and winding gravel road means not many people go there so it is not going to be crowded. Also there is no slipway for launching boats except the smallest tinnie.

Campsite facilities very suited to paddlers include a fresh water stream with pools large enough to soak in after a paddle. You, your salty gear and even your boat can be wheeled in at the end of the weekend! What better place for sundowners at the end of a long day’s paddle?

It’s not a big drive to Waikawau Beach campsite and its great white sandy beach with surf for body surfing or a refreshing swim on the way home. But the campsite takes up to

Orama on Great Barrier

The

reat

G

,G reen

ier

Barr

Stony Bay at rush hour...

1200 people in the season.

Fantail Bay [East of Port Jackson] has a small and friendly campsite, but it’s divided from the water by the main road north to Port Jackson and Fletchers Bay so it wouldn’t be good for kids.

The best use for Fletchers Bay is as a jump off point to crossing the Firth of Thames to Waiheke Island.

Together with Waikawau, Stony Bay, Fletchers Bay, and Port Jackson, Fantail links together DOC campsites that can be used to paddle from the east side of the Coromandel all the way across to the big smoke of Auckland.

Great Barrier can be circumnavigated using basic campsites conveniently scattered around the island’s coast. But plan carefully to allow for changes in weather. Paddlers can wheel kayaks onto the ferry and start paddling from Tryphena or Port Fitzroy.

If you don’t fancy an entire circumnavigation take a vehicle across on the ferry and base yourself at Harataonga to explore the eastern coastline and Arid Island (Rakitu Island). On the western coast most campsites are within cooee of civilization. The small, secluded, very pretty Green Campsite, with nearby hot springs and camping amongst the pohutukawas, is an exception. This is another ideal isolated campground for a base or a night on a kayak trail.

To plan a kayak trail using basic and isolated campsites look at the following websites. www.doc.govt.nz www.arc.govt.nz Don’t forget to check what facilities are available so you are prepared. And my advice: pack a small bottle of very strong smelling toilet cleaner. A waft of long drop may be part of the adventure but a stench can make you long for that 5 star holiday resort you just paddled past.

Photos supplied by Natasha Romonoff

Bathing ka

and Julie Reynolds

yak and ka

Approaching Fletchers Bay

yaker Ston

y Bay

Technical

Rock snot not the only pest to look out for this summer

in the waterways this summer.

Didymo, known as rock snot, has still not been detected in the North Island, but these other Hornwort pests affect many of our waterways and can be devastating to freshwater ecosystems.

Like didymo, aquatic pest plants are hitchhikers. They can be easily spread when plant fragments are carried on kayaks and canoes, trailers and other equipment.

Pest fish can also be spread when juvenile fish or fish eggs are carried on unwashed gear.

As well as spoiling the look of our lakes and rivers, freshwater pests can crowd out native species, downgrade water quality, and block irrigation and drainage systems. They can also limit access to waterways for recreation.

It is simple to help stop their spread and if people Check, Clean, Dry between waterways, they will help prevent the spread of didymo and other pests and keep our waterways clean.

An easy way to clean a kayak or canoe is to scrub the exterior, then fill it with biodegradable detergent and water to wash the inside. Small items and gear can be cleaned in this solution as well.

If you can’t wash your gear, you can leave it to dry completely for 48 hours, or restrict your use to a single waterway.

The Check, Clean, Dry campaign is an initiative introduced and funded by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand to work with the community to prevent the incursion and spread of didymo and other freshwater pests that can damage New Zealand’s waterways.

Other freshwater nasties are out there, and everyone in a kayak or canoe is a vital part in the fight against pests like oxygen weed, hornwort, koi carp and mosquito fish.

For more information on the Check Clean Dry campaign visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz

The dreaded didymo is not the only pest to watch out for

Didymo

34

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

Alligator weed

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Join Us For A Summer Of Fun.

Taupo Maori Carvings

Waikato River Discovery

White Water Paddling

Half day guided trip to the rock carvings, Lake Taupo... only accessible by boat.

