Issue 48

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I S S U E

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Whale watching in Queensland Paddling in Sir Ed’s footsteps Kayak seating for multisporters Fishing gear for summer

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Discover Another World

Issue 48

contents

Morning in Ruakaka Bay, Marlborough Sounds Photo by: Dave Wills

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Glow worms A hidden North Island wonder.

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Fish finder basics.

Jason Milne helps you decipher the screen.

Carvings, Steam & Thick water!

Yakity Yak members from Wellington visit the Taupo region.

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‘Perfect Day’ Things can turn to custard very quickly. Read this account of a day on Auckland Harbour.

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Tree Trunk Gorge.

Adveturer Josh Neilson shows us that running Tree Trunk Gorge is possible.

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Are you comfortable?

Sam Goodall looks at kayak seats for multisporters.

The lighter side of kayaking.

Jeff Sigafoos has a midlife crisis.

Paddling in Sir Ed’s footsteps.

Sophie Hoskins and her team of girls are off to teach Nepalese women to become white water instructors.

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North Shore snapper fishing & BOP Fish report.

Water temperature is rising & fish are biting.

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Summer Safety Roadshows.

New beach events around the North Shore beaches.

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Camping & Kayaking.

New gear available in store.

A 366km Solo Sea kayaking JourneyMeeting the Spirit Tree.

Robbie Banks completed her epic journey. She shares her thoughts and aspirations now she has finished.

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Press Release Big news from Aquatx/ Cobra kayaks.

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The Fish Bin Fishing accessories galore. Stock up for christmas.

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Chill Factor Zero New gear from SharkSkin.

Learn to Kayak Which course will you take this summer?

Buyers Guide.

Boat listings and goodies to get you going.

Things to do.

Listings of tours available. How about an active christmas bash!

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Wild Water and fragile craft - Canoeing in the fifties.

42 Third in a 3 part series of paddling in days gone by.

Whale Watching at Fraser Island, 43 the Sea Kayak way!

Aussies get closer than expected in Queensland.

50 Yakity Yak Fiordland Trip Diary.

Wellington Yakity Yakers brave Milford sound in October.

Front cover photo: Seal playing in the Marlborough sounds. Photo by: Dave Wills.

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editorial

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: MHP 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

Hi, Are you feeling that summer’s warmer days and longer evenings have arrived?

They make New Zealand’s inexpensive BBQs, swimming, kayaking and living in the outdoors more comfortable and popular and few paddlers can resist the urge to explore. You may be under pressure and really need a break, but if you fail to plan, falling leaves and colder weather can only too soon make your next adventure a fading dream.

In this issue fellow paddlers report how they have pushed the limits of safety. Some will say that such risk-taking is irresponsible,“People should not do it”. Others, and I am one, believe that we grow to our maximum potential though learning when and how to take risks. A solo expedition or going over waterfalls can challenge a paddler to the max. Of course, to become one of our iconic Kiwi Leaders you’ll need years of experience tackling increasingly difficult challenges, training in ‘correct’ paddling, detailed knowledge of the specific dangers and the availability and use of rescue equipment.

The foolish throw themselves into deep water without first learning to swim. The brave and wise learn to swim and train for a specific challenge, then dare to try.

This summer are you planning an adventure which will challenge you appropriately?

Cheers and Happy Xmas Peter Townend

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Glow Worm Tours

By Sara Corbett Heading into the dark, not knowing where you are going, or what’s around the corner gives some people the shivers...”Not my Cup of Tea”.

I was nervous before experiencing the dark Glow Worm Canyon with Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty this year, but once there found the shivers furthest from my mind. A truck full of people, excited to see the oh so wonderful sight we’d heard so much about, and a loaded trailer set off from the Centre at 5 .30 p.m.

At our launching spot in the Kaimai’s the instructors helped us get all set and ready to go. They showed us how to adjust the footrest in the cockpit and fit our spray skirt. Each of us had a little light on our shoulder to show where we were.

We looked like glow worms ourselves.

In a double sea kayak with someone to talk to, meandering down the lake to the canyon, listening to the wind whistling in the treetops, I was relaxed and at peace. .

Approaching the canyon we had to pass the gently humming power station. One by one the instructors guided us through; then it was “Rudders up and lights off everyone” and around the corner into the canyon.

Words cannot describe the experience (But I’ll try)...

These little worms give a fantastic turquoise glow, and the walls of the canyon are just COVERED! Silently paddling up the canyon in single file I took it all in.

Squeezed for space we turned back down the canyon for a second look and paddled another leg of the lake.

On returning to the launching spot talk was non-stop.

Any reservations about being on a cold lake in the dark were long gone!

We reached the finish line, packed up the kayaks and...

Out came the hot chocolate and marshmallows. Yummm, perfect timing and the tastiest way to warm up!

Now I’ve enjoyed this amazing experience I highly recommend it to anyone who has a soft spot for nature or loves to do something different. It was a highlight of my year which I will gladly repeat!

Do call the friendly team at Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty and book a Glow Worm Experience, you won’t regret it.

This many kayakers & not a word was spoken.

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 Stars in their eyes.

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www.nzki.co.nz

Fish finder basics

Reaping the rewards

by Jason Milne

An article in the November edition of ‘Fishing News’ on Fish Finder Basics highlights the lack of a beginner’s guide for Kayak fishers. For example, when you are on the water seeking a new fishing spot what does your brand new Fish Finder tell you?

The Fish Finders owner’s manual offers information.

But you may find it hard to interpret, and I for one would rather be fishing than reading the manual. I suggest you get your hands on November’s ‘Fishing News’ and read Page 56 for its excellent back to basics article.

Meantime what Fish Finder will suit you? Most fishing kayaks, like the Catch 390, have fittings to make installation of your choice easy. If this is, like most units, waterproof, don’t worry about getting it wet. But I do strongly advise that you fit an internal waterproof fuse. If you don’t your warranty may be void. Does your kayak lack fittings? Fish Finder attachment kits are now available to save you countless wasted fishing hours trying to modify a system to suit your kayak.

Kayakers, fishing mostly in shallow water, generally prefer a unit with a dual beam. This will cover double the area of a single beam but it loses clarity in deeper water. A single beam unit

provides better coverage over deeper water but is limited at the shallow end. A compact unit is usually most affordable and it causes minimum clutter on your deck.

Fish Finders offering many different features are available from $150 into the thousands. It often pays to save for the one you want rather than the one you can immediately afford. I know many disappointed people who have soon outgrown their unit’s capability!

‘Spot X’, research before you purchase will save you dollars.

How do you recognise fish on the screen?

If you have set your Fish finder to the icon mode, a fish is shown when contact is made. The stronger the contact the bigger the fish icon.

After using basic units I now own a fishfinder with built in GPS Plotter ($900 worth). The GPS means I can mark where the fish are biting and go directly to that spot next time. This saves a lot of unnecessary paddling. In the photo I can view both my intended route and the view of the bottom.

Often, having entered coordinates for ‘Spot X’, I have seen fish worth targeting on the way.

You can of course use a separate hand held GPS to similar effect, but this increases deck clutter.

Whether you just want to know the depth, or to chart GPS coordinates for

I view my intended route and the view of the bottom.

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On a black & white set, an outline of a fish means the contact is in the dual sensor beam, or has passed the fringes of the single sensor beam.

A solid fish icon indicates the fish is directly below the kayak in the single/ primary beam. Don’t be fooled, a small icon does not always indicate a small fish. It may be a large fish with a weak signal.

He may be sitting on the edge of your beam. Take some time to investigate. By paddling over the area you may get a better signal, identifying it as the big one!

With the Fish finder set in the arches mode, the arch is a fish that has swum through your beam.

The highest point is where the fish is directly below your boat. The tails of the arch are where the fish entered and exited the beam. A solid line indicates a fish directly under the kayak and in the strongest part of the beam.

Often while paddling over an arch (fish) worth targeting, I will stop and backtrack over this area (GPS comes in very handy to keep me in the right spot). Once the fish is identified as a solid line I drop a bait down and try my luck.

Not too much clutter.

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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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Carvings, Steam & Thick Water!

by Catherine Duthie

At 7am on Saturday morning of a typical cold and wet Queens birthday weekend, I met fellow Club Members at the Wellington Canoe and Kayak Centre. It was 5 degrees outside and there were big black clouds on the horizon.

However, since kayaking is a water sport does it really matter if the water is coming from above too? Being a new club member this was my first trip away and come hell or high water I was going to enjoy it. We set off, Taupo bound, in convoy (if you can be a convoy with only two cars). Neil had four people and seven kayaks and I still struggled to keep up with him. There is something to be said for a big gas guzzling engine on a long trip. We stopped to recaffeinate in Bulls, where thankfully there is now a decent café, but too early to have a kebab at Jabie’s.

It’s almost worth driving to Bulls for this alone.

The accommodation in Taupo was luxurious for rough and rugged kayakers, everybody would have a proper bed to sleep in and the 3.3:1 bathroom ratio was civilized indeed. We lunched at Subway and launched from Acacia Bay on the calmest water I’ve paddled. At a leisurely pace we hugged the coast for about 3km to the rock carvings

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beside the top dam on the Hinemaiaia River and launched into the glassy lake.

Created by drowning a river valley for the hydro scheme, remnants of trees stick out of the water, some with epiphytes clinging tenaciously to the remaining branches.

We paddled this strange lake until it was so narrow we could go no further. It was a wonderful surreal experience with which to end the weekend’s paddling.

We lunched in Turangi and drove back to Wellington. I had thoroughly enjoyed leisurely paddling, calm water and glorious scenery, exactly what I needed for my Queen’s birthday weekend. And for once after a weekend away I came home more relaxed than when I left. A big thanks to Neil for being a fantastic trip leader. He was so calm and organized and set the tone for the entire weekend. If all away trips are as good as this one then sign me up. at Mine Bay. Of these the largest is over 10m high and from below in a small boat it is imposing. The carvings were started in the 1970s. We returned for a BBQ, played card games well into the night, and Neil Thompson revealed a hidden talent for correctly naming any song on classic hits from only the first few bars. Very impressive!

