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Editorial July/August 2002
CONTENTS Editorial
3
coromandel cruising
4
food!!
6
great barrier experience 8 understanding the big picture
12
great places to go
14
horror-scopes
16
a blue moon tour
18
learning to kayak
19
product catalogue
20
marathon surf & ski race
26
canoe & kayak’s mean fun for all
27
the river academy
28
life and times
30
back to school
34
classified ads
36
so what does your dad 39 do for a living, sam? weather answers cover: Nadia Smith PHOTO BY: Andy Smith (Dad)
PUBLISHER: CANOE AND KAYAK LTD Design:
PawPrints Design
Printer:
Brebner Print Ltd
Distribution: IMD Published by Canoe and Kayak Ltd Po Box 100 493, NSMC, AUCKLAND Ph: 09 473 0036 • Fax: 09 473 0794 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz Editorial Submissions & Advertising enquiries contact: Brenda Flood Email: brenda@canoeandkayak.co.nz Mobile: 027 243 8938 Ph: 09 479 1002
39
Everyone has been out paddling like it’s the middle of the summer! Well why not? The weather has been outstanding, with great windows of clear weather for a bit of space on the high seas. I’ve been to Waikaremoana with the Conservation Corp. We had cold crisp days when we all wrapped up warm in our Sea Kayaks. It was great exploring the lake and surrounding area, with DOC Staff and locals giving us the history of this beautiful area. We also had a huge club trip on the Whanganui in late April, with people from all walks of life including kids and grandparents. Seven days of sunshine, too much food and a huge warm reception at Tieke Marae, once again made the Whanganui one of my top kayaking adventures in NZ. And here we are in the middle of winter with floods all around! While I was in Taupo, with 20 paddlers learning and teaching river skills, we also basked in the July sunshine, and had the best river levels we have seen in years. I got sunburned! New Zealand is a paradise to enjoy year round. We are truly spoiled in this great country with its mild weather. So get yourself involved with the club and take advantage of the skills and knowledge they share with you. You too will be out enjoying the Great New Zealand outdoors all year. PS It’s that time of year again for the Annual Kayakers’ Charity Ball. This is the premier social event on the kayaking calendar. It is held to reward the top club paddlers for their contribution to the paddling community. Live bands and spectacular food make for a great party. All proceeds are donated to charity to help our community . PPS I’d like to welcome to two
new additions to the New Zealand Kayak Magazine team; Brenda Flood a shareholder of Canoe & Kayak North Shore, brings expertise from producing a monthly industry magazine in the UK, and will take over the coordination of writers, editors, advertisers and compilation of the magazine. Pauline Whimp an active Yakity Yak Kayak Club Sea Kayaker with a wealth of graphic design ability will be responsible for the overall design and production. Peter Townend
By Richard DUKES and Andy Smith
What would you imagine Richard and Andy from Canoe & Kayak Taupo would do if the boss gave them the weekend off? Go kayaking of course. In mid February the local sea kayaking club booked in at Long Bay motor camp - just west of Coromandel township. Picture vivid sunsets, calm seas, white beaches, lots of fresh fish and white wine, and that sets the tone for the weekend. Tent sites were set aside for the club in a lovely bush setting with beach frontage, at least those who arrived first got beach frontage. Richard, of course, was last to arrive and duly missed out, but got the spot near the composting toilet!. Saturday saw us on the water heading along the coastline towards Coromandel Harbour. At least some headed for the harbour, some to the mussel racks to fish and some to a lovely little beach on an unnamed island [number 63] to swim. We finally headed into the tide and managed to get a little peep at the harbour. Lunch destination was Waimate Island, about 6km offshore. The girls and Brian headed to the beach for lunch, battling 1 metre waves! Mike and Andy, who was in a double sea kayak with his daughter Nadia, went straight to the mussel farms and managed to catch a couple of snapper. More fishing was done after lunch amid the mussel beds, which resulted in a dinner consisting of smoked snapper, fried snapper, battered snapper and suitable beverages. There was even enough snapper left over for breakfast. Those mussel beds really came through for us.
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After such a hectic day, we decided to cruise and have a half-day jaunt on the Sunday. We headed out into the Hautapu channel to a little sandy beach for lunch, with clear, clean water that was lovely to swim in. Richard braved the elements, donned a full wet suit and went spear fishing. The reward - a parore!. Well, he couldn’t eat it for dinner, so it was back off to the mussel beds. The group unanimously enjoyed the weekend. Annie was delighted with her new kayak; Jan managed to get the best out of each moment; Justine made sure she was very comfortable, using her pillow as bottom protection - what she used to sleep on that night is anyone’s guess; Mike was the fisherman for the weekend, just as well he was good at something, as he managed to forget to bring the most important gear i.e. sleeping bag, mat...; Rob managed to be everywhere at once, front of fleet, back of fleet, fishing, egging Annie on in her new boat; Graham was the muscle man, always there to push when the other campers could not manage to get their car up the slope; Peter had all the information about where to go and where to catch fish, caught a few too, I might add; and what can one say about Sandra? Well, she was the quiet performer, always keen for
a swim, always popping back to the back runners just to check they were still alive. Her quiet encouragement was appreciated by the slower paddlers; Lyn was a gem to have along as she provided the sushi and a satay type concoction in the wok. If you have a spare weekend, Taupo Yakity Yak club can certainly recommend this part of the Coromandel Peninsula.
YAKITY YAK SEA KAYAKING CLUB Lots of great trips free email newsletter new skills & new friends
phone: 0508 529 2569 TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
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FOOD! How to win friends and influence them
Here are some of my favorite hot things to eat while escaping in my kayak… Pete Townend
Hot bread for breakfast lunch or tea This is real simple and all made from dry ingredients and water, it’s very flexible and I have not yet had one go wrong.
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups of self-raising flour Half a cup of milk powder A knob of butter or margarine
Yummmmm! METHOD:
Place flour, milk powder and butter in a bowl. Add salt or sugar to taste along with cheese or bacon or jam or dried fruit or just by itself is great. Mix with water till dough is made Then drop small blobs into a pan with a little oil or butter, brown all sides then reduce heat and cover till cooked. Serve hot with the main meal or as a bread replacement for lunch.
Custard with tinned fruit INGREDIENTS:
One-cup of milk powder 3 heaped dessert spoons of custard powder Sugar to taste
METHOD: Mix the dry ingredients in a large peanut butter container or similar. Add three cups of water and shake well. Cook slowly in saucepan until thick. Pour over tinned fruit and you will be the most popular kayaker in the camp. 6 •
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Sweet Corn fritters INGREDIENTS:
One can Creamed Corn Two cups of self-raising flour Two or three eggs, Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD: Mix all ingredients thoroughly, and plop small amounts into a well buttered or oiled pan. Cook till brown and then cover and reduce heat till yummy.
Hot Tomato Soup Make up any dried or tinned tomato soup and add a tin of whole peeled tomatoes. It makes the soup superb and eaten with sweetcorn fritters or bread gives a great meal.
www.KayakNZ.co.nz
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but the gathering in the pub for a night cap and talk on the coming mornings events made it all worth while.
The Barrier Experience By Stuart Rogers • Photos by Patrick Malloy
For us, the working week finished a few hours short. One by one we entered the yard of the shipping company to unload our boats and gear. We then began to pack them with the required food and paraphernalia for our journey, which was to begin at Tryphena, on Great Barrier Island.
Leaving Pohutukawa Lodge in the light of the morning revealed a launch site different to our night landing. We planned to amble up the East Coast to Whangaparapara Harbour. A drizzly start assured that we would not overheat. As we rounded the point a light wind pushed us up the coast. Close to perfect conditions made for an easy morning. As we neared our lunch spot and camping site, a trawled lure attracted a gannet. A peaceful morning erupted into a floating rescue mission, some of us catching the event on film, others trying to catch the gannet. We eventually managed to remove the hook and all cheered as the gannet took flight. The coast promised to be full of islands and bays as we set off in a light tail wind and following sea. Rock gardening (viewing the underwater scene) under the cliffs along our way provided shade from the sun. We beat a path between and around small channels and islands
We assembled on the bow of the vessel for the relaxing paddle-less cruise across the gulf. The weather was sunny and settled as we discussed our objective to circumnavigate Great Barrier Island. The excitement level was raised when shouts of Orca were heard, which confirmed the fact that the Hauraki Gulf and its islands are indeed a special place. Finally darkness, the ferry, and Tryphena’s wharf merged. First on the ferry was last off, yet we managed good time with 4 sets of wheels amongst our 7 strong fleet of plastic and kevlar kayaks. The general consensus amongst our group and the locals was that we should head for Pohutukawa Lodge. More shuffling and straining followed a spot on piece of navigation, which found us a boat ramp at high tide. Small generator lit gardens and 5m long heavy boats don ’t make a great combination at ten o’clock at night
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depending on the construction of our boats. Attracted by the clotheslines of Smoke House bay and its legendary status, we beached for a look around. A little over six hours later had us cruising into the shores of Port Fitzroy. Day three rolled around. Till now we had been pampered by comfortable short periods on the water and the shelter of the Great Barrier. Now it was time for the serious stuff. We had an outside chance of making The Needles in good time to round them, and head down the West Coast. The weather continued to hold, allowing speedy progress. Occasionally the one sail in the group would unfold and propel boat and delighted captain metres in front of the company. Katharine Bay stretched out to our right as we rounded the point, we decided to cross and head for Bowling Alley Bay. The Caves had been the highlight of rock gardening and a great reason for hugging the coast. The cave on the right hand side of Bowling Alley Bay turned out to be a tunnel, we filed through, cutting off a few more metres of the would-be journey around the point. The excitement of the tunnel fuelled our paddle to lunch at Miner’s Cove, but a decision was made to have a crack at getting around the needles, as it was not yet midday.