A leisurely paddle of about 3 km to the rock carvings. The largest is over 10 m high and from below in a kayak it is imposing.

2 hour guided kayak trip. Experience the magnificent upper reaches of the mighty Waikato River - soak in the geothermal hotsprings - take in the stunning environment... a perfect trip for all the family...

Need some excitement? Take a kayak down a wicked Grade 2 river run... this is a whole day of thrills and fantastic scenery down some of New Zealand’s best rivers.

$85 per person (bookings essential).

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Adult $45, Children $25 Special group and family rates.

Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.

We can organize specialized kayak tours to suit any budget.

From helicopter access, white water paddling to extended cruises aboard a mother ship.

Give us a call and we will give you a memory of a lifetime.

Call 0508 529 256 for details.

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Canoe Polo A great game for young and old.

A fast, furious and fun way to improve your skills.

There’s a league to suit you.

Contact your local Canoe & Kayak Centre for more information.

Call 0508 529 256 for details.

Glow Worm Kayak Tour Join us for a picturesque paddle on Lake McLaren to view glow worms by night or beautiful waterfalls by day. This trip takes about 1.5-2hours and is suitable for paddlers with no experience. All gear, hot drinks and nibbles are supplied.

Price $75 per person.

Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings 07 574 7415

Waitara River Tours For those who are slightly more adventurous at heart, this is a scenic trip with the excitement of Grade 2 rapids. Midway down, we paddle under the historic Betran Road Bridge where we will stop for a snack.

Enjoy this beautiful scenic river which winds through some of New Zealand’s lushest vegetation. Camping overnight and exploring some of New Zealand’s pioneering history. A true Kiwi experience.

Allow 2 hours paddle only.

Priced at $70.

Phone: 06 769 5506

Two day trip $250.00 One day $80.00 Phone 06 769 5506

River Tours

Kayak Hire

Exploring beautiful estuaries.

Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and wonderful views.

Have some paddling fun on the beach or let us run a tour for you and your friends and explore beautiful areas.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details

Paddle to the Pub

Twilight Tours

Kayaking to a local pub is a unique way of spending an evening, bringing your group of friends together by completing a fun activity before dinner and making a memorable experience.

Departs from one of your local beautiful beaches. Enjoy the scenic trip with the sun setting as you paddle along the coastline.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Mokau River

Customized Tours • Work Functions • Schools • Clubs • Tourist groups

Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a full day’s frolic or a wicked weekend adventure we can take you there.

If there’s somewhere you’d like to paddle we can provide you with experienced guides, local knowledge, safe up to date equipment and a lot of fun.

Contact your local store on 0508 529 256

Taupo Adventure Tours

Sugar Loaf Island From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out to the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. View the scenic & rugged Taranaki coastline as we draw closer to the Sugar Loaf Islands. Enjoy the seal colony and experience the thrill of close up views of these fascinating marine mammals.

Allow 3 hours subject to weather. $70.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506

NZKI New Zealand Kayaking Instructors Award Scheme A great progressive way to become a kayaking instructor or guide.

Phone 0508 529256

Join the Yakity Yak Club We’d love to tell you more and get you hooked on the wonderful sport of kayaking and probably the best kayak club in the world!

So give your local Canoe & Kayak centre a call or better, come and see us.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 to find out more.

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

35

Products

Skua Plastic Sea Kayak

w e N

- the latest release from Q- Kayaks surpasses all expectations Yahoo!

I’ve been waiting for a hard arsed kayak.

I wanted a kayak that is responsive, fast and with enough stability to allow me to fish and take photos. In plastic too, so I can treat it with a rock landing and the occasional mistake rock gardening. Along with a kayak I can use on the river.

And here it is.

I want it now.

Peter Townend Director & Founder – Canoe & Kayak Ltd

Other features include extra bungees on the stern deck for stowing a split paddle, a compass mount on the foredeck and padded thigh braces. For those who prefer a larger cockpit, the Skua can be ordered without the moulded-in thigh brace.

