I S S U E
5 0
Speights Coast to Coast interview A sport the whole family can get into.
Paddling Antarctica
Kayakers experience the magnificence of Antarctica and an unplanned polar swim!
Be prepared!
Tale of the tuna, shark and me.
$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST
SPONSORED BY
Discover Another World
• Trans Taupo Race results • White water paddling Aratiatia • Taranaki Fishing Contest • Anakiwa Forum Review
contents
Issue 50
Kayaking in Antartica: 6 10
Sea Kayaking 6
Kayaking in the Antarctic
10
A view from the rear
14
KASK forum Anakiwa
White Water Kayaking 18
Aratiatia Rapids
Kayak Fishing 22
Taranaki Kayak Classic
24
Up the Jolly Roger
Multisport
13
28
Carpe Diem - ‘Sieze the day’
30
Trans Taupo race roundup
32 34 36
Trans Taupo Results Make the most of winter... summer is coming The Rodney Coastal Challenge multisport race - Fun for everyone. A family affair with the Delamares
38
Regulars
5
Editorial
20
Product Focus
40
Learn To Kayak
42
Recipe
43
Buyers Guide
50
Directory: Things To Do
Special Feature 13
William’s kayak dream comes true
Front cover photo: Osie Osbourne on the Whanganui River Trip 2009 Photo by: Peter Townend
4
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Kayaker’s Visibility
editorial
The Auckland Regional Council has been hearing submissions on their Bylaw 2.17. It concerns kayak visibility in the Auckland area. Discussions with many kayaking groups and individuals over the last months have caused me, along with many others, to speak at the Hearing. Many feel a bylaw in this circumstance will not be as useful as a wellorchestrated education program, but it was suggested by the council that funding for education would be more available when a bylaw exists. The problem I see with bylaws is they can seldom be enforced in any meaningful way. An education plan, ‘Keep your kayak and gear bright and visible’ and to boaties; ‘Keep a proper watch’ would have significantly better results. However the Chairperson and Councillors interacted with submitters and allowed them to ask questions or give opinions on others’ submissions. Hopefully everyone will benefit from the outcome. The key reason for the Bylaw is to make Kayakers more visible to reduce the likelihood of being run over by larger vessels. As I am a kayaker and a power boat owner I thought I would let you know the way I handle visibility when I’m out on the water. A kayaker is most visible when using a flag and wearing a bright coloured top, hat and/or PFD. At night, my all round white light and strong torch always help me to be seen. I keep a careful look out for all vessels and, wherever possible, keep out of their way. I am doubly careful when the setting or rising sun may blind an approaching vessel to my existence. As a power boatie, I take extreme care to expect the unexpected. When moving I keep a look out at all times. Small boats may be obscured by swells, I never motor straight into the setting or rising sun, I zigzag. This allows me to keep a proper look out and not be blinded by the sun. I reduce speed when I cannot see it is clear ahead. The standard rule at Sea is ‘MIGHT IS RIGHT’. Of course this is not legally correct but it’s undeniable when a collision occurs. The small boat is wrecked; the big boat gets a scratch. Kayakers should make life as easy as possible for boaties by being seen and, where possible, out of their way. And the ‘big boys’ have to pay more attention to us little ones! No one wins in a collision. The kayaker is hurt or killed; the boatie has to live with the thought that his or her action, or inaction, caused great suffering. A timely reminder is “A moment’s inattention can ruin a lifetime of happiness”. Don’t drop your guard folks and stay safe. It’s just like driving on the road. When you assume that other drivers will make mistakes you are more likely to avoid accidents! Yakity Yakers have just finished a wicked Whanganui Trip! There were 48 of us on the river for six days, enjoying food and great company, in heaps of sunshine. I am revitalized for another year and looking forward to April next year. A special thanks to all the leaders who looked after the pods. Without you - Russell, Gregory, Nick, Tony and Bevan, it could not be done. You Guys Rock! Cheers Peter Townend EDITOR: Peter Townend Ph: 0274 529 255 Fax [09] 421 0663 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz PUBLISHER: NZ Kayak Magazine is published five times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: MHP Print DISTRIBUTION: IMD
SUBSCRIPTIONS: New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40 Overseas – 6 Issues = $60
may change at any time.
Copyright: The opinions expressed by contributors and the information stated in advertisements/articles are not necessarily agreed by the editors or publisher of New Zealand Kayak Magazine.
• Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz. NZ Kayak magazine ‘Contributors’ Guidelines’ for more details.
Pricing: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate. However they
Subscribe a friend to the NZ Kayak Magazine gif a W t v $5 in ou 00 ch er
gif a W t v $5 in ou 00 ch er
Name:
Kayaking the Pacific Islands.
I S S U E
4 9
Email:
4 8 I S S U E
4 6
• Saltwater Fly Fishing • Speight’s Coast to Coast 2009
Address:
• White Water Paddling in Africa and Nepal
$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST
Whale watching in Queensland Paddling in Sir Ed’s footsteps Kayak seating for multisporters Fishing gear for summer
$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST
SPONSORED BY
$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST
SPONSORED BY
SPONSORED BY
W H I T E W A T E R • R I V E R • S E A • M U L T I S P O R T • FISHING • LAKES Discover Another World #49-9.indd 1
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: James Fitness Email: james@canoeandkayak.co.nz New Zealand Kayak Magazine
subscription form
*
I S S U E
CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’ articles and photos.
Discover Another World 20/02/2009 10:25:20
Phone:
Discover Another World #46 - FINAL.indd 1
02/08/2008 16:42:11
6 issues for $40, saving nearly $5.00 off the news-stand price, delivered free in NZ. Overseas subscription $NZ60 postage free. Send form to NZ Kayak Magazine. 6 Tavern Road, Silverdale, Auckland. Or phone [09] 421 0662 Fax [09] 421 0663 email: info@canoeandkayak.co.nz
Card No: Cheque Visa Mastercard Signature
Expiry date:
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
5
Sea Kayaking Kayaking in the Antarctic
By Ron Chandler
14 Kayakers paddle in freezing conditions around Marguerite Bay
Marguerite Bay has some of the most pristine scenery in the Antarctic Peninsula and opportunities to spot wildlife such as the emperor penguin and elusive Ross seal.
In December 2008 100 passengers, of which 14 were kayakers,
Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins, Whales, Seals, Albatross, Terns, Skuas, and Gulls. The silence was often broken by the sound of cracking ice and the roar of an occasional distant avalanche. In Russian survey ship sailing from Ushuaia to the Antarctic. a calm bay, sitting still, eyes closed, the sounds were dramatic. Three days at 12 knots through the sheltered waters of the Beagle On our last day, attempting an Eskimo roll and eager to get my head above Channel and the notoriously rough Drake Passage got us to Marguerite icy water my spray skirt came off. I had Bay well within the Antartctic Circle. The ship’s an impromptu dip in the Antarctic Ocean! strengthened hull and powerful stern drive Attempting an Eskimo roll and eager to Strictly governed by the 1959 Antarctic system made her ideally suited to enter small get my head above icy water my spray Treaty our activities included visiting bays and manoeuvre through narrow channels. skirt came off. I had an impromptu penguin colonies, abandoned research Accessing our kayaks via an inflatable centres and an old whaling station dip in the Antarctic Ocean! Zodiac proved steadier, much safer and linked to the South Shetland Islands. quicker than using the ship’s gangplank An albatross soaring close to the ship, or the beach. We paddled on six occasions for a total of 15 hours or a penguin approaching within a metre, are wonderful experiences, but in air and sea temperatures of minus 2 degrees. We were quite observing this magnificent Continent from a kayak adds a whole new comfortable wearing three layers of polyprop under a dry suit. dimension. Amidst amazing scenery and wildlife we paddled around icebergs, each spectacular in itself; many unbelievably blue. We saw Adelie,
were aboard the ‘Academic Sergy Vavilov’, a 6500 tonne
6
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Marguerite Bay is one of the largest bays on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Discover the World with...
THE WORLD’S QUIETEST ROOF RACK Introducing Prorack’s WhispbarTM. The most innovative, technically advanced roof rack system that will radically reduce drag and fuel consumption. Now that’s brilliant Kiwi ingenuity! Now available from your local Canoe and Kayak store.
Visit www.prorack.co.nz to see it on your car ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
7
Sea Kayaking
Paddling amongst the glaciers and icebergs gives a dramatic perspective. The penguins enjoy the view too!
Sea Kayaking is available for a little extra and experience is required.
Zodiacs are used for access to the kayaks – a much safer option than the ships gang plank.
Sea Kayaking A view from the rear
by Elaine Vine
Novice paddler Elaine Vine learns some valuable lessons on her January trip to the Abel Tasman National Park.
On my very first kayaking/camping trip I learnt valuable lessons. Having had time on the ferry and a quick shopping trip en-route to get to know my fellow paddlers, we travelled to Marahau in a rental van with the Canoe & Kayak truck towing the trailer of kayaks. We got to Marahau a bit later than planned, which meant the tide was well out. So one of my first lessons was it is very hard work to carry kayaks and gear up and down beaches! A second challenge - how to pack my gear into a kayak. I pushed and shoved and fiddled. There was lots of good advice from more experienced group members, and eventually I got most packed away. Most, but not quite all. Laurna turned out to be a godsend. She had less stuff than me, and, I hasten to add, a bigger kayak! She volunteered to take a couple of bits in her kayak that I hadn’t squeezed into mine. On the water at last, we paddled to Appletree Bay and pitched camp for the night on our first golden sandy beach. Beautiful to look at, and the water was beautiful to swim in too. We started on one of our most popular off-thewater activities - checking out what others were eating - Laurna’s marinated fresh fish (bought at a supermarket earlier in the day)
10
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
was definitely a cut above the rest. Another favourite off-the-water activity was checking out what gear others had. Liz’s camp bed warrants mention. Her philosophy is comfort first – the hot water bottle which appeared later on the trip was more evidence of that. On Saturday morning, we packed up and paddled to the beginning of the ‘mad mile’. It looked as if it might be living up to its reputation, so our intrepid leader Neil and his equally intrepid offsider Jim paddled around
Laurna’s marinated fresh fish was definitely a cut above the rest. the point to check it out. They reported that it was indeed too ‘mad’ for the whole group to attempt, so ten of us paddled back to Observation Beach to wait for better conditions. Meanwhile, Neil took five keen, more experienced paddlers around the point to check out the ‘mad mile’ a bit more. When they returned conditions had improved enough for all of us to go. There was a bit of a swell and the water was quite choppy, but for me the biggest problem was the persistent head wind. As the least experienced, and definitely the slowest, paddler in our group, it was on this section that I really appreciated the support and careful attention to safety of more experienced and stronger paddlers.
Dave was never more than a metre or two on one side of me and Jim the same on the other. Their presence, not to mention their advice and encouragement, meant I paddled with confidence if not with any great skill. Towards the end, Neil came back and gave me a tow - good practice for him, he told me, and I certainly didn’t mind having a bit of help. Safely through the ‘mad mile’, we stopped at The Anchorage for a late lunch, and discovered that the campsite has filtered drinking water and flush loos - what luxury! Late lunch turned into an overnight stay because the rain came and the sea conditions chopped up badly again. Fortunately the DoC people found room for us to camp. Clearly we weren’t going to make it to the Mosquito Bay campsite where we were booked in. On top of our paddling efforts through the ‘mad mile’, we had plenty of kayak carrying practice at The Anchorage. The kayaks had to be carried off the beach and put onto storage racks for the night. Some of us then went swimming to relax - why not? Sure it was raining, but you get wet swimming so it makes no difference if you are getting wet from above also. On Sunday morning we packed up, carried the kayaks down to the beach and, with a brief stop at Bark Bay, paddled to Mosquito Bay - still in the company of wind and showers, but less than the day before. Fortunately,
Mosquito Bay didn’t live up to its name, so we really enjoyed its beauty. The whole of the National Park is beautiful, but I thought Mosquito Bay was especially so. It’s not a big bay, but it has an estuary and a wee island in the middle. Lots of deep, soft, golden sand – lovely to look at, but hard work to carry kayaks and gear across. We set up camp and had lunch. Laurna created yet another of her culinary masterpieces. I assisted in putting together some couscous she had cooked the previous evening, veges from each of our stores, a small can of lemon and cracked pepper flavoured salmon from my store. It looked and tasted great.
After lunch seven keen types set off for Tonga Island, three stayed at Mosquito Bay and rested, and the other six of us paddled back to Bark Bay to explore the estuary. The Tonga Island group joined us there. They had decided against a very hard slog to the island. Instead, we showed them ‘our’ estuary - a very pretty sheltered spot. On the way back to Mosquito Bay, one of us stuck on a particularly sneaky underwater rock that was poking out from the shore. He pushed himself and his kayak up and off the rock, luckily because I was the only one nearby. I’m willing enough, but definitely short on skills, not to mention the strength to be anyone’s saviour. Swimming at Mosquito Bay, we had a delightful experience. A shag unexpectedly dived in and briefly swam with us. Neil determined on an early Monday morning start. At 6 a.m. someone, who shall remain nameless, banged pans together very loudly. It shocked the young French couple who had pitched their tent next to mine. French language panic followed until they figured out there was no emergency, just our group getting going. The weather was kind to us on Monday - sunny and warm with wind nowhere near as strong as on the previous day. But it had changed direction and we had too. We were again paddling into it. Not fair! From Mosquito Bay we paddled back past The Anchorage and stopped for a short rest and a snack at a small bay just before the ‘mad mile’. It was still a bit bumpy and breezy, but this time much milder in both respects so I paddled all the way single-handed. Safely through we paddled on to Observation Beach and set up camp. Our tents may be small, but it was an interesting exercise to fit them all into the campsite. It’s another very pretty place, but
Tui Excel A versatile, go anywhere kayak
Penguin A tried and true winner that delivers affordable excellence
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
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
11
Sea Kayaking
Team briefing or Simon Says? there’s not much flat ground. After lunch, six intrepid souls paddled around Adele Island. The other ten spent a restful afternoon on the beach where a pair of oyster catchers, sitting on an egg, didn’t appreciate our presence. They complained loudly and dive-bombed anyone close. Jim foraged for mussels, Rachel and Nikki brought them ashore, Chris and Richard did sterling work cooking them. Later on, the rest of us appreciated their efforts by helping to eat the mussels. On Tuesday, the last day of our trip we paddled back to Marahau. I wasn’t left so far behind so I was paddling a bit faster. But perhaps, with the end of the trip in sight, everyone else was taking it easy! At Marahau, the tide was well out. Again we carried kayaks and gear, packed and loaded for the drive to Picton. Most of us had showers – oh, the bliss! – but not in a very orderly fashion. Two or three walked to a public campground and paid to shower. The next person missed out when the manager said “no more or we’ll run out of hot water for our resident campers”. The rest of us, unaware of all that, went to a private campground just across the road. . The residents were aghast and the owner wasn’t there. We confidently said we were supposed to be there and happy to pay for showers. They cheered up. We showered and paid. A pity about the misinformation we gave them though. Let’s hope the owner wasn’t horrified when he or she found out. After five such enjoyable days it seemed a real pity to go our separate
12
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
ways when we got back to Wellington. The weather had sometimes been dodgy, the tides seemed to be low at inconvenient times, but the food and company were high quality. Those who have been on YakityYak Club trips tell me, the newbie, that there are always neat trips to look forward to. There’s no need to feel bad that the current one had to end. What a great way to look at the world! TRIP AWARDS Neil – Excellent trip leader and winner of ‘why paddle your kayak when you can sail it?’ Jim –‘I can tease and help at the same time.’ Dave – ‘Zigzag, circle, and paddle fastest in the opposite direction to everyone else.’ Rachel – ‘Cheerful encourager.’ Jimmy – ‘Keeping count – it’s what auditors do.’ Joy – ‘Good advice about gear.’ Nikki – ‘Carrying mussels when swimming makes you sink.’ Brett – ‘Common sense.’ York – ‘I love to swim and swim and swim and …’ Chris – ‘Good grief, I’m camping!’ Richard – ‘Thank goodness for kayak wheels.’ Liz – ‘Home comforts.’ Elaine – ‘Most effective expletive.’
William’s Kayak Dream Comes True Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty owners - Steve and Karen Knowles in co-operation with, and support of, local kayaker Robbie Banks have enjoyed the opportunity to help ‘Make-A-Wish New Zealand’.
The Tauranga kayaker/instructor and member of the local kayak club raised $1535 last September kayaking 366km solo from Tutukaka to Cape Reinga. William’s wish came true today - Tuesday 28th April 2009. In his mother’s words - “ 11yr old William from Rotorua made a wish to have a kayak so he could go out fishing on all the lakes with his dad - and hopefully his mum and sisters too”. ‘Make-A-Wish New Zealand’ has been granting wishes to seriously ill children and young people since 1987. Wishes bring magic, joy and hope to these children and their families coping with serious illnesses. Today the reward was to see the smile on a little boy’s face as he realized the gleaming Mission double sit-on kayak and accessories were all for him! Robbie said - “It is an immensely satisfying feeling to know we have created hope and happiness for William and his family.” And “I’m looking forward to hear about all the adventures they enjoy together. Including hearing about his first fish story”. We would like to say “A big thank you” to all who kindly supported this fundraising event.
Steve looks on as William and Robbie checks out kayak and all its gear.
Favourite
Places to
Paddle # Following 1 suburbs o estuaries from Using a f Auckland is o the coast to th past all road map, travel ne of my favour e inner reserve kinds of backyar ling under the mite places. a modern or thick mangro ds and ending up otorway, Luke and metropolitan cit ves is an amazing at a bush y Diana Au feature o stin, Auc. f kland YY Club.
Roof Racks for all occasions
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
13
Sea Kayaking KASK FORUM ANAKIWA 2009 by Paul Caffyn
The JKA pod, one of many going through some on-water training.
The annual KASK Forum, a gathering of sea kayakers from throughout New Zealand, alternates between the North and South islands. The 2009 forum was held at the Anakiwa Outward Bound School in the Marlborough Sounds. Feedback from those paddlers attending suggests this was one of the best ever forums. What makes the venue so great? It is a combination of location close to Picton, proximity to the sea, superb catering, better than average accommodation and excellent facilities for slide shows and workshops. For the Sunday night campout, where all the forum attendees take to the water and paddle out to Mistletoe Bay, the paddle from Anakiwa takes only a few hours depending on the time spent tiki-touring. Why was the 2009 Forum so good? A combination of smooth organization, overseas presenters along with New Zealand instructors and a good mix of onshore/ on the water workshops. The socializing over drinks and superb meals in the great hall goes without saying. Two of Australia’s most experienced expedition paddlers were both keynote presenters and on the water instructors. David Winkworth, who won the highest award for bravery in Australia for rescuing his fellow paddler from the jaws of a huge crocodile on the tropical coast of Queensland, recounted his latest trip from Karumba to Darwin, with tales of chasing crocs and big sharks attacking their kayaks. Sandy Robson from Western Australia gave a slide show on her attempt to paddle around Australia; she started from Queenscliff but was attacked by a big croc south of Cape York and pulled the pin. On the Friday evening, Max Grant showed slides of his trip from Doubtful Sound, south around the Fiordland Coast to Bluff, a paddle that commenced with five paddlers and ended with Max and his daughter Melanie completing the arduous paddle. Following was Paul Caffyn’s presentation on a paddle down the south-east coast of Greenland that he and Conrad Edwards completed through icy seas in August 2008.
14
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
The range of topics and workshops available showed the full depth of talented paddlers we have in New Zealand, ranging from GPS navigation and use of marine VHF radios to Greenland rolling and for the first time a Feldenkrais Workshop. The annual photographic competition showed not only how talented Kiwi paddlers are at taking photos on the water but also showcased our stunning coastal scenery, marine fauna and flora. Those paddlers
James Jenkins shows off the many talents required by a true paddler.
K Kililea leading his sailing session.
winning too many photo awards are dobbed in as judges for the next year’s competition. On the Sunday afternoon, over 70 paddlers packed kayaks with overnight camping equipment, good tucker and supplies of medicinal alcohol, for a paddle to the campsite at Mistletoe Bay. A grouping of paddlers into pods is great not only for socializing but good experience for organizing future trips, assessing the skills of paddlers and checking paddlers have the necessary safety equipment. The vast grassy fields
Mistletoe Bay pod at Davies Bay campsite
Favourite P
laces to P
a
ddle #2 One of th in Aucklane most underrated hardly an d is the Manukau winter paddling sp and if the y boat traffic com Harbour. There ots sheltered weather is a bit pared to the other is Peninsula parts to get on thdodgy you can stil side, Beach to side is great for e water. The A l find bays. Clos Glenbrook/Waiuku Stingrays, Clarks whitu easy acces er to town Mange has many picture Manukau s and many short re Bridge offers sque YY Club or longer u trips. Jup lie,
at the bay soon disappeared under a colourful tapestry of tents and kayaks on trolleys. The overnight campout is the time for catching up with old mates from far away, looking at the latest developments with kit and kayaks, relaxing under the stars, and being lulled to sleep by a group of paddlers singing along to tunes from a mouth organ. Planning is already underway for the 2010 KASK Forum, to be held north of Whangarei over the weekend 16 – 18 April, to be followed by an informal gathering the next week for social paddling in the Bay of Islands. The KASK forums are open to all Kiwi paddlers. As planning proceeds more information will be available on the KASK website: www.kask.org.nz
Some made it all the way from Auckland
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
15
Join Your Local se.
r s Cou
Skill ayak
k brea ng a
dly
en of fri Lots
ng duri
ea K the S
i . Tak faces
ful uti .. a e rb ys . ou erwa e r t o a xpl lw d e nqui n a a me y’s tr Co r t n cou
...or experience adrenalin filled days on our world class rivers
www.canoean CALL NOW TO JO
Yakity Yak Club Today Hi!
The Yakity Yak Kayak Club R R R
Fun Fitness Friends
All tra ining is pro just co vided me an , d hav e fun!
ndkayak.co.nz IN 0508 KAYAKNZ
Would yo a bunc u like to spen d h of ma tes explo time with Zealan d’s bea ring Ne utiful c waterw oastlin w ays? e and ‘Too old ’ or ‘don you say or ‘no ’t like c t fit en ough’ lu dreade d comm bs because of the ittees!’ what, y Well gu ou are ess never t gentle oo o mo walk? W tion of kayak ld for the in ell then fact we , you ca g. Can you have h n paddle ad missing , leg or t members with in wo. a The on ly have a committee me re wine e and ch tings we to plan eese eve our ka nings yaking secreta tr ry, no t reasure ips. No and ha r, just s ve fun. how up T So com e and jo hat’s our mot to in our get a w club. Yo . eekend u will skills co you pa ddling u techniq rse to show skills. ues an d safet y Don’t w orry if you do kayakn’t own we hav a e heaps have co . Once mpleted y ou course, t come a he weekend s kills long on trips yo u like. We can any club kayak h for thes e if you ire you a need. There i s somet hing o weeken n near d year ly every round. go awa Someti y camp mes we ing; or around we t beache he harbour st just cruise s for co opping ffe on our leg endary e and chocola te, or club pa ncakes ! There i sn on club ever any cha rg tr the New ips. We’ll even e for going Zealan s d Kaya end you and th k Maga ere are zi lo benefit s for ou ads of in stor ne e r club m embers . So take a look at the b and gi ack cov ve your er lo centre a call o cal Canoe & Kayak r better us. We’d come a love to nd get you te hooked ll you more a see nd sport of on the w kayaki ng and onderful best ka yak clu probab ly the b in th e world ! Your fr iendly team a Canoe t & Kaya k.
White Water Aratiatia Rapids
by Josh Neilson
Four kayakers perch in their kayaks awaiting the rising river for a ride of a lifetime!
Watching the World Freestyle Kayak Champs at Full James rapids amongst the world best kayakers I heard that someone had kayaked the Aratiatia Rapids not far upstream. I had seen them as a child but, aged 15, I had a young kayakers point of view. With only a few years of grade 2 kayaking under my belt it looked impossible but deep inside I knew I was lying when I agreed with my family, “I’ll never paddle it!” Then, for many years, Aratiatia was just a place we took holidaying friends to see. But on each visit the thought of paddling it became more real. Meanwhile less than a handful of people ran the rapids some from the top and some from below the weir. In the winter of 2007, a friend and I checked it out for real at the 2pm flow and determined to tackle the 4 p.m. flow. We didn’t know that in winter there are only 3 releases per day and the 4pm one wasn’t on. A few months had passed when I was picked up at 1 a.m. at Wellington’s ferry terminal by Sam Sutton, Dylan Thomson and Sharn Stewart who were touring New Zealand for the film ‘The Black Album’. We drove to Taupo for a 2 hour sleep at Reid’s Farm before checking out Huka Falls. The flow was massive so we went on to Aratiatia. We crossed the rapids and from the car park asked friends by text messaging to form a safety crew at crucial
18
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
points along the rapids. Aratiatia, on the Waikato River, is a scenic tourist attraction when water is released from a dam 4 times a day. At 2-hour intervals it again rushes down the otherwise dry natural riverbed. In minutes giant rocks are covered by spectacular, raging whitewater. The interval between flows can seem interminable when you are just waiting to watch it, but when you are sorting your kayak kit and preparing to paddle, it becomes a very short 2 hours! We played the traditional game of Paper Scissors Rock to determine our starting order and awaited the alarm. This warns that the gate is about to open and turn the river bed
Dylan at the top rapids
into a raging torrent. My stomach sank when I heard it. Onlookers soon realised what we were about to do when, kayaks on our shoulders, we crossed the bridge. It takes fifteen minutes for the riverbed to be at full flow then stays at this flow for a short time before gradually dropping. We sat in our kayaks on the rocks by the dam wall and waited. When the water reached our perch we spun in a very turbulent eddy. One by one we moved into the flow and made eddy turns as a warm up for what was about to happen. People on the bridge above us peered down and we heard an occasional voice, but our focus was the river below. From our pool we looked down into the gorge where cameras and the safety crew waited. The fifteen minutes to full flow passed slowly until I paddled out of the eddy into the first rapid. I was rushing towards the weir in narrows which end in a boiling pit backed by a wall. The tow back into the hole in the weir comes from a long way down stream and forces a move. Getting stuck is not an option and swimming out is even worse! Within seconds I was off the lip and pulling through the water. I was almost through but it held me! Then the boils let go and I was out the other side! What a relief. I waited below the weir for Sam and Dylan to come. They had sweet lines through the weir and were stoked to have succeeded. We floated to the next drop where the river
An overview of the Aratiatia rapids with the team all safely at the bottom.
runs along the wall and then drops a few metres into a huge boil and a 90degree turn. Ideas on running this differed but there is no really clean line and all would work fine. Sam lined up and melted into the pit. Time passed and he emerged downstream, ran a small drop and went into the pool. Dylan and I chose a boof stroke and flat landing. At the bottom of the pit the boil threw me back upstream into the main flow and I went deep for a few seconds. Dylan had a similar experience, came up and ran the smaller drop at the bottom. This part over we were pretty stoked facing the last challenge. It is a park and paddle drop
The second time I knew that I could make it but running something that big definitely affects nerves. Once again, action time at the top banished nerves . I had sweet lines all the way through to the bottom and again celebrated on the bridge. It seemed funny to be standing there almost 10 years after I had first heard it was possible, knowing that I had now done it. Today bigger and harder rapids are more
At the bottom of the pit the boil threw me back upstream into the main flow and I went deep for a few seconds. with fewer hazards so it is run more frequently. Noticing that the flow was dropping we pushed on to the lip of the final drop. One after another we paddled onto the big lateral wave, dropped off the other side into a hole and out into the main current and calm waters! Returned to the bridge we were super happy reliving every part of our descents. People who had previously run Aratiatia Rapids had said that once was definitely enough, but we had other plans. Not quite satisfied we planned to come back in 2 days and run it again.
accessible but Flemming Schmidt’s run so long ago was a huge accomplishment! Aratiatia is one of the hardest I’ve paddled and it will be a hard one to top. Many think it is one of the hardest stretches of paddlable whitewater because, since Flemming, it has flowed about 13,680 times and
Josh Weir- Photo Kenny Mutton. only been paddled by about 10 people. Many thanks go to Jamie Sutton, Phil Mac, Jamie Garrod, Sam Royal, and others for wicked safety on the river and to Kenny Mutton and Evan Chadwick for the sweet photos.
The boys check out the rapids.
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
19
Product Focus Get maximum life out of your dry bags. In simple terms a dry bag is made of a waterproof material that rolls over itself to seal. There is plenty of choice, with varying quality and price. I have put together a simple breakdown of styles, types of construction and how to get a long life out of your dry bags. Dry bag construction and materials. Dry bags are made of PVC, Polyester or Nylon, with or without woven threads and with electronically bonded waterproof seams. That’s the technical stuff out of the way. How to destroy your dry bag as quickly as possible. This is easy. Stuff it over-full. Force the top to roll 3 times as tightly as possible and then push it around a 90 degree corner to get it inside the kayak. You’ll win the prize for the world’s greatest dry bag destroyer. Things to remember to increase the life of your dry bags. DO NOT OVER FILL – buy a bigger size than you need. It will last twice as long and cost only a few dollars more. A dry bag that is only 75% filled will easily mould to the odd spaces inside your kayak hatch allowing you to carry more. Normally we would say that more small
Modern dry bags can last many years, possibly for your entire kayaking career.
bags are easier to pack into a kayak than a few large bags. This is true, unless the large bags are only 75% filled. Most dry bags fail either because the fabric rips or the clear window cracks. So keeping things simple here are a few things to remember. 1/- the clear PVC window has no woven threads in the plastic and is, therefore, the weakest part of a dry bag. 2/- lighter more flexible fabric is less likely to catch and rip going in and out of sea kayak hatches.
it rolls to provide a seal. Lighter weight fabrics often last longer. Making life easy. How to purchase the best dry bag for your needs. All dry bags keep their contents dry, but many make it difficult to find the thing you are looking for without empting the entire bag. It helps to have a big window in the bag. Completely clear dry bags are available, as long as you don’t mind displaying their contents to the world. My personal emergency kit bag is one of these, which I do not access often and can visually check the contents. For other stuff, especially clothes, I prefer a dry bag which opens along its length. It is easier to find things in a shallow bag with a big opening. This style of bag is a little more expensive but is so much easier to use. The value of a small auto purge valve. It lets air out of the bag!
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.
3/- Ripstop is a woven fabric that has an extra thread added to the weave, which stops a tear or rip from travelling across or down the fabric. 4/- When tramping, heavier weight plastic increases abrasion resistance but this is not usually needed when kayaking. 5/- Most commonly failure occurs where the clear plastic window joins the more flexible bag fabric. The strongest bag has Ripstop construction with no window. But who wants to go without a window? The next most common failure is cracking of heavy weight fabric where
20
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
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
www.nzki.co.nz
When the bag is full and closed you squeeze it, expel excess air and reduce its size. This is great for squashing your dry bag into tight spaces in your kayak. Sleeping bags and clothes bulk can be reduced greatly before stowing in your kayak. The smaller the size, the more stuff you’ll get into your kayak. My purchase suggestions. If you are looking for a medium price dry bag, go for a big opening that opens along the length of the bag. If you can afford a few more dollars, add a purge valve. In both cases, go for the lighter ‘Ripstop’ material. The bag will last longer. Finally buy bigger so you do not need to over-fill. On the other hand if you need a cheaper dry bag for occasional multi-day camping trips, buy a known brand. Some additional points. Are you storing moisture in your dry bag? Remember that if you pack your dry bag on a cold damp morning, when the day warms up the trapped moisture will be absorbed by the bag’s contents. Those who have paddled the Whanganui River may have experienced the resulting damp clothes and sleeping bags. My suggestion is, pack your clothes
DRY BAGS
H2Zero Dry Bags The Price Leader
years, quite possibly for your entire kayaking career. So it is worth spending the time and money to buy the bag best suited to your needs and treat it with respect. The bag will return the favour.
Heavy weight clear plastic with frequency welded seams and a tough, abrasion resistant base fabric. 10 Litre - $29.90 21 Litre - $34.90 41 Litre - $44.90 ®
Omni Dry Bags Tough & Traditional Simple solid and dependable traditional design with tough abrasion resistant fabric and frequency welded seams. 10 Litre - $39.90 21 Litre - $44.90 41 Litre - $54.90 ®
®
Latitude Dry Bags Author: Ian Cheesman – Keen kayaker and importer of Seattle Sports equipment.
Length opening bags at competitive prices Opens along the length of the bag - no more losing things at the bottom of the bag. Polyester body and heavy-duty vinyl ends.This is a quality bag so... WHY PUT UP WITH A TOP OPENING DRY BAG? 10 Litre - $58.50 21 Litre - $72.00 51 Litre - $85.50
®
in sealed plastic bags, one for each day, before putting them into your dry bag. Only open a sealed bag when it’s needed. Boots and other bigger items packed in a dry bag are often difficult to get into a small kayak hatch. The best solution is put an empty 40 or 50 litre dry bag in the hatch and then pack them in. To sum up. All modern dry bags can last many
Photos clockwise from far left: Ripstop fabric. Latitude Dry Bag with lateral opening. Close up of an auto purge valve Before-purge-example: Sleeping bag in a Super Latitude Dry Bag Finished-purge-example: Sleeping bag after using purge valve. My kit bag in a clear plastic Opti Dry Bag.
Super Latitude Dry Bags The best of the future - available now Opens along the length of the bag - no more losing things in the bottom of the bag. Hands-free AUTOPURGE valve automatically purges the air as the bag is compressed or stuffed into tight spaces. Light weight urethane coated diamond RIP-STOP allows these bags to slide easily into kayak hatches. A full width window makes seeing gear easy. 10 Litre-$87.75 21 Litre-$101.25 51 Litre-$143.84
Micro Dry Stuff Sack For keeping small things dry and safe Same quality construction as the Super Latitude bags in a micro size. $29.90 All prices shown in this advertisment are recommended retail prices at the time of publication. Prices in stores may differ. Seattle Sports product is distributed in New Zealand by Great Stuff Ltd (email:greatstuff@graphics.co.nz) and sold exclusively through Canoe and Kayak stores. wwwcanoeandkayak.co.nz GS/DB2009
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
21
Fishing Taranaki kayak classic 2009
By Garry Harrison
On APRIL 4/5TH the 3rd annual Taranaki Kayak Classic was held in Oakura, near New Plymouth. A well attended ‘sponsors’ fun night on the preceding Thursday was a nice way to say “thanks” to our many sponsors. On Friday a perfect weather forecast encouraged lots of late entries to register and that night fishing legend BILL HOHEPA entertained a large gathering with many tips and tricks. Then the organisers briefed us and it was off to bed for a 4.30 am start. In freezing air, but with higher water, temperature our team, DADS’ ARMY, reached our chosen spot about 5 30am and readied our yaks to paddle at first light. Others, good keen men, had left already, paddling in the dark to spot x. We paddled downstream. A few small waves on the bar broke over the bows of our Maurauders, and Fish n Dives, causing me to wonder how big they would be on our return. In improving light a group of fishos showed us some of their catch. They had nice snapper and Kyle had a fish over 10kg. Our team spread over a reef. I chose a spot, put a bait in the water and soon had the first snapper on deck. It went back, it was only a baby! Eventually good fish came onboard and at 11am we started for home. I had half a dozen good eating fish of up to 4kg that weren’t prize winners. Jim had a similar catch. Dennis and Bruce had failed to find big fish but they had fun with eels and barracuda. I guess we should have been earlier as all the big fish had come at the change of light. Ahead large waves were breaking on the bar. UH OH what to do? We studied the waves and determined to land on a nearby beach, walk the yaks along the shallows and re launch in the river. With everything tied down we went for it on the back of the 7th wave and all landed safely. What a relief! The hard part was to relaunch and paddle the river against the current. At BUTTLERS REEF Competition HQ the large EGMONT SEA FOODS container was soon packed with snapper over 10kgs for the charity auction. On Day 2 we began a little later, targeting gurnard off Oakura Beach. Jason and the MISSION TEAM joined us. I found a spot producing good gurnard and kahawai and soon landed 8 nice fish. When I paddled over to Dennis, who wasn’t catching much, I recommended my burly trail. He caught the winning gurnard from ‘my’ burly trail! At
22
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
least one of our team won something. Finally it was back to HQ where bigger fish came to the scales. The winning snapper weighed in at 11.8kg. 2nd place was 11.5kg. The huge auction raised $1,200.00 for surf lifesaving and prize giving was great. Amongst lots of happy anglers two lucky people walked away with new MISSION kayaks, Look out for the competition which will
Favourite Pl ac
FaFvaovuoruitreitePPelas to Paddle # Kawhia Har lacecsestotoPPadaddldele#3#33 good conditio bour is a magical plac through limens, you are able to w e to paddle. In and have th stone formations risin eave your way for a break e choice of secluded, hg out of the sea paddle. Bar. I consider Kawhia H ideaway beaches ar bara, Bay O f Plenty YbYour a “must do” Club. It was an early start for some
be screened in September on the BILL HOHEPA fishing show channel 110 cue TV, and mark your 2010 calendar for NZ’s number one Fishing Competition. Cheers Garry Harrison for Dads’ Army fishing team Pictures (from top to bottom) Top: Bill Hohepa with Kyle from Hunting and Fishing with a 10kg snapper. Saturdays biggest fish. Centre: Kurt Penburth ( 9yrs) with 6kg snapper Bottom: Dave Letherby with overall winner 11kg.
