Issue 28

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Buyers Guide

Kayak Fishing

W H I T E W A T E R • R I V E R K A Y A K I N G • S E A K A Y A K I N G • M U L T I S P O R T

2 I S S U E T W E N T Y s i x • 2 0 0 4

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4 I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4

Issue 28

Front cover: David Ward on the WanganuiRiver on Auckland Canoe Club’s

50th Jubilee Paddle.Photo by Peter Townend

Trout Fishing from a kayak 6

Les Dollard gets a willing pupil hooked on thissport.

Sea Kayaking Safety Gear 9

Karen and Steve Knowles talk about the essentialequipment needed for peace of mind on thewater.

DVD review 11

Greg Dunning gives his opinion on John Dowd’s“Getting Started” DVD

A Weekend of White water 12

The Whakamarino release provided thrills andspills in the Hawke’s Bay .

Sea of Rippling Waters 16

Kayakers get out of their boats and go bush at LakeWaikaremoana

Spaghetti Bolognaise and Jellied Tongue 20

Neil Watson takes us on long journey down theWaikato River.

Jaws of Death 23

An 80 year old’s memory is still sharp about oneday when...

Product Focus 24

Circle what you want for Christmas ... leave in aconspicuous place...

What’s On 26

A Yakity Yak Logo competition, Waimakaririfamiliarisation trips and more

Aspects of Leadership:

Letting go of the Leash 28

Ray Hollingsworth of AUT asks a hard question.

The West Coast School of Surf 30

Adventure Philosophy’s Mark Jones gives a fewrules for survival in the surf.

Yakity Yak Photo Essay 32

The North Shore club parties hard.

Your club could feature in the next issue!

Mad Yakkers Tea Party 34

Mad hats and other antics get too much attention

Weather or Not 36

Despite the weather, Stewart Island provesattractive for some Taranaki paddlers.

Getting the drift of the paddling game 38

Lindsay Wright eventually gets the paddling bug.

The Rangitopuni 40

White water fun in Auckland with Sam and Rob.

A Guides day off 42

Marty Benson catches more than he bargained forand comes home with a feed or two.

Press Releases 44

NZ Kayak magazine’s Buyers Guide 45

Greenland paddle tip 50

I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4 5

EDITOR:Peter TownendPh: [09] 473 0036 Fax [09] 473 0794Email: [email protected]

SUBEDITOR:Ruth E. HendersonPh: 021 298 8120Email: [email protected]

DESIGN & PRODUCTION:Breakthrough CommunicationsPO Box 108050 Symonds St,AucklandPh: [09] 303 3536 • Fax [09] 303 0086Email: [email protected]: www.graphics.co.nz

PUBLISHER:Kayak NZ Magazine is published six timesper year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd.7/28 Anvil Road, Silverdale, Auckland

PRINTING: Brebner Print

DISTRIBUTION: IMD

SUBSCRIPTIONS:New Zealand – 1 year 6 Issues = $30Overseas – 1 year 6 Issues = $50

Payment to:Canoe and Kayak Ltd,7/28 Anvil Road, Silverdale, AucklandPh [09] 421 0662 • Fax [09] 421 0663

Overseas subscribers can make payment viacredit card number on subscription form.

CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributor’sarticles and photos.

• Deadline for issue 29: 10 December 2004

• Deadline for issue 30: 10 February 2005

• Text should be submitted on disk oremailed as a Word text file.

• Photos should be emailed or put on CD asa high resolution (300 dpi) jpg at full sizeaccompanied by captions. Prints shouldbe captioned on the reverse andnumbered and listed in text.

• All care will be taken to safeguard andreturn material.

• No responsibility is accepted forsubmitted material.

• Material published in the magazine mustnot be reproduced without permission.

Copyright: The opinions expressed bycontributors and the information stated inadvertisements/articles are not necessarilyagreed by the editors or publisher of NewZealand Kayak Magazine.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO:Ruth E. [email protected] Zealand Kayak Magazine

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The Whanganui River has become my holidaydestination. Two 5-day trips in November gave megreat treats. One was with the Auckland Canoe Clubs50th anniversary paddle. The other was with fifteenTaupo Nui College students and their keen teachers. Icould turn off the mobile phone, switch off businessthoughts for a week, and allow my whole system tounwind amidst beautiful native bush. It was great.My favourite launch is at Ohinepane, 22 kms drive fromTaumarunui taking 6 days to reach Pipiriki. It meansonly 10km travel on some days, with time to eat, readbooks and tramp to the Bridge to Nowhere.The Whanganui River is Grade 2. It challenges SeaKayakers (and everyone) to understand river currentsand obstacles which are strange to them. I recommendthat you go with a knowledgeable friend or acommercial guide. Guides make the trip safer andmuch more fun.This summer I hope to take my oldest able child on theriver for a trip we will always remember. Bryn is six,going on seven, and thanks to the Hilton Brown SwimSchool in Albany, is fast becoming a great swimmer.(Swimming well is an essential condition before ourkids paddle the river.)In October 70 clubbies came from all over NZ for theAnnual Yakity Yak Club Party. The band was great anddancing by Gordon and Lara a fine demonstration! Wewill however need to find a larger venue for the nextparty so dancers can swirl to the band while the morechatty clubbies can socialize.The generous crew raised $676.50 for the WilsonSchool in Takapuna. Raffles, silent auctions and not sosilent auctions with great items donated by AndrewTwiman from Fosters, Chris and Paula Hunter from QBEInsurance and Julie Reynolds from EFEM Foods, and agift hamper from Treffery Barnett.Wilson School looks after great kids who have personalchallenges considerably greater than most. The staff ofteachers and volunteers are the most motivated, kindand passionate people youíll meet anywhere. Theyhelp and support families of the special kids who

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attend the school more than they probably realize. It wasgood to help with some cash for the next school project.Last on my list for this Editorial is the recipe for Family Funfor this summer.

Ingredients

1. The whole family from the young ones to Granny andGrandpa

2. Kayak, Canoes and Sit-On-Tops (enough for the familyor one double will do)

3. Well fitting buoyancy aids and paddles

4. Small BBQ, paper plates etc

5. Sausages times two each, bread times one loaf or moreif required, Watties Tomato Sauce, Salad,marshmallows, drinks

6. Local destinations, preferably an estuary or lake etc witha maximum 500mtr crossing to a sandy safe swimmingbeach with no road access.

7. Extra clothing and sun protection

Mixing instructions

Meet at the beach and using your kayaks paddle to thebeach on the other side. If you have more people thankayaks use the double to ferry the extras.

Set up the BBQ and sit down and enjoy the day away fromthe busy bustle of the beach you have just left.

Cooking Time

The best times for these trips are late afternoon with thereturn paddle being on dusk.

Please remember that the distance paddled should onlybe short, so that the little ones and some of the oldies don’tover do it.

A very Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for all thesupport over the year

Peter Townend

Editor


Trout fishing from a kayakK A Y A K F I S H I N G

by Les Dollard

When Laura McMaster, my brother Steve’s partner came out

from Scotland for a holiday, she didn’t expect to get hooked

on kayak fishing...nor to still be in New Zealand ten months

later.

Steve had really missed trout fishing in the Taupo area while living in the UKfor the last 3 years: it was high on his list of must-do things while back onholiday. Laura had heard a lot of his fishing stories too, and was keen to giveit a try.

She had kayaked before, and was quite at home in my old Puffin. With a bitof coaching on a lovely summer evening on Lake Rotoaira, a private lake 20km SW of Turangi, she didn’t take long to catch her first NZ rainbow trout.She struggled a bit with the tackle, needed help with tangles on the reel, andto unhook the fish. But she really enjoyed being out on the lake with us.

A few months and several fishing trips later, she’s pretty good at it. She doesn’tcall us over for help with tangles any more, can read the lake bottom withthe fish finder sonar, and deal with most anything.

One technique we have taught her is ‘harling’. This means trolling with light

tackle, on a long leader of 10 lb nylon, 10 to 15 metres with 20 or 30 metres oflead line that sinks the lure below the surface. Paddling in deeper water,you point the rod back along the kayak, close to the water, and the line feedsout easily. Set the reel and slowly cruise over fishy looking areas, along theedge of weed beds for instance. We use battery powered fish finders to avoidpaddling into shallows and hooking the bottom. These are great gadgets forexploring underwater contours, but you don’t need them when you are juststarting out.

You can buy a rod/reel/line all set up and ready to go from about $130. Buy itfrom a local fishing tackle shop, in the area you want to fish and get adviceon when, where and how to use it. Hot tip - our favourite lure for any bush-fringed lake is an ‘Olive Wooly Bugger’ fly (don’t laugh, that is what they arecalled). Ask for one with a bit of sparkle in the tail. Don’t forget you have tobuy a licence for trout fishing too, not like the sea.

On the day illustrated Laura had already caught a few, but as soon as thisone bit, we could tell it was a better one. It took off like a rocket, and we allheard the big splash when it leapt clear of the water. Many times she easedit close to the kayak, only to have it rush off again. That’s typical for a goodrainbow trout. You have to let it run, or the line will break, or the hook will



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pull out, as trout have soft mouths. The reels weuse have no clutch, so you have to let the handlego. Another sure sign of a good trout is that itjumps clear of the water when hooked, sometimesagain and again. The hard fighters are the ones to

eat. They are in their prime, with orange or redflesh like a salmon. Skinny, weak fish have paleflesh and no taste. Put them back to keep feedingand building up condition - a few months andthey can be a “new” fish again.

Had a fabulous trip? Captured it on camera? Do you fancy seeing your story in print?

Check out www.canoeandkayak.co.nz for our “Contributors’ Guidelines”.


Once Laura could see it was tiring, rolling on its side at the surface, she gotready with the net, led it towards the net, and scooped it up head first (trouthaven’t got a reverse, they can only swim forwards).

It was a “beauty”, a jack or male rainbow trout (you can tell the sex by thebigger head and longer jaws on males). It was just starting to get its red winterbreeding colours.

She decided to release it unharmed, (we already had some to take home)supporting the fish gently with damp hands to avoid damaging the protectivemucus layer, while it ‘caught its breath’. Remember to wash your spray skirt,jacket and landing net when you get home. Fish always leave behind a bit ofthat mucus layer. It gets smelly after a few days.

Laura still hasn’t got the knack of the ‘sharp whack on the head above theeyes’ to kill a fish. We have a 250mm steel rod under the deck bungies forthat. She also prefers us to clean and gut the fish too, “That’s pretty gross,”she says. We guys like to check the stomach contents at the same time, tosee what the trout have been eating - bullies, crayfish, damselfly nymphs,and water snails are typical on Lake Rotoaira. Laura is happy to handle thetrout again once it has been turned into fish fillets. They taste more likesalmon than brown trout back home in Scotland.

Now she’s catching as many as any of us, sometimes more. She has becomea kayak fisherwoman, or “fisherchick” as Steve puts it. And the NZ holiday?- it may become a permanent move. They haven’t fished much over thewinter, but soon it will be time to visit Lake Taupo. In November big Taupotrout start chasing the smelt into the shallows. Smelt are a type of land-lockedwhitebait, spread throughout the lake for most of the year, but they gatherto breed in shallows off sandy beaches in the early summer. Especially atfirst light we will watch the sunrise from our kayaks and enjoy hot fishingaction. ‘Smelting’ will be at its peak around the Christmas holidays - so ifyou are in the Taupo or Rotorua areas with your kayak, why not give it a go,you might like it.


Every weekend hundreds of enthusiastic sea kayakers

cruise inner harbours or take on the elements exploring

coastlines and offshore islands. Most trips end in great

memories and plans to do it all again. Unfortunately a few

don’t. A good trip plan can avoid most bad experiences but

having the right gear for those ‘just in case moments’ is

essential. No matter what your trip plan expectations are,

make sure you carry the right safety gear.

Kayak - make sure the kayak you are paddling suits your intended purposeand your weight including the gear you plan to take. Setting off tocircumnavigate Lake Waikaremoana on a 2m sit on top kayak will make for avery long and arduous trip.

Buoyancy Aid - Buoyancy Aids loose their buoyancy steadily over time.Make sure yours will still provide the buoyancy you need. Test your buoyancy

aid by tying 6kg of weight to it (more for white water BA’s). Then place thebuoyancy aid in a tub full of water. If it sinks, so might you.

Paddle - Think of your paddle like the gears of a car. Your paddle lengthand blade design needs to suit the type of paddling you intend to do. Getyour local kayak shop to match a paddle to you, your kayak and your idea ofa great day on the water. Paddling with a brick will slow you down and putyou and your paddling buddies at risk.

Clothing - No matter what your plan is - take extra clothes. Not just for afterthe paddle but during the paddle as well. Extra polypro, warm hats and sunhats should always be carried. A good quality paddle jacket that is windproof, waterproof and breathable should be taken on all trips. Check yourpaddle jacket is seam sealed or it will eventually leak.

Paddle Float - An essential safety item for sea kayakers to self rescue in theevent of a capsize. OK, so you have tried getting back into your kayak unaidedand had no problems. But, were those realistic conditions for capsizing inthe first place? It only takes a few minutes in cold water to get hypothermic.If you don’t know how to use a paddle float ask your local kayak shop for

Sea Kayaking Safety GearS E A K A Y A K I N G

by Karen and Steve Knowles

1 0 I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4

Kiwi Association of SeaKayakers N.Z. Inc.

(KASK)KASK is a network of sea kayakers

throughout New Zealand

KASK publishes a146 page seakayaking handbookwhich is free tonew members: thehandbook containsall you need to know about sea kayak-ing: techniques and skills, resources,equipment, places to go etc.KASK publishes a bi-monthlynewsletter containing trip reports,events, book reviews, technique/equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’file. KASK holds national seakayaking forums.

Annual subscription is $25.00.

KaskPO Box 23

Runanga 7854West Coast

Website:www.kask.co.nz

Website:www.kask.co.nz

advice. If you don’t carry a paddle float you’re abloody idiot.

Pump or Bailer - Once you’re back in the kayakyou need to get the water out to regain stability.A hand pump works better than a bailer in roughconditions as you can put your spray skirt backon, and then slip the pump through a small gapinto the cockpit.

Split Paddle - Most sea kayakers love rockgardening. Make sure you carry a spare paddlejust in case you get too close and manage to snapa paddle. Coastal paddlers who may be doing lotsof surf exits and entries should also carry Splitpaddles.

Communications - Cell phone coverage is fairlygood in most commonly paddled waters. Mobilesmake a very easy means of communicating withfriends to get weather updates, give trip updatesor to call emergency services if needed. Wherecell phones fade a VHF radio will still providecommunication with the coastguard plus accessto their weather services. Whichever form ofcommunication you carry, make sure it is in adry bag.

First Aid Kit - Another item to take along everytime you venture out in your kayak. Don’t forgetto beef up your first aid kit to suit moreadventurous trips. Your local Canoe and Kayakshop holds First Aid courses tailored for kayaking.Phone for the next course dates.

Helmet - Sea kayakers on multi-day coastalexpeditions should strap a helmet to their decks

a towline should undergo training to ensure theyknow how to use it safely.

Knife - Anyone carrying a towline, fishing line,nets or a sail should also have a knife on hand. Ifcaught in lines underwater you will need a knifeto free yourself as fast as possible. Buoyancy aidsoften have a knife patch to hold the knife or thesecan be added to your current B.A.

Whistle - A small item kept on your buoyancy aidcan so easily save your bacon. Your whistle needsto be loud enough to be heard over roaring seasand wind. The ‘Storm Whistle’ is military gradeand well worth the investment for your safety.

Photos by Ruth E. Henderson

for the odd gnarly surf landing that may be forcedupon them. Coming out of your kayak may hurtyour pride but being smacked on the head byyour pride and joy will hurt even more.

Flares - An essential item for expedition paddlerswho may get several kilometres off shore.Pinpoint flares are for use once you have line ofsight with your rescuer. Parachute flares onlyburn for around 30 seconds so once again, youneed to be sure someone is looking for you or hasa high chance of spotting your flare. Check theexpiry date on your flares and replace whenrequired.

Safety Flag - Flags are becoming more and morecommon amongst sea kayakers, especially in ourbusier harbours. Give boaties every chance ofseeing you, especially if paddling amongst oceanswells. Fluoro orange flags glow brightly,especially in fading afternoon light.

Deck Light - A single round white light is the law,putting this on a 1m stand off your deck meansthat it can be seen. Wearing a head torch orhaving a hand torch to wave at oncoming vesselsis also recommended in emergencies. Strobelights are for emergency use only, not for generalnight paddling. Also carry a glow stick on your B.A.incase you end up in the water and your decklightor torch fails when wet.

Tow Lines - A well-planned sea kayak trip shouldmean your towline is your least used accessory.However even the most experienced paddler cantwist a wrist at lunchtime or regret that curry fromthe night before. Towing another kayaker can bevery dangerous for both parties. Anyone carrying

I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4 1 1

The text on the box containing the D.V.D. states that it “is

designed to provide a balanced introduction to sea kayaking,

making the point that above all, this is an activity that calls

for knowledge and sound judgement. While covering the

basic paddling technique, it emphasizes the point that

seamanship is a complex body of knowledge that includes

navigation, oceanography, weather, group management

skills and local knowledge as well as equipment and boat

handling skills.”

The DVD follows two groups of paddlers. One group illustrates the correctway of doing things, the other group, ‘the Motley Crew’, shows the incorrectway. (The scary thing is that the second group bears an uncanny resemblanceto a group of kayakers I often paddle with - just kidding Steph.)

The breadth of the video’s coverage is illustrated by the chapter headings -Planning, Before You Launch, Harbour Safety, Basic Stokes, Aids to Navigation,Loading, Paddling in Currents, Rolling, Capsize Recovery, Assisted Recovery,What to Wear, Camping, Observation and Piloting, Weather Radio, Role ofthe GPS, Using a Compass, Interpreting Weather, Paddling in the Wind,Handling Surf, Safe Drinking Water, Securing the Camp.

Obviously some topics are covered briefly. As an experienced (if not expert)kayaker I found the chapters on Basic Strokes, Capsizes, Paddling in Currents,Rolling and Handling Surf particularly interesting. While there was nothingnew in the information (which is a reflection on the quality of instructionavailable through clubs in New Zealand) it provided a succinct summary ofimportant aspects of each topic.

The DVD is the first in a series. Later videos will deal with topics in greaterdepth. I look forward to viewing these. In the meantime, I commend thisfirst DVD as the best way for paddlers to refresh their knowledge and basicskills while staying warm and dry.

Greg Dunning

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Sit-on-top touring kayak

A weekend of whitewaterW H I T E W A T E R K A Y A K I N G

by Alan Bell

The biannual Whakamarino release

beckoned, so we headed to northern

Hawkes Bay for a weekend of spills and

thrills. We arrived in Wairoa early

evening and headed for the Riverside

Motor camp. This place has the

cleanest showers and toilets you’ve

ever seen and you get piped C&W

music when you’re in the loo!

Saturday morning was time to run the fast andfurious, non-stop Whakamarino hydro slidewhere the normally dry riverbed turns into arollercoaster grade 3 rapid for several kilometres.Being first down adds a few extra elements ofexcitement and anxiety as trees are common,eddies are rare and you don’t get much time toreact. But all went well despite 2 portages around

logs and a few blackberry scars here and there.

At Piripaua, where the gradient evens out a bit,Tristan and Will joined us for some surfing andgeneral fun on the river. As well as these two, ourgroup comprised Mark J, Lea, Alan, Yon, Kei andPhil from Hutt as well as Graeme from Wanganui.Also on the water was a trio of Auckland paddlersincluding Matt from Manukau, a big group fromHawkes Bay including Warren Hales whogenerally organises these releases - thanksWarren.

After the breath-taking run on the Whakamarino,the Piripaua seemed very sedate. However therewere several good play spots and everybody hada go at surfing. Phil even changed boats from Bluntto Rad, others just had to try their best in their fatboats!

We decided to spend the afternoon looking fornew water rather than do another run on therelease. Alan had maps and some info on themysterious Hangaroa River. Graeme Egarr’sdescriptions suggested there would be

Probably the closest you will cometo finding one kayak that does itall. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling.ESCAPEEESCAPEE


reasonable whitewater upstream from Donneraille Park at Hangaroa Bluffs.Some of our group were a bit frustrated after 2 hours driving along windynarrow roads without seeing a hint of a decent rapid. But when we arrived atthe Bluffs lo and behold, there was a sight for sore eyes!

The view was truly stunning - a sheer drop of around 100m into a nice rockgarden with a miriad of possible lines and several nice looking waves. Tocap it off an old 4WD lay at the bottom of the bluffs in a crumpled mess.

That was it, we had a run to do. But time was short. The least enthusiastic ofthe group offered to run shuttle while the keen ones donned their wet gearsin the rain and prepared to explore the mighty Hangaroa. Very soon ourgroup - Phil, Lea, Tristan, Graeme and Alan headed off. The run started inrock gardens, then the gradient picked up as the gorge narrowed. There wereseveral rocky drops which got bigger as we lost altitude. The final horizonline revealed a nice double drop with a total height of around 3m. The bestline was from hard right but Phil went left and tried to ride a rock ledge onhis way down. Luckily no one had a video camera to record the move, whichlacked finish!

This gorge is very beautiful. What a buzz to find some new water and allcredit to Graeme Egarr and his river descriptions. At high flows there wouldbe one or two sticky holes here.

On down to Donneraille Park bridge where Mark and Will were waiting forus. The flat water made it difficult for them to believe the fun we had had inthe gorge. But we know!

Some further exploration on the Hangaroa should be well worthwhile.Saturday night turned into a very social occasion when we met at the localClub for ales and meals. The other Wellington paddlers included Paul C, Debs,Louis and Irish Shane. Also down from Gisborne was Scott. Having alreadyrun the Ruakituri that day, Paul’s group were keen to try for a ‘walk-in’ to findeven more gnarly rapids on this river.

Our group’s intentions were to run the usual top run and then continue downfor the grade 2-3 run so everyone would get a paddle. So on Sunday it was amass exodus to the Ruakituri. As well as the two Wellington groups therewere the Auckland trio and the Hawkes Bay CC mob.

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To add interest, it was the opening weekend forthe trout fishing season. Fishermen wereeverywhere and caused concern. We tried to beas friendly as possible! However, it might be agood idea to avoid this weekend for futureWhakamarino releases Warren?

Louis T had run the top Ruakituri on Saturday andoffered to guide the Hutt group down rather thando the walk-in. There are plenty of tight rapids andthe lines are far from obvious so his offer wasgladly accepted. Just as our group was about todepart, Paul and the walk-in mob returned,fishermen had persuaded them that they werewasting their time! So we all ended up on the rivertogether - Louis, Kei, Mark, Alan, Lea, Graeme, Philand Yon as well as Paul, Shane, Scott and twoAuckland guys. Initially it was chaos as the twogroups eddy hopped their way down. Paul’s teamhad the benefit of Saturday’s run as well as beinggun paddlers. Along with the two Aucklandpaddlers, they soon headed away - Louis and histeam were left to take each rapid at a moreleisurely pace with plenty of scouting etc.Somewhere in all the excitement Phil “jumpedships” and ended up about 500m downstreamfrom our group !

The boulder gardens were challenging anddeserve respect. Louis described the movesrequired very well. There were a few temporarypins and when Kei’s Huka spun around he ran atricky drop backwards. Lea and Graeme handledthe conditions really well despite not havingpaddled much for a while. Mind you, theWhakamarino run is good for focussing the mindand honing the reactions.

After an hour or more of tight rock gardens theriver opens up. Several fast chutes lead to thewaterfall features. The first is really a slide over aconcave rock face - it’s pretty spectacular andeasily run when you stay hard left. Kei found outthe hard way. He let himself drift to the right andended up going deep and rolling up, to muchshouting and yahooing.

The second drop needs a boof move on river right.As Louis says, “Head for the overhanging rock”.Sweet. However, Yon went a bit far left and had topaddle hard to avoid getting sucked back. If youwant a photo for your album, this is the place tohave it taken! Just fantastic scenery.

More rock gardens and then the very sticky riverwide hole. Everyone slid down the rock face onriver right to re-enter the river below the hole. Itneeded some skill to avoid the hole! Yon and Keihad nervous moments when the powerful eddyon river right threatened to suck them back intothe hole. Alan avoided this move altogether bywalking around. He had had a bad moment abovethis hole when he got pinned after catching aneddy awkwardly. Louis and Yon were quickly tothe rescue and made sure that only Alan’s pridewas damaged. A reminder that the River is BOSS!

Another kilometre of rock gardens and moreexcellent scenery and we were at the end of the


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top run. It was time for lunch and to join Tristan,Will and Debs for the next run to Puhoro. It takesabout an hour and is fun grade 2-3. The road isclose by in case anyone wants out at any stage. Wehad twelve on this stage with a mixture of abilitiesand boats. Everyone had fun and there were a fewgood play spots.

As usual Irish Shane checked out every eddy onthe river. Tristan and Will were pleased to be onthe water, finally. It was unfortunate that we didnot have time to carry on to Erepeti as well, to givethe two lads a decent run. However, time wasagainst us and with a long drive home ahead weopted to take out at Puhoro.

For future reference, the top run will easily take 3-4 hours for first timers and grade 3-4 paddlers. Ifyou also want to run down to Erepeti afterwards(another 3 hours) it’s a long day.

Thanks to Louis for his efforts on the Ruakituri.


SEA OF RIPPLING WATERS -Lake Waikaremoana

K A Y A K E R S G O B U S H

by Ruth E. Henderson



The water was freezing and I mean

FR E EZ I NG , a s w e sp l a s h e d a n d

shrieked our way up the stream. Ankle

high ‘body-glove’ and even calf high

diver’s booties were totally inadequate

footwear for this adventure. The

alternative route of squeezing and

pushing through the spindly, densely

populated tutu bushes growing on the

swampy shoreline was marginally

more attractive. The knee depth mud

in one section, with the suspicion of

taniwha had the ‘girls blouses’ among

us squealing, and plunging back into

the icy waters. Our quest was the

M o k a u Fa l l s , t h e l o c a ti o n L a ke

Waikaremoana, the Sea of Rippling

Waters. As explorers we failed this

particular mission. Perhaps because

w e’d a l r ea d y m a r v e l l e d a t a n d

photographed them from above, as we

neared the end of our dusty road

journey.

Our adventure had begun after leaving thecivilizations of Rotorua and then Murapara.

Impressions gained along the ninety kilometrejourney on the windy, metal road past treesdripping with lichen and epiphytes were of aprimeval forest, ancient, untouched by man. ErrolBraithwaite in the ‘Companion guide to the NorthIsland of N.Z.’ with succinct brevity captures themood with these words - “untamed, uncontrivedbeauty.”

The first roadside view of water, and the whitecliffs of the Panekiri range with the bush coveredsummit looming 600m above, gave the WOWanticipation barometer another nudge.

Four days here - what lay in store? If ‘Wild N.Z.’ byReaders Digest, was to be believed - a veritablevisual and sensual feast for the outdoorenthusiast - the complete package tour, as “withinthe 212,672 ha enclosed by the Urewera NationalPark lie virtually all the landscape features thatcharacterise the inland North Island - grassy riverflats, hog-backed ridges, limestone bluffs,podocarp and beech forests and a trout-stockedlake.”

Other writers’ whimsical references to ‘spirits ofancestors’; wood elves in sombre forests; fiercetaniwha in deep pools; and goblins by cliff andcave all added to the mystery and intrigue andgave promise of an exciting time.

Elsdon Best’s ‘Waikaremoana - The Sea ofRippling Waters’ recounts a journey on foot andby canoe with a barefoot Maori Kaumatua,“...every hill and gulch and streamlet having itstale to tell of war and battle... “. He alludes to the

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HAHAWKE’S BAWKE’S BAYYHAWKE’S BAY

Maori wars, with Te Kooti as the prophet andleader of the Tuhoe, and uses the phrase“children of the mist”. If I had read it beforehandmy mood and expectation of enchantment couldhave been higher still.

No day was disappointing. On day one, talk aboutfour seasons in one day! After the icy stream wehad rain, then hail then sunshine ...it was spring!

Black swans swam by, protectively guiding theirdowny goslings, and paradise ducks with theirdappled babies in tow made V shaped ripples onthe clear, clear water. The lake acted as a bigreflector pond for the passing clouds during theday, and finally at dusk for the most exquisitesunset: soft subdued, ghostly light in a silentsilence.

1 8 I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 41 8 I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4


Next morning the volume of the bellbird and tuisong at 5 am was such that sleep was a ridiculousnotion. The birds eventually routed us from oursodden tents, the prospect of damp polypro andpacking up damp gear the only hindrance togleefully greeting the day.

Once out, paddles dipping into the dark bluewaters, we warmed to our climate andsurroundings. Cruising past a 200m deep sward ofkowhai in full bloom was like being in an aviary.Scores of tui worked the flowers and courted,swooping and flying with stunning aerodynamicdisplays through the yellow thicket.

Elsewhere five-fingers, tutu, clematis, rewarewa,kakabeak, and cabbage trees were also in flowerand their attendant insect menagerie attractedsmall flitting birds. The fantails, rifleman, tomtits,grey warblers, and silvereyes all darting anddiving, intent on catching lunch were oblivious tous as we quietly slid by and entered Eldon Best’sgorgeous “Wairau branch of the lake known asWairau-moana. The most beautiful scenery, forhere are many little wooded islets, sandy beachesand small bays with forest-covered pointsextending out into the lake, the whole forming amost delightful and charming scene.”

At our bivouac camp our second day ended as ithad begun, with birdsong. The weka andmorepork provided the music to cook and slumberto. The only interruption to our songful solitude,the odd grunt and snort. NO, not snoring, but pigsextending their fern root excavations!

Sunshine was spasmodic the next day: scenerywas spectacular rating a 10 out of 10 WOW factor.It started with a paddle in water so clear it revealedan aquatic wonderland of grassy eleocharis andranunculus weeds. Trout grazed amidst the trunksof trees, preserved under water for 2000yrs whenthe lake was formed by a rock fall damming up thevalleys.

Once at Korokoro, we again abandoned our boats,this time donning boots and packs to clamber upthe formed track to the falls.

Monstrous mature native beech trees were

predominant and provided us with a soft carpetof leaf litter to walk on. This was a vibrant forestin all stages of life; patches of comparativelyjuvenile rimu, ribbonwood, and celery pinesurrounded by the remains of decaying forestgiants, which in turn had seedlings sprouting fromtheir humus. Moss covered boulders, kidney ferndells dappled in sunlight, a gurgling stream tocross and recross, a few huffy and puffy hills andfinally a roaring 22m high waterfall.

From the foot of the falls I swear we spotted twoelves dancing on the lip. After exploring the manyislets enroute back to camp, those of us with ataste for bush-bashing and wanting to experiencemore of this wilderness, battled supplejack andbush-lawyer in a fruitless search for some caves.

Our leader must have read Best’s book as he urgedus to get up at 5am to break camp, for 7am on thewater. We resisted, called for an hour’s respite,and he demurred. A pity. The gentle wind thatgave us a chance to sail under paddle blade,turned nasty once past Ohiringa bluff and gavesome team members their first taste of surfing“white crested waves, surging across the troubledlake and breaking in wrath on the rock-boundshore”.

Plans to paddle back to our start point ofAniwaniwa were aborted and we raced headlongto Onepoto, the outlet for the lake. The lake levelrises and falls in heavy rain, with melting snowand is fed by underground springs, so doesappear tidal. Certainly on this day we could havebeen at sea and once on dry land agree with Best:“As we view the expanse of angry, surging waters,and listen to the hoarse roar of the white surf, it is

hard to believe that this is but an inland lake, andnot an inlet of the great ocean, with the swellsetting in from the far Pacific.”

Thankfully, Onepoto is also the roadhead and itwasn’t difficult to hitch a ride with somedisappointed but weather-wise fishermen back tothe Motorcamp to collect our cars, before hotshowers and farewells.

A day into our journey, discussion had taken placeabout the theme of the trip. I suggested that, forme, it was botanical, for others it was clearly aculinary experience, (“Kayak Kookery” articlefrom Rachel and Dave or Brenda and Stevan tofollow!!), for Peter a first time camping experience,for Charlie an elfin one. Whatever the personalobjectives, the outcome surely was: Missionaccomplished. Expectations meet. Thank youGordon.

Footnote:

Following Karen and Steve Knowles’s “Snigger”

snippet about tramping in the last magazine, I must

admit to a bit of ‘cross-dressing’. After kayaking

Lake Waikaremoana I vowed that ‘I’d be back’ to

walk it ... if only there was a guided walk and I

didn’t have to lug all my gear on my back.

Voila - enter Hilary Sheaff and Rob Franklin of

Walking Legends.

Last year they secured the DoC concession and I’ve

just completed their first walk of the season

without suffering any privations. Red wine,

chocolate, fresh fruit and veggies, pancakes, trifle

...See www.walkinglegends.com if you want to

see how you can have your cake and eat it!!


Spaghetti Bolognaise and JelliedTongue- Cambridge to Tuakau

S E A K A Y A K I N G

by Neil Watson

Inspired by the Auckland Canoe

Centre’s Cambridge to Hamilton race I

made plans to explore the Waikato

River further. Teaming up with Evan

Pugh the weekend began when I pulled

into “Sheepskinsnstuff ”, Putaruru, at 9

pm, Friday. Evan and Linda had the

spare room made up and I retired after

a pleasant evening getting acquainted

with the Pughs and their paddling

exploits. We rose before dawn the next

morning, packed the van and drove to

Cambridge. Evan donated a can of

spaghetti bolognaise to replace the

frozen curry I left at home. I parked my

car at Evan’s mate’s place in Cambridge

and Linda dropped us off at the boat

r a m p o n t h e r i g h t b a n k o f t h e

Waikato River.

The Waikato (“flowing water”) is the longest riverin New Zealand, rising in tributaries which drainthe north from the central plateau into LakeTaupo. Eight hydroelectric dams take advantageof the 300m descent to Cambridge. BelowCambridge the river grades gently to the TasmanSea forming numerous lakes and lagoons along itslower reaches.

We launched at 8am and slowly wound up to asteady pace. The river level and sediment loadwere high. A sort distance downstream of the boat

ramp sewage floated in the water. No other craftwere on the river apart from a sit-on-top paddlerwithout a PFD.

First stop was the automated loo at the HamiltonRowing Club near the Bridge Street road bridge...a dual experience in technology and relief! Theriver bank walkway had been extended to the cityoutskirts since I left Hamilton in 1994.

The area occupied by present day Hamilton wasfirst settled around 1700 by the Ngatiwairere, asub-tribe of Tainui. European settlers arrived over150 years later. Hamilton was made a borough in1877 and named after Captain Charles Hamiltonwho was killed in the battle of Gate Pa.

Downstream of Hamilton the closeness of the high,steep sided bushed riverbanks fell away. Thecurrent slackened perceptibly as the riverwidened and the landform changed to a flatalluvial plain of farms and lifestyle blocks. Wecarried on past the city sewage treatment plant,the dairy factory and rubbish dump at Horotiu.Approaching the dump, there was a strong smellof putrefying waste. The lunch stop was thekayakers’ seat in front of the Ngaruawahia Golfcourse; an apt spot as Ngaruawahia means, “breakopen the food pits”.

We were back on the water at noon and glidedquietly past Turangawaiwai Marae; Tainui’s baseand residence of Dame Te Atarangi Kahu, the firstMaori Queen. In the 1800’s, Tainui farmed thebanks of the Waikato intensively, supplyingAuckland with produce transported by largecanoes and portaged to Waiuku on the ManukauHarbour. Portages at Onehunga and New Lynnaccessed the Waitemata Harbour.

The Waipa River, a major tributary, joined the

Waikato immediately downstream ofNgaruawahia; its muddier water adding to thediscolouration of the main river. Stock grazed tothe water’s edge and the distinct smell of farmeffluent tinged the air. Taupiri Mountain easedinto view around a bend and remained in sightfor about an hour as we paddled two relativelystraight sections towards its base. The isolationof the river and rhythmic sound of slicing paddleswas broken at Hopuhopu where State Highway 1and the Main Trunk Rail Line joins the right bankand continues to Rangiriri. At Taupiri, the riverturned north east to slip between the Hakarimataand Taupiri Ranges. The hard greywacke rockforming the ranges is mined in several quarriesfor use as road and concrete aggregate.

The Huntly road bridge, followed closely by therail bridge heralded Huntly Township. Huntly isa coal town. Coal was first discovered about 1840but not exploited until after the Waikato Wars inthe 1860’s. Coal ran the Riverboats using theWaikato River and was barged to a railhead atMercer to supply Auckland. The rail bridge, builtin 1914, gave access to coal fields west of the riverand by 1918 coal was barged from the west toTaupiri, Ngaruawahia and Hamilton.

We quickly closed on the Huntly Power Stationgetting a little too close to the outflow structuredespite the warning signs. My boat turned in thestrong current narrowly avoiding a marker poledespite a quick sweep stroke and the right rudderpedal threatening to penetrate the forwardbulkhead. Evan picked the transmission lineacross the river that marked our campsite 2.5kmdownstream of the power station. My remark thatthe motel unit on the opposite side of the river


would be great place to stay drew a raisedeyebrow.

The evening meal was a Spartan affair for some. Icouldn’t find the spaghetti bolognaise tocomplement my rice so Evan dipped bemusedlyinto his reserves and my menu was updated torice and jellied tongue. Part way through the cookup, the neighbouring farmer, two sons and a dogturned up. Evan’s PR skills completely disarmedthem although there was some confusion whenthe farmer left, calling his dog (name of Watson),to heel amid the smell of burning rice. We spentthe rest of the evening keeping a wary eye on theflight paths of a family of shags as they roostedfor the night in a nearby tree. The sunset slowlygrew to a deep red band framed by high cloud andlow rolling hills. We watched until the descendingdarkness pushed it below the horizon.

The next day the weather was ideal again; cool,cloudy and no wind. We made a sedate 9.30amstart. The first stop was to check a future campsiteon Manutahi Island, a short distance downstreamof the Rangiriri road bridge. In 1863 during theNew Zealand land wars, 850 British soldiers,artillery and gunboats attacked the pa at Rangiririas they advanced south into the Waikato. Themain body of 500 defenders evacuated the pa thefollowing night. The pa included a 5m deep trenchstretching nearly 1km from the Waikato River toLake Waikare and a central redoubt 7m high feetabove the bottom of the ditch.

Further downstream a hawk swooped to river

level in front of the kayaks, stalled momentarily,thrust its talons below the surface, and then roseholding a piece of carrion.

The lunch stop presented a tricky exit on aslippery bank that dropped vertically into deepwater. After a short walk, Evan located his trustylog, which had provided lunchtime seating on 3previous trips. We slipped back onto the watervia seal and side launches.

From a kilometre upstream of Meremere, weheard stock cars and motorbikes at a dirt trackmeet. Drawing opposite to the track we could onlysee the dust rising above the high riverbank. Thehulks of several barges lay on the banks; somebuilt of steel and timber and others timber only.The old Meremere coal fired power station, whichis being dismantled slid into view, begging to befinally put out of its misery. Closer to Mercer wesaluted traffic queued on State Highway 1 waitingat the road works on the new section betweenMercer and Meremere.

The next township was Mercer preceded by itsroad bridge and an increasing head wind. Mercerhas two rowing clubs, side by side on the left bank.One belongs to the locals and the other to anAuckland club, which found the Waitemataharbour, more often than not, too rough for rowingand decided to build a club at Mercer.

Downstream of Mercer the topography steepenedand the higher ground to the north and eastturned the river westward through the Franklin

Volcanic Field. The rich, red volcanic soils thathave developed in the weathered volcanic ashand lava in the Bombay and Pukekohe areas growvegetable produce for Auckland.

We elected the right hand channel at Te TokiIsland anticipating a reduction both in distanceand the head wind compared to the main channel.The Auckland water treatment station isdownstream of Te Toki on the right bank. The

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E-mail: [email protected]

As seenfrom theSouthern

Motorway

Open 7 Days

Cambridge to Tuakau

Stage Distance Duration

Cambrige to Huntly 66 km 7.5 hours (0800 to 1530)

Huntly to Tuakau 45 km 5.5 hours (0930 to 1500)


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station and its 38km pipeline were commissionedin 2001 and supply about 10% of the Aucklandregion’s water needs. In 2003 the supply wasstopped for a while after a truck accident nearHamilton tipped several tonnes of urea fertiliserinto the river. It is prudent to heed the warningsigns at the water intake, as the current isconsiderably stronger on that side of the river.

One kilometre upstream of Opuawhanga Islandand still paddling into a head wind, we passedunder a gas pipeline bridge. The pipeline carriesgas from the Kapuni gas treatment plant inTaranaki supplying Auckland and places north tothe Kauri Dairy Factory near Whangarei.

We passed a small sand dredging operation withmore obsolete than operational gear strewn alongthe riverbanks. Around the corner the gleamingwhite Tuakau road bridge edged into view until itspanned the full width of the river. At 3 pm weclosed on the right bank towards our get out,turned upstream and nosed the kayaks gentlyonto the concrete boat ramp. The park toiletswere locked necessitating a quick trot to thenearest clump of shoulder high vegetation. Weunpacked the kayaks while power boats plied the

river; hoons did wheelies at the far end of thepark and a family of three shared afternoon teaat the top of the ramp.

Linda arrived in the van 30 minuteslater...delayed by traffic near Mercer! We packedthe van and Evan drove back to Cambridge viathe Pokeno ice cream shop. My boat was

transhipped at Cambridge and I returned toAuckland. Unpacking at home, a can of spaghettibolognaise rolled from under my kayak seat.

PS - Although Pete and Sue Sommerholder havesold the Auckland Canoe Centre, they are goingto continue organising the annual Cambridge toHamilton kayak race.

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Jaws of Death by A.J. Murray

In 1947 I was paddling a canoe (sea type, frame and canvas) when Iencountered a fairly large shark, about 11 feet or 3.3 metres long, either a 7-gilled or one of the whaler varieties. First there was a big splash, then a solidbump under the stern. I watched him come around about 10 metres away tomake another pass at me, but I dragged my canoe to the left with the paddle.Next thing he stopped on the surface beside my canoe, and partly under theright hand side. His pectoral left fin was under my knees and the tip wasvisible. He was broad in the back.

I was a big powerful hombre in those days: he didn’t attack me, I attackedhim. Got in two hefty cracks on him before the paddle broke. I then madetracks for the shore, FAST.

Well, you tend to forget things in time and one day I was off the Kaikourapeninsula about half a mile out riding the swells. It was a lovely day. I wasenjoying myself. Then I began to get uneasy. I’d learnt to trust the old 6thsense. Panic. Keep elbows close in, out of the water. I made steady progressback to camp and home. Sold the kayak later.

Now I have a strange little sit-on-top to paddle odd times on the lakes andalso a new Synchro. I can easily throw either on top of the roof rack on mycar. Suits me when I don’t want the hassle of towing a trailer-boat.

Maybe you don’t want to know these tales? But do read Xavier Maniguet’s“The Jaws of Death: Shark as a Predator, Man as Prey.”


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SEAMANSHIP for KAYAKERSA series of instructional DVD’s.John Dowd, with the help of experienced instructors has released two DVD’s for seakayakers. There will be seven in theseries. See page 11 for a review on the first DVD on the series.“Getting there (and back) - Navigation”This is the second title in the series of seven. It covers practical navigation, ‘rules of the road’, including the use of thecompass and GPS.It is designed to provide practical methods for navigating sea kayaks and focuses upon the techniques used by mostexperienced paddlers. This DVD makes the point that navigation is but one of the essential skills needed for coastalkayaking, and is inextricably entwined with weather and oceanography. Navigating safely calls for a respectful attitude tothe sea and sound judgement. While attitude and judgement cannot be taught by watching video, the medium doesprovide an excellent guide for the experience necessary for true learning. Used in this way, with an incremental approachto increasing difficulty, the techniques shown can be practised until a high level of competence has been achieved.Each disc has over 50 mins playing time and is available in-store at your Canoe and Kayak shop at an introduction price of$39.95. Postage is an extra $5.

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New Zealand Kayaking InstructorsAward Scheme

Become a kayaking Instructor and GuideGet into gear and get qualified!

It’s fun and easy to do. Don’t delay phone

0508 5292569 now to learn more

TOURS

Call now to find out more 0508 KAYAKNZ

It’s great fun to drift down a river, float up an estuary,paddle to the pub, or explore ‘out of the way’ places.Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a full day’s frolic or awicked weekend adventure, we can take you there.

We can provide you with experienced guides, localknowledge, safe up to date equipment and a lot of fun.

Introduction to sea kayaking course designed to teach skillsnecessary to become a technically correct and safe paddler.Also advanced oceans course: Eskimo rolling: Weather &Navigation: Surfing and Rescue courses.

SEA KAYAK COURSES

Introduction to river kayaking, designed to teach skillsnecessary to become a technically correct and safe paddler.Also advanced river kayaking; River rescue; and Eskimo rolling.

RIVER KAYAKING/WHITEWATER COURSES

Fun,Friends & Fitness

Get your kids into the fun sport ofkayaking.

Give them a Summer Kayaking HolidayProgram this summer and watch theirconfidence and skills develop.

During the four-session course yourchildren will be taught in a safe andprogressional manner to become capable kayakers and will develop theskills/knowledge and appreciation of their own abilities to be a safepaddler.

This will in turn open up a world of exciting possibilities for them to joinyou on great outdoor adventures. What an experience for them! Imaginecamping and exploring the Whanganui River, sitting around a camp fireat night and creating strong confidence building childhood memories.

This is an opportunity not to be missed if your children or grandchildrenwould benefit from this, call your local Canoe & Kayak Shop and get themenrolled.

Limited spaces are available and conditions do apply.

Summer Kayaking HolidayProgram

What’s On

Kayak Hire Lake TaupoOpen for the summer and by appointment for some paddling fun onstunning Lake Taupo or let us run a Tour for you and your friends andexplore the Maori Carvings or the Mighty Waikato River.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0800 529256 for details

Kayak Hire Long Bay Regional ParkOpen on Weekends and by appointment for some paddling fun on thebeach or let us run a Tour for you and your friends and explore thisbeautiful area.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 09 473 0036 for details

Whanganui River Canoe & Kayak TripsInterested in a great adventure on this Magnificent River?

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

Canoe & Kayak Taupo

0800 529256

NZKI


River KayakingTraining Package 2005

COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTION DESIGNEDTO GIVE YOU THE LEVEL OF SKILL AND

CONFIDENCE TO PERFORM AND TAKE THESTRESS OUT OF RACE DAY.

WEEKEND ONE: Introduction to White Water, including

water confidence, paddling technique, river reading and

rescue skills.

WEEKEND TWO: River reading and White Water skills.

You will run your first grade 2 river and continue to build

your confidence and skills.

WEEKEND THREE: River running instruction on the

fastest line, the best path and consolidating all the other

skills learnt during your first two weekends.

Plus lots more.

0508 KAYAKNZ for more detailsCall Now

Doodle, sketch, draw, design your idea of a Logofor the Yakity Yak clubTop ten entries win a T-shirt

Winner gets a T-shirt and Polar Fleece vest.Top ten entries to be voted on STV system by each store owner

and by each club on February Club night.Post your entry to: Logo Competition

7/28 Anvil Rd, SilverdaleOr email to [email protected]

Entries must be received by 31 January 2005.Design needs to be suitable for embroidering on a T-Shirt and a

Polar Fleece Vest.

WaimakaririFamiliarisation trips -2005 8th to the 16th of January

LogoCompetition

It is essential that all first time Coast to Coasters get some paddling timeon the Waimakariri prior to race day - it takes out the jitters and makesthe whole experience on race day fun-filled rather than fear-filled.

So why not come with us for some great paddling and build thatconfidence up some more.

We meet 6am in Christchurch and head off to do a leisurely paddle downthe Waimakariri, returning to Christchurch at 6pm. During the trip we willwork on all aspects of paddling skills along with rapid reading and there-running of some of the notorious rapids - giving you the confidenceon race day to enjoy the river.

Two trips are recommended for the average new multisporter - this willallow you a degree of familiarity for race day.

We supply a Sea Kayak, paddle and deck. Customers supply buoyancyaid, helmet, paddling clothes, throw rope, spare clothing, first aid kit,emergency shelter and food.

The cost is $250 per person for one trip or $450 for two.

Senior Canoe & Kayak Instructors will guide you on a one to four ratio ofinstructors to customers.

Cancellation details

There are no refunds or credits given for cancellation due to weather.

Failure to attend or cancellation within two weeks of booked date willincur a loss of all fees.

Bookings are essential so please ring and book ASAP

0800 529256

Whitewater KayakingRiver releases etc are online at www.rivers.org.nz/events/


Aspects of Leadership:Letting go of the LeashThe roar of Aniwhenua Falls made it

hard for people to hear, so I waved the

group in tightly around me. Faces

reflected a range of emotions, from “Oh

my God. Please don’t make me do this”

to “Yeah baby, bring it on”. Of the three

days they had been paddling, I had

spent only one day with them, yet in

that time I felt I could assess the

competence level of most of the group.

I wanted them to make a decision. A

fully informed, carefully thought-out

decision, not some rash adrenaline-

fuelled, spur of the moment ‘I’ll do it if

you do it’ thing.

“Before you decide to do this,” I said, “There’s afew things you need to know”. Then I told themabout the student who hit the wall in the chuteabove the falls and became wedged upside downacross the channel. How the instructor jumped in,managed to right the boat and push the studentoff the waterfall, but then found himselfswimming the falls. Without a helmet. How, onanother trip, a kayaker had fallen steeply, hit thebottom of the river and lost the skin off his shinswhen his feet burst past the footpegs. How I’d seenpeople struggle to swim in the aerated water atthe bottom of the falls. But that I had also seen lotsof people with a wide range of abilities, go overthe falls successfully.

“You need to know that you can get your boatlined up in that slot. And what might happen ifyou don’t”. And with that I left them to make uptheir own minds.

Outdoor leaders are keenly aware that theirdecisions are formed by their personalexperiences, whether adventuring in their owntime or instructing novices in the finer pointsof...whatever. My own judgement has developedthrough having had experiences, both good andbad, and at some point processing them. JohnDewey, the renowned American educator, said“experience plus reflection equals learning”. Thisis as true today as it was a century ago when hewrote it.

Those who operate professionally teaching in theoutdoors will realize the inherent risks in theactivities that they instruct or guide. These risksmay be managed, but most can not be eliminated- and nor would we want them to be. Coping withdanger makes outdoor activities more rewarding.However, at some point, the controlled situationsthat we adopt to teach in the outdoors - top rope

By Ray Hollingsworth

O U T D O O R S W I T H



climbing, on-track tramping, guided sea kayaktrips - must give way to experiences which are lesscontrolled. Students can then benefit from theconsequences of their actions, reflect and buildtheir own judgement.

Teaching leadership skills is a continuum, frominitial tight control by the teacher, to delegationof tasks and decisions to the group or individuals.When should we allow the people in our care totake responsibility for their decisions? How do werecognize that they are ready to have morecontrol?

In kayaking, how do we know that someone is readyfor a harder rapid, a higher grade river? When dowe take the leash off and say “It’s your call”?

The answer is complex. The leader needs to havean awareness of the group and of the individuals,

of knowing how they are likely to react in stressfulsituations; whether they have the technical skilllevel for the challenge; how experienced they are.Finally the leader should know that if the shitreally does hit the fan, then they would probablybe able to help.

“When they are ready” is probably the glibbestanswer, yet it rings of truth as well. Believing thatthey can, is as important to a group as theinstructor believing that they can. Perhaps aguiding thought for an outdoor leader should be“What sort of experience do I want my clients tohave?” As Colin Mortlock pointed out in ‘TheAdventure Alternative’, there’s a fine line betweenpeak experience and mis-adventure.

Photos by Sam Goodhall & Rob Munro


The West Coast Schoolof Surf

A D V E N T U R E P H I L O S O P H Y

Imagine a coastline you almost

invariably have all to yourself within

an hour of the centre of Auckland.

Great sweeps of sand separated by

clifflines; heaving reefs, streaming

bull-kelp and foam and softened by a

haze of salty mist. I am of course

talking about Auckland’s west coast. It

is as vast a wilderness as exists

anywhere so close to a big city. To ride

up and down on an oceanic swell

paddling toward a horizon spanning

180 degrees, while gannets drill the sea

around one’s boat, is to experience a

sense of wildness and expanse rare so

close to a big city.

Fur seals bask and bob about next to the islandsof Oia and Paratahi. I’ve seen dolphins and sharkson several occasions. Last year 13 sperm whaleswere beached at Karekare. One day I will seewhales. This is a special meeting of land and sea.It is a zone of untamed beauty- the crash of surf,

the wheeling gannets, the smell of smashed kelpand guano. It is easy to be lost to the time andspace of the open ocean- I’ve never arrived backhome on time yet from a trip to The Coast.

There is a certain sense, on any day one gets outthrough the surf, of being allowed to- aconcession, not a right- for it is not alwayspossible. Many days of the year the west coast isa grim prospect for sea kayakers. There are somedays I have arrived to find the swell bigger thanpredicted; of a size and form that makes mequestion my motivation, my reasons for beingthere at all. Sometimes I turn around. Like anypiece of open coast it is master on its day. Thebreaker zone provides a relentless, tireless,unceasing defence.

There are rare days when it lowers its defencesand sometimes drops them completely; rare dayswhen you can get out the back withouttrepidation- rare days indeed. Mostly there isunease, hard stares at the booming break zone,drawing about oneself a bubble of silence andfocusing on the immediate- efficient, clinicalstowing of gear, and impatiently waiting for themoment to go. Impatient to be rid of the anxietyof what might happen, to deal instead with reality,whatever it might be.

Then at last, out beyond the surf-zone- beyond thepotential of a spanking for the time being, theceaseless boom and rumble of the break fallingfurther and further behind.

Out past the break, alone and free to roam on asheet of ocean that stretches unobstructed to thecoast of Australia.

It is not a place for the faint-hearted, nor is it oftena place for the beginner, but it is a magic place. IfI had to come up with five rules for enjoying it andavoiding being a statistic in the papers ...

Rule no.1: Treat the surf with respect.

There’s some harsh lessons in store if you don’t.Sea kayaking into the surf zone is like enteringanother level of the game. When you start pushingthe envelope there’s always a chance things won’tgo exactly right and you’re on a slippery slopewhen things go wrong in the surf zone. All bets areoff if you come out of your boat. Don’t anticipatea speedy rescue. It is best not to rely on rescue atall.

Rule no.2: If you wouldn’t swim it, you should

think very carefully before you decide to kayak

it...

Good Judgement often comes from our badexperiences. Err on the conservative side until you

Mark Jones is a member of the Adventure Philosophy team andSenior Lecturer on AUT’s Outdoor Leadership Programmes.

Mark Jones


develop a sense of what you can deal with andwhat will deal to you. Using rips to get out throughthe surf is sound practice, but always considerwhat your options will become if things go badlyand you end up in the tide.

Rule no. 3: Learn to Eskimo roll.

In fact don’t just learn how to Eskimo roll butpractise it to the point of mastery, so that it worksin the surf zone, not just in a pool. Having your boatfitted out with knee and thigh braces can make ahuge difference to your control and your abilityto stay in your boat when you get trashed by awave.

Rule no. 4: Make sure everything is shipshape.

Before you leave ensure your hatch covers are onproperly, and don’t stow anything on the frontdeck you don’t want to lose. In big surf, even withstrong deck bungies, any stuff on the front deckwill go. It also causes unnecessary drag whentrying to punch through waves. I carry a splitpaddle under the rear bungies only. Everythingelse I may need for the day is on my person or inthe cockpit (clipped to something, or otherwisesecured).

Make sure there are no loose cords or slack deck-lines to get your paddle tangled up with in theevent of a roll. And finally, ensure your paddle,spray-deck, hatch covers and boat are in soundcondition. Dumping surf puts enormous forces onall the above and breakages are expensive (andI’m not talking about dollars).

Rule no.5: Understand surf.

Knowing how surf forms and when it breaks helps

you anticipate how it will act and how to best deal

with it. Waves arrive in sets, groups of about 4-8

waves. Generally the last waves of a set are the

biggest and the size of the biggest waves will vary

between sets. Patient observation out to sea will

often pay dividends in seeing a pattern to the

big sets.

When they enter shallower water, waves slowdown, so the distance between them reduces.They will break when they reach waterapproximately half as deep as the height of thewave. This can be a beach, bar, reef or otherobstruction. Topography affects the surf zonesignificantly. A beach that gradually becomesshallower will have a broad surf zone as largersets break further offshore in the deeper water.A steep beach will have a short break zone as allthe waves tend to reach their breaking depth atabout the same place.

Waves are affected by tide as well. An outgoingtide will cause waves to steepen and be morelikely to break . Also as the tide recedes waveswill begin to break where they have not done forseveral hours, simply because eventually thecritical depth for breaking gets broached by thebigger waves. This can catch a paddler out (as canthose extra large ones) in areas with shoals.Usually you can recognise these areas by lookingwell ahead of where you are, and observing thelarger waves breaking, but not always. Charts canenable you to anticipate this potential, and suchareas should be given a wide berth.

Local wind will affect surf too. A shore wind tendsto produce a spilling surf, while an offshore windtends to hold the waves up longer causing thembreak suddenly and often violently as plungingsurf. If it looks formidable it generally is.

Rule no.6: Practise!

When you need these skills for real is not the timeto discover whether you still have them or not. Seerule number 1.

The west Coast is definitely not a place I’drecommend to everyone. In fact it is not a place Iwould recommend to many people. But for thosewith the requisite skills and in search of anenvironment that will sometimes challenge,sometimes invoke awe and always be memorable,the west coast would be at the top of the list.

Have you got a tale to tell and the pictures to prove it?

Do you want some tips on how to get it in print?

See www.canoeandkayak.co.nz for our “Contributors’ Guidelines”.


North Shore Yakity Yak club spent

t h e i r M i d Wi n te r C h r i s tm a s a t

A d m i n i stra ti o n B ay, M o tu ta p u .

Saturday night’s pot-luck dinner had an

over abundance of roast chickens, and

some strange salads; some games were

particularly athletic, some bruising

(ever played musical chairs to a type of

truth or lies quiz, with boisterous

paddlers?); presents were fought over,

the most desirable prize being an

orange brollie! The paddling? It was

perfect.

Yakity YakP H O T O E S S A Y

by Warren Kennedy, Guy Folster and Ruth E. Henderson


Positions for staff available

07 847 5565

Retail, Courses, Hire& Yakity Yak Club

Has your group or club had a particularly memorable andphotogenic moment or trip?

Select your top 10 - 20 photographs, put them on a CDtogether with a few words and post to Ruth at NZ Kayakmagazine, 7/28 Anvil Road, Silverdale and they could endup here.


Weight: 15 kgWidth: 780 mmLength: 2.7 mPrice: $469

A Sit-on-Top for the family. Able to seatan adult and a small child. It is easy topaddle and is very stable. Easily

carried by one adult or two kids.

Available at leading kayak stores.

Mad Yakkers Tea PartyY A K I T Y Y A K C L U B

by Sharon Torckler

A recently qualified leader organised

his first kayak trip. He planned a

Mad Yakkers Tea Party, launching at

Takapuna, destination Browns Bay

Reef. Beginners and the less fit were

able to launch and join the group at

Mairangi Bay.

There was a light head on breeze. Nothing toodaunting - good muscle toning conditions. Weall made it except for one lassie who had left fromTakapuna and had managed to feed the fish onthe way. She decided to land at Mairangi Bay andlet the ‘night before antics’ wear off.

We landed on the reef. Out came the weird andwacky hats, the pirates flag and the Tea Partybegan. A wee bit windy, but there was no rain

(and that means a great day for Aucklanders).With bellies fed and everyone refuelled weheaded back to Takapuna. Everyone was lookingforward to an easy paddle home and some funriding a few of the waves. As we left, Philfreshened up in the shallow water around thereef. Dunking number one.

All was going well... till... one of the newbies whowas paddling with one of the oldbies tipped out.To get the attention of another paddler, Ruth blewon her whistle - three sharp times. She thenhelped the newbie back into his kayak. This wassuccessfully accomplished in textbook styledespite the lumpy seas - a perfect co-operationbetween the rescued and the rescuer. However,while she hadn’t managed to get the attention ofthe fellow kayaker, an on-shore looker thoughtsomeone was in distress and immediately

phoned the Coast Guard. Just remember ‘BigBrother’ is always watching.

Meanwhile the rest of us, oblivious to the actionup front, diverted to drop off some paddlersbefore linking up with Ruth and Co. We wereenjoying the waves and the company, when twoCoast Guard boats screamed towards us. Not onebut two boats! They asked “Who blew thewhistle?” “Was anyone in strife?’” A fellowkayaker turned round to see where the CoastGuard Boat had gone - and ooops, out he fell!!Well, being Yakity Yakkers and knowing the drill,he was back in his boat quick smart althoughmissing a paddle, and a shoe that someoneretrieved for him. All was well, we thought, butnot for long. 2 secs later he was in again - justwanted to perfect that re-entry. And, being YakityYakkers and knowing the drill, he was back in his

SQUIRTSQUIRT


boat, this time with his paddle and shoe. Thank you Coast Guard for beingon the ball, and giving some Yakity Yakkers a chance to show you their skills.

We ended a great day’s entertainment and re-entry practice wetting thewhistle at The Copper Room (for future ref R’toto’s is closed Sundayafternoon).

Thanks Chris Dench for organising the Mad Yakkers Tea party. We hope theantics of your fellow kayakers haven’t put you off organising another one.

Subed’s note 1. Chris did advertise “All eccentricities welcomed andencouraged “ - so he should have expected ‘attention seekers’, whistleblowers, and phantom kayakers...

Subed’s note 2. Ian would you please buy your wife a VHF for Christmas,then she won’t have to “whistle Charlie up.”

Photos by Guy Folster and Ruth E. Henderson

I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4 3 5 I S S U E T W E N T Y e i g h t • 2 0 0 4 3 5


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Weather or not! -Stewart Island


by Bryan Whiteaker

After a sea kayaking skills course run

by Peter from Canoe & Kayak, Taranaki

we were confident of tackling a kayak

trip in Stewart Island. Innes Dunstan,

the person we had arranged to hire our

kayaks from, in Half Moon Bay was

happy to know we were not total

novices.

Before our trip the weather had been shockingwith overnight lows of minus 8 in Invercargill, andsoutherlies gusting to 80 knots straight off thesouth pole. Pictures of snow covered farms andclosed roads on the news, provided amusementfor our friends and trepidation for us.

John Bonn, a friend of Colin’s met us at Invercargillairport and with true Southlander hospitalityinvited us to his home and lent us his 4WD thenext day. On the Bluff to Stewart Island ferry wemet Sebastian, a Frenchman on holiday whoteamed up with us.

We stayed that night, at Innes Backpackers in HalfMoon Bay. He briefed us on kayaking in PattersonInlet, and helped us come up with a workableschedule, that included a bit of fishing andhunting. We had bought most of our supplies fromInvercargill; we shouldn’t have bothered as theshop at Half Moon bay stocks all you might need.

We paddled from Golden Bay, exploring all theway to Millars Beach Shelter. Lots of mussels inPaterson Inlet provided a feed for lunch. This partof the inlet offers nice easy paddling in shelteredwater with an old whaler’s base to visit.

Next day Fred’s Hut proved agreat place to stay. It has awonderful view over the inlet.Sliding effortlessly over waterso black it could be oil, thefollowing morning paddling toRakeahua we saw five seals,two of them fishing. There wasquite a bit of bird life: gulls,molly hawks, bush hawks,south island shags, king-fishers and on the track to thehut, tui.

Rain turned to storm, but thehut had a good supply of coaland wood. We were cosy.

It was hailing when we returned to Fred’s hut. Wesaw more seals, but they didn’t stay around. Thewind picked up and pushed us along. A squall hitand we were surfing. We made good time!

The next day from Fred’s to Abraham’s Hut we tryto shelter behind a small point from wind gustsover thirty knots, white horses and spray. But therewas no beach and we couldn’t get out of ourkayaks. We agreed to go around Dynamite Point,set off at forty-five degrees to the waves, andturned so that the waves and wind would pushus around the point.

Halfway across to the Point, I looked back and sawthat Colin and Sebastian were still at ourdeparture point. Round the Point, I began fishing,and after a while Colin joined me. His rudder hadgot stuck in the upright position and he’d turnedback to fix it. He told me that Sebastian, nearlycapsized twice, and had turned back. We waited


for him. Eventually Colin climbed up high enough to spot Sebastian, and sawhim still at the other side of Dynamite Point. After a hot drink and feed weclimbed up into the bush to reach Sebastian. But before we got to him hepaddled across by himself. We continued on to Abraham’s Hut.

Next day, we paddled into the inlet, rafted up and let the rising wind push usalong. We found a place to camp in Big Glory Bay and then looked aroundthe salmon farm.

On our last day, enroute to Golden Bay we went around the back of UlvaIsland to keep out of the wind. The island is rat, cat and stoat free so thereare lots of birds. Wekas were all over the place. It’s well worth a visit.

Innes Dunstan picked us up at Golden Bay, for a day’s rest and cleanup atthe backpackers. To finish off a great trip we tramped over to Mason Baywhere we saw kiwi out at night and managed to bag a whitetail deer.

Photos by Sebastian

Canoe & Kayak Ltd is readyto open Licensed Operationsin new centres and has the

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All approaches will be dealt with in confidence.


Getting the drift of thePaddling Game


by Lindsay Wright


Open 7 days 8.30am - 6.00pm


KAYAKING - the people who do it, want you to try it

“Give it a go,” they say, “it’s so cool and it makes you feel

really good.”

“Come for a paddle,” a seasoned kayaker says. He skips into his boat andsmirks while you squeeze into a waterborne wedge of plastic that wasoriginally designed for someone half your size.

When you’re seated and wobbling like a stick insect on a plate of jelly, yourkayaking mentor digs a paddle into the water and skims away towards thehorizon. “See...it’s easy,” he calls back over his shoulder.

Meanwhile you’re stuck fast in the muddy river shallows, struggling to leveryour way into deep water without levitation or tugboat.

It’s a basic law of physics that if you move weight from one side of a narrowfloating object to the other side, that object will want to turn over.

Kayaks are narrow floating objects. As the top half of your body does thepaddling part, the bottom half is forced by your sense of balance tocompensate so you end up doing a jerky sitting down sort of hula dance. Soit goes: paddle...wobble...paddle...wobble...and so forth.

By now your paddling mate is a speck on the horizon, the rhythmic flash ofthe sun on his paddle blades a galling reminder of the way this sport shouldbe played. After a few deep breaths, and a shot of bravado, you get on top ofthe wobbling problem.

The next challenge is the flick of the wrist. Some wily Eskimo, before the adventof outboard motors and snow scooters, figured that the scalloped bit on oneend of the paddle would work better fixed at 90 degrees to the other one.Perhaps wrist twisting was an ancient Eskimo rite of passage.

You pivot your body from the waist up like the trim, leotarded ladies in thetelevision aerobics programmes do. A warm feeling floods through your body,flowing from your head down to the tips of your toes - this is a full workout.

Finally you’ve got it...stroke...stroke....the kayak forges ahead, without feelingthat you’ll turn turtle with each stroke, or go round in circles. If you put a bitof pressure on one cheek of your bum the boat will slowly turn that way. Anextra bit of grunt on one side of the paddle has the same affect. Hey, this iscool. The dread of making an absolute idiot out of oneself dissipates.

The spot on the horizon gets closer until you can pick out someone leaning

on his paddle and drifting in the sun, watching and waiting for you to catch up.

By now your upper body aches, but there’s not far to go. Sweat drools fromunder your hatband and the world beyond your sunglasses blurs. The kayakmoves like a sodden log. Will you ever catch up?

Water dribbles down the paddles and soaks your tee shirt, but slowly theother kayak gets bigger and bigger. You can pick out details; the bright redflotation vest, the black handle of the paddles, the dinky little hatches, andthe face under the broad sunhat, the sticker on the side which says “Cruiser”or “EzyRider.”

About 20 metres away now. Control your breathing...relax; nice regular strokeson the paddle...coast the last few metres...work hard on a nonchalantapproach despite throbbing arms and pulsing head...and a numbness in yourbum from the form fit (somebody else’s form) fibreglass seat. Resist theimpulse to lie on your back and kick your legs in the air. Coast to a halt, ametre off the other kayak.

“See,” the other paddler says,” you’ve got the hang of it now - follow me...andsuddenly you can. The other kayak doesn’t “disappear over the horizon,”you cruise side by side, paddle for paddle and your arms don’t feel like they’lldrop off at the shoulders.

You relax and enjoy the scenery. Birds stop foraging to watch you glide past;the light sparkles on the gently rippling water, trees are high along theriverbanks. The kayak coasts effortlessly through the water and you feel thatyou’d like to stop and hug yourself.

You should give it a go - it’s so cool and it makes you feel really good.

Photo by Ruth E. Henderson


The RangitopuniW H I T E W A T E R K A Y A K I N G

by Sam Goodall and Rob Munro

The Auckland region isn’t exactly known for

raging whitewater, so for adrenaline junkies

there was only one thing to do, EXPLORE! We

had heard rumours of a paddleable river in the

Riverhead area, and the Topo maps agreed. We

waited for something that we had of ten

experienced over the winter, RAIN! We didn’t

have to wait long! Next morning we were ready

nice and early. The river level looked promising.

Two keen, but slightly cautious paddlers boofed over thesmall drop at the put in. The river had many willows and wasnarrow. We had to be careful, getting out regularly to checkpotential danger spots. We found a few fun drops, and anexcellent play hole at the get out. Unfortunately it was hometo a huge tree, which we decided could be easily removed.

The next day that tree, and many others, was dragged fromthe river by the tree removal specialists, Rob, Sam and Marcel.The river stayed high for a month, so it became a regularhaunt. We spent a lot of time playing, and a little bit more ontrees! If anyone is interested in flows needed and get outsetc, please contact [email protected]




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FISH ‘N DIVEFISH ‘N DIVE

Winter fishing! 23lb Schnapper caught offTaranaki coast near White Cliffs by Nigel Legg

A guides day offK A Y A K F I S H I N G

by Marty Benson

It all started on the Friday night when

some clients never showed up, I was

disappointed but then I thought ‘I’ll

still go and have a day off.’

Saturday morning I got myself ready:

grabbed my fishing rod, snorkel gear

and just a little bit of bait (10 pillies), a

few peanut butter sandwiches, 2 litres

of water, an apple and I’m ready.

Then the phone rings, and my mate wants to gofor a fish in his boat. As a hard-core land-basefisho I turned him down, and he said “You’remad, you do that for a job” come with me and putyour feet up. “Thanks for the offer Darren, but Ican’t help myself, the freedom of a kayak and justdropping over for a dive is just irresistible, it’sbloody fantastic, then I can pull up somewherefor a fish.” “Yeah well, good on ya, you’re one ofthe maddest bastards I’ve had the pleasure ofmeeting. I hope you enjoy yourself,”

I didn’t know how to take that comment. Am Ireally that crazy about fishing? Well, after thosequick few seconds of serious thought I wasmarching out the door. I’d told my partner whereI was going and my E.T.A.

I got to my destination and it was a perfectmorning, no wind and the sun was booming down.I unloaded all my gear, packed my kayak thendragged it down to the water’s edge. I strappedon my helmet and took another look at the kayak.Luckily I noticed my bung was undone. Boy was Iglad I had doubled checked.

There was about a half metre swell rolling ontothe beach with a weather forecast of 20 knots topick up in the afternoon. She’ll get a little sloppy,I told myself.

I launched my kayak. My timing was a little off. Thefirst wave broke on me. Oh well ya get that. Ipaddled for a while, and a pod of dolphins joinedme - sounds good but they actually scared me.They came up from behind and blew right besideme; my heart felt like it came out my throat. Theystayed with me for a while darting underneath,jumping in front of my bow, a couple of belly flopsthen they went their own way.

The water was perfect: I could see 6 - 10 m. Therewas a gentle breeze ruffling the water’s mirrorlook. I found some good looking territory, threwmy homemade anchor out then put on my mask& flippers and over I went. I dove down to a nicelooking crevasse with a little sand gutter in frontof it. It looked like a perfect place for a cray. Upsidedown I peered into this crevasse. Spotting the tailof a huge eagle ray didn’t do my heart any good. Ileft him undisturbed. A little further the fish wereeverywhere, the dear old red moki, a few leatherjackets, some big blue maomao with parorehanging around in little groups and the elusivesnapper at a distance. I saw a something big but itwas too fast to identify. A little school of babytrevally followed me around, so I grabbed acouple of kina and broke them open to give thelittle fellows a feed.

Back on my kayak I pulled up the anchor andpaddled further up the beautiful coast. When Ifound a good looking rock formation, I jumpedback in and started to hunt for a cray or a paua.The first dive I found a nice nest of 10 crays sitting

on the edge of deep crack. I looked carefully anddecided I only had one chance before they woulddisappear into the crack. I resurfaced, sucked insome more air and went back down. I lined up anice buck; he had two smaller ones just behindhim also on both sides. I figured they should slowhim down when I go for the snatch and grab. YepI was right, got him by the horns - he certainly wasa nice fish about 2-3kg, so into the hatch of mykayak he went.

I had noticed some paua near the crays, so I wentback and spotted two good size pauas amongst afew smaller ones. A quick measure (on my knife),and they went into hatch. I picked up the anchor,swam some more, and found two more paua.

About two or three hours had passed since I leftthe beach. I could feel the kayak get a burst ofenergy every now and then. The wind was gettingup - not much time left I was telling myself (windkayak waves rocks, equals recipe for a disaster). Ia found little rock which looked like someone hadput it there. About 3m round it was sitting by itself.I had a look. It was full of crays. I grabbed a nicebuck and on the way up a huge kingie swam pastme at arm’s length. Once again coming frombehind, it really got my heart pumping. I got tothe surface and gasped for air, that kingie hadtaken the last bit of oxygen out of me. I have neverhad a kingie swim so close before. I was thinkingmaybe he was on a hunt for kahawai himself.Anyway that was enough for me.

I paddled off to find a nice rock ledge to fish from.The wind was about 15 knots, forecast to reach 20or more. I paddled closer to home. A head windis not a nice way to end a day!

I found a good looking spot, landed and started


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Open 6 days 8.30am - 5.30pm

to fish. I noticed a boil up further along the coast.After a half hour or so it was very quiet, I had eatenmy sandwiches and decided to catch a kahawaifrom my kayak on the way home.

I paddled to the boil up. It was pretty choppy withthe wind rising. I figured two baits only, cast a pillyinto the birds and bang! A screaming run, ‘What akahawai’ I thought, then the gas really came on.‘Shit this isn’t a kahawai, must be a kingie or a bigsnapper.’ Man this fish started towing me out tono-mans-land. I was starting to worry. If the windgets up even more I’ll be in deep custard. Well,the fish decides to swim back to land half hour orso later - I had a very nice kingie at my side. NOWWHAT THE **** DO I DO? He swam round, andround in big circles. The half metre swell is nowone metre plus chop. Rebounding waves from therocks made it very rough. I figured I’d shove myhand down its throat and pull out its gill orsomething like that. I could see the hook in thecorner of its mouth, I couldn’t use the line as it was10kg mainline no trace. I lined the fish up to swimtowards me, lifted my rod behind my head andwham, I shoved my hand in its mouth clenchedsomething and flipped it onboard. I almost wentstraight over the other side.

Wrestling this 50lb kingie was a nightmare. Its tail

smashed my poor boat (well it sounded like it). I

got my knife out, still trying to keep the balance of

the kayak while clenching my rod under my arm

with the reel under the water. My paddle is under

the kayak attached by its bungee cord. I’ve got

blood pissing out everywhere and the kingie is

now twitching his last moments, banging with his

tail. The damn rocks are just behind me, the kingie

settles down and I paddle away from the danger

zone. I couldn’t do anything with the kingie except

leave him on my lap and paddle home.

With a “Yaaahooooo” I paddled back. A lot of

water was breaking over the boat, washing the

blood into the sea so I dug in, in case anything

else wanted to give me a fright. A shark would be

all I needed! to share my kayak or kingie. Getting

closer to shore I watched the sets. Well there were

no sets. It was a mess. So I just went for it. With an

extra 50lbs closer to the front I figured I could get

dumped in which case I’ll just hold the kingie and

the boat will get washed up. Well, I surfed a goodwave, the bow went under and I thought this is it,but it came out. Then the wave broke white watereverywhere. But, I still was in control!!! Side onsurf back to shore, and then I tipped over. It wasonly knee deep, I just over-balanced. Boy, I washappy to be on land. What an awesome day; twohuge crays, a feed of paua and a good kingie.The lesson I learnt was to be prepared for kayakfishing next time. Another tip is my anchor - it isno. 8 wire and lead. If any problems occur theprongs can bend. The thrills and spills of littleadventures make life so much moreinteresting...get out there!

ED. Note: Going North? Give Marty a call. You are

guaranteed lots of laughs. Ph: 09-409-8445.


Press Releases

Sea kayakers have welcomed the news that theDepartment of Conservation is to increase thenumber of campsites for sea kayakers.

After almost 12 months of public consultation andevaluation of public comments, the Departmentof Conservation has published a series of reportson future recreation opportunities. KiwiAssociation of Sea Kayakers, Vincent Maire, saysthat sea kayakers in the northern part of thecountry will be pleased to hear that thedepartment is to expand the number of coastalcamp sites.

“KASK made submissions to the Northland,Auckland and Waikato conservancies. While notall of our suggestions were taken up, a significantnumber of our ideas have either been acted onor are under consideration,” he says.

In the Bay of Islands kayakers will have access to aproposed 22-bunk hut at Deep Water Cove, and thehut at Peach Cove at Bream Head is to be expanded.

To help first time kayak buyers, in October 2004KASK launched a glossy brochure titled a “BasicGuide to Safe Sea Kayaking”. With content fromKASK members and a grant from WSNZ forprinting, the brochure aims to encourage safe andenjoyable sea kayaking. Both organizations areaiming to have this brochure included with everynew sea kayak sold in New Zealand, available atall retail outlets and wherever sea kayakinginstruction courses or guided trips are run.

The following pages list basic kayak andequipment terms, what clothing should be wornin winter or in summer, and what emergencysignalling devices should be carried. Necessaryskills both before launching and on the water arenoted. Contact details for KASK are listed withrelevant and informative websites.

An initial KASK mail out to over 80 commercial sea

kayak companies led to a flood of orders faxed toWater Safety; a most encouraging start withsummer fast approaching and what is apparent asa steady growth in the retail market for plastickayaks and sit on tops.

Bulk brochure orders are available at no chargefrom Water Safety NZ.

Fax: (04) 801 9599

Via the website: www.watersafety.org.nz

or email orders to: [email protected]

The 2005 KASK Forum, a gathering of paddlersfrom throughout New Zealand, is planned forEaster at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds.

Further forum information will be available fromthe website: www.kask.co.nz

Paul Caffyn, Publications Officer, KASK

“Deep Water Cove is an ideal stopping off pointfor a trip around Cape Brett. It’s a shame the hutwon’t be complemented by a low impact campsiteat Whangamumu Harbour, which is the other endof this journey, but perhaps the department maykeep this in mind for the future,” says Vincent.

Auckland’s many sea kayakers will soon haveaccess to a campsite at Boulder Bay on thenorthern side of Rangitoto and a new hut isproposed for Motuora Island. Of particularinterest to the more adventuresome sea kayakersis the news that camping is now permitted atMiners Cove and Rangiwhakaea Bay at thenorthern end of Great Barrier Island.

“These two bays mark the start and end points ofa long day circumnavigating the northern end ofthe island. This is an area for experienced seakayakers and the two five-tent sites now make thisjourney a more safe and achievable option,” saysVincent. Both the Auckland and Waikato

conservancy reports acknowledge the need toprovide more facilities for sea kayakers.

In Auckland, the department is exploring ways ofmeeting the needs of sea kayakers wishing topaddle from Auckland to Coromandel byestablishing a basic campsite at the western endof Waiheke Island.

“This is a two-day trip and the Firth of Thamesshould only be crossed in ideal conditions. Seakayakers have been calling for a small campsiteon the eastern end of Waiheke Island for anumber of years, and KASK welcomes thedepartments interest in helping us overcome thisproblem,” adds Vincent.

The Waikato conservancy is to establish a lowimpact site on Mahurangi Island off Hahei, and inits report notes the effect recent land subdivisiontrends and closure of private and Territorial LandAuthority campsites, is having on sea kayakingaround the peninsula.

Safe Sea Kayaking Brochure Launched

More camping facilities for sea kayakers

Now in its fourteenth year, Head2Head has a wellearned reputation for being a challenging coursethat puts the best of Auckland’s wild places ondisplay. From North Head on the ManukauHarbour to North Head on the WaitemataHarbour, individuals and three person teams raceall out, chasing Steve Gurney’s course record ofjust under five hours. Others will simply aim tocomplete the course and enjoy their journey ofdiscovery, through some of Auckland’ssurprisingly wild places. The 90 kilometre coursebegins with a 13km run from Paratutae Island atthe Manukau Harbour entrance, along the wildwest coast then climbing steeply up theOmanawanui Track through lush bush before

descending to Huia. From Huia competitors facea 58km cycle through the spectacular WaitakereRanges following the Scenic Drive.There areseveral challenging climbs for the riders beforereaching the 389 metre high point, then a swiftdescent down to the kayak put-in point atChristmas Beach on Herald Island. The 19kmpaddle follows down Auckland Harbour, trackingunder the Greenhithe and Harbour bridges andaround historic North Head, to complete thecourse at Cheltenham Beach, Devonport.Contact Alan Nelson - Race Director.Ph.(09) 5851970, (025) 821562 (on race-day).E m a i l : n e l s o n . a s @ c l e a r . n e t . n z ,www.head2head.net.nz

14th ThermaTech HEAD2HEAD Sunday 12 December 2004


NEW ZEALAND KAYAK MAGAZINE’S BUYERS GUIDE

Weight: 22.68 kg

Width: 711 mm

Length: 4.55 m

Price: $1195

(x A hatch and tank straps

incl.)

TOURER This kayak has it all, even an adjustable leg length ruddersystem. The low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts down on windage,enabling paddlers to maintain high speed and straight tracking with easyhandling in all conditions. The integrated keel provides stability andefficiency.

ESCAPADE Great general purpose kayak for fishing, diving and havingfun in the sun.

Weight: 27 kg

Width: 750 mm

Length: 3.46 m

Price: $910

Weight: 23.5 kg

Width: 62 cm

Length: 4.5m

Price: $1360

SWIFT The swift is an easy handling and stable sit-on-top, with a hullshape similar to that of a sit-in kayak to give it greater speed. The standardSwift comes rigged with a rudder and storage compartments, making it theideal craft for those longer trips or a day out fishing beyond the breakers.

Weight: 21.77 kg

Width: 597 mm

Length: 5.046 m

Price: From

$1995

EXPEDITION is designed to go fast. It is built to accelerate quickly and getto its top speed in a short period of time. This boat has lots of storage and isideal for any paddler interested in performance touring, sea kayaking andlong distance cruising.

SPECIFICATIONKAYAKS SPECIFICATIONKAYAKS

RECREATIONAL

Weight: 17 kg

Width: 68 cm

Length: 2.8 m

Price: $819

ACADIA 280 A light easy to use family kayak. Enjoyable paddling for thewhole family in sheltered waters.

Weight: 34 kg

Width: 83 cm

Length: 4.70m

Price: From

$1349

ACADIA 470 A great fun family boat with plenty of free board allowing fora heavy load. Excellent for sheltered water exploring. Paddles quickly andhas excellent stability. Dry storage compartment.

The Frozen Coast - Sea Kayaking the Antarctic Peninsula

The team from Adventure Philosophy; Graham Charles, Mark Jones, Marcus Waters write a gripping account oftheir great adventure and give a fascinating insight into one of the most extreme sea kayak expeditions everundertaken: an 850 kilometre journey through the freezing waste of ice, rock and ocean of the inhospitableAntarctic Peninsula coast.

The photography is stunning, the words captivating and inspirational. RRP $39.95.

Sea Kayaking - A Manual for Long-Distance Touring

The author, John Dowd, is a New Zealander living in Canada. John paddled his first homemade kayak in the Hauraki Gulfwhen he was fourteen. Besides extensive cruising in the South Pacific, he is the founder of Ecomarine in Vancouver, thebest-known sea kayaking retailer, with rental and instruction activities. His first manual was published in 1981. It provedso popular that four updated editions have been released since. The book is an inspiration to all sea kayakers, regardlessof skill levels achieved.

In addition to chapters on traditional topics such as equipment, seamanship, and planning an expedition: there are oneson hazards, camping and food gathering, first aid, survival situations, and sea kayaking for people with disabilities.

Well illustrated with photographs and sketches.

The recommended retail price is $29. Canoe and Kayak shops are selling John Dowd’s book for the special price in-storeof $19.95. Postage is an extra $5.

Kayak Books


THE EXPLORER is ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring and one of thedriest ‘Sit-ons’ you will find. Great hatches for storing your goodies

Weight: 18.18 kg

Width: 790 mm

Length: 3.43 m

Price: From

$895

Please note that all prices are subject to change without notice. Accessories and hatches as pictured may not be included in price.

We have many more kayaks available so please ask if you cannot see what you want.


RECREATIONAL

We recommend that everybody who uses akayak should participate in a trainingcourse. This will ensure your enjoyment andsafety. Ask at your nearest kayak shop.

DELTA DOUBLE Fun for the whole family at the beach or lake.Plenty of room and great stability.

Weight: 32 kg

Width: 830 mm

Length: 4.2 m

Price: $1160

SYNCHRO A fantastic two person cruising kayak which is stable and fast.It has plenty of storage and great features to make your adventures fun.

Weight: 34 kg

Width: 840 mm

Length: 4.75 m

Price: $1459

Weight: 14 kg

Width: 700 mm

Length: 3 m

Price: $710

SPRITE ONE A kayak for the family, able to seat an adult and child.Easy paddling, adjustable seat back and clip down hand grabs, paddleswell in a straight line and is very stable. Suits flat water conditions.

TORRENT FREEDOM Great for the surf and the river with awesomemanoeuvrability. Excellent finish.

Weight: 22.7 kg

Width: 810 mm

Length: 3.12 m

Price: $889SWING Flat water cruising, well appointed with gear storage inside. Alsoincludes an optional extra pod that detaches, which is great for carryingyour fishing gear to your favourite spot. The pod can also be used as a seat.

Weight: 25 kg

Width: 780 mm

Length: 4.01 m

Price: $1039

ESCAPEE Probably the closest you will come to finding one kayak thatdoes it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling.

Weight: 23 kg

Width: 750 mm

Length 3.3 m

Price: $770

SQUIRT A Sit-on-Top for the family. Able to seat an adult and a smallchild. It is easy to paddle and is very stable. Easily carried by one adult ortwo kids.

Weight: 15 kg

Width: 780 mm

Length: 2.7m

Price: $469

THE PLAY is great for the paddler who wants a fun fast surf and flat waterkayak. Kids love this Sit-on as it is not too wide for them to paddle and yetvery stable.

Weight: 17.27 kg

Width: 710 mm

Length: 3.10 m

Price: From

$649

THE TANDEM ‘two person’ is ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring withgreat hatches for storing your adventure equipment. Now available withthree person option. It is often used by one person.

Weight: 25.90 kg

Width: 915 mm

Length: 3.81 m

Price: From

$1095

Weight: 25.85 kg

Width: 914 mm

Length: 3.81 m

Price: From $999

(hatches & accessories not

included)

FISH ‘N DIVE The ultimate fishing/diving kayak. A large well is located inthe stern and holds up to three tanks. There is one centrally located seat anda smaller companion seat near the bow. It can also be fitted with an optionalmotor bracket for an electric trolling or small outboard engine.


Weight: 21kg

Width: 770 mm

Length: 2.5 m

Price: $630

WHIZZ A great multi-purpose family boat for big kids and small kids alike.Lots of fun this summer at the beach. (Hot surfer!)

Weight: 36.36 kg

Width: 915 mm

Length: 5.03 m

Price: From

$1295

THE TRIPLE is an excellent performing family Sit-on. The centre seat areais dry with heaps of room so the kids can move and fidget without causingthe adults any concern. The centre space also allows for storage of heaps ofcamping equipment.

Weight: 35 kg

Width: 800 mm

Length: 4.87 m

Price: $2579

CONTOUR TANDEM 485 This double Sea Kayak is an ideal day tourerwith the easy ability to do those weekend camping expeditions. It handleswell, is fun to paddle and has well appointed accessories.

TUI EXCEL A versatile touring kayak for lake, river and sea. Stability,speed and easy tracking enable an enjoyable day’s paddling. A largercockpit allows for easier entry and exit.

Weight: Std 22kgWidth: 610 mmLength: 4.4 mBasic $1410Excel $1750Excel lightweight $1920



RECREATIONAL


LAKE AND SEA KAYAKS

Weight: 45 kg

Width: 760 mm

Length: 5.64 m

Price: $3379

ECO NIIZH XLT This upgraded model is proving a hit with its newlighter weight and some excellent features. We now have a plastic doublesea kayak that is great to use for all those amazing expeditions andadventures.

Weight: 17.2 kg

Width: 736 mm

Length: 2.9 m

Price: $819

MINNOW ONE Small, light, easy to paddle fun for the whole family.Suitable for all ages. Suits flat water conditions.

Your height, weight and paddlingability will affect the type of kayakbest suited for your needs. Ask foradvice at your specialist kayak shop.

Weight: 20 kg

Width: 675 mm

Length: 3.7 m

Price:

Tourer $1099

Expedition $1429

ACADIA 370 Flat water cruising, well appointed, a nifty adjustablebackrest, an access hatch in the back which is great for carrying your extragear.

Weight: 32 kg

Width: 820 mm

Length: 4.5 m

Price: From

$1170 to

$1590

SPRITE TWO Two person cruiser, comes with dry gear storage. Fast,stable and easy to use. Adjustable back rest. Suits flat water conditions.

Weight: 20 kg

Width: 710 mm

Length: 2.98 m

Price: $849

Five O Amazing surf sit on top fun and agile and performance orientated.COBRA STRIKE A Wave Ski which the whole family can enjoy. Fantasticin the surf, it‘s a fast and manoeuvrable sit-on-top.

Weight: 16 kg

Width: 685 mm

Length: 2.92 m

Price: $795

Weight: 27 kg

Width: 62 cm

Length: 480cm

Price: $2039

CONTOUR 480 Is a roomy, manoeuvrable, easy to handle boat. Achannelled hull provides outstanding tracking that helps keep you oncourse. Its upswept, flared bow makes crossing rough water a breeze.



LAKE AND SEA KAYAKS


Weight: 28 kg

Width: 610 mm

Length: 4.85 m

Price: $2199

ECO IPIZO 490 The ECO IPIZO 490 is a truly modern kayak that is asunique as they come. A small keel ridge that runs the length of the hull, plus araked stern adds several inches to the waterline, this translates into speed,efficiency and superb tracking. A fast sheltered water sea kayak.

Weight: 27 kg

Width: 610 mm

Length: 5.3 m

Price: $2550

Lightweight $2820

TASMAN EXPRESS Responds to rough conditions. Its low profile andflared bow enable it to perform well in adverse conditions. It is designed togive the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, backrest, sideseat supports and optional thigh brace.


Weight: 22 kg

Width: 610 mm

Length: 5.3 m

Price: $3980

TASMAN EXPRESS KEVLAR As per the plastic model, the kevlarTasman Express responds to rough conditions but its decreased weight, andincreased stiffness, gives even better performance.

CONTOUR 450 This kayak is designed for day tripping and lightovernight expeditions. It’s great fun to paddle and handles easily.

Weight: 26kg

Width: 640mm

Length: 4.5 m

Price: $1889

Weight: 22kg

Width: 590 mm

Length: 5 m

Price: $3110

(Freight charges may apply)

CHALLENGE 5 Slightly larger volume than the Sequel and lighter at 22kg.A fast and stable touring sea kayak well appointed and featuring a greatrudder/steering system.

SEQUEL Fast, light, touring kayak suits beginners through to advancedpaddlers. The hull design allows for great handling in rough water. Wellappointed and ideally suitable for multisport training.

Weight: 22kg

Width: 600 mm

Length: 4.5 m

Price: $1785 North Island

$1903 South Island

BREEZE Fully appointed sea kayak. Light weight and agile with a longwaterline giving good speed in a smaller sea kayak. Designed with thelighter paddler in mind. Suitable for day or overnight trips. Fun in a compactpackage.

Weight: 34kg

Width: 820 mm

Length: 4.5 m

Price: $1690

WANDERER EXCEL A stable fun kayak which is easy to handle. This isan enjoyable kayak for all the family.

TORRES A fast and stable sea kayak capable of handling the extremeexpeditions. Huge storage and lots of leg room.

Weight: 23kgkevlar/carbon

Width: 600 mmLength: 5.6 mPrice: $4110 Kevlar

Weight: 26kg

Width: 580 mm

Length: 4.93 m

Price: $2099 North Island

$2195 South Island

Weight: 22kgWidth: 600 mmLength: 5.4 mPrice: $3960 Kevlar

SOUTHERN SKUA Fast, stable sea kayak. Great in the rough and in thewind. Well appointed for expedition and day trips.

PENGUIN Has all the features for multi-day kayaking with ease ofhandling in all weather conditions. With great manoeuvrability this kayak issuitable for paddlers from beginner to advanced.

Weight: 25 kg

Width: 610 mm

Length: 4.8 m

Price: $2250

Lightweight $2520

Weight: Std 26 kg

Width: 590 mm

Length: 5.4 m

Price: $2559

ECOBEZHIG 540 An enjoyable sea kayak, fast and nimble with hugestorage, great features and the most comfortable seat your butt will evermeet.


Weight: 11kg

Width: 450mm

Length: 5.65m

Price: $2995

Weight: 16.5 kg

Width: 500mm

Length: 6.4 m

Price: $3495 kevlar

& carbon

$2995 fibreglass

OCEAN X This Racing Sea Kayak was designed specifically for the “Lengthof New Zealand Race” and built around the safety criteria drawn up for thatrace. The Ocean X is also very suitable for kayak racing in the manyharbours, estuaries and lakes of New Zealand and lends itself well to thekayak sections of many multisport races.


MULTI SPORT AND RACING SEA KAYAKS


Weight: 12.5 kg

Width: 450mm

Length: 5.89m

Price: $2995

OPUS This kayak is for the competitive multisporter who has mastered themid range kayaks like the Swallow and is paddling the river with skill andenjoyment. Advanced paddling ability is required to enjoy racing this Kayak.

Weight: 12 kg

Width: 480mm

Length: 5.4 m

Price: $2795

SWALLOW The next step up from the entry level kayaks. Fast with goodstability. Medium skill ability is required to enjoy racing this kayak.

MAXIMUS Fast ocean going Racing Sea Kayak. The broad bow allowsthis kayak to ride over waves like a surf ski without losing any speed and iseasy to control while surfing. A low profile reduces buffeting by the wind inadverse conditions.

Weight: 16.5 kg to 19 kg

depending on construction

Width: 510 mm

Length: 6.43 m

Price: $2980 - $3330



Weight: 14.5 kg

Width: 540 mm

Length: 4.94m

Price: $2295

INTRIGUE This kayak is ideal for the beginner kayaker who is looking fora quick, light kayak with great stability.

THE ELIMINATOR is a fast stable racingand training ‘Sit -on’. It has an adjustable dry seat and a cool drainingsystem. Ideal for the paddler wanting a good fitness work out.

Weight: 19.09 kg

Width: 585 mm

Length: 5.03 m

Price: $1495

Weight: 26 kg

Kevlar/Carbon

Width: 550mm

Length: 7m

Price: $4995 Glass

$5495

Kevlar/CarbonGive your specialist kayak shop a calland talk to one of our friendly team tohelp choose the best kayak for you.

REBEL This new fast funky Ruahine Kayak is designed for the smallerpaddler in the 50 to 70kg range.It is 5.65 metres long, which is half way between the length of the Swallowand the Opus and it has a maximum beam of 450mm.

ADVENTURE DUET This lightweight, very fast and recently updatedAdventure Racing double kayak continues to dominate adventure racing inNZ and is very suitable as a recreational double.

F1 This innovative new multisport kayak is designed for the advanced andelite paddler. This radical kayak is fast with considerable secondary stabilityand is fitted with our new “bikini” seat. It will accelerate with ease, cuttingwave trains and eliminating rocking.

Weight: 13.5 kg Kevlar12 kg Carbon /Kevlar

Length: 6.2 mPrice: $3095 Kevlar

$3295 Carbon /Kevlar

Weight: 26 kg Glass

24kg Kevlar

Width: 550 mm

Length: 7 m

Price: $4995 - $5495



Handy Hint -Greenland Paddles by Paul Hayward

Two quick warnings for those making (or contemplating)

Greenland Paddles.

Don’t apply an oil finish and then leave the rag sitting round.

Rags soaked in Linseed or Tung oils will self-combust and

burn.

That’s what burned down the store at Oparau in November.

Wash the rags or store in a small airtight tin.

I apply the oils with my hands - which avoids the whole

problem....

Monitor your sensitivity to Cedar dust!

Wear a dust mask if you need to.

Some folk just get dirty snot - others get sinusitis & think

that pollen season has rolled around early.

Cedar chests are fragrant... but moths don’t like them for a

reason.



www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

HAWKE’S BAYDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

15 NIVEN STREETONEKAWA, NAPIER

Telephone: 06 842 1305CSJ Limited

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Hawke’s Bay

NORTH

NIVEN STREET

TAR

AD

ALE

RO

AD

TAUPODISCOVER

ANOTHER WORLD

38 Nukuhau Street, TaupoTelephone: 07 378 1003

Rees and Partners LimitedTrading as Canoe and Kayak Taupo

LAKE TERRACE

TON

GA

RIR

O ST

SPA ROAD

NU

KU

HAU

NORTH

S.H.1

NORTH SHOREDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

Unit 2, 20 Ascension Pl. OffConstellation Drive, Mairangi Bay,

Auckland - Telephone: 09 479 1002Flood Howarth & Partners Limited

Trading as Canoe and Kayak North Shore

CONSTELLATION DRIVE

NO

RTH

ERN

MO

TORW

AY

ASCE

NSIO

N PL

NORTH

UPPER HIGHWAY (16)

MANUKAUDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

710 Great South Road, ManukauTelephone: 09 262 0209

J. K. Marine LimitedTrading as Canoe and Kayak Manukau

WIRI STATION ROAD

GR

EAT

SOU

TH R

D

SOU

THER

N M

OTO

RAW

AY

FIRSTDRIVEWAY

BRONCOS

TOYOYA

NORTH

3/5 Mac Donald StreetMount Maunganui (off Hewletts Rd)

Telephone: 07 574 7415Jenanne Investment Limited

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty

BAY OF PLENTYDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

MAUNGANUI ROAD

MACDONALD STREET

HEW

LETT

S R

OAD

TO TAURANGA BRIDGE

LIQUORLAND KFC

SILVERDALEDISTRIBUTION CENTRE

7/28 Anvil Road, SilverdalePlease phone for opening hours

Telephone: 09 421 0662Canoe & Kayak Limited

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Distribution

TARANAKIDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

Unit 6, 631 Devon RoadWaiwhakaiho, New Plymouth

Telephone: 06 769 5506Peter & Bronnie van Lith

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Taranaki

NORTH

SMAR

T RO

AD

WAIWHAKAIHO RIVER

DEVON ROAD

HAMILTONDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

OPENINGSOON

PHONE07 847 5565

NORTH

MAIN NORTH HIGHWAY

TAVERN ROAD

EAST

COAST

ROAD

FOUNDRY RD

ANVIL RD

AUCKLANDDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD

502 Sandringham RdTelephone: 09 815 2073Marine Retail Developments Ltd

T/A Canoe & Kayak Auckland

BALMORAL ROAD

DO

MIN

ION

R

OA

D SOUTH

SAN

DR

INGH

AM

RO

AD

CITY

JOIN THE

YAKITY YAKCLUB

PHONE YOUR NEAREST

SHOP

ST LUKES RD

Photo by Ruth E. Henderson

Sailing under paddle blade, Lake Waikaremoana

Issue 28

Documents

s s u e t w e n t y

s s u e t w e n t y

n g s e

t e r r i v e r

t i s p o r t2

canoe kayak

nz distributors

nz magazine