Steve Knowles of Canoe & Kayak BOP says “The Skua is a real kayak surfers’ boat. With the moulded-in thigh braces I felt at one with the kayak. It punched out through the 2 metre swell with ease, was agile and handled the rough conditions well. Quick off the mark and easy to paddle, the Skua is a dream.” Steve also added “The modified self rescue system on the aft deck works well. The paddle park forward of the cockpit is useful when fishing or taking photos.”

ons

Specificati Length Beam Weight

Volume ed thigh Comfy padd lded in. braces mou

36

ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

RRP

515 cm 60 cm : 27 kg Standard kg 4 2 - Lite: s re 355 Lit 5L, L, Rear 7 - Front 75 nt 45L, e m rt ompa Centre C 60L Cockpit 1 m 79 x 46 c

it p Cock $2775

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Products

Anchor Winders from Q- Kayaks This new anchor winder from Q-Kayaks is a must for all fisho’s. Keep the anchor line under control by simply winding it around the moulded plastic.

Threading the anchor line through the two holes will ensure the winder isn’t lost and is ready for deployment when you are. The bitter end is then clipped to your anchor system and hey presto!

New Rhino - Canopy with a Difference.

2009 A.A.A.A Award Winner

For a Rhino Sales Centre near you phone -

0800 866322

RRP $25.00

NZKI 1 Star & Grade Two River certifcates We believe our comprehensive Grade Two Training & Certification is the best you can get.

To gain the skills to confidently paddle on white water, you need at least three weekends on the water with our instructors.

PHONE NOW

0508 5292569 OR CALL IN TO YOUR LOCAL CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE FOR MORE DETAILS AND COURSE DATES

2010 Multisport Package $995

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ISSUE FIFTY Four • 2010

37

Start Your Adventure Here Sea Kayaking SKILLS COURSE A comprehensive course designed to cover the skills required to become a competent and safe paddler. The course develops techniques and confidence at an enjoyable pace with great end results. It runs over a weekend or by request in the evenings.

With this course you become a Yakity Yak member with access to lots of trips and activities around the country.

Duration: 1 Weekend

RESCUE COURSE

WEATHER & NAVIGATION

You need rescue skills to look after yourself and your paddling buddies in adverse conditions.

This course covers towing systems, capsized kayaks, TRescues, paddle floats, stern deck carries, re-enter and roll.

Duration: 1 Session

ESKIMO ROLLING

Understanding the weather and ability to navigate in adverse conditions is vital when venturing into the outdoors. Learn to use charts and compasses and forecast the weather using maps and the clouds.

Duration: 4 Sessions

KAYAK SURFING You’ll learn the skills required to become a competent Eskimo Roller.

You increase your confidence, allowing you to paddle safely in more challenging conditions.

Duration: 4 Sessions

OCEANS COURSE

An advanced course designed to build on your skills. It covers paddling technique, kayak control, rescues, preparation, planning and decision making.

Duration: 1 Weekend/ Overnight

Surfing is heaps of fun when you know how. You will spend the evenings starting in small surf and building up to one and a half metre waves. We use a range of sit-on-tops and kayaks to make it fun and easy to learn. Skills to be taught include surfing protocol, paddling out, direction control, tricks and safety.

Duration: 4 Sessions

Phone 0508 529 256 for more info & booking

White Water Kayaking INTRO TO WHITE WATER A comprehensive course designed to cover the skills required to become a competent paddler. Starting off in a heated pool and . progressing through flat water to moving water, it allows you to develop techniques and confidence at an enjoyable pace with great end results.

Duration: 1 Weekend

RIVER SKILLS

MULTISPORT & WHITEWATER

On this course you continue to build on the Intro to White Water course, developing your skills, technique and confidence on faster moving white water and progressing to a Sunday day trip on a Grade 2 river. It includes eddie turns, ferry gliding, rolling, surfing and building new skills in River Rescue techniques and River Reading.

Duration: 1 Weekend

ADVANCED WHITEWATER

A comprehensive package of instruction and coaching designed to progressively build your kayaking skills to NZKI 1 Star & Grade 2 Racing Certificate level. Run over three weekends you are introduced to white water, develop water confidence, river reading and white water skills. You’ll enjoy river running instruction on the fastest lines and rebooting all the other skills we have taught you during your first two weekends.

