New Zealand Kayak Magazine Issue 91

Issue 91

ON SALE NOW

We Went to GAWP in Italy - Gelato, Antipasto, Wine and Paddling

Going the Distance - with Dry Kai - How to prepare dehydrated food

Rio Futaleufu Patagonia, Chile - White water bliss

Proudly supported by:

NZ $7.50 AUS $7.50

Family Size Roof Boxes from just $799 • • • •

420 litre and 50 kg capacity Ski and snowboard friendly 5 year warranty Titan or Black Aeroskin finish

» » »

5 year manufacturer’s warranty Bring your life Expert Advice thule.co.nz National Support

Pictured: Thule Motion XT XL in gloss black $1299

EVER POPULAR:

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 3

Contents adventure equipment

Sea Kayaking 6.

We Went to GAWP in Italy 34.

Surf Tips Racing 14.

Le Tour de Volcano

White Water 46.

Rio Futaleufu Patagonia, Chile General 22.

28.

32.

36.

Going the Distance - with Dry Kai Wave Action Merry Christmas from Canoe & Kayak Christmas Gift Ideas

40.

43.

Book Review - The Lost Art Of Finding Our Way. Rhino-Rack Product Kallista PFD

High Back PFD

Sladek Recreational Cag

EDITOR: Peter Townend, pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz PUBLISHER: New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published four times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: Print Lounge Pricing: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate. However they may change at any time.

Xipe Touring PFD

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Go to: www.kayaknz.co.nz/subscriptions CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributor’s articles and photos. Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/guide for more details. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: James Fitness, james@canoeandkayak.co.nz New Zealand Kayak Magazine

Junga Touring Cag

Cover photo: Russell Williams approaching one of the many ancient cities on the Italian Coast Photo by: Larraine Williams

Galena White water PFD

RFD New Zealand Limited 0800 777 009 Auckland Wellington Nelson Christchurch PAGE 4

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018 YAK qtr page 18-08 colour white background.indd 1

04-Sep-18 2

Editorial It’s the end of another year and perhaps time to reflect. What has worked and what has not, what’s been fun or not, and what positive or negative feelings have been generated by my efforts. Then I’ll plan for another year to improve on the last.

I am finding that many things get easier with age, but many get harder. For me, there’s an awareness that my body now needs constant maintenance. The days of rough and tumble attitudes must be moderated as the fails of yester-year and more recent ones slow me down. But the capacity to get things done and the ability to choose where the effort is directed is refreshing, if not sometimes overwhelming.

This ability to choose the next task helps to keep the drive going to explore life rather than survive it.

So, with a life that is currently filled by volunteer work on ecological/ historical buildings, kayaking, family and many business interests, this next year is very much going to be about prioritising.

I really like the movie “Bucket List” released a few years ago. Two old guys got together and did the things that they wanted to do before they could not.

So, what would my bucket list look like?

(In no particular order so I don’t get in trouble).

•

More time with family and friends

•

Keep exploring the amazing Hauraki Gulf

•

Keeping the garden in check

•

•

Continue to have a happy team working with me in the businesses and happy customers Winning the fight to control sediment entering the Gulf

•

Bringing some control on the urbanisation of the last pieces of our precious coast line.

•

Getting abs and a back that doesn’t creak

•

Spending more time with my parents

•

Doing more wood working and photography

•

Learn how to use Facebook

•

Surfing and extended river trips

•

Now, with only one child left at home, more time spent with

her (probably not on her list).

It’s difficult making choices and to be fair, most choices will be made for me and I will have to try to get a few extra things in place. But by just stopping and writing them down, I am thinking that Thursday night surfing is good for me. I have great fun seeing other kayakers expanding their skills and it helps with the belly and back to be active. So, I’ll put that down as a fixture and damn the garden on that day.

Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and be well prepared for your adventures, so you have a thrill and can tell everyone just how exciting your holidays were.

Cheers, Peter Townend

Paddle the Whanganui River this summer with us!

Contact : Peter Townend 0274 529 255

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 5

We Went to GAWP in Italy Eat Gelato & Antipasto, drink Wine and Paddle...

by Larraine Williams

Approaching the village of Vernazza, Cinque Terre.

The plan was 12 days of kayaking in Sardinia, Corsica and

Lunch stop at Portofino

Italy. We didn’t realize that it was also to become a historical, cultural and gastronomic tour as well. Janet was the instigator, liaising between SSV (Southern Sea Ventures), and the Yakity Yak clubbies, planning a private trip to our specifications. We had 11 keen paddlers taking on the adventure.

My own adventure began a few weeks prior to the trip when I broke my left radius, just by my wrist.

Three and a half weeks after the break and two days before our departure, I was back at “White Cross” firmly requesting that the cast be removed, and a brace be applied instead. It took a while to convince the doctor that it was a reasonable request - after all, I didn’t want to be traipsing around Italy trying to find someone to take the cast off when the time came. Then I had to ask her for a medical certificate clearing me to go on the kayak trip. The doctor wasn’t impressed, until I explained that we had booked a double kayak and all I had to do was sit in the front and take photos and give orders while Russ did all the work! I finally got clearance to sit in a kayak but was not allowed to pick up a paddle (yeah, right). But, I had another three weeks travelling before I even got near a kayak, so no problems eh!

Our kayak trip started in Olbia in northern Sardinia, where we were to meet the guides, and have a briefing, and dinner. We spent the day exploring the very pretty town, Olbia. Late afternoon some were sitting outside having coffee when Janet noticed a man giving them an intense look before approaching and asking if they were kayakers. It turned out to be Enrico, our Italian guide. It wasn’t magic though, he recognised the Kiwi accent.

PAGE 8

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

SSV runs tours around the world, teaming up with local guides who have the gear and the local knowledge. On the team were Al - founder, managing director of SSV and experienced guide. Our local guide, Enrico, who was passionate and very knowledgeable about the areas we were to visit. He also seemed to know everybody. Daniele didn’t paddle as he oversaw logistics. We had two vans, each with a kayak trailer and carrying enough singles for everyone, plus three doubles as both Shelley and I were supposed to be on ‘light activities’ due to injury. We stayed in small private hotels and B&Bs throughout our tour and ate at restaurants that specialised in traditional local cuisine.

Our first dinner was at a Michelin Star restaurant where we had a fivecourse meal! Thankfully all food and accommodation were included.

What a way to start!

27 Flemington Place4— 

On the first morning we drove to Palau. Choosing kayaks and getting set up for the first time took a while, but we got underway, exploring along the coast, then crossing to La Maddalena.

While we were making the crossing by kayak, Daniele drove one van to the ferry terminal, walked back for the other van, got them both on the ferry, and then off at the other end. He was always quietly in the background (it was hard to compete with Enrico anyway), but our vans and bags always ended up in the right place when we were ready for them.

Plan A for the next day was to cross to the next island and circumnavigate Caprera, but with strong winds we went with Plan B and explored the coast of La Maddalena where it was nicely sheltered. It did look rather bouncy out in the channel.

That afternoon we drove across the bridge to Caprera and went hiking in a stunning national park. The area is very arid, with granite boulders www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 9

eroded into bizarre shapes, with the occasional goat posing for photos. At the end of the walk we arrived at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches where we had a swim.

Launching from the port of Bonifacio, we paddled down the harbour to explore the cliffs and caves along the southern coast. We had winds of 20-25 knots which made the day fairly challenging.

That night we sampled the local cuisine which was wild boar, so tender it fell off the bone, accompanied by sampling some of the local wine. We were then introduced to Mirto. This is a liqueur made in Sardinia, which became very popular among our group.

The following day the wind had come up more and so unfortunately, we didn’t get all the paddling planned, but again Enrico had a very acceptable Plan B. We drove up to Filitosa which is a fascinating archaeological site dating from the Neolithic Age, approximately 8000 years ago. It is remarkably well preserved, and we were able to wander around quite freely. There is an ancient olive tree whose age is estimated to be 1200 years old, but I guess no one will know for certain unless they cut it down to count the rings.

The paddle back to the mainland was interesting with the wind and choppy sea continuing. That afternoon we caught the ferry to Corsica.

The approach to Bonifacio was fascinating. This ancient town is built on a peninsula 1,500 metres long and 200 metres wide with cliffs around 70 metres high. The buildings are on the very edge of cliffs which have been eroded by the sea and are now undercut.

That evening the host at our accommodation put on a special dinner for us - a whole suckling pig along with salads, and of course local wine.

Daniele was getting excited over the pig’s head, scooping out the brain,

KAYAK COURSES SEA KAYAKING SIT-ON-TOP WHITE WATER ROLLING MULTISPORT GRADE TWO SURFING AND MANY MORE

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

COURSES Sep 2016 QTR LND.indd 1 PA GE 10 Issue 91 Christmas 2018

FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES OR PHONE: 09 476 7066 w w w . 28/11/2016 k a y a k n11:31:41 z . c o .AM nz

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

P A G E 11

Locals in Corniglia heading down the hill to work riding on the monorail.

but he didn’t get it all - Russ helped him, while I carefully looked in the other direction.

We caught the overnight ferry to Genoa for the next leg of our adventure.

We travelled in the vans to the Ligurian Coast and stayed in Levanto at a small private hotel. Breakfasts included several home-made jams, homegrown produce, and at least three freshly made cakes each day - Italians seem to eat a lot of cake for breakfast.

We had a day paddle from Rapallo to Portofino along the Italian Riviera which featured a large number of ‘holiday villas’ of the wealthy. This was my first day in a single kayak - I had finally proven that my healing wrist was up to the task - freedom! Now I was able to get into all those caves and among the rocks. Thanks for your efforts Russ, but I was very happy to get out of that double and into a single, and I know that you were too.

That evening we had a seafood extravaganza. Included in the feast were raw and smoked salmon, tuna, swordfish, octopus, anchovies, shrimp, mussels - and they were just the entrees. I don’t think we actually had a main in the end, those who could, went straight to dessert.

We then reached one of the highlights of our trip - Cinque Terre, which means ‘five lands’ and consists of five historic villages that are largely in their original condition. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over the centuries, people have carefully built rock walls to create terraces on the rugged, steep landscape and they date back over 1000 years.

Monterosso was predominantly a fishing village, but the others developed vineyards and olive cultivation. It was, and still is a hard living due to the steepness of the terrain and unfortunately much of the area is now reverting to scrub, especially as tourism is becoming more important to the economy.

The monorail now helps with getting up and down those steep slopes, but I’m sure that they wouldn’t meet WorkSafe standards.

PAGE 12

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Pictured from top left (clockwise): Sampling the Gelato, One of the many dinners eating El Fresco, Pizza night, Lunch en-route - a simple affair, Antipasto galore, and some of the many delicious breakfast cakes (centre).

In 2011 massive floods devastated the area. There were huge slips that have now closed some of the walking tracks in the area. In the village of Vernazza, the first floors of almost all the buildings were destroyed and had to be renovated completely.

It was in the Cinque Terre that we Yakkers started to get some attention.

When we stopped for lunch we would wander around the town still in our bright orange “Sharkskin” tops and orange hats, and I would often see people look us up and down, apparently wondering about our strange ‘uniform’. But it made it easy to find each other in the crowds, even from some distance away.

Each village was unique and fascinating. One of the least fascinating features of Corniglia was the 400+ steps from jetty at sea level up to the town. Thankfully there is also a road and by the time we walked up the hill and reached our accommodation Daniele had got both vans there.

He had driven in one, then caught the train back for the other, then delivered all our bags to our bedrooms. This trip would not have worked without Daniele’s efforts in the background.

in the area causing tricky landings and making rock gardening impossible, but we had flat calm conditions for the time we were there.

Something that the Italians make extremely well is gelato (ice-cream), which is mostly made on-site, and it was my personal mission to try as many versions as I could to establish which was the best. The conclusion of my taste experiment was ‘yum’.

From Cinque Terre it was back to Genoa for our farewell dinner. It was sad to say goodbye to Enrico, Al and Daniele, but we were talking to Enrico about the KASK Kayak Festival in February 2020 and he seems to be genuinely interested in coming over for that.

Walk in the country-side near Manarola (note the monorail rail).

We were very lucky with this part of our trip as the weather and water conditions were perfect.

Apparently, there is often a swell www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 13

Le Tour de Volcano 2018 Adventure Racing World Championships November 4th-16th Réunion Island

by Nathan Fa’avae www.nathanfaavae.nz In 2016 I stepped away from top level adventure racing after winning the World Champs in Australia. The reasons were that I’d struggled in training and during the race with a knee injury that I was scheduled to get surgery for in 2017. That alone was enough of a reason, but I was also wanting to create more time to invest into my business I am an owner of, “Absolute Wilderness Freeze Dried Meals”. After racing extensively on the AR World Series and World Champs since 2011, I wanted a break. I wasn’t sure if I’d race again, but I said if there was the chance to race in a competitive team, in a country that I wanted to visit, and there was some prize money, then I’d be open to the possibility.

In 2018 my wife, Jodie, asked me to race GODZone with her, she had never done an expedition length race and wanted a physical challenge to train towards. We invited two friends to join us and we had a fun race, finishing 4th. In the search for a sponsor for the race we contacted Avaya, who were equally keen to see the team defend the world title at Réunion Island.

Réunion Island? Where is that? I asked when I heard it would be the stage of the 2018 Adventure Racing World Championships; racing in a location I haven’t heard about before appeals to my sense of travel and exploration. I was interested.

PAGE 14

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

Situated in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, the island is a French colony. Réunion Island is known for its volcanic, rainforested interior, coral reefs and beaches. It’s most iconic landmark is Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano standing 2,632 metres. The higher cones rise to over 3,000 metres. The island measures 63 km north to south and 45 km west to east.

We raced with the number one race bib from the 63 teams competing, representing 25 countries.

As defending world champions, having won the 2014-2017 world titles as team Seagate, for 2018 we had a different team from 2017 and a new sponsor, Avaya. The regular team members and ace navigators Chris Forne and Stu Lynch were back competing with Fleur Pawsey and myself joining them.

Travelling to the race was a fairly long journey. Chris, Stu and I left Auckland for Singapore, loaded with bikes, Frontier pack rafts, 10 kilos of Absolute Wilderness Meals and a few other bits of equipment for the race.

We arrived at Réunion Island three days before the race and enjoyed a relaxing preparation of our gear and adjusting to the time zone and climate.

Most of the other teams were staying at the same resort, where the event was based, so it was a social time catching up with all the familiar faces from around the world. www.kayaknz.co.nz

As Fleur had only seven weeks to prepare and I’d been absent from racing at that level for two years, plus the heat and the severity of the terrain, we all agreed a conservative start to the race was essential. Before we even received any more information, we had decided we’d start slow and look to increase our pace around the midway point.

The course measured 425 km with a winning time aimed at 120 hours.

Our first impression of the course was that it had a very difficult start with a long hiking stage that went to 3000 metres. That distance combined with the climbing and the climate meant that the first few days would be gruelling, but after that the course was dynamically busy with plenty of technical elements and changes of discipline. It felt to us that the course would require some very smart tactical strategies to complete it efficiently: a juggle of extreme conditions, mandatory sleep and multiple dark zones (parts of the course where night travel is forbidden).

start which would create some bottlenecks, and while we weren’t overly concerned about that, we figured it’d be best to clear the ropes with minimal delays and then settle in for the massive first stage hike.

Stage 1 Trek & Ropes 106 km This stage was every bit as difficult as we expected and some. At times it was insanely scenic but the steep nature of the terrain and high heat ,especially in the volcanic areas meant that our conservative start to the race paid off, and we were even starting to worry that we’d gone too hard.

We were generally sitting around 5th place in this stage. At the end of the

Overall it looked like an excellent way to explore the island. We expected it to be a fun time with our team as we spent the four to five days on course. Our only concern pre-race was that there appeared to be some very dry areas on the island and finding enough suitable drinking water would be difficult at times.

The packrafting stage sounded exciting with legitimate whitewater to enjoy. Much of the biking we were told was in sugar cane plantations, which we suspected would have some interesting navigation, especially at night. By the time the last night in the resort rolled around, we felt ready and in a healthy performance state, our focus being to get ourselves through the course as fast as we could.

Prologue The day before the race we bused to the village of Hell Bourg, the venue for the start and prologue. Settled high in the mountains the village, it was surrounded by sheer steep mountainsides, mostly vegetated but with obvious volcanic influence. Once off the buses we were able to check out the start area, meet our local school kid that each team was allocated, and practice the ‘Kours La Rou’, a local game played by the kids that involves running behind a car tyre keeping it rolling fast using two sticks to steer and control it. We had a lovely little eight-year-old girl Kensa as our team mate, but it was apparent early on, that she doesn't play “Kours La Rou” during her lunch breaks. It was fun doing the relay around the village, we ended up about 20th: given the prologue had bearing on how the teams started the following day, it did seem a bit quirky for a World Champs.

We found a nice private campsite near the start line and pitched our tents with the other NZ team, Yealands. We didn’t wait around for the dinner provided, we had our own meals and went to bed. I’m sure we were the first teams off our feet and in bed asleep.

The start the next morning was all very relaxed as teams went off at 30 second intervals based on their prologue result, so we lay on the grass in the sports field until it was our time.

We would collect the map 100 metres after the start line. We knew that there were a series of abseils close to the www.kayaknz.co.nz

protect yourself from the elements For the full range go to

www.sharkskin.co.nz º+}8² µ ¢ noO 8

/sharkskin_watersports

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 15

first day I knocked my knee hard on a rock and as it started to swell up, it became irritated and made the steep ascents and descents unpleasant.

I found it difficult to enjoy the stage much after that.

Stage 2

It took us about 36 hours. We’d stopped for a 30 minute nap and a one hour sleep during the stage to log 90 minutes of rest from the mandatory 12 hours we needed to take. I'd go as far as saying this was the hardest opening stage I've ever done in a race. There were some beautiful, dramatic and eye-catching scenes along the route, but there were also periods of intense suffering, scaling steep mountain sides, dripping in sweat, aching legs and joints, swollen feet, and pushing through scratchy vines and plants. It was no cake walk.

After a short hike an abseil into the riverbed, this was an amazing river with technical rapids to descend. The water level was low which it made it even more interesting. We finished the first river arriving at the coast with four teams. From there we had an upriver packrafting stage through some very scenic gorges, then a hike an abseil to the main river.

At the end of the stage we arrived at TA1 in 2nd position. Overall, we felt that most teams had started too fast and pushed too hard. We were certain that they would suffer for that in the days to come. Our curiosity was roused by how small most team’s packs were for this stage. It seemed to us that Haglöfs Silva, Yealands and ourselves had significantly larger loads than the teams around us. We figured that they couldn’t be carrying much food or water, which would only put more stress on their bodies early in the race. We were the calorific opposite, we were eating an excellent range of nutrition thanks to the freeze-dried food. We had sushi, Indian curries, peaches and pears and our team favourite: boysenberries and yogurt.

Packraft & Ropes 45 km

The stage finished at a stunning big, deep pool with a waterfall cascading into it. We took the chance to have a swim and cool-off before the hiking stage, the sun was high now and it was a scorching hot day. We headed off just behind Naturex and with Haglöfs Silva not far behind us. It was at this stage of the race we started to see some weakening of the lead teams, it seemed to us that we could move faster than the teams around us, for whatever reason.

We descended an extremely steep mountain side using ropes to access the river. It was inordinately confusing how to get to the river, the rules said

As expected, no team started the pack rafting on day two, all forced to wait until day three because we couldn’t start the pack rafting stage until daylight, and we were forced to camp overnight, so we made our way to the river, where there were about 15 teams regrouped for the paddle stage.

Some had barely stopped though, choosing to get on the river with virtually no rest.

Despite the hardships of stage one, our feet were in good condition, thanks to regular application of “Ready Set Go” antichafe made by MAK technologies.

PAGE 16

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

that we had to follow the marked route, but the map didn't show the route and the race staff wouldn't tell us where it was, very bizarre. We can only think something vital was lost in translation here. We arrived at the river and immediately downstream was a solid Grade Three rapid. We were excited, we had about 20 km of this whitewater gorge to reach the ocean.

We caught and passed Naturex and Haglöfs Silva were nowhere to be seen. It felt like this was a turning point in the race and we sensed that it was time for us to take control, or at least give it a go.

We felt like we comfortably out-paddled the teams around us on the rivers in the race.

Stage 3 Bike 41 km We rode this stage very hard, and we’d nursed ourselves as best as we could to this point in the course and we had fresh enough legs to ride strongly. I said to Fleur early in the ride that we don't normally ride this fast, but that we wanted to up the ante and see how the field would react. We lost some time when a control flag was in the wrong place. We hoped to get a few hours lead on the chase teams, perhaps take them by surprise with our sudden increase in speed. It seemed to work well as we gained a gap and then took a four hour sleep to recover at the end of the stage. We found a balcony behind a restaurant that was perfect: it was next to a river so it blocked out other noise. We found a stack of corflute to make beds, providing comfort and insulation, and we had a high quality rest. We departed on stage four in the lead position.

Stage 4 Trek & Bike 27 km This next stage was along the coast and it was important for us to keep a constant effort and make the chasing teams work hard. After some heavy rain overnight, it was sticky hot and humid as we scrambled around the coast on slippery rocks, with sweat beads falling off us. There were some fascinating volcanic formations along the coast and we scaled a cliff face of lava along the route, exceptionally unique. We were moving strong after a sound sleep and started to feel in control of the race. The sun rose, and we enjoyed some magical ocean views and some glimpses up the volcano we’d scale later in the day. It looked hot. This stage included a short bike ride to end, and we collected our bikes and sped along the highway to the next TA.

Stage 5 Trek 32 km This stage, while not far in distance, climbed to the volcano making it another massive challenge, with the exposure to heat and a sharp elevation gain. The scenery would have been off the planet but thankfully for our www.kayaknz.co.nz

bodies, there were clouds and mist in the crater which meant although we didn’t see much, it was a relief not to have direct sunlight frying us. The stage started along the coast and contained a tricky checkpoint early on.

We were starting to worry about resupplying our water before the ascent until we found a shallow trapped in a rocky stream bed. Somewhat ironically, after refilling our water from a slightly sketchy source, we hiked for 10 minutes and popped onto a highway and there was a restaurant selling chilled water and drinks. We couldn’t be bothered stopping again so we hit the climb. The trail in places was difficult to follow, it was overgrown, we got scratched up, but as we got higher it cooled off and as the day drew to an end, we were wearing all of our gear trying to stay warm, a strange contrast from the sweltering heat of the lowlands. By this stage of the race we were certainly doing our own suffering at times and it took a lot of perseverance to keep pushing on. We were glad to finish the stage and collect our bikes.

Stage 6 Bike & Trek & Caving 51 km The joy of having our bikes was short lived as we had to carry them down a steep unrideable trail for a few hours. We had to drop thousands of metres and this was a heinous way to do it. Towards the bottom we stopped and went to a checkpoint in a lava cave, a small detour to break up the bike carrying and pushing. Down in the valley we reached a checkpoint and it was the ideal time to sleep, so we found a nice area to camp in the forest and enjoyed a three hour sleep.

During our sleep Naturex passed by, but once we were up and refreshed we made really good time, now able to ride our bikes, we dropped to the sea and rode to the next TA for a short leg to the kayaks.

Stage 7 Trek & Ropes 3 km We were almost at the sea, another abseil and a riverbed scramble, it took about an hour until we waltzed into the kayak TA. We were really looking forward to paddling on the ocean, being on the water and in the sea breeze. Naturex were in the TA when we passed through, we assumed they were taking sleep, but it transpired later that they were serving a penalty for losing some equipment.

Stage 8 Kayak 37 km Finally back in our happy place, paddles in hand and on the sea. It felt refreshing being on the water and looking back at the island. The kayak was a chance for us to refuel and prepare for the final mountain bike ride which we expected to be an arduous stage. We ate and drank and took a swim midway through the stage to cool off. After about six hours we arrived at the TA. Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 17

Stage 9 Bike 77 km Off the paddle we knew we would win the race if we could be the first team to the top of the epic climb, which was at 2500 metres. We were positioned perfectly for the win but there was still a major obstacle to deal with, a 10 hour mountain stage climbing again to the top of the island. We had used up all our mandatory sleep, so we didn’t need to stop again, plus we were in the lead. We guessed the teams behind us must still have sleep time to use up, we couldn’t be 100% sure of that but we wanted to get into the ride and make way, keep the race moving.

of hours. Finally, we reached the top and prepared for the descent. We were to ride one of the 2017 Megavalanche mountain bike trails halfway down the mountain. It wasn’t the speedy downhill we had hoped for, and we weren’t in any state for technical riding nor did we have suitable bikes for the track, so it was a slow trip down.

The ride began on extremely steep stairs and streets; with the high temperatures and afternoon sun beating down, it was an intensely hard start and we needed to be careful not to go too hard too soon. We chugged up.

After about 1000 metres of elevation gain the terrain levelled off and so did the temperature. It became more pleasant. Darkness set in and then it got cool, repeating the irony of the day before where we went from one extreme to the next in just a matter PAGE 18

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Stage 10 Trek & Pack Raft 5 km Now it was time to celebrate, we knew we would win the race, all we needed to do was enjoy the last few kilometres to the finish line, race completed, race won. A short riverbed to walk down and then a final packraft stage down the river and across the harbour, and a beach walk to finish.

Summary Overall we were in good shape and ready to race, we had trained well and everyone was healthy. We were the race favourite which wasn’t surprising, but that meant very little to us. Each race is a new race with all the same obstacles standing between the start and finish lines. The world champs always have a highly competitive field and this year www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 19

was no different. We had the upmost respect for the other teams and complacency was something we feared.

We knew to succeed in this race we would need to work hard, race intelligently and extract our best possible performance, anything less would mean we would be down the rankings. We focused on looking after each other and getting through each stage the best we could and did our best to enjoy the experience. As with many adventure races we’ve won, the kayaking stage was once again the turning point in our race, which in this case was packrafting.

We finished at 3.01 am, our race time for the course was 117 hours and 1 minute (17 hours of that was sleeping spread over the first four nights). Our winning margin: almost four hours.

Quite a few times during the race the course felt harder than we expected, but then we realised that we were moving through close to the predicted times and the distances and elevation profiles were exactly what we’d been told, so there shouldn’t have been any surprises. I think the heat and at times the physically demanding nature of the landscape made the event feel much more difficult than it was. We complimented ourselves on our race strategy to start slow and the discipline to do that. The scenery in the course was incredible and unique. We didn’t have much interaction with the local people on the island but any contact we had they were always friendly, and most likely confused as to who we were and what we were doing.

This race will also be remembered for a high media presence, most of the media content captured is being made into race productions that will be released later in the year and into 2019. There will be some really amazing viewing coming out about the race.

We want to acknowledge and thank the organisation team who provided the event, Pascale and Nancy, and their staff. They did an incredible job of creating the adventure for us and went to many extra efforts to make the course high quality, plus their enthusiasm and support of all the teams was terrific.

I am really proud of the team, to win another World Championship is extraordinary and this one felt like it was against many odds. We didn’t line up with the confidence we have done in recent years.

We didn't have a flawless event, we made some errors and we hurt out there at times. Chris struggled for a period towards the end of day one in the heat and we had to rally around him to get him back to strength. He

PAGE 20

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

bounced back and had an ultra strong race physically and with the maps, his navigation was close to perfect. We back tracked no more than a few hundred metres in the entire race. Towards the end Chris managed to source some super powers and his contribution to getting the team over the last ride was immense.

On behalf of the team I want to thank all the supporters from New Zealand who loyally followed us in the race, there are thousands of people who messaged us and we're really glad we could give you something to celebrate. We also know that for Kiwis it not just about our team, it's about making NZ proud in this sport where we have a massive history, in this race all the Kiwi athletes represented proudly. Aaron Prince and Corrinne O’Donnell were 2nd, Yealands placed 7th and Sam Clark was racing strongly but his team withdrew midway through, Sam was gutted.

NZ remains highly respected in the Adventure Racing world.

Now it’s time to get back to our families and enjoy a summer of adventures with them, as we all owe them.

Nathan, Chris, Stu & Fleur We wish to thank and acknowledge the amazing support that we receive from our Sponsors & Supporters, we couldn't do what we do without your generosity and help.

IMAGES: Thank you to the photographers who covered the race, these images are taken from the Facebook posts and event media. Supplied

by Nathan Fa’avae.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

P A L A D I N

SIT-ON-TOP COURSES

4 O 2

LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR KAYAK FOR WHEN YOU LAND THE BIG ONE!

4-layered material AirFour light.

Latex neck gasket with neoprene collar. >ĂƚĞdž ǁƌŝƐƚ ŐĂƐŬĞƚƐ Θ ǀĞůĐƌŽ ĐƵīƐ͘

BOOK NOW.

Double waist.

FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES

Double pull waist adjustment.

Colours:

Distributed by KAYAKER Limited.

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ƚhƌŽƵŐŚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjĞĚ ŬĂLJĂŬ ƐƚŽƌĞƐ ŶĂƟŽŶǁŝĚĞ͘

Wainui

Matariki

Tamariki

COURSES Sep 2016 QTR SOT FSH PORT.indd 1

Moana

6/09/2016 2:53:48 PM

Rua

Exclusive to Canoe & Kayak • New Zealand Made • Top Quality UV Stabilized Plastic •

Two Year Warranty

All at Affordable Prices

Waitai

Homebrand ww w . k a yv1.indd a k n z1. c o . n z

Kai Moana

Kai Waka

Rua Kai

07-Dec-18P 6:02:18 Issue 91 Christmas 2018 A G E PM 21

Going the Distance - with Dry Kai

By Ruth E. Henderson

Fresh may be best, but on a long hard trip it may be impractical for reasons of space, longevity, and time and energy left at the end of the day to spend on preparation

Car camping - fresh is easy.

and cooking from scratch.

Some fresh food does travel well and isn’t too bulky or time consuming to prepare. I’m always in admiration of Shelley’s wonderful way with food… a handful of sweet cocktail tomatoes here, a grind of pepper and a twist of dried herbs there, and Charlie makes a coleslaw enroute, making one cabbage, a few carrots and jar of mayonnaise go the distance… Even I, on day one or two of a trip, have managed to chop up some onions, courgettes and tomatoes to throw into an omelette.

But, when it’s not a long weekend but a ten day 30 kms-a-day trip, or an occasion when you have swapped your boat for boots - this is when pre-prepared vacuum packed, or dehydrated meals come into their own. There are quite a few options available on the supermarket shelves, at sports stores and from specialised mailorder companies.

Before you do embark on a week or two of paddling, test out the product you intend to survive on, for suiting your taste and energy requirements. We need more calories than usual when we’re putting in the effort and kilometres, so if I buy a “Back-Country” or “Absolute Wilderness” meal, then I buy a two serving pouch. If there’s some left over…you can add it to the next days lunch or give it to someone on the scrounge. I’ve had some inedible, to me, meals when I failed to see the three hot pepper illustration on the packet. But, at the hut, some lanky teenagers hoed into it and saved me the bother of carrying it out as rubbish.

PAGE 22

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Day one, two and even three , food can be fresh.

Weekend camping - you can pack the the kitchen sink.

Making your own dehydrated meals has many advantages. One is cost - the ingredients cost less and you need less fuel to heat the meal which also means less gas bottles to carry. Secondly, you’ll know what to expect taste-wise. And thirdly they usually take up less space and weigh less. Maybe that last item isn’t critical in a sea kayak compared to a backpack… it depends on how big your kayak is, and how long you have to go before you can re-stock.

It is possible to dehydrate food using a conventional oven, but without a fan-bake, I’ve had limited success. I suggest you either buy or borrow a dehydrator. Start with a few dishes you often cook and can confidently get right. Spaghetti bolognaise is a goodie. It’s easy to tart it up a bit with a zip-lock bag of shaved parmesan cheese and another of herbs kept fresh with a dash of water. Another reliable mince dish is chilli con carne with beans. Macaroni cheese with a few peas, tomatoes and bits of bacon rehydrates amazingly well. It may sound nuts, but I also dehydrate tinned tuna and salmon for lunches to go with couscous, and dehydrate the “MTR” curries with cooked rice. I have tried non-minced meat, cutting it up really small, but apart from bacon, it doesn’t work as well as minced beef, chicken or pork.

and cooled, I scrape off the dried meal... make sure you take the time and care to scrape off all the powder... that’s the stuff that reconstitutes into the cheesy or tomato sauce. When dry, these pack down to 100 – 150 gms per serve. When wet, or rehydrated at camp, two servings make up a one litre container.

As soon as I arrive at camp, before setting up my tent, I boil the billy.

Then if working in with a mate, I put two serves into my ‘infamous’ one litre ice-cream container which has a water-tight lid. Next, I pour over, in 100 ml

Microstuff drybags keep phones, ipods, wallets, cameras dry

Most of the dinners I make start off before dehydrating as one cup of cooked meat/veg sauce and one cup of cooked pasta/rice. These are then mixed together (I chop up the spaghetti). Then on each tray I spread out thinly the now two-cup portions, or one-person meals. When dehydrated

Extra safety clip USA company Seattle Sports makes these strong .75 litre mini drybags for all those things you need close at hand. Straps securely to your bouyancy vest.

Made from PU coated rip-stop nylon with RF welded seams.

Available with or without audio port ®

Commercial freeze dried meals - convenience with the bonus of no dishes. www.kayaknz.co.nz

Distributed by Great Stuff. email: greatstuffltd@orcon.net.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

MICROSTUFFjan17

PAGE 23

increments, boiling water, stir, gradually adding up to a cup of water. Then while I set up camp, within 30 minutes, the food has swollen and fluffed up. I turn the container over, leave it for a bit, then add up to another ½ cup of boiling water. When we’re ready to eat, I simply and quickly, heat up the dinner in my billy. Serve up, and garnish.

If you want to give this a go, and be a bit adventuresome in the kitchen there are many recipes for dehydrated meals on the web. One website that Paul and Natasha put me onto is excellent. It is by a couple who tramped the 2650 mile Pacific Crest Trail…that’s Mexico to Canada! Take a look at: http://pct-hike.randsco.com/Planning Bon appetite.

G U A R D I A N tŚŝƚĞǁĂƚĞƌ W& ǁŝƚŚ ƐŝĚĞ ĞŶƚƌLJ͘ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂů ǁĞďďŝŶŐ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƐĂĨĞƚLJ͘ /ŶƚĞƌͲůŽĐŬŝŶŐ ĨŽĂŵ ƉĂŶĞůƐ͘ >ĂƌŐĞ ĨƌŽŶƚ ƉŽĐŬĞƚ͘ Colours:

PAGE 24

ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ďLJ < z < Z >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ͘ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ƚhƌŽƵŐŚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝnjĞĚ ŬĂLJĂŬ ƐƚŽƌĞƐ ŶĂƟŽŶǁŝĚĞ͘

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Macaroni Cheese

Six days food Breakfast – Porridge “Uncle Toby’s” 2 sachets per day – 83 gm each x 6 = 500 gm total Snacks and drinks– ‘Scroggin’ (supermarket “Goji mix”) - 80 gm per day x 6 = 480 gm

1. Two cups ready to dehydrate.

2. Spread on tray dehydrated.

Chocolate (essential or a luxury?)

– one king-size bar = 250gm Milo x 6 serves

= 116 gm

Tea bags x 12

= 44 gm

Coffee/sugar mixed x 6 serves

= 110 gm = 1000 gm

Lunch – dehydrated x 6 Chicken/veg curry

40 gm

Tuna/couscous

65 gm

Chana Masala/Rice (“MTR”) 50 gm

3. Rehydrating in progress.

4. Ready to eat, topped with dried sweet cherry tomatoes.

Salmon/couscous

80 gm

Tuna/couscous

65 gm

Chicken/veg curry

40 gm = 340 gm

Dinner – dehydrated x 6

spaghetti bolognaise

Macaroni cheese

150 gm

Spaghetti bolognaise

170 gm

Mexican chicken

105 gm

Chilli con carne

120 gm

Pork dahl

155 gm

Mexican chicken

= 805 gm

Grand Total

1. One serving ready to dehydrate.

2. Dinner for two people. Soak (30 mins) in boiling water in dinner dish.

= 2645 gm = 440 gm per day

Plus, spare Brekkie/lunch/dinner

235 gm

3. Reheating in billy.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

105 gm

= 2. 880 kg food for a week.

4. Condiments added, ready to eat.

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 25

Join Join the the Yakity Yakity Yak Yak Kayak Kayak Club Club n now Come and join us on one of these adventures • • • • • • • • • • • •

Tutukaka Urupukapuka Abel Tasman Mangakino & the Waikato River Northland Explorer Whangaehu / Manganui-a te-ao Kaituna / Wairoa Rangitikei Gorge Section Lake Karapiro & Pokaiwhenua Stream Waihi Beach Coastline Whanganui River Kadavu Island - Fiji

Enrol at yakityyak.co.nz /join email: info@yakityyak.co.nz Yakity Yak overseas trip to Sardinia - Italy.

Photo supplied by Larraine Williams.

w, and let the adventures begin.

WHY JOIN? • Meet New Friends • Lots of Great Trips • Discover the Great Outdoors • Safety Minded • Opportunities to Improve Your Skills • And much more...

Proudly supported by:

Wave Action

By James Fitness

It is so important to understand waves and how they affect us when kayaking.The size and shape of the swell can determine whether we have a cruisy day out paddling or a challenging, if not dangerous day out.

It is advisable to look at a swell forecast and factor this in to your trip planning for the day.

But before we look at forecasts, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see how a wave is formed.

Waves are the product of wind blowing across its surface way out in the ocean. As the sea is pushed in a certain direction, the sea lifts, exposing more of its surface to the wind. This in turn increases the wave height until you have some extremely large swells. These swells can travel thousands of miles if unheeded by obstacles. Eventually the wave will reach shallower water and the coastline, causing the wave height to increase.

Swells with longer wavelengths tend to have lower wave heights and are less susceptible to decay from surface winds. They also carry more energy and are more likely to form large breakers once they reach the shore.

WORLD LEADERS IN LIGHTWEIGHT PLASTIC KAYAKS

BEACHCOMBER / INTERFACE / ENIGMA / AR DUO

www.barracudakayaks.com PAGE 28

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

As the wave length decreases, the angle of the wave face increases to a point that the water at the top of the wave falls off (or is blown off).

This is common at sea, with large swells that are close together.

Wavelength Crest Distance or time

Height Amplitude Crest = Highest point of the wave Trough = Lowest point of the wave Wavelength = Distance from one crest/

trough to the next (m) Wave Height = Height from trough to

crest (m)

Trough Wave steepness = ratio of wave height to

wave length Amplitude = distance from the centre of

wave to the bottom of the trough (m Wave Period = time for one full wavelength to pass a given point (s)

As swells approach the shallow coastline, the bottom of the wave begins to touch bottom.

Water drags against the sea bottom, slowing its forward movement. While the wave slows, water piles up, building higher and higher waves as the bottom shallows.

Well thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice, but how do we interpret this into a forecast?

Source: www.coolgeography.co.uk

Paddle the Whanganui River this summer with us!

Contact : Peter Townend 0274 529 255 www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 29

We use the Surfers forecast, such as Swellmap.com, as it gives us an understanding of what is happening on the beach. This will tell us how easy it’ll be to launch or land.

But first, we have a few more terms to understand.

Wave (Sea) Height = Height of waves. This is the swell height plus

the chop height. The closer this figure is to the

swell height, the cleaner the waves.

Swell Height = The height of the swell before it has broken.

Set Wave Face Height = The predicted height of the wave as it breaks In diagram 1, the red line indicates the wave period, or the time between each wave. At 10 am on the 30th Nov it was 5 seconds.

The Wave (Sea) height (pale blue) was 1.2m and the swell was only 0.1m (dark blue).

The set face was 1.2m.

Source: www.swellmap.com

Diagram 1.

As there is little swell, the waves have been picked up by a local wind.

This shows that the waves are steep and choppy.

As you can see, there is a strong 20 knot wind, gusting 25 knots from the North East.

The forecast in diagram 2 looks far more inviting, with a small wave and swell height and a wave period of 9 seconds. The sea will be calm and what waves there are will be smooth and gentle. The sea is not being chopped up by any wind, it’s just the ocean swell.

Photo by Estelle Leyshon

With this forecast, you can apply this to your trip plan and work out where the most suitable place to paddle may be, what areas you should avoid and whether you would go out at all!

With this forecast, you certainly wouldn’t be paddling the East Coast of the Coromandel as the sea state will be choppy, and landing on beaches will be tricky. But you may consider going surfing in the gnarly water or paddling on the Western side of the peninsula.

PAGE 30

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Source: www.swellmap.com

Diagram 2.

You can see that the weather will be partly cloudy and there is an Easterly swell. The row of red figures is a rating on how good the waves will be to surf. Perhaps not so important for us kayakers, unless you are surfing.

The subject of waves and sea state is huge and there is much reading to be had on the physics of wave action. This has been just a brief overview, with the hope it may explain the basics.

ÂŽ

Versatile, Easy-to-Use Mounting Systems & Accessories for Leisure & Adventure Sports on and off the Water

The Ultimate Kayak & Canoe Cart

The RAILBLAZA StarPort

is a unique and versatile mount used in a huge number of applications. The StarPort allows users to fit and swap out our full range of RAILBLAZA accessories.

Made from high grade engineering plastics, the StarPort is easy to fit and stylish. It can be surface or recess mounted on power boats, inflatables, sail boats, kayaks, ATVs, garages and many other applications...

Made in New Zealand

www.railblaza.com Canoe and Kayak RB-CTUG A5.indd 1 ww w.kayaknz.co.nz

C-Tug Cart

The New Zealand made C-TUG is the best, most versatile and durable kayak cart on the market. It carries up to 120kg (260lbs), dismantles in under 20 seconds to fit into a hatch & wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t corrode.

Available from all Canoe and Kayak stores

www.c-tug.com

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

1/09/17 12:12 PM

PAGE 31

Merry Christmas Name: Peter Townend

Name: James Fitness

Store: Head Office

Store: Head Office

Time with C&K: Founder

Time with C&K: 15 years

Time Kayaking: 40+ years

Time Kayaking: 20+ years

Favourite trip: The Whanganui River with friends and family.

Favourite trip: Paddling around Motuketekete Island near Kawau, snorkelling on the wreck.

Name: Dave Atkins

Name: Lee Griffiths

Store: Bay of Plenty

Store: Bay of Plenty

Time with C&K: 7 Years

Time with C&K: 3 years

Time Kayaking: 28 years

Time Kayaking: 30+ years

Favourite trip: After work playing in the surf or paddling on the Kaituna.

Favourite trip: Lake Okataina. So peaceful & tranquil!

Name: Joel Verry

Name: Trinity Sarten

Store: Bay of Plenty

Store: Bay of Plenty

Time with C&K: 18 months

Time with C&K: 1 year

Time Kayaking: 18 months

Time Kayaking: 3 years on and off

Favourite trip: Fishing between Matua and Matakana Island. In fact anywhere along that coast.

Favourite trip: I love surfing!

Name: Andy Blake

Name: Connor Jones

Store: Wellington

Store: Wellington

Time with C&K: 15 years

Time with C&K: 1 year

Time Kayaking: 30 years

Time Kayaking: 10 years

Favourite trip: Circumnavigating Stewart Island.

Favourite trip: Definately the Wairoa.

Name: Russell & Larraine Williams

Name: Greg Homburg

Store: Auckland

Store: Auckland

Time with C&K: 13 years

Time with C&K: 1 years

Time Kayaking: 14 years

Time Kayaking: 5 years

Favourite trip: Camping out at Urupukapuka and exploring the Bay of Islands at leisure.

Favourite trip: Paddling around Rangitoto Island is top of my list.

Name: Fox

Name: Ben Hiles-Smith

Store: Auckland

Store: Auckland

Time with C&K: 18 months

Time with C&K: 1 month

Time Kayaking: 2 years

Time Kayaking: 2 years

Favourite trip: The Whanganui River.

Favourite trip: Definately the Whanganui River. Loads of fun, especially with a group.

Name: Deborah Hanford Store: Auckland Time with C&K: 1 month Time Kayaking: 1 month Favourite trip: Paddling on Lake Pupuke.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 32

From All of Us at Name: Madie McGregor Store: Botany Time with C&K: 2 1/2 years Time Kayaking: 7 years

Name: Nick Martin Store: Botany Time with C&K: 8 months Time Kayaking: 5 years

Favourite trip: The Mid section of the Rangitikei River near Murupara, and canoe polo of course!

Favourite trip: Camping at Lake Aniwhenua with a few runs of the river over a long weekend.

Name: Cohen Stewart

Name: Amanda Barrett

Store: Botany

Store: Waikato

Time with C&K: 9 months

Time with C&K: 13 years

Time Kayaking: 1 year

Time Kayaking: 13 years

Favourite trip: Whitewater kayaking on the Wairoa river.

Favourite trip: The Okura bioluminescence trip. A real treat.

Name: Matt Williams

Name: Peter van Lith

Store: Waikato

Store: Taranaki

Time with C&K: 15 months

Time with C&K: 17 years

Time Kayaking: 8 years

Time Kayaking: 30 years

Favourite trip: Canoe Polo and either a day run or overnight camping on the Kaituna.

Favourite trip: Cruising up at the Cavalli Islands or overnighting on the Motu River.

Name: John Wilson

Name: Elveera Upton

Store: North Shore

Store: Taranaki

Time with C&K: 4 years

Time with C&K: 6 years

Time Kayaking: 50+ years

Time Kayaking: 23 years

Favourite trip: Raiatea Island off Tahiti and Kadavu off Fiji.

Favourite trip: Abel Tasman and the Waitara River, especially with the kids.

Name: Allan Mears

Name: Callum McMahon

Store: North Shore

Store: North Shore

Time with C&K: 8 years

Time with C&K: 1 years

Time Kayaking: 14 years

Time Kayaking: 13 years

Favourite trip: Motuora Island and fishing around Slipper Island off Pauanui.

Favourite trip: The Mohaka is awesome!

Name: Jay Sayer

Name: Sarah Hince

Store: Taupo

Store: Taupo

Time with C&K: 2 months

Time with C&K: 2 years

Time Kayaking: 2 months kayaking but 20+ years boating.

Time Kayaking: 10 years

Favourite trip: Enjoying the Auckland area.

Favourite trip: The Whanganui River is my all time favourite.

Name: Mike Pennefather

Name: Thomas Patrick

Store: Taupo

Store: Taupo

Time with C&K: 3 years on and off

Time with C&K: 4 years

Time Kayaking: His whole life!

Time Kayaking: 10 years

Favourite trip: Deepdale Gorge of the Mkomazi River in South Africa.

Favourite trip: Exploring the outer regions of the Abel Tasman.

In New Zealand- almost every little stream and river are mind-blowingly clear and beautiful. www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 33

Surf Tips

Being graceful and safe is good, skewered and squashed is not…

Note that the gear is secured, helmet on, rudder up and the bilge pump is strapped on with the handle facing forwards.

Landings & Departures The more paddling I done, the more I look forward to a good surf. When I’m expecting a calm sea kayak trip and I come across some surf the immediate reaction is “yeeha!”, then a more cautious look to see if it’s friendly. A major part of the day is then spent cruising the waves and getting wet!

It is difficult to enjoy surf without having a bomb-proof roll. It’s no fun having to swim your water-filled kayak back to the beach while having tons of water dumped on your head! Decide if surf is something you wish to survive or enjoy.

The rest of this article is about surviving it with a reasonable amount of grace. If you would like to enjoy it then get yourself to a rolling class to learn the moves, or hire/borrow a sit-on-top and practise surfing in moderate waves.

Remember the first rule of kayaking, ‘if you wouldn’t swim it you shouldn’t paddle it.’

SURF COURSES

Equipment Personal: look at what you are carrying on your person if you are anticipating a surf landing or departure. If you stuff up the most likely outcome is that your kayak will not end up anywhere near you.

Consequently, having all your survival equipment in your kayak may be of little use. Pack small water proof bags of goodies into your pockets.

Ensure that they contain shelter, fire lighting material, and food/water.

Personally check your own equipment to ensure it is secure. Ensure that your buoyancy aid fits well and will not come off over your head.

LEARN: Basic Safety Surf etiquette Shallow water broaching practice Catching a wave Controlled broach Controlling a surf landing or departure FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

Kayak: ensure all equipment is secure and will not come off the kayak PAGE 34

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018 COURSES Sep 2016 QTR PORT.indd 1

28-Nov-18 1:00:51 PM

during a major beating. Tape over any sharp objects on your kayak i.e. your rudder assembly and the cockpit rims of fibre kayaks with insulation tape and ensure the inside of the cockpit has no sharp bits.

the beach it has a habit of wrecking itself.

You can see John & Rowan are having to work hard to stay behind the wave.

Safety: paddle floats are an essential safety tool, but their use in the surf zone is not easy or even sensible as they require a long time to set-up while you are in the water. Also, there is a distinct possibility of the leash becoming entangled around you as a wave takes you, your kayak, paddle and paddle float on the worst trip of your life. The paddle float can only be used outside the surf zone.

Bilge pumps, sponges and bailers are essential, but watch out for leads attaching them to your kayak as you may become entangled. When mounting the bilge pump on the foredeck, ensure the handle is pointing forward. This will stop the handle from shooting into your stomach when punching through waves.

If going out for a practice or some fun take a helmet with you, but most people find packing them in their kayak for extended trips an over kill – your call. Some people wear them all the time.

The Sea This is the heavy-weight sumo in the equation. If you treat it with disrespect it will teach you some hard lessons. The only way to win on a regular basis is to get to know it. Learning to recognise the conditions and making honest appraisals of your own skill is vital. Here are some ideas to help you get to know the surf and make safe landings. There are three types of landings you can choose from: back, middle and front.

Catching the wave is far more fun and looks cool!

Back Landings This type of landing requires you time your run for the beach to coincide with a small set of waves, and to paddle along behind the breaking wave.

This takes a lot of speed and timing to be successful.

Middle Landings Catch the wave and surf it like a surf board, turning and changing your direction to avoid the white water, where you will lose control.

Front Landings Catch the wave and sprint paddle out in front of it so the wave breaks behind you.

Rudder up or down? Your choice. In unknown waters I personally leave my rudder down as it allows you to more quickly correct your position prior to catching a wave. Once on the wave it has little effect. When landing on

Are you passionate about paddling?

Join the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers for: » Serious fun »

Networking with other paddlers

»

Expedition and adventure stories

»

Peer and professional tuition

»

Technical information

»

National sea kayaking festivals

»

Six 24-page magazines per year www.KASK.org.nz

ww w2018.indd . k a y a k1 n z . c o . n z Dec

I s s u e 9 1 C h r i s t m a s 2 0 1 807-Dec-18P 5:47:07 A G E PM 35

CHRISTMAS

GIFT IDEAS WAITAI

MISSION

Canoe & Kayak have teamed up with leading NZ kayak manufacturer Mission, to bring you their most popular models at an affordable price!

Designed for expeditions where distances are to be covered in varying sea conditions. The Waitai has a low deck profile enabling it to perform extremely well in windy conditions, while its longer hull gives it greater speed and allows it to respond in a following sea to surf the waves.

The Waitai displays several new safety features that ensure maximum safety on the sea, including new adjustable thigh braces, a paddle holder, rescue system and an easily accessible day hatch behind the cockpit.

Specifications: Length: 5.15 metres Width: 60 cm Weight: 27Kg

VIKING

PROFISH GT

Compact, easily managed and incredibly maneuverable, this is our new “4WD” fishing kayak. The Profish GT is brilliantly stable and will appeal to salt and fresh water anglers looking for a dry ride. The turned down chines and plenty of rocker enhances surfing performance for those paddling off ocean beaches. The design of the hull and flattened foot well area offer perfect platform for stand up surface casting.

Above the waterline the Profish GT has a similar cockpit design to the Profish Reload with its comfortable seating and practical cockpit layout and most exciting, is the ability to “Load and Go” with the removable Tackle Pod, Chill Pod, Flat Deck Tackle Pod and Kid Pod options.

In its element in narrow waterways and capable of punching through the surf to fish behind the breakers the Profish GT is also one of the best mothership fishing kayaks on the market: compact and lightweight, stable to step down onto from a high deck, and the removable Tackle Pod & Chill Pod make for safe and easy transferring of gear between vessels. A unique kayak for the increasingly popular big-boat expeditions.

RRP: $1899 Specifications:

SUMMER SPECIAL WAS $3180 NOW $2999

BIXPY MOTOR

VIKING

Compact, Light and Powerful – A Bixpy Jet can boost your kayak to speeds of up to 11 km/h (tested on Profish Reload) with 10 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds. You control your Bixpy Jet with a wireless wrist remote that is included with every Outboard Battery Pack.

You can also paddle easily with the motor turned off, as it creates almost no drag due to it’s incredibly compact size and unique micro propellor.

RRP: $1899

Battery & Motor weight – 4.5 kg Battery dimensions – 28x22x8cm Motor size – 27x9x8cm

SHERPAK

Easy quick mounting and dismounting boat roller. No need for a heavy permanently mounted system that effects handling and fuel consumption.

BOAT ROLLER

See: www.roofrackcentre.co.nz/sherpak

RRP: $99.95

RRP: $1899

Length: 5.15 metres Width: 60cm Weight: 27Kg

TAUPO TOURS ‘Natures Ultimate Playground’ WAIKATO RIVER FLOAT TRIP TAUPO MAORI CARVINGS

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994 P COURSES A G E 3Sep 6 2018 QTRI sLND.indd s u e 911 C h r i s t m a s 2 0 1 8

FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/TAUPO-TOURS OR PHONE: 07 378 1003 www.kayaknz.co.nz 12-Sep-18 7:16:34 AM

PACIFIC ACTION

SAILS

Pacific Action sails were developed in New Zealand and Australia by kayak enthusiasts to enhance the paddling experience. Over two decades of development, these sails have established a formidable reputation with expeditions and adventure racing worldwide, AND are great for touring and a breeze to use. A favourite with kayak fishers.

What is it about Pacific Action sails and extreme expeditions? In short – the performance, durability and ease of use – raised or lowered in seconds, they are the perfect complement to the paddle.

Sizes: 1.0 sqm for sit-in kayaks - $370 1.5 sqm for large fishing kayaks - $420 2.2 sqm for tandem kayaks and canoes - $420

DAY TWO ADVENTURE RACER This is a great vest for racing (perfect for Coast to Coast and complies with their requirements), with lots of pockets including a huge rear pocket for your drinks bladder. The vest is perfectly formed for racing, lightweight and comfortable due to the very soft foam used.

RRP: $220

A great little performer at the beach, ideal for small adults and kids as it’s so easy to use, stable and manoeuvrable. With the added bonus of a comfortable seating area and integrated footrests. With self-draining seats and foot wells, this will quickly become the kids favourite beach toy this summer.

Or grab one for yourself to get out and explore.

There is also a foam block on the front of the vest that allows you to set up your drinks tube from the rear pocket.

Specifications:

RAILBLAZA CAMERA MOUNT R-LOCK Use the RAILBLAZA Camera Mount Kit to prove to your mates that you really did land that record fish, just get them to take a look at the clip from when you hauled it on board. This compact and lightweight camera holder will hold your devices securely as you record your aquatic adventures.

Length: 2.7m Width: 76 cm Weight: 17 kg

RRP: $149.00

www.kayaknz.co.nz

The Sharkskin Performance Duffle 40L Bag is designed to meet the technical needs of the active watersports enthusiast. Just as Sharkskin protects you from the elements, your Sharkskin roll top Performance Bag will protect your equipment by keeping the elements at bay. HD Welded PVC Construction, with a Roll Top Sealing System.

SUMMER SPECIAL WAS $495 NOW $399

Capacity: 90 kg

HIKO FLEXI TWIST LEASH Flexi twist cord leash for paddles, rods and anything else you want to secure to your kayak or watercraft. Wraps up inside the attached bag for a compact fit.

RRP: $49.95

SHARKSKIN PERFORMANCE DUFFLE BAG

TAMARIKI

MISSION

RRP: $29.00

THULE

LOCKING STRAPS Secure your load with these lockable tiedowns with a one key system.

The strap contains a highly durable steel core which protects against cutting and protective covers to avoid scratches and marks on a kayak, SUP, wind surfer, surfboard or car.

You can tighten the strap both in open and locked position.

RRP: $139

See: www.roofrackcentre.co.nz/lockingstraps

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 37

ESPRI

VIKING

The Espri delivers class leading performance in the waves, on the ocean and lakes, fishing or just cruising. The Espri glides through the water so much easier than other brands this size, making it a joy to use.

Like all of the Viking family kayaks, the Espri comes standard with Safety Lines fitted around the sides. This important safety feature makes it much easier to reboard the Kayak.

It’s the ultimate all-rounder offering manoeuverability, speed, and stability in a package the whole family can paddle. The seating position puts your heels lower than your seat, this makes it very comfortable.

Large rear well provides adequate space for a child, the family dog or a dry bag with extra gear.

Specifications:

RRP: $999

Length: 3.6 m Width:

HIKO

800 mm

Weight: 22 kg

ROLLY DECK BAG

Capacity: 160 kg

SHARKSKIN

RAPID-DRY

This extremely fast drying top has some secrets! The garments pre-woven yarn is infused with a water repellent treatment (WRT). This not only ensures maximum water repellency and super fast drying, but also means the WRT treatment lasts a very, very long time.

RRP: $99.00

Perfect on the water, in the boat in between dives, or just as your favourite watersports brand longsleeve T shirt.

Water-proof deck bag for items that you need easy access to. Fastens to deck with elastics with plastic carabiners.

Roll top design makes it versatile to fit many different items and has elastic webbing on top for extra storage.

The design of the bag protects it from water when it is open on the deck and backpack straps on the reverse make it super easy to take from water to land.

RRP: $114.90

Colours available: Black & Red

ROOF RACK CENTRE TIE DOWNS

Quality tie downs that are quick and easy to use.

The heavy duty buckle protector prevents denting and scratching your vehicle. There’s plenty of length for even the most awkward load too.

RRP: $43.95

PREDATOR FR7-W HELMET

Predator’s new FR7-WATER Helmet, redesigned to give the shell and outfitting a major makeover. A lightweight all round performance helmet for recreational kayaking, competition, wakeboarding and all other watersports.

With watersports specific lining and stainless steel rivets and screws the FR7-W is made to last. CE EN 1385 certified.

RRP: $229

With improved graphics, new ear pads, and a highly improved rear dial adjuster to make size adjustment super easy.

•

Come as a pair

WERNER SHUNA PREMIUM

The Shuna is powerful yet light weight and durable and great for active or relaxed paddling. The mid-sized blades fit a wide range of kayakers and are versatile and easy to use during advanced manoeuvers or all around touring.

Mid-size blades fit a wide range of paddlers and are versatile for advanced manoeuvers and all around touring.

RRP: $575

Slight dihedral enhances blade manoeuverability for smooth linking strokes.

Colours available: Black & White PAGE 38

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

YAKIMA

The first load-assist mount to handle both SUPs and kayaks, makes loading and unloading heavy boats and boards a breeze.

The lightweight mount tilts down more than two feet from the roof rack, takes on up to 45% of the boat’s weight, then helps gently raise it up to the top of the vehicle. Once loaded it securely cradles your boat or boards for the ride. At only 9.5 kg it’s super lightweight but built burly enough to wrangle a 36 kg load.

RRP: $769

RHINO-RACK WALL HANGER

RRP: $150

Keep your home and work space clear of clutter with the Large Rhino-Rack Wall Hanger. The Wall Hanger allows you to mount and store your luggage box, tray, kayak or anything up to 80kg securely to the wall saving floor space.

The Wall Hanger can be mounted to suit most wall types including brick, plasterboard and wood. A tie down strap is also included to secure your load. The Wall Hanger features steel tubes that are electroplated and powder coated to resist corrosion when used outdoors.

RAILBLAZA C-TUG TROLLEY

Built to last, the C-TUG is made of non-corroding engineering polymers, with stainless steel reinforced axles, this trolley is designed for all terrains to get you paddling in places you never dreamed of.

RRP: $179.95

VIKING

DRIFT CHUTE

S t e p h e n Ta p p d e s i g n e d t h e f i r s t commercially available drogues (drift chutes) in NZ enhanced particularly for kayak performance, based on a lot of onwater experimentation. The Viking Kayaks chutes are based on Stephen’s original RRP: $119 design work.

SHARKSKIN PERFORMANCE PRO SHORTS

RRP: $115 www.kayaknz.co.nz

High performance shortpants that are perfect for intense watersports. These shortpants use a lightweight stretch neoprene in the seat, have a low-cut waist design, and feature high density compression fabric for endurance and muscle recovery. Great for running and on the bike for multi-sport events, including kayaking.

SHOWDOWN

See: www.roofrackcentre.co.nz/showdown

NEW ZEALAND KAYAK MAGAZINE

Each issue contains heaps of great advice on kayaking techniques, paddling destinations, recent kayaking adventures by readers, health, first aid and the latest, greatest kayaks and gear.

Annual subscription Domestic: $25.00

If you are a recreational paddler, multisporter, whitewater paddler or sea kayaker, you will find plenty of exciting reading in the New Zealand Kayak Magazine.

Price includes postage.

Overseas: $40.00

BLAZE PFD

YAK

If you’re simply looking to get out paddling and have a great time on the water, the Blaze has it all in one neat package.

Front zipped for ease of entry and with adjustable shoulders plus a high cut design for all round movement, it’s a cleanly efficient, elegant solution.

RRP: $89.95

HIKO FLOAT PHONE DRY BAG

Watertight double shell for a cell phone, it has a transparent window and an inflatable section to keep the shell from sinking. It can be attached to a belt.

Small

Large

Width: 9cm Height: 22cm

12cm 28cm

RRP:

$29.90

$26.90

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 39

BOOK REVIEW Title: The Lost Art of Finding Our Way Author: John Edward Huth Published: 15 May 2013 Publisher: Harvard University Press USA Imprint: The Belknap Press Contents: 520 pp, 171 halftones, 54 line illustrations Cover: both hardback and paperback Size: 152.4 x 236.22 x 40.64mm | 997.9g Price: US$36 Book Depository UK, HB$46.42 p/b $33.14 ISBN: 9780674072820 Review: Peter Jones This is a highly unusual and ambitious book. Though written by an academic - as well as being an avid sea kayaker, John Huth is Donner Professor of Science at Harvard – “The Lost Art of Finding Our Way” is intended for the general public, specifically with sea kayakers and small boat enthusiasts in mind. It attempts, under the general theme of ‘navigation’, to pull together such diverse fields as physics, earth and planetary science, cognitive psychology, the neurosciences, anthropology and history. But don’t be intimidated, somehow Prof. Huth has done it and done it well.

It’s a big book of over 500 pages, and at a list price of US$36 for the hardcover, does not come cheap. If you’re a beginning kayaker, there are a number of classic books on sea kayak navigation out there, notably Franco Ferrero’s Sea Kayak Navigation and David Burch’s Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation. Both are excellent resources and both cover the basics and more of the topic. However, for seasoned sea kayakers who know something about navigation and for those with a scientific or historical as well as a practical interest in the subject, you might just find this to be a gem of a book.

Arab traders and those of the Pacific Islands be at all relevant to the sea kayaker in today’s electronic age? Even without the use of handheld GPS, shouldn’t navigation by chart and compass be sufficient? Well, yes and no. Huth’s thesis is that we may have lost our ability to ‘read’ the signs that are out there – the stars, sun and moon as well as wind, waves and currents and that by relearning some of the navigational techniques used by the ancients, we just might become better mariners, more attuned to the environment, more enriched by our deeper understanding of things we have lost the ability to ‘see’.

Far-ranging in both scope and depth, the author discusses obscure yet fascinating topics such as the construction of ‘mental maps’ we use to find our way in the outdoors traditionally and in current practice. How can the navigational methods of traditional societies like the Norse, medieval

That said, the book does not fall short in its discussion of topics, which might be more familiar, such as tide and wind – both of which are always in mind when on the sea in a small boat. His clear and measured explanation of the effect of sun and moon on tide, for example, is the best I have seen - you get the story, so to speak, straight from the scientist’s

PAGE 40

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

mouth. Only a physicist would have you understand tide by envisaging the moon and the seas on earth being stationary and the continents rotating on earth’s axis! As well as chapters you might expect on topics such as currents, dead reckoning, maps and compass and latitude and longitude, there are also more esoteric subjects such as one on the behavioral psychology of ‘getting lost’ and even one - my favorite - entitled ‘Urban Myths of Navigation’.

Throughout the book Huth often begins a complicated topic with a simple or obvious premise and then builds systematically to more complex conclusions or arguments. For example, in a discussion on the development of the notion of ‘time and navigation’ he writes, “the hour was, and is, one of the most widely used units of time. It has its origins in the ancient Egyptian use of rising stars to reckon the time of night. The passage of one night was associated with the passage of twelve stars which would rise in turn just before the sun at different times of the year. This gave rise to the night being divided into twelve hours”. And this is just the opening paragraph in the discussion! Obscure, yes, but profound. Huth’s narratives might just encourage us to look up at the stars more often when out on a nighttime paddle.

As you may expect, the The Lost Art has a long list of primary and secondary references as well as a comprehensive glossary of current and traditional navigational terminology. It can be read either as a treatise on how traditional voyagers found their way across long distances or, alternatively, as a guide to developing your observational skills and developing a lifetime practice of looking for ‘seat of the pants’ clues to kayak navigation from the skies and from the water.

The book begins with an image of a traveler getting travel and weather information exclusively from his smartphone. From Huth’s perspective, there is still much value to be had from reading the signs on the water to find our way.

Reviewer, Peter Jones, is owner of Driftwood Kayak, www.driftwoodkayak. com. He guides overnight trips to islands off the coast of Deer Isle, Maine.

Reprinted with permission from the November/December 2017 Atlantic Coastal Kayaker.

No

BIXPY

w av New ailable i n Zeal and!

Viki ! ngk @ a yak

s.co

.nz

Explore further for less effort with the Bixpy Jet, the world’s most advanced water propulsion system.

Contact your local Viking Kayak Dealer today www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 41

PAGE 42

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

www.rhinorack.co.nz Ph: 0800 866322 Recreational and commercial roof rack systems to fit all vehicles and a huge range of accessories including:

Kayak Carriers Boat Loaders Fishing Rod Holders Luggage Boxes Awnings

Contact sales@rhinorack.co.nz for more information or visit your local Roof Rack Centre.

The World’s Most USEFUL Roof Rack Systems

Backbone The Rhino-Rack Backbone is a mounting system for your VOLKSWAGEN Amarok or TOYOTA Hilux. Connecting to your vehicle's roof via 2 bases on each side, it allows for a Rhino-Rack Pioneer System to be fitted on top.

The Pioneer Tray with Rhino-Rack Backbone System is perfect for transporting extra gear on your vehicle. Sporting a stylish aerodynamic design and sleek black finish, it’s not only a functional addition to your vehicle, but a fashionable one too.

Pioneer Tray The Pioneer Tray is built with tough-as-nails reinforced nylon and aluminium. We’ve tested this product through the harshest international conditions and it has passed without damage, colour fading or rust. The fully-welded rail makes loading and unloading your gear easier with hand grip and tie-down points. You can relax knowing that your equipment is safe on the road.

Campers and adventurers will love the Pioneer Tray’s compatibility with the Rhino-Rack Jerry Can holder, Luggage Bag, Spare Wheel Holder or Foxwing Awning.

Workmen can add the shovel and high lifting bracket, conduit clamps, Rhino-Rack ladder, or Pioneer Combination Bracket to name just a few accessories. www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 43

Make loading kayaks easy Easy quick mounting and dismounting boat roller.

No need for a heavy permanently mounted system that effects handling and fuel consumption.

2 mounting positions to fit most vehicle.

Just apply to clean glass or paintwork when needed.

Then use roller to roll kayak onto your vehicle.

BOOK NOW FOR AN AWESOME WEEKEND OF PADDLING AND FUN FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES

Phone your closest kayak retailer or for further information email Great Stuff Ltd Distributed by Great Stuff. email greatstuffltd@orcon.net.nz

WHITE WATER COURSES

SeattleAD-Jan14

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

Great Advice / Great Brands / Great Service COURSES Sep 2016 QTR WW PORT.indd 1

6/09/2016 2:44:13 PM

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz PAGE 44

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Paddler: Sam Ricketts, Photographer: Callum Parker Photo Andrew Cornaga

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 45

Rio Futaleufu Patagonia, Chile

Sam in Perfect Storm- Photo Alex Nicks

By Sam Ricketts

PAGE 46

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Callaghan Creek- Photo by Kieran Brown www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 47

The Sea to Sky Corridor British Columbia, Canada

By Sam Ricketts

Sam scouting Zeta, Photo- Alex Nicks Triple Drop, Ashlu Box Canyon Photo P A G Eby 4Maxi 8 Kneiwasser Issue 91 Christmas 2018

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Patagonia is world renowned as an adventure capital. It is vast. Its landscape is painted with coastal rainforests, jagged peaks and immense glaciers. Located in the southern reaches of the Andes (the second highest mountain range in the world), it is home to big and blue glacial fed rivers, active volcanoes and rich cultural history. Running wildly within this natural paradise is my all-time favourite river, The Rio Futaleufu. Starting its 105 km journey high in the Andes of Argentina, it makes its way across the Chilean border and begins its fall to the Yelcho Lake, which drains into the South Pacific Ocean.

Twenty hours drive south of Chile’s capital Santiago, The Futaleufu is big, double the size of New Zealand’s mighty Waikato River on a normal day. It is turquoise blue, and falls through world class white water, dropping down Grade Five gorges, and wide open boulder gardens. Futaleufu is a Mapuche (indigenous people of Patagonia) word meaning ‘Big Water.’

The people of Futaleufu also refer to their beautiful home as ‘Un paisaje pintado por dios’ or ‘a landscape painted by God’. Exotic birdlife, puma, wild boar, trout and llama can be found on its banks. It is a beautiful sight, as the river snakes its way through the ruggedly lush forests, you pass house sized smooth granite boulders, sheer canyon walls and clean and fun rapids. There are glassy surf waves where you can see 10 metres to the bottom, with drinkable water.

The town of Futaleufu is a very small and cultural town. They have a rodeo every year where the young local men and women can show off their skills to the town. Barbeques and feasts of lamb on the cross (cordero) are cooked over embers for five to six hours, producing some of the most amazing meat I have ever tasted. Local farmers on horseback

www.kayaknz.co.nz

make the trek to the town from their humble farms by the river. Local rafting companies attract tourists from far and wide to brave the rough waters of the Futaleufu, which has been named one of the top five white water rafting destinations in the world, next to the Zambezi.

I was 18 years old when I first visited this river, lucky to be greeted by the late local legend, Josh Lawry. He was 65 at the time, still paddling the Futaleufu everyday with so much finesse. He took me under his wing and was my mentor, while I worked as a safety kayaker for his rafting company.

Turns out he did the first descent of the river 20 years prior to my arrival, along with many other of Chile’s famous rivers including the Rio Baker. I was lucky to have met this man, and to have experienced his love for the river. It is here that I fell in love with the waters of the Futaleufu, it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I was astounded by the sheer beauty of the landscape, and the white water that was so big and so clean, at the same time extremely humbling, and great for progressing my skills.

It was this realisation that helped a lot throughout my kayaking career, a pure truth of what water volume was capable of. This natural force is so much more powerful than any of us, it never stops, and can never be taken for granted. To effortlessly float on top and through this natural force of continuous flow and energy is the most invigorating feeling of freedom and momentary consciousness. This has helped me in all aspects of my life, the release from the stresses of everyday life, in turn makes them seem like an easier task after these experiences.

The sections of the Futaleufu all provide everything you will ever look for in a white water destination. Big, blue and beautiful the river provides.

You can stay in the local hostel, or riverside at the company ‘Cara del Indio’ where they have many gazebos for the traveling kayaker to rent out, right next to the river. Be prepared for a life-changing adventure!

Issue 91 Christmas 2018

PAGE 49

Sam- The Terminator

We can fit a rack to almost anything!

SMALL CAR BIG LOADS WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW

BAY OF PLENTY 07 574 7415

TAUPO 07 378 1003

roofrackcentre.co.nz WELLINGTON 04 477 6911

TARANAKI 06 751 2340

MANUKAU 09 262 0209

WAIKATO 07 850 1002

NORTH SHORE 09 479 1002

AUCKLAND 09 815 2072

EXCLUSIVE to

Canoe & Kayak Auckland 502 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham, Auckland 1025 09 815 2073 auckland@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty 49 Totara St, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, 3116 07 574 7415 bop@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Waikato 545 Te Rapa Rd Hamilton, 3200 07 850 1002 waikato@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak North Shore Ascention Place (off Constellation) Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0632 09 479 1002 northshore@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Taranaki 468 St Aubyn St, Moturoa, New Plymouth, 4310 06 751 2340 taranaki@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Wellington Unit F 2 Centennial Highway Ngauranga, Wellington, 6035 04 477 6911 wellington@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Botany (Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Moved from Manukau) 169 Harris Road Botany, Auckland, 2013 09 265 2654 botany@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Taupo 54 Spa Rd Taupo, 3330 07 378 1003 taupo@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Christchurch (Agency) 03 377 6161 027 376 6161 chch@canoeandkayak.co.nz

canoeandkayak.co.nz