natasha’s hot stuff!!
circumnavigate Great Barrier. The wind peeling around the headland, more or less pushed us south with the sea notably tripled in size. Our fourth day of paddling on the east coast, the open ocean side, greeted us with wind from the northwest. The sail would not appear today as we hugged the coast to gain as much shelter from the wind as possible. A sustained effort took us across Kaitoki beach just beyond
the surf break. Even though all our gear was stowed in the boats and our food load reduced, we all declined invitations to ride the local point break. A salt-water fly over the side yielded a large size Kawhai for lunch. The days five and a half hour paddle had been quite a
The old copper mines in the cliffs of Miner’s Head captured our attention along with the hard, course, rocky outcrops. If we were paddling with a geologist perhaps we would not have made it around the needles before nightfall. High tide and 1345 hours collided at the base of the needles. There it was, a 2.5-m channel leading to the west coast, our point of no return. There is a safer passage half way along the jutting rocks that so aptly form the needles. However it was not necessary to go that way today. The only crafts to go through today would be six assorted sea kayaks. One by one we filed through. We were on the west coast, it seemed completely possible that we could
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contrast to our time spent on the west of the island, and the journey to Overtons Beach revealed many curiosities of this amazing coast line. Getting up and going in the morning can take a good hour. We were on the water this morning by 0730. Our plan for the trip was to get the majority of paddling in the morning, as it’s cooler, calmer, and also leaves time in reserve for a rest, or more paddling. Continuing south we were aware that a potential rise in easterly winds and sea was forecasted on coast guard radio. Weather that could potentially trouble our efforts to complete the circular return to Tryphena, or have us sheltering in Rosalie Bay for days. We had lunch in the shelter of the south cove of Medlands beach. Some busily gobbling down food and others jumping up and down at the mid tide mark where they could get cell phone coverage. We took the option to continue on gingerly and see what Roselie bay had to offer. Dodging shallow reefs, rocks and pleasantly rolling water, we slipped further south under towering cliffs. Several interesting caves and shoots popped up for exploration. In one cave at low tide we estimated the water to be 75m deep, with 15m in headroom. It had a large beach in the back where we found one intact oar, and one only useful as toothpicks. On the left of the entrance a smaller arch opened
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into a spherical chamber, with great echoes. By the time we reached Rosalie Bay more than several bladders were ready to burst, but the bouldery steep beach did not impede three of us going about our business. We left the oar in a tin boat as a thank you to the kind people on the hill. We were making good time and within the hour had made it around the south tip of the island, with notably little vegetation growing on the rounded rocks. We were lucky to be paddling in these conditions. Suddenly we were at Sandy Bay and all fully aware we had nearly completed our goal. A perfect paper nautilus was spotted on the beach, an apt symbol of our achievement and luck with the sea and weather. Onward we pushed, puffed and heaved past a plaque set in the rock celebrating the first cross-channel swim from Coromandel. Approaching nine hours since we set out we were heading into
Tryphena, straight towards the store for an ice cream and some terra firma to wobble around on. Before we could rest we had to paddle around to Pohutukawa Lodge and get the boats up that small incline known as the beach, a task not easy after the day’s efforts; we were tired. This was highlighted on the water by the exclamation “my spray deck is inside out” and the ever so embarrassing trick of falling out of your boat while getting in, in a foot of water. It was Thursday night, the pub was filling up. Our achievement was rightly celebrated in the location we started from, with fresh food and carbonated ale, cider, and live local music before sleep. A cover of crowded house’s ‘four seasons in one day’ summed up the beauty and magic of our coastal journey and this island gem in the Hauraki Gulf.
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Understanding
the Big Picture
A vast amount of information can be gained by just interpreting the various lines and symbols on a weather map. Information such as how strong and from what direction the prevailing wind will blow, what areas are likely to attract cloud and where rain is likely to fall. To do this we need to understand what all the lines and symbols mean. A weather map portrays the Big Picture, and it takes your input of knowledge to refine a forecast that will predict what the weather is likely to do in your part of the world. Don’t try and take in all the information on the map at once. Identify the main features one at a time to build up your ‘weather picture’. As a general rule, and in meteorology
“
H is used to show the centre of an anticyclone or high pressure area.
L is used to show the centre of a depression or low pressure area.
”
most rules are made to be broken, there is fine settled weather associated with a high and rain associated with a low. Isobars are lines that join points of equal air pressure. The number on the isobar, eg 1016, indicates that anywhere along that line at sea level, the air pressure will be 1016hPa (hecto pascals). Isobars are drawn with increments of 4hPa between them. You will notice that air pressure increases towards a high (good weather), and decreases towards a
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low (bad weather). So if you are out on the water and the air pressure on your fancy Casio sports watch starts to fall, you know to prepare for bad weather. Another use for the isobars is to tell us
what the wind is doing. Out of all the weather elements, the wind has the power to make or break a perfectly good sea kayaking trip.
TRY THIS… Get a weather map from the newspaper and take note as to what time it is valid for. Guesstimate how strong and what direction the wind is going to be. Then compare your forecast with what the Met Service says for your area. Remember the wind over an exposed area of water is going to be stronger than over land. This is called ‘pattern recognition’ - all good forecasters learn this way. Knowing the wind strength is good, but direction is also important. In the Southern Hemisphere the wind blows anticlockwise around highs, clockwise around lows, and more or less parallel to the isobars. Just when you thought forecasting was easy, the wind direction and strength that you will experience would have been altered by the local terrain, and may be quite different to what you forecasted from the weather map. Wind will funnel down valleys and blast out across the water, curl around headlands or even dump straight down over a cliff into what you may have assumed to be a sheltered bay. Therefore when forecasting what the wind will be, consideration has to be given to your local terrain. Basically, whenever the wind is deflected or funneled, the speed will increase. Fronts are another feature on the weather map. These are the lines with triangles (cold fronts), semicircles (warm fronts), or a combination of both, (occluded and stationary fronts). Fronts generally protrude out from a low-pressure area and drag a line of bad weather with them, regardless of what sort of front they are. The bad weather can extend several hundred kilometres ahead of where the frontal symbol is drawn on the map. The rain is usually the heaviest where the frontal symbol is drawn on the map. The first sign you will see if a front is coming, will be the presence of high cloud such as cirrus, (mares tails). Some weather maps show how fast and in which direction a front is moving from. This will give you some idea on how long it will take for a front to pass your location. Once a front has passed, you can expect the weather to generally improve, well, at least till the next front arrives anyway. Local knowledge and a good understanding of how to read a weather map is all you need to produce a good forecast. There you have it, a beginner’s guide to understanding the lines and symbols on a weather map. Practice makes perfect, so give it a go. Look at the weather maps on the adjoining page predict the weather for Auckland, Taupo, New Plymouth, Nelson, Invercargill. Find the answers on the last page…
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map one
map two
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Great Places to go Sea Kayaking in
New Zealand
From Q Kayak’s penguin hand book
Extending from Kawau Island in the north to Wenderholm Regional Park in the south, this area is ideal for short or multi-day trips. There are several beautiful islands to explore, with the gem of them all being Moturekareka. This little island has great rock gardens, sea caves, crystal clear water, and a shipwreck that you can kayak inside. Campsites are plentiful and the best launching place is from Mahurangi West.
Mahurangi Auckland
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Whanganui National Park Whanganui River
From very early years of our history, the Whanganui River has been the most travelled river in New Zealand. The Penguin, with its front and rear storage areas, durable plastic hull, and manoeuverability, is the most suitable kayak to use for this trip today. Whether you plan for five days from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, or three days from Whakahoro to Pipiriki, you will thoroughly enjoy kayaking this beautiful National Park. There are several DOC huts and campsites along the river which you should plan to use. For further information, there is a booklet available from the New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association; P.O. Box 284, Wellington, called ’Guide to the Whanganui River‘.
www.KayakNZ.co.nz
TARANAKI
Courses • Hirage • Tours An excellent range of kayaks and accessories Visit a seal colony • Experience the thrill of white water • Enjoy a scenic paddle showing the best of Taranaki Come and visit our friendly family business, dedicated to giving Taranaki professional service in all kayaking activities! Ph/Fax: 06 754 8368 email: canoekayak@maxnet.co.nz Cnr. West Quay & McClean Street, Waitara
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Another calendar year. Who cares. Years come and go and who knows what will happen in them. Oh sure, there are New Year’s resolutions but who ever follows those up. If you really want to know what is going to happen on the water come with me into the world of kayak Astrology…
Capricorn
(Dec 23 – Jan 20)
The first half of the year sees you Kayaking like everyday will be your last. Driven and determined you will go out in any weather and tackle anything, to the detriment of all those around you. An onset of Paddler’s panic will have you buying everything from River rescue courses to Kayak Smurfs in a vain attempt to let others know how much you know. Sudden terrible urges will force you to talk about paddling until you are the undisputed bore of the North Island. And then as quickly as this frenzy started, it will cease. July will see you return to a calmer state of mind. Friends will return, if only to tell you how mind numbingly obsessed you were. Still, they always knew you were a little unhinged anyway.
Aquarius
(Jan 21 -kayaking Feb 19) all Aquarians don’t actually enjoy that much. They prefer to be in the water rather than on it. This whole ‘being in a craft thing’, is just so that they don’t drown by relaxing too much when they’re around water. Any excuse to roll. In fact most squirt boaters are Aquarians. On the water they are the most absorbed kayakers, not absorbed by themselves you understand, but by the water. They hang out for Jan 21st to come around so they can immerse themselves, (excuse the pun), in being at one with their environment. You can spot an Aquarian on the water by the industrial strength nose plug they use, and off the water by them whining, ‘Who’s stolen my nose plug’. For goodness sake Aquarians, next time you need a nose plug, don’t just buy one, buy two or even three and give the rest of us a break. This astrologers advice is to not bother paddling with Aquarians in their month at all, unless you are into feeling lonely and Aquarians, you are in line for a good slap if you don’t wake up and join the human race! Enthusiastic! All the time it’s kayaking, kayaking, kayaking. Although unlike the obsessive Capricorn, Pisces are just there all
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Pisces
(Dec 23 20) – Jan 20) (Feb 20 – Mar
the time doing what they do best. The Pisces kayaking year will begin and end on and in the water. They frequent our waterways so often that you may, after sometime, not even be aware of their existence. Pisces may want to look at purchasing a whistle to get other paddlers’ attention or maybe one of those really really bright Day Two paddling jackets. You know the ones, those, ‘ Helloooo, over here! Come paddling with me!’ jackets. Pisces, I’d just like to point out that there are more things to life than kayaking, like ‘Ahhhhhh…ummmmm’ Just can’t think of any right now! Aries kayakers generally like to follow other star sign Kayakers. Not much good at being on their own the Aries paddlers can be seen 21 river, – Aprilthe 20)lake or huddling together (Mar on the
Aries
sea in the shade of a rock ledge. And then as one decides to move on they all do. Aries paddlers don’t seem to have a purpose. They all seem to paddle here, then there and then back again. Non Aries kayakers get frustrated just watching them. The Aries kayaker may at some point in the year, feel the need to do something they haven’t done before. This may be your year to cast off that thick woollen jersey and try a little polyprop. Or you might like to try paddling in a different direction to the others. But beware. Too much of an independent streak and you may find yourself enjoying life! Talk about arrogant!!! The Taurus paddler will make it their business to be where you are and just lookout if you are in their way. Fearless to the point of stupidity the Taurian (April 21 – May 21)
Taurus
will endanger not only themselves but take you with them if they get half a chance. My advice is keep a safe distance at all times. Taurus paddlers are manageable if they are kept contented with lots of Muesli bars and members of the opposite sex. This year the Taurus kayaker is likely to want to go where
the action is and will stop at nothing to get there when the time is right. Stay out of their way! Taureans, have you considered anger management, or perhaps an instruction weekend? No of course you haven’t, what am I thinking! Sorry. No I won’t mention it again… Just don’t hit me. The Gemini on the water is the same as they are anywhere. Funny, stupid, shy, emotional, extroverted, legendary, a complete failure and your best friend. Geminis never excel in life but neither are they boring. Geminis
Gemini (May 22 – June 21) always need praise so help them maintain their excellent nature by giving them the odd present like, oh I don’t know, a small sea kayak or an even smaller play-boat. Same again this year as last year and same next year as this year. Cancerians are great kayakers, when they can get out of their own way to get out on the water. Not highly prized for their ability to lead the way these creatures like to be at the back of the group, unobtrusive yet quick
Cancer
(June 22 – July 23)
to act if something should need acting upon. Prone to a little cerebral instability Cancerians can be having the world’s best day one moment and then be planning the best way to end it all the next. The crab kayaker needs something hard to take shelter under should the need arise so their prized possession is of course their helmet, which they seem to shed regularly and so need to replace with a newer model at frequent intervals. The Cancer paddler will be slow to come out from under their rock this year but will work up to a steady diet of kayaking throughout the year. That is of course, if their shell doesn’t fall in on them first.
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Compiled by Wannabe Paddler and part time Astrologer, Eddy Lines
Leo
(July 24 – August 23)
As confident as you can be without being smug. Leos are generally well stacked with the ability gene and therefore go about letting everybody know how good they are without being rude about it. Leo paddlers are the best, there is no doubt about it. But don’t be hoodwinked into feeling too happy around them. With the dip of a blade they can have you wondering how you got into such a mess. Don’t be fooled by their languid looks and cutesy charm. They are not what they seem… Leos tend to treat their paddles as consumables and as such they end up looking like a sun bleached femur from the hind quarters of a giraffe. Leo paddlers will fight everyday for their supremacy on the water. Not with other star signs you understand, just amongst themselves. Expect a tough year when there will be several pretenders to the throne.
Virgo
(August 24 – Sept
These are the Kayakers you see with immaculate gear, always washed polys, scratch free kayak, (how do they do that???), paddle in a bag, the four wheel drive, the expensive cradles. Not to mention the biggest watch on their wrist that would put many a town clock to shame. That’s because they always need to know the time and need to tell you to the last second what it was, a second ago. The term anal doesn’t begin to describe how fastidious these kayakers are. Virgo paddlers should be made to sit down and smoke drugs while they are pelted with mud balls all the time reciting the lyrics to Pink Floyd’s musical epic, Time! Either that or they should just be put out of our misery. Virgo kayakers are however, seen by some in the community as having an almost messiah like quality. Kayak retailers’ eyes take on a sort of misty reverence when a Virgo enters the store. No longer are they a mere paddler but a paddler with a gold card to be nurtured so that he or she may go out amongst the masses and spread the good word about kayaker materialism. The Virgo can be identified by a simple mantra that they seem to live by, ‘I like it, I want one’. Once the new feature is pointed out on any kayak or accessory the Virgo will have it in their car before you can say, ‘And how would you like to pay for that?’ Virgos will find it harder and harder to find
people this year who will wait for them beside the water while they fold their clothes, their car windscreen anti- demister cloth and their monogrammed handkerchief before heading off from the car. In fact, if there are people waiting for Virgos who are doing this type of thing then I have the answer… I just need to get my gun! The antithesis of Virgos, these guys make
Libra
(Sept 23 – October
the Dalai lama sound like Attila the Hun. Nothing fazes a Libran, It’s all just what it will be man so don’t get upset. Librans will always be calm on the water, taking it all in and doing what needs to be done. Spiritual paddling is where it’s at; water, sky, wind, rain and Earth. Librans are the retro-paddlers of the countrys waterways. They have the 30 year old fiberglass cigar boat and an older lifejacket that came out of an uncle’s barn where it had sat for fifteen years after being bought second-hand from a guy who owned a clapped out fishing trawler that sank coming across the Westport bar in 1947. Or something like that! If you see a Libran on or near the water take a little time to point out the features (especially if you are a Virgo) of your brand new Buoyancy AID, your brand new composite paddle and your brand new polyethylene kayak, not to mention your brand new 4 wheel drive, your brand new… The librian paddler actually is as big a pain in the behind as any other star sign on the water, just because they are sooo hippie out there. It just gets on my nerves, you know what I mean? Librans this year need to ‘GET A LIFE’! Yeah you heard me. Enough of this xen, Buddhist, hippie flower power, inner child claptrap. The world stinks you know and I for one am grabbing everything with both hands and heading up the river with a small arsenal and 10 years supply of dried rations. Vicious little underhanded… Aside from that, (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Scorpio
really nice to kayak with. Just don’t get on their wrong side. In fact it’s probably better to paddle well in front of them at all times. Not that I want to alarm you… And if by some poor piece of luck you lose site of them, don’t panic. Stay where you are and let them come to you. Actually it’s probably better if you don’t paddle with Scorpios at all if you can get away
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with it. They will look you in the back and stab you in the eye. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. The best thing a Scorpio paddler can buy is a personality change but failing that all Scorpios desperately want to own a good river knife, not for anything useful you understand. They just like to feel in control. They like weapons and frankly, they like to use them. Of course I like Scorpions, and who wouldn’t, ‘Could you just put that hand gun down please, No really I wouldn’t lie to you… help’. Scorpios will need to put some effort into making new friends to go paddling with. Not friendly by nature it is difficult for you Scorpios to get out and treat the paddlers you do meet with at least some common courtesy. But please, please try for our sake! Look out for Sagittarians because they’ll be looking out for you. To make fun of, tease, play (Nov 23 – Dec 22)
Sagittarius
practical jokes on, anything they can think of. The Sagittarian kayaker is the comic of the waterways and this will sometimes drive you to murderous intent. They will always outdo your joke, will always top your story and will always be there to lighten up your worst day. Despite or maybe because of their being the centre of attention and the group clown, Sagittarians are prone to injury on a scale not seen since Homer Simpson and Tim the Tool Man Taylor teamed up to open a Guillotine Sharpening business. Please, please Sagittarians, I ask only two things of you… Whenever you can, donate blood. The life you save will be your own, and, before it’s too late AGAIN, go and buy yourself a first aid kit, a survival blanket, a throw bag, some spare polys, snap lights, a hot head, a split paddle and a St. John Ambulance subscription. Entertaining to a fault they really are the best people to have on a trip. Sagittarius kayakers can look forward to a year full of paddlers who hang off their every word around the camp fire. You will be the life and soul of the party this year despite what some other kayaker star signs may think.
The ego’s rubbed raw in exposure to this Astrology chart are in no way the problem of the publication or the writer.
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A Blue Moon Tour What does a Blue Moon Tour consist of? Generally a nonaccessible place even on the right day. I’m talking about Matapia Island on the west coast of ninety mile beach. The day was perfect, the company was crap [nah just kidding]. We had a crew of six people; one tall Canadian sheila, a little pommie chick, a full on Dutch bird, a little Pommie bloke and of course me and Mike, genuine perfect Kiwi blokes.
and beauty was overwhelming, just being there for that short moment was truly amazing. Faces were really glowing with pure joy. As we paddled closer to the rock, the seals came into view, not one, but at least fourteen. We passed the sleeping sea dogs, trying not to disturb them, and couldn’t help but smell their terrible stench. We paddled around the Island and through the hole in the rock. Once through everybody looked at each other and cheered, mission accomplished. “Lets go snorkling” someone said. We paddled about and anchored up, moored the boats together and left two up top with cameras [in case jaws turned up] . The seals were
As we kitted up on ninety Mile beach, the adrenalin took over, legs were tingling and bladders busting. A couple of shiny bottoms were spotted trying to hide behind the kayaks. Yep, sure would have looked funny from the tourist bus. Well, now everybody was ready to rock ‘n roll, “ok, who’s first?” Mike drew the short straw, him and Marye [Dutchy] were on their way. We had a nice path to exit from the beach. Maria and I were close behind, not too close but near enough to hear Marye shriek, squeal and fart with excitment as they endured their first wave. We got through the small break and headed towards the misty rock in the distance, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was 9am and the shear excitement
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BY: marty
www.KayakNZ.co.nz
playful, with schools of fish surrounding them. I thought the fish would have dispersed. It was about this time I thought jaws might not be too far away!!, so I got cold and got out. Pommie Maria and Dutchy were already out and Mike was, well, what looked like imitating seals. The sun was magic, it thawed out our cheek bones and fingers. Dutchy reckoned that she was warm the whole time, we thought she had nerves of steel, but as it turned out she couldn’t stop peeing!!. As we headed back to the beach the sight was gorgeous. Rolling waves with massive sand dunes in the background with the famous ninety mile beach stretching as far as the eye could see. We hit the beach with a perfect ride home for me and pommie Maria. Mike and Marye also managed to catch a nice wave in. Canadian Mairi and pommie Mike decided to ummm… look for shells, try some body surfing or just can out. Well, it looked really good anyway, the smiles and laughter were just another perk of the job. We’d been waiting a year or so to be able to do this trip and it surely ain’t the last. Timing and patience equals perfection.
Learn to Kayak with Dear Linda, I thought I would drop a note to you and the guys thanking you all for a great weekend doing the skills course. Rob and Ray were ’awesome‘ and worked well as a team, and I feel [apart from the aches and bruises] tons more confident with my paddling and my kayaking in general. The layout of the course was spot on, and it developed at a pace that allowed any areas that didn’t quite gel, to be worked on without problem. As for the trip, it was well-run and well lead, and as for the catering, again, TOTALLY AWESOME [as it was all weekend]. The ‘team’ thing really came through for all of us on the water as well, and I suspect that for some, more lessons were learnt about trip planning and the importance of supporting others in the group, above and beyond what was formally covered on the course. Well I guess it’s now a case of putting into practice the lessons learnt and preparing to take on the rolling course, which will further extend my safety skills and water confidence. As I said to the guys at the pool on Saturday, I spent more time in the water than I have in the last 5 years. It had always been of concern to me, how the wet exit and being in the boat upside-down would go. I ended up doing it without realising what I had done because we were led into it at our own pace. Linda, thanks again and please pass on my thanks to Rob and Ray. They contributed to the relaxed atmosphere, which comes through your shop, whilst still retaining the necessary elements of knowledge, control and safety. Something that really added to my enjoyment of the weekend. I will hopefully catch up with them again in the future. Regards, Rex Haslip
Learning to Kayak from a Young Age… [joke], like undoing my spray-deck when we were under water, turning the boat around [above water] and trying to climb back in. The next day, Mum and I drove to Waitara, then hopped into Pete’s van. At the river mouth, we got taught heaps of different strokes, I had to go Me, a ten year old girl doing the first home at lunch time. weekend kayaking course. What was On Sunday we went on a day trip to it like? TOTALLY COOL.! Urenui. I went in a double kayak with The course started in the evening at Mum. The sky was blue and the sun the swimming pool. I was supposed to shone, there was heaps of wind, but go upside down in my kayak, but when at the river we hadn’t noticed it. We I was wet up to my ear, I screamed, so saw a blue heron and we passed lots of I got pulled back up. On my second go, little beaches. We had a short stop to I succeeded. I went under for a split eat a snack, while sitting in tall grass second before I got pulled back up. by a field of cows. After about two That time it wasn’t freaky, it was really hours we decided to paddle back. By freaky, because my nose was filled the time we were back I was wet, cold with disgusting, chlorine water. and busting to go to the loo!! I had to do a couple more life threatening, torture-like exercises;
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Product Catalogue We are here to help you...
Our friendly Canoe & Kayak staff will advise you on all aspects of kayaking and the correct selection of equipment for your requirements. We also offer a delivery service, roof racks, all kayaking accessories and comprehensive tuition. Call in and have a chat - you’ll be surprised at the quality and range of equipment and services a Canoe & Kayak store has to offer.
Purchase Guarantee...
Remember all Canoe & Kayak stores give you 7 days to test your equipment after you have purchased it and if it does not measure up to your expectations, you can swap it for other equipment of the same value. Please note the returned equipment must not be damaged on return.
Finance available
We have easy payment terms available. Ask at your Canoe & Kayak store to see how easy it is to own your own kayak. No Deposit finance available now. Conditions apply.
Layby for Xmas Only $20 will secure you your kayak. Pop in to your local Canoe & Kayak Store and choose your kayak for Xmas with our friendly helpful staff. Pay only $20 deposit and pay it all off for Xmas. Conditions apply.
Tasman Express
DayTwo
Has been designed to respond to rough conditions especially when loaded up with gear. Its low profile and flared bow enable the Tasman Express to perform extremely well in adverse or windy conditions. It is designed to give the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, backrest, side seat supports and optional
AVAILABLE FROM YOUR SPECIALIST STORE
Day Two have redesigned their paddle jackets and come up with a jacket to suit multisport and touring paddlers. They have imported a fabric from the UK which no-one else in NZ uses but has been in rigorous use for over 10 years by other paddlesport manufacturers. The fabric is breathable and waterproof and all the seams are sealed for extra waterproofing. The new neck on the jacket opens up further and has a mesh opening to allow better ventilation on those hotter days. The neck, waist and wrists are all velcro opening allowing the paddle to adjust to their comfort level. Sizes S-XL. Colours (all black bodies) red, blue, flouro green, purple.
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Product Catalogue SWING
Swing Flat water cruising, well appointed with gear storage inside and also as an optional extra a pod that detaches, which is great for carrying your fishing gear to your favourite spot and then the pod can be used as a seat. Weight = 25kg Width = 780mm Length = 4.01 metres $990.50
DELTA DOUBLE
Delta double
Fun for the whole family at the beach or lake. Plenty of room and great stability. Weight = 32kg Width = 830mm Length = 4.2 metres $1060.00
SYNCHRO
Synchro
A great two person cruising kayak which is stable and fast with storage and great appointments, to make your adventures fun. Weight = 34kg Width = 840mm Length = 4.75 metres $1268.00
CONTOUR
Contour
This kayak is designed for day tripping and light overnight expeditions. It’s great fun to paddle and handles easily. With hot features. Weight = 26kg Width = 640mm Length = 4.70 metres $1656.50
ESCAPEE
Escapee
Probably the closest you will come to finding one kayak that does it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling, Weight = 23kg Width = 750mm Length = 3.3 metres $690.00
ESCAPADE ESCAPADE
Great general purpose kayak for fishing, diving and having fun in the sun. Weight = 27kg Width = 750mm Length = 3.46 metres $790.00
All prices are subject to change – GST is included AVAILABLE FROM YOUR SPECIALIST STORE
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Product Catalogue TASMAN EXPRESS
TASMAN EXPRESS Has been designed to respond to rough conditions especially when loaded up with gear. Its low profile and flared bow enable the Tasman Express to perform extremely well in adverse or windy conditions. It is designed to give the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, backrest, side seat supports and optional thigh brace. Length = 530 cm Width = 61 cm Weight = 27 kg Std = $2400
SQUIRT
SQUIRT
A Sit on Top for the family. Able to seat an adult and a small child. It is easy to paddle and is very stable. Easily carried by one adult or two kids. Weight = 15kg Width = 780mm Length = 2.7metres $390.00
PENGUIN
PENGUIN Has all the features for multi-day kayaking with ease of handling in all weather conditions. With great manoeuvrability this kayak is suitable for paddlers from beginner to advanced. With 3 options on lay out and construction gives weight options 20kg to 27kg. Width = 610mm Length = 4.8meters Weight = 25kg. Std $1995.00
WANDERER EXCELL
WANDERER EXCEL
A stable fun kayak which is easy to handle. This is an enjoyable kayak for all the family. Width = 820mm Length = 4.5meters Weight = 34kg. $1490.00
TORRENT TORRENT FREEDOM Great for the surf and the river with great manoeuvrability. Excellent finish. Weight = 22.7kg Width = 810mm Length = 3.12 metres $749.00
CROSSWIND A very stable, comfortable, double sea kayak. Large cockpits, big hatches. Great rough weather boat.
CROSSWIND
Length = 5.64 m Width = 76 cm Weight = 45 kg. $2847.00
All prices are subject to change – GST is included AVAILABLE FROM YOUR SPECIALIST STORE
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Product Catalogue ACADIA
ACADIA
Flat water cruising, well appointed, a great adjustable backrest, an access hatch in the back which is great for carrying your extra gear. Weight=20kg Width=675mm Length=3.7 metres. $968.00 Expedition Model includes rudder and dry storage $1275.00
WHIZZ
WHIZZ A great multi-purpose family boat for the big kids and the small kids alike. Lots of fun this summer at the beach. (Hot surfer!) Weight = 21kg Width = 770mm Length = 2.5 metres $480.00
EURO-EX
EURO-EX
A new, faster sea kayak for lighter paddlers who may be interested in open water racing. The deck, developed for the European market, has deeper recesses for fittings. The Neoprene hatch covers are standard. Length = 5.31 m Width = 0.57 m, Storage = 215 litres Weight = 17-23 kg Kevlar $3959.00
TRI BEAR
TRI BEAR Multisport kayak. Will perform in races like the Head to Head and Coast to Coast allowing the new paddler to enjoy the paddle even when tired. Number 1 selling Multisport kayak from our stores. Weight = Std 18kg Width = 570mm Length = 5.3 metres Std $2209.00
ECOBEZHIG
ECOBEZHIG
This is the latest craft from Perception and has to be paddled to be believed. Huge storage, great features and the most comfortable seat your butt will ever meet. Weight = Std 26kg Width = 590mm Length = 5.4 metres Std $2625.00
TUI
TUI EXCEL Latest Sea Kayak from Quality Kayaks. Based on the Penguin design, with the new padddler in mind. A fast straight tracking fun kayak. Weight = Std 22kg Width = 610mm Length = 4.4 metres Std $1595.00
All prices are subject to change – GST is included AVAILABLE FROM YOUR SPECIALIST STORE
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Product Catalogue MINNOW ONE
MINNOW ONE
Small, light, easy to paddle fun for the whole family. Suitable for all ages. Suits flat water conditions. Weight = 17.2kg Width = 736mm Length = 2.90 metres $726.50
SPRITE ONE
SPRITE ONE A kayak for the family able to seat an adult and child. Easy paddling, adjustable seat back and clip down hand grabs, paddles well in a straight line and is very stable. Suits flat water conditions. Weight = 14kg Width = 700mm Length = 3.0 metres $645.00
STORM STORM
A great multi-day kayak, lots of storage. An easy to use rudder control system. Large cockpit. Length = 5.18 m Width = 61 cm Weight = 29 kg. $2099.00
MINNOW TWO
MINNOW TWO
Two person, great for lakes, estuary and any other sheltered water. Excellent stability and straight tracking. Weight = Std 28kg Width = 830mm Length = 3.91 metres Std $1121.50
FRENZY FRENZY A fun family sit-on-top that dad will enjoy as much as the kids. Great surfer too. Length = 2.7 m Width = 76.2 cm Weight = 19 kg $679.00
SPRITE TWO
SPRITE TWO
Two person cruiser, comes with dry gear storage. Fast, stable and easy to use. Adjustable back rest. Suits flat water conditions. Weight = Std 32kg Width = 820mm Length = 4.5 metres Std $1050.00
All prices are subject to change – GST is included AVAILABLE FROM YOUR SPECIALIST STORE
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Product Catalogue Excitement Relaxation Taupo… Accommodation • Retail • Lodge Store • Instruction • Yakity Yak club trips • Hotpools
38 Nukuhau Street (Behind Woolworths):
This Excellent fitting New generation buoyancy aid features: Hard wearing fabrics • Safety colours - High Vis Orange and Yellow • Supersoft buoyancy foam (front panels cutaway on the inside for male and female comfort) • Eyelet mesh for drainage • 4 front mesh pockets, 2 zipped • Adjustable cinch on sides and shoulder • Fully adjustable shoulder and waist straps for comfit and safety.
For more information refer: www. sportzhub.com/
Ever considered how long it would take to paddle the 35km from the Viaduct basin home of the America’s cup, out through the busy ports of Auckland and around Rangitoto Island nestled in the Hauraki Gulf? In April Tim Jacobs from Aussie, led a world class field of marathon surf ski paddlers around the course in 2hr 45min 08sec, at an average speed of 12.7kmph! That’s including a portage for 100m across the gap between Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands. The top international contingent comprised Tahitian paddler Lewis Laughlin winner of the great Tahiti Ocean race last year, Australia legend Dean Gardiner (eight times surf-ski world champ over the Molokai to Oahu course), Tim Jacobs and Tom Woodriff, third and fourth respectively in Hawaii. Racing for New Zealand’s pride was Rob Nicol second in Tahiti, eight times NZ flat water marathon champ Simon
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Mclarin, flatwater sprinter Mike Walker and newly crowned national flat water marathon champ Ben Fouhy. From the start Aussies dominated the race with Kiwi Mike Ward showing them his bow a few times on the outgoing leg, Lewis Laughlin, Simon McLaren and Rob Nicol kept the leading pack in sight for most of the race. On the homeward leg a light tail breeze picked up a swell, which offered the paddlers a surf around the back of Rangitoto, past the light house and back to Devonport. Jacobs passed Devonport with a five hundred metre lead from Tahitian Laughlin who took second off Kiwi Walker. The surprise performance on the home leg went to Ben Fouhy, a rookie on the ski but with a load of potential with his marathon experience. Back in tenth during the early stage of the race, Fouhy carved through the pack to capture fourth. First to the finish in the Viaduct was Tim Jacobs, almost five minutes ahead of Laughlin, with Mike Walker third and
Ben Fouhy a close 4th, 38 seconds back. Nicol secured fifth and Gardiner sixth. New Zealand’s number one flat-water sprint and surf-ski paddler Katie Pocock was crowned Queen of the Harbour in a time of 3hr 36 min 11 sec. After the success of the inaugural event we’re sure that next years race will lure more international paddlers over, and encourage more local kayakers into the excitement of ski marathon paddling. There are whispers of a new Marathon Surf Ski World Series, in which the “King of the Harbour” would be an ideal contender for a series round. Marathon Surf Ski paddling has a long history in South Africa, Hawaii, Tahiti and Australia, with many of New Zealand’s top paddlers having travelled overseas to compete. The pinnacle of the sport is the Molokai to Oahu interisland race in Hawaii, an ocean paddle that is considered the official World Championship. While surf-ski marathon is a kayak discipline in its own right, competitors come from all avenues like social paddling, Olympic sprint races distance, flat water marathon paddling, and surf-ski short course races in the broken surf at lifesaving competitions. Over the past five years the sport has been revolutionised through the development of a very fast 6.5m ocean racing surf-ski by South African Keith Fenn. The long water line means these craft can rival the speed of a K1 in the flat, yet in skilled hands can be surfed down the face of large, boisterous ocean swells, allowing competitors to cover the ocean at speeds exceeding 16 kph.
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Canoes & Kayaks
MEAN FUN FOR ALL
Canoe and Kayak Taranaki sponsored the first offshore kayak fishing competition held in Taranaki on Saturday April 13th. The day began at 7am, finishing at the Canoe & Kayak shop in Waitara with the weigh in at 2.30, followed by a barbecue and prize giving. With twenty two contestants and the sun shining, the day was a great success – so much so there is hope that this will become an annual event as the interest in the sport grows. The winners of the day were: Senior category: Biggest snapper – 6.130kg – Neil Collins Biggest kahawai – 2.063kg – Neil Collins Heaviest fish – 6.130kg – Neil Collins Average weight – 2.580kg – Gary Leeman Junior category: Biggest kahawai – 1.235kg – Mark Shaw Biggest snapper – .965kg – Shane Mystery weight – 1.185kg – Joshua Morton Long line category: Biggest snapper – 2.195kg – Brett Sarten Biggest gurnard – .590kg – Jim Aitkin Heaviest fish – 2.195 – Brett Sarten Heaps of fun was had by all at the recent Kayak Gymkana Day run by Canoe & Kayak. Forty or more adults and children took part on the day where the main event was a mini triathlon (Kayak, run, cycle) which was won by David Morton aged 11, closely followed by his cousin Joshua Morton aged 8 and Ruth Pilkington aged 10 was third. First adult team were Ian Morton and wife Deborah (age not for publication), followed closely by nephew Joseph Morton and Tom Furze. Other events included a potato race and a blindfold race.
Pictured above from left are: Shane Shaw (12), Neil Collins and George Welch (11). Neil caught the biggest snapper on a rod at Waitoitoi, but ws not willing to share his hot spot location.
New look store is open!!
Expert retail advice for all your kayaking needs. NORTH SHORE
2/20 Constellation Dr, mairangi Bay, Ph: 479 1002
Learn to kayak courses in Sea, Whitewater & Multisport.
Yakity Yak Kayak Club • Hireage • Tours
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A new initiative by Canoe and Kayak
The River Acad Pete Townend interviewed by Richard During a casual chat over a meal the other night, I asked Pete Townend, Managing Director of Canoe and Kayak Ltd, about what’s going to be the big thing in kayaking this coming summer. “There are lots of things happening in the industry but the thing we are excited about at Canoe and kayak is our new River Academy idea”. The idea of a river academy has now evolved so that it will allow for comprehensive training in paddling skills, river reading and safe river use skills for beginner and novice kayakers wanting to advance to a grade 3 (international river grading scale) in a reasonable time frame. River kayaking, both on flat water and
in rapids is generally regarded by those in the know as potentially the most dangerous type of water sport in the country. The hazards that exist within a river system are many and varied and the dangers very real, whether swimming or aboard any type of craft from an inner tube, to kayak, to a paddle steamer. Much of a person’s ability to manage the risks that they find themselves confronted with on a river, can be traced back to the store of experiential knowledge they have built up. But as with most learning situations it’s very difficult to build that store of knowledge when you are at the starting end of a new adventure. Pete Townend knows the value of good
instruction, having been involved in that end of the game for many years. “What we are trying to build here is a good solid base of skills and knowledge that people can add to over the years. Playing in water is an inherently dangerous thing to do and the risks definitely compound on a river. These risks can be hugely minimised when a person undertakes suitable training to ensure not only their own safety but the safety of those around them”. In order to control situations on the water, we need the appropriate knowledge. Canoe and Kayak staff think the more people they can educate on how many hidden dangers there are in rivers, the more people will respect our waterways. Ultimately being in control and enjoying their experiences, rather than wondering how it all went so terribly wrong. To that end, and obviously with kayaking safety foremost in their minds, Canoe and Kayak have constructed the River Academy Program to nurture beginner
Kayakers Charity Ball Our Kayakers ball is coming up!!! So get out your glad rags and join us at McHughs on Cheltenham beach, Devonport – 14th September…
GREAT BANQUET! LIVE MUSIC AND DANCING! All proceeds to charity
Tickets available from a store near you!
demy
and novice kayakers to a point where they are comfortable on a grade 3 (International river scale standard), and can recognise the dangers and manage the risks effectively for themselves and their paddling friends, while still having fun. The Canoe and Kayak River Academy will be able to take a person from ’off the street‘, as it were, and put them through a series of progressive learning tutorials both in the classroom and out on the water. “We start them off easily”, said Pete, “by throwing them in a heated pool, but as time goes on, participants actually want to tip their kayaks over in the cold water. The academy is all
about learning by doing and picking up the skills needed not only to paddle a kayak effectively, but also to spot the dangers such as trees in the water or knowing when it’s safer to get out and walk round a river feature rather than just trusting your luck”. From the basic, how to get out of your kayak when it’s upside down, how to read the current in a river, through to how to rescue a swimmer in a river, Canoe and kayak’s comprehensive River Academy training will no doubt enable would-be river kayakers to enjoy the summer and beyond.
Canoe and Kayak also run comprehensive sea kayak and multisport training and are sponsors of the internationally renowned Speights Coast to Coast race.
River Academy
the
P A C K A G E Want to get out on all those rivers this summer? Do the rapids look like fun to you? Don’t know how to get started?
We have the answer!!
Phone us now for more details… but be warned… you will become addicted! Richard: Taupo
PH: 07 378 1003
Most kayakers regard Kawau as a destination for a picnic or as an overnight stopover if having island hopped all the way from Orewa or Sullivan‘s Bay on the Mahurangi peninsula. But it’s more than the island at the end of the Motu‘s chain. To me it is home. Where my heart is, where I plant trees, clean the gutters, pay my share of rates, jetty fees.. These days, five days a week Kawau Island is a dawn silhouette on the horizon that I wistfully gaze upon, whilst walking the dog before getting togged up to go to work. However most weekends we manage to go home and for two blissful years we practised being retired, whilst between businesses, and simply lived - at Kawau. Mainlanders questioned our sanity and asked, ”What do you do all day?“ We were the ones with the bemused expression, because at Kawau, just living can be a full time occupation. Or you can do a little work. Whatever you elect to do, just getting there, or from there
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to here, or getting ‘things’ like building materials or firewood from here to there is pivotal and a major part of the plan, any plan and a grand consumer of time. Kawau is unique because it does not have a road network. This really sets it apart from other Hauraki Gulf islands. Islanders still chuckle over the story of a group of Councillors who on planning a visit asked if they could book a minibus. Access to the island is by sea. Unlike Herald Island there is no causeway. It lies 8.4 kilometres east from Sandspit and 1.5 kilometres south of the Tawharanui peninsula. In real estate lingo the majority of the habitable land is best described as hilly to steep although there are some flat to gently sloping areas at the end of the inlets and harbours on the western side. There are few sandy bays. Either side of Kawaiti Pt. in the north, there is the popular Vivian Bay and the isolated Sandy Bay, and in the south, Bostaquet Bay. Between
these points, on the western side or “Out the back” in island-speak, high cliffs and bouldery beaches offer few practical or safe landing places, even for a kayak. The usual access onto the foreshore is by dinghy or jetty. Of the Island’s 2000 hectares, approximately 90% are privately owned, so access via jetty (apart from the three public jetties at South Cove, Mansion House and Schoolhouse Bay) can lead directly into people’s front yards and in some cases directly to their living rooms. Most islanders have a bevy of watercraft and surprise even themselves when they do a count up. Yacht, launch, or runabout (occasionally all three), sailing dingy, tinny or two or three, inflatable, kayak or situpon. Much like a mainland family might use a car, van, Ute, pushbike, and skateboard. And there is still a need for commercial vessels. Barges laden with building materials, furniture, and even petrol tankers are a common sight. Helicopters at the height of summer are the buzzy bees carting in concrete, timber and water tanks to the more inaccessible places. For the tourist, a summer time mail run ferry trip can be a real eye-opener to island life. Cats in cages, dogs on leads, stacks of bread bins, pellet lots of potting mix, fresh fruit and veg, live plants, mattress’s and then out on the fore-deck bags of cement, planks of wood, chainsaws. Oh, and don’t forget the mail and newspapers. The older ferry, the “Matata” (tickets available on board) delivers less bulky items but has the more personal touch of the ferryman and his wife nonchalantly feeding named seagulls off their hands as they give a chatty commentary and dolphins often come to play alongside this vessel’s bow wave. As a “permanent” resident my preferred personal watercraft quickly became my kayak. It gave me independence and easy access to just about everywhere, anytime. Although small with a permanent population hovering on the
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80 mark, Kawau has a very lively and interactive community and because there are so few, one ends up wearing many caps. So, as Secretary to the Resident and Ratepayers Association I paddled to committee meetings; as an active member of the Volunteer Rural Fire Force I paddled to the monthly practices. As a social butterfly I had chin wags over coffee; ‘deep and meaningful’ island politics discussions over a twilight wine - nothing newsworthy there apart from my steed being red and called ‘Storm’. With a draft of only a few inches, the state of the tide did not factor too heavily in my plans. Wind and high seas did. I kept a spare pair of tramping boots in one hatch and always travelled with a raincoat, a torch and cell phone in case a change of plans was called for. Getting there (and back) was half the fun, especially when it was a dressup affair such as a mid-winter ball or Rock & Roll or Country & Western night down at Pah Farm, the Yacht Club, or Camp Bentzon. For some Islanders, this could involve firstly; donning your gumboots lined with supermarket plastic bags (aids slipping in and out of muddy/wet boots); plodding along a tidal track or estuary; clambering into a dingy; rowing out to the launch/
yacht/run-about; climbing on board; putting on wet weather gear; thumping around ‘the corner’ from North or South Cove to Bon Accord; dropping anchor; piling into the dingy; and all the while carefully carrying and transferring from vessel to vessel the home-made pizza or coffeecake, birthday presents or library books. Then slipping into the ‘Ladies Loo’ and transforming the face and footwear ready to party or do a book review for the Island Readers club. Ladies ‘bring a plate’ and men the home brew was the norm, however the Yacht Club midway along Bon Accord harbour and Pah Farm at the end, both catered for “do’s” as well as the casual
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visitor. Summertime brought on public events such as musical concerts or plays at Mansion House. I seemed to get embroiled, doing publicity or something for those events and physically in the inter-harbour petanque tournaments or fishing competitions. These days when ‘weekenders’ or visitors consider time to be in shorter supply than money, up to four water taxis can be kept busy. From Boxing Day to Waitangi day ferries run frequently, but at other times, they are becoming a less reliable and/or rapidly diminishing service. An Islander, needing a doctors appointment in Auckland or wishing to attend a funeral service for example, on any day other than a Friday off peak, needs to plan on three days away, unless they use a water taxi. As when there is only one ferry a day, they need one day to get over to the mainland, one to attend the ‘event’, and one to get home again. Clues to past populations‘ travel habits and occupations, when time was less frenetic, can be spotted on the Island’s tracks. Maori used the island as a base for their fishing expeditions and circles of stones indicate sites of kumera storage pits or hangi sites. The only survivors of the 1800’s kauri sailing ship spa days, are multi-headed
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Photo - Florence Kelsall
Ruth and Ian Henderson - just getting from here to there (or the groceries, from there to here) is a major part of the plan
Sandy Bay - on the East coast, one of the few hospitable stop-overs ‘Out the back’.
specimens or young rickers sprouting on very hilly prominences. Rusty truck wheel hubs, old steel sledge runners lying next to deeply grooved ruts speak of the 1930’s manuka firewood trade to Auckland city. Hand hewn totara post and rails, and concrete posts engraved with messages such as “Edwin Nops 1934 “are the remains of the islands agricultural past which began in the 1840’s with the arrival of stock on the ship “Georgiana”. Floriculture also once featured and valleys ablaze with white calla lilies flowers now growing wild, speak of the time when they were once shipped over
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to Auckland’s florists. Seen from the sea, historic buildings and ruins also tell of other industry of bygone years. The copper mine chimney between Momona Pt and South Cove serves testimony to one of the first pakehas occupations when in the mid 1840’s about 600 Cornish miners worked and lived at Kawau. The ruins of the Smelting House can be viewed from the bay of the same name, sometimes also called Lidguard Bay or Squadron bay as it is also home to Lidguard house and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The most photographed historic building must be Mansion House, the residence
of Sir George Grey in the 1860’s and before him the Copper mine manger. Grey lived on the island between 1862 and 1888. He imported many exotic animals and plants. It must have been a weird sight to see his zebra drawn carriage. However his desire to have a private zoo has left behind the dubious legacy of the wallaby. The “Kaimanawa horse” of the island it evokes either anger or warm fuzzies from Islanders and currently is a ‘hot potato’. The first emotion is due to the debilitating grazing that this marsupial does on any native seedlings. Any plantings have to have one metre high wire enclosures or land owners wishing to encourage regenerating bush have to fence their entire section. The main vegetative cover of the island, is a monoculture of kanuka and manuka or wilding pine forest with no undergrowth. And it will remain that way whilst there is the wallaby. The islands flora and fauna leads to employment for some. Currently one enterprising man traps the wallaby and exports live animals back to Australia, where some of the species are threatened with extinction. When cable knit chunky jerseys were a fashionable thing one couple sold manuka buttons. One lady makes wallaby soft toys. But as would be expected from the changing face of the island, it is the tourists and the dwellings of the absentee landowners that these days provide the majority of paid work. There is a resident plumber, electrician, builder, landscape gardener, and a plethora of “jack of all tradesmen and women”. At one stage there was the Real Estate agent who also owned a ‘barge’ and did house painting and an enterprising young lady who advertised in the island’s quarterly magazine “The Kookaburra” under ‘Work Wanted,’“ House cleaning, lawn mowing-bookkeeping (computerised)” In keeping with such a nautically orientated place -
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One of the personal preferred watercraft and passenger (Bonnie).
naturally boat maintenance, antifouling and restoration work is an island occupation and undertaken on site at the slipway, at Smelting House bay. Mac’s yard is also the place where scuba divers can fill up or boaties can get spare ‘bits and bobs.’ The yacht club staff swells to about eight over the summer catering for the influx of yachties wanting bacon and eggs breakfasts, steak and chip dinners, or beers, icecreams, bread, milk, bait, petrol... or these days lattes. Pah Farm Fishing Lodge, Camping ground and Restaurant is busy most weekends catering for a diverse range of folk from family groups, to business conferences to kayakers. The Furuno is its biggest event, when up to 3,000 fishermen descend upon the island for this three-day event. Its snapper hatchery and experimental kingfish farm provide tourists with an educational visit and fulfil the Moana Pacific philosophy of putting back more than they take from the sea. For those wishing to stay over, accommodation is catered for on all levels. For a luxury ‘spoil your darling’ weekend there is The Beachhouse in Vivian Bay. The new owners have given the old St. Clare lodge a facelift and are open for lunches to those wanting more than fries and burgers. For the kayaker there are several safe ‘anchorageís’. Pah Farm has to be
the most versatile and cheapest at only $20 per person a night in a four bed bunkroom with shared bathroom facilities down the hall, made up with linen, duvet and towel and use of the cookhouse or access to the restaurant and bar. (Bring your wheels as it is a long haul between the jetty head and the cabins.) For the organised that book ahead, try the D.O.C. houses. There are two that cost $60 per night and sleep 5 - 6. BYO linen and food. However, I hear these may soon be a thing of the past... Or step up a cog and try the water side self-contained units of Grant & Judy’s “Cedar lodge” in Smelting House Bay or Dave & Sue Wattís place in North Cove. They are both a bit different from the ‘norm’. How many places chuck in a dingy and outboard for fishing and count the time between ferry drop off (at say 11am), and pick up at 3.30pm the next day... as one day?
“
Try a taste of Kawau – you’ll be smitten or bitten for life.
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”
– ED!
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The commanding mission was… ‘Enjoy, learn and make new friends.’
The venue was Puriri Park Holiday Park in Orewa. The occasion was the ninth KASK Sea Kayak forum (also known as Coastbusters). The school comprised of 90 kayakers and their kayaks, from as far afield as Northland and Wellington, with one participant coming from Canada. All were voluntarily attending class, not for their work or career enhancement but for their ’play.‘ Friday night kicked off with the controversial but thought provoking guest speaker Ken Ring who predicts the weather by the state of the moon. He certainly provided good ice breaking conversational material on this occasion. (Take a gander at his website www.predictweather.com.) Saturday was set aside for workshops.
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Delegates could choose between the seriously instructional topics: GPS pro‘s and con‘s; Navigation; Paddling techniques or the more esoteric: Sea Kayak Design; Birds and Mammals of Hauraki Gulf; or the absolutely hilarious, ’Everything including the kitchen sink‘; or the fun one, Crafting your own kayak sail. With careful programming it was possible to squeeze in six of the seven sessions. To round off the afternoon there was a poolside session with demos on paddling skills and techniques. However that wasn‘t the end of the day. Conviviality and camaraderie reigned over drinkie-poohs and dinner, before Mark Jones, one of the three Kiwi‘s to paddle the Antarctic Peninsula, enthralled us all with his experiences and slide show.
’Scenario Sunday‘ meant a shift to Sullivans Bay, Mahurangi Harbour for a practical session. It was onto the water and into pods. Each pod had a canny leader and 7 or 8 members and three mock-up situations to contend with. The only certainty was ’you will get wet‘. Our lot had to contend with a bee-stung capsized leader; towing an injured/ disabled paddler to a rescue point; and navigating by map and compass to a set possie. The latter just happened to be where the sausage sizzle and watermelon lunch, and the demo on flares was held. In summary, the opening edict of ’Enjoy, learn and make new friends‘ was not too
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Bracing practice - Christine Watson puts her Euro X through its paces
onerous, in fact, impossible not to achieve. Membership to the The Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (NZ) Inc. [KASK], is ridiculously inexpensive at $25 per annum and doubly so for new members as it includes a free ’mother of all sea kayaking handbooks‘. A real fatty full of info on gear, equipment, techniques, the elements, trips and expeditions, places to go and resources. To join contact the KASK Treasurer, Max Grant, 71 Salisbury St. Ashhurst 5451. By Ruth E. Henderson
Still keen, this time for Eskimo rolling practice
Towing scenario - double or V formation
Scenario Sunday assembly at Sullivans Bay
Smoke demonstration
Sorting out tow lines - leader Jocelyn Magness and helper
Bracing practice - needs more! Christine Watson
Flare demonstration
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CLASSIFIEDS KAYAK TOURS OKURA RIVER KAYAK TOURS
Exploring Karepiro Bay and the Okura Marine Reserve. Enjoy this scenic trip with abundant wildlife and a stop at Dacre Cottage, the historic 1840 settlers house, which is only accessible by boat. Book your kayaking adventure now with the:
Okura River Kayak Hire Company
Phone: 09 473 0036 Mobile: 025 529 255
A division of Canoe & Kayak Ltd
CANOE & KAYAK • TARANAKI Phone: 06 754 8368 • MOBILE: 025 608 3844 EMAIL:vanlith.family@zfree.co.nz
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
CANOE & KAYAK • TARANAKI Phone: 06 754 8368 • MOBILE: 025 608 3844 EMAIL:vanlith.family@zfree.co.nz
PADDLE TO THE PUB
TWIGHLIGHT KAYAK TOURS
Departs from one of The East Coast Bays beautiful beaches. Enjoy the scenic trip with the sun setting over the cliff tops as you paddle along the coast line. COST: $49.00 GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! Book your kayaking adventure now with the:
Okura River Kayak Hire Company
CANOE & KAYAK • TARANAKI Phone: 06 754 8368 • MOBILE: 025 608 3844 EMAIL:vanlith.family@zfree.co.nz
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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 the evening a memorable experience. These trips are available to Riverhead, Browns Bay and Devonport Pubs. COST: $59.00 each GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! Book your kayaking adventure now with the:
Okura River Kayak Hire Company
Phone: 09 473 0036 Mobile: 025 529 255
Phone: 09 473 0036 Mobile: 025 529 255
A division of Canoe & Kayak Ltd
A division of Canoe & Kayak Ltd
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CLASSIFIEDS SEA KAYAKING STAGE ONE SKILLS COURSE
A comprehensive course designed to cover the skills required to become a technically correct and safe paddler. The course progresses so you develop techniques and confidence at an enjoyable pace with great end results. This course is run over a weekend or by request in the evenings. COST $250
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
SEA KAYAKING STAGE TWO ESKIMO ROLLING
This course coverers the skills required to become a technically correct Eskimo Roller. You increase your confidence, allowing you to paddle in more challenging conditions. Confidently Eskimo rolling makes you a more competent, safe and capable paddler. COST $150 TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
SEA KAYAKING STAGE FIVE KAYAKING SURF COURSE
SEA KAYAKING STAGE THREE WEATHER & NAVIGATION COURSE Understanding the weather and the 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. PROGRAMME FOUR EVENINGS COST $150 TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
SEA KAYAKING STAGE FOUR OCEANS COURSE
Surfing is heaps of fun when you know how. We will spend the evening starting off in small surf and building up to one and a half metre waves. We will 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 COST $195 TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
SEA KAYAKING STAGE SIX RESCUE COURSE
A weekend overnight course on the ocean designed to build reliable personal and team skills. Paddling technique, kayak control, rescues, preparation, planning and decision making are covered in detail COST $299 TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
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You need rescue skills to look after yourself and your paddling buddies in adverse conditions. This course covers Towing systems, Capsized kayaks, T Rescues, Paddle floats, Stern Deck Carries, Re-enter and Roll. COST $60
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
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CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS YAKITY YAK SEA KAYAKING CLUB
CLASSIFIEDS WHITEWATER INSTRUCTION COURSES WHITE WATER STAGE ONE INTRO TO WHITE WATER
Lots of great trips free email newsletter
new skills & new friends
phone: 0508 529 2569
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002 Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers N.Z. Inc. (KASK)
A comprehensive course designed to cover the skills required to become a technically correct paddler. Starting off in a heated pool and progressing though flat water to moving water, allows you to develop the techniques and your confidence at an enjoyable pace with great end results. COST $299
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
WHITE WATER STAGE TWO INTRO TO WHITE WATER
KASK is a network of sea kayakers throughout New Zealand
KASK publishes a bi-monthly newsletter containing trip reports, events, book reviews, technique/ equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’ file. KASK holds a national forum for sea kayaking. KASK publishes a 30 page sea kayaking handbook which is free to new members: the handbook contains all you need to know about sea kayaking • techniques and skills, resourses, equipment, placesto go etc.
Annual subscription is $25.00. Contact: Treasurer, 71 Salisbury St, Ashbury
PLACES TO GO A drop off. A 4-6 hour paddle. An amazing dinner, bed & breakfast…
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During this course we build on the skills gained on the Stage One to Three Courses, by developing your moving water skills, technique and confidence in your Multi Sport Kayak. We start on the Mohaka River on Saturday and progress on to the Whanganui on Sunday for some big water paddling. River racing competency letters are awarded to those who meet the standard and criteria as out lined on the Grade Two Competency Certificate a copy is available from Canoe & Kayak Shops. COST $299 TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
WHITE WATER STAGE FIVE ADVANCED WHITE WATER This weekend course is designed to sharpen up your skills in preparation to paddling harder, faster white water and starting to learn simple rodeo moves. Focusing 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 feeling comfortable on Grade 2+ rapids. Ideally you should already be paddling the mid section of Rangitaiki or equivalent.
COST $299 This course covers the skills required to become a technically correct Eskimo Roller. This will increase your confidence, allowing you to paddle in more challenging conditions. COST $150
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
WHITE WATER STAGE THREE RIVER SKILLS
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
WHITE WATER STAGE SIX RIVER RESCUE
On this course we continue to build on the skills taught and confidence gained on Stage One and Two Courses, developing your skills, technique and confidence on the faster moving white water of the Waikato River and progressing on to a Sunday day trip on the Mohaka River. Includes, eddie turns, ferry gliding, rolling and surfing and building new skills in River Rescue techniques and River Reading.
This weekend course is designed to cover likely scenarios found on white water rivers. The course is suitable for paddlers that feel comfortable on Grade One to Two. The areas covered are rope skills, muscle techniques, team control, heads up, risk management and combat swimming. These helping to deal with the following situations - entrapments, kayak raps and swimming kayakers and their equipment. COST $299
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
TELEPHONE CANOE & KAYAK • Taranaki 06 754 8368 • Taupo 07 378 1003 • Manukau 09 262 0209 • North Shore 09 479 1002
COST $299
Booking essential: 0800 461 559 Ph/Fax: 07 872 4505 email: styx.cafe@xtra.co.nz www.styx.co.nz
WHITE WATER STAGE FOUR MULTISPORT
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So What does your Weather KAYAK TRIPS Dad do for a Living Answers from page 12 Sam?
Rob Howarth & Brenda Flood
Map One
Photo: Sam in Penguin with Brenda,s support Not many women would have allowed me to do what I did and still go ahead with the wedding! With all the planning of a BIG wedding, a plane load of Kiwis on their way over and a typical English summer, I decided to jump ship 3 weeks before and lead a 2 week youth expedition down The Coruh River in a remote part of North East Turkey (see issue 14). Looking back it must have been a nightmare for Brenda, the planning for the Turkey trip sapped a lot of my time and energy and along with our ‘big day’ preparations, it was a busy spring & summer! I remember sitting on the banks of the Coruh, beer in hand, sun beating down wishing I could escape from the hell of my teaching job in the UK. Kayaking was my life, not engineering (4 years of university training aside, of course), wouldn’t it be fantastic to be able to live my dream? The
UK couldn’t offer a viable solution, there was only one answer……… Seven months later we had landed in New Zealand and it wasn’t too long before Canoe & Kayak recognised my potential (giggle) and employed me to manage the North Shore shop. With baby Sam well on the way, it was the break we’d both been looking for, and so the dream began to turn into reality. A year on and we now own the licensed operation of Canoe & Kayak North Shore. Peter & Bronnie Van Lith and the Taranaki venture had shown us that it was possible if we put our minds to it. We’re both looking forward to continuing to provide the high quality service that Peter Townend has established over the past eight years, and developing things along the way. Kayaking is for life – see you in the shop or
Are you ready for a change in your life… Give Peter Townend a call about your own
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shop!
Auckland today Fresh North Westerly High Cloud Auckland tomorrow Strong North Westerly Turning South Westerly about midday, Rain Easing to Showers Taupo today Strong North Westerly Cloudy Taupo tomorrow Strong North Westerly Turning South Westerly about midday, Rain Easing to Showers New Plymouth today Strong North Westerly Overcast Light Rain New Plymouth tomorrow Fresh South Westerly Showers Nelson today Strong North Westerly Overcast Moderate Rain Nelson tomorrow Fresh South Westerly Occasional Showers Invercargill today Fresh South Westerly Showers Invercargill tomorrow Fresh Westerly showers
Map Two Auckland today Moderate North Easterly Cloudy Auckland tomorrow Fresh North Easterly Light Rain Taupo today Moderate North Easterly Cloudy Taupo tomorrow Fresh North Easterly Cloudy New Plymouth today Moderate North Easterly Fine New Plymouth tomorrow Fresh North Easterly Fine Nelson today Moderate North Easterly Fine Nelson tomorrow Fresh North Easterly Partly Cloudy Invercargill today Light North North Easterly Fine Invercargill tomorrow Light North North Easterly Fine I S S U E
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