Issue 46

Kayaking the Pacific Islands.

I S S U E

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Issue 46 Summer Satisfaction.

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Lake Rotoiti - The South Island Version.

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Loads on roof racks.

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Surfing Ahipara.

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Sensational Samoa.

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Help Coastguard make your boating safer.

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New Faces in Manukau.

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Wild Water and fragile craft - Canoeing in the fifties

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New Auckland By-laws.

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New Waikato By-laws.

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Mayor Island (Tuhua) Trip Report.

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Mokihinui Magic.

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Kayaking Mokihinui.

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Discovering the ‘Lost Coast’.

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Beijing Olympic Slalom 2008.

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Products available.

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Product release - S Wing from Prorack.

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Buyers Guide.

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Brian Kettle Photo by: Larraine Williams Front cover photo: Ella Koning Photo by: Larraine Williams

2008 Akarana Kayaks Cambridge - Hamilton Race & Cruise Sunday 14th September 2008 This premier North Island river race of approximately 23 kilometres is open to all types of canoes, kayaks and surf skis.

A short distance event of 11km from The Narrows is also available.

Entries close at 6pm on Monday 1st September 2008.

NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE DAY OF THE RACE, but you may email them to KayakRace@AkaranaKayaks.com or fax your entry to (09) 631-5344 before 6pm on Monday 8th September 2008.

Competitors lunch, a quality T shirt and generous Race Pack is included in the entry fee of $49 adults, $25 under18.

Spot Prizes - over $15,000 Including 2 kayaks and a Sea Kayaking holiday in Fiji for two people.

The only requirements are that you must be present at the prize giving and have actually paddled!

11am race briefing at Riverside Reserve, Dominion Ave, south of Cambridge. 11.30am Race starts.

12.30pm Juniors start at Acacia Reserve, just past the Narrows Bridge at Tamahere Buoyancy aids MUST BE WORN. Race finish and prize giving at Hamilton City Hawks Clubrooms, Grantham Road, Hamilton.

Prize giving will start at 2.30pm.Trophies will be awarded to the first three finishers in each class/category.

Sponsors Safari Lodge (Fiji) Ltd Ocean Kayak Q-Kayaks Canoe and Kayak Ltd Akarana Kayaks, Ampro, Back of Beyond, Comfort Technologies, Craig Potton Publishing, Day Two, Diversified Products, Donovans Chocolates, First Training /Outdoor Discoveries, Mission Kayaking, Paddling Perfection, Party DJ Co, Point 5 Watersports, Ruahine Kayaks, The Boatshed Cafe & Kayaks, Trek'N'Travel, Thule NZ, TV3, Ultimate Surf Products, Waimarino Kayaks, Wet Shoes For Race information, phone (09) 631-5344 or 0275-529251 (0275-kayak1) Race Director: Su Sommerhalder

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EDITOR: Peter Townend Ph: 0274 529 255 Fax [09] 421 0663 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Canoe & Kayak Ltd 6 Tavern Road,Silverdale Auckland Ph: [09] 421 0662 • Fax [09]421 0663 Email: James@canoeandkayak.co.nz

PUBLISHER: NZ Kayak Magazine is published four times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. 6 Tavern Road, Silverdale, Auckland PRINTING: Geon Print DISTRIBUTION: IMD SUBSCRIPTIONS: New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40 Overseas – 6 Issues = $60 Payment to: Canoe and Kayak Ltd, 6 Tavern Road, Silverdale, Auckland Ph [09] 421 0662 • Fax [09] 421 0663

Hibernation! It is cold and wet out there! That’s one point of view, but it’s not mine.

I like to enjoy the stunningly still, short winter days and amazing water visibility to the max.

Recently Mike took Julie and me out for a great day fishing, learning new soft bait techniques off Kawau Island. As always I took multi-layers of neoprene, polypros and a paddle jacket, but was more than comfortable in neoprene shorts and a single polypro top and bottom.

We fished from 11am to 4pm, rewarded with a feed of Snapper and Trevally, a lunch of hot fritters and a sunbath on a deserted beach. Winter yum. And an important detail when people are feeling a bit jittery about the economy, it cost very little!

True the up front cost of buying a kayak, equipment and a course on how to be safe is on a par with diving and skiing, but then kayaking, like tramping, offers great holidays and adventures at no more than the cost of reaching the chosen site. Then it is probably cheaper than staying at home.The fuel to paddle your kayak is food that you would be eating anyway, the cost of cooking is offset by your power bill saving. You enjoy stunning locations in very affordable tented accommodation made comfortable by the huge amount of equipment you can carry. Easy conversation while paddling side by side with your paddling mates is an agreeable bonus.

The back to basics of every day living, travelling between camp sites, pitching tents, cooking and sitting around the camp fire at night, provide adventure holidays in New Zealand’s wilderness you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Cheers and happy, safe paddling.

Peter Townend

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Summer Satisfaction Lake Okareka offers solitude, beauty and trout, so I kayak there each New Year to spend a week or so with friends.

But pesky ski boats, behaving as if they own the lake, wreck the solitude, distract attention from beauty, and probably scare the trout. They surely upset me.

Two days later it was blowing a good South East’er 20 to 25knts. I thought I could sneak around the shore to the top end of the lake and boy! what a ride back under sail it would be. The sneaking paddle was just as hard as I thought it would be and I hardly noticed a ski tug, slightly bigger than the last, drifting and probably jigging for trout.

One day this summer, I got my revenge. At 9 a.m., on water like glass there was not a breath of breeze. Trout were rising everywhere. Speed paddling around the peninsula to work off last night’s taste of Scotland there it was – a disabled ski boat, a lady attempting to steer, one guy using a water ski as a paddle, another doing nothing. I was no longer the victim! Oh no, I was in charge. I sped to the rescue. “You guys ok?”

Sail down, I paddled back thirty or so metres. “What’s the problem?

The idle one, clearly an Aussie, replied, “The motor just sputtered and stopped!”

I joked, “Tried push starting it?”

The first 200 metres back under sail was bowel slackening to say the least!

As I screamed past the ski tug I heard on the wind a plaintive “Can you help us?”

“We have run out of gas.”

I h o o k e d a t o w r o p e t o t h e b o w r i n g , h o is t e d t h e s a i l and paddled hard for six or seven hundred metres.

We found shelter from the wind amongst raupo reeds where a second fizz boater, enjoying a relaxing smoke, turned up to fill the empty fuel tank.

“Cheers”, I was out of there as fast as my sail could get me!

He scowled. He obviously didn’t have a sense of humour.

I paddled to the ski boat’s bow. “Like a tow?”

Footnote:

“What! With that thing? You have to be kidding.”

No one acknowledged or appreciated being towed by a kayak.

The water ski paddler, perhaps sensing relief, more hopefully asked

But then I guess I was using their lake!

“Do you think you can?”

I hooked a tow rope to the bow ring, had a good work out, and in 30 minutes we were back at shore.

She at the steering wheel exclaimed “I am sooo embarrassed!”

Nick Webb.

Eco-bezhig Auckland clubbie, 2 yrs

The Aussie said, “I ain’t going to tell any one about this!”

I went home for a well-earned coffee and smirked!

Getting a tow home.

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Lake Rotoitithe South Island version

By Stephen Le Couteur

Christmas Day, paddling toward southern end of Lake Rotoiti.

Christmas Day 2007, the skies have cleared blue and we’ve just landed our double sea kayak on a beautiful small pebbly beach shaded by native trees, surrounded by views of mountains draped in pristine native forest and golden tussock, topped by rocky ridges and a few pockets of snow.

This then, is definitely not the Lake Rotoiti known to most North Islanders who’ve never been fortunate, or motivated enough to explore that other, bigger island just south of Wellington.

It’s the Nelson Lakes National Park version. After an easy one and a half hour paddle we set ourselves up comfortably for the afternoon under the shade of a South Island beech tree. I take a breathtaking dip in the crystal clear lake water, dry off in the sun and can’t suppress a grin of pure delight. My partner Imelda, beams a huge smile too. We seem to have the whole lake and the mountains to ourselves. Not another person, not a kayak in sight, just an occasional motor boat about half an hour apart.

We can’t help but wonder, why at this time of year bother sea kayaking Abel Tasman National Park along with hundreds of others who endure bun fights every night over a space to camp on a beach or even a patch of sand to laze in the sun. And apart from all the water taxis, did you know there are now also scenic helicopter

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flights over the Abel Tasman bays? As the writer of another article in this magazine some time ago wisely suggested, forget Abel Tasman in summer, kayak it in winter.

This, the very first day of our Nelson Lakes excursion, is pure bliss. The only things missing, and it seems silly, given the huge amount of hatch space on board our Sea Bear double, are a foldable table, white table cloth (make that linen), champagne and glasses, and Christmas Turkey. But we’re not complaining, especially after the long escape from Auckland by car and the sea journey from Wellington to Picton on the InterIslander ferry. Surprisingly, the friendly vehicle check-in lady waved us through without charging extra for the kayak with its metre-plus overhang at the rear of our station wagon. We had to book the return sailing back in August to get an ‘early saver’ type fare

Time to stretch those kayakers’ legs. View over Lake Rotoiti on the way to summit of St Arnaud Range.

totalling $540 for vehicle, two passengers, and as it turns out, got the kayak for free, which was very nice.

Getting ready to glide across crystal clear waters of Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park.

Our totally compatible Thule roof rack and kayak cradle system combined with bow and stern adjustable tiedowns secured to tow-hooks under the front and rear of the wagon performs faultlessly.

For long journeys like this you need a really good set up, more so with a large and not exactly feather-light double kayak. The last thing you want is to have to stuff about tightening down every 100km or so.

It’s a pleasant one and a half hour drive from Picton and up the Wairau Valley to St Arnaud, a delightful lakeside village right on the edge of Lake Rotoiti. That’s the great thing about getting to this destination- it’s so easy, sealed roads all the way to Kerr Bay where we launch our kayak.

There are DoC campsites next to the lake at Kerr Bay, St Arnaud, and West Bay at the western arm. Both come with complimentary sandflies, but we opt for a cosy, reasonably budget-priced holiday cottage on an elevated site with a great view of St Arnaud Range, hardly any sandlfies and only a three minute drive down to the lake. We had to book the cottage in July as we’ve learnt that accommodation in nice places next to the sea or a lake in the South Island is snapped up early.

At 620m above sea level Lake Rotoiti has no humidity to speak of, even in mid- summer. Mornings are crisp and clear. That is, unless it rains.

Being a mountain and forest region it receives a fair bit of rain so a degree of good luck is involved. Most of the Park is sheltered from prevailing westerly

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Tasman Express An exceptional performance sea kayak

Dusky Bay Classic Leisurely cruise, open waters, or a kayaking adventure

For information on our complete range and stockist, A tried and true design just got better

visit www.q-kayaks.co.nz or phone 06 326 8667

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weather by the Paparoa and Victoria Ranges but Lake Rotoiti still receives about 2000mm per year. As it turns out, luck is on our side, helped by the fact that this was the start of a near record summer that we’ve all enjoyed.

The other lake in the National Park is Lake Rotoroa. It’s larger and longer but not quite so dramatic, receives twice the amount of rain per year as its sister, and is accessed by a gravel road from the main Nelson- Buller highway. Our intention was to kayak it but as Lake Rotoiti seemed such a really nice place to hang out we didn’t quite make it..

Kayaking isn’t the only outdoor pursuit on the agenda. We chose a perfect day to hike to the top of St Arnaud Range, walking through the shaded beech forest then ascending onto tussock slopes above the bushline to reach the rocky ridge at about 1750m. There we had fine views of the lake and endless mountains to the east, west and south. It’s a five to six hour return excursion on a well marked track.

Next day again dawns brilliant fine, so we make the most of it and kayak to the very south end of the lake and explore the western arm. What pleasure to sit back in the comfort of our kayak and admire the top of St Arnaud Range where we had grunted by foot the day before. We spot a brown trout jumping.

Kayakers have a choice of two DoC huts at the southern end of the lake, Coldwater Hut which sleeps 6, or Lakehead Hut (sleeps 30).

Lake Rotoiti doesn’t offer much of a challenge to a kayaker, unless there’s a roaring southerly whipping up the lake. At less than 10km in length it is not large enough for multi-day kayak touring, such as you would find on Lakes Manapouri or Te Anau in the deep south ( but what a hell of a long drive that would be for North Islanders) or Lake Waikaremoana in the North Island. But it offers such easy access to lovely bays for launching your kayak, numerous

Looking back towards the sun from southern end of Lake.

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small pebbly beaches scattered along the eastern shoreline on which to enjoy a stop off, and most of all the feeling of being right amongst the mountains and native forests. And more good news: being a National Park, jet skis are banned! Which means you can actually hear scores of tuis cavorting about the tree tops.

We considered driving the two hours or so to Abel Tasman National Park for a day’s kayaking but the tranquility of Lake Rotoiti wins over the thought of peak holiday crowds at Kaiteriteri and Marahau, swarms of back-packers and dozens of commercially guided sea kayakers. A shame that one of the most outstanding kayaking locations in the country, if not on the planet, is just too damned popular during the summer months.

Instead, leaving the kayak behind, we drive to charming Takaka for gourmet pizza and then to Pohara beach, where we find at Totally Roasted café the most delicious coffee we’ve just about ever had, anywhere in New Zealand.

It’s organic and Fair Trade coffee. We can just imagine how well it would go down after a day or two sea kayaking.

Further on around the coast towards the end of the sealed road we catch a glimpse of the northern/western end of Abel Tasman National Park coastline. It sure looks alluring and, having walked the coastal track many yonks ago, I know just how beautiful the beaches are. Sometime, maybe very early spring, or even winter we’ll drive down to this part of the country again with our kayak.

We would though, also return to Nelson Lakes National Park without a second thought. Dial up some nice weather and Lake Rotoiti is a truly rewarding destination for relaxed kayaking, and walking in the mountains. There are not many places offering such a special and satisfying combination.

ine Kayaks

Loads on roof racks Transport Authorities know that ever more kayaks are being carried on our roads. This may cause you grief.

Nicholas reports an incident We came back from Mt Maunganui carrying a Qk Tasman Express, a Perception Eco Bezhig and a Bliss Stick MAC1 on my roof racks. With a flag attached the load overhung the car’s tail by about 1 metre. But as usual with weekend kayaking we were behind time and driving home in the dark. Leaving Hunterville we were pulled over by a police officer for not having a light on our overhanging load. Luckily for us the officer was in a nice mood and let us off the $350 fine with a warning.

by James Fitness

Suggestions Before you buy a roof rack, check the weight your vehicle can safely carry on its roof. (Look in the vehicle’s manual) Check the roof rack’s safe load.

Consult your roof rack specialist to find the system which best suits your vehicle and the accessories needed for your specific load.

While weight will seldom be your problem, bulkiness and length are very likely to cause trouble.

He suggested that all we needed was a bike light and, since our flag was faded and thrashed from lots of use, we should probably get a new one.

When a kayak overhangs, and regardless of the accessories used to mount it, you must tie the bow to the front of the car and the stern to the back to prevent the boat from lifting in the wind. There is huge leverage at the end of a kayak which could well rip your roof rack off! And no, this will not be covered by warranty.

Nicholas, finding no information on the regulations, asked NZ Kayak Magazine for help.

The normal spacing of roof racks to suit the shape kayaks is about 700mm.

Any further apart and your kayak will touch the roof between the bars.

The bare facts are;

The accessories you’ll need will depend on the number of boats to be carried, what the kayak is made of, and what else you are carrying.

Regulations on overhanging loads.

If a load extends more than one metre beyond the front or rear, or 200mm beyond the sides of your vehicle, during daylight you must attach: flags (coloured white or fluorescent red, orange or yellow, at least 400 mm long by 300 mm wide) or

If you are carrying composite boats you should invariably use a set of kayak cradles. These 4 pads hold the kayak firmly in place without the need to overtighten the load straps and cause compression cracks. There is often space on the roof rack to fit two cradles alongside each other for two kayaks, or to hold one kayak and a box and bike carrier for the multisporters.

Standard hazard warning panels (coloured yellow/green with an orange stripe, at least 400 mm long by 300 mm wide).

Upright bars are more practical when carrying up to 4 boats. Stack them on either side of the bars, with hulls facing hulls to prevent indentation from the cockpit shapes.

During the hours of darkness, you must have lights on the load visible in clear weather for at least 200 metres:

Obviously, the more you have on your roof, the sturdier the straps will need to be. Bungy cords are never substantial enough.

at the rear and facing backward, coloured red (if the load extends sideways or to the rear)

Remember that ...

at the front and facing forward, coloured white or amber (if the load extends sideways or forwards) (reference: www.ltsa.govt.nz/road-user-safety/motorists/glovebox-guide)

1 metre Maximum forward overhang 3 metres (measured from front of seat)

Designers & Constructors of Multisport & Adventure Racing Kayaks Phone 06 875 0043 Fax 06 875 0983 E-mail:- kevin@ruahinekayaks.co.nz P O Box 11146 Hastings Website:-www.ruahinekayaks.co.nz

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the more weight on the roof, the less weight can be carried inside your vehicle.

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roof racks increase wind resistance and buffeting.

• you may need to travel slower and your vehicle will use more fuel.

1 metre Maximum rear overhang 4 metres

This fast, stable kayak is designed for the larger paddler looking for a longer, stable boat.

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Surfing Ahipara

Preparing for the surf.

by Catherine Price

Where’s Wally!

Easter 2008, we wanted to go to the beach to relax and maybe try some surfing. Ahipara, on the southern end of 90 mile beach, was recommended by friends who go there often.

So the 4 of us headed up: Dave and I with kayaks and Maurits and Richard with their boards. Esther, their dog, was the fifth member of our group and was a surprisingly good surfer (but she didn’t like the really big waves). The waves were a mixed bag from being very big to quite gentle, but there was something there for everyone. Unfortunately I didn’t seem to have my kayak with me when the waves were right for beginner kayak surfers but Dave had a lot of fun in the big surf. Will we go back? Definitely, but next time we will remember that Kaitaia is the closest place for good coffee!

More lessons on the surf.

Everybody is ready to head into the surf.

The waves were a good size.

Another successful run.

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KAYAK PARADISE Kayak the Hauraki Gulf using Island Passage as your home boat

Going out to catch a wave.

Sharing the wave.

For more information on all our cruises and bookings contact Island Escape Cruises on phone: (09) 358 1717, email: info@islandescape.co.nz or visit www.islandescape.co.nz

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Sensational Samoa

by Richard Saysell

Approaching Namua Island

A flyer for a 4 night, 5 day, tropical Samoan Kayaking holiday came the way of Yakity Yak North Shore member Lesley. She and Richard, with Sue and Ian, and Jane from North Shore, and Andrea and Nick from Auckland jumped at the chance.

We arrived in Apia at the end of March. Here we spent a day shopping and frolicking at the Papassea sliding rocks before going on the water at Mutiahehele. Mutiahehele overlooks the Aleipata islands at the Eastern end of the main island, Upolu. Our guide Morti, a ‘Samoanised’ Dane, provided a fleet of Penguins and accommodation at a different resort for each night.

In temperatures which never dropped below 28C we experienced Samoan life, Fale living in resorts which ranged from ‘the pipe through the wall showers of Namua Is’ to the up market Virgin Cove Resort with its beautiful white beaches. The coral formations at Lalomanu and the family atmosphere on Manono Island were memorable.

And the food! Heaps of it, all locally produced. Beautifully prepared pork, chicken, fish, coconuts, tropical fruits and vegetables formed the bulk of our diet, washed down with coconut milk, Valima beer and duty free spirits and liquors! Twice meals were cooked in an Umu, an above ground Hangi.

Kayaking kept the wow factor going. We will never forget a pod of 100 Spinner Dolphins which surrounded us, or approaching the elusive turtles. And fish – everywhere you looked, all shapes sizes and colours. Surfing through a small opening in a reef as waves crashed on both sides was terrifying for some and “lets do it again” for others. But just paddling through crystal clear water in balmy tropical breezes, stopping to swim and snorkel amongst the stunning coral, was a superb holiday.

We said “goodbye” to Morti and took a short ferry trip to the other main Island, Savaii, hired a van and based ourselves at the beautiful resort of Tanu Beach on the Northern Coast. A highlight was a traditional Fia Fia (Fire) dance show.

Touring around the Island we visited the tree hut in a huge Banyan tree at Papa, marvelled at the south coast Lava arches, were awestruck by the dozens of blowholes at Alofaaga, and experienced swimming with the Turtles at Satoalepai.

We had a final fling at Aggie Greys, the 5 star resort, and it was back to NZ. Was it worth it? You bet it was, and by doing all the bookings ourselves surprisingly cheap.

Would we do it again? No way, not yet anyway – too many other Islands to explore first.

Sliding Rocks.

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The blowhole.

Secluded Fale at Virgin Cove.

Ian dwarfed .

Tafua Beach.

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Help Coastguard make your boating safer. by Don Scandrett Coastguard’s primary role is to save lives at sea. To do this it provides Coastguard Rescue Vessels, Air Patrols and fully trained volunteers who can respond quickly to incidents, Coastguard also has an extensive communications infrastructure to make boating safer. Kayakers, probably more than other sailors, are aware of how to be safe when on the water, but here are some key reminders.

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Make sure your kayak can be seen. The Auckland Regional Council’s new bylaw about visibility has highlighted this issue, and it really makes good sense to make sure that you and your kayak are visible, At sea, everyone must follow the Rules of the Road, and keep a proper look out for other craft, but that won’t stop all accidents happening. Make yourself more visible and you reduce the risk of not being seen. At night display an all round white light which can be seen from a distance.

Good waterproof, pole mounted lights, specially designed for kayaks, are available. You might be able to see where other people are at night, but can they see you?

Know the conditions. Conditions on the water can change quickly with the time of day, the tide and the weather. You may be familiar with part of the coast during the day, but can you say the same thing at night? An offshore wind against the tide is particularly dangerous for kayaks. Coastguard runs a network of Nowcasting automatic wind stations throughout New Zealand which measure the average and peak wind speeds and direction. This is broadcast continuously throughout the day, along with other tide and weather forecasts, on marine VHF channels such as Channel 21 for the inner Hauraki Gulf. The service is also available by text message.

Let people know where you are going. It is a good idea to let people know where you are going and when your plan changes. Many kayakers carry waterproof handheld VHF radios these days and lodge a trip report with Coastguard prior to leaving. When you intend kayaking through a

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particularly difficult stretch of water, Coastguard can maintain a SAR watch over you. You make a trip report and if you have not reported back by the predetermined time, Coastguard will provide assistance.

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Carry at least two communication devices. Coastguard, or anybody else, can’t help you if they don’t know where you are. You should carry at least two forms of communication devices so if one doesn’t work, you have a back up.

By far the best form of communication is a VHF radio. A cell phone is the next best. Make sure it is in a waterproof bag and the battery is fully charged. In most cases cell phone reception is pretty good, but there are places where reception is difficult. In an emergency Flares are easily recognisable. To be of use you have to have them onboard, know how to use them and be able to reach them easily. At night you need a waterproof torch with batteries up to the job.

To find more out about Coastguard visit www.coastguard.org.nz.

New Faces in Manukau

By Julie Reynolds

As this Magazine will be published and distributed soon after we take over as the new owners of Canoe & Kayak Manukau it seemed timely to introduce ourselves.

Scott and I actually met through the Yakity Yak Club Manukau.

I’d been paddling for a number of years and had just relocated to South Auckland and joined the Manukau Club. Scott was at the time instructing Skills Courses for the club and we met in the car park, outside Canoe & Kayak Manukau. I thought ok, he seems nice, Scott no doubt thought; cool a single woman joining the club. Many months later and after many paddle outings, club and otherwise we went on our first date. Not great. He’d been playing backyard cricket with mates and was sporting a fat lip and I chose the most depressing movie possible to see. However all in all we’d got the bad stuff out of the way by then, he already new what I looked like in my paddle gear and that my taste in Movies wasn’t great so here we are four years on buying the shop. Isn’t love grand.

The Manukau Yakity Yak Club is awesome with some exceptional people in the club and going forward we hope to see this grow and for new members to be able to experience the adventures we have.

Please come in and meet us, we’d love to meet you.

Julie.

We are looking forward to the adventure and to working with Stephen Taylor who has thankfully agreed to stay on as the Business Manager. Stephen will run the day to day operations and Scott and I will focus on the business development.

Scott has his NZK2 star certificate and a real passion for Sea Kayaking. With over 10 years of Kayaking and outdoors pursuits experience he will be a real asset to this business. Scott did a short stint working in the shop a few years back and has a really strong relationship with Canoe & Kayak Manukau and its existing, operators, members and staff. Scott’s into Nick Cave, long paddles at sunset and quality wine.

Stephen is working his way to his NZK2 star certificate and has been in retail for around 20 years. Stephen’s always been involved in sports mainly tennis and rugby. A taste for Kayaking was first discovered at Outward Bound and the Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Turangi. He says it’s been a pleasure to discover an occupation that combines retail experience with his love of sports. He love’s the ability to get away from the City and experience the great Harbours and waterways on offer around the Auckland Region. Stephen loves food, wine, reading and experiencing new localities.

As for me, I also have over 10 years of Kayaking and outdoors pursuits experience. Longer actually, but then that makes me sound old. I’ve successfully completed the Canoe & Kayak skills course and leaders course and have a four-year relationship with Canoe & Kayak Manukau and the Yakity Yak Club.

I’m the newly elected KASK (Kiwi Association of Sea Kayaking) President and this gets me involved with the National Pleasure Boating Forum, Maritime NZ, Water Safety New Zealand and Harbourmasters amongst other groups.

I’m fundamentally an administrator with again over 10 years’ experience in Sales Management, Business Development, General Management, Human Resource and Employment. I hope all of this will be of benefit too. I’m into classical music, long paddles at sunset and quality Pinot Noir.

Canoe & Kayak Manukau has been in existence for the magic number of 10 years and is well established. We have some exciting thoughts being worked on to develop the business further so the best thing you can do is pop in and see Stephen and register on our database so that all new news can be sent to you.

A new shop layout too.

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Wild Water and Fragile CraftCanoeing in the Fifties Part 2

Written By Doug Phillips

Following our first expedition on the Waikato, a year later there was still canoeable river to be explored.

At Easter, aboard our trusty bus, we headed for the Mihi Bridge on the Rotorua Taupo road. We would use one of the clubs dinghies, a very acceptable alternative to paddling canoes to the Whakamaru dam.

I stripped off and sat luxuriating in the milky steaming thermal pool eating my sandwiches and relaxing. And then, a ten year old Maori lass perched on the edge of the pool and chatted.

Which was all right at first, the milky water covered my nakedness. But soon I was starting to cook and wanted to get out and recover my clothes. My young friend may have not been embarrassed.

But I, sure as heck, would have been. So I stopped talking and thankfully she went away.

There is something to be said for dinghy travel.

Most of the time you don’t paddle furiously, just lie back to watch the ever changing river scenery glide past. You can gossip with the crew and when you get hot drop into the chilly water and be ready for the sight of wild white waves leaping above the surface of the river heralding some more white water excitement .

We had an appointment with the mighty Whakaheke rapids. Once again we headed down river and once again we hurtled through the blood tingling rapids. We pulled our dinghy out and shouted. “That was just something. Let’s do it again”

The first day finished again at Orakei Korako. Just in time for lunch up by the hot pools,

But this time we came unstuck. Near, the end of the rapid our dinghy started to deflate and by the time we were nearly through we were swimming and guiding our sinking craft to the shore.

That was OK as we were safe and there seemed to

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be plenty of dinghies available for the remainder of the trip.

That night, rain was obviously threatening and we had nowhere to shelter.

But a part of the Orakei Korako tourist attraction includes a large thermal cave. “That’s the answer. We’ll paddle across the river and camp in the cave.

Nobody could stop us. There were no fences and we had simply to paddle across the river tramp though the thermal field and we would have shelter; Pretty draughty shelter but a heap better than out in a downpour. The owner was understandably concerned. He didn’t want twenty odd canoeists, messing up his tourist cave. “I have a better idea” He quickly responded “How about you bunk down in my tearooms” That was the answer. We were much better off and Jack and I did even better. Somehow we were ushered into their lounge to sleep on their sheepskin mats. The ultimate in luxury!

at Bible Class camps which were exciting in a different way. But I will never regret the wild adventure of canoeing the Waikato.

After this adventure Jack sold me his partly assembled collapsible canoe.

He had done the difficult part, which required precise measurements, of constructing the frame. Dad and I did the straightforward, long and tedious job of hand sewing the rubberised hull to the canvas. Then we were ready for our next trip. I’ll tell you about it next issue.

The next two days we drifted down towards the Whakamaru dam. Inky green pines clustered down to the shore. The disastrous forest fires of the mid forties were all healed up now with prolific re-growth. The placid river interspersed with the occasional wild water.

“Watch out for the Rainbow rapids. You wouldn’t want to get caught in them.

They are pretty fearsome” advised one old hand. And they were and we didn’t get caught. The river tumbled over a sharp ledge and the standing wave at the foot was truly awesome, a six foot hill of water rearing up beside you in an almost unbelievable mound. You felt tempted to reach out and touch what appeared to be solid glass like water.

“Somebody did go through this rapid.” Jack commented with a chuckle. “They were drifting down towards the initial broken water. The crew was getting pretty apprehensive. “We’ll be right I have done this bit of the river before” one bloke told the rest. “I know where the Rainbow Rapids are and this is not them.” But he didn’t have a clue. By then it was too late. They were in the grip of rapidly flowing water. Over they went and under the standing wave. Two or three attempted breaths and they surfaced. Thankfully nobody drowned.

But it was one heck of a mistake to make” It was our last day on the river and one more adventure awaited us. We drifted to the lip of a major rapid and as we often did, landed to prospect our line of attack. The consensus was “Do a portage” Then it happened. Paddy and his intrepid crew paddled into sight. At the last minute they saw us dancing about trying to warn them. But it was too late.

They paddled manfully towards the shore, got caught in the current, were swept under a log and were trapped on a rocky outcrop on the very lip of this huge rapid. They clambered out of their rapidly sinking dinghy, climbed onto a log atop the rock and gazed despondently at the surrounding water, all churned into white. If they tried to swim for it they would certainly be swept over the edge into the rapid. It was a desperate situation. Thankfully, we had a long rope with which to swing a canoe across to the stranded crew.

It wasn’t easy but after a few attempts and bumps it reached the log. In two trips we brought the crew to safety. That left Paddy, the self appointed captain, rightfully waiting till last.

Drawings courtesy of Jason Kyle.

WWW.DAYTWO.CO.NZ

info@daytwo.co.nz 07 345 7467

Then disaster, the canoe refused to swing across. Again and again we tried.

The canoe drifted tantalisingly close then swept away. Paddy was frustrated.

He paced up and down on his log. It looked like he was in for a long stay on his tiny island. He stopped and stared at the water. We all knew what he was thinking.

“It looks like I am trapped on this wretched log. What are my chances if I swim?

I’ll have to swim through the rapid and could very easy hit a rock and drown.”

Then he made up his mind. “This is it. I’m off.” He made a quick prayer for deliverance, crossed himself, and dived in. In seconds he was through; wet and safe, thankfully safe. We breathed sighs of relief, carried our craft round the rapid and an hour or so later reached our destination, the Whakamaru dam. With a whoop and a yell we swept through the diversion channel right under the nearly completed dam.

We were probably the last to canoe this section of that river. Within months the dam drowned the scene of our latest adventures. In a year or so whole river valley was flooded and the challenge of these rapids was gone for ever.

This was my last Easter on the Waikato. In future years I spent my Easter break

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New By-laws now in force on the Waitemata & Manukau Harbours.

– by James Fitness The ARC (Auckland Regional Council) have bought in a number of law changes which affect all boaties in the Auckland & Manukau waterways from the 1st July 2008.

The changes that affect kayakers are Clauses 2.14 & 2.17.

(See clauses on page 21)The clause on naming your vessel is not a major issue, put your name and contact number on your kayak and you comply. Fairly sensible really and helps recover stolen kayaks. (I never got mine back!)

The clause that has caused uproar is 2.17.

The worrying thing here is that the ARC took recommendations from John Dilley, the Auckland Harbourmaster, that no changes to the law regarding kayakers were required. They then put out public notices to a large data base (5 x A3 page contact list) on which there was only one kayaking organisation. As this law affects us so much, surely more kayakers should have been contacted.

The meeting was held and new laws passed.

The law is ambiguous and badly written. What is the definition of a “high visibility vest”. According to the Harbourmaster this can be any colour except grey! Black vests are classed as high visibility in certain conditions.

Accusations have been made that these laws are intended to take the blame off the boatie. But I draw your attention to the maritime safety rule 22 amendment.

Reflective tape works well.

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Amendment to Maritime Rules Part 22: Collision Prevention

This is all a boatie is likely to see!

Rowing - Power vessels must now give way to rowing vessels as well as sailing vessels. (Every overtaking vessel always gives way to any vessel being overtaken.)

I have come to the opinion that these rules, albeit badly written, are not a bad thing.

We all know we should wear buoyancy aids, fly flags and at night we should display a light.

Unfortunately few of us fly flags and use lights. The specification that a light must be visible from 2 nautical miles in good conditions indicates the power of the light and not necessarily a hard and fast rule. Will it be seen against the Auckland skyline at night? Probably not, but then on a dark night a ship is difficult to see against all those lights.

This law has been designed to encourage education, rather than prosecution.

With this law in place the ARC & Harbourmaster can get funding for an education program, similar to the ‘even blokes wear life jackets’ campaign.

Put yourself in the shoes of the boatie. You look out and see nothing. Next thing you know you’ve run someone over.

Surely it is the responsibility of both parties? The boaties to keep a vigilant look out and kayakers to make themselves as visible as practically possible?

Take courses on navigation, learn what other water users are likely to do and try to keep out of their way. I have been under the harbour bridge in a kayak with a racing fleet of yachts bearing down on me. It was only knowing that they were likely to tack across the harbour to their finish line that I felt comfortable.

I have been on the water all my life, as a yachtie, diver, fisherman, kayaker.

Everyone thinks that the other person is at fault. Yachties don’t like the wash from Gin palaces. Who slows down for a dive flag? No one likes Jet skis!

The reality is we all need to take responsibility for our own personal safety and do our best to be seen. Who drives a car during the day with their lights on to make sure they are seen? I do (sad really).

As always, most of us are responsible. It is a case of educating the remainder.

2.14 Vessels to be identified 1. The master and owner of a vessel shall ensure the vessel is marked with its name or similar identifying marks. This shall be displayed, on each side of the vessel. The number or name shall be a minimum height of 90 millimetres and each character shall be legible.

2. Clause 2.14.1 shall not apply to non-mechanically powered vessels of less than 6 metres in length. Such vessels should be marked with a name, or the owner’s name or contact details somewhere on the vessel.

3. Clause 2.14.1 shall not apply to mechanically power driven vessels of less than 4 metres in length. Such vessels should be marked with a name, or the owner’s name or contact details somewhere on the vessel.

2.17 Visibility of kayaks and paddle craft 1. Every kayak and paddle craft that is navigating in waters beyond 200 metres from shore shall ensure it is highly visible to other vessels.

This shall include: (a) wearing a high visibility vest or high visibility PFD; and (b) use of reflecting tape on oars or paddles and also on clothing; and (c) at night, showing a continuous white light visible in all directions from a distance of two nautical miles.

Environment Waikato are reviewing – by Sue Tucker their rules too.

During October and November this year 14 public meetings have been scheduled to review Environment Waikato’s navigation safety bylaw. The subject is ‘Safety for all surface water activities’. Our contacts list includes anyone who has submitted on the bylaw previously, Iwi and those fishing/boating clubs, kayak clubs, water skiing clubs, rowing clubs, boating retailers etc who have requested inclusion. All will be advised by letter, and public notices will appear in local papers.

Environment Waikato will repeat the ‘See and be seen’ campaign for 2008/2009, ‘Staying bright on top’. This ‘paddling to be seen’ safety initiative has been developed by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) in collaboration with the paddling community to encourage recreational kayakers, canoeists and boaties in low profile watercraft to make themselves more visible to others on lake, river or sea.

Skippers are required by maritime rules to keep a proper ‘look out’ and maintain appropriate speeds near other water users, but it is difficult to see kayaks and craft which sit low in the water. “The trick to being safe is being seen. Use the right combination of colour, contrast and movement to maximise your visibility”.

There are now more kayaks on the waterways and more complaints about vessels failing to show lights. To avoid a collision, or being run over, skippers need to know the rules... Maritime regulations require any craft under oars/paddle to show a torch or lantern with a white light, in sufficient time to prevent collision. Environment Waikato has produced a card providing information about visibility ‘Day and night, keep it bright’ ‘Out at night? Show a light!’ Call our navigation safety team for a copy: 0800 800 401.

Check our website:www.ew.govt.nz/navigation.

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Mayor Island (Tuhua) Trip report 19th - 20th June 2008

By Robbie Banks (Hard Yakker) - Steve Knowles (Big Boss) - Warren Blundell (Wazza de Sea Dawg) Three kayakers packing in the dark, made a final check of essential equipment. Steve Knowles, responsible for navigation and the weather , completed the G.P.S coordinates. Robbie brought up the now casting report, Steve & Warren confirmed the forecast suitable for departure.

On the dot at 7 a.m. we slipped out of Pilot Bay. My 83yr old mum & my daughter, Jessie, tucked up warm in the car, watched three white lights disappear past the Maori Chief & glide out of sight around the Mount.

We offered a traditional good luck koha to Kuia Rock – and in a Southeast breeze of 10-15 knots, with a 1-2 metre swell, stopped at ‘A’ Buoy to assess conditions. Big Steve sent a trip report to the Tauranga Coastguard, we took photos and then, pointing our bows to the South East tip of Mayor Island 352 degrees magnetic north, the 38 kms adventure began.

With each paddle stroke the hum of Tauranga’s busy port weakened until only the sounds of the ocean remained. Steve had said,“When we are far enough out and the sounds of the city disappear, we will experience a Zen moment”.

Bow down on the swell, my kayak rode waves like a dream. Each paddle stroke sliced through the water. I felt the power of the ocean. Then the waves subsided and I looked back. The Mount has become hazy while ahead Mayor Island was still a distant shadow. The isolation inspired awe, I was humbled and excited.

the beach while the surf thumped all night long would have been grim.

Next day, in unchanged weather we checked with the Coastguard and set off on a roller coaster ride towards the Coromandel Peninsula. We had Gannets, Fairy Petrels and Flying Fish for company. A broach/capsize & rescue in 2 metre swells would not have been fun for anyone so, when Robbie felt a bump from something below water, we stayed closer together.

After nearly 6 hours we reached the Whangamata wharf, to complete the final 36kms. The Whanga Sport & Gamefishing Club provided the beer.

See http://picasaweb.google.com/ksitmk for extra pix.

This is not a trip I would do alone, the team work is vital and reassuring, It is important to know and trust the others.

Steve was the chief navigator & weather expert whom I trust and respect implicitly.

Warren’s tactical approach and attention to detail, finely tuned from years of advanced caving, are impressive.

The experience of regular paddling and extending myself for a year has been empowering. A 9 day solo on the Coromandel taught me the speed I can comfortably maintain in a loaded kayak over long distances. My muscle memory maintains that optimum speed. The swell picks me up & I go with it.

Then commonsense kicks in & I wait to re- group.

Was this the Zen moment Steve talked about?

Note:- The Dumb Numb Bums Award was given at the following B.O.P Canoe & Kayak midyear dinner.

A pod of dolphins, heading to East Cape, crossed our bows. They didn’t stop to say hi, and neither did the container ship heading for Tauranga. We didn’t even get a toot! 5.5 hours from Pilot Bay we dragged our kayaks up the beach at South East Bay.

Robbie awarded the guys undies with smiling cushions sewed onto the butt, & the Dumb award went to Big Steve & Warren for trusting Robbie & following her up the big steep hill, across the ridge to the Devils staircase, on a mere 3 hour hike. It was good for stretching butt muscles.

Sore bums soon forgotten we stretched our legs walking to the Crater Lake.

Then, with the Tuhua Trust’s, permission which Robbie had obtained, we occupied one of their cabins for the night. In bad weather, hunkering down on

Steve said, “I grade this trip off the charts!” Warren said, “The roar of a prehistoric creature would not be out of place”.

Stopped at A Buoy to assess conditions.

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And Robbie says, “When the guys dropped me off at home I joked, ‘Leave the

boat on the truck I’m going kayaking tomorrow’. Everyone laughed, but it wasn’t a comment made in jest. I have caught the adventuring bug.”

Sharing my oranges and pikelets with the dudes.

According to Graham Charles: - “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire & enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass”. The words written by Adventure Philosophy ring true - “An adventurous spirit lies at the heart of a healthy society”.

Having a dry cabin to sleep in.

Adventurous activity promotes & develops vital skills: self - confidence and self- reliance, determination, initiative, and calculated risk taking. These are the hallmarks of citizens in any progressive & healthy society.

Completing the trip & sharing a beer together at the Whangamata Sports Club, while looking at the view of the coastline.

Aside from the nurturing of skills & the potential to inspire, adventure is also just damn exciting & satisfying!

Having a sore butt!

“So what’s next guys”?

P.S A big thanks to Irene for picking us up, without her we would’ve had a long walk home.

My first step onto the island without falling over.

Eating Steve’s chocolate.

Relief that the guys appreciated the view. After a hard slog up the trig.

Challenges of the trip: Paddling in the middle of nowhere heading up the coastline, rather than what I instinctively wanted to do and head directly towards it. The mainland looking hazy & unreachable.

Mayor Island (Tuhua) is a privately owned island. Permission to land is essential, and we acknowledge & thank the Tuhua Trust for their coopertation.

Highlights of the trip: Experiencing the Zen moment.

Getting a primo ride on the waves, while doing a paddle twirl (Is that what it is called)?

No land in sight!

Triumph! Mega mission complete Ye ha!

Bums up! We made it.

We paddled how far !

Warren,Steve & Robbie Ocean crossing complete.

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Mokihinui Magic

by Debs Martin

Under the western shoulder of Kahurangi National Park, on the West Coast of the South Island, water cascades off the mountains through steep-sided bedrock canyons and stunning, dark green beech forest to become the Mokihinui River. It rushes through an earthquake-shattered gorge, emerges at Welcome Flat and charges on to the sea.

the confluence with the Rough & Tumble. The State owned company Meridian Energy plans to build an 85-metre high dam to flood more than 330 hectares within the gorge. It will obliterate the fantastic class III & IV rapids, drown forests and river terraces, and leave behind a rotting lake for electricity, boaties and whatever can survive. It will destroy rare wild life, deprive rafters and kayakers of an outstanding helicopter/wilderness adventure, and dismay Mick Hopkinson, NZ Kayak School, Hugh Canard, NZRCA, and many others who support the

In the heavy downpours for which the West Coast is notorious the water level in the gorge rises to 6 metres. It thunders past tall climber draped podocarps and blossoming ratas.Twenty endangered species live here. A long-finned eel or a curious weka may join a lunch stop. Bats, kiwi, and our large land snails (powelliphanta) hide in the bush. The blue duck (whio), one of our most endangered species, calls the Mokihinui River home. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse.

Kayaking or rafting the Mokihinui River is the best way to experience the twisting, steep 14 kilometre gorge. The crew I joined started from Welcome Flat in a chopper, but an adventurous person, prepared to spend 8 hours, might tackle the ancient pack route to Karamea. Clinging to steep valley sides it served the goldfield villages of the 1800s. Remnants can still be found in the bush.

An iron bridge, swept away in the massive slips of the 1929 Murchison earthquake, is visible at

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Rafting on the Mokihinui River.

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campaign to Save the Mokihinui.

For information see Forest & Bird’s website www.forestandbird.org.nz “Mokihinui”.

Debs Martin is the Top of the South Island Regional Field Officer for Forest & Bird. In moments of sanity away from the office she enjoys the wild rivers of New Zealand.

Thanks to Graham Charles of Image Matters for the photographs on pages 24 & 25.

Kayaking the Mokihinui

by Ben Jackson

The Mokihinui River (pronounced mo-key-he-nui) offers two sections for kayakers and rafters. The upper section known as the North Fork, is fantastic for kayakers seeking 10 kms of continuous class III and class IV rapids.

Portaging is easy around too adventurous rapids. The lower section, known as The Forks, begins at the confluence of the North and South Forks.

At lower flows the river runs with pool drop rapids, half a dozen almost class IV. These can be portaged if need be. At higher flows the rapids run together and a lot faster. Big wave trains and sizable hydraulics keep you focused and make for a wild ride.

The remote Mokihinui River, flowing through the most stunning native rain forest on the West Coast of the South Island, offers a real wilderness river experience for Kiwis, tourists and future generations. Its destruction, a further savage rape of New Zealand’s wonderland, would be terrible.

For more information on flows and logistics check out Graham Charles’ ‘New Zealand Whitewater, 125 Great Kayaking Runs. Ben Jackson often spends the summer with the NZ Kayak School in Murchison looking for the ideal run on the West Coast. Ben’s footage of the Mokihinui River can be found on youtube.

White water play time.

Graham Charles.

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The Yakity Yak Join to

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Discovering the ‘Lost Coast’

By Nathan Fa’avae

Tide, Jodie in the front with Zephyr and Jessie in the back.

My three kids were born while I was a professional adventure athlete, travelling to the far corners of 6 continents in search of pristine wilderness to explore. Prior to that I had a career in outdoor education and adventure tourism. Now I organise adventure-sporting events. My work tools are bikes, kayaks, rafts, kites, skis, maps and compasses. My office is strewn with worn out bike tyres and running shoes.

Whether they like it or not (they seem to like it) adventure is what I know, enjoy and probably the only thing I’m actually good at. So Jessie (5), Zephyr (3) and Tide (1) get to go on adventures. Jodie my wife and I have had identical career paths and we both place high value on adventure.

Our latest one was New Caledonia’s ‘La cote Oubliée ‘ (‘The Lost Coast’ – sometimes referred to as the ‘Forgotten Coast’).

It is a 90km stretch of untamed coast between Yate and Thio in the South East, and the only one not developed. There are no roads, very few scattered Kanak Villages and one Nickel Mine accessible only by air and sea. It’s similar to the Abel Tasman National Park but four times the size, ten times more remote and with one million more fish … plus one shark – seen close up while snorkelling with Jessie, my five-year old. Thankfully for us, the shark found the tuna more to its liking.

The coastline is inside a barrier reef, a repeating pattern of paradise … golden beaches, crystal clear coral reefs, scattered islands, tidal lagoons, river deltas and marine life. Turtle and dolphin sightings are common most days, whales if you’re lucky.

In planning, our main decision was what craft to paddle. Incept Marine at Taihape make a whole range of inflatable boats and since I was aware they have the best reputation for commercial white water rafts I had complete confidence in their products. We were excited to discover they also made inflatable kayaks and canoes. Scrolling through their website we found ‘Big

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Nathan Fa’avae

Under kite power!

Jodie and Jessie reading, Tide and Zephyr playing.

‘Big Red’

Red’ (officially ‘Explorer C52T’), a 4-person inflatable canoe that at 5.3 metres long easily had room for the 5 of us with gear – it was a beauty. The canoe, rolled up into the size of a big suitcase and weighing 30kg, can be checked in as baggage for the flight over.

We did a trial paddle before departing, loading our camping gear and using our dog Sunny to simulate the weight of fuel we’d need for the 9-day voyage.

Pleasing outcome! The boat floated, Jodie and I could easily paddle it, and we could eat the equivalent weight of a dog.

We’re off!

We’d never been to Noumea and were surprised to find it run down.

The service was poor. As we were only passing through on route to the Lost Coast. It didn’t overly phase us. All we needed was food.

Walking off the graffiti splattered streets into the supermarket was surreal.

It was as if we were walking into a Super Mache in Paris. It was a delectable delicatessen stocking all foods, fine cheeses, salamis, cured meats and baguettes. That alone made the trip a success as far as I was concerned.

The next day, we made a two-hour jeep trip from Noumea till, while the kids played with hermit crabs, we pumped up our canoe. Half an hour later we were off, paddling northwest in search of marvellous adventure, fun and the tribal village of St Roch. Minutes into the 90 kms trip there were flying fish, massive displays of under water life around coral stacks and turtles sticking their heads up to see what we were all about.

The prevailing South Easterly aided us for 15 kms until we stopped at camp 1; a stunning beach of undisturbed sand nestled between aqua blue waters and protecting coconut trees. Our pattern started. Pull the canoe onto the dry, pitch the tent, kids play, Jodie and I relax, dine under the setting sun eating fine European cuisine. At least 5 times a day for the rest of the trip we had to pinch ourselves – this place is simply too good to be true. As day one drew to a comfortably warm 14-degree night, we agreed no matter what happened, the trip was now an official success.

But it just got better and better. As if out of wounded pride nature seemed to go on show. The water got clearer; the beaches got more beautiful; the sea got warmer; the sun got hotter (average 25 degrees) and even the turtles stuck around longer. One night we stayed at the mining village of Ouinne, hosted by

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Camp 1, Zephyr in the foreground. a kiwi family who have managed aviation at the mine for over 20 years.

Karen, Tom and their son Liam treated us to a BBQ and gave us some good local tips. Another special night we stayed at a Kanak village B&B. They brewed coffee on the fire, took us for a bush walk and cooked local food – complimented with wild passionfruit.

While we swam in the warmth of the tropics and absorbed the sun’s life giving rays, New Zealand was getting a winter blasting of rain and snow, again convincing us that winter trips to the Pacific have to be good for you.

Regarding our choice of vessel, we could not fault the inflatable canoe.

Incept have created the perfect, portable family adventure boat. We are now making a list of river and lake trips for this summer. Next winter we will have another Pacific Island mission – either to Tonga or the Solomon Islands. The C52T, keeping in mind it is an inflatable boat, is rock solid stable, glides through the water at surprising speed and is easily manoeuvred. We loaded up one seating compartment with four Sealline Multiple tie-down dry bags. They were easily stackable in the canoe and easy-to-carry on land. The bags are perfect for rafting, canoeing, or lashing to the top of a vehicle. Because of their heavy-duty scrim-reinforced vinyl construction, we packed all our gear into them in NZ and checked them at the airport.

Not a lot of gear is required for the trip. We had one tent, 5 Thermarests, one set of paddling clothes (shorts and t-shirt) and one set of dry land wear. Added to that we had one blackened billy for cooking on the fire and some utensils for meals, snorkeling gear and books that had been waiting too long to be read. We slept in silk bag liners.

The only safety gear we took was a spare paddle and a first aid kit but we agreed an EPIRB and a Sat phone would be taken in the future – we felt very ‘alone’.

The Lost Coast was a brilliant trip. It had everything we wanted and was much more than we expected. Free camping in the Pacific Islands with no one else around is unique and a wonderful experience. For six nights we saw no people, had beaches, rivers, swimming spots, campsites and islands completely to ourselves. The sea for 8-days was mirror calm with light tail winds most afternoons. It was idyllic, a superb mini-expedition for anyone, kids included.

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Swimming Stop

There was plenty of room.

Tide is quite at home.

April through to October are okay months for the trip, but June, July and August are best. November-March, when high trade winds thrash the Lost Coast, should be avoided unless people are very experienced kayakers. Wild seas and fierce gales are likely.

If you think the trip sounds like something you’d like, but think it may be beyond you, my youngest daughter Tide will be 2 years old very soon and it won’t be long before she can talk – I’m sure she’ll be happy to give you the confidence and reassurance you need.

But for more information on the Lost Coast contact Andrea at www.wild-side.co.nz.

The boat.

Reef Shark.

Award Scheme The NZKI Award Scheme was formed in response to a growing need in the Kayaking Industry to have more people with Kayaking qualifications, to encourage more kayakers towards expanding their skills and knowledge and to continue to increase the safety of our sport.

The NZKI Award Scheme is structured around the assessment of skills and knowledge that are required for the type of activity to be undertaken by the Instructor or Guide.

A star is awarded for each level achieved, starting off with the NZKI One Star for personal paddling skills and knowledge and moving up to the NZKI Five Star for an Assessor.

For more information phone 0508 5292569

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Beijing Olympic Slalom 2008

by Andy Fuller

Luuka Jones has qualified to become the first ever New Zealand woman to compete in Slalom kayaking at the Olympic Games.

Luuka Jones winning the national slalom champs at Kawerau, Easter ‘08

Following in the footsteps of Donald Johnstone, in 1992, and Owen Hughes in 1996 Luuka will be proudly representing NZ slalom, aged only 19. She is from Tauranga but has spent the last 2 winters in Nottingham, England for several months, in order to get training with top level paddlers and coaches.

She qualified to race for NZ earlier in the year by being the top NZ paddler at the Oceania champs in Australia. She won the national champs for the first time in Kawerau and raced 2 world cup races in Prague and Ljubljana justifying her inclusion in the NZ Olympic team.

The NZ Olympic Committee confirmed her spot on the 1st of July to her delight which made her the subject of quite a few news articles on TV and radio.

Luuka’s goal is to win the 2012 Olympics in London. Realistically she doesn’t expect to win in Beijing, but racing there will be a valuable experience and huge step towards her goal in London.

The artificial channel built specifically for the 2008 Olympics provides a continuous, very big whitewater course. Powering against the huge waves and holes all the way down, there will be no opportunity to ease off.

Luuka has been very lucky to secure some sponsorship to help her achieve her dream. She would like to thank 1st Web Design who run her personal website, Fulton Hogan for her shiny new Olympic kayak, MD Pool & Spas and Cooney Lees and Morgan for all their help and DayTwo kayaking for a full set of race gear for the Olympics.

The Olympic slalom races will be held from the 11th to 14th of August.

Whitewater Slalom NZ

Andy Fuller

by Andy Fuller

focuses hard!

What is Whitewater slalom?

Slaloms are held on grade 2 and 3 rapids for 150 to 300 metres. Paddlers negotiate 18 to 25 ‘gates’ of 2 poles suspended above the river. 6 of the gates are upstream. Races test paddling skills without experiencing dangerous rapids. They usually take 2 minutes.

Where in NZ? The main centres for slalom in NZ are the Bay of plenty (with permanent sites in Rotorua, Kawerau and Taupo), Napier, and Mangahao slalom course near Palmerston North. In the South Island there are the areas around Wanaka, Queenstown, Alexandra and Dunedin.

Besides these there are other great places for slalom. You can practise on flatwater, testing yourself on hard gates, then progress to harder courses on rougher water.

When?

Most slalom races are held during the Summer with Nationals and the secondary schools usually at Easter, the end of the season. However, camps and races, held year-round, include ‘pool slaloms’ during really cold weather.

Who? Anyone! Come along and test your skills. Most of NZ’s top kayakers are slalom paddlers or past slalom kayakers. They include Ben Fouhy, Donald Johnstone, Mike Walker, Mick Hopkinson, Graham Charles, Gordon Walker, Andrew Martin, Owen Hughes, Jared Meehan.

The skills slalom gives you will make you better at river running, polo, sprint, down river and multisport. You’ll be more confident, skilled and better able to handle moving water. ‘Easy’ slaloms are held at Reids Farm (Taupo), Kaituna river (Rotorua), Hawea River (Wanaka), Waipori (Dunedin) and on one of the easier courses in Kawerau. To test your skills further there are races at the Wairoa (Tauranga), Tarawera river (Kawerau), Mangahao river (Palmerston

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North), Buller river, Kawarau river (Queenstown).

For further information go to www.slalomnz.org.nz and read the newsletters under the documents area. There’s a pool slalom coming up in Rotorua on 23rd August followed by races in Alexandra towards the end of September.

Also, if you want some top advice, members of the DayTwo team coach at the Kaituna river on a regular basis. (e-mail: info@daytwo.co.nz).

Andy Fuller shepherds young Kelly Travers down the slalom course in Kawerau.

Email: sales@roofrackcentre.co.nz

For all your roof rack requirements.

See www.roofrackcentre.co.nz

BAY OF PLENTY: 07 574 7415 WAIKATO: 07 847 5565

NORTH SHORE: 09 479 1002 WELLINGTON: 04 477 6911 HAWKE’S BAY: 06 842 1305 AUCKLAND: 09 815 2072 TARANAKI: 06 769 5506

TAUPO: 07 378 1003 MANUKAU: 09 262 0209

Successful Winter Fishing

by Jason Milne

Kayak fishing guru Stephen Tapp of Limitless Ventures recently invited me to join him and friend, Shamus for some winter fishing off Bland Bay, 45 mins North of Whangarei.

It was an opportunity to learn from the best how to avoid winter’s normal hard going and ‘fish smarter’, and a great chance to put my new Mission Catch 390 through its paces.

I should have guessed, having fished with Stephen on several occasions that the ‘catch’ was rolling out by 4.30am!

Try getting a good coffee this early in Whangarei!

16 fish and had 6 baits left over. If my bait had failed to reach the target’s depth at the right time I would either have lost it to other fish or caught nothing, which was happening earlier before applying this technique.

Starting early and paddling for 2 kms or so , our first baits went down just after sun up when fish are feeding eagerly. Almost immediately I landed some good snapper. I secured a couple to the fish stringer and placed them under the insulated cover in the stern. However Stephen was pulling in 20lb + snapper not far from me so I needed to find out how to get one of those on my line.

Watch the sounder (fish finder). Throughout this trip my eyes seldom left the view on the sounder. This kept me aware of the environment below at all times heightening the chances of catching fish and giving a sense of truly hunting the fish. A GPS unit is an advantage as I could easily mark the fish and target them effectively. More often than not we were heading for GPS mark but never actually made it due to spotting fish worth targeting on the way. My unit is a compact black & white GPS chart plotter fish finder, conveniently mounted on the deck directly in front of me, using the attachment kit specially made for the Catch 390. The transducer and power supply are mounted internally using the mounts provided with the Catch 390.

I stayed close to Stephen and watched intently as he repeated the process of paddling over the fish watching his sounder, spotting a fish worth targeting then dropping the sea anchor to slow the drift. The previously baited rig would be deployed and the moment it got to or near the target Wham!! The rod bent and he was into the fight, which repeatedly produced Snapper close to & over 20lb. He released all that were not gut hooked.

Applying what I had observed I used my fish finder to spot the target fish, paddled over them, set the anchor running rig with sea anchor attached and dropped the bait. My slowed drift back allowed time for correctly weighted bait to reach the fish. Then Wham!! Off went my line, I quickly pulled on the running rig line to move the sea anchor from the bow to the stern and played this fish out of its depth of 45metres to alongside my kayak. Out quickly came the gaff when I saw, coming to the surface what looked like, and later proved to be, my first 20lb snapper! This fish was promptly attached to the fish stringer and stowed in the rear tank well under cover. I continued to apply this technique throughout the day to great success, I started the day with 25 Pilchards, landed

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During the 9hrs and 25kms of paddling/drifting we chased Snapper, Kawahia, Trevally, Skip Jack Tuna and Kingfish. This hunter-gatherer was tired and very satisfied. Moreover my new Catch 390 performed well and proved comfortable for the whole trip. A well-designed practical deck for fishing made this day’s outing run smoothly. I look forward to applying this style of fishing to the same success in my local fishing locations on the Whangaparaoa coastline.

Useful tip

Take the Plunge: 1st Weekend of the Grade Two Certificate Training. By Craig Pritchard Thoughts of cracking a thin layer of ice on the pool crossed my mind as I drove down the motorway towards Northcote College. The day was icy and miserable, but Sam from Canoe & Kayak North Shore welcomed me warmly and led the class to the pool for the start of Grade 2 Kayak training.

In the heated pool, covered from the wild elements, we paired up to learn techniques for righting a capsized, still manned, kayak ; to relax under water and give the distress signal , 3 taps on the bottom of your boat. We covered basic paddling strokes with emphasis on the low brace position to stop tipping out.

At Canoe & Kayak, North Shore lunch was hot tomato soup and freshly baked bread rolls straight out of the oven. Hail pelted down. So much for choosing warm Auckland for my first training weekend!

In the storm we drove down the motorway to Lake Pupuke, Takapuna, donned gear and took to the water sharing it with indignant black swans and a little man in a bright yellow jacket, who was fishing from a kid’s rubber dinghy.

Mercifully the weather cleared for Sam to coach us on forward and backward paddling, T-Draw strokes, sweep strokes, stern rudder, the essential low brace position and brace support. He also covered T and X rescues. Testing the true extent of my Gladiators secondary in- stability I experienced an involuntary and bone chilling wet exit in the lake that afternoon.

talking of practising ‘fairy glides’. I was puzzled until Rob explained the terminology new to me (ferry not fairy) and recapped on the previous day’s training. He warned that if it chopped up too much we would abandon training and reschedule.

But all was well. On a turning tide we hit the water under the Orewa bridge to practise forward paddling and sweep stroke turning. Then it was eddy entries, low braces and railing. We switched back and forth between fast moving water and an eddy.

Down stream towards the estuary mouth the tidal flow increased and eddy lines strengthened. In these more forceful conditions practising eddy entries dunked 4/5 of us trainee paddlers. The importance of railing and having confidence in the low brace was reinforced.

‘Ferry Glides’, forward and reverse, followed the eddy training. We had a quick session on what to do in pins and wraps and a combat swim in fast following water practising rope rescues. A paddle back up the estuary against the tide with a decent head wind provided a final challenge before a snack and change into warm gear.

That night, while the storm continued to terrorize parts of the country, I was sore but I hit the pillow satisfied by a great day in and out of it.

It had been a fantastic weekend, enjoyed by all, conducted in a professional and yet relaxed atmosphere. Both Sam and Rob were down to earth & approachable. Adding to core training they provided good feedback and general tips to improve our kayaking. Safety was paramount. Two experienced paddlers, Brian and Jane, assisted the instructors and provided support over the weekend.

Rob instructing, 35 Knot gale force south easterlies were predicted for the second day. In the Orewa bridge carpark the lads were in polyprop tights

From my experience I highly recommend the Grade 2 White Water course and encourage you to take the plunge and enrol.

Grade Two River Certificates Ask anybody who has competed in a multisport race and they will say

One or two weekends training Is just NOT ENOUGH!!!

We believe our comprehensive Grade 2 Training & Certification is the best you can get.

To gain the skills to confidently paddle on white water, you need at least 3 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

2008 Multisport Package $995 Accommodation available in Taupo ISSUE FORTYs

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Cambridge to Hamilton 2008

by Su Sommerholder

Launching kayaks at Cambridge 2006.

The Cambridge to Hamilton Race was started 31 years ago

by Auckland Canoe Club.

Due to its suitability for most ages, kayak models, and kayaking abilities, it has proved to be enduringly popular. Kayaks, canoes, sit-on-tops, outriggers, surf skis and waka - in fact any craft which is paddled - were all welcome to enter.

It has always been run over two distances. 23km from Cambridge to Hamilton or 11km from The Narrows to Hamilton. Participants could either enter the handicapped race or just cruise down. It was not unusual to find families of three generations competing, sometimes stopping off on the way to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Competitor numbers varied between 20 and 80. Most people knew each other and enjoyed meeting up once a year. Participation was much more important than winning. There were medals for the first three place getters of each age group and chocolate fish for everyone else.

By the late 1990’s, numbers were growing and it was difficult to find volunteers within Auckland Canoe Club who could dedicate enough time to organize the race. In 2002, nobody was willing to take it on and it looked like the race would end. To avoid this, Auckland Canoe Centre took it over, made it into a commercial venture, and approached their suppliers for sponsorship.

Paddling Perfection immediately sponsored a multisport kayak and the tradition of having one or more kayaks as spot prizes, began. Tremendous support from kayak and accessory manufacturers as well as suppliers of other interesting products saw the value of sponsored prizes rise to almost $20,000 last year.

A new experience is on offer this year. Donald Calder, of Rotorua has imported two 15-20 seater canoes. He is taking these to the race and encourages people to participate who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to paddle.

Bookings are essential and all the equipment is supplied. Text or phone Donald on 021-343980 for more information.

The Race Briefing is at Riverside Reserve south of Cambridge, at 11am. The first kayaks away at 11.30am. Hot showers are available at the race finish.

Lunch for the competitors will be ready on arrival in Hamilton. Trophies will be presented at 2.30 pm followed by distribution of the major spot prizes.

The entry fee is $49 for adults and $25 for people under 18. This includes a race pack with a drink, nibbles and useful gift; also a quality T-shirt and lunch.

Plus the chance of a valuable spot prize.

Major prizes this year include:

Four years ago when Canoe and Kayak purchased Auckland Canoe Centre, the race was retained by race director Su Sommerhalder, who now organizes it as Akarana Kayaks Cambridge – Hamilton Kayak Race and Cruise.

Q-Kayaks Kiwi Touring Kayak, $1250

The race continued to grow and in 2007 reached a record 350 competitors in 320 kayaks. Similar numbers are expected this year. Competitors come from all over the North Island. The youngest competitor so far was three (he paddled with his father) and the oldest eighty. The eighty year old even won a trophy in the over-sixty age group.

Sea Kayaking holiday in Fiji with Safari Lodge.

Kayak shops hire kayaks to competitors who don’t have their own, and some of them from New Plymouth, Auckland and Hamilton organize group trips to the race. This ensures those with less experience can still join in the fun.

Katilla Kramer & Hedo Rientsma

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Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 with rudder and seat $1749 plus Carlisle Arctic Carbon Paddle $250.

For further details and to enter on-line check out www.kayakrace.co.nz .

Entry forms can be collected from most kayak shops and canoe clubs, or contact the Race Director, Su Sommerhalder on kayakrace@akaranakayaks.com Phone/fax (09) 631-5344 or 0275-529-251 (0275-Kayak1.)

Rex Barlow & Charles Hoy

Canoe & Kayak BOP is For Sale!

Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty benefits from a high exposure site in Mount Maunganui with time to run on the lease.

It includes a specialist kayak store with retail and on water activities. It is the Home of the BOP Yakity Yak Club, BOP kayaking school and is the specialist BOP Roof Rack Centre. Above the kayak shop is a 65m2 self contained unit, currently rented to a small business.

Steve and Karen started the Centre in 2003. Since then it has been a tip top, well regarded, profitable and growing business. It is now run by one owner and one staff member.

Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty.

BOP Canoe and Kayak Centre is one of 9 linked to the largest specialist Kayaking Company in New Zealand. Licensed to Canoe and Kayak Ltd the owner enjoys the Company’s proven business systems, purchasing power and on going head office support.

To ensure continuing business success from day one, the Company provides a comprehensive training course for new owners followed by bi-monthly meetings of fellow owners to discuss and share strategies, marketing and operations.

A rare opportunity to purchase a profitable life style business in this exciting and growing industry.

Please call me on 0274 529255, for a chat.

Peter Townend, Managing Director, Canoe & Kayak Ltd

In store BOP

Taupo Canoe & Kayak For Sale.

The Castle

This fantastic lifestyle kayaking business is for sale. Canoe & Kayak Taupo has been established for over 10 years and is now in a superb location in the most recognisable building town.

‘The Castle’ is on one of Taupo’s busiest roads, with huge exposure.

The business - a specialist kayak store with amalgamated Roof Rack Centre - has a healthy turnover and continues to grow. We also offer White Water, Multisport and Sea Kayak instruction. Our guided trips on Lake Taupo and the surrounding rivers are extremely popular. Hire of kayaks and equipment is also offered.

Above the shop is a 3 bedroom, 95sqm Flat. Open plan, 1 bed en suit, mountain A Fantastic Lifestyle! and lake views, currently rented out. Canoe & Kayak Taupo is 1 of 9 stores on the North Island, part of a licenced operation. Income is approx 50% retail and 50% tourism and instruction.

At present it employs 3 full time members of staff and many ‘on call’ guides and instructors.

Thorough training is given by Canoe & Kayak Ltd with plenty of on-going support.

Also there is the opportunity to buy the Kayakers Lodge, a 4 bedroom self contained house on the banks of the Waikato River. 14 beds, a renovated, 1 bedroom sleepout (also rented out) and double garage. The house is set up to accommodate clients while on kayaking courses, and and is shared with the current owner.

This business is reluctantly for sale due to change in circumstance.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity, live the dream...give me a call on 0274 529255 and I will happily talk to you.

The Lodge Taupo

Peter Townend, Managing Director Canoe & Kayak Ltd

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Norway 2008 with Josh Neilson Norway, a country of contrast, beauty and world class white water, is slightly bigger than Germany but with 95 percent less inhabitants. While learning to kayak I was drawn to the photos and film of kayaking there and this would be my first close up experience. On the plane to Oslo butterflies tore around in my stomach. Rumours about thrashings, swims and broken bones flew through my head, soon replaced by excitement when I was met by fellow Kiwi, Sam Sutton, in our brand new Renault rental car. With a few bits of wood screwed Kiwi style to the roof for racks, a car full of food Sam had brought from Germany, and our boats strapped down we were off to Telemark, a few hours south.

Telemark holds some of Norway’s steepest white water. Within minutes of arrival we were running a huge slide which we thought was a bit low. It turned out to be on the high side, but still good fun!

We spent three weeks based on the lakeside at Austbygdai. This small town sits right where the river meets the lake and at the base of some amazing mountains. The Austbygdai River has a few sections of class 4-5 White water, one where Sam, on a fine day, fired down a huge slide and off a 35foot drop.

It isn’t normally run! He styled it, but was glad to reach the bottom! Right after this was the main waterfall on the river, Spanemfossen, a cool drop with a lot of water and a super soft landing!

The section called ‘project 2000’ had been run once, a few years ago, and not been touched since, though many have looked. At the top is a plateau before the river drops 400m in a stretch of only 500m! The run started well with clean drops and slides. About half way down Tim Starr dropped into a slide, was pushed left and his deck popped. He swam the slide and luckily made it out before the next drop. When running white water this steep, safety has to be paramount. Since just about every river in Norway has a road right alongside, it’s easy for a last minute decision to pull over and start paddling. Tim ‘pulled out’. The rest of the run was without fault and Sam was super stoked to get on this one.

A few more cool creeks under our belts and we were off to the Voss region for Voss Extreme Sports Week. This includes over 10 different extreme sports, each sport with a few competitions. This year there was a head to head, time trial and team’s race for kayakers. Right before the event two other Kiwi mates, Mike Dawson and Bradley Lauder met us and travelled with us for the rest of the trip. The time trial was on the first day. Mike Dawson took first place by a huge margin. On the second day the team event on the same river included a higher section. In about 20 minutes of racing class 4-5 drops and slides in groups of three, First, Second and Third were taken by the Kiwi teams. Cool on the podium! The final day was head to head racing. Mike, Sam and Brad then stood on the podium. New Zealand 3 firsts, 2 seconds and 2 thirds!

The steepest river I have ever seen was Husevollevla, which was on our must visit list.

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

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Sam Sutton - Austbygdai - Photo Josh Neilson

A great effort by our country!

Over the week we saw awesome displays by the BASE jumpers and Wing suit fliers off huge cliffs, and freestyle big air skiing just out of town.

The festival wrapped up with a closing ceremony and a film competition. I entered a short film which I’d compiled over the week. It contrasted the real and unreal. Our film, shown to an audience of a few thousand people, took second place. With everyone on a high from a week of excitement and success, we celebrated and danced the night away.

The festival over and the town emptying out fast we turned to the guidebook for more adventure. The weather cleared and now, free from the crowd of kayakers, we paddled almost every super classic run in Voss. But we had missed the prize run on Tiegdale River every time it came in.

So we loaded up the car and went north to find some new white water. Half way up we paddled a small creek on the high side of good but took off early when Brad was flipped in a hole and hit his head quite bad. The rivets on his helmet, smashed right down, gave him a bit of a fright. We hiked to our car where a txt message from a crew back in Voss was waiting. “Tiegdale River back in. Good to go tomorrow.”

We aborted the north mission and headed back for a morning put in. Great excitement at camp that night! At the put in, excitement turned to frustration.

The river was dry. We had missed this run for the third time. Sitting at the base of the famous double drop, a clean 10m with a 2m pool then a 15m drop, we planned to be back for a fourth attempt in 2009.

In six weeks Sam and I had paddled a huge range of creeks with a lot of cool people. I left Norway thinking of Jens Klatt’s words in the Guide Book “Paddlers come with high hopes expecting to run everything, time permitting. But even after four weeks you only gain a rough impression. The gorges and rivers of Norway provide the modern white water paddler with absolutely limitless options. Let the power and beauty of Norway enchant you on your journey.

Enjoy the ride.”

Josh Neilson- Skogsaa Falls Photo - Sam Sutton

Sam Sutton.

Could be NZ!

Frozen Lake.

Josh Neilson homerun Photo Sam Sutton

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Products available in store by ordering from info@canoeandkayak.co.nz Only $270.00

Rhino Folding Upright Kayak Carrier

.00

t

Jus

48 $1

Rhino rack produce the RX and RXX carrier system to contain a single boat or two boats together where roof space is an issue. This system carries the boats securely and safely and can be folded down when not used.

They are available for a variety of bars and include padded tie straps.

Roof Racks for all occasions

  

   

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The Rhino-Rack Multi Purpose holder.

The Rhino multi purpose holder is capable of holding a multitude of items including fishing rods , skis or ski poles as well as kayak paddles. They fit to many bar profiles with the included Rhino ‘ wrap’ fitting making these a simple easy fit.

Only $52.00

The World’s Quietest Roof Rack

Prorack has released a new design in Roof Racks. The S wing is an innotive solution to an age old problem. When changing cars you need to replace your roof racks too.

This unique system utilises the core foot pack and bar which can be upgraded, at a modest expense, to suit all styles of roof. Unlike many other roof rack systems, S-Wing offers a choice of bar style designed to suit different load types and personal preferences. The European-style Through bar extends out over the mounting foot to accommodate wide or larger loads. The Flush bar is ideal for those looking for a more streamlined, ‘factory-fitted’ look. With the correct fitting kit they will also fit the roof rails on your station wagon.

behind the crossbar. The wing-shaped design interrupts the vortex stream that produces the annoying hum usually associated with roof racks and makes S-Wing whisper quiet. The aerodynamic shape also reduces wind drag – tests by Canterbury University show the S-Wing crossbar has 40 to 70% less wind drag than leading competitors’ roof racks, making for great fuel savings..

Not only saving money at the fuel pump, but starting at $299.00, they’re easy on the pocket too!

“S-Wing’s patented technology is the result of more than ten years of research conducted with Canterbury University. Tested downunder in the adventure playground of the world, this exciting new generation roof rack features Whispbar technology which radically reduces roof noise and enhances aerodynamics.” says Jonathan Hubbard of Hubco Ltd, manufacturer of Prorack.

Innovative Whisbar noise reducing technology stops sound waves collecting

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Learn To Kayak

Phone 0508 529 2569 to book

Sea Kayaking

white water Stage 2

Stage 1

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 $399

ESKIMO ROLLING

This course covers the skills required to become a technically correct Eskimo Roller. You increase your confidence, allowing you to paddle in more challenging conditions. Being able to eskimo roll will make you a more competent, safe and capable paddler.

INTRO TO WHITE WATER A comprehensive course designed to cover the skills required to become a technically correct 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.

Course: Weekend COST $349

Course: 4 evening sessions COST $200

Stage 3

Stage 1

Stage 2

ESKIMO ROLLING 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.

Course: 4 evening sessions COST $200

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 4 MULTISPORT

WEATHER & NAVIGATION

OCEANS COURSE

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.

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

Course: 4 evening sessions COST $150

Course: Weekend/overnight.

COST $350

RIVER SKILLS

On this course we continue to build on the skills 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, surfing and building new skills in River Rescue techniques and River Reading.

During this course we build on the skills gained on the Stage One to Three Courses.

Developing your moving water skills, technique and confidence in your Multi Sport Kayak. We start on the Mohaka River on Saturday and progress 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 outlined on the Grade Two Competency Certificate. A copy is available from Canoe & Kayak Centres.

Course: Weekend • COST $349

Course: Weekend • COST $349

Stage 6

Stage 6

Stage 5

Stage 5 KAYAKING SURF Surfing is heaps of fun when you know how. We will spend the evenings 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

Course: 4 evening sessions COST $349

RESCUE COURSE 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.

Programme One Evening Cost $60

ADVANCED WHITEWATER

RIVER RESCUE

This course is designed to sharpen your whitewater skills and start learning simple rodeo moves. We will 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 feeling comfortable on Grade 2+ rapids.

Ideally you should already be paddling the mid section of Rangitaiki or equivalent.

This course is covers likely scenarios on white water rivers. It is suitable for paddlers who feel comfortable on Grade One to Two rivers. You learn rope skills, muscle techniques, team control, heads up, risk management and combat swimming. Also covered are skills required in the following situations: entrapments, kayak wraps, swimming kayakers and their equipment.

Course: Weekend • COST $349

Course: Weekend • COST P.O.A.

Awards Contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak centre to develop a personalised course to suit your needs.

For more information phone 0508 5292569

www.nzki.co.nz

42

ISSUE FORTYs

ix • 2008

SWALLOW

The next step up from the entry level kayaks.

Fast with good stability. Medium skill ability is required to enjoy racing this kayak. A very popular Coast to Coast kayak.

INTRIGUE

This kayak is ideal for the beginner/entry level kayaker who is looking for a quick, light kayak with great stability. Also suitable for first time Coast to Coasters.

GLADIATOR

This fast, stable kayak with its larger cockpit is built for the bigger paddler looking for a longer, stable kayak for Coast to Coast etc.

Prices start at $2710, $2940 Kevlar

Prices start at $2460, $ 2740 Kevlar

Prices start at $2860 Glass $3170 Kevlar

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

Length: 4.94 m, Weight: 14.5kg Glass, 12kg Kevlar , Width: 540 mm

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

FIREBOLT

Available online at

ADVENTURE DUET

info @canoeandkayak.co.nz

This new, very user friendly kayak with its excellent combination of speed and stability supercedes our very popular Opus. It is suitable not only for the intermediate / advanced paddler, but also for the busy, but keen ‘Weekend Warrior’.

Prices start at $2860 Glass, $3170 Kevlar

Multisport

The Rebel is designed for paddlers of both genders up to 75kgs. At 5.65 metres long, the Rebel is half way between the length of the Swallow and the Opus or Firebolt and is faster than them all.

Prices start at $5260 Glass, $5760 Kevlar Length: 7m, Weight: 29 kg Glass, 24 kg Kevlar, Width: 550 mm

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

REBEL KEVLAR

This lightweight, very fast and recently updated Adventure Racing double kayak continues to dominate adventure racing in NZ and is a great recreational double.

OCEAN X

The Ocean X is suitable for kayak racing in the many harbours, estuaries and lakes of New Zealand and lends itself well to the kayak sections of many multisport races.

MAXIMUS

Fast ocean going Racing Sea Kayak. The broad bow allows this kayak to ride over waves like a surf ski without losing any speed and is easy to control while surfing. A low profile reduces buffeting by the wind in adverse conditions.

Prices start at $3150

Prices start at $3200 Glass, $3700 Kevlar

Length: 5.65 m, Weight: 11 kg , Width: 450mm

Length: 6.4 m, Weight: 18kg Glass, 16.5kg Kevlar, Width: 500 mm

Length: 6.43 m, Weight: 16 kg, Width: 510 mm

THE ELIMINATOR

SURF SKI

VIPER

An excellent training and competition surf ski, can be used with under-slung rudder or rear mounted rudder.

This boat is designed as an entry level alternative to expensive composite crafts, has good stability and speed. Colours: Stone grey, Mango, White granite, Lime, Yellow.

A fast stable racing and training ‘Sit -on’. It has an adjustable dry seat and a cool draining system.

Ideal for the paddler wanting a good fitness work out.

Prices start at $1695

Length: 5.0 m, Weight: 22 kg std, Width: 584 mm

Prices start at $1795

Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 22 kg kg std, Width: 510 mm

Prices start at $3620

Prices start at $1695

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

TUI EXCEL

A versatile touring kayak for lake, river and sea.

Stability, speed and easy tracking make for an enjoyable day’s paddling. A larger cockpit allows for easier entry and exit.

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.

SHEARWATER

A comfortable performance orientated sea kayak which will suit all sizes of paddlers with plenty of foot room for the bigger ones. Handles well in rough conditions, a fun boat to paddle.

Prices start at $1930

Prices start at $2430

Prices start at $2475

Length: 4.4 m, Weight: Std 24kg, Width: 620 mm

Length: 4.80 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg lite ,Width: 610 mm

Length: 4.80 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23kg lite, Width: 610

TASMAN EXPRESS

TASMAN EXPRESS ELITE

Responds to rough conditions. Its low profile and flared bow enable it to perform well in adverse conditions. It is designed to give the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, backrest, side seat supports and optional thigh brace.

As per the plastic model, the kevlar Tasman Express responds to rough conditions but its decreased weight, and increased stiffness, gives even better performance.

Prices start at $2695

Prices start at $4260

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

Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 22 kg std, Width: 600 mm

SOUTHERN SKUA

FOVEAUX EXPRESS

The Southern Skua has a low deck profile enabling it to perform extremely well in windy conditions, while its longer hull gives it greater speed and allows it to respond in a following sea to surf the waves. It gives maximum stability in the open sea.

Prices start at $4235

A very responsive and playful sea kayak. Comes with a moulded thigh brace. The dolphin nose with flair, allows lift in the ocean swell. A fun, nimble kayak.

Prices start at $4160

Available online at

Sea K TORRES

A fast and stable sea kayak capable of handling extreme expeditions. Huge storage and lots of leg room.

Prices start at $4320

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

Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 14.5kg, Width: 540 mm

Length: 5.6 m, Weight: 23 kg kevlar carbon, Width: 600 mm

C&K BOUYANCY AID

FOAM PADDLE FLOAT

CAMP SHOWER

Increase your visibility in these yellow bouyancy aids. They can be adjusted with side, shoulder and waist straps. There is a pocket with a ring to store keys, knife or whistle on the inside.

A paddle float you don’t have to inflate!

The reflective webbing trim and a metallic chrome front panel enhances visibility. Deployment is easy with a large pocket for your paddle blade, and a wide adjustable leash to secure the paddle shaft.

The Camp Shower is great for washing.

It’s time to trade up! Constructed of durable PVC, it has a separate fill cap, on/off valve and a hanging/ carrying handle. The Camp Shower is also great for washing dirty hands and feet.

$99.50

$109.90

$24.95

ACADIA 370

Flat water cruising, well appointed, a nifty adjustable backrest, an access hatch in the back which is great for carrying your extra gear.

CONTOUR 450

This kayak is designed for day tripping and light overnight expeditions. It’s great fun to paddle and handles easily.

CONTOUR 480

Is a roomy, manoeuvrable, easy to handle boat.

A channelled hull provides outstanding tracking which helps keep you on course. Its upswept, flared bow makes crossing rough water a breeze.

Prices start at $1299

Prices start at $2300

Prices start at $2550

Length: 3.7 m, Weight: 20 kg std, Width: 680 mm

Length: 4.5 m, Weight: 26 kg std, Width: 640 mm

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

CONTOUR 490

ECO NIIZH 565 XLT

This double Sea Kayak is an ideal day tourer with the easy ability to do those weekend camping expeditions. It handles well, is fun to paddle and has well appointed accessories.

This model is proving a hit with its lighter weight and some excellent features. We now have a plastic double sea kayak that is great to use for all those amazing expeditions and adventures.

info @canoeandkayak.co.nz

ayaks ECOBEZHIG 540

An enjoyable sea kayak, fast and nimble with huge storage, great features and the most comfortable seat your butt will ever meet.

Prices start at $3199

Prices start at $3199

Prices start at $4250

Length: 4.87 m, Weight: 35 kg std, Width: 800 mm

Length: 5.64 m, Weight: 45 kg std, Width: 760 mm

POINT 65 NEMO

POINT 65 505

The Point 65 Nemo is comfortable and stable recreational kayak for the whole family. It is designed for stability and comfort and is aimed at entry level paddlers looking for an affordable kayak easy to handle on and off the water.

A fully-fledged touring kayak designed for entry and medium level paddlers, it is an affordable and high-quality touring boat. At 505 cm it offers great glide and tracking.

Prices start at $1099

Prices start at $2299

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

Length: 3.5 m, Weight: Std 22 kg, Width: 630 mm

Length: 5.05 m, Weight: Std 25kg, Width: 580 mm

COBRA MHH325 VHF

CUDA 168 FISHFINDER

Cobra handheld marine VHF radio. Complete with AC & DC charger. 1, 3 & 5W output. Instant emergency channel access. Submersible to JIS7 standards. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery.

$249

A top selling member of the Cuda family for it’s great on-the-water performance and value! 4”, 4 level greyscale screen. 200kHz transom mount transducer. 168x132 resolution. Fishtrack & Fish symbol I.D.

$239

CUDA 168P FISHFINDER

Comes with Porta-Power Pack case and portable 200kHz Skimmer transducer with suction cup mounting bracket. (Batteries not included)

$349

FLOW

Stable and easy to paddle, it handles surf with ease. Simple to use for the beginner, yet exciting for the more experienced paddler.

SWING 400 PLUS

Fishing, cruising, well appointed with gear storage inside. Also includes an optional extra pod that detaches, which is great for carrying your fishing gear to your favourite spot.

CATCH 390

Features to satisfy the keenest angler. Ideal for beginners & experienced fishermen alike. Front & rear bulkheads.

Watertight fishing rod chute. Flush mount rod holders behind the seat .

Prices start at $879

Prices start at $1199

Prices start at $1650

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

Length: 4.0 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 760 mm

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

SWING 470 PLUS

A fantastic two person cruising kayak which is stable and fast. It has plenty of storage and great features to make your adventures fun.

SURGE

A fun double sit on top kayak with the option of a third person sitting in the middle. The kayak has ample stability and speed and performs well in the surf.

Prices start at $1399

Prices start at $1299

Length: 4.7 m, Weight: 34 kg std, Width: 830 mm

Length: 3.90 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 850 mm

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.

Prices start at $449 Length: 2.7m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 760 mm

MICRO DRY STUFF SACKS

Compact splash proof protection for all your valuables and electronics. Constructed with 70D Hex rip-stop nylon with an easy-to-use three roll closure system.

$29.90

ACADIA 280

A light easy to use family kayak. Enjoyable paddling for the whole family in sheltered waters.

Available online at

Recre ACADIA 470

A great fun family boat with plenty of freeboard allowing for a heavy load. Excellent for sheltered water exploring. Paddles quickly and has excellent stability. Dry storage compartment.

Prices start at $799

Prices start at $1599

Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 17 kg std, Width: 660 mm

Length: 4.7 m, Weight: 34 kg std, Width: 830 mm

SAFETY FLAG & LIGHT

BOP SAFETY FLAGS

Be seen day or night with Great Stuff’s Safety Flag, LED light unit. Comes complete with Rod Holder or alternative deck fittings. A must for all open water kayakers.

These Flag & lights have a rigid fibreglass pole that threads into a surface mounted bung. The waterproof safety light runs on 2 AA batteries and is visible for up to 3km in good conditions.

Deck flag $75.00, Deck light $125.00 Deck light & flag $155.00

$99.00

FIREFLY

ESCAPEE

ESCAPADE

Here is a little cracker! The Firefly is designed so the kids can have some fun. Little and light. Easy to handle and nice and stable. Here is a kayak the kids will love, if they can get Dad off it!

Probably the closest you will come to finding one kayak that does it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling.

An extended Escapee for the larger paddler to fish, dive and have fun in the sun.

$496

Prices start at $810

Prices start at $1020

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

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

Length: 3.46 m, Weight: 27 kg std, Width: 750 mm

WANDERER

TANDEM

A stable fun kayak which is easy to handle. This is an enjoyable kayak for all the family.

A ‘two person’ kayak, ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring. It has room for great hatches to store your adventure equipment. Available with three person option. It is often used by one person.

info @canoeandkayak.co.nz

ational PLAY

Great for the paddler who wants a fun fast surf and flat water kayak. Kids love this Sit-on as it is not too wide for them to paddle and yet is very stable.

Prices start at $1695

Prices start at $1295

Length: 4.5 m, Weight: 34 kg std, Width: 820 mm

Length: 3.81 m, Weight: 25.90 kg, Width: 915 mm

STRIKE

EXPLORER

A Wave Ski which the whole family can enjoy.

Fantastic in the surf, it‘s a fast and manoeuvrable sit-on-top.

Ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring and one of the driest ‘Sit-ons’ you will find. Great hatches for storing your goodies are available.

Prices start at $749

Prices start at $895

Prices start at $995

Length: 3.10 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 711 mm

Length: 2.9 m, Weight: 16 kg std, Width: 686 mm

Length: 3.43 m, Weight: 18.18 kg std, Width: 790 mm

TOURER

FISH N’ DIVE

MARAUDER

The low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts down on windage, enabling paddlers to maintain high speed and straight tracking with easy handling in all conditions.

Prices start at $1295

Length: 4.55 m, Weight: 22.68 kg , Width: 711 mm

The ultimate fishing/diving kayak. A large well is located in the stern and holds up to three tanks.

There is one centrally located seat and a smaller companion seat near the bow.

Prices start at $1195

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 914 mm

The Marauder is for the serious kayak fisherman.

Fast, stable and loads of deck space. Excellent performance in surf.

Prices start at $1395 Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 24 kg std, Width: 780 mm

PADDLERS BILGE PUMP

A must for any boater. Our 36 litres per minute Bilge Pump features an easy-grab handle, super-strong pump shaft and heavy-duty impact resistant plastic.

PADDLE FLOAT

Two chamber float for added safety. A 2nd chamber for use when you need extra buoyancy or if one chamber is accidentally punctured.

$59.90

$84.90

LATITUDE STUFF SACK

SUPER LATITUDE

With full horizontal access, our Latitudes eliminate the hassle of having to dig vertically to get at what you want. Built with a polyester body and heavy-duty vinyl ends, Latitudes are built to perform, but at a value price!

Eco-friendly PVC Free Super Latitudes feature the great wide mouth-lateral design. Slides easily into kayak hatches. Our hands-free Autopurge valve automatically purges the air as the bag is compressed.

ROD/ PADDLE LEASH

Unique quick-release-at-paddle feature allows paddle to be quickly & easily attached/detached to/from leash. Constructed with a heavy-duty snap hook for maximum durability and an internal Kevlar cord filament for maximum breaking strength.

$34.90

Available online at

Prod

10Ltr $54.90 - 21Ltr $64.90 - 51Ltr $99.90

10Ltr $69.90 - 21Ltr $79.90 - 51Ltr $119.90

OPTI DRY STUFF SACK

OMNI DRY STUFF SACK

OMNI DRY BACKPACK ACKPACK

The Opti Dry is super-tough and super-clear.

Constructed with heavy-duty clear vinyl and an abrasion resistant bottom.

These all-purpose bags are great for any adventure. The Omni Dry Bag features a waterproof 3-roll closure with D-ring, vinyl body and heavy-duty abrasion resistant bottom.

140 litres Huge says it. We put a guitar in one last weekend, huge storage. A heavy-duty 3-roll closure system

10Ltr $29.90 - 21Ltr $34.90 - 41Ltr $44.90

10Ltr $39.90 - 21Ltr $44.90 - 41Ltr $54.90

MIGHTYMITE CART

STANDARD TROLLEY

Our new Mighty Mite Cart is small enough to fit in most Kayak holds, With pneumatic wheels, anodized aluminium frame, a single tie-down, and a stand, this cart offers great features at a low price.

These wheels are the step down from the heavy duty version. Large wheels still make any terrain a breeze, while a pin holds them in. They still fold away into your back hatch. A lighter weight trolley for moving mainly empty kayaks.

$149.00

$199.00

$99.00 HEAVY DUTY TROLLEY

Easy to carry a sea kayak loaded down with all your gear! Heavy duty stainless steel constructions. Wheels fold down conveniently to fit in a back hatch.

$349.00

SPORTSMANS DROGUE

SEA ROVER COMPASS

PACK SINK

A great small-craft safety accessory.

These heavy duty Sea Anchors are built in tough PVC for maximum abuse. With tubing sewn in, they stay open to deploy quickly. Designed to work both as a sea brake while drifting, and sea anchor.

300mm dia. opening 580mm length

The Sea Rover features a large compass with easy to read markings—no squinting here to read where you’re going! With a simple, yet elegant base, the Sea Rover attaches easily to deck lines or sits nicely on top of a deck bag. Quick-release buckles allow for easy attachment.

Our 15 litre capacity square camp sink can’t be beat. The Pack Sink’s unique square shape makes cleaning larger items simple and it folds flat for easy (out of the way) storage when not in use.

$79.90

$35.90

STD DECKBAG

DELUXE DECK BAG

Our Standard Deck Bag offers exceptional value!

The entire bag is radio frequency welded to keep waves and rain out. Our splash proof, HydroKiss™coated zip is sealed in with no excessive needle holes for water to find.

The Deluxe Deck Bag offers a unique window view access, high capacity and light reflectivity.

A clear window allows for easier gear location and a higher profile for better gear storage.

$119.90

$149.00

YAKITY YAK KAYAK CLUB

KAYAK CENTRES FOR SALE

BUY A SUBSCRIPTION

Join the club. You will get a weekend skills course to teach you techniques and safety skills and a year’s membership. If you are keen to learn more there is a bunch of courses which teach everything from Eskimo Rolling to becoming an instructor.

What a great way to earn a living. Working in a recreational retail business with heaps of time outdoors, floating on the sea with great company.

Phone Peter Townend on 0274 529 255, James Fitness on 0275 414 474 or email info@canoeandkayak.co.nz for more information.

$79.00

info @canoeandkayak.co.nz

ucts

$399 NORTH SHORE

WAIKATO

PHONE: 09 479 1002

PHONE: 07 847 5565

Unit 2/20 Constellation Drive (off Ascension Place), Mairangi Bay, Auckland

AUCKLAND

502 Sandringham Rd Sandringham

PHONE: 09 815 2073

SILVERDALE

DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 6 Tavern Road, Silverdale

PHONE: 09 421 0662

MANUKAU

710 Great South Road, Manukau

PHONE: 09 262 0209

The corner Greenwood St & Duke St, State Highway 1 Bypass, Hamilton

BAY OF PLENTY 3/5 Mac Donald Street Mount Maunganui (off Hewletts Rd)

PHONE: 07 574 7415

HAWKE’S BAY 15 Niven Street Onekawa, Napier

PHONE: 06 842 1305

TARANAKI

Unit 6, 631 Devon Road Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth

PHONE: 06 769 5506

WELLINGTON 2 Centennial Highway Ngauranga, Wellington

PHONE: 04 477 6911

TAUPO

77 Spa Road, Taupo

PHONE: 07 378 1003

6 issues for only $40, saving nearly $5.00 off the news-stand price, delivered free. This great magazine will give you heaps of information and ideas to make your kayaking more enjoyable.

Subscription price to anywhere in NZ

$40

Please Note: For the kayaks advertised, the price is for the kayak only. It does 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.

Directory: Things To Do

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

$90 per person (bookings essential).

Call freephone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Waikato River Discovery

Mohaka

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 this wicked Grade II river run... this is a whole day of thrills and fantastic scenery down the Mohaka River.

Price: $45 adult $25 children Special group and family rates. Call freephone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

TAUPO Accommodation

Waitara River Tours

Price: $125 per person. Call freephone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Phone: Taupo 07 378 1003, Hawke’s Bay 06 842 1305

Mokau River

Accommodation available to Yakity Yak club members and their families... Ideal for sport and school groups... Situated on the banks of the Waikato River our Kayakers Lodge accommodates up to 15 people, is fully furnished, with plenty of parking and a quiet location.

For those who are slightly more adventurous at heart, this is a scenic trip with the excitement of grade two rapids. Midway down, we paddle under the historic Betran Rd Bridge where we will stop for a snack.

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

Allow 2 hours paddle only. Priced at $50.

Phone: 06 769 5506

Two day trips $230.00 or one day $80.00.

Phone 06 769 5506

Glow worms Cruise

River Tours

$30 per person per night.

Phone: 0800 529256 for details

Join us for a picturesque paddle on Lake McLaren and into the narrow canyon 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 $65 per person.

Phone Canoe and Kayak BOP for bookings. 07 574 7415

Paddle to the Pub 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. These trips are available to Riverhead, Browns Bay and Devonport Pubs.

COST: $59.00 each • GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

Exploring beautiful estuaries. Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and great views.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details

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

Group discounts available!

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details

50

ISSUE FORTYs

Taupo - Open for the summer and by appointment. Long Bay, Auckland - by appointment only. Have some paddling fun on the beach or let us run a Tour for you and your friends and explore these beautiful areas.

0800 529256

Sugar Loaf Island From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out to the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. View the Taranaki scenic, rugged 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. $55.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506

New Zealand Kayaking Instructors Award Scheme Become a kayaking Instructor and Guide.

Get into gear and get qualified!

It’s fun and easy to do.

Don’t delay phone 0508 5292569 now

Customized Tours

Join the Yakity Yak Club

• Work Functions • Schools • Clubs • Tourist groups

Want to have fun, meet new people, have challenging and enjoyable trips, and learn new skills?

PLUS get a regular email newsletter and this magazine! Also, get a discount on kayaking courses and purchases from Canoe & Kayak Centres.

Then, join us!

Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a full days 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 KAYAKNZ

ix • 2008

Price on application.

Kayak Hire

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details

Twilight Tours

Whanganui River Trips Interested in a great adventure on this Magnificent River?

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

Canoe & Kayak Taupo

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ to find out more

High

performance

fun

with Aquatx Cobra Kayaks and enjoy high performance fun, riding the foam, fishing or just paddling!

The Aquatx range of Cobra Kayaks meets the full range of on-water paddling needs from surfing fun, serious fishing, diving and touring, to multi-sport high performance.

Aquatx Cobra Kayaks all feature polyethylene hulls for super tough performance, with a 10 year guarantee to prove it. The self draining reinforced scuppers throughout give unparalleled hull rigidity and a drier ride.

Aquatx Cobra Surf & Fun Kayaks are specially

designed for family fun at the beach or on the river.

The light-weight but strong design means they can be easily mounted on roof racks or trailers and then simply carried to the water.

The ‘sit on top’ design with self draining scuppers means a drier, safer ride.

Call 0508 AQUATX or visit www.aquatx.co.nz 2 7 8 2 8 9

Aquatx Cobra Touring and Fishing Kayaks

are unique because they offer a range of specialist accessories to configure your kayak to your own needs for sports fishing and distance touring.

All Aquatx Fishing and Touring Kayaks can be fitted with a motor bracket for an electric trolling motor.

Plus with the largest hatches on the market, there is still plenty of room left for rod holders, scuba gear, the battery, tackle box, bait tank, and much more.

Aquatx Cobra High Performance Kayaks

are the kayaks of choice for low-cost, robust training gear. Designed for both speed and distance, Aquatx High Performance Kayaks offer a great deal whether you are new to multi-sport kayaking or you are an experienced veteran seeking a training boat.

Aquatx Cobra Kayak Accessory System is a completely configurable system with a huge range of custom options.

Call us now for our dealer locations or visit the Canoe and Kayak dealer nearest you and find out how to make your dreams a reality on the water this summer.

DISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD TAUPO

TARADALE ROAD

Acme Kayaking Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Taupo

Peter & Bronnie van Lith Trading as Canoe & Kayak Taranaki

ST EA

6 Tavern Road, Silverdale Telephone: 09 421 0662 Canoe & Kayak Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Distribution

KILLARNEY ROAD

STA TE

WIRI STATION ROAD

ATEA D RIVE

The Corner Greenwood St & Duke St, State Highway 1 bypass Hamilton Telephone: 07 847 5565 On Water Adventures Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Waikato

N TEN CEN

WA Y H IAL

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NG NGAURA

TO TAURANGA BRIDGE

NORTH

MACDONALD STREET LIQUORLAND

3/5 Mac Donald Street Mount Maunganui (off Hewletts Rd) Telephone: 07 574 7415

Canoe & Kayak Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Manukau

Jenanne Investment Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty

JOIN THE

These Kayak Centres Available Now! Phone

AG

2 Centennial Highway, Ngauranga, Wellington Telephone: 04 477 6911 J & M Downey Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Wellington

KFC

MAUNGANUI ROAD

710 Great South Road, Manukau Telephone: 09 262 0209

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HIK

GH

NORTH

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Canoe & Kayak Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Hawke’s Bay

HEWLETTS ROAD

BRONCOS

L V MARTIN

KAHIKATEA DRIVE

15 Niven Street Onekawa, Napier Telephone: 06 842 1305

OR

GREENWOOD ST SH1 BYPASS

DUKE STREET

NIVEN STREET

BAY OF PLENTY

RN VE AL M

HW HIG AY 1

WELLINGTON

NORTH

TOYOYA FIRST DRIVEWAY

SOUTHERN MOTORAWAY

CO AS

TR OA D

ASCENSION PL

WAY RTH HIGH MAIN NO AD O R N TAVER

MANUKAU GREAT SOUTH RD

SANDRINGHAM ROAD

ROAD DOMINION

WAIKATO

SMART ROAD

77 Spa Road, Taupo Telephone: 07 378 1003

Unit 6, 631 Devon Road Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth Telephone: 06 769 5506

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Flood Howarth & Partners Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak North Shore

NORTH

S.H.1

SILVERDALE NORTH

Unit 2/20 Constellation Drive, (Off Ascension Drive), Mairangi Bay, Auckland - Telephone: 09 479 1002

DUKE STREET

LAKE TERRACE

DRY

NORTHERN MOTORWAY

CONSTELLATION DRIVE

R ON DEV

NORTH

FOUN

UPPER HIGHWAY (16)

NORTH

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NORTH SHORE

OAD

NORTH

ET

Arenel Ltd T/A Canoe & Kayak Auckland

STRE

ST ARIRO TONG

502 Sandringham Rd Telephone: 09 815 2073

HAWKE’S BAY

RIVER WAIWHAKAIHO

TRE HA S

.1

ST LUKES RD

D ROA

EHU RUAP

S.H

BALMORAL ROAD

CITY

SPA

SOUTH

TARANAKI

TANIW

U HA

KU

NU

AUCKLAND

Peter Townend 0274 529 255 PHONE YOUR NEAREST CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE

Email

pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz