Wasps, Wakas & Wallabies Nepal Update Getting ... - Canoe & Kayak

ISSUE 52 

Getting Kids into Kayaking 

Tips for getting started and great destination ideas for your 

family. 

Wasps, Wakas & Wallabies 

Some unexpected discoveries while paddling the lakes. 

Nepal Update 

You won’t believe what these ladies have achieved! 

The Buddy System 

Scott Challenor and Steve Knowles provide 

ideas for taking a newbie kayak fishing. 

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• Multisport events for 2009 

• Kiwi Canoe Slalom Team 

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Issue 52 

contents 

Kayaking With Kids: 20 

8 

30 

Features 

6 The Perfect Family Tonic - Introducing your family to 

20 

48 

kayaking has many benefits. 

20 Kayaking With Kids - Paddling together is a great way 

to build confidence. 

24 Panmure Playground Paddle - When the kids aren’t 

paddling, there’s plenty to do. 

Canoe Slalom 

15 Kiwi Slalom Team European World 

Cup Series Report - Kiwis become superstars. 

Quick find from the cover 

Getting Kids into Kayaking 

Tips for getting started and great destination ideas for your 

family. 

Wasps, Wakas & Wekas 

Some unexpected discoveries while paddling the lakes. 

Nepal Update 

You won’t believe what these ladies have achieved! 


Scott Challenor and Steve Knowles provide 

tips for taking a newbie kayak fishing. 

I S S U E 5 2 

Sea Kayaking 

8 Wasps, Wakas, Waterfowl & Wallabies - It’s like 

you’re in another world. 

Kayak Fishing 

28 Success on the Manukau - The perfect way to 

spend the day. 

30 The Buddy System - Taking a learner fishing. 

Multisport 

32 2009 Multisport Challenges - 6 Events left 

on the calendar 

White Water Kayaking 

36 White Water NZ - new name same commitment. 

48 Himalayan River Girls - Nepal update 

Regulars 

5 Editorial 

14 Product Focus - Beachcomber Duo Release 

25 Recipe - Barbequed Banana 

33 Technical - Professional Development for 

Kayak Leaders & Instructors 

38 Learn To Kayak 

40 Your Adventure Starts Here - listings of 

excursions available. 

41 Buyers Guide 

$7.50 NZ 

$7.50 AUST 

SPONSORED BY 

Discover Another World 

• Multisport events for 2009 

• Kiwi Canoe Slalom Team 

• Kayak Fishing 

32 

15 

28 

Front cover photo: Inka and the Nepali girls in the famous 

Sun Kosi waterfall- Photo by Anna Brunno 

Photo above: Anita Austin enjoying L. Rotomahana - 

Photo by Diana Austin 

4 ISSUE FIFTY Two • 2 0 0 9 

www.kayaknz.co.nz

$7.50 NZ 

$7.50 AUST 

We investigate the warmer options for paddling in winter 

SPONSORED BY 

Steve Knowles shows us what 

needs to be done. 


I S S U E 5 1 

• Winter woolies. What’s available 

• White water paddling 

• Fishing in Taranaki 

$7.50 NZ 

$7.50 AUST 

A sport the whole family can get into. 

and an unplanned polar swim! 

Tale of the tuna, shark and me. 

SPONSORED BY 


I S S U E 5 0 

• Trans Taupo Race results 

• White water paddling Aratiatia 

• Taranaki Fishing Contest 

• Anakiwa Forum Review 

$7.50 NZ 

$7.50 AUST 

• Saltwater Fly Fishing 

• Speight’s Coast to Coast 2009 

• White Water Paddling in Africa and Nepal 

SPONSORED BY 


I S S U E 4 9 

#49-9.indd 1 20/02/2009 10:25:20 

$7.50 NZ 

$7.50 AUST 

SPONSORED BY 


I S S U E 4 8 

editorial 

Hello 

We have received loads of great feed back over 

the last month regarding the New Zealand Kayak 

Magazine. We thank you for your open and honest 

opinions which have opened plenty of pathways to 

make the magazine a better read for all. Based on 

your feedback we are committed to bringing you more 

technical articles, great paddling destinations, great 

photo’s and less ads (oops sorry can’t do this one). 

The New Zealand Kayak Magazine was and still is a 

kayaking community magazine telling the real stories 

of paddlers passionate about their sport. Exploring 

faraway places or local hide-a-ways, getting an 

adrenaline buzz, holidaying with friends and family, 

catching fish, multisport and kayak races are all stories 

people want to read. We want you to tell your story, 

and we don’t mind if you are not a writer and need 

some help. (You should see how much my Editorial 

changes once the proof readers have had a go or ten 

at it). So come on readers, send in your ideas, stories 

and photos to entertain and motivate others. 

At last month’s Professional Development Session I 

was asked “Why should we put the effort into leading 

trips?” My response was: “Do you like what you got 

out of the sport, camping, boating and exploring, 

Pete travelling light! 

(With 40 to feed on the Whanganui!) 

developing friends, skills and knowledge?” If you did, how 

do those things happen? I bet that it was because some 

keen person who had put lots of effort into developing 

their skills said “Come on, follow me and we will have 

some fun” 

Sharing of our passion and abilities gives uss a feeling 

of involvement and value along with the reward of seeing 

the positive outcome we have on the people we lead. It is 

also great to pay back those that have helped us. 

Cheers Peter Townend 

Our special thanks to 

Barbara Dillon for the 

photo we used in this and 

the last editorial. 

EDITOR: 

Peter Townend 

Ph: 0274 529 255 Fax [09] 476 7067 

Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz 

PUBLISHER: 

New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published 

five times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. 

PRINTING: MHP Print 

DISTRIBUTION: IMD 

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New Zealand Kayak Magazine 

What use is a Compass? 

Discover how a compass is best used in a kayak. 

Winter Maintenance 

Whale watching in Queensland 

Paddling in Sir Ed’s footsteps 

Kayak seating for multisporters 

Fishing gear for summer 

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ISSUE FIFTY Two • 2009 5

The Perfect Family Tonic 

Carol Tweed explains how introducing her son to sea kayaking has 

led to exciting family adventures and lots of laughs as they continue to 

learn new skills together. 

Just how many kids can stand up on a kayak? – Easter fun in the Abel Tasman 

About 2 years ago my boys, Nick (10) and Jon (12), and I 

wandered into Canoe & Kayak to enquire about learning to 

sea kayak and were soon booked on the Sea Kayak Skills 

Course. The course was exciting but fairly tiring too, as not 

only was I learning, but also keeping my eye out for two daredevil 

boys. But above all it was really good fun. All credit 

to our instructors for their enduring patience balanced with 

making it safe but still enough of an adventure! 

Having undertaken a skills course is 

one thing and like most things, the 

more experience you gain, the more 

you realise how much more there is 

to learn! Jon soon didn’t want to get 

wet anymore and found the whole 

sea kayaking thing boring (I think 

perhaps it was more to do with being 

with his Mum and brother…not cool!). 

However Nick took to it like a duck 

to water and soon we were regular 

Yakity Yak clubbies. Initially we took a 

double and have done some fabulous 

trips both around Wellington and also 

further a field. 

One unforgettable trip saw us 

launching from Eastbourne heading 

into a fairly brisk southerly. It was 

Waitangi Day and our destination was 

out to the harbour heads and return. 

Those who know Wellington Harbour 

will know that the closer you get to 

the Cook Strait, the larger the swells 

become. It didn’t disappoint us! Some 

of the group managed to get wet, but 

two in a double kayak is stable and 

fun, especially when you can ride the 

surf on the return trip. 

Another memorable day trip was 

in October, we were in a hired double again and the paddle was from 

Balaena Bay to Lyall Bay. We were treated to a perfect mix of calm, flat 

water and no wind followed by 2 metre rolling swells as we exited the 

harbour. Finally at Lyall Bay there was some exciting surf to greet us. 

The adventure wasn’t over yet. 

Tuesday evenings at Titahi Bay in the summer are a regular feature on 

our calendar. When the wind is in the right direction, this is a great place 

to learn to kayak surf. Nick loves to use the Flow sit on top kayak and has 

learnt some valuable skills. He has also perfected the art of how to hang 

What a smile! Kayaking is a fantastic way 

to build kids’ confidence. 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Feature 

Bring it on! Nick waiting for a 

good wave at Titahi Bay. 

on for dear life on the front of a sea kayak whilst it is being rolled 

(not by me I hasten to add) and also how to use the bilge pump to 

squirt and soak unsuspecting adults! 

Since those early days in Wellington we have done numerous trips 

to other fabulous places including Abel Tasman (now done three 

times together!), Nelson Lakes, Marlborough Sounds…we’ve lost 

count of the times we’ve been there! Nick now kayaks a single and 

is a good as most adults. 

Nick took to it like a duck to water and soon 

we were regular Yakity Yak clubbies. 

The Rasdex Multisporter PFD has 

had another successful Speight’s 

Coast to Coast, taking wins with 

both Gordon Walker and Emily 

Miazga. A good number of the 

other top 10 finishers in all classes 

also chose it. Why? Because it is 

the most complete multisport 

PFD on the market: quick 

side entry, light weight, 

plenty of pockets, comes 

with bladder and routing 

for 3 tubes via our innovative 

block system. Why compromise 

your race? Use what the winners use! 

RRP $289.95 

Kayaking with your child is such a fun thing to do. We have learnt 

things together, tackled challenges together, fallen in together and 

helped rescue each other. Lots of laughing and no real ‘strops‘ 

either, this really has been perfect for mother and son bonding 

skills. 

My challenge this summer is to get more kids and teenagers 

involved in kayaking, my other son included! Let’s get them out 

there experiencing our beautiful scenery and learning new and 

exciting life skills together. 

The new Hydra PFD has been tested to NZS 5823:2005. It 

is also approved for night time use. Available in high viz 

yellow (see Auckland harbour bylaws) and red, and in 2 

sizes. Features large front pocket and key clip, plus hidden 

side pockets which allow extra foam to be fitted 

so it can be used for canoe polo. 

RRP $149.95 

Nick and Carol seal spotting 

in the Abel Tasman. 



Wasps, Wakas, Waterfowl and 

Wallabies by Susan Pronk, Pictures by Susan Pronk and Tony Saxton 

The cockpits of our kayaks caught the heavy 

Rotorua rain as they lay on the car’s roof rack, ready 

for our week away in the sun. The silence in the motor 

camp, in which we were staying, was interrupted only by a 

tui as it left its perch in a sodden kowhai tree. The sun rose 

over neighbouring Lake Tikitapu, and the mist released 

its clutch on the vegetated hillside. After a good fry up of 

bacon and eggs in the hope of a good physical day on the 

water, we decided the rain had eased enough to at least 

undertake the 5 km walk around the lake so off we set, 

umbrella in one hand and camera in the other. 

The walk was picturesque and even though there was not a kayak to be 

seen on the water, we did catch a glimpse of a bright yellow amphibian-like 

vehicle leaving the roadside and plunging 

Nature’s beauty on the L. 

Tikitapu walkway. 

into the very deep blue waters. The 

air was so still the 

commentary of the 

driver could be heard 

from several hundred 

metres away as he told 

tales of the lake’s history 

to his devoted audience. 

The mechanical duck 

then revved up its engine, 

blew a plume of smoke 

and waddled its way out of the water. The momentary disturbance gone, 

we oohed and aarghed over Lake Tikitapu’s beauty as we continued with 

our walk around its perimeter, and decided to waste no more time in 

getting our kayaks launched. 

Faces plastered with sun-block (ever hopeful the sun would come out), 

we paddled away from the waters edge. The water was glass-like and 

somewhat startling if one was to catch a glimpse of one’s reflection in 

it. You know the vision – battered hat, tousled hair, PFD that balloons 

the size of your chest to unfavourable proportions. That aside, being out 

on the water with no one but your partner, nothing to hear but the lilt of 

the bird song, the buzz of the wasps and the raindrops plopping on the 

brim of your hat, dissolved away the tensions of living in JAFA country. 

We looked like participants in “Dancing 

with the Stars,” limbs moving in all 

directions. 

It was unfortunate that the wasps wanted to act like a guard of honour 

and accompany us on our journey. Seeing many of them floating belly-up 

met with loud cheers as more and more were encountered. Nearing the 

back of the lake, another host of flying pests decided to try their skill at 

annoying us and plunged down the back of our PFDs in vast numbers. As 

Duck with a difference, Lake Tikitapu 


www.kayaknz.co.nz


® 

® 

 

 

the flying ants nibbled away at our flesh we looked 

like participants in the programme, “Dancing 

with the Stars,” limbs moving in all directions in 

an effort to still the biting. The following day we 

graduated to a greater body of water, 

Lake Okareka, 

which provided 

a wide array of 

entertainment. 

Some of the local 

youths launched a 

rather impressive 

waka and were 

practising their 

paddle techniques – 

somewhat different 

from the ones we were 

using and accompanied by various 

Maori chants. A group of school 

children clustered around us weaving 

in and out of the various inlets as 

they learnt to manoeuvre their craft 

on the weedy water. We paddled 

away from the activity towards 

the outlet at the top of the lake, 

beaching the kayaks alongside 

a walkway strewn with attractive 

wooden seating overlooking the 

lake. Lunch was retrieved from the kayak 

The lodge is the only building 

on secluded Lake Okataina 

Susan enjoys the sunshine on Lake Tikitapu after 

a misty start to the day. 

The wetlands project on L. Okareka has 

made this a bird watchers paradise. 

Bush to the water line makes L. Okataina 

a truly special place. 

hatches and gobbled 

down before the 

wasps beat us to it. 

Yes, they were on 

this lake too. 

A p p e t i t e s 

satisfied, we 

paddled toward 

a waterfowl 

w o n d e r l a n d 

in amongst 

the reeds 

congregating 

at the water’s edge. 

Hundreds of 

Canadian geese 

sat with us 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



View from the lookout between Lake Tikitapu (Blue) and 

Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) 

on the water, shags perched on strategic structures, the brilliant blue 

plumage of a pukeko pierced the green vegetation where 

it ran to seek refuge. Swans herded cygnets 

into a protected cluster as we came 

too near for comfort and a 

lone heron retreated from 

our advance, only to meet 

with us again as we emerged 

unexpectedly from among the 

lake vegetation. There were many 

more bird species to be admired, 

and later we viewed them from a 

different aspect as we expended 

the little energy we had left walking 

along the Lake 

Okareka 

Boardwalk. 

Unloading our kayaks at The Landing 

on Lake Tarawera the following day, we 

were advised by the locals it would take 

us 45 minutes to get to Hot Water Beach, 

and that if we kept turning right we would eventually 

find it. One and a half hours later we arrived having 

had a good workout battling cross winds and open 

water. Hugging the coastline looked like a much 

longer journey and we were both tired from the 

day before so avoided that choice. A passing 

yachty kindly pointed us in the direction of our 

own private spa – private for a while anyway. 

Shrouds of steam veiled the approaching 

shore as we trailed our hands in the water testing its temperature. 

Having decided it was safe to disembark, we dragged the kayaks 

Tony’s in hot water, L. Tarawera 

Lakeside sauna at Hot Water Beach, L. Tarawera 

far enough inland to hopefully prevent 

any melting and leapt into the water. 

Leaping was no understatement – 

the water at the shores edge was 

scorching, even through our boat 

shoes. We managed to find a 

comfortable pool of water, which 

was quite intriguing to sit in. It 

was very hot on the surface, 

cool in the middle and changing 

from tepid to skin blistering as 

it percolated through the sand 

beneath my tender derrière. 

Sauna complete, stomachs 

full of scroggin and sandwiches, and 

kayaks that were warm enough to 

be remoulded, we headed back. 

Somehow, we managed to 

add at 

least half 

an hour 

to our 

j o u r n e y 

home. We 

encountered 

strong head 

winds as 

we left the 

sheltered bay. 

And we were 

transfixed as 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Rock formations are fun to explore by kayak on Lake Tarawera 

Tui Excel 

A versatile, go anywhere kayak 

Penguin 

A tried and true winner that 

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Tasman Express 

An exceptional performance 

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Dusky Bay Classic 

Leisurely cruise, open waters, or a 

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A tried and true design just got better 

For information on our complete range and stockist, 

visit www.q-kayaks.co.nz or phone 06 326 8667 



Stunning beauty is revealed as the mist lifts off Lake Tikitapu 

huge trout leapt out of the water only feet 

away from our kayaks. 

Lake Okataina was our last 

point of entry on our quest to 

navigate the waters of Rotorua. 

Although there was starting 

to be a feeling of sameness 

from one lake to the other, 

with similar vegetation and 

contained expanses of 

water, they all exhibited 

something of interest. 

This lake was more of 

an irregular shape with 

many inlets that were 

at first intriguing, but 

after five hours had 

me wondering how 

many more we 

were to encounter 

before we’d 

completed the 

circuit. And 

after having 

dined with 

more wasps 

than there 

were people 

on the water, dry 

land was holding a greater and 

greater attraction - as picturesque as this 

lake was with its white beaches and fishing 

boats cradled in every bay. 

Walks abound around the shores of Lake 

Okataina. We found one of the shortest ones 

that were described on a display board as 

being an old pa site that one should not disturb. 

Where all the archaeological treasures we 

were supposed to nurture were, we 

never did ascertain, but 

we found 

something 

we were 

totally not 

e x p e c t i n g 

– wallabies. 

Quite a number 

of them curiously 

peeked at us from 

behind screens of 

manuka twigs as 

they followed our movements. 

Wasps, wakas, waterfowl and wallabies - a 

real pot pourri of New Zealand’s heritage, and 

overall a kayak trip well worth repeating. 

12 ISSUE FIFTY Two • 2 0 0 9

Lake Tikitapu, also pictured above is a popular destination for water 

skiers in summer. In winter kayakers have it all to themselves.

Product Focus 

The team at Barracuda test paddle the ‘plug’ 

during development. Once ready for production 

the mould is made and production of their 

trademark yellow kayaks can begin. 

The C&K Team are looking forward to 

paddling the first boats. Look out for 

our product review next issue. 

Barracuda have done it again. 

After the huge success of the “Beachcomber”, 

Barracuda is just releasing a new breakthrough, the 

“Beachcomber Duo” for those of you who like to have fun 

with a friend. 

The “Beachcomber Duo” has great lines, looks fantastic, and 

performs unbelievably well. Its low windage design offers a fast, 

easy to control double kayak. Its 5.8 metre length by 700mm 

width delivers fast hull speeds and excellent tracking. The kayak 

has ample storage with the expedition model even offering extra 

storage compartments between both paddlers’ legs. 

The “Beachcomber Duo” has used all the features people rave 

about on the “Beachcomber”, with super light weight, durable 

plastic construction, internal glove boxes, Barracuda’s balanced 

rudder system, paddle holder recess, built in thigh braces, paddle 

float rescue slot, flared bow and round bilge hull. 

The “Beachcomber Duo” comes standard in bright yellow, the 

ideal colour to improve your visibility. 

From the Barracuda Team 

Kiwi Association of Sea 

Kayakers N.Z. Inc. 

(KASK) 

KASK is a network of sea kayakers 

throughout New Zealand 

KASK publishes a 200 page 

sea kayaking handbook which 

is free to new members: the 

handbook contains all you 

need to know about sea 

kayaking: techniques and 

skills, resources, equipment, 

places to go etc. 

KASK publishes a bi-monthly newsletter 

containing trip reports, events, book reviews, 

technique/equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’ 

file. KASK holds national sea kayaking forums. 

Website: 

www.kask.co.nz 

Annual subscription is $35.00. 

Kask 

PO Box 23, Runanga 7841, 

West Coast 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Kiwis at the World Cup 

– Lost bags and long days in a Ford 

Escort don’t discourage our Kiwi 

Slalom team in Europe. 


Aaron Osborne Training in Prague. 

Photo by Mike Dawson 

by Aaron Osbourne 

Canoe slalom, is a sport for which you need courage and no 

fear. Although renowned for providing 90 seconds of whitewater 

madness slalom paddlers must have precise technique, 

power and skill. In slalom, paddlers are categorised by how 

they are positioned in the boat; kneeling with a single paddle 

(C1) or sitting with a double paddle (K1). Plus, adding to the 

excitement is the boat with 2 paddlers kneeling (C2). 

Canoe slalom is a race against time, with one canoeist racing at a time 

on the white water slalom course. The slalom comes from the various 

upstream (red gates) and downstream gates (green gates). There are 20 

or more gates to navigate in the white water and if the gate is touched 

with the boat or paddler, there is a 2 second penalty. If the gate is missed 

completely, a punishing 50 second penalty is given. 

There are heats, semi finals and finals, a system most are familiar with. 

Starting with the heats each competitor takes two runs, the better time 

counts towards a placing in the semi-final. 

As part of the Kiwi World Cup Team, I arrived in Barcelona, my first 

European destination to find I had no luggage. Helplessly I tried to 

explain to the Spanish-speaking airport staff that my bags and paddles 

(the latter probably more important) were nowhere to be seen. This was 

followed by an episode of deep breaths and counting to ten. There was 

more to come though; doesn’t bad luck always come in threes? Losing 

your luggage is one thing but to get out of the terminal to find out your 

ride hasn’t arrived, midnight is approaching and the airport information 

centre is closed, is another! 

Days moved on without any training, but eventually my luggage and 

paddles turned up. It was a huge relief as now the training could finally 

begin. Trying to book a bus ticket was the next mission. With a little help 

from a local the trip could now begin as I was on my way to the training 

camp in Spain. 

The venues which host the European World Cup Series are home to 

slalom canoeing super powers. France’s Tony Estanguet is a 2x Olympic 

Gold Medallist while Slovakia is home to Michal Martikan 2x Olympic Gold 

Medallist and also the Hochshorners, 3x C2 Gold Medallists. Germany 

brings Alexander Grim, the K1 Gold medal winner at the 2008 Beijing 

Aaron (in blue boat), Training at Pau 

World Cup. 

Olympics. At each of these 

venues their names were printed in bold on posters around the cities, 

representing their level of popularity amongst the locals. Local school 

children would shout their names: these paddlers are real celebrities. 

Even some kiwis were asked for autographs by the young fans, a rather 

foreign situation for us. 

The first World Cup in Pau, France, was an amazing course that had 

just recently been built. Everything was top line and the organisation 

was pristine. The day brought hot sun and plenty of top paddlers to see. 

Two massive live TV screens and numerous scoreboards added to the 

atmosphere. The kiwis had mixed results at this race; Luuka Jones paddled 

the best she has ever done to finish a career high in 19 th . The men’s racing 

couldn’t have been any tighter (at least 

we thought not); there was 10 secondsseparating 

1 st to 50 th . Mike Dawson and 

myself were punished heavily by touches 

finishing down the order in 46 th and 53 rd . 

The next World Cup was in Bratislava, 

Slovakia. Getting there was a journey 

every single member of the New Zealand 

team will fondly (or not so fondly) 

remember. After 24 hours of nonstop 

driving the team arrived. It was a smooth 

ride in an ex-work van that has a perfect 

engine and interesting interior. Also a 

Ford Escort, a common car you may see 

in New Zealand, which the team thought 

was a brilliant wee number. However 

what seemed like a lifetime of driving may 

have not been worth it after all. On arrival 

we found out the course was flooded and 




the race may not go ahead! Everyone was waiting for the 

officials to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the second series of the World 

Cup. Contrary to the massive thunderstorms over the next 

few nights, the answer ‘yes’ was eventually given two days 

before the race. This didn’t leave much time for training on 

the course, but as the students in high school do, cramming 

was in order. 

Race day brought out the locals (who by the way, seem 

to wear little clothing), sunshine, sunburn, chicken burgers 

and kofolas all round. Two smooth runs from Luuka 

Jones and Louise Jull kicked off racing. Then it was Mike 

Dawson next up paddling a super efficient first run, putting 

him in the top 10. I was pleased with my form with no gate 

touches; a clean time put me in 15th position after the first 

two runs. 

Second runs for the Kiwis however proved how tough 

the new rules are, letting semi-finals for the entire team slip 

away so easily. There were just milliseconds separating 

the men’s field. By the end only three seconds separated 

3rd to 40th position in the men’s, a very competitive field! 

The end results saw Luuka Jones in 30th, Louise Jull 

32nd, Mike Dawson 22nd and me at 28th. Mike and 

I were disappointed with our results but also really 

encouraged as many top names fell behind us. 

Next stop was Augsburg in Germany, home of the 

bratwurst sausage, beer and rain! The 3 rd World Cup is 

always a test for the athletes; trying to keep motivation, 

determination and strength up after many hours of 

travel, many places of accommodation, different foods 

and training facilities. 

The Augsberg course is rather unique looking and 

even more so to paddle on. The grass stands surround 

the course making it ideal for spectators to rant and 

rave on. The 1972 Olympic course is known for its 

inconsistent water levels. It was thought that this 

inconsistency may separate the men, however with 

only 1 run counting, racing was very tight. 

Qualification day was a rather disappointing day for the NZ Seniors 

Team. I was stoked with good speed through the top of the course 

but had trouble around gate 14, loosing valuable time and picking up 

a 2 second penalty, finishing in 48 th . Mike Dawson also had a touch 

finishing in 39 th out of an 80 strong field. Second runs from the boys 

pushed too hard and picked up 50 second penalties. 

A man that enjoys his training. 

Aaron in Prague. 


The girls also had a bad day at the river, 

both collecting multiple 50’s. Louise Jull finished 44 th and Luuka 

Jones 47 th out of 49. The juniors raced to their potential with Cullum Gibb 

just finishing outside the top 50 and Jane Nicholas finishing top Kiwi Girl 

in 42 nd . The C2 crew finished 25 th out of 27. 

With all the World Cups completed, the Canoe Slalom World Cup Series 

Whatever your passion - We can provide the right roof rack and accessories. 

BAY OF PLENTY: 07 574 7415 

WAIKATO: 07 847 5565 

WELLINGTON: 04 477 6911 

AUCKLAND: 09 815 2072 

NORTH SHORE: 09 479 1002 

TARANAKI: 06 769 5506 

TAUPO: 07 378 1003 

MANUKAU: 09 262 0209 

All other areas 0508 529 2569 

www.roofrackcentre.co.nz 


www.kayaknz.co.nz


Augsburg World Cup, Big screens are showing the action. 

New Rhino - 

- Canopy with a Difference. 

2009 A.A.A.A Award Winner 

Rankings were posted. The new format provided interesting results. 

The Kiwis benefited from having a continental race count towards their 

rankings, and the European Championships not qualifying for points. 

The New Zealand Team are very optimistic considering they are pretty 

much the only team without a coach, video support and team officials. 

Most of the team has stayed in Europe to train in the summer heat. They 

are competing at the World Championships in Spain this September. 

We’ll keep you posted. 

For a Rhino Sales Centre near you phone - 

0800 866322 

Profile: 

Name Aaron Osborne 

Age 23 

NZ Ranking #1 K1 Mens 

Best World Result 30th 2007 World Championships 

Home Town Napier, New Zealand 

Qualifications Degree Human Performance (UCOL), 

Grad Diploma in Secondary 

Education (Canterbury University) 

Height 183cm 

Weight 77kg 

Started Kayaking 2000, His older brother was kayaking. 

Coach/Trainer Paul MacDermid 

Boat Galasport, Toro 

Paddles G Power 

Paddle Length 201cm 

Spray Deck Day Two 

BA Day Two 

28, Essendon Place, RD 4, Rotorua 

Phone 07 345 7647 or 021 898942 Fax 07 345 7657 

www.daytwo.co.nz 

Email: info@daytwo.co.nz 




White Water 

Join Your Local 

The whole family can get involved. Fun in the sun and on the water! 

The Yakity Yak 

Kayak Club 

R Fun 

R Fitness 

R Friends 

Come and explore our beautiful 

country’s tranquil waterways ... 

...or experience adrenalin filled days 

on our world class rivers 

www.canoean 

CALL NOW TO JO

Yakity Yak Club Today 

Hi! 

Would you like to spend time with 

a bunch of mates exploring New 

Zealand’s beautiful coastline and 

waterways? 

‘Too old’ you say or ‘not fit enough’ 

or ‘don’t like clubs because of the 

dreaded committees!’ Well guess 

what, you are never too old for the 

gentle motion of kayaking. Anyone 

with average fitness can paddle. 

Enjoy the scenery in great company. 

The only committee meetings we 

have are wine and cheese evenings 

to plan our kayaking trips. No 

secretary, no treasurer, just show up 

and have fun. That’s our motto. 

So come and join our club. You will 

get a weekend skills course to show 

you paddling techniques and safety 

skills. 

Don’t worry if you don’t own a 

kayak- we have heaps. Once you 

have completed the weekend skills 

course, come along on any club 

trips you like. We can hire you a 

kayak for these if you need. 

There is something on nearly every 

weekend year round. Sometimes we 

go away camping; or we just cruise 

around the harbour stopping on 

beaches for coffee and chocolate, or 

our legendary club pancakes! 

We’ll even send you the New 

Zealand Kayak Magazine and 

there are loads of in store benefits 

for our club members. 

All training is provided, 

just come and have fun! 

So take a look at page 52 and give 

your local Canoe & Kayak centre 

a call or better come and see us. 

We’d love to tell you more and get 

you hooked on the wonderful sport 

of kayaking and probably the best 

kayak club in the world! 

Your friendly team at the Yakity 

Yak Club and Canoe & Kayak. 

dkayak.co.nz 

IN 0508 KAYAKNZ 

The boys check out the rapids.

Kayaking With Kids 

– tips to get your kids started and loving it. 

By Karen Knowles 

On board together is a great way to build confidence 

in young kids. Karen and Jessica (3) Knowles enjoy a 

day at the beach, Mount Maunganui. 

There aren’t many sports a whole family can enjoy all together 

without someone being left out because they are too young 

or too old. Kayaking is a sport your 6-month-old will enjoy 

nestled safely between the legs of his Grandad , while the 

school age kids revel in the independence of their own 

first kayak. Exploring deserted beaches are family days to 

treasure which your kids will never forget. Our children were 

introduced to kayaking on their first summer and through a 

gentle introduction have grown to love the sport and look 

forward to kayaking summer and winter. The trick to their 

enjoyment is making sure their first experiences are good 

ones and their confidence is built up slowly. 

On the beach we used the kayak as a cot to 

keep baby and toys off the sand 

Kayak Choice 

Sit on top kayaks are great for kids. Their stability is excellent for 

new paddlers and Mum or Dad can easily jump on board with the very 

young ones. If you are a confident sea kayaker a double sea kayak is 

perfect from about 3-4 years on. We have also used an inflatable very 

successfully when the kids were very young. The higher sides kept 

From around 3 years onwards, kids make great co-pilots 

in a double sea kayak. Bronnie and Ezra (3) van Lith 

explore the caves at Tongaporutu. 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Disappearing for a few days on a family adventure. Ariana (then 6) 

and Daniel (then 8) Van Lith on the Tangarakau River. 

everyone safe on the water while on the beach we used the kayak 

as a cot to keep baby and toys off the sand and provide a comfy 

place to sleep. A Canadian Canoe would work the same way. 

Pick your day and time 

The very first time you take the kids paddling make sure it is 

a really nice day. Don’t be put off if the young one is scared at 

first, or didn’t enjoy a cold splash of water, sitting on the bank and 

watching the family enjoying themselves will encourage them to give 

it another go. It may take a few sessions of watching for them to 

become self motivated. You could even try having the kayak on the 

waters edge with Dad holding it and child on Mums knee and then 

gradually let the kayak drift out. 

Estuaries are a great starting point especially if your child is 

paddling their own kayak. In the shallow water you can walk 

What age can 

I start the 

kids out? 

0-3 years – keep them on your 

knee on a sit-on-top. 

3-4 years – on a sit-on-top single 

but stay close or perfect for the 

front of a double. 

5+ years – single sit on tops 

kayaks should be fine. 

7+ years – single sea kayak 

9+ - start them on small rapids. 

I have seen a six year old fall asleep mid 

paddle stroke in the front of a double 

alongside for some distance. To get the kids used to paddling under 

their own steam tie a long rope to the kayak and let them paddle 

away. You can pull them back if necessary plus, this method saves 

quite a bit of back ache for the parents. 

It is a good idea to choose a destination no more than about an 

hour away for the first paddle. Even though your kids may love the 

outdoors if kayaking is a new experience an hour may still be long 

enough for them. The ideal situation is to be back at the beach and 

the kids ask to go out again; you can then gauge how to plan future 

trips. My advice is to always plan a shorter trip and extend this if 

everyone is happy. 

Take along a few things to make the paddle fun for the kids (and 

adults) such as water pistols, water bombs, toy fishing rods, even a 

stick to drag in the water can amuse for a long time. Take a snorkel 

and 

mask and let the kids hang their heads overboard. 

This is great fun especially in marine reserves. In winter we look for 

estuaries full of mangroves. Weaving in and out of the mangroves looking 

for treasure and sunken boats is a real adventure for the kids. 

Sleepy Little Monsters 

Paddling may well put your kids to sleep which can be a great thing. If you 

are planning a longer paddle time it for the kid’s usual sleep time, then you 

may get another hour or so under your belt. Just be aware that even older 

kids may also fall asleep. I have seen a six year old fall asleep mid paddle 

stroke in the front of a double sea kayak, so it’s important make sure the 

Editors Note: A great range of boats! The photo featured 

below is European. In NZ a buoyancy aid must be worn. 



Feature 

Kayaking With Kids continued 

Kids having fun in our great outdoors. 

Ariana van Lith (7) on a camping holiday to Hot Water 

Beach on Lake Tarawera. (also at right) 

other paddler can handle the kayak and conditions alone. 

Safety and Gaining Confidence 

There is nothing more important than making sure your child’s 

buoyancy aid fits them correctly now. To check this, do the jacket up 

and then lift the child up by the shoulder straps. If it pulls up over their 

head, this is what will happen if they fall in the water and panic will 

ensue. Invest in a good quality buoyancy aid that fits correctly now 

and will grow with your child for a couple of years. For the under five’s 

make sure there is a crutch strap. All buoyancy aids lose buoyancy 

over time so be careful of 2 nd hand or hand downs. Bronnie and Pete 

van Lith have raised five budding kayakers, they advise parents to take 

their kids swimming in their buoyancy aids at the local pool. They will 

get used to wearing them in water and can learn to dog paddle in them. 

Next take the kayaks down to the pool and let the kids practise jumping 

off and back on again and grabbing the kayak when they ‘fall off’. If 

your local pool doesn’t allow kayaks, ask your kayak shop if you can 

come down during an Eskimo rolling session and use the pool. From 

here progress to paddling into deep water on a calm lake or harbour 

and practise everything again. 

Take kids swimming in their 

buoyancy aids at the local pool. 

Have Fun 

Just remember the aim is for the kids to love it. Keep them warm in 

winter, cool in summer, well fed and watered. If they want to stop 

paddling, let it be. Just make sure you are capable of paddling by 

yourself or if they are in their own kayak have a quick release tow 

system ready to go. It won’t be long until the kids are begging you to 

get outside kayaking and a lifetime of family adventure will begin. 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Feature 

Great Places to Get Kids Started 

Here are some ideal sheltered and safe locations to 

introduce kids to kayaking. 

North Shore: All of the East Coast beaches and 

estuaries are great, Long Bay & Okura would be pick 

of the bunch. 

South Auckland: Maraetai Beach is perfect. Plus there 

is a great playground and ice cream shop. 

Some Awesome Adventures for 

Kayaking Kids and Their Families 

North Shore: From Sullivans Bay in the Mahurangi 

you can choose a short paddle to Big Bay or Te Muri. 

For a real adventure, camp at Motuora Island. The 

kids will love to explore the shipwreck at nearby 

Moturekareka Island. 

Tauranga: Both Fergusson Park and Tye Park are very 

shallow. Just choose which ever has the most shelter. 

Rotorua: Boyes Beach at Lake Okareka is a safe place 

with few skiers around. Great playground too. 

New Plymouth: Lake Rotomanu, Fitzroy. Safe area 

where ski boats are not allowed and a river to explore 

behind the lake. 

Hamilton: Paddle downstream on the Waikato 

River from the Grantham St boat ramp to Swarbrick 

Landing on River Road. The kids love passing under 

the bridges and waving to people on the walkways. 

This paddle is best for confident kids over 10 years. 

Mokau River: The river has some little rapids so we 

suggest an experienced kayaker leads the group. 

The river is very beautiful and full of history. Drop 

into Canoe & Kayak Taranaki for advice on the river, 

camping and parking. 

Waitara: Nganga Lake (Trout Lake) is very sheltered 

with a great little beach for launching. There’s a nice 

walk around the lake too. 

Taupo: Main beach of Lake Taupo is safe and close to 

lots of amenities. 

Wellington: Pauahatanui Inlet. Paddle on the northern 

or southern side depending on the wind. A great place 

to have a picnic. 

Mount Maunganui: From Pilot Bay there are great 

rock gardens around the base of the Mount, paddle 

on to Rabbit Island and keep an eye out for seals. 

You can get out at Leisure Island and walk back to 

Pilot Bay to keep the paddle short or return via the 

Mount. 

Miranda: This area is a bird sanctuary. Paddle along 

the shore line and up the river near Miranda, past 

mangroves and then through farmland with heaps of 

birds. Stay overnight in the nearby campground with 

hot pools. 

Hannah Nathan (8) gets up close and personal 

with dolphins at Cooks Beach, Coromandel. 

Purangi Estuary, Cooks Beach: The headland at 

the entrance has some small caves and one small 

beach has a great swing. In the estuary snake 

through the mangroves to find old boats, jetty’s and 

even a waterfall. 

Matakana River: Leave from Sandspit and cruise 

through the mangroves to Matakana for an icecream. 

This is a great adventure for kids paddling 

their own kayaks. 



great base for a family 

Panmure Playground Paddle 

by Diana Austin 

Feature 

The lagoon makes a 

day out. When the kids 

aren’t kayaking there is 

plenty to do. 

Who can resist a ride on the train? 

Rochelle when she 

was three. 

Lagoon Reserve with skateboard park 

Very few young children (and some not so young) will say 

no to a trip to the playground. The Panmure Basin, in central 

Auckland, provides the opportunity to paddle to three parks 

on its circumference. With each leg of the journey only 

taking about 20 minutes it is well within the attention span 

of a toddler. If all is going well you can venture out into the 

Tamaki River a little way, under the bridge, to where the boats 

are moored. On Sunday afternoon the steam train enthusiasts 

are working their miniature steam trains between 1- 4pm, 

depending on the weather. Both kids and adults can ride. 

The Panmure Basin is the mouth of a volcano and it was also recently 

found to have a volcano buried within it when geologists were drilling 

from a barge. Both date back about 28 000 years, this is long before 

nearby Mt Wellington erupted. 

The lagoon is tidal so make sure you have timed the venture right 

otherwise the big person organising the trip will be looking really silly and 

the kids are guaranteed to remember that particular detail. 

Launch your boats at any of the three parks around the basin: Peterson 

Road Park (location of model railway), Panmure Basin Park (next to 

Panmure Lagoon Sailing club, 100a Ireland Road), or at the Lagoon 

reserve where there is also a skateboard park and the Lagoon Leisure 

and Fitness Centre with hydro slides in summer. 

As all Yakity Yak clubbies well know food is important on any trip. We have 

a family tradition that the preparation for outdoor adventures involves the 

purchase of a few treats, not normally in the pantry. 

Now that our girls are a bit older they are able to identify potential paddling 

spots and recently Panmure Basin by night was suggested – that trip will 

definitely require hot chocolate and marshmallows. 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Recipe 

Banana Desert 

Peel a banana place into tin foil and wrap the foil 

around the banana. 

Pour over your favourite liquor and some shredded 

coconut and close up the foil. Baileys is nice. 

Place on bbq for a few minutes and serve. 

Other toppings can include chocolate & nuts, maple 

syrup or wrap the banana in bacon and cover with 

maple syrup on serving. 

Submitted by Ross and Louise Hamilton 

Pictured clockwise from top. 

Banana coated in chocolate spread, 

cooked and then topped with nuts. 

Two parcels just starting to ooze 

juices. 

Bananas wrapped in bacon & topped 

with maple syrup (Emelie’s favourite) 

Emelie tucking into her afternoon tea. 



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26 ISSUE FIFTY Two • 2 0 0 9 www.kayaknz.co.nz

s on 

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Huge hatches to allow in-boat storage, rod holders, seats, fish 

finders: you name it and it probably can be fitted. 

Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 25.90 kg, Width: 915 mm 

$1095 



Success on the Manukau 

Harbour by Scott Challenor Photos by John McKinley 

A perfect day on the 

Manukau Harbour 

Fishing from kayaks has such a huge following 

it is inevitable that Kayak Fishing Clubs are 

now very popular. It’s a great way to learn 

new techniques, see new gear and of course 

meet other mad keen fishermen and women. 

For people either new to kayaking or new to 

fishing, clubs are the perfect way to up skill 

and have a great day out. 

Scott Challenor is one of these mad keen fishos 

who has started the Manukau Kayak Fishing 

Club. Here is Scott’s account of a typically 

successful day kayak fishing on the Manukau. 

Finally a great forecast for the last weekend in July and a 

chance for the Manukau Kayak Fishing Club to get out on the 

water. Sunday dawned bright and the trip was on. I sent out a 

text to members and soon we were headed to our destination of 

Matakauwau on the Awhitu peninsula. 

Up till this weekend the weather had delayed many of our trips so our 

fledgling club had been a bit slow getting off the ground but is building 

strongly now. Manukau Kayak Fishing Club is run along the same 

guidelines as the Yakity Yak Club. When you join we take you through our 

Boys and their toys. The lads take 

a break and compare catches. 

B15, 710 Great South Road 

Manukau City 

09 2620209 

manukau@canoeandkayak.co.nz 

Manukau Kayak Fishing Club 

Join Today 

■ Regular Club Trips ■ Once a month 

planning meetings ■ Discounts in store for 

members ■ Hire Kayaks available ■ Annual 

subscription to NZ Kayak Magazine ■ 

Great Mates ■ Much much more 

fishing kayak skills course. The skills course teaches members rescues, 

paddle technique and safe practice. The course helps you to paddle 

confidently and safely, by doing the skills course everyone is starting off 

with the same knowledge and confidence to join in on all the trips. We 

have a planning meeting once a month, to plan trips and tell stories, not 

many stories yet but we’ll get there. 

We chose our spot, taken from the Manukau Harbour SPOT X map 

and quickly loaded our gear. Matakauwau has a great boat ramp that is 

accessible even at low tide. We had parked at the top, so used trollies to 

take our kayaks down. 

Our Spot X was about 500 metres off the boat ramp but there were 

10 power boats already sitting there so we anchored 200 meters behind 

them on the incoming tide. I was using two rods, one with a Squidly Black 

Magic flasher rig which I have used successfully in the past and the other 

was a Manukau Harbour running rig with about 6 oz of weight to get it to 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

the bottom in the strong tidal flow. For bait I was using Squid, Bonito and 

Pilchards. After about 15 minutes of sitting quietly I felt the sinkers lifting 

off the bottom, I started to take up the slack and BAM a nice strike which 

felt like a good sized fish. I felt the weight coming on so I tightened the 

drag on my new Penn 460 Slam and pulled my first Gurnard for the day 

which measured in at around 41 cm. 

Things after that went a bit quiet for a while but this spot was meant 

to fish better on the out going so we had about half an hour to wait. Lee 

Fresh gurnard is on the menu tonight. Another 

successful day out with the fishing club. 

Fishing 

was having no luck just ahead of me while John 50 metres behind me 

was getting bites but couldn’t hook up. John, on his Explorer, was using a 

new Rocker Rig on his Penn Sea Boy rod with a Penn 360 G.T reel. Just 

as the tide changed John hooked on to his first fish, also a Gurnard and 

for the next hour he seemed to keep reeling them in, three more before 

my next one. 

Poor Lee, on his Catch 390 hadn’t even had a bite so up anchored and 

moved closer to the shore, I picked up my second Gurnard, also on the 

Manukau rig, it was well over the 25 cm limit, then quickly hooked up a 

third fish which I thought was an absolute monster or a sting ray being on 

the Manukau. My drag on the trusty old Penn Long Beach was set to full 

and I started heaving it in, finally getting it to the surface only to find it was 

a foul hooked Gurnard which had also tangled my other line. I released 

the fish, as one likes to be sporting and pulled in the tangled lines only to 

find another good sized Gurnard hooked there which I kept. The next half 

an hour was spent untangling Flasher Rig from Running Rig, in the end I 

chopped the Flasher Rig off just to get fishing again. I set a Running Rig 

on the Penn Long Beach as well. 

We didn’t fish for much longer but just before upping anchor I hooked 

another good sized Gurnard, this one measuring 42 cm. Time to go 

home, the Cobra Marauder again proving a dream to paddle and a great 

stable base to fish off. 

All in all a great day, fantastic weather and good company. In the end 

John came home with 5 gurnard, I nabbed 4 and Lee didn’t get a bite. 

For the record I caught all my fish on the Running Rig using salted bonito 

or pilchards, the Flasher Rig and squid as bait was mostly ignored, John 

caught all his fish using pilchards on a Rocker Rig. Lee was fishing with 

Ledger Rigs. 

Good thing when we rocked up to the beach, fisheries officers 

inspected our catch commenting we had done better than 

those in the power boats. So if you are interested in kayak 

fishing and don’t know how or where to start or want to meet 

other kayak fishers for regular trips come in and talk to us at a 

Canoe & Kayak Store (Phone 0508 KAYAKNZ) and join the club. 

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Fishing 


– Scott Challenor and Steve Knowles provide tips for taking a 

newbie kayak fishing. 

You only have to show friends your morning’s catch 

from kayak fishing and quickly the inevitable question 

comes: ‘Can I come too?’ ‘Of course you can!’ So you 

beg, borrow or hire another kayak and you are off. But 

what if your new fishing buddy has never kayaked or 

even been fishing before? Here are some ideas to 

make sure your newbie is safe, having fun and above 

all you get them hooked (yes, that’s figuratively and 

literally). 

• Quick Skill and Gear Check 

Borrowed gear will usually do the job for your buddy but 

the one thing that must fit correctly is the buoyancy aid. 

Bending the rules on this one could be a decision you 

regret. If you have a novice paddler on your hands, spend 

a couple of minutes on the beach going over their paddle 

stroke. It’s very common for new paddlers to slice the paddle blade 

through the water on their left hand if right handed and vice versa for left 

handers. This will cause the kayak to go in circles, drive you mad and 

take up precious fishing time! It’s also a good idea to fully explain all the 

fishing gear before you leave the beach. 

• Tackle – keep it simple 

Take only the basics to keep things simple. Generally a 5’6” rod and a 

A group of new kayak fisho’s head out after work with Steve off Rabbit 

Island, Mount Maunganui. 

spinning 

reel is a good 

start for new kayak fisho’s, but just like 

buying a kayak, visit a specialist fishing shop for the most 

suitable fishing gear and advice. Soft baiting is ideal for beginners and 

you can set up the rods before launching. If using bait, cut and prepare it 

before leaving the beach and have your traces set up. Once you are out 

Catch 420: The facts 

Length // 420cm 

Width // 73cm 

Weight // 28kg 

Max Load // 180kg 

Colours Available 

Orange 

fade 

Green 

fade 

Yellow 

Camo 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

there, it’s then just a matter of threading the bait on the hook. 

• Keep In Touch 

Your kayak choice can help here. A double keeps your fishing buddy close and 

is a safe option with a nervous kayaker. But be warned: like bananas on boats, chit 

chat is seriously disruptive to fishing. If fishing with your wife, take single kayaks. 

If you are on a date...well, that depends if you are angling for a second date (well 

actually if your lady has agreed to go fishing on a date, marry her quick - she’s 

definitely a keeper). 

It’s a good idea to tie single kayaks together so you can talk easily and provide 

any help required. About 20m of rope will do the trick, but if using this option you 

must have an anchor running rig and quick release system to separate the kayaks 

quickly in an emergency. Anchoring up together means you can share the burley 

trail, catch bag and bad jokes. 

So just keep it simple, have a great time and send your fishing buddy along to a 

kayaking course and soon they’ll be a seasoned pro like you. 

Fishing 

If tying two kayaks together, make sure 

the rope has a quick release mechanism. 

Scott on the Manukau Harbour. 

Stay in touch using a double kayak. Andy Doncaster 

helping out newbies on the Hauraki Gulf. 

Discover the World with... 

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Introducing Prorack’s Whispbar TM . 

The most innovative, technically 

advanced roof rack system that 

will radically reduce drag and fuel 

consumption. Now that’s brilliant 

Kiwi ingenuity! 

Now available from your local 

Canoe and Kayak store. 

Visit www.prorack.co.nz to see it on your car 



Multisport 

2009 MULTISPORT 

CHALLENGES 

- 6 events to focus your 

training on. 

Baytrust Motu Challenge 

Saturday 10 th October 

The Motu Challenge is a gruelling event held in and around 

Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty and has traditionally been the 

first big showdown of the multisport season. The race is run 

through native bush clad gorges, valleys and hills and down 

the Waioeka River. With over $50,000 worth of prizes the Motu 

Challenge is regarded as the North Island’s Premium Multisport 

Event. The event web site offers a ‘Get Teamed Up’ service, for 

those seeking team members. 

For more information see: www.motuchallenge.co.nz 

Stage 1 - 65 km Mountain Bike Stage 3 - 52 km Road Cycle 

Stage 2 - 17 km Run 

Stage 4 - 27 km Kayak + 8 km 

Road Cycle + 3 km Run 

Rodney Coastal Challenge 

Sunday 8 th November 

Starting at Muriwai, north of Auckland, the Rodney Coast 

Challenge is run by the Kaukapakapa Scout group as a 

fundraiser. With over 500 entrants the Rodney Coast Challenge 

is a well-known event on the multisport calendar. Many athletes 

have ‘cut their teeth’ on this ideal entry-level multisport event 

before progressing on to longer multisport events. 

For more information see: www.rcc.org.nz 

Stage 1 – 10 km Run 

Stage 3 – 24 km Mountain Bike 

Stage 2 – 30 km Road Cycle Stage 4 – 8 km Kayak 

Waiuku New World Steelman Iron Maiden 

Saturday 14 th November 

The Steelman Iron Maiden is a fun, challenging multisport 

event, covering a variety of terrain including sealed road, 

forest tracks, farmland and a section of the Waikato River. 

The new Castaways Adventure Corporate Section, hopes to 

encourage companies to enter teams of four. 

For more information see: www.steelmanironmaiden.co.nz 

Stage 1 – 34 km Road Cycle Stage 3 – 33 km Mountain Bike 

Stage 2 – 12 km Kayak Stage 4 – 14 km Run 

Off-Road Raglan 

Sunday 15 th November 

2009 will be the inaugural Off-Road Raglan Challenge, an 

exciting addition to the multisport calendar. The event coincides 

with the opening of Raglan’s first public mountain bike track. 

Off-Road Raglan has been designed to be achievable as an 

individual or with a group of mates. A single transition point 

means no hassle for support crews. 

For more information see: www.seatosand.org.nz 

Stage 1 – 10km Kayak 

Stage 3 – 10km Run 

Stage 2 – 30km Mountain Bike 

The Genesis Energy Lake to Lighthouse Challenge 

19-21 st November 2009 

Now in its second year, Lake to Lighthouse has been described 

by Sportzhub’s Steve Knowles as the “best new event (2008).” 

The event circumnavigates the stunning Lake Waikaremoana 

in the Urewera National Park, on the East Coast of the North 

Island by mountain bike, kayak and on foot before descending 

via back country roads, farmland and by river on the second 

day to the coastal township of Wairoa. Lake to Lighthouse has 

a unique family atmosphere and is extremely well supported by 

the local communities. 

For more information see: www.laketolightouse.co.nz 

Day One – Friday 20 th November: 

Stage 1- 15 km Mountain Bike Stage 3 - 25 km Run 

Stage 2 - 14 km Kayak 

Stage 4 - 20 km Run + 6 km 

Mountain Bike. 

Day Two – Saturday 21 st November: 

Stage 5 - 23 km Mountain Bike Stage 7 - 21 km Kayak 

Stage 6 - 43km Road Cycle Stage 8 - 16km Run. 

Scott Wild Moa 

Saturday 12 th December 

The Wild Moa is more than a multisport event, it is an 

adventure through Rotorua’s scenic wonderland. The mountain 

bike stage has been designed to make the most of the fun 

following single tracks of the Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike 

park. In 2008 an off-road triathlon was offered in conjunction 

with the multisport event. 

For more information see: www.lacticturkey.co.nz 

Stage 1 – 4 km Run + 7 km Kayak + 1 km Portage + 9 km Kayak 

Stage 2 – 30 km Mountain Bike 

Stage 3 – 15 km Run 

Ruahine Kayaks 

The Firebolt is faster and more stable 

in white water and less vulnerable to 

strong winds in open water. This is a 

very user friendly kayak with excellent 

combination of speed and stability. 

Designers & Manufactures of Multisport & Adventure Racing Kayaks 

P O Box 11146 Hastings 

Phone 06 875 0043 E-mail:- kevin@ruahinekayaks.co.nz www.ruahinekayaks.co.nz 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Technical 

Professional Development for Kayak 

Leaders and Instructors By Peter Townend 

Anyone leading others in outdoor activities knows the 

importance of continually upgrading skills, testing yourself 

and gaining knowledge. The hard part has always been 

finding a group of people to achieve this with who have 

the same goals and attitude towards learning. To support 

the indispensable work of kayak instructors and leaders, 

Canoe & Kayak instigated Professional Development 

Sessions just over a year ago where the focus is on 

sharing knowledge and skills covering both sea kayaking 

and white water. Instructors and leaders from both sea 

and river backgrounds are encouraged to attend all 

sessions so we all broaden our ability to deal with the 

ever changing situations we encounter. 

The sessions to date have all been well attended and not just 

because of my legendary lunches. We often invite a guest who 

has expertise in areas we wish to focus on which has been 

very beneficial in broadening our knowledge and building new 

relationships in the kayaking community. Our latest session in 

August consisted of two days in Taupo reviewing river skills on 

the Waikato followed by another two days in grade two rapids 

on the Mohaka. The white water paddlers exchanged ideas 

in instruction whilst the sea kayakers enjoyed pushing their technical 

skills to the next level. From the sessions completed to date, everyone 

has agreed that paddling in each other’s ‘territory’ has provided new 

experiences that can readily be crossed over to their more usual paddling 

Sea kayakers and river paddlers join 

forces at ‘the Organs’, Mohaka River. 

environment. 

A personal example of how Sea Kayaking skills can be used on a river 

was a rescue I performed early in my instructing career. 

I was leading a group on a North Island river when a young paddler was 

NZKI 1 Star & 

Grade Two River certifcates 

We believe our comprehensive Grade 2 Training & Certification is the best you can get. 

To gain the skills to confidently paddle on white water, you need at least 

three weekends on the water with our instructors. 

PHONE NOW 0508 5292569 

OR CALL IN TO YOUR LOCAL CANOE & 

KAYAK CENTRE FOR MORE DETAILS 

AND COURSE DATES 

2009 Multisport 

Package $995 

Accommodation available in Taupo 



Technical 

caught in a tree. To perform a rescue we first had to remove the kayak 

from the middle of a strainer (a tree that acts like a net in the current). I 

tried the standard rope systems and in doing so pulled the ten year old 

pine tree that I had used as an anchor down a 4 metre slope. It was clear 

to me at this point that all the river rescue systems I had been taught 

could not deal with this situation. “What can I do now?” I asked myself 

My thought process went along these lines. 

1/ I need some way of exerting enormous pulling pressure on this trapped 

kayak. 

2/ I have already spent too much time using the only type of anchor point 

available and risk pulling another tree down. What’s more, most of my 

rescue gear is hopelessly tangled under a ton of tree and pumice. 

3/ The water is moving fast and there is nothing dangerous downstream. 

4/ If I attach my last throw rope’s end loop to the kayak and trail it 

down stream how can I get the weight of the moving water to pull on 

it as if we had a large sea anchor? 

I have held onto both ends of many throw ropes during rescues 

in the past. If you have ever done this, you will know the amazing 

amount of pull that is generated. So the answer was to get the rest 

of the kayakers who were at this stage watching the rescue from the 

opposite bank to jump into the river and grab the rope attached to 

the kayak. 

With 15 people on the rope the kayak tore free of the tree and allowed 

me access to where the kayaker was trapped and to continue with 

the next stage of the rescue (which ended successfully). 

The end result was using knowledge I had picked up from general 

boating and sea kayaking combined with my knowledge of river 

rescue systems - a successful rescue. 

Take 5 Check List 

During the Professional Development sessions in August we 

worked on the draft “Take 5” check list. This has been developed 

to encourage a more robust process/debate when embarking on 

a kayaking activity. 

Stan Lemmon, a Kayak Instructor from 

Canoe & Kayak Hamilton and ‘Kermit’ 

The Take 5 check list translates as, “Take five minutes before you start to 

assess safety”. In this context it works as a final checklist by listing areas 

the group needs to discuss during the briefing to plan their safe trip. It 

worked well while trialed during the Professional Development sessions, 

feedback was incorporated and Take 5 forms are now available from 

your local Canoe & Kayak shop. Drop in and grab one, trial it and any 

ideas you have on improvements will be gratefully received. 

I am running the Professional Development training days for Canoe & 

Kayak’s Yakity Yak Club Leaders and Instructors year round. If you would 

like to attend them please contact me at pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz or 

by phone on 0274 529255. 

proud sponsors of the 

speight’s 

coast to coast 

suppliers of spot prizes including the QK Hurricane, Cobra Tandem, 

Seattle Dry Bags and NZ Kayak Magazine Subscriptions. 

see us for all your training and equipment requirements. 

freephone 0508 529 2569 

canoeandkayak.co.nz 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Jane Brockies a trip leader from the North Shore Yakity Yak club extends her skills 

with a seal launch on the Professional Development training on the Waikato River 

Photo by Peter Townend

Whitewater NZ 

White Water 

They’ve changed their name but 

not their determination to save our 

whitewater rivers. 

NZRCA - Now Whitewater NZ 

After two years of engaging with members 

and discussion in the Executive, we’ve decided 

to change the name – the NZRCA has become 

Whitewater NZ. 

Whitewater NZ is what we are – we work 

to protect and conserve our whitewater 

resources, and represent paddlers who get out 

on whitewater. If you’re a person who needs 

definitions – take a look at the international 

grading system for kayaking. We’re here to 

conserve whitewater and opportunities to enjoy 

rivers safely on rivers from class I–IV. You might 

enjoy floating down your favourite class I-II 

fishing creek on an inflatable – or charging down 

a steep class IV-V creek in the latest creek boat. 

Whitewater NZ is engaged in conservation and 

access work on untouched wild rivers and the 

highly modified stretches of lowland rivers. 

Facing Page - Gavin Lodge on the Waiho River, beneath Franz Joseph 

Glacier. Photo by Stu Daniel 

Facing Page (Inset) - Waiatoto River. Photo by Tony Ward - Holmes 

This Page - Olly Yeoman on the Nevis River. Photo by Glen Murdoch 

Whitewater NZ has successfully worked to save whitewater 

rivers throughout the country; from remote steep creeks 

to gentle class II float trips. Here are just a few of our 

success stories: 

When necessary we go to the Environment Court to protect our rivers – 

when Tranzrail threatened to take the boulders out of the lower Clarence 

we went into bat to ensure that the last day of this classic multiday trip 

remains the bouncy fun class III trip it’s always been. 

We’ve supported Water Conservation Orders to protect our most 

wild and scenic rivers such as the Buller, Motu, Mohaka, Rangitata and 

Kawarau Rivers. Recent applications made by Whitewater NZ for WCOs 

include the Hurunui and Nevis Rivers. 

When we can’t save a river, we do our best to ensure that kayakers 

receive appropriate mitigation when a river is dammed or diverted, 

for example: 

The recreational releases on the Tongariro, Whakapapa, Waikaretaheke, 

Mangahao, Pukaki and Tekapo Rivers were all negotiated by Whitewater 

NZ. 

The slalom course at Tekapo, the Wairehu playhole and new slalom 

courses planned for the Arnold and Hawea rivers are examples of 

negotiated solutions where a whitewater river is lost. 

Our network of volunteers under the direction of the Whitewater NZ 

Executive is working on over 50 rivers across the country. To find out 

more information about our work in your back yard go to our website 

www.rivers.org.nz 

www.rcc.org.nz 

8th November 2009 

For pre-race information send your name and address to: 

Canoe & Kayak Rodney Coast Challenge, 

PO Box 160, Kaukapakapa or email: ghounsell@xtra.co.nz 



Start Your Adventure Here 


SKILLS COURSE 

A comprehensive course designed to cover the skills required to become a 

competent and safe paddler. The course develops techniques and confidence at 

an enjoyable pace with great end results. It runs over a weekend or by request in 

the evenings. 

With this course you become a Yakity Yak member with access to lots of trips and 

activities around the country. 

Duration: 1 Weekend 

RESCUE COURSE 

WEATHER & NAVIGATION 

You need rescue skills to look after 

yourself and your paddling buddies 

in adverse conditions. This course 

covers towing systems, capsized 

kayaks, T- Rescues, paddle floats, 

stern deck carries, re-enter and roll. 

Duration: 1 Session 

ESKIMO ROLLING 

Understanding the weather and ability to navigate in 

adverse conditions is vital when venturing into the 

outdoors. Learn to use charts and compasses and 

forecast the weather using maps and the clouds. 

Duration: 4 Sessions 

You’ll learn the skills required to become a competent Eskimo Roller. 

You increase your confidence, allowing you to paddle safely in more 

challenging conditions. 

Duration: 4 Sessions 

KAYAK SURFING 

OCEANS COURSE 

Duration: 1 Weekend/ Overnight 

An advanced 

course designed 

to build on 

your skills. It 

covers paddling 

technique, kayak 

control, rescues, 

preparation, 

planning and 

decision making. 

Surfing is heaps of fun when you know how. You will 

spend the evenings starting in small surf and building 

up to one and a half metre waves. We use a range 

of sit-on-tops and kayaks to make it fun and easy 

to learn. Skills to be taught include surfing protocol, 

paddling out, direction control, tricks and safety. 

Duration: 4 Sessions

Phone 0508 529 256 for more info & booking. 

White Water Kayaking 

INTRO TO WHITE WATER 

A comprehensive course designed to cover the 

skills required to become a competent paddler. 

Starting off in a heated pool and progressing . 

through flat water to moving water, it allows you 

to develop techniques and confidence at an 

enjoyable pace with great end results. 


MULTISPORT & WHITE WATER 

RIVER SKILLS 

On this course you continue to build on the Intro 

to White Water course, developing your skills, 

technique and confidence on faster moving 

white water and progressing to a Sunday day trip 

on a Grade 2 river. It includes eddie turns, ferry 

gliding, rolling, surfing and building new skills in 

River Rescue techniques and River Reading. 


ADVANCED WHITEWATER 

A comprehensive package of instruction and coaching designed to 

progressively build your kayaking skills to NZKI 1 Star & Grade 2 Racing 

Certificate level. Run over three weekends you are introduced to white water, 

develop water confidence, river reading and white water skills. You’ll enjoy 

river running instruction on the fastest lines and rebooting all the other skills 

we have taught you during your first two weekends. 

Duration: 3 Weekends 

RIVER RESCUE 

Suitable for paddlers who 

feel comfortable on Grade 

1 to 2 rivers, you learn rope 

skills, muscle techniques, 

team control, heads up, 

risk management and 

combat swimming and 

skills required to cope with 

entrapments, kayak wraps, 

swimming kayakers and 

their equipment. 


Sharpen your white water skills and learn simple 

rodeo moves. We focus on skills such as river 

reading, body position and rotation, advanced 

paddle technique, playing in holes and negotiating 

higher Grade 3 rapids. We recommend you are 

already feeling comfortable on Grade 2+ rapids. 

Duration: 1 Weekend

Join Us For A Summer Of Fun. 

Taupo Maori Carvings 

Waikato River Discovery 

Mohaka 

Taupo Adventure Tours 

Half day guided trip to the rock carvings, 

Lake Taupo... only accessible by boat. 

A leisurely paddle of about 3 km to the rock 

carvings. The largest is over 10 m high and 

from below in a small boat it is imposing. 

$90 per person (bookings essential). 

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details. 

2 hour guided kayak trip. Experience the 

magnificent upper reaches of the mighty 

Waikato River - soak in the geothermal 

hotsprings - take in the stunning 

environment... a perfect trip for all the family... 

Adult $45, Children $25 

Special group and family rates. 

Call 0800 KAYAKN for details. 

Need some excitement? Take a kayak 

down this wicked Grade 2 river run... 

this is a whole day of thrills and fantastic 

scenery down the Mohaka River. 

Price: $125 per person. 

Call 0800 KAYAKN for details. 

We can organize specialized kayak tours 

to suit any budget. 

From helicopter access, white water 

paddling to extended cruises aboard a 

mother ship. 

Give us a call and we will give you a 

memory of a lifetime. 

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details. 

Canoe Polo 

Waitara River Tours 

Mokau River 

Sugar Loaf Island 

A great game for young and old. 

A fast, furious and fun way to improve 

your skills. 

There’s a league to suit you. 

Contact your local centre for more 

information. 

For those who are slightly more adventurous 

at heart, this is a scenic trip with the 

excitement of grade 2 rapids. Midway down, 

we paddle under the historic Betran Rd 

Bridge where we will stop for a snack. 

Allow 2 hours paddle only. 

Priced at $60. 

Phone: 06 769 5506 

Enjoy this beautiful scenic river which 

winds through some of New Zealand’s 

lushest vegetation. Camping overnight 

and exploring some of New Zealand’s 

pioneering history. A true Kiwi experience. 

Two day trip $230.00 

One day $70.00 

Phone 06 769 5506 

From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out 

to the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf 

Island Marine Reserve. View the scenic & 

rugged Taranaki coastline as we draw closer 

to the Sugar Loaf Islands. Enjoy the seal 

colony and experience the thrill of close up 

views of these fascinating marine mammals. 

Allow 3 hours subject to weather. 

$60.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506 

Glow Worm Kayak Tour 

River Tours 

Kayak Hire 

NZKI 

Join us for a picturesque paddle on Lake 

McLaren to view glow worms by night 

or beautiful waterfalls by day. This trip 

takes about 1.5-2hours and is suitable for 

paddlers with no experience. All gear, hot 

drinks and nibbles are supplied. 

Price $75 per person. 

Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings 

07 574 7415 

Exploring beautiful estuaries. 

Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and 

wonderful views. 

Phone Canoe & Kayak 

on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details 

Taupo - Open for the summer and by 

appointment. Have some paddling fun on 

the beach or let us run a tour for you and 

your friends and explore these beautiful 

areas. 


on 0800 KAYAKN for details 

New Zealand Kayaking Instructors 

Award Scheme 

Become a kayaking instructor and guide. 

Get into gear and get qualified! 

It’s fauna and easy to do. 

Don’t delay. 

Phone 0508 5292569 NOW! 

Paddle to the Pub Twilight Tours Customized Tours 

Join the Yakity Yak Club 

Kayaking to a local pub is a unique way 

of spending an evening, bringing your 

group of friends together by completing 

a fun activity before dinner and making a 

memorable experience. These trips are 

available to Riverhead, Browns Bay and 

Devonport Pubs. 

• Price: $70.00pp 

• Group Discounts Available! 


on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details. 

Departs from one of your local beautiful 

beaches. Enjoy the scenic trip with the sun 

setting as you paddle along the coastline. 

Group discounts available! 


on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details. 

• Work Functions • Schools 

• Clubs • Tourist groups 

Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a 

full day’s frolic or a wicked weekend 

adventure we can take you there. 

If there’s somewhere you’d like to paddle 

we can provide you with experienced 

guides, local knowledge, safe up to date 

equipment and a lot of fun. 

Contact your local store 

on 0508 KAYAKNZ. 

Want to have fun, meet new people, have 

challenging and enjoyable trips, and learn 

new skills? 

And get a regular email newsletter, this 

magazine and get a discount on 

kayaking courses and purchases from 

Canoe & Kayak. 

Then, join us! 


on 0508 KAYAKNZ to find out more. 


www.kayaknz.co.nz

Selection - Knowledge - Experience 

You’ll find it all at Canoe & Kayak 

SwAllow iNtriguE glAdiAtor 

The next step up from the entry level racing 

kayaks. Fast with good stability. Medium skill 

ability is required to enjoy racing this kayak. A 

very popular Coast to Coast kayak. 

Priced at $2710, $2940 Kevlar 

Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 14 kg Glass, 12 kg Kevlar, 

Width: 480 mm 

Intrigue is ideal for the beginner/entry level 

kayaker who is looking for a quick, light kayak 

with great stability. Also suitable for first time 

Coast to Coasters. 


Length: 4.9 m, Weight: 14.5 kg Glass, 12 kg Kevlar, 

Width: 540 mm 

Gladiator with its larger cockpit, is built for the 

bigger paddler looking for a longer, fast and 

stable kayak for Coast to Coast etc. 


Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 15.5 kg, 13.5 kg Kevlar, 

Width: 530 mm 

firebolt 

firEbolt 

This very user friendly kayak with an excellent 

combination of speed and stability is suitable not 

only for the intermediate/ advanced paddler, but 

also for the busy, but keen ‘Weekend Warrior’. 


Length: 5.9 m, Weight: 14.5 kg, 12.5 kg Kevlar, 

Width: 455 mm 

rEbEl KEvlAr 

The Rebel is designed for paddlers of both 

genders up to 75 kgs. At 5.65 metres long, 

the Rebel is half way between the length of the 

Swallow and the Firebolt and is faster than both. 

Priced at $3150 


AdvENturE duEt 

Adventure Duet is a lightweight, very fast and 

recently updated Adventure Racing double kayak. 

It continues to dominate adventure racing in NZ 

and is a great recreational double. 


Length: 7.0 m, Weight: 29 kg, 24 kg Kevlar, 

Width: 550 mm 

oCEAN x 

The Ocean X is suitable for kayak racing in the 

many harbours, estuaries and lakes of New 

Zealand and lends itself well to the kayak sections 

of many multisport races. 


Length: 6.4 m, Weight: 18 kg, 16.5 kg Kevlar, 

Width: 500 mm 

HurriCANE 

The hurricane gives you the very best balance of 

speed and stability. The sleek deck is less vulnerable 

to strong cross winds, while the raised bow provides 

lift to prevent the front of the kayak being submerged 

in rapids and small waves. 

Prices start at $2950 


mAximuS 

Fast ocean going Racing Sea Kayak. The broad 

bow allows this kayak to ride over waves like a surf 

ski without losing speed and is easy to control while 

surfing. A low profile reduces buffeting by the wind in 

adverse conditions. 



ElimiNAtor Surf SKi vipEr 

A fast stable racing and training ‘Sit - on - top’. It 

has an adjustable dry seat and a cool draining 

system. Ideal for the paddler wanting a good 

fitness work out. 



An excellent training and competition surf ski, 

can be used with under-slung rudder or rear 

mounted rudder. 


Length: 5.3m, Weight: 22kg, Width: 510mm 

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz 

This boat is a great training/ racing, rota-moulded 

alternative to expensive composite crafts, has 

moderate stability and good speed. 



0508 KAYAKNZ


fiSh n’ divE maraudEr tourEr 

Fish n’ Dive is the ultimate fishing/diving kayak. A 

large well located in the stern holds loads of fish. 

You can customize it with hatches, fish finders 

and rod holders. 



The Marauder is for the serious kayak fisherman. 

It is fast, stable with loads of deck space. Performs 

excellently in surf. Also available with an optional 

rudder. 



The low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts 

down on windage. Paddlers maintain high speed 

and straight tracking with easy handling in all 

conditions. 



catch 390 

Catch 390 features satisfy the keenest angler, 

beginners & experienced alike. Front & rear 

bulkheads. Watertight fishing rod chute. Flush 

mount rod holders behind the seat . 



linE 280 

The ‘pimped’ Angler edition of the Access. The Line 

280 is ready to go fishing when you are. Anchor running 

line is already fitted. There are rod holders, and paddle 

parks to store your paddle while you fish. 


Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 18 kg std, Width: 730 mm 

WatEr StridEr 

The open floor design allows you to propel and steer the 

Water Strider raft with fins on your feet while your hands 

are free for fishing. In shallow water you can stand up 

and wade while the Water Strider floats around you. 



hElioS i hElioS ii baraKa 

This kayak is designed for cruising on protected 

waters, moderately flowing rivers, lakes and 

bays. It has considerable storage space in the 

bow and stern. 



Helios II is a double inflatable kayak with the same 

features and stowage as the single. 



This self-bailing inflatable is an ideal canoe for rivers 

and moderate white water. The extra compact hull 

has excellent riding characteristics, especially when 

in rapids, and an extra large storage space. 


Length: 4.1 m, Weight: 23.5 kg, Width: 1.05 m 

tWiSt i 

The Twist I is an economical choice of inflatable 

canoe. It comes with a comfortable backrest and 

grab handles for easy handling. The tracking fin 

helps to keep you on course. 



inflatablE tWiSt ii 1 

The Twist II is the double version with the same 

features of the Twist I. Both kayaks come with 

shock cord on the stern for storing gear. 



WhaKapapa 

The Incept Whakapapa is a heavy-duty Canadian-style 

inflatable canoe for rivers, lakes and sheltered marine 

waters. It’s very stable and an absolute delight to paddle, 

giving little drag and excellent manoeuvrability. 



www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

You’ll find it all at canoe & kayak 

FireFlY escApee escApAde 

Here is a little cracker! The Firefly is designed 

so the kids can have fun. Little and light, easy 

to handle and stable. The kids will love it, if they 

can get Dad off it! 

$510 


Probably the closest you will come to finding one 

kayak that does it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling. 

Escapee is stable and easy to paddle. 

A boat the whole family can enjoy. 



An extended Escapee for the larger paddler. 

You’ll fish, dive and have fun in the sun. There’s 

a storage hatch behind the seat for easy access 

and wells at the front and rear. 



Length: 2.95m, Weight: 19kg, Width: 750 mm 

kiwi 

The fantastically stable and manoeuvrable 

Kiwi has two dry compartments for gear. Light, 

super comfortable and fast for its length. It’s an 

awesome, all round kayak. 


Length: 3.75m, Width: 740 mm 

Weight: 20 kg Std, 23 kg Excel & 18 kg Light. 

plAY 

Play is great for the paddler who wants a fun fast 

surf and flat water kayak. Kids love this Sit-on- top 

as it is not too wide for them to paddle and yet 

is very stable. 



explorer 

Explorer is ideal for fishing and exploring and 

one of the driest ‘Sit-on- top’ you will find. Great 

hatches for storing your goodies are available. 



strike 

A Wave Ski which the whole family can enjoy. 

Fantastic in the surf, Strike is a fast and 

manoeuvrable sit-on-top. 



tANdem 

A ‘two person’ kayak, ideal for fishing, surfing and 

exploring. Tandem has two 6” hatches to store 

your adventure equipment. Room for three, often 

paddled by one. 



Access 280 

Access 280 is a nimble performer that turns really 

easily. The open cockpit houses a comfortable moulded 

padded seat, an adjustable backrest and an easy to 

reach, under deck tray for all your necessities. 



squirt 

A Sit-on-top for the family. Able to seat an adult 

and a small child. The Squirt is easy to paddle 

and is very stable. Easily carried by one adult 

or two kids. 



Flow 

Stable and easy to paddle, Flow handles surf with 

ease. Simple for the beginner to use, yet exciting 

for the more experienced paddler. 



0508 kAYAkNZ 

surge 

A fun double sit-on-top kayak with the option of a 

third person sitting in the middle. Surge has ample 

stability and speed and performs well in surf. 


Length: 3.9 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 850 mm


tui PEnguin ShEarwatEr 

This is a versatile touring kayak for lake, river and 

sea. Stability, speed and easy tracking make for 

an enjoyable day’s paddling. A larger cockpit 

allows for easier entry and exit. 


Length: 4.5 m, Weight: Std 24 kg, Width: 620 mm 

Penguin has as all the features for multi-day 

kayaking with ease of handling in all weather 

conditions. With great manoeuvrability this kayak is 

suitable for paddlers from beginner to advanced. 


Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg light, 

Width: 610 mm 

A comfortable performance orientated sea kayak 

which will suit all sizes of paddlers with plenty of foot 

room for the bigger ones. The Shearwater handles 

well in rough conditions. A fun boat to paddle. 


Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg lite, 

Width: 610 mm 

taSman ExPrESS 

Its low profile and flared bow enables the Tasman 

Express to perform well in adverse conditions. It gives 

the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, 

backrest, side seat supports and optional thigh brace. 


Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 29 kg Std, 25 kg light, 

Width: 620mm 

fovEaux ExPrESS 

Foveaux Express, is a very responsive and playful 

sea kayak. Comes with a moulded thigh brace. 

The dolphin nose with flair, allows lift in the ocean 

swell. A fun, nimble kayak. 


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

taSman ElitE 

As per the plastic model, the Kevlar Tasman 

Express responds to rough conditions but its 

decreased weight, and increased stiffness, gives 

even better performance. 



SouthErn SKua 

The Southern Skua has a low deck enabling it to perform 

extremely well in windy conditions. Its longer hull gives 

it greater speed and allows it to surf in a following sea. 

It gives maximum stability in the open sea. 



torrES 

Torres, a fast and stable sea kayak, capable of 

handling extreme expeditions. Huge storage and 

lots of leg room. 


Length: 5.6m, Weight: 23kg std, Width: 600mm 

SEE KayaK flagS 

Flags & lights on a rigid fibreglass pole are easily fitted 

to any kayak . Available as flag only or light/flag combo. 

Two styles of lights both visible for up to 3km in good 

conditions. Tektite light provides the brightest light. 

Flag on pole $75.00, Flag & C-Light $155.00 

Flag & Tektite Light $190.00 

Standard dEcK bag 

Our Deck Bag offers exceptional value! 

The entire bag is radio frequency welded to 

keep waves and rain out. Our splash proof, 

HydroKisscoated zip is sealed in with no 

excessive needle holes for water to find. 

$119.90 

dElux dEcK bag 

The Deluxe Deck Bag offers a unique window view 

access, high capacity and light reflectivity. 

A clear window allows for easier gear location and 

a higher profile for better gear storage. 

$149.00 

canoE &KayaK buoyancy aid 

Increase your visibility in these yellow bouyancy 

aids. They can be adjusted with side, shoulder 

and waist straps. There is an inside pocket with 

a ring to store keys, knife or whistle. 

$99.50 



CoNtour 480 

A roomy, manoeuvrable, easy to handle boat. 

The channelled hull provides outstanding tracking 

which helps keep you on course. Its upswept, flared 

bow makes crossing rough water a breeze. 


Length: 4.8 m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 620mm 

eCo beZhig 

Eco Bezhig is an enjoyable sea kayak, fast and 

nimble with huge storage, great features and the 

most comfortable seat your butt will ever meet. 


Length: 5.4 m, Weight: Std 27 kg, Width: 590mm 

iNCept tAsmAN 

These inflatable kayaks have a stiff frame, 

excellent speed, high stability and good handling. 

The Incept Tasman kayak will handle big seas and 

survive impacts which would break rigid hulls. 



five- o- five 

Five- O-Five is a fully-fledged touring kayak for 

entry and medium level paddlers. A high-quality 

touring boat. At 505 cm it offers great glide and 

tracking. 



Nemo 

The Point 65 Nemo is a comfortable and stable 

recreational kayak for the whole family. 



iNCept pACifiC 

The Incept Pacific inflatable sea kayak is perfect 

for spur-of-the-moment day trips or multi-day 

expeditions. The deck covers and sprayskirts are 

easily removed, giving easy access to gear. 



Coming Soon 

beAChComber 

The Beachcomber combines the latest design 

with cutting edge technologies to create an ultra 

light, thermoformed, manoeuvrable sea kayak, 

perfectly suited to New Zealand conditions. 



beAChComber duo 

The “Beachcomber Duo” has used all the features 

people rave about on the “Beachcomber”, with super 

light weight, durable plastic construction, internal glove 

boxes and Barracuda’s balanced rudder system. 



sAfetY flAg & light 

Be seen day or night with Great Stuff’s Safety 

Flag, LED light unit. It comes complete with rod 

holder or alternative deck fittings. A must for all 

open water kayakers. 

$112.50 

foAm pAddle floAt 

A paddle float you don’t have to inflate! 

The reflective webbing trim and a metallic chrome 

front panel enhances visibility. Deployment is easy 

with a large pocket for your paddle blade, and a 

wide adjustable leash to secure the paddle shaft. 

fishermAN’s seA ANChor 

A great small-craft safety accessory. 

These heavy duty sea anchors are built in tough 

PVC for maximum abuse. With tubing sewn in, 

they stay open to deploy quickly. 300mm dia. 

opening 580mm length. 

seA rover CompAss 

The Sea Rover features a large compass with 

easy to read markings. With a simple, yet elegant 

base, it attaches easily to deck lines or sits nicely 

on top of a deck bag. Quick-release buckles allow 

for easy attachment. 

$109.90 

$79.00 

0508 KAYAKNZ 

$79.90


SEattlE bilgE pump 

A must for every boatie. Our 36 litres per minute 

bilge pump features an easy-grab handle, 

super-strong pump shaft and heavy-duty impact 

resistant plastic. 

$59.90 

paddlE float 

Two chamber float gives added safety. A 2nd 

chamber for use when you need extra buoyancy 

or if one chamber is accidentally punctured. 

There’s a clip on safety tether to eliminate loss 

in windy conditions. 

$84.90 

paddlE/ rod lEaSh 

Unique quick-release-at-paddle feature allows 

paddle to be easily released from leash. It 

comes with a heavy-duty snap hook for maximum 

durability and an internal Kevlar cord filament for 

maximum breaking strength. 

$34.90 

latitudE Stuff SacK 

With full horizontal access, our Latitudes eliminate 

the hassle of having to dig vertically to get at what 

you want. Built with a polyester body and heavyduty 

vinyl ends, Latitudes are built 

to perform, but at a value price! 

10 Ltr $58.50, 21 Ltr $72.00, 51 Ltr $85.50 

SupEr latitudE 

Eco-friendly PVC Free Super Latitudes feature the 

great wide mouth-lateral design. They slide easily 

into kayak hatches. Our hands-free Autopurge 

valve automatically purges the air as the bag is 

compressed. 

10 Ltr $87.75, 21 Ltr $101.25, 51 Ltr $143.85 

camp SinK 

Our 15 litre capacity square camp sink can’t be 

beat. The Pack Sink’s unique square shape makes 

cleaning larger items simple and it folds flat for 

easy (out of the way) storage when not in use. 

$39.90 

opti dry bagS omni dry bagS omni dry bacK pacK 

The Opti Dry is super-tough made from superclear 

heavy-duty vinyl. It has an abrasion resistant 

bottom. 

These all-purpose bags are great for any 

adventure. The Omni Dry Bag features a 

waterproof 3-roll closure with D-ring, vinyl body 

and heavy-duty abrasion resistant bottom. 

At 140 litres you can fit all your wet gear in one 

bag, or keep all your gear dry! 

A heavy-duty 3-roll closure system and adjustable, 

padded shoulder straps makes for easy use. 

10 Ltr $29.90, 21 Ltr $34.90, 41 Ltr $44.90 

10 Ltr $39.90, 21 Ltr $44.90, 41Ltr $54.90 

$99.00 

mighty mitE cart 

Our new Mighty Mite Cart is small enough 

to fit in most Kayak holds, With pneumatic 

wheels, anodized aluminium frame, a single tiedown, 

and a stand, this cart offers great features 

at a low price. 

$145.00 

Standard trollEy 

These wheels are the step down from the heavy 

duty version. Large wheels still make any terrain 

a breeze, while a pin holds them in. They still fold 

away into your back hatch. A lighter weight trolley 

for moving mainly empty kayaks. 

$199.00 

hEavy duty trollEy 

Easy to carry a sea kayak loaded down with 

all your gear! Heavy duty stainless steel 

construction. Wheels fold down conveniently to 

fit in a back hatch. 

$349.00 



boDYliNe polArteC top 

Polartec Power Stretch fabrics feature body-hugging 

4-way stretch and are very breathable. They keep 

you dry when you sweat and provide warmth without 

weight. These are the most versatile outdoor and 

fitness apparel fabrics available today. 

$189.00 

boDYliNe boots 

When its cold your toes are the first thing that 

really feel the pinch. These boots are soft 

enough to wear all day, strong enough to wear 

everyday. 

$85.00 

Please Note: 

For the kayaks advertised, the 

price is for the kayak only. It does 

not necessarily include any of the 

accessories, hatches, seats etc shown 

in the photos. The prices were correct 

at the time of printing however due 

to circumstances beyond our control 

they may alter at any time. Please 

contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak 

Centre and they will put together a 

great package of the best equipment 

available for your kayaking fun. 

shArKsKiN ClimAte CoNtrol 

Sharkskin Climate Control comes in both short and 

longsleeves. Sharkskin’s three layer fabric protects 

you from the elements with a protective outer layer, 

a windproof middle layer, and a polarfleece inner 

layer to keep you toasty warm while paddling. 

$269.00 short sleeve, $315.00 long sleeve 

rAsDex pADDle jACKet 

This cag suits multisport paddling in particular, with the 

opening mesh neck for ventilation and a lightweight fabric. 

The long sleeve version will suit those who prefer to keep 

their arms covered for sun protection, and also makes it 

suitable as a lightweight windbreaker when training. 

$209.95 

rAsDex hYDrA pfD 

The new Hydra PFD has been tested to NZS 5823:2005. 

It is also approved for night time use. Available in high 

viz yellow and red, in 2 sizes. Features large front pocket 

and key clip, plus hidden side pockets which allow extra 

foam to be fitted so it can be used for canoe polo. 

$149.95 

DAY two KiwiteA pfD 

A versatile starter buoyancy vest with five way 

adjustments to fit children and adults. More 

than 55N of floatation made from very soft and 

comfortable foam. Large front pocket. Reflective 

tape on the rear. Comes in red, blue or gold 

$149.00 

DAY two NeopreNe sprAY DeCKs 

This deck is snug fitting and warm for all kayak 

conditions. ‘Diamond’ neoprene deck section and 

stretchy neoprene waist. Comes in small to XL 

waist and 5 cockpit shapes. 

$139.50 

rAsDex CombiNAtioN DeCKs 

The deck most used by multisport paddlers - also 

used by sea and touring paddlers. The deck has a 

neoprene deck section but with a nylon body tube 

which allows good freedom of movement. 

$169.95 

KAYAK CeNtres for sAle 

subsCribe toDAY 

Join the club. You will get a weekend skills course 

to learn techniques and safety skills and a year’s 

membership. If you are keen to learn more there 

is a bunch of courses which teach everything from 

Eskimo Rolling to becoming an instructor. 

What a great way to earn a living. Working 

in a recreational retail business with heaps 

of time outdoors, at sea with great company. 

Phone Peter Townend on 09 476 7066 or email 

pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz for more information. 

0508 KAYAKNZ 

6 issues for only $40, saving nearly $5.00 off 

the news-stand price, delivered free. This great 

magazine will give you heaps of information and 

ideas to make your kayaking more enjoyable. 

Subscription price to anywhere in 

NZ $40.00

White Water 

Himalayan River Girls 

– Showing power! 

Susmita learns raft guiding 

skills on the Seti river, Nepal 

by Inka Trollsås 

It has now been a year and a half since I met Sita and 

Mona next to Fewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal. They had never 

been in a kayak before and I can not believe how much has 

happened since that day these Nepali girls asked me to teach 

them kayaking. 

Paddling Means Freedom 

Thirteen Nepali girls are now employed with local white water rafting 

companies. Becoming a river guide in Nepal is very hard work, 

challenging and possibly dangerous. Not only do guides bring tourists 

safely down big and technical rapids, they spend day after day in wet 

clothes, setting up camps in rainstorms and carrying heavy equipment. 

But what kayaking ultimately means to these amazing ladies in Nepal – 

is freedom. 

Girls in Nepal want to do so much but just don’t get the opportunity 

growing up in a totally male dominated country. Through paddling these 

girls get a chance to get a profession, a chance to become independent, 

make choices about their own future and to enjoy life! 

So How Did It All Happen? 

Well, a lot of hard work and incredible help from the fantastic whitewater 

community around the world! Wonderful people such as kiwi Sophie 

Hoskins who came to Nepal with equipment and woman-power last year 

and helped achieve results we could only dream of: 

The Results 

Three girls competed as the first female competitors in the 

4 

Peak UK Himalayan White water Challenge. 

4 One girl, Susmita Rai, is going to the world championships in 

Europe, competing in freestyle and slalom in Sep 2009. 

4 A full five-week guide training program for 10 girls has 

been accomplished. 

4 

4 

A kayak club has been set up in Pokhara. 

We have proven to Nepal and its rafting industry that girls can paddle and 

can become appreciated river guides and do well in competitions. 

The United Nations of Kayaking. Girls from all around the 

world join together to share paddling skills and knowledge.

The Struggle Continues 

Despite these amazing results, in reality we are also struggling with the 

club in Nepal. We are dependent on donations to keep the club going 

which more and more girls want to join. We must cover the costs of 

club house rent, training, transport and more. This autumn season we 

will look at renting out kayaks and other gear to provide some income 

for the club. 

10 Girls Competing In The Next Himalayan Challenge 

I am organizing several girls’ trips this autumn season with ladies 

from western countries and the Nepali girls. These trips will provide 

an amazing opportunity for the girls to learn new skills. We will have a 

WRT course, first aid, as well as a freestyle and slalom training for 10 

girls before entering the Himalayan White water Challenge at the end of 

November. 

Inka Trollsås 

Inka is a Swedish independent woman and a devoted 

white water kayaker with a very different kind of 

lifestyle. At 34, she is living half the year in Nepal 

and half the year in Sweden. She has lived this way 

for nine years trying to make a living out of her own 

adventure company through which she brings tourists 

from Sweden to Nepal as well as working as a kayak 

instructor. 

For any other info contact: 

inka@farawayadventures.com 

For more info, check out the website 

www.farawayadventures.com/nepaligirlkayakers 

And join the facebook group and see all new pictures: 

Himalayan River Girls 

What you can do to help: 

White Water 

• Come paddle with us! Either you come and help the Nepali 

girls, or you LEARN kayaking with us in Nepal on the 20th 

October we have a “chick kayak clinic”! Join us! 

• Donate money or equipment. We need funding to pay 

the club house rent and organise professional training. 

Equipment-wise, any kayaking gear, thermals, sheewees 

and moon cups will be useful. 

If you would like to send something over, contact Squirrel 

who will be coming over from New Zealand to Nepal this fall 

season to help with the training: 

squirrelkiwi@hotmail.com 

Squirrel Main 

Outward Bound School, Private Bag 403, 

Picton 7250 New Zealand 

03 520-8512 (+64 3 520-8512) 

Kaji and Rupa practise new skills on the lake. 

Inka, Sophie Hoskins and Radha paddling 

together on the Sun Kosi

Three happy Himalayan River Girls

Now available at Canoe and Kayak stores 

and Thule retailers nationwide 

NZ Distributors 

Roof Rack Systems NZ Ltd

DISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD 

AUCKLAND 

BAY OF PLENTY 

MANUKAU 

ST LUKES RD 

NORTH 

SANDRINGHAM ROAD 

DOMINION ROAD 

BALMORAL ROAD 

502 Sandringham Road 

Telephone: 09 815 2073 

Arenel Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Auckland 

CITY 

MAC DONALD STREET 

MAUNGANUI ROAD 

TO TAURANGA BRIDGE 

LIQUORLAND 

HEWLETTS ROAD 

KFC 

3/5 Mac Donald Street, 

Mount Maunganui (Off Hewletts Rd) 

Telephone: 07 574 7415 

Jenanne Investments Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty 

GREAT SOUTH ROAD 

TOYOTA 

FIRST DRIVEWAY 

BRONCOS 

WIRI STATION ROAD 

MOTORWAY 

SOUTHERN 

NORTH 

710 Great South Road, Manukau 

Telephone: 09 262 0209 

ChallenorReynolds Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Manukau 

NORTH SHORE 

JOIN THE 

TARANAKI 

UPPER HIGHWAY (16) 

NORTHERN MOTORWAY 

NORTH 

CONSTELLATION DRIVE 

ASCENSION PL 

NORTH 

WAIWHAKAIHO RIVER 

DEVON ROAD 

SMART ROAD 

Unit 2/20 Constellation Drive, 

(Off Ascension Place) Mairangi Bay, 

Auckland - Telephone: 09 479 1002 

Flood Howarth & Partners Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak North Shore 

S.H.1. 

TONGARIRO ST 

NUKUHAU 

TAUPO 

SPA ROAD 

RUAPEHU STREET 

LAKE TERRACE 

TANIWHA STREET 

77 Spa Road, Taupo 

Telephone: 07 378 1003 

Acme Kayaking Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Taupo 

S.H.1. 

NORTH 

Phone your nearest 

Canoe & Kayak Centre 

WAIKATO 

KILLARNEY ROAD 

SH1 

BYPASS 

DUKE STREET 

KAHIKATEA DRIVE 

GREENWOOD ST 

DUKE STREET 

KAHIKATEHA DRIVE 

NORTH 

The Corner Greenwood St 

& Duke St, State Highway 1 Bypass 

Hamilton - Telephone: 07 847 5565 

On Water Adventures Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Waikato 

Unit 6, 631 Devon Road 

Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth 

Telephone: 06 769 5506 

Peter & Bronnie van Lith 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Taranaki 

WELLINGTON 

NORTH 

CENTENNIAL HIGHWAY 

HUTT ROAD 

S.H.1 

L V MARTIN 

2 Centennial Highway, 

Ngauranga, Wellington 

Telephone: 04 477 6911 

J & M Downey Limited 

Trading as Canoe & Kayak Wellington 

S.H.2 

For the Ultimate Lifestyle Business, 

Join the team at Canoe & Kayak. 

Centres available NOW! 

Contact Peter Townend for a confidential chat. 09 476 7066 

Pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Wasps, Wakas & Wallabies Nepal Update Getting ... - Canoe & Kayak

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