On Sunday morning at 9am we drove north to the Waikato River downstream of the Huka falls and launched onto a spectacularly calm river. It was almost a shame to break the reflective water. At an even more leisurely pace than yesterday we stopped to marvel at the thermal vents spilling hot water into the river and at Orakei Korako which is so impressive seen from the water that I felt sorry for the people on foot behind the safety barriers.

We encountered ‘thick water’ which made paddling harder.

Moving through vast swathes of pumice we played at being icebreakers. We had a picnic lunch at the fairy hot springs where two of us were brave enough to swim (I was not one of them). Then we encountered the hottest water yet, almost too hot to touch. But it warmed the kayak nicely and, parked amongst the lily pads so as not to drift away, it would have been a nice place for a nap. We drove back to Taupo for a delicious Italian meal at a cosy restaurant, and enjoyed more games of cards.

On Monday morning we packed, headed south, parked

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

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

Gladiator ISSUE FORTYeight• 2008

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Some of the girls heading to Nepal in Uganda.

Left to Right. Anna White, Leela Samuals(not coming to Nepal) Hester Hilbink, Sophie Hoskins, Laura Clayton

Paddling in Sir Ed’s footsteps

By Hester Hilbink and Sophie Hoskins Six Kiwi girls have arrived in Kathmandu Nepal with six white-water kayaks, twice the amount of paddles, dry tops, spray skirts, buoyancy aids, shoes, dry bags, enough thermals to supply a whole village and even some skis somewhere in the mix.

At 40 kgs each you could say we were a little on the heavy side. But Singapore airlines carted our precious cargo halfway across the world, ensuring that months and months of hard work, would not go to waste.

At Kathmandu we joined two good friends to make a tally of eight from New Zealand. Bags bursting with gear we set off for Sukute beach on the upper Sun Kosi River to meet 12 Nepali women who were starting a 5 week training programme to change their lives forever.

Female paddlers from all over the world, some known to us, were there too.

Like us they were inspired to be part of this project. For a few months all of us have been working hard, raising funds, collecting gear and looking for sponsorship, sharing Inka Trollsas’ vision, ‘ Nepali women on Nepal’s white water, guiding tourists, teaching others and having their own adventures’.

Inka, running a company called Faraway Adventures, has guided trips in Nepal for eight years. In this amazing Swede’s second home she has developed many friendships and connections. Here she learnt how to kayak and over the years has spent many days on the rivers with her male Nepali friends.

Nepali women did not paddle. When she returned last year, a group of brave,

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adventurous women approached Inka asking to be taught. In borrowed gear they paddled on Lake Pokhara and a couple of weeks later, Inka led them on a grade three multi day trip.

Because a job as a safety kayaker, raft guide or kayak instructor could provide a way out of poverty for a family, Inka, her excited pupils and the Nepali Raft Industry set up the ‘Nepali Girls Kayak Club’. Through it she has created a 5 week training programme to teach 12 Nepali women all the skills needed to work in the white-water industry of Nepal. She emailed us to help.

At time of writing we are about to push our boats off the sand and into the

These are the girls this project is all about.

B Bound, O.P.C, Tongariro River Rafting, Kaituna Wet n Wild Rafting, TThe Wall, everyone who made donations and purchased or helped to sell raffle tickets. This project is also supported by international ccompanies Kokatat, Aqua Bound, Pro-tec, Kajakiv and North-Water.

It couldn’t have happened without you. Thank you all so much!

Learning the new ways.

You can find out more about this project, how the trip is going, or to Y make a donation to the Nepali Girls Kayak Club by visiting ; m www.nepaligirlskayak.blogspot.com w

main i current.t It iis d day one off th the tten d day river i ttrip, i th the fi firstt section ti off the training programme. Students will develop kayaking skills, finishing with the Peak UK Himalayan White Water Challenge, the first time any local women will compete. The second part of the training programme will focus on developing raft guiding and leadership skills. Throughout the five weeks the women are to be taught first aid; river rescue; cooking; campsite management; equipment maintenance; planning and preparation for commercial trips. On completion the women will be assessed and certified by our head instructor Churamani Aryal, a NOLS certified local Nepali guide.

We know that this begins a huge change for women in Nepal. These pioneer women will become role models for others. They will be out on their beautiful rivers, working with tourists, showing their friends and family how to work in the industry, developing the passion for adventure and a love for white-water.

We are so grateful to all the people, New Zealand organizations and businesses who have overwhelmed us with their tremendous support. Thank you Icebreaker, the first company to come onboard, Canoe and Kayak, Day Two, Ferg’s Kayaks, Bivouac, Keen Footwear, Macpac, Outward

A sharing of cultures.

One of New Zealands Ambassadors.

It’s not all hard work.

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North Shore Snapper Fishing

By Jason Milne In November hungry spawning snapper are found in Auckland’s warmer, sheltered North Shore bays. Eagerly, Sam, Chris & I knocked off early to fish a local worm bed known for good sized snapper.

Chris was kayak fishing for the first time, so Sam and I expertly showed him how things were done. I had saved the worm bed on the GPS and soon the fish finder showed we were in luck. We set our drift anchors and threw down our soft plastics. Experts know that snappers spawn when surface water reaches 18C . Massing for some weeks, feeding between spawning, competition for food makes them more aggressive and increases the chance of a hook up.

Chris didn’t know this.

Free floating snapper eggs were plentiful. Sam and I sharpened our hooks!

We bobbed around getting an occasional strike, checked the lure and enjoyed a spectacular sunset for the paddle home. The score for the day was ‘Experts’ nil, Chris three!

Chris will be out again as soon as poss. I’ve promised to take him kayaking to another local spot, free diving for scallops. This will be another first for Chris.

Fish report for BOP. The good weather has steered clear of the weekends, but for those who could get out during the week the fish have been there for the taking.

Several yakkers have reported good catches of snapper off the main beach from Omanu to Papamoa.

The Tauranga harbour has even produced 40cm snapper for the last six weeks in no more than two metres of water.

Soft baits are still doing the greatest damage, with Bar B Q Chicken being the flavour of the month. They out fishing Nuclear Chicken ten to one!!!

The sea temperature in the Bay of Plenty is heading towards the magic 18 degree mark when snapper spawning starts. By all accounts we expecta warm summer with great fishing in the Bay of Plenty.

Tight Lines Stevo.

You want a feed of snapper? Become a bird watcher! The best time to start is when free floating eggs attract dive bombing birds. The birds are feeding on bait fish. Spawning snapper are hungry, gobbling up the scraps throughout the water column, so it’s not necessary to bottom your hook.

Note, at this time of year bigger spawning fish are most aggressive, and your chance of catching a big snapper increases ten fold. But while they are the best breeders and spawn several times during the season, they are not the best eating. Do put them back in the water. Take the legal, smaller fish and only what you need. This will justify another fishing trip when fresh fillets run out and you need more, this year and next!

Chris showing the experts how it’s done.

These are the best size for eating.

Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Register with your local Canoe & Kayak store to receive a car sticker and go in to win a $500.00 gift voucher If your name is drawn, all you have to do is show your car has a Canoe & Kayak sticker on it to claim your prize.

Email info@canoeandkayak.co.nz if you cannot get to a store.

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Camping & Kayaking

By Julie Reynolds

Camping and Kayaking go hand in hand like Kiwis and BBQ’s or Sand and Surf. So it goes without saying that Canoe & Kayak could also venture into camping equipment.

It makes sense on so many levels, so there you go, we’ve done it. You can now find a good selection in store of tents, cookware, camp furniture, sleeping bags, lighting the list goes on and on.

We’ve chosen the Kiwi Camping brand in order to offer a complete range of quality gear. It was important to stock quality at affordable prices so that getting out there and spending a night in a tent was achievable for everyone.

Roof Racks for all occasions

Kiwi Camping is a New Zealand heritage brand much like Canoe & Kayak is part of New Zealand’s kayaking heritage.

We have focused on the needs of the paddling camper, ensuring the equipment is lightweight, compact and durable. But most importantly it feeds comfortably into hatches. Families and other camping converts are also catered for with a huge range of family tents, bunk beds, toilets, even kitchen sinks are available.

It’s well worth checking the range out when next in store. With summer here camping and kayaking have to be at the top of your list.

For a Rhino sales centre near you phone -

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A 366km Solo Sea kayaking Journey Meeting the Spirit Tree Cape Reinga

By Robbie Banks

Robbie at Cape reinga

This is my story of a soulful journey of self discovery, searching to find my place within the world, experiencing the passion of adventure.

genuine unknown.

The desire to completely immerse in the wild and changing elements, provides the ultimate challenge.

Where does the journey begin and end? A 366km personal challenge was planned as a solo adventure from Tutukaka to Cape Reinga, yet the successful completion was truly made possible by a team of people, each putting their interest and passion towards it in their own individual ways.

Can we live a full life cautiously? I think not.

Through the ages man has always pursued the quest for personal freedom, seeking to satisfy the tremendous longing to explore the unfamiliar and unknown.

Hill walks, which were once a real adventure, are now well trodden scars on the grassy valleys.

The kayak however cuts no groove and leaves no scar. The same stretch of water can be paddled everyday but the surface may never be the same twice.

The sea provides the unfamiliar, the unworn and the unexpected. Sea kayaking gives a person the opportunity to venture on to a wild, unpredictable expanse in a craft that moves solely by strength of arm, directed by experience and knowledge. Facing the challenge of the sea in this way causes a paddler to journey into the

Solo kayaking is not to be undertaken lightly.

Potential risks are increased. There is no one available for immediate assistance.

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“The unknown, untried areas of the soul”- A quote from Derek C. Hutchinson.

A Word on Safety/ Risk Management.

The importance of carrying essential safety equipment is paramount but still not an invitation to take unnecessary risk.

The most important decisions are made before getting on the water.

