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contents
Issue 56
EDITOR: Peter Townend Ph: 0274 529 255 / (09) 476 7066 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz PUBLISHER: New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published five times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: MHP Print DISTRIBUTION: Gordon & Gotch SUBSCRIPTIONS: (see page 35) New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40 Overseas – 6 Issues = $60 COPYRIGHT: The opinions expressed by contributors and the information stated in advertisements/articles are not necessarily agreed to by the editors or publisher of New Zealand Kayak Magazine. PRICING: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate. However they may change at any time. CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’ articles and photos. Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz. New Zealand Kayak Magazine ‘Contributors’ Guidelines’ for more details. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: James Fitness Email: james@canoeandkayak.co.nz New Zealand Kayak Magazine
14 28
editorial
Features 10 36 48
A message to Huckleberry Finn - Pete Townend looks at kayaking skills. Kayaking for child cancer challenge Paddling for charity. South Island Circumnavigation - Max & Mel Grant complete their challenge.
Kayak Fishing 20
How to set up a running rig.
White Water Kayaking 28
East, Central & West of North America - Josh Neilson paddles some wild water.
32
Taupo Kayaking Development Camp a huge success.
Sea Kayaking 6 16 23
Fiordland - Paddling in some of New Zealands most picturesque waters. Camping in the Coromandel. Urban excersise - Racing on the Waitemata... with a Latte.
Regulars 5 34 38 39
Editorial Product Focus - Inflatable Boats Manukau has moved. Canoe & Kayak Manuaku attains QualMark. Buyers Guide
Spring Issue Listening to the Little River Band does not make a hot kayaker. Nor does reading a book or watching a DVD, but it may help. If you want to be Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn and float down the Mississippi, the school of hard knocks is coming your way. To have a more gradual progressive introduction to kayaking, join in on a course and learn the safe progressive way. I have spent nearly 20 years coaching people how to paddle and teaching people how to teach learners to paddle. Nearly every time I find new ideas. Surely it can’t be? How can you work for twenty years in one area and still be learning? I guess it is that each paddler is unique, conditions change and improvements in tutoring are both needed and possible. We thought in this issue it would be a good idea to run through the skills and progressions that we use when teaching kayaking and share them with you. If you are keen to get started, come and join in with one of our courses. Accomplished paddlers will find pages 10 - 15 interesting and helpful. Talk it through with your paddling mates, as sharing ideas encourages competence. Spring is almost here and I am looking forward to it. I have been paddling early mornings and man it has been cold! My equipment has kept me warm, but it will be great to get back into a polypro and not have to worry about the extra layers. And with longer days I’ll be outside longer. Enjoy the read and remember to share a little and give a little and the world will be a better place for all. Peter Townend Ed Front cover photo: Andy Doncaster puts in a low brace - Photo Peter Townend Content Page Photo: Wayne and Gareth in the mist of Milford Sound - Photo by Michele Surcouf
Fiordland Michele Surcouf spends 10 days aboard a charter boat, paddling some of New Zealands most picturesque waters.
Just when you think your best adventures are behind you, along comes an invitation for a kayaking trip in Fiordland National Park to dispel middle-aged worries. For the second year in a row, I’d been invited by a friend to join a group of 8 men on a 10-day trip to one of the most remote parts of New Zealand. My gym-buddy girlfriends wondered why I’d even want to go on a boat full of guys fishing and hunting. I told them it was an opportunity not to be missed. Without going on a charter boat, you just can’t get there, and the scenery is spectacular. They’d asked “Why were you invited?” I didn’t have any illusions. It was to boost the numbers of bums on seats. It certainly wasn’t for my fishing or hunting prowess. Like many, I’m hypocritical. I like eating fish and venison, but I hate seeing animals being killed, so I leave that to the guys who actually want to do it. And as all the men are happily married, it wasn’t in hopes of any romantic liaisons. No, it was just to make up the numbers. Last year (May 2009), our destination had been Preservation and Chalky Inlets. We’d left Doubtful Sound with high hopes, but due to a 50 knot southerly days on end, we had to forego getting there, and spent the whole of the trip in the Dusky and Breaksea Inlets. Don’t get me wrong, it was great, but I demurely sat on the deck of the SeaFinn for 10 days, enviously watching four of the guys adventure off in kayaks, while the other guys pulled blue cod from the sea. Last year, kayaking hadn’t even occurred to me, but this year I was determined. Kayaking looked like much more fun than handling slimy fish. To ensure that we made it to the most southwestern part of Fiordland we went in by helicopter. The first flight took six of us crammed into the tiny bubble piloted by a young man
who looked all of 12 years old. The 35-minute flight from Manapouri to Preservation Inlet took us over the jaw-dropping, steep, rugged mountains of the Park. Safely deposited on the shoreline near our awaiting boat, we unpacked our gear and awaited the second flight, which brought in the last three guys and two double kayaks dangling precariously under the whirlybird. Starting the adventure aboard the 62-foot SeaFinn, skippered by Chris Lemin, I had some apprehension about my first foray in the double kayak. It had been years since I’d done any paddling, and I worried that fitness would let me down. But once in, spray skirt secured, and Tony the back seat driver, I felt like the proverbial ‘duck to water’. And, amazingly, it seemed my regular gym routine had given me enough strength and endurance to paddle for hours on end; on our second day covering 20 kilometres. While four of us kayaked, the others aboard the SeaFinn were busy stocking up with fish and venison. Captain Chris is truly the all-round, quiet, and incredibly capable, southern man. As the sole operator, he not only tackles all the duties of running the boat, including cooking fantastic meals, he even dives for the crays. That man makes a wicked seafood chowder, even more welcome after an afternoon of kayaking. While the rest of the country languished under a wet, easterly May gloom, Fiordland was mercifully spared the bad weather and was unseasonably warm and sunny. Given that last year was freezing cold and wet, I hardly dared to dream that it would last. But amazingly it did. The fantastic weather gave us a look at Fiordland far better than one can see
Doubtful Sound put on picture postcard weather.
Gareth Rapson and Wayne Jackson reflect on life in Doubtful Sound.
on postcards. Paddling the shoreline was like gliding though the abyss. Rocks, and bush were so perfectly reflected on the water that it was nearly impossible to see where reality ended and mirroring started. The water varied in colour from fiord to fiord, some areas black like molasses, some as clear as crystal, and others as green as emeralds. Away from SeaFinn we enjoyed the stillness, occasionally broken by calls of bellbirds and kea,
jumping barracuda or surfacing seals. While motoring SeaFinn had the pleasure of the company of dusky and bottlenose dolphins. On all but one day we explored the inlets, beaches, rivers and pounding waterfalls of Preservation Inlet, Chalky Inlet, Dusky, Breaksea, and Doubtful Sounds. Though the weather was glorious, yes, the sandflies were bad, but hey… it can’t all be perfect. The calm water reflected mountains and cliff-faces on such a grand scale that you simply must
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be there to realize it. Still photographs don’t do it justice. By day ten, all I wanted to do was keep paddling so it was with great sorrow I left Fiordland. Even if I am invited back, it could be rare to have such a run of good weather and good paddling buddies.
Back in Nelson, all I could think about was exploring the great places around here. I soon bought myself a kayak and took it for its maiden voyage – that was just yesterday. Perhaps there are a few more adventures for this old girl yet.
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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A message Message to to Huckleberry Finn A Huckleberry Finn By Peter Townend
A good low brace can save your bacon in a range of conditions. This is one paddle stroke to practise at every opportunity.
The first thing to learn when kayaking is that when things are getting tough and you’re starting to struggle, self coaching is one of the best ways forward. All of the skills we learn are coached in points; when you are struggling your training kicks in, as you start coaching yourself to remember the easier or different ways to fix the issues. For instance: you have been out paddling for the day, the wind has come up and you are now slogging back to the landing with 20 knots on your nose, you are getting tired and finding it hard work. So, run through the paddling coaching points of the power stroke: In at the toes, down the side of the kayak, out at the hips, body rotation providing the power, top hand (or off-hand) at shoulder to chin level, no paddle splash at entry or exit of blade to water.
While you go through these, three things will happen. 1. You will be distracted from the hard work and hence it will become less of an effort. 2. You will be improving the efficiency of your stroke and making it easier to get to your destination, and 3. You will be working different muscle groups when you alter/ improve your technique, enabling you to continue. Another example: Surfing When you are looking at playing in the surf, what coaching points would you use? You need 1. To fit firmly in your boat so you can control the hull when side surfing and starting to broach. The kayak must be leaned or railed to prevent capsize.
Well, kayaking is a water sport.
www.kayaknz.co.nz
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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Hold on mate! Use a stern deck rescue to bring a capsized paddler in through surf.
2. 3.
An effective power stroke to punch through and catch waves. A good sweep stroke to turn the kayak between waves and to set your heading when catching waves. 4. A strong low brace for support when broaching and side surfing, 5. A powerful stern rudder to control your heading on the wave face. Now, each of these has a series of coaching points to be performed at a reasonable level of ability for you to enjoy the surf. Before you start, go through them and coach yourself through the steps. 1. Fitting yourself to your kayak. Think of your kayak and body like a sand-shoe and your foot. If you are running on rough ground the shoe needs to fit snugly with little movement. Your kayak is the same. Paddling a kayak in rough conditions is impossible if your lower body slips around inside the kayak. Glue foam to the side of the seat to stop your bottom sliding from side to side. Glue more foam under the cockpit rim to allow your knees to lock into the rim. Set your foot pegs close enough to allow pressure to be put on your knees to hold the kayak. Now, when you move your lower body, the kayak will respond. 2. Power stroke, see previous page. 3. Sweep Stroke: vertical blade, in at the toes, move the paddle around in a semi circle, out at the back of the kayak, body rotation, the off-hand down low, the blade just under the water but fully submerged 4. Low Brace: using the back of the blade, elbows on top of the shaft, push down on the water beside the kayak, as you push down use your lower body to right the kayak, and then rotate the paddle
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
5.
blade forward and vertical to recover it from the water. Stern Rudder: when surfing, if I have a rudder, I will use it. However recover/pull up the rudder as soon as you are in shallow water. Failure to do this will damage the rudder. However, when the kayak is running on the wave the rudder will almost always come out of the water behind the wave and this is where the Stern Rudder stroke is needed. The coaching points are: rotate the body, place the paddle in the water vertically at the back of the kayak, keep the off-hand low, push the paddle away from the kayak to turn the kayak in the direction you wish to go, as soon as the kayak has turned swap the paddle to the other side to stop the kayak from turning up the wave face.
While you are surfing, someone has a swim a long way from the beach and their kayak is washed up on the beach. What is the best rescue option? A Stern Deck Rescue: The swimmer climbs onto the rear deck of your kayak and you paddle to the beach. The Stern Deck Carry is your best bet to get a swimmer to the beach or river bank. The coaching points are: Approach the swimmer with caution. Talk to them before you get within reach as, if they panic, YOU are likely to get into trouble. The swimmer does a press up on to the back deck, slides their head into the small of your back and spreads their legs either side of the kayak. During this process the Rescuer needs to be bracing to keep stable. The swimmer’s paddle should be held alongside the cockpit out of the way of your paddle
stroke. Warn your passenger to be ready to hold his/her breath. In this rescue technique the kayak behaves well on the wave face which allows you to control your descent with minimal broaching and side surfing. A different scenario: While out surfing someone has a swim. Their kayak is washed out to sea. What do you do? There are a couple of options. T-rescue: This is where a paddler is put back into their kayak. The rescuer lifts the bow of the overturned kayak to drain the water. With the front of the kayak still high the kayak is flipped onto its hull and floated upright. The rescuer then rafts up (gets alongside the other kayak to support it). The swimmer kicks and does a push up on the rear deck to re-enter the kayak. A variation on this is the Leg-over Rescue: This has the same start as the T-rescue, but instead a push-up onto the rear deck, the swimmer lies face up in the water legs pointing to the front of the kayak, puts the leg furthest away from the kayak into the cockpit then rolls the body onto the rear deck, face down. Using leg and arms pull onto and into the kayak. Then slips in the other leg and twists into the sitting position. Another variation is the Swim-in Rescue. The kayak is simply tipped on its side while in the raft. The swimmer slides their legs into the kayak putting their chest or back on the
Andy lifts the bow to empty the water from the upturned kayak during a T-rescue.
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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rear deck (depending on what is comfortable for the swimmer). The Rescuer and the swimmer use their combined mbined strength to right the kayak and then n pump it out. When practising any of these skills, do so on flat water first, t, and then try more challenging conditions tions as skills develop. Keep in mind this personal rsonal safety check “Am I happy swimming wimming in these conditions?” If yes, s, continue with training, if not, get et off the water until the conditions tions suit your swimming/skill ability. Remember the best rescue escue is the one you don’t have e to do.
While rafted , you the s have tabilit time y of t to so wo hu rt you lls as rself Andy out s & .All afely an d using emon strate .
ching Applying this self coaching approach to your kayaking aking will have a dramatic matic impact on your safety fety and enjoyment on the he water. But you do need ed an Instructor to get you u started.
The photos are of Andy Doncaster, Allan A Mears and participantss in the Manukau Winter Skills Course.
is wide d the paddle off hand low an s hi s ep ke ke. Andy ive sweep stro give an effect and shallow to
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
www.kayaknz.co.nz
Allan keeps his elbows high above the paddle giving a powerful brace.
Camping in the Beautiful Coromandel By Darrell Adshead
In September, with 20 years playing around in canoes and inflatable kayaks behind me, I took a sea kayaking course with Manukau Canoe & Kayak to discover what bad habits I had acquired. In October, my brand new toy arrived for sea trials in November. In December I embarked on my first multi-day tour figuring that four days gliding round the secluded bays and beaches of the Coromandel Peninsular would be ideal.
Coromandel beaches range from shingle to beautiful white sand, from populated to natural. Several north of Coromandel town sport campgrounds ; privately-owned at Long Bay, Papa Aroha and Otautu Bay; DOC camps at Fantail Bay, Port Jackson, Fletcher Bay, Stony Bay and Waikawau. I reckoned I would always have somewhere to pull in for the night. All my reading had warned that the current at the top of the Peninsular could be grim, as could the winds off the Moehau range, so I planned an outgoing tide from Long Bay campground in the morning,
Potiki Bay – coffee break with a view.
Join Us For An Adventure - Family Tours
16
Twilight Tours
Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Paddle to the Pub
Departs from one of your local beautiful beaches. Enjoy the scenic trip with the sun setting as you paddle along the coastline.
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.
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.
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details
Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings 07 574 7415
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
Sugar Loaf Island From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out on the open sea to Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. View the scenic & rugged Taranaki coastline as we draw closer to the Islands. Enjoy the seal colony and experience the thrill of close up views of these fascinating marine mammals. Allow 3 hours subject to weather. $70.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506
www.kayaknz.co.nz
Po c on kets Mu no ltis w po ava rt i de labl ck e s
New Zealand doesn’t get
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ious A glor at beach sandy . y te Ba Waite
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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Pohutakawa trees in bloom, north of Colville.
slack tide crossing the top and an incoming tide to one of my favourite camping sites, Stony Bay. The wind had picked up threatening a capsize on the wild run from Fantail to Stony Bay, but if it became necessary the skills learnt on my course had given me the confidence and training to get myself back in. Moving slowly along the coast I enjoyed the magnificent flowering pohutakawa trees north of Colville, the rugged bush near Poley Bay and there was always somewhere out of the wind for one of my rituals when I “go bush’, a coffee and a sticky bun. The solitude was marvellous. As a contrast from earning my living amongst small, screaming children it was wonderful to hear the waves, the birds and the wind, and to ignore or talk to people in the campgrounds. North of Tuateawa on my last night I camped, with permission, on private land in total seclusion. I arrived early, set up my tent on a flat patch under a pohutakawa tree with nikau palms and punga dominating the bushline, swam, relaxed in the shade, dried my gear, watched the bird life and thought camping with a sea kayak doesn’t get better than this. The next morning, paddling in the lee of the hills approaching Kennedy Bay, the northwester caused a severe squall. One side of the bay disappeared and I was fumbling for a compass to check the bearing. I wasn’t worried about my boat, only my direction! There is a local saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 20 minutes”. Sure enough towards New Chums Beach the rain turned off and the sun shone weakly. Small waves licked the sandy beach and I had my morning coffee and cake. New Chums, more than a kilometre long, is a jewel of the Coromandel Peninsula, and one of the top ten beaches in the world. Apparently developers have their eyes on it. I made the most of being
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
the only soul there before rounding Motutu Point and reaching my home beach, Whangapoua. I called my fiancee who agreed to come and get me … in three hours, once she had finished work! So I had time for a final coffee and to dry my equipment. Now I just had to get my car…
The jewel of Coromandel, New Chums Beach all to myself.
www.kayaknz.co.nz
Squall starting at Kennedy Bay. Moments later this view disappeared in the rain.
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
19
How to set up
A Fishing Running Rig.
By Andy Doncaster
When drift fishing in a kayak, a drift anchor can be attached to a running rig. Deployed over the side the drift anchor inflates, acting like a parachute to slow drift giving you more time in the area you intend to fish. In cold, rough seas an incorrectly installed running rig can be fatal. For example when the running rig is set up too far forward the line can cross over the bow. To clear it, you’ll need to move forward. Your kayak will now be bow heavy and you are at serious risk of being tipped out. Rough seas, cold water, you’re in a heap of trouble! So have your running rig installed by someone who knows what should be done, or read this article and call that someone before attempting it yourself. You need to obtain good quality stainless steel hardware from your local boating outlet. A running rig needs: 1) 8 x Stainless steel self tapping screws. 2) 2 x Stainless steel 6mm eye straps. 3) 2 x Nylon eye straps. 4) 2 x Stainless steel captive pin D Shackles. 5) 10 metres (approx) of 6mm yacht braid (This is important, any other will stretch) 6) 1 x Stainless steel 50mm Snap hook. 7) 2 x Stainless steel pulleys for 6mm rope.
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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1 2
Use two stainless steel screws to attach the forward stainless steel eye strap horizontally 600mm from the bow, on the port (left hand) side so the starboard (right hand) side is clear for fishing (reverse this if you are left handed). Do not over tighten the screws. This will strip the thread in the plastic. Similarly, with two stainless steel screws attach the after eye strap horizontally 600mm from the stern on the port side.
Attach one or two nylon eye straps vertically, evenly spaced between the ends of the boat, to route the yacht braid.
Take 2 Stainless steel captive pin D Shackles and 2 Stainless steel pulleys. Slip the pulleys into the D shackles. Place the D shackles on the bow and stern stainless steel eye straps with the D shackle pins pointing downward to minimise snagging.
Starting from the stern thread the yacht braid through the after pulley
3 4 from the bottom up. Run the yacht braid through the nylon routing eye straps and through the bow pulley, this time from top to bottom.
5 6
Next issue we will attach tach the drift anchor to the running rig. Happy fishing guys
Attach the Stainless steel 50mm Snap hook to the forward end of the yacht braid with an overhand bend knot. This simple knot will not slip and is very easy to tie. If you prefer to trust your life to another knot be sure it will not slip.
7 Tension the rope as you tie off the running rig to prevent bowing in the rope. And that’s it! You are almost ready to go fishing. Next issue we will attach the drift anchor to the running rig. Happy fishing guys
Tie the other end of the running rig, ensuring there are no twists. Tie the braid through the loop with the back of the Snap hook. Do not tie the line through the Snap hook, it is stronger tied through the loop.
Join Us For A Kayaking Adventure - River Tours
River Tours
22
Mokau River
White Water Paddling
Waitara River Tours
Exploring beautiful estuaries. Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and wonderful views.
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.
Need some excitement? Take a kayak down a wicked Grade Two river run... this is a whole day of thrills and fantastic scenery down some of New Zealand’s best rivers.
For those who are slightly more adventurous at heart, this is a scenic trip with the excitement of Grade 2 rapids. Midway down, we paddle under the historic Betran Road Bridge where we will stop for a snack.
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details
Phone Canoe & Kayak 06 769 5506
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details
Allow 2 hours paddle only. Priced at $70. Phone: 06 769 5506
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
www.kayaknz.co.nz
An Urban exercise Around the Shore Challenge By Ruth E. Henderson
Staircase descent to Lucus Creek
Most kayaking trips are to pastures new and green, far away from the city, preferably so far and isolated that even cellphones don’t work! But, this autumn a bunch of North Shore Yakity Yak kayak leaders dreamt up something a little different, an urban route. To make it universally appealing, they called it a Race – creating a challenge for the crowns of North Shore’s Kayak King and Kayak Queen – with a Latte experience for paddlers not keen to race. After finding Kell Park, behind the old shopping centre of Albany, the first challenge was the descent to Lucus Creek getting five metre boats around corners, over railings and down steps. For those with wheels, the boardwalk was a longer route, but comparatively easy. Fittingly the park walkway is planted with flax. A statue at the bottom of the steps commemorates Daniel Lucus, the flax trader for whom the whole of Albany was once named. When we were all assembled on the creek bank Dianne Scoones and Pam Henry did a “Take Five” for the dozen making up the Latte crowd, reminded us of pod rules, and outlined our route, the one Lucus used in the mid 1800’s. Once we (yes, I was amongst the coffee cruisers) were out of their way, Richard Saysell no doubt did the same for the eight in the Gung Ho group, but since they were paddling as individuals, pod rules did not apply. They were expected to be proficient in self-rescue or rolling and had to carry a VHF and/or cellphone. All of us were asked to wear highly visible clothing and if possible have a flag. Both groups had to land at Devonport and sign in with the Checkpoint Charlies, Clive and Lisa Shingleton. After a very wet and often windy month we were blessed on the last Sunday of autumn with an absolutely perfect day – blue skies, and near
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zero wind. Lucus Creek is a muddy duck pond at mid to low tide so a 3.1m high tide at 0850 made our leader’s planning and timing spot on for 0900 (Latte) and 0930 (Gung Ho) departures and seal or jetty launchings. Ignoring flotsam, autumn tints and reflections made for picturesque paddling past the groomed grounds of the North Shore Golf Course and then the adjacent cemetery. The outgoing tide gave us a fast trip to the busy Waitemata Harbour, Greenhithe boat builders on our left and Herald Island on our right. We left the rowing teams behind, played dodgems amongst the moored yachts and paddled under the Upper Harbour Bridge. West Auckland was on display with the expansive Waitakere Ranges providing the background for cars scurrying along the North
Margaret Law and the Latte crowd head down Lucus Creek
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Western motorway. Meanwhile the Gung Ho crowd had been catching us up. Off Beach Haven they streaked past, eyes on the clock, while we were looking for landing spots. After 14 kms and two hours, flask coffee and chocolate biscuits (thank you Andy) on a Kauri Point Centennial Park deserted beach were good. Colourfully clad and in pairs for safety we paddled on past the landmark pink Chelsea Sugar factory and pointed our bows towards the Auckland Harbour Bridge, ticking off city-side landmarks – Sky Tower, Mt Eden, One Tree(less) Hill… This was the way to sightsee! We were not alone revelling in such a gorgeous day - a fair proportion
of the Westhaven Marina must have been under sail. Ferries were busy and crossing Shoal Bay required caution, especially if the VHF chatter I picked up (“We could squash them between us”) may have related to us! Obeying Devonport Naval Base’s signage we kept 70m clear of the new huge HMNZS Canterbury, rounded Victoria Wharf and landed at Devonport Beach. Our racing counterparts had checked in as required by the ‘rules’, and had sped off. We, with 22 km behind us, had a well earned hour long lunch break and latte. Some even had a café meal!! Refreshed, we rounded North Head. Rangitoto Island seemed to be adorned with a necklace of yacht spinnakers. On the stretch past
Herald Island and quietly moored boats.
Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers N.Z. Inc. (KASK)
Daniel Lucus statue
KASK is a network of sea kayakers throughout New Zealand KASK publishes a 200 page sea kayaking handbook which is just $15 to 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.org.nz Annual subscription is $35.00.
Kask PO Box 23, Runanga 7841, West Coast
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www.kayaknz.co.nz
Cheltenham, Narrow Neck, St Leonards to Takapuna beach sea kayakers and multisporters were training, and oodles of people and dogs, enjoying the sunshine, were walking or running. At Takapuna and the 30 km mark, two of the Latte group peeled off. The rest had a quick pit stop before a final six kms, which took an hour, past Milford, Castor and Campbells Bay to reach Mairangi Bay at about 1600 hrs. We were reunited with the Gung Ho’s who had finished at Torbay, 3 kms further along and on average two hours earlier. At the beach BBQ we compared notes over a sausage sizzle, and talk turned to making this an annual event. Bring it on! I’ll have a flat white, trim milk, thanks. Kayak Queen – Pru Fry paddling a ‘Cobra Viper’ multisport kayak, 39kms in 4 hrs 10 mins. Kayak King – Greg Morrison paddling a ‘Break Sea’, sea kayak, 39kms in 4 hrs 2 mins
Dianne Scoones passes under the Harbour Bridge
Paddlers leaving Devonport - post Latte
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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Yakity Yak Sea Kayaking Club Yakity Yak White Water Club Yakity Yak Kayak Fishing Club Yakity Yak Multisport Club
Kayaking is not just a sport it’s a lifestyle. The Yakity Yak Club is all about getting away from the maddening crowds and stresses of day to day life. Camaraderie, friends and fun are the spice of life. All this while getting a bit of a work out. Membership in the club encourages the new comer to get out there, confident in paddling with more experienced members. Before long you will be leading trips too. All our leaders are given extra training to help them with the demands of group leadership. Safety is paramount in any water sport, and kayaking is no different. When you join the Yakity Yak Club, there is a two day induction course to ensure all members have the basic skills to be safe and to keep their paddling buddies safe. The course covers more than just ‘how to paddle’. Rescues, trip planning & gear is also covered. With this extra knowledge, you’ll become a more confident, safe paddler. Which means you’ll enjoy kayaking that much more. Thanks to the Canoe & Kayak crew, all the work is done for you. There are no club rooms to paint and no committees to join. A ‘wine & cheese’ evening is laid on once a month, to organize the coming months activities with input from all members. If there is a trip you’d like to do, put it forward and the club will see it happens. Easy! Come along to one of our meetings, meet the people & see what goes on. You’ll be made to feel very welcome. So why not give us a call today on 0508 529 2569
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S S E N T FI S
FRIE ND
NZKI Successes in 2010 NZKI 1 Star Sea Kayaking Dan Head Oliver Lovell Todd Shewan Darren Whitehead Brendan Hartigan Brenda Crummey Sarah Sellar Melanie Harper NZKI 1 Star White Water Dan Head Ricco de Thierry Lisa Fuchs Julie Laurie Josh Elgoran Chanelle Stringer Jessica McCarthy Joseph Song Aiden Budd
Simon Middlemass Allan Mears Andy Doncaster Gregor RansďŹ eld Pauline Ross Anita Austin John Shaw Linda Peters Mikayla Caird Claudi Hills Kadin Wood Eva Maar Jamie Harvey Kiefer Gulliver Luke Austin Diana Austin
Get into it! phone:- 0508 529255 e-mail:- info@canoeandkayak.co.nz website:- canoeandkayak.co.nz
East, Central and West of North America By Josh Neilson
North America is huge! Getting around takes a lot of time and miles on the sometimes straight roads. In two weeks we covered great distances across the continent, experiencing
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amazing whitewater from the East, in Canada, through Colorado, to the West in California. Do you know the Valin in central Quebec? It’s a small, tree lined river that runs south into the Saguenay Fjord. From a previous visit we knew the run, but we needed to check the waterfall, as we hadn’t attempted it earlier because of the high flow. This time the flow was good and the sun was out, everyone was feeling good! At the fall’s lip we set up safety measures and cameras. There was a sweet ramp lead in with a rooster tail coming off the right wall. One by one we threw ourselves into the air and the pool below! When my boat’s nose hit the rooster tail I cranked on a left boof stroke and pulled myself forward, fell almost horizontally for 6 meters and stomped my feet down to adjust my angle to 45 degrees. This reduced the impact and the waterfall spat me into the pool below! The intensity continued for a few more miles to the take out! This run and the one below can be run from early spring’s high flows to the low flows of summer! From Quebec we loaded our car and drove 3,500 kms to Vail, Colorado, for the Teva Mountain Games. The race is on Homestake Creek, a super technical steep run, that at the best of times still hands out beatings! Kayaking here has a different atmosphere to a normal creeking trip! Instead of a quiet, remote gorge you are roadside with cameras lining the banks and cameras on wires following you down and hundreds of people watching your every stroke! Normally you’d scout a rapid, run it then scout the next part, slowly making your way down a tight section. Here you have to memorise about 200 m of class 4+ whitewater and remember everything as you paddle at full speed
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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down it! And there is the altitude! At 12,000 feet above sea level doing anything is hard! Walking up the stairs you are out of breath! We had a few practice runs before the qualifiers for the finals to knock out half the field. Kiwis qualified for the Mens and Women’s final runs. Missing the cut by .04 of a second I climbed high on the bank to film the final men. The Kiwis were huddled together to catch a glimpse of Sam Sutton and Mike Dawson, who unfortunately missed the podium cut. Sam, our top qualifier, came down last, super clean through the top of the course, over the one flat pool with good speed and then disappeared into the bottom crux section out of view. We listened to the commentator and watched the timer… “And the new Homestake Creek champ for 2010 is….. Sam Sutton!!” The Kiwis roared and ran to the bottom to see him! He was stoked with this great start to his 2010 racing season! We had an 18 hour drive ahead to California and the granite slides of the West coast so we split the journey to take in Utah’s Arches National Park. Roaring around the park without air conditioning and in 40 degree temperatures we tied the door of our van open and enjoyed some of the finest natural rock formations I’ve ever seen. 5000 km from the Valin River in Quebec, the rivers had changed, the weather was a lot warmer and there were notably fewer trees. Our first stop was to fix the car. A rock had put a hole in the sump so the engine was using as much oil as fuel! A quick weld job and she was back on the road! We warmed up on the Slab Creek section of the American River before heading into the Upper Middle Cosumnes River
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1st Plastic Sea Kayak -Trans Taupo Race 2010.
for a section I had heard a lot about. The rest of the crew had run it a few weeks before. I was fired up. We bombed down some sweet drops with good flow. I was the only one who didn’t know the lines so I got in behind and followed the boys into the gorge. All day we ran nice slides and sweet drops up to 6 meters high! Later we came to one called ‘V-Slide’. It has a shallow entrance into a pool then, as the name suggests, it forms two big lateral waves in a V shape dropping about 3 meters into a burley hole. There was a sneak line down the right but I felt the most challenging, fun line was right down the middle. There was a possibility that this hole would keep me and a swim might happen but I lined up the meat of the hole and dropped in. ‘Crack!’ Everything was black with purple and pink stars. I resurfaced from the hole and that was good, but I had gone deep and hit the bottom, cracked my helmet and torn the AC joint in my shoulder. The crew helped to get me out of the run and back to the van while my arm was still working. Minus the injury the run had been super fun but unfortunately the sport involves fast moving liquid directed by gradient and hard rocks! I’m so grateful for the crew and friends with whom I kayak. Thanks to them I am now recovering, ordered to stay out of the river for at least a month and after that taking it easy for longer on the big stuff. Good advice! I will try to keep my sanity while driving the boys to Big Kimshew Creek and the rest of the High Sierra runs. So that’s a brief update on a two week segment of my trip this year! North America is a big place with so much quality whitewater and beautiful places! Get out, explore and stay safe! For more, check out www.whitewater-koa.blogspot.com
Josh lines himself up for another run.
NZKI ww 2, 3 & 4 Star Courses & Grade Two River certificates CALL IN TO YOUR LOCAL CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE FOR MORE DETAILS
PHONE NOW 0508 5292569
2010 Multisport Package $995
We believe our comprehensive Grade Two Training & Certification is the best you can get. Get the skills to confidently paddle on white water. www.kayaknz.co.nz
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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Taupo Kayak k Camp a hug g Over 30 intrepid kayakers made their way to a rather chilly Taupo in July to try their hand at white water paddling. The kayakers were a mix of C&K Owners, Staff and Yakity Yak Club Leaders, yet to enjoy white water paddling. There were a few nervous faces to begin with. We are a kind lot and started everyone off on the Waikato’s more gentle flow...(including a sneaky seal launch). After lunch was a wetter affair with throw bagging, combat swimming and white water float positions practised. The Mighty Mohaka didn’t disappoint, on a decent flow of two metres by the bridge. Once the mind bending shuttle organisation was done we headed
k king Development g ge success!! down river. A few swims, a few rescues, sausages over the camp ďŹ re and lots of smiles were the order of the day. Dinner back in Taupo was washed down with a couple beers and plenty of tales were shared.... Dan, Doug, Daniel, Tony, Pete and all the other instructors and assistants did a great job, making sure everyone had a blast! Cheers team. Good on you, you hardcore bunch... we are planning more of the same at a fantastic introductory price, this time for ANY Yakity Yak member who wishes to give it a go. Check out www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/camp for details or contact your local store. Happy Paddling... See you soon. Steve, Daniel, Doug and Dan
Inflatable boats
By Martin Straka
I used to be a keen whitewater kayaker, one of those guys who swore on his high performance hard-shell plastic kayak, and laughed when he saw ‘rubber duckies’ on the river. The seeds of my conversion to inflatables were sown during a three day kayak trip down the Motu years ago. There were just two of us. Our tiny kayaks could not take all our gear and we had to leave behind stuff like mattresses and nice food in favour of safety gear, spare paddle and other essentials. Full on Spartan, but I loved it nevertheless. The next step was later when I started taking my kids out on the river. I bought an inflatable canoe and so far all four of us have paddled some of the beautiful scenic stretches in the European Alps and most recently on rivers around Murchison. My boat packs into a compact 80 L bag that I smuggle into the boot every time when heading out for a family weekend or holiday. No roof rack, and the folded paddles fit inside, together with a pump and the life jackets. We have been enjoying our summers so much all together in my boat! I love multiday trips and now that the kids have grown a bit, we are - an overnight trip on planning a big adventure ov lower Rangitikei. If we pack the Rang modestly we will fit mode with our gear into the canoe can and enjoy the great gre outdoors all together. And this is tog only the beginning! o
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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Rhino Rack 2500 removable ‘multi-fit system. The Rhino 2500 system has the ability to cover a huge range of vehicle models but with the added advantage of offering a choice of cross bars allowing the best use for any particular carrying need. The vehicle specific clamp and pad fitting kit is matched with the most appropriate leg and bar set for the purpose. What’s more the racks are easily able to be fitted by the end user if so required. This system can give users the choice of a sporty aerodynamic rack with no bar overhang ( RS model ), an aerodynamic bar that overhangs for greater load space ( DA model ) , a commercial bar profile for HD use ( DH model ) and finally a classic European bar, simple but strong and a price leader too ( DS model ).
A significant advantage over other removable mount racks on the market is the strength and fit of the mounting clamps. These ensure no movement causing roof damage and a guaranteed best fit.
Speight’s Coast to Coast 2011 Entries Still Open! Now’s the time to get some training and make an educated choice -
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Designers & Manufacturers of Multisport & Adventure Racing Kayaks
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Kayaking for Child Cancer Challenge By Ruth E. Henderson
What are these dudes up to now? (Group photo of L – R: Chris Dench, Steve Law, Guy Folster, Greg Dunning, Charlie Barker, Neil Watson, with insert of Dave Evans)
Tui Excel A versatile, go anywhere kayak
Penguin A tried and trrue winner that delivers affordaable excellence
Tasman Express An exceptional peerformance sea kayak
Dusky Bay Classic Leisurely cruise, open wateers, or a kayaking addventure
For information on our complete range and stockist, A tried and true design just got better
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
visit www.q-kayaks.co.nz or phone 06 326 8667
www.kayaknz.co.nz
Last time Chris Dench from the North Shore Yakity Yak kayak club and friends got together as a team, nine set out to paddle from Takapuna Beach up to Cape Reinga raising funds for Child Cancer. Six made it. They paddled over 480 kms and raised $18,000.
safety issues and are out there training, putting in the K’s to be paddle fit for the day. What can you do? The aim is to make this a fun day, with boat loads of supporters and child cancer children or siblings positioned every five kms or so, on launches or other vessels to cheer them on (and catch a fish whilst waiting). Boats and bachs If you want to be one of those support vessels or people and offer the use of your boat, or bach at Great Barrier (after 60 kms, the kayakers will want to stay the night!) please phone Fleur Townsend 021 0431 521 or email:
This time Chris Dench, Guy Folster, Charlie Barker, Neil Watson, Greg Dunning and Dave Evans are aiming to raise the profile of Child Cancer and to raise $75,000 which represents one dollar for each of the 75,000 treatments and procedures that children with cancer go through every year in New Zealand. To do this, the boys will paddle The eight paddle salute - Leaving from Leigh to Great Barrier, a distance of 60 kms, on the 30th of October. At the time of writing this (July), they are shoulder tapping other longdistance paddlers or famous athletes and selecting a team of up to twenty paddlers. Plus, being prudent they are working on logistics and
fltownsend@hotmail.com If there is some other way you’d like to help – maybe supplying lunches for the kids for instance, please phone too. Raise money Get your boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, (or tennis, bowls, Rotary etc) club and buddies involved – perhaps host a fundraising dinner, run a ‘pub quiz’… Perhaps get your work place or mates to challenge one of the paddlers to a dollar or ten per kilometre? To put a personal donation into the pot and get the snowball rolling now - go to: www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/kayakforchildcancer
Takapuna July 2006
proud ro s sponsors o so s o of the speight’s coast to coast 2011
speight’s COAST TO COAST 11TH & 12TH FEBRUARY 2011 still taking eNTRIES ! We look forward to seeing you THERE.
see ee us for all your yo training and equipment requirements. freephone 0508 529 2569 canoeandkayak.co.nz www.kayaknz.co.nz
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
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Manukau has Moved!
Artists Impression
Canoe & Kayak Manukau has moved to new premises! Our new centre is located on the corner of Great South Road and Ryan Place, just 1.5 km north of the old store. The open plan shop provides all the showroom space we could ask for and an indoor roof rack fitting bay. There is heaps of parking out front. Canoe & Kayak Manukau’s Winter Skills Course run by Peter Townend, has been a huge success, getting Sea Kayakers into White Water and developing all important surfing and trip leading skills. They headed up to Whananake on the last weekend of July in balmy calm weather. Dolphins playing all around them. And of course, we passed the OutdoorsMark audit. There is a lot going on here at Canoe & Kayak Manukau. Do pop in and see the team, Steve, Phil, Gavin & Nick, for a chat and a cuppa.
Manukau Attains OutdoorsMark OutdoorsMark is the national outdoor safety quality assurance programme designed specifically for organisations involved in outdoor education, outdoor recreation, and adventure activities. The OutdoorsMark safety-focused audit provides an independent process for assessing the robustness of organisational safety policies, procedures and practices for alignment with currently accepted outdoor industry standards. At the end of July (amidst preparations of moving store) we had a full day of audits
covering our safety policies in both the courses we run and the Yakity Yak Club. Our on water instruction was also audited. We are extremely proud to have achieved this standard, knowing it will give our customers confidence that we are a professional, well organized and safe company to deal with.
Join Us For A Kayaking Adventure - Specialty Tours
Taupo Maori Carvings Half day guided trip to the rock carvings, Lake Taupo... only accessible by boat. A leisurely paddle of about 3 km to the rock carvings. The largest is over 10 m high and from below in a kayak it is imposing.
$85 per person (bookings essential). Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.
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Waikato River Discovery 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...
Adult $45, Children $25 Special group and family rates. Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
Customized Tours Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a full days frolic or a wicked weekend adventure we can take you there. If there’s somewhere you’d like to paddle we can provide you with experienced guides, local knowledge, safe up to date equipment and a lot of fun.
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 for details
Join the Yakity Yak Club We’d love to tell you more and get you hooked on the wonderful sport of kayaking and probably the best kayak club in the world! So give your local Canoe & Kayak centre a call or better, come and see us.
Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 256 to find out more or send the form on page 35.
www.kayaknz.co.nz
ST G he ses t at rea e B Inc
Buyers Guide Spring 2010
Qualified - Our staff are the experts. Service - We’ll do a regular check on your purcahse for free. (1, 6 & 12 month) Passion - Kayaking is our passion. It is what we do in our spare time. Talk to us for ďŹ rst hand advice.
Sponsor or Member of: Josh Neilson - White Water Adventurer N
l
Start Your Adventure Here Sea Kayaking
Our most popular course. Come and learn all the skills you need to become a confident and competent kayaker. Over the weekend you will learn paddle skills, rescues and what’s more you’ll meet other awesome people like you! All paddlers who complete this course become members of the ‘Yakity Yak Club’. Don’t have a kayak? Don’t worry, all paddling gear and even a yummy lunch is supplied for the weekend.
Learning to Eskimo roll is easy, with the right techniques you’ll be rolling in no time. Learn in a heated pool over four evening sessions, starting in a white water kayak and progressing to a sea kayak. If you’re learning to surf, having a confident Eskimo roll will double the fun! And you’ll look impressive too.
There’s not always a T.V where we end up, so knowing how to understand the weather is an important skill. You will learn how to forecast weather using maps and the clouds. Navigate using charts and a compass over four evening sessions. Another essential course for paddlers getting right out there.
Surfing is fun when you know how, and guess what? It’s easy! We’ll start you in small surf sit-ontops and build your skills until you’re a pro. Surfing builds confidence for all kayakers, plus it is a great way to spend a day at the beach. All paddling gear provided, just bring a smile.
This weekend course will build on your skills in a realistic environment, based at a remote camping site. Along with paddling technique we cover trip planning, preparation and decision making on the water. A must for paddlers planning overnight trips or multiday expeditions.
Paddlers need to know a range of rescues to look after themselves and their kayaking buddies in adverse conditions. The rescues you will learn on this course will put a lot more tools in your toolbox so you can be prepared and ready in any situation.
Phone 0508 529 256 for
White Water Kayaking
.
White Water paddlers must have a solid base of skills and this is the course to get you started. This weekend course starts in a heated pool, progressing from flat water to moving water, always at a pace you are comfortable with. Great way to meet other paddlers and build your skills together.
This course is a comprehensive package of instruction and coaching designed to progressively build your kayaking skills to Grade Two racing certificate level. Run over three weekends, your confidence on the water and river reading skills will help make your day a huge success.
Designed to build on skills learnt on the intro course, this weekend focuses on building your confidence on fast moving water and culminates in a Grade Two river paddle on the Sunday. The course will help you fine tune eddie turns, ferry gliding, rolling, surfing and introduces new skills in river rescue and river reading techniques.
Ready for Grade Three Rivers? Sharpen up your white water skills and be prepared to negotiate higher Grade Three rapids with confidence. Learning some simple rodeo moves, advanced paddle technique and playing in holes will help you achieve your goals in advanced white water paddling. This weekend course has a strong focus on safety and sound decision making.
* Low Student / Instructor ratios. * Well Structured Courses * Progressive Learning * Teaching Kayaking since 1994
Are you a confident paddler in Grade Two rivers? Before you make the big move to Grade Three you must have the skills covered in this two day River Rescue Course. We will teach you the skills required to cope with entrapments, kayak wraps, swimming kayakers and their equipment.
more info & booking
Buyers Guide
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Family Kayaking The best part of summer is spending time at the beach, on the boat or in the water. What better way to enhance the experience than to take a kayak with you. A kayak allows you to get away from the crowded beach and find a more secluded bay around the corner. The kids will love paddling, jumping off, or swimming around the kayak. Paddle around the rocks to get to your fishing spot, or explore the coastline, lakes and rivers. Sit - on - top kayaks are extremely stable and suitable for young and old. Your options are endless. You can customize your kayak to suit your needs. Add seats for comfort, storage hatches, anchor systems, rod holders, and even GPS and fishfinders! There is a kayak to suit all uses. Grab a kayak that surfs well and the ‘older’ kids will have hours of enjoyment. Fun for the whole family.
from 1 Escapee
Length: 3.3 m, Weight: 23 kg, Width: 740 mm
$ 830
2 Tandem
Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 25.9 kg, Width: 915 mm
$ 1095
3 Flow
Length: 2.95m, Weight: 19kg, Width: 750 mm
$ 879
4 Play
Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 711 mm
$ 545
5 Kiwi
Length: 3.75 m, Weight: 20 kg Std, $ 23 kg Excel & 18 kg Light, Width: 740 mm
6 Escapade
Length: 3.46 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 750 mm
$ 1055
7 Explorer
Length: 3.4 m, Weight: 18.2 kg, Width: 790 mm
$ 845
1310
www.canoeandkayak.co.nz
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Fishing
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No engine to maintain, no boat ramps required, and quiet to boot. 1 Kayak fishing is becoming a very popular way of getting out on the water. Certainly much cheaper than buying and maintaining a boat. 2 Kayaks are used to access those out of the way rocks for surf casting and for a quick and easy access to the sea. No crew required. With the 3 correct roof rack even the smallest car can transport them. Nothing beats the hunt for the big one. The stealthy kayak easily 4 approaches fish without alerting them to your presence. Each kayak can be decked out to suit the paddler’s needs, whether that be rod 5 holders, comfy seats, anchor systems, fish finder, GPS, VHF radio. 6 Your imagination is the only limitation. Please note: prices include GST @ 12.5% and do not necessarily include any of the accessories, hatches, seats or rudders etc shown 7 in the photos.
Marauder
Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 780 mm
$1295
Catch 390
Length: 3.9 m, Weight: 28kg, Width: 730 mm
$1650
Catch 420
Length: 4.2m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 730 mm Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 915 mm
$1750
Line 280
Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 730 mm
$1125
Escapade
Length: 3.5 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 750 mm
$1055
Water Strider
Length: 2.4 m, Weight: 14 kg, Width: 1250 mm
$1890
Fish n’ Dive
0508 KAYAKNZ
$1095
Buyers Guide
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Multisport For a healthy body and mind, multisport racing gives a well rounded exercise regime for the variety of disciplines required. The extremely sociable events circuit has a variety of achievable goals where a stepping stone approach can be adopted to reach your pinnacle. This may be the Motu Challenge or the Speight’s Coast to Coast. You are in control, you choose your goal. The kayaks are fast and fun. You’ll easily find the right boat to suit your experience level. Remember stability is the first step towards speed. Please note: prices include GST @ 12.5% and do not include accessories.
from 1 Intrigue
Length: 4.95 m, Weight: 12 kg, Width:50 mm
$2740
2 Hurricane
Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 12 kg, Width: 490 mm
$3040
3 Gladiator
Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 13.5 kg, Width: 530 mm
$3170
4 Swallow
Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 12 kg, Width: 480 mm
$2710
5 Duet
Length: 7.0 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 550 mm
$5760
6 Firebolt
Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 12.5 kg, Width: 455 mm
$3170
7 Maximus
Length: 6.4 m, Weight: 16 kg Width: 510 mm
$3730
8 Rebel
Length: 5.7 m, Weight: 11 kg Width: 450 mm
$3150
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Buyers Guide
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Inflatables
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When storage is an issue, you can’t beat an inflatable. Inflatable kayaks can be stowed in a cupboard or locker in the apartment, on a yacht, motorboat or camper van. There is no need for a roof rack, you can transport them in the boot. They are light and easy to handle, you can even take them in an aircraft. Inflation only takes minutes with a good pump. Modern inflatables are surprisingly rigid, easy to paddle and very stable. Fun for the whole family.
1 Helios II
Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 750 mm
$ 1895
2 Safari
Length: 3.04 m, Weight: 12.5 kg, Width: 720 mm
$ 1695
3 Twist I
Length: 2.6 m, Weight: 6 kg, Width: 790 mm Length: 3.6 m, Weight: 9 kg, Width: 830 mm
$ 995
4 Twist II 5 Helios I 6 Whakapapa
Please note: prices include GST @ 12.5% and do not necessarily include any of the accessories, hatches, seats or rudders etc shown in the photos. The prices were correct at the time of printing however due to circumstances beyond our control they may alter at any time. Please contact your
Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 13.5 kg, Width: 710 mm Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 23 kg, Width: 1025 mm
nearest Canoe & Kayak Centre and they will put together a great package of the best equipment available for your kayaking fun.
0508 KAYAKNZ
$ 1295 $ 1595 $ 3159
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Sea Kayaking Getting away from the madding crowds and close to nature is a common reason for taking up Sea Kayaking. There are innumerable stories of getting close to wildlife while kayaking. Imagine paddling with dolphins, penguins and even orca! Sea kayaking is the maritime version of tramping, but you can take the kitchen sink. Lots of storage in a kayak allows you to carry more than you could on your back. What a way to see the country, exploring all our wonderful lakes, rivers and coastline, while getting exercise and socializing with a great bunch of friends.
Please note: Prices include GST @ 12.5% and do not necessarily include any of the accessories, hatches, seats etc shown in the photos. The prices were correct at the time of printing however due to circumstances beyond our control they may alter at any time. Please contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak Centre and they will put together a great package of the best equipment available for your kayaking fun.
www.canoeandkayak.co.nz
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from 1 Beachcomber Duo Length: 5.80 m, Weight: 26 kg,
$4300
8 Shearwater
Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg light, Width: 610 mm
$2545
Width: 700 mm
2 Contour 490
Length: 4.90 m, Weight: 35 kg, Width: 760 mm
$3199
9 Southern Skua
Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 22 kg, Width: 600 mm
$4400
3 Eco Niizh XLT
Length: 5.65 m, Weight: 45 kg, Width: 760 mm
$4250
10 Foveaux Express
Length: 5.0 m, Weight: 19 kg, Width: 600 mm
$4280
4 Incept PaciďŹ c
Length: 5.35 m, Weight: 22 kg, Width: 670 mm
$3690
11 Torres
Length: 5.6m, Weight: 23 kg std, Width: 600 mm
$4400
5 Skua
Length: 5.2 m, Weight: 27 kg std, 24 kg light, Width: 600 mm
$2775
12 Eco Bezhig
Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 590 mm
$2940
6 Beachcomber
Length: 4.9 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 600 mm
$2950
13 Contour 480
Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 620 mm
$2550
7 Tasman Express
Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 29 kg Std, 25 kg light, Width: 620 mm
$2775
14 Incept Tasman
Length: 4.35 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 670 mm
$2970
0508 KAYAKNZ
South Island Circumnavigation by Max Grant
Melanie going through a viscous "Bumper Dumper" off the Rangitata beach. Photo by: John Bisset, Timaru Herald.
Described in the sea kayaking world as “The Everest of Sea Kayaking”, Melanie & I wondered if we had taken on too much as we battled against rough seas along the East Coast during our attempt to circumnavigate the South Island. Two other kayakers who were attempting the same feat this year, one from Japan and the other from Hong Kong, abandoned their attempts because of rough seas. After completing the difficult Fiordland coastline in 2008, Melanie and I had made a decision to continue from our finishing point at Bluff and kayak the Catlins coast. So six months later we relaunched our kayaks at Bluff in an attempt to reach Dunedin. Fully exposed to the southern oceans, this part of the South Island proved as rugged as any we’d seen on our trip so far. Sheer cliffs rise out of the sea with jagged outcrops of rock that only sea birds seem able to cling to. But favourable conditions enabled us to complete our trip around the Catlins and finish at the Otago Harbour. At Dunedin we pondered whether to finish our journey here or complete a circumnavigation of the entire South Island. I was keen to continue in an anti-clockwise circumnavigation, and Melanie wanted to ‘break the spell’ and become the first Kiwi woman to complete the journey. So in November 2009, we left the Otago Harbour with high hopes of reaching our starting Point at Jackson Bay before the
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ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
end of summer. But rough seas and strong head winds (the prevailing North Easterlies) eventually forced us off the ocean at St Andrews, just south of Timaru. The South Island was gripped in an El Nino pattern that was continually pushing cold fronts up the South Island and conditions weren’t forecast to change until mid February. Monday 8th February: Started from St Andrews on a long and somewhat difficult paddle up the East Coast. While nasty dumping surf made some of our landings & take off’s difficult, we made steady progress and only missed three days due to bad weather on our way to Queen Charlotte Sounds. Upon reaching Picton we took a two week rest when bad weather prevented us from rounding the top section of the Marlbourgh Sounds. When conditions improved and the seas calmed down, we relaunched into Queen Charlotte Sound to complete the final leg of the journey back to our starting point at Jackson Bay. Favourable conditions down the West Coast allowed us to reach Jackson Bay on 19th May, 21 paddling days after leaving Picton. (This does not include a break we took at Okarito where we were hit by a “weather bomb” and couldn’t kayak for three weeks) “We did it”!!! And boy o boy, were we a couple of happy chappies! It had taken us 71 paddling days to complete nearly 3,000kms around the South island. Melanie is the first Kiwi woman to complete this arduous journey. It
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d we staye any huts m e th f o ay Gorge B This one hut with n o s k c a J in - Cape kground. c a b e in th
Melanie at Whara riki Beac Archway h with th Island in e the back ground.
recalls how she felt quite scared just north of Christchurch when a very large shark swam around the kayaks. But for me it was very special to have achieved such a feat with my daughter. The challenge and successfully raising over $5,000 for the Child Cancer cause helped to keep us going. Our fund raising page is: www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/maxmelaniegrant
ilford
at M elanie
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differed from other successful attempts as we did it anti clockwise and in stages over two years. To be met at Jackson Bay by those people who gave us such a lot of support along the way was brilliant – thanks to my wife Margaret, Belinda Mulvany & Paul Caffyn (Even though I copped the traditional pavlova in the face!) There were many highlights during our journey, especially our encounters with the wildlife. Melanie’s favourite; “I enjoyed the company of the Hector dolphins that accompanied us. Near Hokitika about a dozen dolphins swam beside us for over an hour. They enjoyed surfing beside the front of our kayaks, riding our bow waves and darting beneath us.” For me the worst moments were battling against strong winds on the east coast near Timaru, while Melanie
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Finishing our tri
p at Jackson Ba
y
ISSUE FIFTY Six • Spring 2010
49
Melanie kayaking through a cave with Nugget Point in the distance.
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