Duration: 3 Weekends

RIVER RESCUES Suitable for paddlers who feel comfortable on Grade 1 to 2 rivers, you learn rope skills, muscle techniques, team control, heads up, risk management and combat swimming and skills required to cope with entrapments, kayak wraps, swimming kayakers and their equipment.

Duration: 1 Weekend

Sharpen your white water skills and learn simple rodeo moves. We focus on skills such as river reading, body position and rotation, advanced paddle technique, playing in holes and negotiating higher Grade 3 rapids. We recommend you are already feeling comfortable on Grade 2+ rapids.

Duration: 1 Weekend

s e c A ’ n i k Smo

By Ruth E. Henderson

Nick and Farzad are keen kayak fishermen, who know the parable of the loaves and fishes or how to make a few fish feed the masses. Their secret is to smoke ‘em, and provide finger food for 25 fellow yakkers, offering hot smoked snapper, fresh off their portable home-made smokers.

Nick has created his out of an old biscuit tin with hinged lid. The tin had a few holes punched in the sides to let the tantalizing smoke escape. Inside he placed and old cake rack. (Another option would be chicken wire.) On the tin base he sprinkled untreated manuka sawdust. The prepared fish was then placed skin side down on the rack. Then the tin was placed on a standard gas bottle cooker and cooked for about 10 - 15 minutes.

Farzad’s smoker is made out of a circular large coffee tin and used lying on its side; Easier to fit in a small kayak hatch, but more fiddly to insert the fish through the r oke fish sm Nick's tin lid opening.

Farzad's fish smoker

The preparation of fish for smoking is simple. There is no need to scale it, de-bone it or fillet it. Simply cut off its head, remove its guts, and then carefully slice close to the backbone stopping before you reach the dorsal fin. The fish can then be laid out like an open book. Place on smoker rack. On the cut surfaces sprinkle a mix of 3 parts brown sugar and one part rock salt.

The boys have this ready mixed in a screw top jar. Leave to dissolve, soak in and marinate for as long as you’ve got: 20 mins is ok, 2 hours is better. Time of cooking depends on the size and thickness of the fish. As a rough rule Hot s of thumb, allow about 15 moke d fish ready minutes for a one to ea t pounder (500gm) fish. Catch enough and you will soon have it down to a fine art.

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Send form to: New Zealand Kayak Magazine.

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www.kayaknz.co.nz

Buyers Guide

1

5

2

3

6

4

Inflatables When storage is an issue, you can’t beat an inflatable. Inflatable kayaks can be stowed in a cupboard or locker in the apartment, on a yacht, motorboat or camper van.

There is no need for a roof rack, as you can transport it in the boot. They are light and easy to handle, you can even take them in an aircraft. Inflation only takes minutes with a good pump.

Modern inflatables are surprisingly rigid, easy to paddle and very stable. Fun for the whole family.

Please note: Prices do not include accessories.

from 1

Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 16 kg, Width: 810 mm

$1399

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 17 kg Width: 750 mm

$1995

2

Advanced Frame Single Kayak Helios II

3

Safari

Length: 3.04 m, Weight: 12.5 kg, Width: 720 mm

$1895

4

Whakapapa

Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 23 kg, Width: 1025 mm

$3087

5

Helios I

Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 13.5 kg, Width: 710 mm

$1695

6

Advanced Frame Convertible Double

Length: 4.5 m, Weight: 25 kg, Width: 810mm

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

$2199

0508 KAYAKNZ

Buyers Guide

1

2

3

4

5

6

Family Kayaking The best part of summer is spending time at the beach, on the boat or in the water. What better way to enhance the experience than to take a kayak with you.

A kayak allows you to get away from the crowded beach and find a more secluded bay around the corner. The kids will love paddling, jumping off, or swimming around the kayak. Paddle around the rocks to get to your fishing spot, or explore the coastline, lakes and rivers.

Sit - on - top kayaks are extremely stable making them suitable for young and old. Your options are endless. You can customize your kayak, to suit your needs. Adding seats for comfort, storage hatches, anchor systems, rod holders, and even GPS and fishfinders! There is a kayak to suit all uses.

Grab a kayak that surfs well and the ‘older’ kids will have hours of enjoyment.

Fun for the whole family.

Unlike boating, there is no need to hunt down that boat ramp. Whip the kayak off the roof rack and in she goes.

Please note: Prices do not necessarily include any of the accessories, hatches, seats or rudders etc shown in the photos. The prices were correct at the time of printing however due to circumstances beyond our control they may alter at any time. Please contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak Centre and they will put together a great package of the best equipment available for your kayaking fun.

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

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from

from 1 Firefly

Length: 2.4 m, Weight: 16 kg Width: 700 mm

$ 510

8 Surge

Length: 3.9 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 850mm

$ 999

2 Escapade

Length: 3.5 m, Weight: 27 kg Width: 750 mm

$1055

9 Tandem

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 25.9 kg Width: 915mm

$1095

3 Kiwi

Length: 3.75 m, Weight: 18 kg excel 18 kg Light, Width: 740 mm

$1310

10 Access 280

Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 730 mm

$ 879

4 Play

Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 18 kg Width: 711 mm

$ 545

11 Squirt

Length: 2.7m, Weight: 17kg, Width: 760mm

$ 449

5 Explorer

Length: 3.4 m, Weight: 18.2 kg Width: 790 mm

$ 850

12 Flow

Length: 2.95m, Weight: 19kg, Width: 750mm

$ 879

6 Strike

Length: 2.9 m, Weight: 16 kg, Width: 685 mm

$ 895

13 XStream

Length: 4.2m, Weight: 28kg Width: 730mm

$1250

7 Escapee

Length: 3.3 m, Weight: 23 kg, Width: 740mm

$ 830

14 Twist I

Length: 2.6 m, Weight: 6 kg, Width: 790 mm Length: 3.6 m, Weight: 9 kg, Width: 830 mm

$ 995

15 Twist II

0508 KAYAKNZ

$1295

Buyers Guide

4

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5 2 6 3

7

Multisport For a healthy body and mind, multisport racing gives a well rounded exercise regime for the variety of disciplines required.

The extremely sociable events circuit has a variety of achievable goals where a stepping stone approach can be adopted to reach your pinnacle. This may be the Motu Challenge or the Speight’s Coast to Coast. You are in control, you choose your goal.

The kayaks are fast and fun. You’ll easily find the right boat to suit your experience level. Remember stability is the first step towards speed.

Please note: Prices do not include accessories.

from 1 Viper

Length: 5.2 m, Weight: 22 kg, Width:550 mm

$1695

2 Hurricane

Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 12 kg, Width: 490 mm

$3040

3 Gladiator

Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 15.5 kg, 13.5 kg Kevlar, Width: 530 mm

$2860

4 Swallow

Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 14 kg, 12 kg Kevlar, Width: 480 mm

$2710

5 Duet

Length: 7.0 m, Weight: 29 kg, 24 kg Kevlar, Width: 550mm

$5260

6 Firebolt

Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 14.5 kg, 12.5 kg Kevlar, Width: 455 mm

$2860

7 Maximus

Length: 6.4 m, Weight: 16 kg Width: 510mm

$3730

0508 KAYAKNZ

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Fishing No engine to maintain, no boat ramps required, and quiet to boot.

8 Marauder Kayak fishing is becoming a very popular way of getting out on the water. Certainly much cheaper than buying and maintaining a boat.

9 Catch 390 Kayaks are used to access those out of the way rocks for surf casting and for a quick and easy access to the sea. No crew required. Even the 10 Catch 420 smallest car can transport them, with the correct roof rack.

Nothing beats the hunt for the big one. The stealthy kayak easily 11 Fish n’ Dive approaches fish without alerting them to your presence. Each kayak can be decked out to suit the paddler’s needs, whether that be rod 12 Tandem holders, comfy seats, anchor systems, fish finder, GPS, VHF radio.

Your imagination is the only limitation.

13 Escapade Please note: Prices do not necessarily include any of the accessories, hatches, seats or rudders etc shown in the photos.

14 Water Strider

from Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 780mm

$1195

Length: 3.9 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 850mm

$1650

Length: 4.2m, Weight: 28kg Width: 730mm

$1750

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 915 mm

$1095

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 25.9 kg Width: 915mm

$1095

Length: 3.5 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 750mm

$1055

Length: 2.4 m, Weight: 15 kg Width: 730mm

$1872

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

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Sea Kayaking Getting away from the madding crowds and close to nature is one of the most common reasons given for taking up Sea Kayaking. There are innumerable stories told of getting up close to wildlife while kayaking.

Imagine paddling with dolphins, penguins and even orca!

Sea kayaking is the maritime version of tramping, but you can take the kitchen sink. There’s lots of storage in a kayak allowing you to carry more than you could on your back. What a way to see the country, exploring all our wonderful lakes, rivers and coastline, while getting exercise and socializing with a great bunch of friends.

Please note: Prices do not necessarily include any of the accessories, hatches, seats etc shown in the photos. The prices were correct at the time of printing however due to circumstances beyond our control they may alter at any time. Please contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak Centre and they will put together a great package of the best equipment available for your kayaking fun.

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

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from 1 Eco Niizh XLT

Length: 5.65 m, Weight: 45 kg Width: 760 mm

$4250

8 Contour 480

Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 620mm

$2550

2 Contour 490

Length: 4.90 m, Weight: 35 kg Width: 760 mm

$3199

9 Tasman Express

Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 29 kg Std, 25 kg light, Width: 620mm

$2775

3 Beachcomber Duo Length: 5.80 m, Weight: 26 kg

$4300

10 Shearwater

Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg light, Width: 610 mm

$2545

4 Incept Pacific

Length: 5.35 m, Weight: 22 kg Width: 670 mm

$3591

11 Southern Skua

Length: 5.4m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 600mm

$4400

5 Skua

Length: 5.15 m, Weight: 27 kg std, 24 kg light, Width: 600 mm

$2775

12 Foveaux Express

Length: 5.0 m, Weight: 19 kg, Width: 600mm

$4280

6 Beachcomber

Length: 4.9 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 600 mm

$2950

13 Torres

Length: 5.6m, Weight: 23kg std, Width: 600mm

$4400

7 Eco Bezhig

Length: 5.4 m, Weight: Std 27 kg, Width: 590mm

$3199

14 Incept Tasman

Length: 4.35 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 670 mm

$2970

Width: 700 mm

0508 KAYAKNZ

While out kayaking…..

The shout came and the kayaks “ORCA!” appeared!

By Maxine Dignan & Phil Linklater

By Maxine Dignan

Another calm, stunning day dawned at Tauranga Bay and after a wander with the dog and an early swim, Phil and I started a leisurely paddle around the Arrows. The sea was like a mirror. How lucky we are to be able to jump in the kayaks at the bach steps and get out on the water. We thought we would drop a bait or two, to see what we might catch for dinner.

While we watched a family attempt to land a dinghy on a steep stony beach, we heard a shout. “Orca!” The family scrambled back into the small boat and headed towards Tauranga Iti. The last time we’d seen a pod of orca passing the beach, we were a bit too apprehensive to join them. But here in Marble Bay a flotilla of kayaks had beaten us to it.

For an amazing 50 minutes a large bull, another adult and four smaller orca surfaced and blew around us as they tiki-toured along the coast. They didn’t seem bothered by

Editors note: Please remember to wear your PFDs whenever you are on the water.

the ‘herding’ kayaks and even gave a couple of waves with their flukes. Paddling along, looking up at the tip of a dorsal fin close alongside the kayak was a pretty special experience.

We kept company with the whales as far as Frenchman Rock, stretched our legs in Whangaihe Bay and returned to the bach, bait unused, reflecting on the privileges kayakers enjoy. It had been a first for us and a memorable day indeed.

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