During trip planning meetings with Rod Voyce, Ian Crossan and Steve Knowles we discussed the philosophy/summary of Risk Management.

A solo journey of this scale and location requires a degree of awareness, skill and experience to be achieved safely.

This is our summary of Risk Management.

Exposure to hazards is part of the experience; coastal kayaking expeditions present a number of unique risks & hazards.

Managing risks requires environmental factors to be balanced against the dynamics of the human element.

With effective management and a high degree of competence, the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level, but cannot be completely eliminated without removing the challenge.

Many, many hours went into planning and preparation. Those who received a copy of my

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trip plan know the degree of attention to detail and equipment. The clear boundaries and limits on what sea conditions I was prepared to venture out in.

My first day – I was very pleased to finally be on the water. The build up to the trip had been an immense, all consuming, and the desire was now strong to just do it!

I arrived at Mimiwhangata a day ahead of schedule, a strategy to get a head start on a front predicted to hit in 2 days.

With the weather in mind I chose to leave that very morning directly from Mimiwhangata rather than using up precious time travelling back down the coast to Tutukaka.

This meant I realistically could make it around Cape Brett and into the safety of the Bay of Islands before the bad weather arrived.

Packing on the first day was a slow tedious affair, I asked Lynnis and friends if they could please respect my space, so all my concentration could go into packing.

I knew every essential item required, including two V.H.Fs, two mobile phones, spare batteries for all electronics including an M.P.3 player I now consider this to be a life saving entertainment device for those long lonely stretches. This mountain of equipment lay all around me, the extra electronics which I was not accustomed to, added to the bulk!

But nothing was in the state I would have desired. Having spent three days away from home, kayak training in Auckland with other

instructors, my gear was wet and salty! The car was a tip with wet clothes, discarded banana peels, and B.P coffee cups scrunched up beside, maps and trip plans.

In addition to the standard safety equipment attached to my P.F.D I had a built in tow system, flat blade knife, water system, signalling device/ whistle, V.H.F, Cell phone, G.P.S. and Flares.

I had to find space for a Kannad 406P.L.B Xs3 (Personal locater beacon) and a few muesli bars.

If it wasn’t for Ian Glover jolting me into reality by providing Survival estimates in the event of a capsize, you could forgive me for thinking I had enough aboard this floating palace to drift around in the briny for a week! Only thing missing was a cool gin & tonic.

I packed keeping in mind, prepare for the worst hope for the best.

I was prepared to achieve this challenge with the minimum of support. As long as Lynnis could drop me off, and pick me up at the end, anything in between would be a bonus.

I was in for a wonderful surprise, both Lynnis Burson and Michael Winch surpassed my expectations. Their commitment as a support team was astounding and beyond anything I could have possibly imagined.

The trip finally began.....

A final blast of my theme song - Cool Change – then the troops arrived, Lynnis and friends to help me wheel the loaded kayak to the water’s edge.

I woke most days at 4.30am, lying in my tent, ears finely tuned to the sounds of the sea and wind. Rising by 5am, allowed enough time to digest breakfast, and mull over the days plans. I take my time loading the kayak, clear in my mind that all equipment is stowed methodically. I stop frequently to sip coffee, survey the ocean and sky, looking for tell tale signs of pending weather conditions, never solely relying on weather reports. On the water most days by 7am I took advantage of more settled conditions before an afternoon breeze kicks in.

One of the pleasures of going solo is moving at your own pace, making decisions that can be changed easily. You are free to focus on individual needs, within the boundaries of what nature chooses to throw at you, each day always different.

North Cape.

Spot the kayaks below!

Lynnis Burson, Robbie Banks and Michael Winch.

Lynnis and friends to help me wheel the loaded kayak to the water’s edge.

Note: - Robbie successfully completed her 366km journey and so far has raised $1535 for New Zealand’s Make a Wish Foundation.www. fundraiseonline.co.nz/solokayak4makeawish A trip of this size cannot be summed up briefly and a more detailed article/book is in the pipeline so watch this space.

View my blog site http://seakayakeradventurenz.blogspot.com

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Wild Water and Fragile Craft – Part 3 Canoeing in the Fifties Equipped with my new, collapsible canoe, and starting at the Hingaia Bridge between Papakura and Karaka, we planned to paddle down the Manukau tidal estuary to the Parahurehure Inlet through the narrows of the Weymouth Ferry and then go north to the Puhinui Estuary and Palmers Road Beach. This Beach formed the Western boundary of our family farm.

The attractions were fast water below the bridge and a very fast current at the Weymouth Ferry accompanied by substantial waves and a challenging rip. Like most Weymouth lads I had experienced the waters of the Ferry in its various

moods from relatively benign on a summer’s day to positively dangerous when the outgoing tide swirled and eddied rushing tons of water into the main harbour. Fast flowing water and a Westerly wind tossing up substantial waves would provide us with a real adrenaline rush and what I hoped would be an exciting enterprise.

By mid Saturday morning my friends John and Richard Talbot had assembled my canoe for its initial voyage. The three of us squeezed into a two man cockpit set off down stream. Our first so called rapid proved rather tame, then we swept into the inlet.

There in front of us stretched a huge expanse of water. The current

By Doug Phillips proved less forceful than we had hoped for. It was going to be a long, long, paddle. But fortuitously the wind blew directly from behind us . And we had come prepared. Well sort of prepared. We had a sail from a wartime rubber dinghy. We extended the telescopic mast, jammed it under the combing and we were off. We didn’t travel at great speed but a long sail was a whole heap better than a long paddle. When we reached the much anticipated Ferry the tide was well down. No waves, no wicked eddies just a channel of nearly slack water flowing slowly between rocky outcrops.

We had had a great day and were not too disappointed to have missed a fun paddle through the wicked waters of the Weymouth Ferry, but we were probably the first canoe to make this trip since the early days of the Maori. Shouldering our tow rope we pulled our canoe a mile up the shallow Northern channel to Palmers Road beach and Home A year or so later I was teaching a Bible Class of thirteen year old boys. They were enterprising and capable. Several of them had built themselves canoes. My suggestion, a waterborne explore of a remote estuary of the Manukau was greeted with approval. We planned to to launch our small fleet at Palmers Road Beach at the bottom of our farm, paddle up the Puhinui Creek as far as we could, carry our canoes over the small dam into fresh water and continue as far as we were able. In those years this was a remote and totally unpopulated area of rocky outcrops and extensive swamp, with groves of cabbage trees and clumps of tea tree. Now it’s the venue for the Puhinui International Equestrian Trials.

We were off, a gaggle of highly coloured craft, paddling along on the incoming tide past groves of cabbage trees, up ever narrowing, snaking channels through the mangroves, under a substantial bridge built by American Army Engineers up to the mini dam. We hoisted our canoes over and continued into shallowing water until we could go no further.

The stream was too narrow and blocked by rushes.

This was just as well. The tide was starting to ebb and if we delayed we would be stranded in acres of mudflats. Back we went with reefs of mud appearing around us. Clumps of rock spread out from McLaughlin’s Hill threatened our passage.

Back at our launching spot we spent the rest of

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125mm, 360 degree LED light

the afternoon, like all young fellows, building mud dams in the tiny creek then smashing them in floods of water. Little did they know they were playing in the only partially diluted effluent of our cowshed. Nobody was contaminated so why would I spoil their fun.

That was my last canoeing expedition. In 1960 I went on my big O. E. and sold my canoe. Now canoeing is greatly more sophisticated. Daring canoeists in light, manoeuverable kayaks, plunge through unbelievably huge waves. Commercial enterprises offer exciting well organised rafting trips. We were surely amateurs but we had a great deal of fun and not a little excitement. Most of our rapids were totally new to us and I am still proud to say I am one of New Zealand’s early white water rafters.

NEW Safety Flag & Light

This is the final of three parts.

Doug Phillips is obviously one of the more intrepid travellers amoung us.

In the days when it was OK to cobble together a craft and head out for an experience of a life time. Adventure, trying something new, was life.

Now a days we are surrounded by rules and regulations trying to save us from ourselves. It’s surprising we ever made it this far.

I love reading articles like this. They take me back to my childhood of taking on a challenge or two. In retrospect, a little risky, but an awful lot of fun.

Thank you Doug for an enjoyable series. and Jason Kyles for the illustrations.

James Fitness (sub editor)

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ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

19

Whale Watching at Fraser Island, the Sea Kayak way!

by Laurie Smith

Leaving the Sunshine Coast at 5.00am on Sunday 24th September, bound for Fraser Island, was a bit of an effort.

We hoped to be well rewarded in humpback whale territory off Fraser Island’s north west coast at Wathumba two days later.

Six paddlers were on this trip, Brian & Deb McCarthy, Mark Devery, Jo Eadie and Heather & Laurie Smith.

Four of us opted for tent accommodation while the McCarthys slummed it in their recently purchased Tvan by Tracktrailer, complete with ensuite.

The track on to the Manta Ray ferry at Inskip Point was the usual soft sand and once committed there was no turning around even though the $90.00 charge for the return trip was enough to scare a few off. The tide was at its lowest so the beach to Eurong posed no problems and the $9.00 coffee and sausage roll at the local café filled us up for the drive to Central Station.

The water in the creek at Central Station was crystal clear and the short scenic walk beside it gave our rear ends a well earned rest from bumpy roads. Then, more sand track driving to reach Lake McKenzie. The lake didn’t look its magnificent self on the day. The wind was up and

it was fairly cloudy but we are hardy kayakers and after about a hundred-metre carry we had the kayaks in the water. Smoko on the far side of the lake gave a different perspective to the place as well as a large buffer zone between us and the backpackers occupying most of the beach space on the accessible side of the lake.

We had intended to camp at Lake McKenzie for the first night but new rules prohibiting camping there saw us return to Central Station for the night.

Not complaining though as the $1.00 hot showers were fantastic and the campsites, complete with a table each, made the overnight stop in the rain forest very pleasant. Mark and Jo had to rethink how they packed their eggs when eighteen egg whites, dripping out of plastic egg holders, did nothing to enthuse the egg loving pair.

