Issue 60 by Canoe & Kayak

60th ISSUE

$7.50 NZ $7.50 AUST

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Issue 60

Contents

Feature

White Water Kayaking

A backward glance- Ruth looks at the history of kayaking in New Zealand

Sea Kayaking 12

21 25 28 31 32

Weather can spoil plans - Paddlers make a change to Coromandel Ngongotaha to Whakatane - One man and his kayak.

“headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF” exhibition - Waiheke Island “Whanga” - Paddling half of the Whanganui. Rope + tree + kayaks = kayak swinging Spreading the word - Four AUT students paddle from North Cape to Auckland to raise awareness.

Waihi Stream 2010 - Josh Neilson’s mates paddle this while in flood. FJ @FJ - Photo montage

Regulars 5 24 34 37

Editorial Welcome to Estelle & Dave - New owners in BOP Product focus Buyers Guide

EDITOR: Peter Townend Ph: 0274 529 255 / (09) 476 7066 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz

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.

PUBLISHER: New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published five times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: MHP Print

Pricing: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate. However they may change at any time.

DISTRIBUTION: Gordon & Gotch SUBSCRIPTIONS: (see page 35) New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40 Overseas – 6 Issues = $60 Front Cover: Paddling Coromandel. Photo by Michele Surcouf Contents page photo:Thomas Patrick & Bryn Townend on the

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

“Whanga”. Photo by Peter Townend

We Want Your Photos! Have you got a photo for the centre pages or even the front cover. - Yes? We want it! If your photo is published on these pages, you will receive a years subscription to the New Zealand Kayak Magazine for you or a friend. Just e-mail your photo to the address below with who, what and where your photo is taken. It’ll need to be in high resolution (300DPI) and in portrait if you are aiming for the front cover. E-mail james@canoeandkayak.co.nz *Terms & Conditions can be viewed at: www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/photo

Editorial The sixtieth issue of our NZ Kayak Magazine, what a milestone! It’s the cumulative effort from hundreds of writers covering a huge range of topics from the how to, the where to, the who and what to do. The advertisers, subscribers, purchasers and Yakity Yak members have made it happen along with the team of people involved in putting it all together over the years. A big thank you for the effort all you supporters, and everyone involved should give themselves a big pat on the back. The outcome of this effort is a better informed, safer kayaking community. In this issue Ruth Henderson has researched the history of kayaking, Canoe & Kayak and the Yakity Yak Kayak Club. While she has not mentioned all involved because that would be a year’s work and fill a book, she has captured some really interesting information and it is a great read. There was a photo competition for the Whanganui Trip which was a real relaxed adventure this year. We now have a reward programme to encourage you, the paddlers, to send us your articles and photos of adventuring. This winter will be busy for me and the Canoe & Kayak teams and

their Yakity Yak Club leaders as we train new leaders and run development training for existing Yakity Yak Kayak Club Leaders in preparation for next summer. The Yakity Yak member who wants to be involved in developing kayaking, joins the Leaders Training by the Canoe & Kayak team to develop the skills required to lead trips. This process has run for nearly 20 years. It is great fun and hugely rewarding for all involved, including you if you wish. Just call your local Canoe & Kayak Centre. A big welcome to the newest owners in the Canoe & Kayak team, Estelle and Dave in BOP and a sad goodbye to Steve and Karen Knowles who have moved to Wellington. Steve is one of the movers and shakers in his specialist area of weather and we trust we will still see them and their little ones on the water. Well, enjoy the read and thank you for your support over the years. Cheers Peter Townend

Congratulations to our winners! Two Cobra Plays were up for grabs in the summer NZ Kayak Magazine summer subscription draw. Winners were: Neil Chamberlain from Waikato (Pictured left) and Moira Nelson from Auckland.

Whanganui River Trip Photo competition

Best “Whanga” photo “Brown Kiwi farewell to visitors” (Below) Photo by Olga Thijsse of Auckland

A Backward Glance By Ruth E. Henderson

In this diamond edition of NZ Kayak magazine it is appropriate to look back on the history of kayaking in New Zealand: the boats, events, clubs and organisations, publications, achievements and the people who have helped shape and influence (many who continue to do so) the sport we call sea kayaking. Well before the invention of motorcars and aeroplanes, we had boats and the first regattas, races and canoe clubs. Records show that Whanganui settlers held waka races in 1843 with Maori and Europeans competing and that the Wellington Tainui Canoe Club was founded in 1870. In the 1880s members paddled in the Pelorous and Queen Charlotte sounds and took part in the Picton regatta. In 1886 the Hokitika Canoe Club was formed. Its first commodore F.E.Clark had built two decades earlier a canoe he called Rob Roy a clinker style boat made from wooden planks, 14.5 ft (4.35 m) long that could be fitted with sails. The regaling of his adventures is credited with a growing interest in river and sea kayaking. From the outset club members sought adventure and to set records. The first Cook Strait crossing was in two Rob Roy style boats built and paddled by George and Will Park of the Hokitika Canoe Club. They completed the crossing in 30.5 hours on 23 February 1890 and then continued down the coast to Dunedin. W. and G. Fitzgerald crossed both ways in a double canoe in 1895. The first solo crossing was done in an 18 ft (5.4 m) Rob Roy by 16 year old H.V. Shearman. By 1926 there was a canoe club on the North Shore of Auckland and around 1930 the Rover Canoe Club based in Hamilton. Rob Roy canoes, Canadian canoes and home made boats including those dubbed ‘tin cans’ made of corrugated iron were used.

Making a home-made fibreglass kayak, with the help of Ben Cooper and using a mould borrowed from Auckland Canoe Club. Circa 1977

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Although the later craft sound improbable, my husband Ian’s mate Ken James tells stories of using these in the 1950s around the Whau Creek water ways of New Lynn. The Auckland Canoe Club was established in 1954 and is still going strong. Off-the-shelf kayaks were a long time coming. It wasn’t till 1971 that Renton Hunger designed and built the prototype Penguin river kayak and established Kayak Moulders Ltd. In the 1970s most folk, me included borrowed a mould and built our own boats using fibreglass. They were four or more metres long, rudderless and more suited to rivers then going in a straight line. Everything was home-made. Wooden paddles were made of dowling and plywood, spray-skirts sewn from rip-stop nylon, and before I bought a long-john wetsuit, a woollen jersey was for warmth. Inclined to stretch somewhat when wet! In 1977 the first sea kayak mould of a Nordkapp arrived in NZ, and long-distance paddling and kayak adventuring took off. Paul Caffyn led the way, setting records, most of which he still holds. In 1977 – 78 he circumnavigated the South Island (2,414 km) and in 1978 – 79 the North Island (2,735 km) then the Stewart Island in 1979. He went on to paddle the coastlines or circumnavigate Great Britain, Australia, Japan, Alaska, New Caledonia, Greenland, Malaysia and Thailand. (See NZ Kayak Magazine issue 57).

www.kayaknz.co.nz

In the early 1980’s sea kayaking was still a long way from being a mainstream sport, and retailers dedicated to it had yet to arrive. Quizzing Su Sommerhalder she told me that it was “mainly white water in the 1960s and 1970s.” Peter (her husband) used to instruct for the Auckland Canoe Club and was constantly asked “Where do we get gear?” This led to them setting up the Auckland Canoe Centre in 1984 which they ran for 20 years. “Originally we ran it part-time 5.30 to 8.00 pm and on Saturdays. Gear gradually became available in NZ, a lot of accessories being imported from Australia.” Su went on to tell me a delightful story of going to a wedding in Melbourne, mailing everything except a clean pair of knickers and T-shirt home, then trawling the shops to find interesting The two Peters. Pete Townend coaching rescues (right) and Peter Sommerholder coaching Charlie Barker in the finer points of eskimo rolling. kayaking stuff to fill her suitcases… to avoid the excessive import duty. “Nice paddles were imported from Switzerland and Germany. Boats were fibreglass or plastic from Quality Kayaks (now Q-Kayaks), or Perception (now Mission, and previously Current Craft). Some of the first boats sold were the Pelorous a white water-ish craft of 4 m, the Ranger a touring boat of 4.6 m, the Olympia a cross-linked plastic boat from QK, the Dura a linear plastic boat of 4.1m, the Nordkapp, the 4 m Penguin designed by Renton Hungar and the Explorer canoe made by Fibre craft. Another place that sold boats was Farmers. They had a boat shop next door to their variety store. They sold Nova craft boats. Fergs started eight years after us, and Pete Townend two years after that.” Pete opened Canoe & Kayak his first shop on the North Shore. They not only sold boats and gear but instruction packages. Finding that some folk needed extra encouragement to continue in the sport, Pete set up the Yakity Yak Kayak club. I bought my first plastic boat from Pete Townend in 1996, did the skills course but didn’t get involved in

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1st Plastic Sea Kayak -Trans Taupo Race 2011 Circumnavigation around the South Island.