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
23
Fishing ‘Up the Jolly Roger’ A recent fall in the otherwise inclement weather late December produced a couple of days which saw boaties & kayakers on the water at day light with VHF’s giving trip reports to the New Plymouth Taranaki Coastguard.
by Martin Rook Come to think of it, not many kayakers are obliging on Ch 61. Come on paddlers sharpen up! You never know when you’re going to need help. Anyway, Herb Spannagl and myself, Martin Rook, launched at port New Plymouth and headed out behind the Sugar Loaf Island saddle-back, took a right turn and trolled down tuna-ally. We deviated along the way to poach a G.P.S. way-point from an anchored boat which just happened to haul a nice snapper on board as we passed. Don’t you just hate that?
The sea was calming, temperatures rising and water colour improved. Herb is paddling a Prowler 13, myself a Cobra Marauder. Both kayaks have been fitted out with all the mod cons and set up for serious fishing. We made the 75/80 metres depth mark, working more to the north. The signs looked good with more birds and more bait fish, so we eased up and had a launch. We noticed a sudden increase in bird activity so we joined the party. During the next hour, with a couple of lure changes, we both landed nice albacore tuna. A wind shift to the N.E. as expected would assist us home. Then, the unthinkable. I’m partly turned in the seat adjusting a drag, and then I’m in the water swimming. WHAT THE! My safety line kept the kayak where it’s supposed to be and I clambered back on board quick smart. Bloody Hell! I was sitting sideways in the kayak with my legs in the water, sorting out my gear: rods-tackle bag etc, etc – when I noticed the shark. SHARK? Where’s my tuna? – Bugger, still in the water on the stringer. The shark, a 5 ft mako stopped a kick in the head. I reached for the stringer to retrieve the tuna. The shark came in again - rolled and my tuna was about to be sushified. I told him his pedigree with a few choice words about his ancestors and desperately kicked out again, forcing it to let go of its prize. MINE! All this took about 2 minutes. Herb seeing all the pandemonium closed in to see if I’d spat the dummy. “Bloody shark” I retorted and hoisted the tuna onboard.
24
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Herb was now stationary, his lures sinking deeper, which attracted the shark who latched on to one. Oi! It didn’t stay for the photo shoot. Moving on, a few more hits. Some stuck some didn’t. Again the ratchet spoke. A cape pigeon got tangled in the braid. Thankfully I was wearing paddle gloves. The pretty little bird was somewhat pissed at being handled and promptly took a swipe at my finger. Strong little bastard- drew blood too. Five minutes later another sea bird got an undignified release. All in all a great day. Tired and sunburned we called up the coast guard watch, our ETA on schedule! Thanks for the watch! Reflecting on the trip the unexpected did happen. I fell off! Heard this before? “It doesn’t happen to me”. Well not normally no. It was probably about the 3rd time in 40 years. I had become a self professed expert. Must be human nature or something. Those of so little knowledge. The bottom line: If you are out of your depth and cannot get back in unassisted you have no right to be out there. Kayak black pearl
The Rasdex Multisporter PFD has had another successful Speight’s Coast to Coast, taking wins with both Gordon Walker and Emily Miazga. A good number of the other top 10 finishers in all classes also chose it. Why? Because it is the most complete multisport PFD on the market: quick side entry, light weight, plenty of pockets, comes with bladder and routing for 3 tubes via our innovative block system. Why compromise your race? Use what the winners use! RRP $289.95
The new Hydra PFD has been tested to NZS 5823:2005. It is also approved for night time use. Available in high viz yellow (see Auckland harbour bylaws) and red, and in 2 sizes. Features large front pocket and key clip, plus hidden side pockets which allow extra foam to be fitted so it can be used for canoe polo. RRP $149.95
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
25
Multisp Hi Guys, Just a quick update on the C2C, will send you a link to the pic’s soon. Time overall was 19hrs 54min – which I was very happy with (I wanted to be under 20 hours). Run was hard – 7hrs 45 min (mainly a walk for me). Kayak was hard after day 1 but fantastic as usual. Loved the river (running at 30 cumec I heard) went down the rock garden sideways through the wave trains (people in front obscured the boulders then capsized) – put another hole in the boat. Low level made some of the rapids a real hoot and there were not too many bum scrapes in the braided section. Had no swims but a wobbly moment in the rock garden and one on carage corner. Did the kayak leg in 5hrs 45 min, was very happy to be in under 6 hours. I would not have been able to do the kayak leg without your training and then a dozen or so trips on the Mohaka or Rangatiki. So a really big thank you to all of you guys up in Taupo Canoe and Kayak for enabling me to not only complete but enjoy this years C2C.
e p r a
Regards Richard Lawrence
C
Here are some cool Multisport events to check out:
Coromandel classic: 28 to 30 August 2009 www.endurancesport.co.nz/coromandelclassic Cambridge to Hamilton Kayak Race: 13tthSeptember 2009 www.kayakrace.co.nz Motu Challenge: 10th October 2009 www.motuchallenge.co.nz Rodney Coast Challenge: 8th November 2009 www.rcc.org.nz
ort racing
m e i
D e
Hi all at Canoe & Kayak, Just letting you know that I had a great paddle down the Waimak on Saturday and managed it without any mishaps. (although I did witness a few along the way). It was a long and tough paddle - the river was about 32 cumecs so very different to the 150 & 105 cumecs I paddled in January. I paddled it 2 weeks ago at 34 cumecs and it still seemed much lower and slower than that! Overall, I had a good steady race although my knee gave me a bit of trouble on the 33km run and esp. running down the road to Mt White bridge on Day 2. Had a great bunch ride into Sumner and felt recovered by the time I got to the finish line - so managed to finish and meet both my goals of a) time and b) finishing with a smile on my face. Thanks for your help in getting me there! Cheers Fran
Want to get involved? Phone 0508 KAYAKNZ now.
Multisport View south from Indian Head.
Carpe Diem
Richard Lawrence & Robin Judkins
Get out of the armchair and become a multisporter. Anyone can do it! Meaning of the phrase Carpe Diem: One interpretation might be ‘eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.’ This derives from verses in the biblical book of Isaiah, with emphasis on making the most of current opportunities because life is short and time is fleeting. Other variations include: ‘remember that you are mortal’ and ‘gather girl the roses’. The most popular version translation from Latin is ‘Seize the Day’.
Richard Lawrence negotiating a wave on the Coast to Coast, one of many.
All of these evoke a sense of mortality which is a particularly healthy way of looking at life, as we are a long time dead it makes sense to Carpe Diem. Making the transition from armchair multisporter to being a multisporter is not as big a leap as it seems....Do I hear the common phrases rattling around heads? I’m too old! I’m not fit enough! Other people do that, not me! Well think again...I have been teaching Multisport Kayaking for 5 years from Canoe and Kayak Taupo and have seen every type of person imaginable. Lawyers, vets, accountants, forestry workers, surgeons, mothers, grandmothers, IT workers, CEO’s of huge corporate business’s, students and even an SAS sniper! Most of our clients are from the 40+ age bracket with my oldest client being 65 years old. He had a very respectable time on the C2C race. So you see there is no
NZKI 1 Star & Grade Two River certifcates We believe our comprehensive Grade 2 Training & Certification is the best you can get. To gain the skills to confidently paddle on white water, you need at least 3 weekends on the water with our instructors.
PHONE NOW
0508 5292569 OR CALL IN TO YOUR LOCAL CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE FOR MORE DETAILS AND COURSE DATES
2009 Multisport Package $995 Accommodation available in Taupo 28
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Beginner or accomplished?
There is plenty of company
Freddy leading the Waimak familiarisation.
to learn with.
Our training is designed for all levels.....from complete beginner to the accomplished age limit and there is no outer comfort zone you can’t overcome with help of some progressional tuition. There is no ‘type’ of person that becomes a Multisporter. There are many many Multisport events appearing on the calendar some of which are on grade 2 rivers and some which require a Grade 2 Certificate to compete. Our training is designed for all levels.....from complete beginners to the accomplished who just require an assessment. Our tuition is based on a progressional scale, aiming to achieve a level of competence where you can paddle Grade 2 with friends and be confident of avoiding any potential hazards, manage yourselves, read the river and most importantly have fun safely. Our pass rate is 99.9% due to the thorough training given over the 3 weekends. Many of our clients go on to win their categories. So...If you have had enough of making a dent in your sofa and have been longing for an adventure which will change
your life (and get you very fit in the process), then close this magazine, turn to the rear page, dial your local store and Carpe Diem. Steve Kittle Canoe and Kayak Taupo NZKI Instructor
28, Essendon Place, RD 4, Rotorua
Phone 07 345 7647 or 021 898942 Fax 07 345 7657
www.daytwo.co.nz Email: info@daytwo.co.nz
Richard Lawrence & Neil Smith appraching the finish line
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
29
Multisport TRANS Taupo – Records tumble in near ideal conditions for the 2nd annual event. Saturday saw Lake Taupo play host to what has quickly become the biggest open water paddle/row event in the country. A large flotilla of a multitude of different craft tackled the marathon 44km paddle and row challenge across Australasia’s biggest lake.
Competitors line up for the start of the 2nd annual Trans Taupo Race
With forecast wind making a late shift towards the west and lessening in strength, Trans Taupo race organiser Neil Gellatly made a decisive call mid-Friday afternoon to run the 2nd annual paddle and row event in the original direction South to North across the lake. This had paddlers enjoying a nice light 5-10 knot southwesterly breeze and the assistance of little runners for a good portion of their journey up the lake under a perfect overcast sky. In what competitors described afterwards as near ideal conditions, it was obvious that the 2008 course and category records were going to be at threat. But with craft set off in class waves, a new wake washing ruling and an ever so slightly new longer course, no one predicted the times that eventuated and the shear enormity of the record spree. With a hot pace set by all vying for line and category honors, no fewer than 9 craft and paddler/rowers went under the overall race record set by Auckland’s Simon McLarin in the inaugural event. Amongst these and taking line honors for a second year running was McLarin, smashing his previous time by 16 min 45 sec to set a new course record of 3hrs 29 min 4 sec., again narrowly heading off a valiant challenge from Auckland’s Tim Grammer just 1 min and 6 seconds in arrears. Top Australian paddler Matt Blundell claimed third. This winning effort was not only matched but bettered by the winning woman, Auckland’s and world no# 1 ranked surf ski paddler - Katie Pocock, who slashed 17 min 59 sec off her winning effort last year. She was the first woman to break into the sub 4hr club with an amazing time of 3hrs 42min 24 sec – remarkably also faster than the old overall race course record. The battle to be the first multi seat craft home was perhaps the
30
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
tightest of all with just 25 seconds separating the first 3 home. The double sea kayak pairing of Dave Rudge and Jerome Sheppard shaved an impressive 17 min & 35 sec off the category record they previously owned to also break the 4 hour barrier for the first time and claimed the multi seat honours by a slim 12 seconds, in a time of 3 hrs 43min 2 sec from the Eastern Bay Scullers ocean rowing quartet. Whilst the Eastern Bay Scullers had an almighty battle the entire way across the lake with the 2008 3rd place getters overall - Wanganui River Institute (boosted this year with 93’ 94’ World Rowing Champ – Brenda Lawson). A mere 13 sec separated the two ocean rowing craft at the finish. So quick were the times that in total no fewer than 12 craft and crew broke the 4 hr barrier to join the 3 who were inducted into the Sub 4hr Club in 2008. 4th to 6th placed male surf ski paddlers Dave Hicks, Gerrard Callebaut and Damian Munro, all join the exclusive club, along with under 50 mixed double sea kayak pairing Pete O’Sullivan and Anne Cairns who cut 17min 25 sec off the old category record, clocking 3hrs 50min 58 sec, 2nd placed double sea kayak men under 50 pair of Mark Struthers and Isak Meyer who scraped in under 4hrs by just 37 seconds. Amoungst 8 category records that fell, Melanie Grant knocked a massive 1 hr 5min 8 sec off the previous single women’s sea kayak record; Bryce Irving took 15 min 37 sec off the previous single men’s waka ama record, falling 3 min and 9 seconds shy of breaking the 4hr barrier; and Teresa Mumby and Jane Ganley who took a huge 45min 49 sec of the previous double sea kayak women’s record. Overall individual male & female and first multi-seat craft received good prize money; cash bonuses going to all category record Katie Pocock - womens winner & race record holder
Eastern Bay Scullers - Quad 4 Ocean rowing winners
breakers. All category winners were recognised and competitor’s efforts were generously rewarded. And for those who took up the challenge to complete rather than to compete the crossing, everyone received an impressive registration goodie bag. They shared in a magnificent bounty of spot prizes at the end of the day. From smiles on faces and positive talk amongst competitors, supporters, sponsors and volunteers around the finish line and at prize giving, the vibes coming from the event indicated everyone had a great experience; with many quick to say they’d certainly be coming back to paddle or row next year. If you’d like to join them, mark down TRANS TAUPO in your calendar on the 20th of March 2010. A full set of finalised race results can be found on pages 31 & 32. www.transtaupo.co.nz has links to race photo’s and video footage. The race organiser would like to thank the following groups of people for helping make the event a success – Tu Wharetoa Maori Trust Board; Taupo District Council; Destination Lake Taupo; Taupo Harbour Master; Turangi and Taupo Volunteer Coast Guard members; Tokaanu Lodge Motel proprietor’s; ine Kayaks Tokaanu Tu Wharewaka Water Sports Complex Trustees; D.o.C; Taumarunui Lions Club; Taupo
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
Yacht Club administers; Friends and Family. And the organiser is extremely grateful for the support of the following sponsors – Canoe & Kayak; Prorack; Mighty River Power; Ruahine Kayaks; Barracuda Kayaks; Q-Kayaks; Hammer Nutrition; NZ Kayak Magazine; Concept 2; SharkSkin; Liquor King; Rasdex; Em’s Power Cookies; JKK Kayaks; Adventure Multisport Options; Day Two; Great Stuff; Top Gear; Fortebody Reconditioning; Taupo Tandem Skydiving; and event partners – Destination Lake Taupo; Sportzhub.com; Photochick. co.nz; North Shore City Beach Series; King of the Harbour; Bhutty Moore-morial Race; SuperDune; Burger Fuel; Hell’s Pizza; & Icebreaker.
Images compliments of www.sportzhub.co.nz
Bryce Irving - waka ama winner
This fast, stable kayak is designed for the larger paddler looking for a longer, stable boat.
Gladiator ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
31
Multisport
Trans Results 2009 2009 Taupo Trans Taupo Final Results
SINGLE SURF SKI FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Simon McLarin 2 Tim Grammer 3 Matt Blundell 4 Dave Hicks 5 Gerard Callebaut 6 Damian Munro 7 Brad Hayes 8 Cliff Parker 9 Phil Morreau 10 Warwick Smith 11 Neville Styne DNS Warren Granger DNS Christopher Dale WD - CP1 Jason Ferreira
# 54 30 32 22 31 47 2 26 43 52 10 15 17 9
SINGLE SURF SKI FULL COURSE MEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 John Sanderson WD - CP1 Andrew Wagg
# FROM 5 Auckland 100 Christchurch
CRAFT Epic V10 Sport Fenn Mako 6
TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ 4:29:52 +0:00:00 22 +1:00:48 WD - CP1
SINGLE SURF SKI FULL COURSE WOMEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Katie Pocock WD - CP2 Sarah MacDonald
# 34 16
FROM Auckland Tirau
CRAFT Epic V10L Epic V10L
TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ 3:42:24 +0:00:00 5 +0:13:20 WD - CP2
SINGLE PLASTIC SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # 1 Mike Tate 64 2 Russell Troy 7 3 Brendan Hardigan 56 4 Ben Darby 29 5 Daniel Howe 48 6 John McLaren 18 7 Cliff Perry 55
FROM Levin Auckland New Plymouth Auckland Waitakere Whangaparaoa Taupo
CRAFT Dagger Touring Kayak Barracuda Beachcomber Mission Eco-bezhig Mission Eco-bezhig Tasman Express Q-Kayaks Shearwater Pacific kayaks - Storm
TIME 5:10:22 5:13:59 5:30:24 5:38:34 6:02:41 6:25:09 6:52:36
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 40 +1:41:18 +0:03:37 45 +1:44:55 +0:20:02 53 +2:01:20 +0:28:12 56 +2:09:30 +0:52:19 60 +2:33:37 +1:14:47 63 +2:56:05 +1:42:14 64 +3:23:32
SINGLE PLASTIC SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Jeff Wells 2 Kevin Entwisle 3 Ross Whale
FROM New Plymouth Auckland Marton
CRAFT Mission Eco-bezhig Point 5 Challenge Sequel
TIME 5:17:19 5:29:01 6:14:27
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 48 +1:48:15 +0:11:42 51 +1:59:57 +0:57:08 62 +2:45:23
# 11 49 60
FROM Auckland Auckland NSW, Australia Wellington New Plymouth Mt Maunganui Hamilton Auckland Auckland Auckland Auckland Palmerston North Waiuku Auckland
CRAFT TIME Brainwave 3:29:04 Huki S1-X 3:30:10 Epic V10L 3:36:27 Epic V10L 3:40:21 Fenn Mako 6 3:44:08 Epic V10L 3:58:49 Hayes Total Carbon - Wood4:20:34 Fenn Mako 6 4:22:46 Epic V10 4:27:05 Epic V10L 4:27:21 Epic V10 Sport 4:29:50 Red 7 DNS SA Kayak Centre DNS Epic V10L WD - CP1
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 1 +0:00:00 +0:01:06 2 +0:01:06 +0:07:23 3 +0:07:23 +0:11:17 4 +0:11:17 +0:15:04 9 +0:15:04 +0:29:45 11 +0:29:45 +0:51:30 17 +0:51:30 +0:53:42 18 +0:53:42 +0:58:01 19 +0:58:01 +0:58:17 20 +0:58:17 +1:00:46 21 +1:00:46
SINGLE PLASTIC SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM WD - Sandra Stevenson 59 Auckland
CRAFT TIME Barracuda Beachcomber WD - CP3
SINGLE COMPOSITE SEA KAYAK PL NAME-1 1 Glen 2 Peter 3 Chris
FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 NAME-2 # Davies 8 Hartley 45 Craigmile 50
FROM Taupo Tauranga Auckland
CRAFT JKK Supernova Paddling Perfection Slings Q-Kayaks Maximus
TIME 4:36:05 4:53:36 4:53:51
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 26 +1:07:01 +0:17:31 34 +1:24:32 +0:17:46 35 +1:24:47
SINGLE COMPOSITE SEA KAYAK PL NAME-1 1 Adrian 2 Dennis 3 Don 4 Kevin 5 Wally 6 Max 7 Neil 8 Steve 9 Rex 10 James
FULL COURSE MEN 50 PLUS NAME-2 # Davis 40 Dickey 42 Lawrence 27 Yeoward 28 James 38 Grant 62 Watson 58 Horne 4 Cunningham 3 Hawkins 35
FROM Pukekohe Hamilton Pukekohe Taupo Hunua Ashhurst North Shore Hamilton Hamilton Auckland
CRAFT Q-Kayaks Maximus JKK Ocean Eclipse JKK Ocean Eclipse Mirage 580 JKK Supernova Q-Kayaks Maximus Albatross Paddling Perfection Sea B Euro X Paddling Perfection Sea B
TIME 4:30:27 4:37:29 4:47:20 4:48:55 5:12:45 5:13:29 5:14:39 5:22:52 5:33:20 7:05:10
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 23 +1:01:23 +0:07:02 27 +1:08:25 +0:16:53 32 +1:18:16 +0:18:28 33 +1:19:51 +0:42:18 42 +1:43:41 +0:43:02 43 +1:44:25 +0:44:12 46 +1:45:35 +0:52:25 49 +1:53:48 +1:02:53 54 +2:04:16 +2:34:43 65 +3:36:06
SINGLE COMPOSITE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM 1 Melanie Grant 61 Ashhurst
CRAFT Q-Kayaks Maximus
TIME 4:46:20
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 31 +1:17:16
SINGLE COMPOSITE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM 1 Rowena Hayes 53 Taupo
CRAFT Mirage 580
TIME 5:30:07
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 52 +2:01:03
32
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
SINGLE WAKA AMA FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50
TIME+
OVERALL OVERALL+
SINGLE COMPOSITE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM 1 Melanie Grant 61 Ashhurst
CRAFT Q-Kayaks Maximus
TIME 4:46:20
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 31 +1:17:16
SINGLE COMPOSITE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM 1 Rowena Hayes 53 Taupo
CRAFT Mirage 580
TIME 5:30:07
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 52 +2:01:03
SINGLE WAKA AMA FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Bryce Irving 2 Joe Cornforth 3 Anthony Cribb 4 Tony Loretz 5 Byron Perkins
# 46 14 66 37 57
FROM Tauranga Hamilton Auckland Waitakere Auckland
CRAFT Pegasus Moana nui - Wainui Tahitian Hypr Vantage Ocean Canoe
TIME 4:03:09 4:33:40 4:42:27 5:13:37 5:16:49
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 13 +0:34:05 +0:30:31 24 +1:04:36 +0:39:18 29 +1:13:23 +1:10:28 44 +1:44:33 +1:13:40 47 +1:47:45
SINGLE WAKA AMA FULL COURSE MEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Michael Dolan
# 68
FROM Auckland
CRAFT Hyper
TIME 5:09:59
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 39 +1:40:55
DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Dave & Jerome Rudge/Sheppard 2 Mark & Isak Struthers/Meyer 3 Peter & Ted Brock/Huges
# 25 51 24
FROM Wellington Auckland Auckland
CRAFT JKK Hypernova Ruahine Adventure Duet Dobbe Tuart
TIME 3:43:02 3:59:23 5:23:15
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 6 +0:13:58 +0:16:21 12 +0:30:19 +1:40:13 50 +1:54:11
DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Bruce & Marty Stuart/Taylor 2 Greg & Mike Fry/Hopkins 3 Stephen & Mike LeCouteur/Wilkie
# 21 13 44
FROM Helensville Auckland Auckland
CRAFT Ruahine Adventure Duet Breaksea II Paddling Perfection Sea B
TIME 4:18:54 4:59:35 5:37:31
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 16 +0:49:50 +0:40:41 37 +1:30:31 +1:18:37 55 +2:08:27
DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Teresa & Jane Mumby/Ganley
# 20
FROM Hamilton
CRAFT Insominac
TIME 4:44:35
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 30 +1:15:31
DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Julie & Prue Hopkins/Fry
# 12
FROM Auckland
CRAFT Insominac
TIME 5:04:40
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 38 +1:35:36
DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MIXED UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Pete & Anne O'Sullivan/Cairns 2 Christine & Mitch Couldrey/Potter
# 65 19
FROM CRAFT Palmerston North Ruahine Adventure Duet Raglan JKK Hypernova
TIME 3:50:58 4:11:52
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 10 +0:21:54 +0:20:54 14 +0:42:48
DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MIXED 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Richard & Vicky Willis
# 1
FROM Cambridge
CRAFT Ruahine Adventure Duet
TIME 4:39:43
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 28 +1:10:39
DOUBLE OCEAN ROWER FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Craig & Pat Smith/Sprigins
# 41
FROM Sanson
CRAFT Special - F/Glass
TIME 4:12:11
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 15 +0:43:07
DOUBLE OCEAN ROWER FULL COURSE MEN 50 PLUS PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Rob & Bruce Trott/Butters
# 39
FROM Wanganui
CRAFT Carbon Special
TIME 4:34:52
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 25 +1:05:48
FROM Auckland
CRAFT Custom Carbon
TIME 3:43:14
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 7 +0:14:10
FROM Wanganui
CRAFT Wintech
TIME 3:43:27
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 8 +0:14:23
FROM Stratford New Plymouth New Plymouth Auckland
CRAFT Mission Eco-bezhig Q-Kayaks Shearwater Penguin/QK Spearwater Barracuda Discovery
TIME 5:41:16 5:44:21 5:52:21 6:03:06
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 57 +2:12:12 +0:03:05 58 +2:15:17 +0:11:05 59 +2:23:17 +0:21:50 61 +2:34:02
FROM Rotorua Auckland
CRAFT Hotrigger Surfrigger & Moana Nui
TIME 4:54:27 5:12:28
TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+ +0:00:00 36 +1:25:23 +0:18:01 41 +1:43:24
Trans Taupo Results 2009
TRI OR QUAD OCEAN ROWER FULL COURSE MEN UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # 1 Greg,Gary,Anthony,Alex & Cam Eastern Bay Scullers 67 TRI OR QUAD OCEAN ROWER FULL COURSE MIXED UNDER 50 PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # 1 Pat,Tony,John,Brenda,Georgia Wanganui River Institute 23 SINGLE SEA KAYAK RELAY COMBINATION PL NAME-1 NAME-2 # 1 Dianne & Barry Kowalewski/Hosking 97 2 Megan & Sue Alexander/Wood 96 3 Joanna & Murray Greig/Nicholson 99 4 Yoka & Urban Camenzind 6 SINGLE WAKA AMA RELAY COMBINATION PL NAME-1 NAME-2 1 Mala & Renee Grant/McDonald 2 Audrey & Jocelyn Wikiriwhi & Scott
# 63 98
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
33
Multisport
Make the most of winter… Summer is coming. “Life is about the journey, not the destination”
For most kayakers and multisporters the winter months are a period of virtual hibernation. Frigid temperatures,
by James Kuegler
2007 Grade II Training with Canoe & Kayak Taupo
unfriendly weather and limited daylight are common excuses for a rapid decline in the quantity and enjoyment of training. A simple reframing of one’s attitude can lead to a drastic change in the satisfaction and the tangible results gained through training. It is easier to get the kayak from the roof of the car to the water when you have clear set goals and have mapped out a clear vision of what you want to achieve. More great races pop up around the country every year, and the alarming rate at which winter begins to disappear and races come around never ceases to amaze me. With a strategy in mind, athletes are not only able to maximise the number of races they enter, but also give themselves the best possible build up towards their major goal. Prior race. Mastering such techniques as an Eskimo roll or a more efficient planning decreases susceptibility to injury and burn out come the busy running or cycling cadence can be hugely rewarding. Incorporating summer months. The idea of goal setting is not exclusive to long-term technique sessions as often as possible, breaks the monotony and goals of completing or being competitive in a particular race, but also will take valuable minutes off your next race. Other variations can the short and mid-term steps required to get you to the eventual goal. include cross country skiing, I support Rhonda Byrne’s work With a strategy in mind, athletes are not only able boxing, swimming, orienteering or ‘The Secret’. With this in mind, to maximise the number of races they enter, but adventure racing. In March, I took I put together a ‘vision board’ to also give themselves the best possible build up part in the ANZ City Chase, an help focus on my goal. For those Auckland based ‘Amazing Race’ unfamiliar with the concept, it towards their major goal. type format. It was thoroughly groups photos, quotes, times, enjoyable. I definitely recommend entering races of this ilk. With goals, people, or anything that inspires you. Place it somewhere everything you do, remember, if it isn’t fun it isn’t worth doing. prominent, so you will see it often. It is easy and enjoyable to make a Maintenance and conditioning make the most of winter months. For vision board which can be applied to any part of life. This worked for many athletes, winter injuries are exaggerated or emotionally enhanced me with the 2008 Kepler Challenge. My heart was set on racing, but the to avoid the inhospitable conditions. Investment in mind and body event sold out before I was able to enter. I trained regardless, keeping hugely improves performance. I have spent time and money to be entry flyers for the race and photos of the vistas on my vision board. I supported by expert health professionals who are not only great at told my friends and family that I would be on that start line. Three weeks before the race, a late night email offered me the entry that I had visualised receiving. Getting stuck in the rut of doing the same old sessions, the same way you did last week, or even last year, is counter-productive. You’re bound to know at least one person who is training when you are. It is almost guaranteed that neither of you are huge fans of training in the cold, wet, or dark. Training together might mean ten minutes travelling time, but it will be worth it. It is amazing how much easier it is to get out of bed when someone else relies on you. It’s better still when it is social, grouping together and having a café breakfast afterwards. This is also a great way to meet new people to train with. Varying your activities will help your winter training. If you really detest cold mornings, mix kayaking and running sessions with gym sessions, or cycle training with wind trainer sessions. I have known cyclists who, during the Tour dé France, train at night on the wind trainer in front of the TV. It can be hard to find time to practise technique and skills when deep in preparation for a big
34
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
what they do but also in harmony with my values. Essentially I need to be equipped to deal with a crash or niggling injury with my mind and body working in harmony. I believe in a holistically minded health model where a practitioner and patient are working together to enhance the mind and body. This is much more effective than corrective or crisis care where practitioner and patient are in a constant battle to ‘fix’ the latest injury. Top multisporters generally aim to train twice a day, six or seven days a week. Time will dictate the order of sessions, though personally I prefer to train harder in the mornings. This is where a coach is valuable in helping to set up a training programme. Most sessions are one to two hours with some longer sessions during the weekend. A number of these sessions will be specifically focused on cross training, and conditioning. I hope that reporting on my experience is of help to you during this winter. Thank you for the continued support of my sponsors. Best wishes James Kuegler
James Ku
egler Pro
file
Nickname : Hometown Kügs : Bombay Born: 31/10/1 , Education: 987 Chiroprac King’s College, A t UT, NZ Best Per ic College o formances f Winner – . 2 Winner – 008 Helly Hanse 10th – 2 2008 North Shor n Cape Brett Cha 0 e l 2nd – 20 08 Auckland Mar City Coastal Cha lenge 08 Xterr athon (2: l a Off-Ro 1st Team 44:50) lenge a d – S 2 e 0 rie 08 Baytr Pearl Izu ust Motu s (Auckland) m Challenge 10th - 20 i) (Team 0 8 A d id a Kugs is a 21 year s Auckland Marat hon adventure old Auck holiday in based activities. R land athlete involv e e to Coast England he had a turning from a wo d in crack at rking and won t hat years the 2008 Challenge balances t and North Shore Helly Hansen Cap Coast e C work at C raining with Chirop ity Coastal Chall Brett ractic stu enge He anoe & K die ayak’s M anukau Ce s and part time ntre.
James competing in the 2008 Speights Coast to Coast
“James writes a monthly newsletter which you can join by emailing him on Jameskuegler@gmail.com” Portraits by: A.S.K. Photography
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
35
Multisport The Rodney Coast Challenge Multisport Race - Fun for Everyone 8th November 2009 Did you know that Multisport racing is the fastest growing sport in NZ? Thanks to the heroics of Steve Gurney, the Speight’s Coast to Coast and a lot of hard work behind the scenes there are now a huge number of multisport races in New Zealand with some great events in the Auckland region.
mountain bike and finally an 8km kayak. The Kayaking section is down The Puhoi River and is an easy kayak leg with no white water to contend with! The race is organised by Kaukapakapa Scouts and takes place on 8th November 2009. Race organiser Graeme Hounsel says. “It’s a great event. The camaraderie before during and after the event is amazing; it’s what makes multisport so different, everyone is willing to help a competitor in need. Teams can consist of any combination up to four people so you don’t need to be good at everything to compete.”
The Yakity Yak Kayak Club has a growing band of multisporters regularly training around Auckland. Events such as The Cambridge to Hamilton Kayak Race they are also attracting recreational Sea Kayakers to the racing scene. To register your interest and to receive The Canoe & Kayak Rodney Coast Challenge more information contact Graeme has become one of the most popular events in Hounsell ghounsell@xtra.co.nz or Auckland and is an ideal race for beginners to rob@canoeandkayak.co.nz the sport. The race winds its way from Muriwai 95934 Rodney Ad 11/5/03 11:26 AM Page 1 Beach over to Wenderholm Regional Park via a 10km run, a 30km road bike, a 24 km
K A U K A PA K A PA
RODNEY COAST CHALLENGE
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
STAGE 4
10km
30km road
24km
8km
run cycle
mountain kayak bike
run t o f inish
STAGE 1
150m
Sponsored by: Media Unlimited RDF Canoe & kayak Ltd Canoe Sports NZ Leppin Sport
www.rcc.org.nz
8th November 18th November2009 2007 For pre-race information send your name and address to: Canoe & Kayak Rodney Coast Challenge, PO Box 160, Kaukapakapa or email: ghounsell@xtra.co.nz
36
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Check out our website! www.roofrackcentre.co.nz
For all your roof rack requirements.
Email: sales@roofrackcentre.co.nz
BAY OF PLENTY: 07 574 7415 WAIKATO: 07 847 5565
WELLINGTON: 04 477 6911 AUCKLAND: 09 815 2072
NORTH SHORE: 09 479 1002 TARANAKI: 06 769 5506
TAUPO: 07 378 1003 MANUKAU: 09 262 0209
Multisport A Family Affair with the Delamares Multisport can be a family affair. Rob Howarth found out how the Delawres came to be competing. In March 2007 Louise Delamare decided to enter the 2008 Speight’s Coast to Coast. Her Dad Dave and brother Ed thought that Louise might need some moral support so they entered that year as a team. In 2009 they all entered as individuals and in 2010 they’ll be back for more. Rob Howarth caught up with the Delamare family to find out more. Dave Delamare – Age 63, Architect. 2009 Coast to Coast 2 Day Individual – 17:56:44 2nd Vintage Men Louise Delamare – Age 33, Lawyer. 2009 Coast to Coast 2 day Individual – 18:16:02 Ed Delamare – Age 30 – Architect 2009 – Longest Day – DNF – pulled out on the kayak leg What Attracted you to Multisport? Dave: We have all got a background in running and cycling, marathons, off road runs, that sort of thing. Louise was attracted to the challenge of the Coast to Coast and being a close family unit Ed and myself decided it would be good fun too. Ed: Multisport is great because it is so varied, the scenery is stunning and there is no real repetitive element in the race or training for that matter. How did you find the white water kayak training ? Dave: It was really enjoyable and a challenge to learn a new set of skills. At times it was very testing but that kept you on your toes. I loved the satisfaction of completing a rapid on the river! Louise: I found it pretty daunting, but it is certainly great fun once you get into the swing of things, you have to be prepared to practise the things that your instructor teaches you though! What did you learn from this year’s race? Ed: Well I learnt heaps as I didn’t finish the longest day event. I missed the cut off time near the end of the kayak section. I took it too easy in the early part of the race (gear problems on my bike didn’t help!) and with the river being so low it was always going to be difficult to pick up the time on the river. My training this year will be a lot more focused. Dave: I got really bad cramp right at the beginning of the run stage, Louise ran with me and helped me through it (thanks Louise!). This year I’ll do more bunch riding and I’ll focus on my nutrition to try and ensure that the cramps don’t happen again. I probably need to push myself a bit harder in training too and do some bike – run sessions. Louise: I was lulled into a false sense of security this year and I thought it would be easier second time round. I was wrong! The weather caught me out too, it was really cold and I was underdressed on the Saturday morning bike ride, it took me ages to warm up in the kayak. Will you be back in 2010 and if so what events will you do along the way? Louise: I’m in R&R mode at the moment so I’m not sure. My boyfriend Spencer is going to enter though so if I don’t race I’ll support him.
38
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Ed: I have unfinished business! I’ll do The Coromandel Classic, The Rodney Coast Challenge and the Motu Challenge in preparation. Dave: Yes I’ll be back, I got Silver this year so I’ll be going for gold in 2010. I had the best kayak time for my age group this year but I need to improve the run and the bike. I’ll compete in the same events as Ed in preparation, it’s great doing stuff together as a family. What are your favourite places to Train? Louise: Locally we all train on the Okura bush track in Auckland for running. Dad likes to train up at the family bach in northland and we do quite a bit of cycling down country where the roads are a bit quieter. The Mohaka is a great river to train on but nothing beats practising on the course in January. What is your favourite and most challenging part of the Coast to Coast? Dave: My favourite part of the course is the finish line, you have a real sense of achievement and it’s a great atmosphere. The most Ed, Rob &Louise
challenging part physically would be the run but mentally the kayak stage is tough. You have to stay focussed or you lose speed and stabity, especially towards the end! Louise: The kayak stage would be my favourite, it is so exciting. I agree with Dad about the physical and mental side of things. Ed: My favourite section is definitely the run, it is awesome, really tough on the body as Dad has said. The kayak has to be my most challenging as I haven’t finished that stage yet!! Any advice to newbies entering this year? Louise: Get on a good kayaking course, it’s worth its weight in gold, then make sure you hook up with people and go and practise as much as you can on the rivers. Flat water training is great for fitness but you have to practise at running rivers. Ed: Go hard! Rob: Thanks for your time guys, I look forward to training and racing with you over the next few months.
WINTER-PROOF YOUR WATER SPORT WITH... Even on a warm day the wind chill can quickly cool you down. Sharkskin is a revolutionary technical water sports garment and the product of choice for paddlers who enjoy their sport all-year-round - regardless of the forecast! Sharkskin garments come in a large range of sizes and styles providing the equivalent warmth of a 2.5 – 3mm neoprene wetsuit - but with better wind chill protection.
THE SCIENCE Sharkskin delivers many benefits to water sports enthusiasts that are unachievable with less technically advanced products such as neoprene. These benefits are achieved by laminating 3 separate materials together, all with different properties; The outer layer is made from a durable UV resistant Lycra nylon blend. The middle membrane is both windproof and waterproof. The non-chaffing inner thermal layer provides warmth and comfort against the skin.
Favourite Pla c
es to Paddle
#4
Lake Rotomah in winter. P ana is a spectacular pad cliffs and the addling past boiling wate dle especially Entry is thro geyser is quite a uniquer, steaming only or you c ugh a private forest and experience. Well worth t an portage from Lake T is by permit ar he effort. S Club. teve, Bay of awera. Plenty YY
Now also available with 1/2 zip
Find your Authorised Sharkskin Dealer www.sharkskin.co.nz
Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers N.Z. Inc. (KASK) KASK is a network of sea kayakers throughout New Zealand KASK publishes a 200 page sea kayaking handbook which is free to new members: the handbook contains all you need to know about sea kayaking: techniques and skills, resources, equipment, places to go etc. KASK publishes a bi-monthly newsletter containing trip reports, events, book reviews, technique/equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’ file. KASK holds national sea kayaking forums.
Website: www.kask.co.nz Annual subscription is $35.00.
Kask PO Box 23, Runanga 7841, West Coast
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
39
40
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
41
Recipe Hunger for the Wild - Kayakers Fare One of the nice things about camping is at the end of a day in the fresh air you truly do appreciate your dinner. Sitting around with companions slowly putting together the evening’s fare is often when all the great stories of previous camping trips are shared. There comes over the group a sense of relaxed camaraderie and satisfaction after a day’s paddling.
can carry. Some of the gourmet feasts I’ve seen prepared in remote locations are to be wondered at. It’s quite amazing to see what comes out of various hatches and from behind seats. We at NZ Kayak magazine thought it would be fun to share some of those recipes and tips that make the planning, preparation and consumption that much easier.
The great thing about kayaking is the food and refreshments you
One Pan Smoked Fish Risotto 500g smoked fish (fresh or tinned) 2 tbsp oil 1 small leek sliced 1 medium red pepper chopped 2 tbsp butter 1 cup Arborio Rice ½ cup white wine 4 ½ cups chicken stock (4tsps of powdered chick stock added to the water) 2tbsp chopped parsley 1 tbsp chopped chives 2 tbsp grated parmesan Pre Trip Prep If taking fresh smoked fish then flake it into a sealed plastic bag and store in your chilly bag. I use a small pump bottle of Olive oil readily available in supermarkets, it takes up no room, is leak proof and lasts for ages. Pre slice and chop your leek and pepper into a sealed plastic bag to save having to dispose of the unwanted parts, just mix both in together ready to tip into the pan. When I measure out the rice at home I put the butter in with it in a sealed plastic bag. The herbs can be chopped at home and combined in a sealed bag with the grated parmesan. Cooking Heat the oil in your pan, add your leek & pepper and cook, stirring until leek is soft. Add the butter & rice mix, stir well. Add the wine and stir until evaporated. Stir in ¼ stock and stir over a low heat until absorbed. Continue adding ¼ cup of stock at a time absorbing between each addition. Total cooking time approx 25mins. Finally, when rice is tender, stir in the flaked fish, herbs and parmesan. Heat through and enjoy.
Additional Notes If 25mins on your gas stove is too long for comfort then try replacing the Arborio Rice with Uncle Bens Express Rice. After you’ve sautéed the leek & pepper, add butter & express rice, then the wine. You won’t need chicken stock. The flavour may be lighter as the absorption method has been replaced, but still tasty, easy and now fast. I cooked this in a pan on my Fold N Go stove but if you are using a smaller set up then remember this quantity serves four. Having said that the Fold n Go does just that. It folds small enough to stow in the rear hatch and allows you to serve up great feasts for more than one.
42
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Wine Match Sparkling, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Pinot Noir. As you only want to drink white wine slightly chilled and not frosty then a cold river will probably do the trick otherwise this is a great meal with a Pinot Noir which solves all the issues with refrigeration.
By Julie Reynolds
LO AL
r
ue
W
O At di
g ri
t
SW
in
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.
Priced at $2710, $2940 Kevlar
LA
g
Intrigue 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 with its larger cockpit, is built for the bigger paddler looking for a longer, fast and stable kayak for Coast to Coast etc.
Priced at $2460, $2740 Kevlar
Priced at $2860, $3170 Kevlar
Length: 5.4m, Weight: 14kg Glass, 12kg Kevlar, Width: 480mm
Length: 4.94m, Weight: 14.5kg Glass, 12kg Kevlar, Width: 540mm
firebolt
buyers guide
Lt bO e fir
This very user friendly kayak with excellent combination of speed and stability is suitable not only for the intermediate/ advanced paddler, but also for the busy, but keen ‘Weekend Warrior’.
multisport
Priced at $2860, $3170 Kevlar
An
x
oceAn x
ce
Priced at $3150 Or At n i im eL
Priced at $1695
Length: 5.0m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 584mm
mAximus
m
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.
Priced at $3200, $3700 Kevlar
Length: 6.4m, Weight: 18kg, 16.5kg Kevlar, Width: 500 mm
rf SuSki
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.
uS
im
Ax
O
Length: 5.65m, Weight: 11kg, Width: 450mm
Adventure Duet is a lightweight, very fast and recently updated Adventure Racing double kayak. It continues to dominate adventure racing in NZ and is a great recreational double. Length: 7m, Weight: 29 kg, 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 Firebolt and is faster than both.
re tu n t ve ue Ad d
Priced at $5260, $5760 Kevlar
Length: 5.9m, Weight: 14.5kg, 12.5kg Kevlar, Width: 455 mm
L beLAr e r ev k
Length: 5.9m, Weight: 15.5kg, 13.5kg Kevlar, Width: 530 mm
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.
Priced at $3620
Length: 6.43m, Weight: 16kg, Width: 510mm
r pe vi
An excellent training and competition surf ski, can be used with under-slung rudder or rear mounted rudder.
Priced at $1795
Length: 5.3m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 510mm
This boat is a great training/ racing, rota-moulded alternative to expensive composite crafts, has moderate stability and good speed.
Priced at $1695
Length: 5.2m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 550mm
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
43
er at w ar e Sh
n
ui
ui
ng
t
pe
This is 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.
Prices start at $1930
Length: 4.5m, Weight: Std 24kg, Width: 620 mm
n ma SS S e ta pr x e
Its low profile and flared bow enables the Tasman Express to perform well in adverse conditions. It gives the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, backrest, side seat supports and optional thigh brace.
Prices start at $2695
Length: 5.3m, Weight: 29kg Std, 25kg light, Width: 620mm
Penguin has as all the features for multiday kayaking with ease of handling in all weather conditions. With great manoeuvrability this kayak is suitable for paddlers from beginner to advanced.
Prices start at $2430
Length: 4.80 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg light, Width: 610 mm
A comfortable performance orientated sea kayak which will suit all sizes of paddlers with plenty of foot room for the bigger ones. The Shearwater handles well in rough conditions. A fun boat to paddle.
Prices start at $2475
Length: 4.80 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23kg lite, Width: 610 mm
n ma e S ta elit
As per the plastic model, the kevlar Tasman Express responds to rough conditions but its decreased weight, and increased stiffness, gives even better performance.
Sea K
Prices start at $4260
Length: 5.3m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 600mm
n er h a ut u So SK
See in-store for that su
The Southern Skua has a low deck profile enabling it to perform extremely well in windy conditions. Its longer hull gives it greater speed and allows it to surf the waves in a following sea. It gives maximum stability in the open sea.
Prices start at $4235
Length: 5.4m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 600mm
S
e rr
to
Torres, a fast and stable sea kayak, capable of handling extreme expeditions. Huge storage and lots of leg room.
Prices start at $4320
Length: 5.6m, Weight: 23kg std, Width: 600mm
44
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
x auSS e v e fo xpr e
Foveaux Express, 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
Length: 5.0m, Weight: 19kg, Width: 600mm
KS C& d’ pf
Increase your visibility in these yellow bouyancy aids. They can be adjusted with side, shoulder and waist straps. There is an inside pocket with a ring to store keys, knife or whistle.
$99.50
0 r 48 tou n co
0 r 45 tou n co
This kayak is designed for day tripping and light overnight expeditions. It’s great fun to paddle and handles easily.
Prices start at $2300
Length: 4.5 m, Weight: 26 kg std, Width: 640 mm
A roomy, manoeuvrable, easy to handle boat. The channelled hull provides outstanding tracking which helps keep you on course. Its upswept, flared bow makes crossing rough water a breeze.
Prices start at $2550
Length: 4.8m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 620mm
o ig c e zh be
ayaks
Eco Bezhig is 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
Length: 5.4 m, Weight: Std 27 kg, Width: 590mm
a package deal its you
0 r 49 tou n co
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.
Prices start at $3199
Length: 4.87 m, Weight: 35kg std, Width: 800mm
o xlt c e h iz ni
This model is proving a hit for its lighter weight and excellent features. This is a plastic double sea kayak that is great for all those amazing expeditions and adventures.
Prices start at $4250
Length: 5.64m, Weight: 45kg Std, Width: 760mm
ve fi
ve fi
o
Five- O-Five is a fully-fledged touring kayak for entry and medium level paddlers. A high-quality touring boat. At 505 cm it offers great glide and tracking.
Prices start at $2299
Length: 5.05m, Weight: 25kg, Width: 580mm
h r c a be be m co
t am loa o f f le dd pa
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.
$109.90
The Beachcomber combines the latest design with cutting edge technologies to create an ultra light, thermoformed, manoeuvrable sea kayak, perfectly suited to New Zealand conditions.
Prices start at $2950
Length: 4.88m, Weight: 17kg, Width: 600mm
o
m
ne
The Point 65 Nemo is a comfortable and stable recreational kayak for the whole family.
Prices start at $1099
Length: 3.5m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 630mm
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
45
Rt
ui
o fl
Sq
A Sit-on-Top for the family. Able to seat an adult and a small child. The Squirt is easy to paddle and is very stable. Easily carried by one adult or two kids.
Prices start at $449
Length: 2.7 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 760 mm
SS e c 0 Ac 28
e
w
Rg u S
Stable and easy to paddle, Flow handles surf with ease. Simple for the beginner to use, yet exciting for the more experienced paddler.
Prices start at $879
Length: 2.95 m, Weight: 19 kg, Width: 750 mm
A fun double sit-on-top kayak with the option of a third person sitting in the middle. Surge has ample stability and speed and performs well in surf.
Prices start at $1299
Length: 3.90 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 850 mm
AY pl
Length: 2.95m, Weight: 19kg, Width: 750 mm
Access 280 is a nimble performer that turns really easily. The open cockpit houses a comfortable moulded padded seat, an adjustable backrest and an easy to reach, under deck tray for all your necessities.
Prices start at $879
Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 18 kg std, Width: 730 mm
Play is 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.
Recre
Prices start at $749
Length: 3.10 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 711 mm
Ke
i tR
S
See in-store for that su
A Wave Ski which the whole family can enjoy. Fantastic in the surf, Strike is a fast and manoeuvrable sit-on-top.
Prices start at $895
fishing
Length: 2.9 m, Weight: 16 kg, Width: 686 mm
R De u A AR M
SH e fi DiV ’ ‘N
Fish ‘n’ Dive is the ultimate fishing/diving kayak. A large well located in the stern holds loads of fish. You can customize it with hatches, fish finders and rod holders.
Prices start at $1195
Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 914 mm
46
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
The Marauder is for the serious kayak fisherman. It is fast, stable with loads of deck space. Performs excellently in surf.
Prices start at $1395
Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 780 mm
eR
uR
to
The low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts down on windage. Paddlers 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
e ap
C
r
fi
e
e
Ly ef
es
Here is a little cracker! The Firefly is designed so the kids can have fun. Little and light, easy to handle and stable. The kids will love it, if they can get Dad off it!
$496
Length: 2.4 m, Weight: 16 kg, Width: 700 mm
Probably the closest you will come to finding one kayak that does it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling. Escapee is stable and easy to paddle. A boat the whole family can enjoy.
Prices start at $810
Length: 3.3 m, Weight: 23 kg, Width: 740 mm
ad ap
C
es
An extended Escapee for the larger paddler. You’ll fish, dive and have fun in the sun. There’s a storage hatch behind the seat for easy access and wells at the front and rear.
Prices start at $1020
Length: 3.46 m, Weight: 27 kg std, Width: 750 mm
m
i
w ki
ational
e nd
ta
The fantastically stable and manoeuvrable Kiwi has two dry compartments for gear. Light, super comfortable and fast for its length. It’s an awesome, all round kayak.
Prices start at $1270
Length: 3.75m, Width: 740 mm Weight: 20 kg Std, 23kg Excel & 18 Light.
A ‘two person’ kayak, ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring. Tandem has two 6” hatches to store your adventure equipment. Room for three, often paddled by one.
Prices start at $1195
Length: 3.81 m, Weight: 25.90 kg, Width: 915 mm
r
re
a package deal its you
Catch 390 features satisfy the keenest angler, beginners & experienced alike. Front & rear bulkheads. Watertight fishing rod chute. Flush mount rod holders behind the seat .
Prices start at $1650
Length: 3.90m, Weight: 28kg, Width: 850 mm
Explorer is ideal for fishing and exploring and one of the driest ‘Sit-ons’ you will find. Great hatches for storing your goodies are available.
Prices start at $995
kayaks h tC 0 a C 39
LO
p eX
Length: 3.43 m, Weight: 18.18 kg, Width: 790 mm
y et s f sa Lag f
ne Li 80 2
The ‘pimped’ Angler edition of the Access. The Line 280 is ready to go fishing when you are. Anchor running line is already fitted. There are rod holders, and paddle parks to store your paddle while you fish.
Prices start at $1095
Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 18 kg std, Width: 730 mm
Be seen day or night with Great Stuff’s Safety Flag, LED light unit. It comes complete with Rod Holder or alternative deck fittings. A must for all open water kayakers.
$112.50
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
47
/ LE SH D A D E PA D L O R
LE DD AT A P LO F
E LG P I B UM P
A must for every boatie. Our 36 litres per minute Bilge Pump features an easy-grab handle, super-strong pump shaft and heavy-duty impact resistant plastic.
Two chamber float gives added safety. A 2nd chamber for use when you need extra buoyancy or if one chamber is accidentally punctured. There’s a clip on safety tether to eliminate loss in windy conditions.
$59.90 E UD Ack T I T S LA UFF T S
$84.90
$34.90
R PE UDE U S IT T LA
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. They slide easily into kayak hatches. Our hands-free Autopurge valve automatically purges the air as the bag is compressed.
10Ltr $58.50 - 21Ltr $72.00 - 51Ltr $85.50
10Ltr $87.75 - 21Ltr $101.25 - 51Ltr $143.85
The Opti Dry is super-tough made from super-clear heavy-duty vinyl. It has an abrasion resistant bottom.
10Ltr $29.90 - 21Ltr $34.90 - 41Ltr $44.90 y- T HT AR G I M TE c I M
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.
At 140 litres you can fit all your wet gear in one bag, or keep all your gear dry! A heavy-duty 3-roll closure system and adjustable, padded shoulder straps makes for easy use.
10Ltr $39.90 - 21Ltr $44.90 - 41Ltr $54.90
$99.00 y Ey Av OLL E H TR Ty DU
D y ST LLE O TR
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.
$145.00
$199.00
ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
Prod Ry ID Ack n P OM ck BA
nI G OMy BA DR
TI G OP BA y DR
48
Unique quick-release-at-paddle feature allows paddle to be easily attached/ detached to/from leash. It comes with a heavy-duty snap hook for maximum durability and an internal Kevlar cord filament for maximum breaking strength.
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.
$349.00
a se ver ss a ro mp o c
a r se ho c an
ck pa ink s
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. 300mm dia. opening 580mm length.
The Sea Rover features a large compass with easy to read markings. With a simple, yet elegant base, it 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
$39.90 x lu bag e d k c de
d g st k ba c de
ucts
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.
Our 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
kayak centres For sale
subscribe to the
What a great way to earn a living. Working in a recreational retail business with heaps of time outdoors, at sea with great company. Phone Peter Townend on 0274 529 255, or email pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz for more information.
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.
NORTH SHORE
BAY OF PLENTY
WELLINGTON
PHONE: 09 479 1002
PHONE: 07 574 7415
PHONE: 04 477 6911
Unit 2/20 Constellation Drive (off Ascension Place), Mairangi Bay, Auckland
3/5 Mac Donald Street (off Hewletts Rd) Mount Maunganui
2 Centennial Highway Ngauranga, Wellington
AUCKLAND
MANUKAU
TAUPO
PHONE: 09 815 2073
PHONE: 09 262 0209
PHONE: 07 378 1003
502 Sandringham Rd Sandringham
710 Great South Road, Manukau
WAIKATO
TARANAKI
PHONE: 07 847 5565
PHONE: 06 769 5506
The corner Greenwood St & Duke St, State Highway 1 Bypass, Hamilton
Unit 6, 631 Devon Road Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth
77 Spa Road, Taupo
Subscription price to anywhere in NZ $40.00 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. ISSUE FIFTY • 2009
49
Directory: Things To Do
TAUPO Maori Carvings
Waikato River Discovery
Mohaka
Taupo Adventure Tours
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.
$90 per person (bookings essential). Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.
Adult $45, Children $25 Special group and family rates. Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.
We can organize specialized kayak tours to suit any budget. From helicopter access, white water paddling to extended cruises aboard a mother ship. Give us a call and we will give you a memory of a lifetime.
Canoe Polo
Waitara River Tours
Price: $125 per person. Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.
Mokau River
A great game for young and old. A fast, furious and fun way to improve your skills. There’s a league to suit you.
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 Zealand’s lushest vegetation. Camping overnight and exploring some of New Zealand’s pioneering history. A true Kiwi experience.
Contact your local centre for more information.
Allow 2 hours paddle only. Priced at $60. Phone: 06 769 5506
Two day trips $230.00 One day $60.00 Phone 06 769 5506
Glow worms Cruise Join us for a picturesque paddle on Lake McLaren to view glow worms by night or beautiful waterfalls by day. This trip takes about 1.5-2hours and is suitable for paddlers with no experience. All gear, hot drinks and nibbles are supplied.
Price $75 per person. Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings. 07 574 7415
River Tours
Taupo - Open for the summer and by appointment. Have some paddling fun on the beach or let us run a Tour for you and your friends and explore these beautiful areas.
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0800 KAYAKN for details
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: $70.00 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 FIFTY • 2009
Sugar Loaf Island From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out to the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. View the scenic & rugged Taranaki coastline as we draw closer to the Sugar Loaf Islands. Enjoy the seal colony and experience the thrill of close up views of these fascinating marine mammals.
Allow 3 hours subject to weather. $60.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506
Kayak Hire
Exploring beautiful estuaries. Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and wonderful views.
Paddle to the Pub
Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.
New Zealand Kayaking Instructors Award Scheme Become a kayaking Instructor and Guide. Get into gear and get qualified! It’s fun and easy to do.
Don’t delay. Phone 0508 5292569 NOW!
Customized Tours
Join the Yakity Yak Club
• Work Functions • Schools • Clubs • Tourist groups
Want to have fun, meet new people, have challenging and enjoyable trips, and learn new skills? PLUS get a regular email newsletter and this magazine! Also, get a discount on kayaking courses and purchases from Canoe & Kayak Centres. Then, join us!
Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a full day’s frolic or a wicked weekend adventure we can take you there. If there’s somewhere you’d like to paddle we can provide you with experienced guides, local knowledge, safe up to date equipment and a lot of fun.
Contact your local store on 0508 KAYAKNZ.
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 KAYAKNZ to find out more.
Built Fish Cobra Fishing and Touring Kayaks’ range of accessories allow you to configure your kayak to your own specialist needs for sports fishing, diving and distance touring. All Cobra 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
Experience the thrill and ease of Cobra Fishing & Touring Kayaks. Fish in spots you can’t get to by boat, enjoy built-in exercise and get close to the action on the water. All this with an easy to transport Cobra Kayak for a fraction of the cost and hassle of a boat!
for rod holders, scuba gear, battery, tackle box, bait tank, and much more. Cobra Kayaks all feature polyethylene hulls for super tough performance with a LIFETIME guarantee to prove it. The self draining reinforced scuppers throughout give unparalleled hull rigidity and a drier ride.
MARAudER Length Width Weight Capacity
4.3 m 780 mm 24 kg 216 kg
Call us now or visit our website for our dealer locations and find out how to make your dreams a reality on the water.
PRO FISHERMAN Length Width Weight Capacity
4.1 m 730 mm 24 kg 205 kg
TOuRER Length Width Weight Capacity
4.6 m 711 mm 23 kg 216 kg
FISH N’ dIvE Length Width Weight Capacity
3.8 m 914 mm 28 kg 272 kg
Free call 0508 AQUATX or visit www.aquatx.co.nz