An early start the next morning had us back on the beach at Eurong near low tide so the next 70km

Manta Ray ferry at Inskip Point.

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Mark & Jo realised they’re mistake!

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This is what a 4x4 can do.

Wreck of the Maheno.

Heather listening for whales.

up to Indian Head was on a fairly wide beach.

We stopped to see the sights along the way. The first stop was Happy Valley to check if the toilets flushed, then at Eli creek for the same reason plus a cup of coffee. The Nissan versus Mitsubishi argument escalated when Brian’s trailer needed to be pulled out of the soft sand. We saw our one and only dingo here so it appears the culling exercise a couple of years ago was effective. Next stop was at the wreck of the Maheno. This wreck is nothing like I remembered as a pre teenager but it still attracts the many tourists who visit the island.

Mark, Deb, Brian and Jo ready to start the rescue.

We arrived in time to have a short paddle around the inlet and a look at the open water in the afternoon but next morning we were rearing to go. We paddled out of the campsite by 9.00am with the midges in full flight and went due west for about 6km without seeing a whale within 4km of us. The whaleboats were reporting the whales to be so thick that they “could almost walk on them”.

“Just like soup” one skipper reported, but not for us. Brian had been told that the whales could be

heard singing, if they were close, by listening with your ear to the paddle. Heather tried but obviously there were none in our vicinity. We returned to camp about 1.00pm with nothing to be joyous about. Tried the open water again at about 3.30pm and several whales were spotted on the horizon but nothing within reach. We returned to camp to enjoy a few cool drinks and the beautiful sunset.

Wednesday morning had us out of bed early so

Brian and a humpback whale.

Crossing the soft beach sand at Indian Head proved to be a challenge for the vehicle towing the van. A couple of other island visitors had already found it difficult. But thanks to good-old Aussie mateship, a winch, a good sand anchor and a lot of pushing we were all soon on our way. We drove another bumpy 19km across the island, past Orchid Beach village, to our Wathumba campsite where we would spend the next four nights.

The campsite was great. It was a very short carry for the kayaks. There were cold showers and toilets, a proper table (only one for the whole campsite though so get in early), spectacular sunsets and a very lively colony of midges so nobody got into the lazy sit-around and chat mode. we could leave by 8.00am before the midges awoke. As we neared the mouth of the inlet a large black object could be seen flapping in the water. From about 400 metres away we were guessing it was a humpback’s tail or a couple of dolphins playing. Within about fifty metres it was obvious it was a small whale, about 4 metres in length, marooned on the sand bank. The tide falling fast, Brian contacted the local whale expert by radio who confirmed it was a Minke whale.

We were advised not to touch it for fear of personal injury and that the EPA would be there in an hour or so coming from Urangan, about sixty kilometres away. By then time it would be too late, even ten minutes would have been too late. It was

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View south from Indian Head.

natural to try to save it.

I am not sure about the others but I was surprised when it moved with our initial push. I’m sure it could sense that we were trying to help. When we pushed it would try to help by flapping its tail. It was not until we had moved it about 400 metres into deeper water that it was able to swim by itself. The Minke was nicknamed “Blinky the Minke” after Jo accidentally poked it in the eye

while trying to get a firm hold on its pectoral fin.

About two hundred metres out it turned around and for a short moment we thought it was going to return to the shallow water, but I guess it was having one last look through its good eye at its rescuers before joining its mates. We advised the authorities that we had successfully pushed it back into deep water and that it swam off without any apparent injury.

The rescue underway. Mark, Jo, Brian and Laurie.

This was to be a good day. We had to paddle out about two kilometres encountering several large humpbacks within twenty metres of the kayaks.

Luckily they put on a sedate show for us. They circled us and flipped upside down as they passed under our boats. We followed this pod before the EPA requested we speak with them about the rescued whale. After the pow-wow we paddled about a kilometre before getting another ringside seat, although not quite as close as the previous pod. What a great day. The talk around the camp that night was definitely about Blinky and how the Minke came to have that name.

We made another early start the following morning to beat the midges, but this time there was no Minke to fondle on the way out. We paddled southeast that morning. About four kilometres off the coast we spotted a single humpback about a kilometre and a half off the beach. We quickly closed to our allowed one hundred metres and joined by about six playful dolphins who preferred the whale’s frolicking to our paddling. This made a great sight and it’s times like this I wish I had a longer zoom lens on my camera. Sadly this was the only close encounter we had that day but it was great to sit on the sand, chat, climb sand hills and swim even though the water was still only about 21 degrees.

We returned to camp about 4.00pm and reluctantly began the pack up ready to leave camp early and midge-free. Mark and Jo were on cooking duty

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for the lot of us. Burritos were on the menu and the ingredients made for a noisy night. This got the emphasis off my snoring which had apparently kept everybody else awake for the previous three nights.

Leaving day, tents packed and 4WD’s ready to move by 7.30am. Yes! We beat the midges. We arrived back at Middle Rocks about an hour early for the ideal tide so we took another look at the Champagne Pools before driving on to Indian Head.

There was no pushing or pulling this trip so we had time to walk to the top of the headland. Deb thought she saw a whale and we all saw an enormous manta ray and a school of large fish swimming in the crystal clear water at the base of the cliffs.

There is a great view from here and the beach south looked inviting so it was not long before we were under way again. Back to Inskip Point

Looking out for whales across Platypus Bay.

Coloured sands.

via the coffee shop at Eurong. The coloured sands area looked as good as I remembered it from many years earlier and it provided a beautiful backdrop to the wide, white sandy beach and the crystal clear blue water of the Pacific Ocean.

Total distance for the driving trip was 316km and about another 40km of paddling. It was a fabulous six days and a very rewarding trip especially saving Blinky the Minke. Our whale story had made the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast news while we were away and appeared in the Sunday Sunshine Coast Daily on our return.

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The Preparation…………...

In June a friendly email to Yakity Yak clubbies announced the itinerary for an October Fiordland Trip.

Undoubtedly authored by Andy it mentioned “extreme camping” and “extreme weather” and stressed that this trip was not for wimps. A more tempered invitation followed, from Neil I would guess, highlighting the awesome scenery and paddling for just 5-6 hours per day. We would be camping for only 5 nights. “This is supposed to be a holiday” was added …….That sounded more appealing. Not omitted was the likelihood of lots of rain. Fiordland gets about 7 metres per year. Hammocks were recommended because the previous year’s reports revealed camping sites had very limited flat ground but PLENTY of trees! It was time to sign up and commit dollars.

Yakity Yak Fiordland Trip Diary 17th—27th October 2008

by Carol Tweed

We had a ‘get to know one another’ paddle to Somes Island followed by a meal and then a week before Start day we were briefed. Neil said “Remember the repellent, don’t bring too much gear and buy yourself a plastic box! ….oh and don’t be late for the ferry.”

On our first night we drove our van into the picturesque Picton Camping ground and were repeatedly woken by 4 goods trains on the elevated section of track which dissects the ground. We were short of sleep for the long drive to Frankton.

We breakfasted at Kaikoura, and then made caffeine, food and toilet stops. In good weather

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South of Geraldine we drove through increasingly stunning scenery and reached Frankton in the early evening. A welcoming Speight’s Ale House within a stone’s throw of the motor camp served meals and liquid refreshment.

Sunday dawned clear and frosty. We had a late breakfast and shopped for food in Te Anau before continuing through what is surely a world famous, dramatic landscape to the granite, hand-chiselled Homer Tunnel. At Milford the weather forecast wasn’t great. The locals confirmed that wind would make our planned paddle and night camp impossible. Instead we booked into the motor camp and kayaked the inlet. Tony, Liz and Jeremy began their paddle on the river before meeting the rest of us. Tony dunked first and practised his wet exit technique. We had a lovely paddle in quiet water and determined on a short paddle to Bowen Falls in the main Sound. What a difference a wind makes! In choppy water and a strong side wind half the group turned back, half made it over and at least one paddler went swimming!

That night some camped, others bunked and huge crayfish, cooked in the communal kitchen were shared. Keas ravaged Paddy’s boot laces.

On Monday we awoke to usual Fiordland weather, a southerly with rain and mist! We took an hour and a half group trip on a tourist ship, to see numerous waterfalls pouring from sheer cliffs and the amazing, neck wrenching Mitre Peak. Just past the Homer tunnel, when returning to Te Anau through a snow covered landscape, we had a snowball fight with a company of Keas!

More food shopping at Te Anau and we drove on to Manapouri. In the late afternoon, kayaks packed for a three day trip, we started the 10 kms moderate paddle to our first camp site. A strong

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head wind made the going tough, and after an hour the shore we’d left wasn’t receding! Neil made the call to return to what had become a surf beach. 30 metres short Paddy tipped and Jolene rescued him, wet and very cold. We spent the night at the Manapouri camping ground where the cabins resemble gingerbread houses.

On Tuesday it was sunny and warm, with a breeze instead of a gale. We reached our previous day’s destination at lunchtime leaving plenty of time to set up camp and play. One group paddled the river; another walked some of the nearby Kepler track where an elderly man with a Zimmer frame was also walking... He had no pack and only 2 walking sticks attached to his frame. A very strange sight, but good for him! Two of us made the most of the pleasant afternoon by taking a siesta. The camp fire

was lit for the evening meal and word got out about the party. During the night, the remains of Alan’s classic red wine was punctured by animal guests.

On Wednesday morning the weather was clear and calm when we started across the lake for our longest paddle. A game of tag paddle was started enabling some interval training for those fitness fanatics amongst us. Several GPS geeks enjoyed themselves by working out exact speeds and then trying to beat them!

As usual, the wind picked up mid morning and approaching ‘Hurricane Passage’ after lunch it was blowing hard. We were in an avenue of choppy water between two heads. An imminent southerly front caused us to make camp just before gusty winds, white caps and driving rain let loose.

In the dense bush camping in tents was challenging but much easier for hammockers. When the rain and wind eased, Keas investigated the camp and its human invaders. We maintained a very large fire until the small hours.

Fresh snow covered the surrounding mountains on Thursday morning. It was a cold, clear day with light winds; perfect paddling conditions but sunburn for a few. We ate lunch on a gorgeous beach and some of us took a brief dip in the lake before we set off for an early evening arrival at Te Anau’s Lake View Camp Site. Sunny, hot weather made drying gear easy and encouraged laundry activity. We had our evening meal of pizza, pasta and lots of bread at La Toscana.

On Friday we had flat water, blue sky and an amazing vista of mountains for a 16 km paddle

across Lake Te Anau of mountains. The lunch stop included an easy walk to Hidden Lake and East Cove. Late afternoon we drove through more stunning scenery to Queenstown’s Pinewood Backpackers.

clear view of Mt Cook. At Christchurch airport Nikki left us to attend a conference in Northland. We had afternoon tea at Amberley café and arrived at Dusky Lodge, Kaikoura for a fish and chip supper at 8.45.

Saturday

Monday was a sunny Labour Day with time for a 3 hour paddle around the peninsula to see seals and numerous sea birds. ‘Injured and unconscious’ Neil put a group through a practice rescue to give hands on experience. He recovered in time for a roll in the double kayak with Jolene. On to Picton!

Paddy and Alan offered ‘agony uncle’ advice from the back seat of the van.

Winter returned on Saturday! In wind and snow four brave paddlers managed a morning paddle on Lake Wakatipu. Others needed an adrenaline rush and took a white water rafting trip down the Shotover River. Journeying to the start was as scary as the river trip. Several buses towing trailers laden with rafts had to negotiate a narrow gravel road on the side of sheer cliffs. Two hours later after a cold, exhilarating ride, we were back in Queenstown.

Just what we needed, a feast of roast dinner and apple crumble, prepared by Paddy (head chef) and helpers, greeted our return.

Kaikoura, via the Crown Range Road, Wanaka and the Lindis Pass was our destination on Sunday. Fresh snow and an overheating wagon forced an impromptu stop. We had another snow ball fight and three snow men decorated the windscreen for 40 minutes. The lunch stop at Lake Tekapo

In Picton we said goodbye to Jolene who, promoted to Paddy’s Ninja social secretary, lets him delegate total responsibility for his actions.

The crew, Neil, Alan, Carol, Caroline Mark, Paddy, offered Greg, an amazing Jeremy, Jolene, Liz, Neville, Nikki, Steve, Tony.

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“A perfect day”

By John Broadwell

The day started out so well!

“Wind ten knots from the southwest in the morning - peaking at fifteen knots and swinging to the west in the afternoon”: so ran the Marine forecast for Auckland on one of those rare September days, away from work.

Great! I thought, Brian and I were on for Browns Island and Motuihe in the Hauraki Gulf, a nice relaxed paddle for the day out, just the two of us. Oh, how wise we all are with hindsight.

He said “yes”, but to satisfy my own caution I suggested we turn around into the wind and see if it really was acceptable. This done we agreed to continue to Motuihe. This was to be the first of those critical sequential moments in a chain of events, its outcome already unfolding before us. The wind rose, the swell became ‘lumpy’ and unpredictable. Motuihe nearing we pressed on with the wild weather at our heels hounding our progress. Rounding the pier at Mangoparerua Point on Motuihe the sea was very agitated before we reached the safety of Tauranga O Kahu on the western side of the island.

We arrived at St Helier’s Bay at 8.30am, the day was flawless, flat calm sea and brilliant sunshine. There was a party of eight double kayaks visible out in the bay heading east towards the Tamaki estuary – a good omen, or so I thought.

I completed a trip report on my VHF with our safe arrival on the island before we enjoyed our lunch of hot tea, hot baked beans and tins of sardines, consumed in the comfort of the island’s DOC built shelter.

After a trip report on the VHF to the Auckland coastguard we set off at 9.30am.

We sauntered round the back of Browns Island and like nascent Ed Hillarys, put in a quick ascent to the summit. With the place to ourselves we were lords of all we surveyed. Dark clouds massing, ominously in the west, made a heavy dramatic backdrop to Auckland. We descended the hill with clouds threatening us. Distant shafts of rain tilted earthwards eventually catching us as we dropped back onto the beach.

I tried to access the Coastguard “nowcast” to see what was going on out there with the weather. I could get no response when on channels twenty one and twenty two. This was the second critical factor in the sequence of events. I eventually gave up searching for the “nowcast”. We portaged

With everything packed ready for re-launching the heavens opened encouraging us to shelter under the pohutakawas like two errant schoolboys.

The rain eased, “OK let’s go for it”, I said, thinking we would get wet anyhow. The sea was calm with that strangeness associated with rainfall. All the little wave crests flattened off, deadened in the hissing torrent like oil on troubled waters.

We kept a sharp lookout for other vessels. This was no time to become a speed bump for some gin palace bearing down on us at full throttle in the poor visibility.

We could still see Motuihe in the distance as the rain eased and the wind gently picking up behind us. My safety antennae began to engage with the weather when we were midway between Browns Island and Motuihe. I asked Brian, “Are you comfortable with the idea of paddling back into this wind?”

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Ominous black clouds over the city.

Preparing to leave Motuihe.

our kayaks over the island to the Ocean Beach side to allow us to launch in calmer waters before sending off a departure trip report. Our launching was the third critical factor and launching on the northern side of the island was the fourth critical factor.

As we rounded Te Tumarae Point we gave it a very wide berth due to the massive white waves breaking over the rocks well out into the channel. We then came face to face with our head wind. We were due south of the main Motuihe channel, passing just north of Rock Island, when progress became slow in the teeth of the westerly. I became concerned at our rate of progress, or lack of it, and went back to see Brian and to encourage him to take a more southerly course.

We continued for a time, making little progress in the heaving seas. Probably the fifth critical error occurred at this point.

Then, unfortunately, Brian capsized – now it was all down to me. As I turned my boat around with great difficulty I noticed a large pleasure boat heading west in the Motuihe channel. I dismissed that from my mind and focussed on getting Brian back into his kayak. I tried a bow rescue in the heavy sea and succeeded only with sheer bloody mindedness and the use of a cockpit stirrup. During the rescue my mind was evaluating our circumstances and all the available options. Thinking about our situation was valuable in deciding the next step, but was superceded when the offer of assistance came from the large pleasure boat circling nearby.

We accepted their kind offer. This was the sixth and best critical decision we had made all day.

We got ourselves on board and put the boats in tow. Meanwhile, meeting Marten and Jacqui with their university-age daughter, we were offered dry clothes, beer, wine and coffee. From struggling in the storm to this in five minutes, the contrast and surreal nature of events left me bereft of coherent thought. With my head pounding,“Thank you’s” were all that escaped from my numb lips. My gratitude knew no bounds. I was so grateful to share the responsibility for our safety. Relief flooded through me.

On their way to Waiheke for the weekend, and seeing the rescue taking place before their eyes the family had detoured to pick us up. They kindly took us take us back from Motuihe to St Helier’s Bay dropping us off just a couple of hundred metres offshore.

Back home for 4.00pm I had plenty of time to reflect on our little adventure. I evaluated each of the critical decisions and saw the classical pattern of a series of relatively minor errors compounding each other to eventually emerge as a potentially serious incident.

So to the post mortem and the lessons learned.

The first critical point occurred halfway between Browns Island and Motuihe, at the very point where I questioned our ability to paddle back into the increasing force of the westerly. My intuition was spot on.

And then the rain came down.

The second critical point occurred when I was unable to access the “nowcast” on my VHF. If I had heard the “nowcast” whilst on the island I would have known conditions had worsened too far for our safe return. I examined the radio afterwards at home and found it switched to Canadian settings. With wet spectacles and the radio in a small transparent dry bag I had missed this small but important factor. The international settings had accidentally been pressed during the handling of the radio. Talking about our adventure to Russell at the Auckland Store afterwards, I mentioned this problem with the radio, at which point he showed me how to “lock” all the current settings.

The third critical decision was that we should not have launched our boats from Motuihe. With hindsight we should have just sat tight on the island and awaited a change in the weather.

The fourth critical decision was to launch from the northern side of the island. This action put us in a bad position far too close to the main Motuihe channel and fighting a losing battle with the general force of the driving wind and waves.

The fifth critical point arose when I realised we were not making sufficient forward progress and our position in the Motuihe Channel was gradually worsening. With the ebbing tide some unwelcome drifting occurred in a westerly and shorewards direction towards Emu Bay on Motutapu. Marten told us when we boarded his boat that the “nowcast” was giving the westerly winds as peaking at twenty nine knots.

When Brian capsized, I knew, even after I returned him to his craft, that it could all happen again. Weakness would set in after being in the water for even those few minutes and the difficulty of the rescue had tired me.

The sixth and final critical decision was simply the common sense one of accepting the help being offered by the people in the motor launch.

I have no regrets about the day’s events, though after forty-seven years in outdoor pursuits this was the first time I had ever benefited from or been involved in a rescue. I do know that I am a lot wiser now and need to listen much more carefully to the little intuitive gnomes within. I also now realise that I should have exercised greater caution in aligning our experience much more closely to the chosen objectives. It’s ok to be ambitious when on your own but not in the company of others.

None of it would have been a problem if the weather had remained good but if it deteriorates or circumstances worsen, then there could well be serious repercussions.

A few days afterwards a bottle of Champagne winged its way to our rescuers.

A small token of our appreciation and gratitude for all their trouble and inconvenience.

So ended our “perfect day”.

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Tree Trunk Gorge

by Josh Neilson

kayak event. Dylan Thompson suggested that I join a New Zealand Film Tour at the start of December.

Sharn Stewart would accompany us for a few weeks in each Island and make the film.

I had already committed to a few weeks in Wellington and had to miss the South Island half of the film, but I received updates about the boys doing multiple runs of Nevis Bluff and bombing the Kokatahi while Sharn hung from the bottom of the chopper to get the shots. The jealous scale was high and anticipation on overload. I knew the river list we were about to get into.

I met the boys coming off the ferry at 1 a.m., climbed into their car and drove through the night from Wellington to Huka. A short sleep, a look at the flow and we scouted Aratiatia Rapids. We played Paper, Scissors, Rock to decide the order for paddling the rapids. I was first at the control gates then Sam and Dylan. We all made it through on sweet lines to cheer, hug and shake hands. An epic tale!

We ran it again to get more camera shots and see if it was still scary. I thought it was scarier, but just as much fun!

Over beers at the Bliss-Stick Christmas party we discussed a plan to check out Tree Trunk Gorge.

No one wanted to show doubts, so it was on. A similar plan to make the first descent of the gorge had been hatched a few years previously at the Bliss-Stick Factory. This was our turn.

On Friday morning we loaded the car, drove up State Highway 1 and turned off, staring at the glowing sign ‘Tree Trunk Gorge’, heads swivelling as we passed it. I was in a trance until the passing bush brought me back to reality. We pulled into the mossy car park less than a year since I’d been there and had seen the gorge for the first time.

All above the main falls.

As a child I heard stories of people who missed the take out on the Tongariro River being stuck in caves for ages, or worse being found dead. These tragedies, on what was thought of as a hard but manageable river, were daunting.

Years later I came to understand how earth movements had created a tight and deep section of riverbed which seemed impassable by a craft or a swimmer in a life jacket . The gorge collected and held trees in the deepest part of the Tongariro River. The media called it ‘Tree Trunk Gorge’ and the kayaking community for many years knew it to be deep, beautiful and scary, but unsuitable for a descent. I had only heard of this magical place, but many Kiwis and tourists had driven down the narrow road to a small mossy car park and peered

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over the side of a bridge into one of the North Island’s most beautiful waterfalls and spectacular river gorges.

The first time I turned into Tree Trunk Gorge Road off State highway 1, I couldn’t wait to see for myself the place with such an amazing reputation. I parked and approached.

The gap in the earth seemed hardly wide enough to warrant a bridge.

But standing on it, leaning over the rail, experiencing the river’s power, I couldn’t take my eyes off the falls. I knew there and then that sooner or later I would be back to run them.

That New Zealand summer was followed by kayaking in the northern hemisphere summer and I was back in New Zealand, sitting on the bank in Tekapo for the ‘Tekapo Throwdown’

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In quiet organised chaos we checked the drops, picked our lines and identified places for a safety run. Exiting a boat in the gorge and swimming out would be much less than ideal, the safety crew was our only way out.

Back at the car Sharn organised his film cameras, Jamie Sutton geared up for safety and Dylan Thompson, Sam Sutton, Mike Dawson and I went through our gear and kitted up for the descent ahead. As usual there was a lot of joking but it was hard to keep thoughts off the two big crosses in memory of those who had not made it through

Dylan in the Zig Zag.

this ominous gorge. When the second game of Paper, Scissors, Rock was over for the week we pulled our spray decks on and pushed into the crystal clear, cold Tongariro River.

The Gorge

A few splashes of water to the face and a last check to see the helmet camera was on and I took a few strokes to the first drop, a zig zag rapid where the river turns 90 degrees three times in a few metres and the corners are just wide enough to get the kayak down. I made it through to pause a few metres from the lip of the big one, dark caves on each side and only the water I was in lit by the sun. I waited a minute or so and then out of the cave-like exit from the first rapid came Mike, concentrating fully, in his bright red kayak. Dylan was next, but at the last turn in the zig zag he was caught in a pocket and sucked out of his kayak. His quick reaction had him climbing up the volcanic wall and onto a ledge. Sam, out of his boat, got a rope down to him for a skilled rescue and, with Jamie’s help, had Dylan up on the bank with all his gear.

Mike and I were still above the falls where Sam and Dylan were determined to join us. Minutes later they were safely at our side peering over the lip of the main falls. It was again my time to go. I paddled round to get ready, closed my eyes to visualise the line I had seen while scouting, and with one more splash to the face I was off. Hard left, light left stroke at the lip, pause, tuck…..

Impact. Connecting the wall on the way down softened the hit and I was now further into the gorge. I caught a small eddy behind a bend and looked up. The bridge, which I could only make out as a small strip across the almost caved over river, was directly above me. I whistled and a few seconds later Mike came over. Dylan and Sam followed on clean lines and we now had just one drop to go. This was the crux.

This is the only drop which cannot be fully seen from above. You can only see the entry, a bit of the lip and the aerated water resurfacing into undercut caves on both sides at the bottom. The plan was to boof off the middle, keep it straight to avoid the caves and paddle out to the end. Paddling to the lip was fast as the whole river was now pouring off a lip only 2m wide. The boof was good and the landing was soft but the boil had other ideas. I needed a quick energetic paddle but avoided the undercuts and was out. Looking back the river was amazing. I was safe but there were still three to come. They came through with big smiles and I think a lot of relief. It seemed unreal and hard to believe that we were floating out of the crevasse in perfectly calm and clear water!

becomes very steep and winding! Slowly, mentally and physically drained bodies made the top of the gorge. Jamie wound up the rope and safety gear and the cameras were out replaying the descent. While we packed I know that each of us was thinking of those who hadn’t made it through the gorge Boats on the roof and everyone exhausted we pulled a U-turn and headed back to State Highway 1.

At the intersection I saw the glowing sign again, relieved and amazed that less than a year before I had not known what was there and was now leaving with first hand experience! I have travelled to many countries and paddled on some of the world’s craziest white water but Tree Trunk Gorge is by far the most beautiful, spectacular, scary and amazing place I’ve ever been inside.

We hadn’t paid much attention to the take out track. It starts easy but soon

Josh on the main falls.

Dylan in the Zig Zag.

Dylans rescue.

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ARE YOU COMFORTABLE? To enjoy paddling you need to be comfortable in your boat.

Following a few suggestions can help to make your paddling experience more enjoyable.

SEATING OPTIONS Increasing the surface area between you and your seat reduces pressure areas. So, to improve an existing seat:-.

Add a closed cell foam layer (camping mat etc) to reduce pressure points. Be careful not to reduce stability by adding too much height.

Cut holes in your existing seat, foam or paddling, below your ‘Sit bones’ to reduce pressure on the nerves under these bones.

Fit a foam block underneath your hamstrings, just in front of your seat, to take pressure off the back of your legs.

Change the angle of the seat. The angle between your torso and your thigh can make a huge difference.

By Sam Goodall

Heel cups – If your foot pedals do not provide a satisfactory area on which to push, fit foam heel blocks in line with each pedal. These will allow you to really drive through your foot, and your heels will be more comfortable.

Knee pads will increase comfort and give you better boat control. If your boat does not have thigh braces fitted, add two blocks of foam on the inside edge of the cockpit coaming, between your knees and quads. They will stop your knees wanting to pop out when railing or rolling. If your boat already has thigh braces, add closed cell foam matt to increase comfort.

TIPS To glue foam I always use F2 ados contact adhesive, applied to both sides, left until tacky, and then stuck together. Glueing to the inside top deck, flip the boat upside down, and stick your head into the boat. You’ll have no worries about holding the foam in place. You may also like to ‘duct tape’ the foam in place, especially if it can catch when you are hopping in and out of the boat.

DIFFERENT SEATS

Always make incremental changes. Slight changes in hip angle, foam layers, one at a time etc, go out paddling, and see how it works.

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Three great seat options on the market that may work best for you.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you have any questions, please

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Bumfortable foam moulded seat

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Inflatable cushions

Canoe Kayak North Shore

Bike Albany

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Gel filled pads

www.extremegear.co.nz

Thermatech

THANKS TO MY SPONSORS

HIP PADDING

Danelle at George Duncan Muscle Therapy

Hip padding makes a huge difference to your stability and general boat control.

Add closed cell foam to the sides of the cockpit, slightly above your hips, so you are ‘held’ in the boat. Don’t risk losing circulation in your legs by making the padding too tight on the hips!

FOOT PEDAL PLACEMENT There is no ideal placement for your foot pedals. For stability and good control your pedals should be as close as possible to you so your knees are tight underneath the cockpit coaming. However, in most boats, when you want to stretch you wont have room. At the other extreme, place your pedals as far away as possible, to allow best leg drive, and more room to stretch, but it will be difficult to lock your knees under the cockpit coaming to achieve boat control.

The solution lies between the two extremes, set the pedals in contact with your feet, your knees under the cockpit coaming. When you don’t need maximum stability/boat control, you can straighten your legs, and focus on leg drive.

ADDED EXTRAS Two more ‘add ons’ involving foam and glue will help you get the most from your paddling!

Foam padding added.

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Foam blocks underneath your hamstrings.

Bumfortable Seat

On the Lighter Side: Can Kayaking Cure a Mid-Life Crisis?

By Jeff Sigafoos Photographs by Vanessa A. Green Some men, when they hit the age of 40, buy a red sports car and are done with it. I envy them. My mid-life crisis, in contrast, has been rather more persistent.

Nearly 10 years now. In that time I think I’ve tried nearly everything except the red sports car.

Fortunately, I eventually discovered the cure for the mid-life crisis. Unfortunately, the quest took me down many dead-ends.

First, I tried moving. Surely, I reasoned, moving from a city full of young people (Austin, Texas) to a state full of old people (Tasmania) would do the trick. But soon I was taking afternoon naps and signing up to play lawn bowls. Apparently the theory of relativity is trumped by the When-inRome effect. I decided to move again. Lawn bowls and naps weren’t me. Zorbing and bungy-jumping weren’t me either, but at least New Zealand seemed to be a more interesting place, mid-life crisis or not.