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I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Certainly having a shop offering the whole package of retail sales, gear hire, instruction, and club trips was very innovative and alluring. Pete opened his second centre in Manukau; clubbies got a newsletter and month-to-view trip calendar in the mail, which morphed into the NZ Kayak magazine in September 1997. Issue one had 16 pages. Ten issues later in March 2000, it had doubled in size to a much meatier 32 pages and Canoe & Kayak had added a Taupo centre to start a chain. Things were moving. In 2000 communication

Life Jackets were optional in those days! - late 1970s

the Yakity Yak Kayak club till much later so I asked Charlie Barker about those early days. “There was me, Dave Cooke, Dianne, Gordy, Natasha Romoff, Mark & Rochelle Shaw, Darren Brown – basically a small group of friends. Another group was Sue and Steve Levett, Steve and Karen Knowles, Roger Crum, Lou Farrand. It was wild then, pretty relaxed. We had no radio (VHF). But Gordy (Gordon Dagleish) he’d cycled all round NZ and knew all the campsites around the coastline. We’d do a wee bit of planning; we’d have a few maps, but rely on Gordy. We had an idea of how long a trip would take, we weren’t stupid about it. But it wasn’t like it is now.” Charlie reckoned that Pete Townend was “certainly full of enthusiasm” and that since those early days “we’ve come a long way. There’s improved security and safety checks, which is good, especially for beginners knowing that there’s people around you who can look after you, advise you.”

David Winkworth (blue) &Paul Caffyn( orange) - 2011

One of our early ads and covers.

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www.kayaknz.co.nz

Lake Tarawera — group from Waikato Tramping Club - late 1970s was still at snail’s pace - definitely in print form via the magazine or notices on the shop window: home computers, email and cellphones were a long way from being the norm. Within a few years this changed, Canoe & Kayak embraced the new technology: created a website and each centre started to send out weekly email newsletters on what’s on, and quick flicks to say for instance “Surf’s up – meet at 5pm at Orewa”. Internet links for more information on

destinations, or maps, weather watching and forecasts, stats on boats or gear were a boon. Soon clubbies were able to share photos online, check out what other clubs or organizations such as KASK or Coastbusters were doing, book DOC or other huts or campsites and register for club trips. Meanwhile Pete Townend’s business and building skills were busy and in early 2003 when the NZ Kayak Magazine reached issue 20 and had swelled to 48 pages, Taranaki had a centre. In 2004 and 2005 Pete’s skill-saw ran hot, as he outfitted centres in the Bay of Plenty,

Hawkes Bay, and Waikato and took over Sommerhalder’s Auckland Canoe Centre. The magazine had also been growing and at issue 30, was 52 pages thick. Club members were (and still are) encouraged to send in stories and photos of either their club trips or private adventures in New Zealand or overseas just for the thrill of getting published and sharing their tales. The back page of issue 40 in May 2007 showed locations and details of ten Canoe & Kayak enterprises including the newly opened Wellington centre and a Head Office and warehouse in Silverdale. By 2009 and issue 50 there had been a need for some reshuffling: Hawkes Bay centre closed and Head Office ended up in a computer, briefcase, and cellphone. As kayaking had gained in popularity, the number of publications multiplied. The “Sea Canoeist Newsletter” started in 1988 and this mouth-piece of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (KASK), recently celebrated its 150th edition. Paul Caffyn who is very much up to his elbows in writing, organising, and watch-dogging all things to do with recreational kayaking has been its editor for 20 years. In 2001 Vincent Maire published “Sea Kayaker’s Guide to New Zealand’s Upper North Island” and a year later Alex (Sandy) Fergusson published “Sea Kayaker’s Guide to New Zealand’s South Island”. Both are still

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I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Abel Tasman National Park, Apple Tree Bay – Ruth and niece, Rachel Hayward embark on an adventure (for Duke of Edinburgh Award) - 1994.

very active in both publishing and paddling. I bumped into Sandy 17 years ago on the Abel Tasman coastline and then recently at Anakiwa. His memory is phemonemal, he even remembered my niece, her interest in a couple of other (young male) paddlers and that we were in a double Southern Light. The thrills and spills of kayaking do make for some unique friendships and form pretty close-knit groups. The Yakity Yak clubs have grown and developed over the years with Pete Townend at the helm, always striving to have “best practice” standards in place in tandem with having a whole lot of fun, and making friends. Trip Leaders are all volunteers who put in time ‘up-skilling’ on weather, navigation, first aid, and rescues and on the water leadership. Any clubbie is welcome to come up with an idea for a trip, but the leaders undertake to create a detailed trip plan which includes weather and skill parameters, emergency exit points and equipment needed. They then have to complete a RAMS (Risk Analysis Management System) form identifying hazards. The weather – whether to go or whether to stay or whether to do Plan B or C, is a big consideration. They need to check off an equipment list, making sure that, aside from personal gear such as paddle floats, within the group split paddles, flares and VHF’s are carried. Finally before doing a ‘Take Five’ briefing and hitting the water their trip plan and ‘Two Minute’ form must be filed with their respective ‘shop’ or a ‘Check-in person’. It can be onerous, but from my perspective being a trip leader is the best way to make sure you paddle where you want to, with mates and like minded people, in safety. I find the discipline of the ‘paperwork’ so effective that I use it when going on personal trips whether in a group or solo. Wanting other perspectives I asked Chris Dench, another trip leader about how kayaking began and progressed for him. “I had been paddling a 5m sit-on-top double on a variety of coastal and inland expeditions (mostly solo) for a few years before I joined my first club day trip to Motutapu Island. I had done the Canoe & Kayak skills course a few weeks earlier and it was not long before a demonstration of superiority by a woman with biceps the size of my wrist shamed me into buying a sea kayak.” He described his first weekend club trip in it as “A life changing experience realizing people from all walks were chomping at the bit to mix and taste adventure together. Quite inexplicably they wished to be in no other place in the world. “In the early 2000’s it seemed there were limitless opportunities to

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explore remote and pristine destinations. Yakity Yak made it as easy as jumping in the car (after a two hour pack of course). The strange mix of commercial interest and club enthusiasm seemed to work for both C& K and the clubbies. “The opportunity to up skill for ‘nix’ was made available with the leaders course which covered a broad array of on and off water skills. It did concern quite a few that a number of recruits from the skills course often were directed immediately to completing leaders training having hardly wet their heads with ‘on

Abel Tasman, Torrent Bay – Rachel Hayward 1994

the water’ time. It was all very buzzy stuff though and it seemed to me it was a ‘no brainer’ for recreational kayakers to follow any other path than through Canoe & Kayak on their way to kayaking heaven.” One of these new recruits who appeared on the scene in February 2008 and threw herself headlong (often literally) at any kayaking opportunity was Renee Olivier. “I enjoyed getting out, seeing remote and beautiful places while kayaking and in the evenings when we all share nibbles and chat I found it to be a very friendly and diverse selection of people, with different perspectives, from different careers, a good mix i.e. Kiwi, Canadian, SA, British etc. “In the winter Rob Howarth (North Shore) offered the Leaders training ... and Natasha asked why I don’t give it a try. I thought why not – at minimum I would improve my skills and it would help me be more confident...so that is how I got to be a leader. “I love reading about trips and travel and other people’s adventures – especially kayaking ones. It inspires me to be more adventurous. Not to

Wangapeka River, South Island — life jacket, nylon hand-sewn spray skirt. 1978

www.kayaknz.co.nz

be like those who are consumerist ... and just working to pay the bills...life is to be lived ... travel does not need to be expensive and camping in remote spots can really make you appreciate the simple things in life like a warm shower and a tooth brush. “It does help that we have loads of people in our club that are original and do different trips such as Natasha Romoff and Paul Hayward and their trip to Alaska, and Greg Dunning kayaking in New York & soon to paddle the Mississippi.” I concur! Kayaking is all about the crazy and diverse bunch of people who love the outdoors and paddling with a passion, age being no barrier. It was marvellous at the recent KASK forum at Anakiwa to see Sid Salek, in his eighties get rolling tuition, to see Peter Sommerhalder still coaching, and to catch up with neat guys like John Kirk-Anderson, and Paul Caffyn who like Peter Townend put so Sandy Ferguson 2011 much energy into teaching, sharing and encouraging others and watching out on our behalf that unrealistic or impractical regional or maritime rules or by-laws don’t stop us enjoying our chosen recreation or lifestyle. Kayaking isn’t just a sport – kayakers are who we are!

Abel Tasman, Awaroa inlet — Rachel Hayward 1994

Peter Sommerhalder 2011

Sources: The KASK Handbook - A manual for Sea Kayaking in New Zealand. www.teara.govt.nz

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I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Weather can spoil plans!

In March I met Wellington paddling buddies, Tony, Ken, and first-time paddler, Alison for a weeklong Coromandel kayaking trip. Long range weather forecasts had promised sunshine but just days before our planned start cyclone Bune formed off of Fiji. Ken had planned the trip. He’s nearly ‘Rain Man’, smart with numbers and research, equipped with all the kayaking guidebooks, lists and maps. Ken has more paddling experience than I, but I’ve had more years of practical experience on the sea, windsurfing and yachting. More importantly, I had the VHF radio and the marine forecast of ex-cyclone Bune’s southerly path. This caused differing opinions between following guidebooks and the marine forecast. I first heard his plan to circumnavigate the Coromandel peninsula when we reached Coromandel. I felt it was a bit ambitious. Perhaps I should have taken more interest in the planning from the outset. On the Sunday, in choppy, wet, nor-westerly conditions we had set off from Long Bay in our fully packed Packhorses. Tony caught a few Tarakihi for the fish smoker which made the 15 km upwind paddle more ‘palatable’. Ken’s guidebook assured us of a campground at Waitete Bay. Upon arrival, Ken and Alison made for the shore, seemingly oblivious to the shore-break. Experience told Tony (also a windsurfer and sailor from way back) and I that a landing could be dangerous, so we held off, holding our breath as the waves washed Ken and Alison towards the beach. I watched in horror as novice-paddler Alison clambered out of the cumbersome, fully loaded double-kayak, her feet sank into the gravel and the nowsideways boat smashed into her shins. Luckily, her bones remained intact. Ken and Alison found the campground had been decommissioned. They

By Michele Surcouf

re-launched without disaster. The four of us paddled back down the coast to Amodeo Bay where we had earlier spied the Angler’s Lodge campground. The shore-break wasn’t much better, but we got in safely at the boat ramp and secured a campsite. The owner ferried our heavy kayaks to the site with his tractor and trailer. It was a very welcome service. Angler’s Lodge is fantastic, with lots of amenities (even tame eels). I highly recommend it. The rain eased and the sunset was beautiful, but by daybreak the wind was SW 25 knots. Launching look dodgy. We had a good 25 to 30 kilometre paddle ahead if we were to make it to any of the three DOC campsites further up the coast – providing we could land. The marine forecast was for Bune to continue its southerly course with a strong south-westerly wind kicking up increasing easterly swells

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Tony kept us fed along the way.

over the next few days. If we continued as planned, we’d be rounding Cape Colville and heading down the east coast on the worst days. If we reached Cape Colville and decided to paddle south down the west coast, we’d face two very long days of strong headwinds. It was a dilemma. I expressed concern about continuing north. But Ken and Alison were optimistic, and suggested that I ‘think more positively’. I assured them that if my powers of positive thinking were able to change the weather, I would have won lotto by now. To my relief, we decided that it would be more prudent to retrieve the van from Long Bay, load the kayaks, and drive to Port Jackson which, though still exposed to the northwesterly conditions, was more A well earned rest.

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Stunning Hahei

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Rock Gardening Galore

sheltered from the forecasted easterly swell. So on day two of our adventure, we modified the plan. On Tuesday we launched at low tide to explore the top end of the peninsula. The swell was down, but still big enough to expose the bottom of Ken and Alison’s boat as they shot skywards in the surf. Crossing the reef at Cape Colville was tricky. On the way back the swell was so big that we went out to sea to round the reef before re-entering the bay. Ken and Alison’s enthusiasm didn’t wane. Further suggestions about exploring the east coast caused me to feel like the ‘weather police’, awkward because I was not the organiser. I mentioned the VHF marine forecast of easterly swells increasing to 4 metres, impossible landings, and dangerous kayaking conditions. Ken referred to his kayaking guidebooks, and I to the latest marine report. On Wednesday the swells reached the

predicted 4 metres on the peninsula’s east coast. I would have loved to have seen it from the safety of the shore, but we drove south for a 20 km paddle launching at Long Bay, around Whanganui Island, through the Coromandel Harbour and back. Tony hooked into a boil up of skipjack tuna, snagging a beauty for our dinner. The Long Bay camping ground’s management wasn’t welcoming. Angler’s Lodge was far better. On Thursday we drove to the east coast to witness the dying swell. It was still breaking, raising clouds of mist over the islands and along the shoreline. We set up camp for our remaining 2 nights at the Hideaway Motorcamp at Flaxmill Bay, another excellent campground with lawns to die for (they offer 10% discount for group bookings) and is just across the road for an easy launch. With the swell still about 2 to 3 metres and the westerly wind kicking up, we paddled

around Cook Bluff and into the relative safety of the Purangi Inlet. On Friday the swell had died enough to paddle safely down the coast to Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach. The sun was blazing and the scenery was stunning. We hadn’t achieved what we wanted, but had enjoyed a good and safe trip nevertheless. Making the call to abandon plans because of weather conditions can be difficult. Perhaps it’s best to agree to guidelines before embarking on a trip to avoid disagreements or disappointment about a decision. I’m a big believer in using a VHF radio for weather reports and heeding their advice. Discretion is the better part of valour, and I would rather have a safe trip, than one to hospital, or worse, to Davy Jones’ locker.

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Sunset at Coromandel

Waihi Stream 2010 Hawkes Bay’s wonderful rivers, the Ngaruroro and the Mohaka have long been for beginner to intermediate whitewater kayakers. Constant flows and easy access make them hotspots for learning to kayak and where I, amongst many, mastered Grade Three and Four rapids. But to find greater challenges I took to the road to paddle many of New Zealand’s top destinations as well as some of the coolest places in the world. Back in Hawkes Bay Matt Danes, a good friend from high school, hoping that Hawkes Bay had something more challenging than Grade Four, was searching google and topographical maps. About two years ago, when I was in Norway, he emailed me a bunch of amazing photos of a creek in flood from days of torrential rain. The photos showed six main waterfalls. Matt wrote that all were in a 1km stretch of the Waihi Stream in the hills inland of Wairoa. I searched the Waihi Stream on Google Earth and realised that, depending on heavy rainfall, this was the challenge Hawkes Bay had

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By Josh Neilson

seemed to lack. In 1986 Lake Ruapapa had formed behind a dam, diverting water from the riverbed to a power station producing 5000KW for Wairoa residents. Kayaking would depend on water spilling over the dam to fill the riverbed. Unlike many other New Zealand rivers, the Waihi Stream has no flow gauge, and the guy who maintains the dam was not on site. When phoned he had no information about the flow over the dam. To paddle this river we needed a forecast of heavy rainfall for a few days, drive up and hope for the best. On a Thursday morning in early October I was back home with a broken shoulder. Matt emailed ‘Hawkes Bay heavy rain warning’. The Wairoa area expected 200 ml of rain overnight. I was straight on the phone to a friend in Rotorua and another who had just landed at Auckland airport from Canada. That night Sam Roil,Tyler Fox, Matt and I met at my place to discuss plans for an immediate first descent. In the dark at 6.30 am on Friday 15th October we loaded the car with kayaks, paddles, safety gear and cameras and drove north. At 9 am

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we were looking at the brown curtain of water pouring over the dam into the gorge. We had a perfect flow. The photos Matt had provided two years before were now in perspective. The drops were massive! We left a car at the bottom, scouting as we climbed back to gear up. I longed to paddle, but the broken shoulder ruled that out. I turned to my other passion, filming. High above the first drop on the tree line of the neighbouring farm, I zoomed in on Tyler and Sam playing paper, scissors, rock. Best two out of three, Tyler punched the air and turned to his kayak. With safety set and cameras rolling, Tyler peeled out of the eddie and into the flow. He entered the slide down the left-hand side of the river where the flow was greatest and accelerated over the lip of the drop. At astonishing speed he dropped 20 m on a forty five degree slope into the pool. He looked a bit shaken as he paddled out of the mist. It appeared to have been less than perfect but after a chat to Sam and Matt, it was all go again. Sam followed, with Matt going last.

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140 litres of storeage Combines back pack & super storeage at a great price. 140L $99.90 Tyler & Sam on the third drop Photo Josh Neilson

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I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Matt recalls, “Standing on the bank overlooking the first slide, with more than twice the flow I’d scouted last year, the butterflies in my stomach commenced a nervous knife-fight. Watching the others run before me, to set the lines in my head, helped a lot. I started a slow contemplative walk to the top to put in and eddie out above the drop. I peeled out into the current and picked my line into oblivion. Picking up so much speed and tucking up a bit too late, saw me take a forearm to the nose and tweak my shoulder hard on impact. Dazed and bleeding, but stoked to be in one piece, my vision cleared to Sam checking my face in the pool below, “ah yeah mean bro - the waterfall kiss” With Matts nose sorted but broken, and no further kayaking, Tyler and Sam dropped into the next slide which was only a third the size and a nice rest from the epic start to the trip. Matt and I set up cameras at good vantage points as the boys made their way deeper into the run. After bush bashing we met them at the lip of the big one. They had scouted it from the bush which lined the drop, and were unsure about the landing. Matt and I joined them to check it out. The drop at the top is about 30 m wide with only about 5 cm of water flowing over the lip and falling 10 m into 5 cm of water. However far left there is a small window into deeper water before falling on a very steep angle a further 15 m into the pool. With a 1 m window on the far right of the drop it was essential to stick to the left line if they were not to be pulled out suffering from broken legs

or worse. After much deliberation Tyler decided to tackle it with Sam running safety at the bottom of the second pool. I set off into the bush to get the best vantage point for filming while the others set up for the descent. They lowered Sam and his kayak down the slippery, blackberry covered bank and into the pool below. Downstream from high above the drop I set up tripods and documented as Tyler ensured he had his line firmly in his head. I watched Sam reach a point from which he could access the whole river if things were to go wrong. I could see everything and coordinate with everyone. The faint sound of whistles echoed in the gorge and it was time. The camera rolled, Tyler splashed his face and paddled toward the lip. He recalls,”Paddling up to the lip of the double drop my first thought was ’damn, this horizon line is massive’ then I quickly reminded myself to just deal one step at a time. I kind of scrubbed some speed on the lip of the boof and pencilled in more then anticipated. Bracing to insure I resurfaced upright, being upside down would have been a game-ender, I put a few power strokes in to hit the tight entrance into the final drop. It was white-out landing on the reconnect. I slid Mach 10 into the eddie at the bottom where Sam was setting safety. High fives and hugs, then it was into the next lot of it.”. As I looked down into the pool I could hear the cheering from 200 m

below. But there was more… Although this was the biggest drop on the river there was still the drop around the corner. I shifted position on the hill so I could see down into the crux drop. I waited, then once again heard the whistles. Sam appeared from the bush below and was into the last drop. This one was a low angle slide for about 15 m then vertical for a further 10 m. As he dropped off the lip he connected with something under water and disappeared from sight. While scouting this drop we had seen most of the river was pushing to the right at the bottom and to the take out, but a small amount was hitting the wall and recirculating on the far left. We decided if you went anywhere near that pocket you would need rescuing. Sam explained, “I decided to paddle first. I ran the entrance rapid getting stalled by a couple of small holes which was good, because I knew I’d have a lot of speed by the time it went vertical. As I came off the lip something went wrong, it was eerily calm. When I rolled up it was too calm and as I blinked the water out of my eyes, I felt my boat glide gently off the boil and straight into the pocket that we had decided was a really bad place to end up.”

I used the camera’s zoom to locate Sam, but couldn’t spot him anywhere. It was clear Tyler could not see him from water level either. It was possible he had made it and was sitting around the corner out of sight from us both. However… Sam recalled “I managed to get eye contact with Tyler and signalled I was ok. I knew there would be some fairly hectic decision making by the boys on the cliffs above. I was feeling pretty isolated and didn’t have a clue what was going on above me. I started getting some kit out of my lifejacket to hook into a rope if one came down. While I was doing this my paddle got sucked from under my arm and things got a lot more stressful. I went from being semi in control in the water to relying on my tenuous grip on the rock wall, the water was so aerated, if I swam things would be a whole lot worse”. A few minutes went by and I could hear two distinct different calls. One of which was a whistle and the other yelling. I then noticed Tyler high on the other bank looking into the pocket. Sam was there. From Tyler’s urgent movements I could tell that Sam was ok but not in the best position. I chucked my camera on my back and ran up the hill. With tired

Matt Danes - First slide Photo Josh Neilson

Sam Roil - Second Slide Photo by Matt Danes

legs and shortness of breath I pulled through and rushed to the rescue. I glimpsed Sam in the river and used river signals to say we were coming to get him. ‘Hold tight!’. Tyler had crossed the river and on the same side of the river we set up safety ropes on two old Matai trees. Matt was down stream at the gorge’s exit Once secure we peered over the ledge. Only the top of Sam’s head was visible. We whistled out again to get his attention. He raised his arms to give me a target and I hurled the throwbag over the cliff and into the pool. Sam recalls “The throwbag finally hissing through the air down to me, was a welcome relief and clipping into it was an even bigger one. I am super grateful to have the crew watching my back. You don’t fully appreciate who you are with until things go wrong. I can’t wait to get back in and hopefully achieve some redemption!”. The bag went over his head and the rope lay down over his shoulder. He grabbed and attached it to his lifejacket’s quick release. Sacrificing the kayak and paddle to the river, he grabbed the slippery rock wall as hand over hand Tyler and I pulled him 10 m out of the river. The kayak washed under a few times and was sucked downstream where Matt pulled it to shore. With one last heave we had Sam out. Big hugs marked a successful rescue. Tired and exhausted, we called it a day, carried Tyler’s boat around

NE EW W!! N

the last drop and walked to the take-out to relive the days’ adventure. We were stoked to be out safe and almost sound. On such a mission preparation is essential and I remind myself that on any river, things can go wrong. Everyone needs to be ready and skilled to act appropriately. After the excitement, Tyler and Sam went home to Rotorua, Matt and I to Hastings. On the drive we discussed every detail of the day and how amazing it was. We had found something to rival the best runs on the planet… and in our own back yard. The place where we learned to kayak, thought to be for beginners and intermediates, now steps up in the kayaking world… albeit only after torrential rain. Trip Info: River – Waihi Stream, Ruapapa Rd, Hawkes Bay Grade – Five Style – Steep papa rock slides Gradient – 100 m per Km Crew – Tyler Fox, Sam Roil, Matt Danes, Josh Neilson Date – 15.10.10 Contact details – www.whitewater-koa.blogspot.com

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Ngongotaha to Whakatane Al Rose paddles from near Rotorua to Whakatane

I had twice paddled & portaged from Ngongotaha, across Lake Rotorua, through Lakes Rotoiti & Rotoehu to Rotoma. One day, I thought “What if I did that same trip again, but carried on and portaged to the intersection of the Tarawera River with SH 30. I’d throw the yellow kayak in the river, paddle to the sea at Matata and on down the coast to Whakatane.” This was strange, because after the last paddle / portage trip I’d said, ”Bugger if I’ll do that again.” On July 2nd 2010 at 7.45 am., the weather, wind, river, sea, tide and moon all looking good, I was off with two imaginary friends keeping me up to the mark!. Paddling the 10 kms across Lake Rotorua, with Mokoia Island on the right, it was cold, frosty and clear. Down through the Ohau Channel into Lake Rotoiti. I had the usual 30 minute stop on a small island known to me as Dave’s Crapper. Another straight blast down the middle of Lake Rotoiti brought me, on time, to Hinehopu at the far eastern end of the lake. I hate to be late for lunch! It was still frosty in the shade. I changed into dry gear, strapped the trolley on and converted the yellow kayak from cruise ship to campervan, done of course while drinking tea & eating. The portage time wasn’t a walk in the park. I dragged the fully loaded 5.4 m kayak along a narrow bush track with ninety degree turns, exposed tree roots and all sorts of character building obstacles. Lift the back end around, drag the front around a bit more, go back to the other end and lift the back around again, back to the front again! Fallen trees forced a

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detour off the track for the last the last 500 m along the verge of the road. Then a 2.5 km struggle chopping through scrub and blackberry brought me to Lake Rotoehu and snacks. Yellow camper-van changed back to cruise ship where she felt more at home. I get the heebie jeebies crossing Lake Rotoehu. Horrible looking weed growing from below with patches of weedy snotty stuff on top aren’t nice. After 3 km I reached the get out where some bugger with an excavator had made a 1.5m high wall of dirt, its steep angle separating the landing from the road. I got over it with technique and appropriate language. I washed my paddling gear and boat with detergent to keep aquatic nasties and snotty stuff away from Lake Rotoma and had a 2 km walk to the lake and the change back to cruise ship. In fading light the lake looked beautiful. The water was so clear that with my head torch I could see way down deep. Real cool! The weed here forms an aquatic garden in crystal clear water. No heebie jeebies on this lake. After paddling 2 km it was dark. I’d sorted my compass heading and continued for 5.5 km, spectacular to say the least! Pretty knackered, wet from sweating and fast getting colder I landed at 6 pm. It took ages to get the trolley out, assembled and four attempts to get the boat lined up properly. Simple things become so much more difficult when you’re tired, cold and using a torch. Bugger me! I only just managed to drag the camper-van through the deep soft sand. Lucky for bad language. In times like this imaginary friends are good company, and easy on the eye, but bloody useless when it comes to pitching in. I’d met Don, the owner of a property I needed to cross to reach the Tarawera River, when planning the trip. He also has a place at Rotoma and I could stay there the night. Billy on, change clothes, tent up, mattress and sleeping bag out, fooood and a cup of tea, goooood. Well, that’s that bit taken care off. Despite, being really fatigued, I had just a couple of nods between 10.00 pm and midnight, and then counted trucks till 1.00 am. The phone alarm rang at 1, to start the 17 km portage over the Rotomas to the Tarawera River. On the road by 2 am. I was concerned about big trucks thundering past, my dickie left knee, possibly the right knee, sore back, dickie shoulder and wrist, trolley failure and that I would look a complete tit dragging a big yellow kayak over the Rotomas in the wee hours... It was so cold that I put on two polar fleeces and also long johns. Half way up the steep hill from the Rotoma Reserve I was roasting. Off came the polar fleeces and off came the long johns. A truck’s headlights approached fast. Could I get my pants back on before he came around the corner? The headline may have read, “Last night in the Rotomas, man with big yellow kayak and no pants on caught in headlights. He denied it was him!” This stage concerned me most, yet, in a lot of ways, it was the best part of the whole trip. Don’t want to go all flaky and touchy-feely on you, but, it

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was really cool. I had a beautiful crisp, clear winter’s night / morning with plenty of moonlight. Surrounded by darkness and guided by the beam of light from my head torch I, encouraged by my two invisible friends, hauled the yellow boat safely. I had feared that when truck and trailer units went thundering past, it could have been somewhere between scary and annoying. Wrong! I could hear each one coming from a long way off, getting louder and louder, engine brakes on, the dull glow of lights getting brighter and brighter and I was always able to get well off the road. Then the whole thing goes thundering past with lights, noise, smell and shaking ground, engine brakes still on or throttle wide open as the lights fade away to darkness and it’s dead quite again. I’ve got it on video. Like when paddling, I was in close touch with my surroundings. In the hollow at the bottom of the long hill which leads to the

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From cruise ship to camper van. End of Lake Rotoiti. Google Maps

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Breakwater

Daves’ Crapper

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to gauge my progress: 4 km to the overhead cables, another 4 km to Braemer Springs, 5 km to Matata Rd [SH2] then just 6 km to the coast at Matata. Paddling slowly with the sore arm, making a few phone calls, enjoying a bit of a snack I still got to the coast at 12.00 pm. Once again, hating to be late for lunch aye, I really appreciated that current. The old lower bones and muscles had stiffened up, so I had a bit of a walk around. At 1.00 pm. on a pretty flat sea I thought, “Even I should be able to get out, without getting a face full.” All righty! 9 km to Thornton where I planned a break, and then 11 km to Whakatane. However the old arm was pretty sore and I was a wee bit buggered so I thought “Better keep going, while I’m still going.” I had a bit of a snack on the run, soaked the old arm in the cold water, and made a In the Rotoma's.Between Lake Rotoma & the Kawerau turn off.

Approaching the bridge at Matata.

Kawerau turn off my legs seemed to be going a bit strange I couldn’t walk properly and thought I may have blown the old fu fu valve. No need for panic, my trouble was getting traction on 15 metres of ice! The hard half of the portage, 8.5 km of hills, behind me I reached the turn off at 4.10 am. The next 8.5 km is pretty much either down hill or flat, although, not as flat as I had thought. I’ve driven over this road hundreds of times but it wasn’t until I was dragging my kayak that I realised exactly what is flat and what is not. And there was another advantage from portaging in the dark, I wasn’t bothered by distance but kept right in the here and now. Adding to the experience it was frosty and with 3 km to go fog had got quite thick. Real Cool. The only negative was that from 5.00 am work traffic was an increasing nuisance. It reminded me, that I should also be going to work!

Small roots = big obstacles for small wheels & heavy load. Lake Rotoiti to Lake Rotoehu. Yeh hah, at 5.50 am, the Tarawera River bridge and round the corner to Don’s farm on Onepu Springs Rd. I stopped by the river, changed wet sweaty clothes for dry ones, put on the polar fleeces and the long johns and had a bloody good breakfast of the Old Sheila’s curried mince, baked beans and a pot or two of tea. Bloody Great aye. Any ill effects? The soles of my feet felt burnt and my right forearm was a bit sore. [Keep your comments to yourself] No, I was just really stoked that the old knee didn’t snap in half or an arm fall off or something like that. In the dark and fog I could not find my previously sussed out launching spot. However in daylight, I saw that an excavator had taken masses of over grown willows from the riverbank and my easy launching spot had gone .Not to worry, it was still do-able, just not so easy. The fog was pea soup variety so I had another feed and more tea.

couple of phone calls to co ordinate my transport home. It was a pretty boring paddle along the coast, but that in itself made a unique part of the trip. My son met me in Whakatane at 4.10 pm. I had a video on my boat with footage of parts of the trip, but never thought to record the ‘big moment’ coming in to Whakatane. When I got right up by the wharf my imaginary friends had got bored and were leaving me. They said “Do a celebratory roll.” I said “Na, too buggered, water too cold and I’d have to get changed”. The next thing I know I’m upside down and heading back out to sea on the outgoing tide. It was strange to wake up under water. I managed to roll up, not flash by any means but it did work. Just as well aye. There was a wee bit of trouble getting out of the old boat with lower everything, especially hips stiff and sore. Still it amused the onlookers. The trip back home seemed so fast and smooth. What a way to travel. Home in time for dinner and of course a cup of tea or two. Said “Good night” and went to bed without bothering to shower. Woke up at 5.00 am and couldn’t move, literally stiff as a board, Yep, bloody great trip! Approaching Whakatane. Water boiling with fish!

Quite suddenly the fog lifted. By the time I’d packed my gear away and changed, it was 10 am and a beautiful sunny day. With help from Don I was soon cruising down the river on a good current. I was glad to have taken the time to note and measure the distance of landmarks in order

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Welcome to the Bay, Estelle & Dave

By Peter Townend

On the 1st of April this year Estelle Leyshon and David

Atkins took over the Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty Centre. Estelle, with a passion for New Zealand, visited NZ many times until, in February 2010, they decided to emigrate. A couple of months later they spotted Canoe & Kayak BOP for sale. The Bay was their place of choice to live and it offered the opportunity to continue with the kayaking industry in which they had worked for many years. It was ideal. Estelle and Dave look forward to joining all the Yakity Yak clubbies, new and old, in exploring the local paddling areas and will continue to provide club trips, courses, tours, boats, gear and, with Dave instructing alongside Robbie Banks. Dave has been a slalom racer and is now a keen white water and kayak surfer and Estelle is an open canoeist & sea kayaker. Their overseas experience is considerable and is gladly shared. Accompanied by Brock and Rush, her collies, Estelle loves photographing our beautiful environment and wildlife from an open canoe. Her dogs will often be at the store, entertaining children for hours. She aims to encourage families to share the experience of paddling and enjoy their time on the water safely. You’ll see some changes and improvements in store as they settle in and add their personal touch. Welcome Dave and Estelle! I hope you enjoy the Bay as anticipated and enable Canoe & Kayak BOP to continue to flourish.

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headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF Barebottomland by Christian Nicolson

By Pauline Ross

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in February, the headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF exhibition on Waiheke Island had heaps of visitors.

While most enjoyed the views from the land, a group of paddlers came out from Matiatia to get a closer view of the ‘FREE Air’ sculpture. A tyre pump let the land-based viewers play with the sculpture, sending waves of air out to sea and making the sculpture twist and turn. The paddlers stayed well away, though, so there was no chance of giving them a few ripples to contend with. I suspect most of them were tourists having their first time out on the water, so probably a good thing! Exhibitions like this always make me wish the credit card had no limit, and the backyard was large enough to cope with a sculpture or two. Let’s have a bloke tucked behind a convenient bush, a colourful carpet to give the lawnmowing contractor something more to work around, and a coffee cup at the front gate to remind me to stop for a caffeine fix on the way to a kayaking trip (or work). I won’t buy the drug selection, though. Paddling is a much better option to take your mind off the trials of life, and coming home happy and tired guarantees a good night’s sleep. Does anyone have a private beach in Auckland I can borrow - to store the gently rusting submarine and to moor the SOS message? Rent free please, as this shopping list has just cost me over $47,000.

Shopping list: Item Artist Price FREE Air Lgop co-op $POA Barebottomland Christian Nicolson $1,700 ea. Carpet Jeff Thomson $18,000 Throw Away Fix (disposable coffee cup) Brett Oakes $8,500 Prodigal Child (drug selection) Paul Radford $9,200 for 5 Washed Up On Waiheke (submarine) David McCracken $POA Untitled (life rings, SOS) Ruth Watson $10,000 At least $47,400

FREE Air by Lgop co-op

Throw Away Fix by Brett Oakes

Prodigal Child by Paul Radford

Yakity Yak 4 Guitars around the camp fire 4 Beautiful deserted beaches 4 Crystal clear waters 4 Exploring stunning waterways 4 Meet great people

Photo by Michele Surcouf

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“Whanga” Satisfaction Guaranteed! The Annual Whanganui Trip this year got the nick name “The Whanga” and next year we might get the “nui” back. We renamed the trip because we only paddled 35km but spent 6 days doing it. The team thought that they had not completed the full trip, hence we could not say we paddled the Whanganui until next year when we will come back and do the entire trip. “The Whanga “sounds a bit like we got it ‘wrong’ but this was far from the case. We actually got it entirely right as the story below and the photos and captions will show, so read on and enjoy and get on the next Whanganui Trip. It started off in reasonable weather on Saturday night. The forecast was for one wet day around Tuesday and the rest of the week having a bit of rain each day. Well Sunday was a short paddle to Poukaria and Larraine captures the mood of the trip.

then Monday onto Maharanui. That evening it started raining and the river started to rise. For the next three days it went up and up and was unsafe to paddle. So, sensibly, we stayed. After all we had the tents up and we were having heaps of fun, so why not? Probably one of the most relaxing weeks I have had for as long as I can remember. The team pulled

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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 Road Bridge where we will stop for a snack.

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Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 2569 for details

Allow 2 hours paddle only. Priced at $70. Phone: 06 769 5506

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together as always (not only during the tug-of-war) and the entertainment and games planned by the leaders and their teams were hardly needed to keep us all from potential boredom as much of the entertainment was supplied by a local family Fritz, Heather and son Eric. Fritz took 16 keen wan-abe hunters out on a full-on cross country expedition tracking a 120 lb pig. He must have known the chance of success taking us 16 flat foots after his quarry was nil, yet he took us all anyway. The pig would have had to be out of hearing aid batteries if it

Kite flying was a great pass time. Photo by Siegfried Zoellner

No pigs today we may as well eat all the chocolate biscuits. What an amazing first trip on the Whanganui River. Its been on my bucket list for 20 years. The dynamics of the group was so great you went to sleep to the sound of laughter and awoke to the sound of laughter. Many stories were told of life, families, work, travel, kayaking of course, search and rescue and many more topics. Discussion of how to redesign the DOC shelter was made, the outcome was it does the job well for what it is designed for. There was financial advice given but nowhere to spend your money. A photo of Shelly putting on her lipstick to match her hat, boat, jacket and probably her paddle , orange of course. It’s not one for the photo competition. There was lots of discussion on who had the best gas cooker for camping. I came home with lots of advice and tips on kayaking, what to buy for the future and most of all, lots of laughs. A very big holiday from every day life. Cheers Mary-anne. You can put my name down for next year’s trip.

Plenty of meat for everyone. Photo by Jill Simpson

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Glow Worm Kayak Tour

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.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 2569 for details

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings 07 574 7415

Paddle to the Pub Kayaking to a local pub is a unique way of spending an evening, bringing your group of friends together by completing a fun activity before dinner and making a memorable experience.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 2569 for details

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

I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

we could get out there safely in the high waters, then he took the younger paddlers for a spin up stream for a shot Photo by Susan Watts of adrenaline. Heather showed us her Whanganui: native plants that heal and told us their uses; and told us of the history of the river, the land and the people and fed us yummy snacks and waffles. Eric took us up a hill that Everest could call “Little Brother” and found the signal to civilization, that allowed us to pass on the message of good will (“we are all safe”) to Treff my wife and checkin-person. She then passed on the message to the Canoe & Kayak Centres so family members could confirm that we were all ok. Eric also took the younger ones out along for the taste (hardship) and Fritz knowing goat hunting, but alas no goats, which is this full well in advance still led us on a great mighty unusual for this area. But nothing could adventure. “Good on ya mate” hold Eric back from creating a load of fun for He also took a bunch of the leaders in his jet the younger Yakity Yak lads and teaching boat down to inspect the Retaruke to confirm them how to shoot toilet paper from the trees. (A long story, but lots of laughs) warm feet… Enjoy the photos and captions and a big Amazing group of people to share the thanks again to the Yakity Yak Team that make journey without any whingers this such a great annual holiday. Not just a trip but a real learning The winner of the “Whanga” Photo completion experience – even found that by changing is Olga Thijsse. See the Contents page. the position of my peddles I could place Cheers Peter Townend my knees under the sides and thus feel the kayak as never before! Day 4 realising there was a pully cord in the spray skirt (once tightened saved water going down my back) –after 4 years of kayaking! How amazingly refreshing to bath under a waterfall! KASK is a network of sea kayakers How wonderful to have a hot shower after throughout New Zealand 6 days! KASK publishes a 200 page Regards sea kayaking handbook which Allison Milne Dinner is served!

could not work out we were coming. Needless to say the sign (tracks, freshly dug soil and droppings) proved the pig was indeed there. Unfortunately (or fortunately for the pig!) we had to resort to the 20 kg of bacon we took Thanks for leading a fabulous trip… lots of adventures and surprises, most of all a warm fire indoors to dry off! Highlights of Trip: First to turn over on the first rapid! So grateful for prompt action of our leader,Trevor, turning my canoe and helping to pump the water out. Brushed off and back into enjoying the day. Unbelievable camp food …who would have thought roast chicken after 3 days! Scones on a gas camp stove! Understanding that wet weather gear should be put to the test before taking on a river trip! PLASTIC BREAD BAGS – saviour of the trip when placed between wet shoes and dry socks amazing warmth and resultant

Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers N.Z. Inc. (KASK)

Fritz kept the troops entertained with a bit of pig hunting and jet boat rides.

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

I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Rope + tree + kayaks = kayak swinging By Pauline Ross

What do you get when you combine a rope, a

Andrew (left), Phil (above) and Joya (below) all take their turn.

tree and a group of kayakers encouraged by our fair leader to have fun? Kayak swinging. We spotted the rope and all its possibilities as we left French Bay on the Manukau harbour, and with a high tide we were able to paddle straight through the loop. “That tree” was marked for good things on the way back, and with a lower tide it was all on. Skill was needed to steer through the branches, straighten, add some speed for the approach and swing (or miss…), then watch the recoil and the branches now keen to stab you in the back. Phil, Andrew and Joya demonstrate how it is done well. Luckily, as the photographer my own poor effort stays only in our memories.

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I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Spreading the word By Mathew St. Martin

Four AUT students paddle from North Cape to Auckland to raise awareness of the Marine & Coastal Bill.

On a mission to promote awareness of the controversial Marine and Coastal Bill we found ourselves, just one hour into the trip, in the middle of a mine field. We began our journey just south of North Cape. Our first task was to navigate the 1 km narrow passage leading to the massive bar just outside of Parengarenga Harbour. Cam, who sat in the back of the double Sea Bear we now occupied, had scouted the route, and though he knew it would be difficult, believed we could safely paddle out beyond the 4 metre breaking waves. The four of us charged out into Great Exhibition Bay, fully amped to begin another multi-day sea kayak trip on the North Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s East Coast - but within moments we found ourselves in dire straits. The South Easterlies were strong that day making communication from kayak to kayak difficult. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d noticed that we had gone off course and

COMPETITIVE / COMFORTABLE / A TRUE CONTENDER

Ruahine Kayaks Designers and Manufacturers of Multisport & Adventure Racing Kayaks Phone: 021 273 0550

kevin@ruahinekayaks.co.nz www.ruahinekayaks.co.nz

tried to notify Johny and Allen. This was fruitless and even a whistle wouldn’t get their attention. We were nearly a kilometre offshore, and as they pulled further ahead the sea around us was quickly becoming a battlefield. We were in the middle of the worst kayaking conditions any of us had ever experienced. Just seconds into a discussion about digging in and heading out, or retreating to shore, the sea made the decision for us. Just a stone’s throw from our bow, a 4 ½ metre wave was seconds away from breaking. Without thought Cam and I dug in, charging forward with all the effort we could muster. As the bow reached the precipice of the massive wave 6 metres of kayak nearly stood on end ready to pitch pole, leaving us to the mercy of the sea, hours away from rescue teams that might hear our radio calls should we survive the backward impact. Leaning forward nearly kissing the bow of the boat I saw the back side of the wave that was sure to have taken us out... we had actually cleared the wave. But before Cam or I could even begin to appreciate the feat we were faced with a second monster. With repeated reaction, and unparalleled effort, we dug in for the second wave which had already begun to break. We miraculously cleared it, and with a short window charged out into the deeper bay frantically racing against the next set that was sure to deal similar consequences. Within moments we were clear of the worst, but didn’t speak or stop paddling until we were well clear of the bar, almost two kilometres out to sea. It took us nearly 10 days, as we had planned, to paddle from North Cape to Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. We handed out fliers at each bay we stopped or camped at. The four of us had recently completed the Outdoor Recreation Leadership program at AUT University. Researching the issues that face the environment in which we would now be instructing, we spoke with ex-MP Muriel Newman about the Marine and Coastal Bill. I sat

down with three friends I had paddled 300 km of coastline from Thames to Tauranga just 18 months before and discussed the ‘controversial’ bill and what it might mean to us as up and coming outdoor instructors. We made it our mission to inform as much of the population around New Zealand as we could about the Bill, doing it in a neutral manner, to let people make up their own minds about the Bill and what it meant to them, their families, and their friends. We would do our best to arm those we encountered on a 500 km kayak expedition with sources of information; John Key has said he would listen to the people of NZ when this Bill came to pass. But as very few had seemed to have heard of it. We were going to do our best to spread the word of its existence and where they could find out about it. For more info on the Bill see: www.coastalcoalition.com and www.nzcpr.com.

MULTISPORT SPECIALISTS - Equipment, Training, Coaching KAYAK HIRE WAIMAKIRIRI FAMILIARIZATION TRIPS FULL RANGE OF KAYAKING COURSES AVAILABLE GRADE 2 CERTIFICATES

WWW.CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ

PHONE 0508 5292569 I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Product Focus

KAYAKA Power Top (Long Sleeved) Fleece

Kayaka by Bodyline is an innovative New Zealand owned watersport wetsuit company. Their wetsuits and first layer clothing are of the highest quality and latest designs. The Kayaka Power Top Fleece is a great example of this. The Vuelta lined lycra top is both warm and snug, allowing full movement when paddling. An absolute must for any paddler this winter! Features: • Vuelta collar for soft finish around neck. • Vuelta fabric 85% Nylon, 15% Lycra®. • Body hugging two way stretch techno fabric with Lycra®. • Ultra soft and very comfortable. • Perfect wearability and easy care. • Highly resistant to pilling and abrasion. • Bacteriostatic sanitized. • Provides exceptional warmth. • UV protection. • This season's cut and graphics. • Match with our Men's LONGS and SHORTS to maximize your water sport performance. • NEW ZEALAND MADE. RRP $159.00

RAILBLAZA Rod Holder II If you compare the The Rod Holder II with the original Rod Holder, you’ll find it is stronger, has more features, and is cheaper. It is the culmination of many months of development, not only by the team at RAILBLAZA, but many others. During the development they spoke to a number of fishermen, including kayak, powerboat and sailboat owners, even the bank manager! Listening to all their ideas has resulted in what is believed to be the best, and strongest, multi-purpose plastic rod holder on the market. Rod Holder II features; • Rotating collar to help reduce ‘strike-theft’

• • •

Rear gimble lock to stop deck fouling, and reduce rod rotation for compatible rods; Fully adjustable 360° around, over 90° vertical Easy access to reel when in position Square-tooth adjustable tilt stops rotational slipping

Railblaza Rod Holder II’s already in use are getting rave reviews, check our Facebook Page for details at facebook.com/RAILBLAZA. Rod Holder II, stronger, better, cheaper. For more information, great new video footage and a list of RAILBLAZA dealers go to www.railblaza.com. Made in New Zealand. RRP $54.95

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CupClam Drink Holder

Adjustable Platform Mount

G-HOLD Pole Holders

STARPORT: A System For ALL Kayaks! • Easy to install • Recess or Surface Mount • Versatile, Value For Money

StarPort allows easy retasking for our wide range of accessories!

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 34

I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

Made in New Zealand www.kayaknz.co.nz

If you want a canoe that will handle a month’s worth of supplies to head out on a wilderness adventure, this is the canoe for you. In the Outfitter 16 or 17 you’ll find all the great things that have made these canoes a paddling legend in places like the Yukon and the Canadian Arctic.

Or use that space and stability for some quiet fishing or family fun. Add good tracking and hull speed plus durable materials and you have a canoe for all seasons. A quality canoe made in Canada. www.novacraft.com

Nova Craft canoes are available at leading kayak retailers and distributed in New Zealand by Great Stuff Limited. For further information on your closest retailer, email: GreatStuffLtd@xtra.co.nz

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Email: Address: Post Code: Phone: I S S U E S I X T Y • A u t u m n 2 011

The first of these boats the Navigator based on the popular Explorer model is an ideal recreational fishing hybrid, longer than the typical “fun” boat it has ample deck space for all your gear. It has excellent tracking for a boat of these dimensions and handles wakes and small waves well head on, the bow easily directs water to the sides allowing for a very dry ride.

NAVIGATOR Length

3.82 m

Width

787 mm

Weight Capacity

22 kg 204 kg

Last but definitely not least is the Re-vision described by Warren Aitken (the original owner and designer of Cobra Kayaks) as “this is the best paddling boat of the whole range”. Originally designed as a surf rescue craft, it is in fact the longboard version of the Cobra Strike. The Re-vision features a large open cockpit and a unique overlap flange, allowing for both a drier ride and improved hold on waves. The rocker design and unique flange combines for excellent wave riding, while the sleek hull design allows for a fast, smooth quiet ride on flat water.

RE-VISION Length

3.97 m

Width

680 mm

Weight Capacity

The Double + 1 is an excellent family kayak with two main seating positions and plenty of room for a child or small adult to sit comfortably in the centre seating position. At 91cm wide there is loads of stability, yet the Cobra Double + 1 is also easy to paddle and manoeuver. This model also provides ample room for two fisherman, and their gear, to fish quite comfortably.

DOUBLE+1 Length

4.42 m

Width

910 mm

Weight Capacity

36 kg 340 kg

The Triple the largest boat in the Cobra family is the first ever sit on top designed to carry three adults with ample supplies of fishing or drifting gear. The Cobra triple V hull with its wide beam provides for excellent tracking and stability. The narrow beam and stern, coupled with clean lines, allows paddlers to slice through the water quickly and smoothly.

TRIPLE Length Width Weight

5m 910 mm 36 kg

Capacity

385 kg

Length

3.18 m

Width

740 mm

Weight Capacity

17 kg 108 kg

21 kg 136 kg

Buyers Guide Autumn 2011 Qualified - Our staff are the experts.

Service - Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do a regular check on your purchase for free. (1, 6 & 12 month)

Passion - Kayaking is our passion. It is what we do in our spare time. Talk to us for first hand advice.

Sponsor or Member of:

Josh Neilson - White Water Adventurer

Kayak Courses: Start 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.

Buyers Guide

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 TV 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 multi-day 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 2569 for

Your Adventure Here 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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to meet 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.

From Our Family to Yours * Family Run Businesses * Low Student / Instructor ratios * Flexible - We can tailor the day * Well Structured Courses

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.

* Progressive Learning * Teaching Kayaking since 1994

more info & booking

Buyers Guide

to suit you

Selection - Knowledge - Experience

Family Escapee 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 $775

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

Escapade 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 $975

Length: 3.5 m, Weight: 27 kg std, Width: 750 mm

kiwi 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 $1365

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

Fire Fly 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!

Prices start at $535

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

Can

Buyers Guide

NOVA CRAFT OUTFITTERS CANOE 16ft and 17ft

The Nova Craft 16ft (4.9 m) and 17ft (5.2 m) Outfitters SP3 canoes are ideally suited for lake and river exploring and those extended canoe trips of many days. The load carrying capability of canoes is legendary and this makes them ideal for our camping and exploring life style. Nova Craft Canoes are chosen by many commercial operators, because they are great to paddle and built tough. *Note: NZ models have plastic seats.

16 ft $2385

Length: 4.9 m, Weight: 34 kg, Width: 915 mm

17 ft $2495

Length: 5.2 m, Weight: 36 kg, Width: 915 mm

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

You’ll find it all at Canoe & Kayak

Kayaks Play

bra

Pla

Prices start at $545

Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 710 mm

Explorer

bra

Exp

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

lor

Explorer is ideal for fishing and exploring and one of the driest ‘Sit-ontops’ you will find. Great hatches for storing your goodies are available.

Prices start at $895

Length: 3.4 m, Weight: 18.2 kg, Width: 790 mm

Navigator

The Navigator is faster, sleeker & longer than the Cobra Explorer, with many of the same features. With a longer cockpit, it is ideal for the taller paddler.

Prices start at $995

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 22 kg, Width: 790 mm

Tandem

Prices start at $1145

bra

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.

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 26 kg, Width: 915 mm

Tan

dem

Supernova The Supernova was designed as the ideal solution for the paddler who loves to do solo wilderness river trips. While the Supernova hull characteristics do what you’d expect from a white water boat, where you really appreciate the canoe is the flat water sections in between the frothy stuff. Available by pre-order.

POA

Length: 4.5 m, Weight: 26 kg, Width: 810 mm

0508 5292569

Buyers Guide

oes

Sea K Shearwater 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 $2650

Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg lite, Width: 610 mm

Skua The Skuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low deck profile enables it to perform extremely well in windy conditions. Also its longer hull gives it greater speed so, in a following sea, it can surf the waves.

Prices start at $2890

Length: 5.2 m, Weight: 27 kg std,24 kg lite Width: 600 mm

Tasman Express 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 $2890

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

Foveaux Express Foveaux Express, is a very responsive and playful sea kayak. It comes with a moulded thigh brace. The dolphin nose with flair, creates lift in the ocean swell. A fun, nimble kayak.

Prices start at $4460

Length: 5.0 m, Weight: Kevlar 19 kg, Width: 600 mm

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

Prices start at $4590

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

Buyers Guide

bEACHCOMBER The Beachcomber ultralight is one of the best selling sea kayaks in NZ. At 17 kgs the Beachcomber ultralight is the lightest sea kayak on the market. The Beachcomber is suited to both the novice and experienced paddler. 100% made in New Zealand.

Prices start at $3099

Length: 4.9 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 600 mm

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

ayaks Kekeno

A stable, cruiser that someone who wants security will love. It resembles a Sea Bear with its V hull, large hatches and full volume bow. Performance is stable, with no suggestion it wants to get any wetter than it has to. For such a small boat it surfs the choppy waves on the harbour with ease.

Prices start at $3425

Length: 4.0 m, Weight: Fibreglass 21.5 kg, Kevlar 19 kg Width: 630 mm

SeaBear Waitoa

A highly stable craft provides an ideal platform in rough or challenging conditions, allowing you to complete your plans for the day and reach your destination in safety. Ideal for camping trips or expeditions on lakes or the sea. The Sea Bear is the pedigree blue-water tourer’s choice.

Prices start at $3950

Length: 5.5 m, Weight: Fibreglass 26 kg, Kevlar 24 kg Width: 600 mm

Reval mini

The Reval Mini is designed for a medium sized paddler, who wants to enjoy a roomier cockpit area, whilst paddling. The Minis’ cockpit with thighbraces provides a much easier entry and good support. The hull, with retractable skeg, is designed with rocker and upswept bow and stern.

Prices start at $4050

Length: 4.9 m, Weight: 21 - 23 kg, Width: 540 mm

Reval Midi

Stability and predictable behaviour are the main characteristics of this kayak. There’s plenty of storage space for all your goodies. It is light and stiff and it isn’t afraid of even the toughest waves. It covers long distances with little effort.

Prices start at $4050

Length: 5.2 m, Weight: Carbon/ Aramide 21 - 23 kg, Width: 540 mm

Reval

The Reval’s streamlined banana shaped hull with a noticeably lower back is fantastically stylish. The Reval is an ideal choice for adrenaline seekers, as these kayaks perform well even in breaking waves and strong winds.

Prices start at $4125

Greenland T

Inspired by kayaks of Greenland, this modern reincarnation uses the same classic low volume hull with a V-shaped bottom and retractable skeg. At the same time it delivers unmatched speed and performance on both calm waters and in the face of breaking waves.

Prices start at $4270

Length: 5.45 m, Weight: Carbon/ Aramide 22 - 24 kg, Width: 530 mm

0508 KAYAKNZ

Buyers Guide

Length: 5.5 m, Weight: Carbon/ Aramide 21 - 23 kg, Width: 540 mm

sport Swallow

The next step up from the entry level racing kayaks. Fast with good stability. Medium skill ability is required to enjoy racing this kayak. A very popular Speight’s Coast to Coast kayak.

Priced at $3000

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

Intrigue

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.

Priced at $2900

Length: 4.95 m, 12 kg Kevlar, Width: 540 mm

gladiator

Gladiator with its larger cockpit, is built for the bigger paddler looking for a longer, fast and stable kayak for Speight’s Coast to Coast etc.

Priced at $3210

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

firebolt

This very user friendly kayak with an excellent combination of speed and stability is suitable not only for the intermediate/ a d v a n c e d p a d d l e r, b u t a l s o f o r t h e b u sy, b u t k e e n ‘Weekend Warrior’.

Priced at $3250

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

ea Kayaks

This is the choice of tour operators and keen double-paddlers. Large central hatch and bow and stern storage; perfect for extended expeditions. Easy and stable handling for kayakers of all levels.

Prices start at $5695

Length: 5.9 m, Weight: Fibreglass 40 kg, Kevlar 38 kg Width: 850 mm

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Buyers Guide

SeaBear II Packhorse

Inflatables helios i This kayak is designed for cruising on protected waters, moderately flowing rivers, lakes and bays. It has considerable storage space in the bow and stern.

Prices start at $1630

Length: 3.1 m, Weight: 13.5 kg, Width: 710 mm

helios ii

Helios II is a double inflatable kayak. It has the same features as the single with slightly smaller stowage. Both single and double kayak can be fitted with optional rudder.

Prices start at $1935

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 750 mm

Sunny

The Sunny is a simple design stable two person kayak. The Sunny can also be easily paddled solo by moving the slot-in inflatable seats. Heavy duty construction will mean the Sunny is ideal for use on holiday, at the beach, etc.

Prices start at $1935

Length: 3.9 m, Weight:15 kg, Width: 820 mm

incept Tasman These inflatable kayaks have a stiff frame, excellent speed, high stability and good handling. The Incept Tasman kayak will handle big seas and survive impacts which would break rigid hulls.

Prices start at $3036

Length: 4.35 m, Weight: 15 kg, Width: 670 mm

twist i

The Twist I is an economical choice of inflatable canoe. It comes with a comfortable backrest and grab handles for easy handling. The tracking fin helps to keep you on course.

Prices start at $1015 Length: 2.6 m, Weight: 6 kg, Width: 790 mm

twist ii The Twist II is the double version with the same features of the Twist I. Both kayaks come with shock cord on the stern for storing gear.

Prices start at $1325

Length: 3.6 m, Weight: 9 kg, Width: 830 mm

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

Fishing Kayaks & Canoes Marauder

Cob

Mar

The Marauder is for the serious kayak fisherman. It is fast, stable with loads of deck space. Performs excellently in surf. Also available with an optional rudder.

Prices start at $1345

Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 780 mm

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Fish nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 $1145

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 915 mm

Tourer 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.

Tan

Prices start at $1345

Length: 4.6 m, Weight: 23 kg, Width: 710 mm

Barracuda SOT

Barracuda has brought together their breakthrough vacuum thermoforming technology and a wealth of kayaking knowledge, to produce the revolutionary Ultralight SOT kayak. This Kayak is great for anyone, whether you just want to get out and enjoy the water or you are the ultimate kayak fisherman.

Prices start at $2250

Length: 4.2 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 700 mm

muskoka The Muskoka is a traditional canoe designed to provide comfort and safety for anyone looking for a canoe suitable for fishing and light recreational use. The traditional lines of this canoe make it a joy to paddle. Available by pre-order.

POA

Length: 4.6 m, Weight: Aramid 25 kg, Width: 900 mm

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Buyers Guide

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J J @ F F freestyle jam at full james March 2011

Photos by: Peter West Shot on location on the Waikato River, Taupo

Photo by: Peter West Shot on location on the Waikato River, Taupo

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