I tried my hand at gourmet cooking. My contribution to the culinary arts involved marinating tough chunks of meat for about 3 days and then burning them to a crisp. Family and friends begged me to stop. One even offered to buy me a red sports car. This foray was not a complete waste of time, however, as I did learn to enjoy cooking with wine.

Sometimes I even put it in the food.

Inspired by Into the Wild, I loaded a pack and set off on what was supposed to be a 4-hour jaunt to a remote, and totally unknown lake. Wilderness and time away from people was the key. Backpacking would be my thing, my crisis tamer. Seven hours

later, having been passed by no less than a dozen fit and young trampers, I arrived sunburnt, reeking of sweat, and panting like a husky in a sauna. The dingy tramper’s hut was packed with ravers hell bent on creating the next CBGBs. I resigned myself to a night in my tiny tent. As the temperature dropped and the rain poured in that night, I was, in the words of Woody Allen, “at two with nature.”

Hypothermia was no way to resolve a crisis.

Something more refined was needed. Fly fishing!

Of course. The Zen-like serenity would easily appease mid-life restlessness. To the river I went with my new waders, vest, fly rod, and something called a Woolly Bugger that was, supposedly, the fillet mignon of the trout world. Unfortunately, my lack of casting skills meant that Mr. Woolly Bugger spent half the day entangled in the trees and I spent half the day acting like Basil Fawlty. The only thing I was ever going to catch was leaf and bark, so I left dejected and with a strange urge to beat my car bonnet with the nearest tree branch.

What next, I thought, as I wound my way home, frustrated and fishless. Passing the unusually calm waters of Wellington’s Oriental Bay something caught my eye, an old guy in a kayak. Out in the bay slicing effortlessly through the dead calm waters was the answer. Kayaking. Watching that lone kayaker, I could see myself in that boat and knew instantly that it would be right for me. Within weeks I had a kayak, a few lessons under my belt, and a new passion. Four years later and I am still dedicated to the sport. Crisis cured!

slicing through the surf and cruising the coastline under your own paddle power. So get yourself a kayak. If you want, it can even be a red one.

Epilogue “Perhaps”, my wife said to me one day, “Perhaps you didn’t even have a mid-life crisis after all.

Maybe you just needed to find a hobby?” “What?”, I replied looking up from a glossy Canadian brochure. “Hey what do you think about moving to the Yukon and setting up a dog-sledding business?” “Dog-sledding? The Yukon? Can’t you just buy a bloody sports car!”

Crisis mode.

My version of a red sports car.

Take my advice. Forget immigration. Forget gourmet cooking, backpacking, and fly fishing, There is no better cure for a mid-life crisis than

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Canoe & Kayak North Shore Safe Summer Road show

By Hellen Hyndman

After a winter of planning, the first in a series of six “Safe Summer Road Shows” took place at Mairangi Bay on Saturday 8th November. As the first event of this type it was hard to judge how many people would attend, however on the day people flocked to the beach to join in the fun and there was also the support of local families who were relaxing on the beach. Thankfully the sun was shining!

With Kayaking being the fastest growing, non-motorised water activity in New Zealand and the new ARC legislation brought out regarding visibility of kayaks and paddle craft, Canoe & Kayak North Shore owner Rob Howarth said this was perfect timing to create an event that will promote and re-enforce the need for on-water safety, education, training and visibility, to reduce the level of ‘rescue assistance’ needed when kayakers hit the water ill-prepared or uneducated.

Feedback from those novices, boaties and old-pro’s alike who joined in the fun on Saturday, was that the event was very successful and was organised in a way which appealed to a wide range of people of all abilities and ages.

Combining promotion of kayaking with safety education we had more than 20 kayaks available on the beach for people to trial, ranging from sit on tops, sea kayaks, single craft, doubles and some which were big enough for the entire family! All kayaks were out on the water for the entire afternoon and at all times highly experienced kayak instructors were on the water to offer words of advice and encouragement.

Four leading NZ manufacturers, Mission Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Q-Kayaks, and Barracuda Kayaks displayed their fine craft. These included kayaks for fishing and diving, kids sit-on-tops and ocean going sea kayaks. Knowledgeable staff answered questions and Santa is now, we understand, exchanging Play Stations for a ‘Squirt’ kayak – perfect for a budding young kayaker!

Coastguard were there giving out information packs and the North Shore Girl Guides provided a very successful and much appreciated sausage sizzle. The day overall was high energy, fun, interactive and educational.

Many thanks to the North Shore City Council for making the day part of their ‘Safe Summer Campaign’ and to Yakity Yak Kayak Club volunteers. You showed

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up in force to help – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Check out www.canoeandkayak.co.nz for future dates and times .

Canoe & Kayak, Ascension Place, Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay. Ph: (09) 479 1002

PHOTO: Mirren Brockies

NORTH SHORE

summer safety roadshows Learn how to be safe on the water with free supervised canoe and kayak use and RIB inflatable on-water demonstrations as well as a large array of safety equipment, supplies and kayaks on display.

Mairangi Bay

Milford 10th January 3pm

Takapuna 22nd November 1pm Browns Bay 6th December 11am

Orewa 7th February 2pm Devonport 1st March 10am

Sponsor give-aways, promotions, sausage sizzle and more!

We’re all set for a fun and educational day at the beach so come and join us!

On-water activities are supervised but parental supervision is also required.

Proudly Supported By

Enquiries to Canoe & Kayak North Shore, Ascension Place, 20 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay. Ph: 09 479 1002

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 8 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 8 stores on the North Island, part of a licensed operation. Income is approx 50% retail and 50% tourism and instruction.

At present it employs 3 full time staff members 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 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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Kiwis take over in the U.S.A. AQUATX Holdings Ltd, who manufacture and distribute the Cobra range of kayaks in New Zealand and Australia, have just announced that they have purchased the Cobra Kayaks U.S. operation.

7 DECEMBER 2008 Run 12km Cycle 58km Kayak 19km 89 kilometres coast to coast across the Auckland isthmus. From North Head, Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea, to North Head, Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, the course is distinctive and challenging. “Head to Head” is an exciting race and also an adventure, a journey of discovery through Auckland’s surprisingly wild and scenic places. Compete as an individual or in a three person team.

For further information or an entry form, contact the event organisers: Nelson Associates, PO Box 25 475, St Heliers, Auckland.

Phone (0274) 821 562, email: nelson.as@clear.net.nz

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Not only does this buck the trend of overseas companies buying up New Zealand businesses, but Aquatx are planning to relocate much of the manufacturing currently taking place in California to their Mt Wellington, Auckland facility. Currently produced in California, the increasingly popular Marauder, Tourer, Strike, Eliminator and Expedition, will now be made in NZ, benefitting the local market.

To help manage the expanded operation, Mathew Coles has joined the Aquatx team as Operations Manager.

Mathew has recently arrived in NZ from Britain, with his NZ born wife.

Previously involved in his family-owned plastics business he was immediately at home surrounded by roto-moulded kayaks!

He will be busy commissioning new ovens, and ramping up production to satisfy the demand from the new global markets that will be opening up to the Mt Wellington based company.

In 1993 Cobra Kayaks US was founded in California by Warren (from Taranaki) and Glenys Aitken ( a Cantabrian). They had relocated to California nearly 30 years ago. From their factory and warehouse in Gardena, California, they have supplied Cobra boats all over the United States and the Caribbean, and through distributors and dealers in the UK, the Middle East and Asia. The connection to the NZ market was strengthened when Clinton Aitken, Warren and Glenys’s nephew, who had been working in the Californian factory since 1995, returned to NZ in 2001 and set up Cobra NZ in Christchurch.

The current Aquatx shareholders shifted manufacturing, and Clinton, to Auckland and purchased Euro Inflatables in early 2007. These RIBs are now manufactured at the Mt Wellington facility, under the Aquatx brand.

Ted Dixon, originally from California, is Aquatx Sales and Marketing Manager and also a shareholder. This year he travelled to the US in April to meet the Cobra US team, understand their sales and distribution model, and learn about the US market. He spent 10 days in southern California meeting Cobra dealers, then had a week in Florida and another week in Texas, attending boat shows and visiting kayak dealers.

Stocks at the Cobra factory in California.

When asked what was happening in the US he commented, “Retailers I spoke to overwhelmingly reported that kayak fishing was experiencing exponential growth. Customers were spending as much on accessorising their boat, as on the boat itself.”

Ted at a boat show in Florida

Trends in the US included customised seats. In Florida, for example, the seats would be of waterproof canvas on a frame, so that the paddler is suspended just above the kayak. In the hot Florida climate this means a cooler more comfortable ride. Also in Florida kayak shades keep the sun off paddlers while they are fishing. “Flats” fishing in shallow water is popular in Florida and on the Texas gulf coast. The fish are skittish, so keen fishermen like their boats to be in neutral colours. Stone and camouflage are popular choices.

Also the shape of the boat is important. A ‘quiet’ bow is needed for a silent glide through the water.

Ted says “We saw a boat being fitted out by a Cobra retailer in San Diego – the customer had spent $US1200 on the boat, and another $1500 on accessories: GPS/Fish Finder, custom seat, shade sail, extra hatches and rod holders, live bait tank, and a carbon fibre paddle.

The shop owner told us that was a normal fit-out.”

One of our dealers in the U.S.

Ted expects to spend several months in the US during 2009 preparing for their summer season. He sees great opportunities. “We have a strong network of loyal Cobra dealers, particularly in the southern California region.”

The Aquatx team are equally dedicated to their distributors closer to home, including Canoe and Kayak. “It was NZ and Australian dealers’ calls for quicker delivery of US models that contributed to our purchase of Cobra US”.

The Cobra brand in NZ continues to support Canoe and Kayak, and recent joint activities have included beach demo days at Mairangi Bay and Browns Bay, as well as sharing a stand at the November Big Boys Toys show in Auckland.

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The Fish Bin Insulated Cooler Bag In Th insulated cooler bag is ideal to This keep your catch cool. The unique ke tapered zip opening allows a single tap handed operation to place your fish in ha the bag behind you. Great storage spot for your drinks & snacks too.

Price: $175.00

Fish Stringer Keep control of your catch. The stringer is fed through the mouth & out the gills for easy stowage..

Price: $49.00

Beckson Pumps The Beckson THIRSTY-MATE ® hand pump is manufactured in the U.S.A. of the finest materials available. It is self-priming and veryy easy to clean. This hand pump is designed d specifically with the Sea-Kayaker in mind, nd, and has an aluminium reinforced shaft haft which prevents the pump shaft from flexing exing in a rolling sea. A Sleeve installed at the factory provides positive flotation for pumps dropped overboard.

Sea Rover Compass 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.

Price: $79.90

Price: $79.00

Insulated Tankwell Cover An insulated cover with a mesh storage area for the tankwell to keep your catch cool.

Price: $99.90

Fish Finding Mounting Kit All the parts you’ll need to mount yourr fishfinder. Why waste countless fishing hourss trying to find bits and pieces in the garage too mount your fishfinder.

Excludes Fishfinder & battery.

Price: $119.00

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Chill Factor Zero Sharkskin products use Polartec® Windbloc® fabric that block 100% of the wind and offer maximum protection from the cold and the elements. A soft hand, stretch, and a durable water repellent finish (DWR) make this the highest quality, most comfortable windproof fleece product on the market.

Windbloc® fabric combines the warmth of Polartec® thermal fabrics with a polyurethane barrier membrane that allows moisture vapour transmission and is completely windproof and waterproof, eliminating the need for a windbreaker or additional shell. This reduces the weight and number of layers needed to protect and insulate. These fabrics are very durable, quiet, and non-pilling, and have enhanced stretch and recovery, making them appropriate for general outerwear and accessories where weather protection is desirable.

New “climate control” from Sharkskin.

Some of NZ’s leading multisport personalities told us they loved Sharkskin but wanted the ability to “vent” the tops to allow for periods of sustained activity – so we did!

We added a heavy duty YKK zipper with a comfort flap behind it which looks good and will more than last the distance. This gives users the choice of zipping up for warmth or opening up for hot Summer days or for when paddling hard for long periods of time.

Pictured is the new shortsleeve “climate control” top, (comes in longsleeve also), chest vest and shortpants – all perfect for Summer temperatures and making sure you are protected from the elements while enjoying your paddling.

Technical specifications Blocks 100% of the wind to prevent wind chill Provides warmth without the weight and bulk of traditional insulating fabrics.

Water repellent surface sheds rain and spray.

Non-restrictive fit for full range of motion.

Creates less noise than a traditional shell.

Polyurethane film membrane allows internal moisture to move to outer surface, leaving you dry and comfortable Durable; will outlast traditional fabrics Machine washable

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Learn To Kayak

PHONE 0508 529 2569 TO BOOK

SEA KAYAKING

WHITE WATER

SKILLS COURSE

ESKIMO ROLLING

INTRO TO WHITE WATER

ESKIMO ROLLING

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.

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.

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

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: 1 Weekend • COST $399

Course: 4 Evenings • COST $200

great end results.

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 Evenings • COST $150

Course: Weekend/overnight • COST $350

Course: Weekend • COST $349

Course: 4 Evenings • COST $200

RIVER SKILLS

MULTISPORT & White Water

On this course we continue to build on the skills gained on the Intro to White Water course. 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.

A comprehensive package of instruction and coaching designed to progressively build your kayaking skills to NZKI 1 Star & Grade Two Racing Certificate level.

Run over 3 weekends you are introduced to white water, with water confidence, river reading and white water skills. River running instruction on the fastest lines and rebooting all the other skills we have taught you during your first two weekends.

Course: Weekend • COST $349

Course: 3 Weekends • COST $995

ADVANCED WHITEWATER

RIVER RESCUE

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.

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.

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: 4 Evenings • COST $349

Course: 1 Evening • COST $60

Course: Weekend • COST $349

Course: Weekend • COST P.O.A.

KAYAKING SURF COURSE

RESCUE COURSE

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 FORTYeight • 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’.

Multisport

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

Prices start at $2860 Glass, $3170 Kevlar

Prices start at $5260 Glass, $5760 Kevlar

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

Length: 7m, Weight: 29 kg Glass, 24 kg Kevlar, Width: 550 mm

REBEL KEVLAR

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.

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

Prices start at $3620

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 $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 $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 $3199

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

$119.90

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

KIWI

TANDEM

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.

The fantastically stable and manoeuvrable Kiwi has with room for an adult and small child. It has two dry compartments for gear. Light, super comfortable and fast for its length. An awesome, all round kayak. Available in 3 versions.

A ‘two person’ kayak, ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring. It has two 6” hatches to store your adventure equipment. Room for three, often paddled by one.

Prices start at $1270

Prices start at $1195

Length: 3.75m, Width: 740 mm Weight: 20 kg Std, 23kg Excel & 18 Lite.

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 $69.90 - 21Ltr $79.90 - 51Ltr $99.90

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

OPTI DRY STUFF SACK

OMNI DRY STUFF SACK

OMNI DRY BACKPACK

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

$99.00

MIGHTYMITE CART

STANDARD TROLLEY

HEAVY DUTY 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.

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

$149.00

$199.00

$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.

$79.00

$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.

info @canoeandkayak.co.nz

ucts

$399 WAIKATO

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

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

PHONE: 09 479 1002

PHONE: 07 847 5565

AUCKLAND

MANUKAU

502 Sandringham Rd Sandringham

710 Great South Road, Manukau

PHONE: 09 815 2073

PHONE: 09 262 0209

PHONE: 04 477 6911

SILVERDALE

BAY OF PLENTY

TAUPO

DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 6 Tavern Road, Silverdale

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

PHONE: 07 378 1003

PHONE: 07 574 7415

HAWKE’S BAY

PHONE: 06 842 1305

Subscription price to anywhere in NZ

$40

TARANAKI

NORTH SHORE

PHONE: 09 421 0662

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.

Unit 6, 631 Devon Road Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth

PHONE: 06 769 5506

WELLINGTON 2 Centennial Highway Ngauranga, Wellington

77 Spa Road, Taupo

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

Waikato River Discovery

Mohaka

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

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

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

Need some excitement? Take a kayak down this wicked Grade II river run... this is a whole day of thrills and fantastic scenery down the Mohaka River.

Interested in a great adventure on this Magnificent River?

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

$90 per person (bookings essential).

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

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

Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Price: $125 per person.

Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Price on application.

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Mokau River

Sugar Loaf Island

TAUPO Accommodation

Waitara River Tours

Accommodation available to Yakity Yak club members & their families. Ideal for sport & school groups. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River our Kayakers Lodge houses up to 15 people. 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 One day $80.00 Phone 06 769 5506

$30 per person per night.

Phone: 0800 529256 for details

Glow worms Cruise

River Tours

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

Exploring beautiful estuaries.

Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and wonderful views.

Price $75 per person.

Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings.

07 574 7415

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details

Paddle to the Pub

Twilight Tours

Kayaking to a local pub is a unique way of spending an evening, bringing your group of friends together by completing a fun activity before dinner and making a memorable experience. These trips are available to Riverhead, Browns Bay and Devonport Pubs.

COST: $59.00 each • GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE!

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 FORTYeight • 2008

Whanganui River Trips

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

Allow 3 hours subject to weather. $55.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506

Kayak Hire 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.

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.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details

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.

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 NU

AUCKLAND

KU

TAUPO

HAWKE’S BAY

TARANAKI

REET

STRE

D

NORTH

OA NR

O

DEV

NORTH

Telephone: 06 842 1305

ET

ARIRO ST

SANDRINGHAM ROAD

RIVER

A ST

ROAD

WAIWHAKAIHO

IWH

EHU

TONG

DOMINION

TAN

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SMART ROAD

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S.H

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Arenel Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Auckland

Acme Kayaking Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Taupo

Peter & Bronnie van Lith Trading as Canoe & Kayak Taranaki

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

NORTH SHORE

SILVERDALE

MANUKAU

BAY OF PLENTY

BRONCOS

LIQUORLAND

710 Great South Road, Manukau Telephone: 09 262 0209

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

Canoe & Kayak Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Distribution

ChallenorReynolds Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Manukau

WAIKATO

WELLINGTON

JOIN THE

STA TE

DUKE STREET

ATEA D RIVE

N TEN CEN

IA

I LH

N NGAURA

OR

HI K

G E RD

GH WA Y

NORTH

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The Corner Greenwood St & Duke St, State Highway 1 Bypass Hamilton - Telephone: 07 847 5565

2 Centennial Highway, Ngauranga, Wellington Telephone: 04 477 6911

On Water Adventures Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Waikato

J & M Downey Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Wellington

KFC

MAUNGANUI ROAD

3/5 Mac Donald Street, Mount Maunganui(Off Hewletts Rd) Telephone: 07 574 7415 Jenanne Investments Limited Trading as Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty

Want a Kayak Shop?

For the Ultimate lifestyle business.

L V MARTIN

KAHIKATEA DRIVE

NORTH

rn lve

GREENWOOD ST SH1 BYPASS

DUKE STREET

Ma

HW HIG AY 1

KILLARNEY ROAD

MAC DONALD STREET

WIRI STATION ROAD

6 Tavern Road, Silverdale Telephone: 09 421 0662

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

TO TAURANGA BRIDGE

NORTH

SOUTHERN

ST

FIRST DRIVEWAY

GREAT SOUTH ROAD

AD RO

TAVERN

EA S

NORTH

D

A RO

TC OA

CONSTELLATION DRIVE

TOYOTA

WAY

RT HIGH

MAIN NO

RD DARY FOUN

UPPER HIGHWAY (16)

NORTH

HEWLETTS ROAD

E-mail: hawkesbay@canoeandkayak.co.nz

MOTORWAY

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

ASCENSION PL

77 Spa Road, Taupo Telephone: 07 378 1003

NORTHERN MOTORWAY

502 Sandringham Road Telephone: 09 815 2073

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

Email pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz