Fish finder basics - Canoe & Kayak

Wina $500gift voucherISSUE 48$7.50 NZ$7.50 AUSTSPONSORED BYWhale watching in QueenslandPaddling in Sir Ed’s footstepsKayak seating for multisportersFishing gear for summerDiscover Another World

Issue 48contentsMorning in Ruakaka Bay, Marlborough SoundsPhoto by: Dave Wills6 Glow wormsA hidden North Island wonder.8 Fish finder basics.Jason Milne helps you decipher the screen.10 Carvings, Steam & Thick water!Yakity Yak members from Wellington visitthe Taupo region.12 Paddling in Sir Ed’s footsteps.Sophie Hoskins and her team of girls are off to teachNepalese women to become white water instructors.14 North Shore snapper fishing & BOP Fish report.Water temperature is rising & fish are biting.15 Camping & Kayaking.New gear available in store.16 A 366km Solo Sea kayaking Journey-Meeting the Spirit Tree.Robbie Banks completed her epic journey. She sharesher thoughts and aspirations now she has finished.18 Wild Water and fragile craft - Canoeing in the fifties.Third in a 3 part series of paddling in days gone by.20 Whale Watching at Fraser Island,the Sea Kayak way!Aussies get closer than expected in Queensland.24 Yakity Yak Fiordland Trip Diary.Wellington Yakity Yakers brave Milford soundin October.28 ‘Perfect Day’Things can turn to custard very quickly. Read thisaccount of a day on Auckland Harbour.30 Tree Trunk Gorge.Adveturer Josh Neilson shows us that runningTree Trunk Gorge is possible.32 Are you comfortable?Sam Goodall looks at kayak seats for multisporters.33 The lighter side of kayaking.Jeff Sigafoos has a midlife crisis.34 Summer Safety Roadshows.New beach events around the North Shore beaches.38 Press ReleaseBig news from Aquatx/ Cobra kayaks.40 The Fish BinFishing accessories galore. Stock up for christmas.41 Chill Factor ZeroNew gear from SharkSkin.42 Learn to KayakWhich course will you take this summer?43 Buyers Guide.Boat listings and goodies to get you going.50 Things to do.Listings of tours available. How about anactive christmas bash!Front cover photo: Seal playing in the Marlborough sounds. Photo by: Dave Wills.4 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

editorialEDITOR:Peter TownendPh: 0274 529 255 Fax [09] 421 0663Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nzDESIGN & PRODUCTION:Canoe & Kayak Ltd6 Tavern Road,SilverdaleAucklandPh: [09] 421 0662 • Fax [09]421 0663Email: James@canoeandkayak.co.nzPUBLISHER:NZ Kayak Magazine is published four timesper year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd.6 Tavern Road, Silverdale, AucklandPRINTING: MHP PrintDISTRIBUTION: IMDSUBSCRIPTIONS:New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40Overseas – 6 Issues = $60Payment to:Canoe and Kayak Ltd,6 Tavern Road, Silverdale, AucklandPh [09] 421 0662 • Fax [09] 421 0663Overseas subscribers can make payment viacredit card number on subscription form.CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’articles and photos.• Please submit text on disk or emailed as aWord text file.• Photos too can be emailed or put on CDas a high resolution (300 dpi / 1.2mb)jpg at full size accompanied by captions.Preferably prints should be captioned onthe reverse and numbered and listed intext, or use the caption as the file name.• All care will be taken to safeguard andreturn material.• No responsibility is accepted forsubmitted material.• Material published in the magazine mustnot be reproduced without permission.• Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz.NZ Kayak magazine ‘Contributors’Guidelines’ for more details.COPYRIGHT: The opinions expressed bycontributors and the information stated inadvertisements/articles are not necessarilyagreed by the editors or publisher of NewZealand Kayak Magazine.ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO:James FitnessEmail: james@canoeandkayak.co.nzNew Zealand Kayak MagazineAt the time of printing the prices in thismagazine were accurate. However they maychange at any time.Hi,Are you feeling that summer’s warmer days and longer evenings have arrived?They make New Zealand’s inexpensive BBQs, swimming, kayaking and livingin the outdoors more comfortable and popular and few paddlers can resist theurge to explore. You may be under pressure and really need a break, but if youfail to plan, falling leaves and colder weather can only too soon make your nextadventure a fading dream.In this issue fellow paddlers report how they have pushed the limits of safety. Somewill say that such risk-taking is irresponsible,“People should not do it”. Others, andI am one, believe that we grow to our maximum potential though learning whenand how to take risks. A solo expedition or going over waterfalls can challenge apaddler to the max. Of course, to become one of our iconic Kiwi Leaders you’ll needyears of experience tackling increasingly difficult challenges, training in ‘correct’paddling, detailed knowledge of the specific dangers and the availability and useof rescue equipment.The foolish throw themselves into deep water without first learning to swim. Thebrave and wise learn to swim and train for a specific challenge, then dare to try.This summer are you planning an adventure which will challenge youappropriately?Cheers and Happy XmasPeter TownendSubscription Form• 6 issues for $40, saving nearly $5.00 off the news-stand price, delivered free in NZ.Overseas subscription $NZ60 postage free.Name:Email:Address:Phone:Card No:Cheque Visa MastercardSignatureSubscribe a friend to the NZ Kayak MagazineExpiry date:Send form to NZ Kayak Magazine. 6 Tavern Road, Silverdale, Auckland.Or phone [09] 421 0662 Fax [09] 421 0663email: info@canoeandkayak.co.nzGreat Stuff Safety Flag• Very easy to remove• Simply plugs into a rod holder• Flexible plastic base andfibreglass shaft• Supplied with rod holderBeing seen has never been easierAvailable at all good Kayak storesIncludes Safety Flag & Rod Holderemail: greatstuff@graphics.co.nzISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 5

Glow Worm ToursBy Sara CorbettHeading into the dark, not knowing where you are going,or what’s around the corner gives some people theshivers...”Not my Cup of Tea”.I was nervous before experiencing the dark Glow WormCanyon with Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty this year, butonce there found the shivers furthest from my mind. Atruck full of people, excited to see the oh so wonderfulsight we’d heard so much about, and a loaded trailer setoff from the Centre at 5 .30 p.m.At our launching spot in the Kaimai’s the instructors helpedus get all set and ready to go. They showed us how to adjustthe footrest in the cockpit and fit our spray skirt. Each of ushad a little light on our shoulder to show where we were.We looked like glow worms ourselves.In a double sea kayak with someone to talk to, meanderingdown the lake to the canyon, listening to the wind whistlingin the treetops, I was relaxed and at peace. .Approaching the canyon we had to pass the gentlyhumming power station. One by one the instructorsguided us through; then it was “Rudders up and lights offeveryone” and around the corner into the canyon.Words cannot describe the experience (But I’ll try)...These little worms give a fantastic turquoise glow, and thewalls of the canyon are just COVERED! Silently paddling upthe canyon in single file I took it all in.Squeezed for space we turned back down the canyonfor a second look and paddled another leg of the lake.On returning to the launching spot talk was non-stop.Any reservations about being on a cold lake in the darkwere long gone!We reached the finish line, packed up the kayaks and...Out came the hot chocolate and marshmallows. Yummm,perfect timing and the tastiest way to warm up!Now I’ve enjoyed this amazing experience I highlyrecommend it to anyone who has a soft spot for nature orloves to do something different. It was a highlight of myyear which I will gladly repeat!Do call the friendly team at Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plentyand book a Glow Worm Experience, you won’t regret it.This many kayakers & not a word was spoken.Award SchemeThe NZKI Award Scheme was formed in response to agrowing need in the Kayaking Industry to have morepeople with Kayaking qualifications, to encourage morekayakers towards expanding their skills and knowledgeand to continue to increase the safety of our sport.The NZKI Award Scheme is structured around theassessment of skills and knowledge that are required forthe type of activity to be undertaken by the Instructoror Guide.A star is awarded for each level achieved, starting offwith the NZKI One Star for personal paddling skills andknowledge and moving up to the NZKI Five Star foran Assessor.Stars in their eyes.For more information phone 0508 5292569www.nzki.co.nz6 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Fish finder basicsby Jason MilneReaping the rewardsAn article in the November edition of‘Fishing News’ on Fish Finder Basicshighlights the lack of a beginner’s guidefor Kayak fishers. For example, whenyou are on the water seeking a newfishing spot what does your brand newFish Finder tell you?The Fish Finders owner’s manual offers information.But you may find it hard to interpret, and I for onewould rather be fishing than reading the manual. Isuggest you get your hands on November’s ‘FishingNews’ and read Page 56 for its excellent back tobasics article.Meantime what Fish Finder will suit you? Mostfishing kayaks, like the Catch 390, have fittings tomake installation of your choice easy. If this is, likemost units, waterproof, don’t worry about getting itwet. But I do strongly advise that you fit an internalwaterproof fuse. If you don’t your warranty maybe void. Does your kayak lack fittings? Fish Finderattachment kits are now available to save youcountless wasted fishing hours trying to modify asystem to suit your kayak.Kayakers, fishing mostly in shallow water,generally prefer a unit with a dual beam. Thiswill cover double the area of a single beam but itloses clarity in deeper water. A single beam unitprovides better coverage over deeper water butis limited at the shallow end. A compact unit isusually most affordable and it causes minimumclutter on your deck.Fish Finders offering many different featuresare available from $150 into the thousands. Itoften pays to save for the one you wantrather than the one you can immediatelyafford. I know many disappointed peoplewho have soon outgrown their unit’scapability!After using basic units I now own afishfinder with built in GPS Plotter ($900worth). The GPS means I can mark wherethe fish are biting and go directly tothat spot next time. This saves a lot ofunnecessary paddling. In the photo I canview both my intended route and the viewof the bottom.Often, having entered coordinates for‘Spot X’, I have seen fish worth targetingon the way.You can of course use a separate handheld GPS to similar effect, but thisincreases deck clutter.Whether you just want to know thedepth, or to chart GPS coordinates for‘Spot X’, research before you purchase will saveyou dollars.How do you recognise fish on the screen?If you have set your Fish finder to the icon mode, afish is shown when contact is made. The strongerthe contact the bigger the fish icon.I view my intended route and the view of the bottom.8 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

On a black & white set, an outline of a fish meansthe contact is in the dual sensor beam, or haspassed the fringes of the single sensor beam.A solid fish icon indicates the fish is directly belowthe kayak in the single/ primary beam. Don’t befooled, a small icon does not always indicate asmall fish. It may be a large fish with a weak signal.He may be sitting on the edge of your beam. Takesome time to investigate. By paddling over thearea you may get a better signal, identifying it asthe big one!With the Fish finder set in the arches mode, thearch is a fish that has swum through your beam.The highest point is where the fish is directly belowyour boat. The tails of the arch are where the fishentered and exited the beam. A solid line indicatesa fish directly under the kayak and in the strongestpart of the beam.Often while paddling over an arch (fish) worthtargeting, I will stop and backtrack over this area(GPS comes in very handy to keep me in the rightspot). Once the fish is identified as a solid line Idrop a bait down and try my luck.Not too much clutter.Tui ExcelA versatile, go anywhere kayakPenguinA tried and true winner thatdelivers affordable excellenceTasman ExpressAn exceptional performancesea kayakDusky Bay ClassicLeisurely cruise, open waters, or akayaking adventureA tried and true design just got betterFor information on our complete range and stockist,visit www.q-kayaks.co.nz or phone 06 326 8667ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 9

Carvings, Steam & Thick Water!by Catherine DuthieAt 7am on Saturday morning of a typical cold andwet Queens birthday weekend, I met fellow ClubMembers at the Wellington Canoe and KayakCentre. It was 5 degrees outside and there werebig black clouds on the horizon.However, since kayaking is a water sport does it reallymatter if the water is coming from above too? Being a newclub member this was my first trip away and come hellor high water I was going to enjoy it. We set off, Taupobound, in convoy (if you can be a convoy with only twocars). Neil had four people and seven kayaks and I stillstruggled to keep up with him. There is something tobe said for a big gas guzzling engine on a long trip. Westopped to recaffeinate in Bulls, where thankfully there isnow a decent café, but too early to have a kebab at Jabie’s.It’s almost worth driving to Bulls for this alone.The accommodation in Taupo was luxurious for roughand rugged kayakers, everybody would have a properbed to sleep in and the 3.3:1 bathroom ratio was civilizedindeed. We lunched at Subway and launched from AcaciaBay on the calmest water I’ve paddled. At a leisurely pacewe hugged the coast for about 3km to the rock carvings10 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

eside the top dam on the HinemaiaiaRiver and launched into the glassy lake.Created by drowning a river valley for thehydro scheme, remnants of trees stick outof the water, some with epiphytes clingingtenaciously to the remaining branches.We paddled this strange lake until it wasso narrow we could go no further. It was awonderful surreal experience with which toend the weekend’s paddling.We lunched in Turangi and drove backto Wellington. I had thoroughly enjoyedleisurely paddling, calm water and gloriousscenery, exactly what I needed for myQueen’s birthday weekend. And for onceafter a weekend away I came home morerelaxed than when I left. A big thanks to Neilfor being a fantastic trip leader. He was socalm and organized and set the tone for theentire weekend. If all away trips are as goodas this one then sign me up.at Mine Bay. Of these the largest is over 10m high and frombelow in a small boat it is imposing. The carvings were startedin the 1970s. We returned for a BBQ, played card games wellinto the night, and Neil Thompson revealed a hidden talentfor correctly naming any song on classic hits from only thefirst few bars. Very impressive!On Sunday morning at 9am we drove north to the WaikatoRiver downstream of the Huka falls and launched onto aspectacularly calm river. It was almost a shame to breakthe reflective water. At an even more leisurely pace thanyesterday we stopped to marvel at the thermal vents spillinghot water into the river and at Orakei Korako which is soimpressive seen from the water that I felt sorry for the peopleon foot behind the safety barriers.We encountered ‘thick water’ which made paddling harder.Moving through vast swathes of pumice we played at beingicebreakers. We had a picnic lunch at the fairy hot springswhere two of us were brave enough to swim (I was not oneof them). Then we encountered the hottest water yet, almosttoo hot to touch. But it warmed the kayak nicely and, parkedamongst the lily pads so as not to drift away, it would havebeen a nice place for a nap. We drove back to Taupo for adelicious Italian meal at a cosy restaurant, and enjoyed moregames of cards.On Monday morning we packed, headed south, parkedDesigners & Constructors of Multisport& Adventure Racing KayaksPhone 06 875 0043 Fax 06 875 0983E-mail:- kevin@ruahinekayaks.co.nzP O Box 11146 HastingsWebsite:-www.ruahinekayaks.co.nzThis fast, stable kayak is designedfor the larger paddler looking fora longer, stable boat.GladiatorISSUE FORTYeight• 2008 11

Some of the girls heading to Nepal in Uganda.Left to Right. Anna White, Leela Samuals(not coming to Nepal) Hester Hilbink, Sophie Hoskins, Laura ClaytonPaddling in Sir Ed’s footstepsSix Kiwi girls have arrived in Kathmandu Nepal with sixwhite-water kayaks, twice the amount of paddles, drytops, spray skirts, buoyancy aids, shoes, dry bags, enoughthermals to supply a whole village and even some skissomewhere in the mix.At 40 kgs each you could say we were a little on the heavy side. But Singaporeairlines carted our precious cargo halfway across the world, ensuring thatmonths and months of hard work, would not go to waste.At Kathmandu we joined two good friends to make a tally of eight from NewZealand. Bags bursting with gear we set off for Sukute beach on the upperSun Kosi River to meet 12 Nepali women who were starting a 5 week trainingprogramme to change their lives forever.Female paddlers from all over the world, some known to us, were there too.Like us they were inspired to be part of this project. For a few months all ofus have been working hard, raising funds, collecting gear and looking forsponsorship, sharing Inka Trollsas’ vision, ‘ Nepali women on Nepal’s whitewater, guiding tourists, teaching others and having their own adventures’.Inka, running a company called Faraway Adventures, has guided trips in Nepalfor eight years. In this amazing Swede’s second home she has developedmany friendships and connections. Here she learnt how to kayak and overthe years has spent many days on the rivers with her male Nepali friends.Nepali women did not paddle. When she returned last year, a group of brave,By Hester Hilbink and Sophie Hoskinsadventurous women approached Inka asking to be taught. In borrowed gearthey paddled on Lake Pokhara and a couple of weeks later, Inka led them ona grade three multi day trip.Because a job as a safety kayaker, raft guide or kayak instructor could providea way out of poverty for a family, Inka, her excited pupils and the Nepali RaftIndustry set up the ‘Nepali Girls Kayak Club’. Through it she has created a 5week training programme to teach 12 Nepali women all the skills needed towork in the white-water industry of Nepal. She emailed us to help.At time of writing we are about to push our boats off the sand and into theThese are the girls this project is all about.12 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Learning the new ways.Bound, O.P.C, Tongariro River Rafting, Kaituna Wet n Wild Rafting,The Wall, everyone who made donations and purchased or helpedto sell raffle tickets. This project is also supported by internationalcompanies Kokatat, Aqua Bound, Pro-tec, Kajakiv and North-Water.It couldn’t have happened without you. Thank you all so much!You can find out more about this project, how the trip is going, or tomake a donation to the Nepali Girls Kayak Club by visiting ;www.nepaligirlskayak.blogspot.commain current. It is day one of the ten day river trip, the first section ofthe training programme. Students will develop kayaking skills, finishingwith the Peak UK Himalayan White Water Challenge, the first time anylocal women will compete. The second part of the training programmewill focus on developing raft guiding and leadership skills. Throughoutthe five weeks the women are to be taught first aid; river rescue;cooking; campsite management; equipment maintenance; planningand preparation for commercial trips. On completion the women willbe assessed and certified by our head instructor Churamani Aryal, aNOLS certified local Nepali guide.We know that this begins a huge change for women in Nepal. Thesepioneer women will become role models for others. They will be outon their beautiful rivers, working with tourists, showing their friendsand family how to work in the industry, developing the passion foradventure and a love for white-water.We are so grateful to all the people, New Zealand organizations and businesses who haveoverwhelmed us with their tremendous support. Thank you Icebreaker, the first company to comeonboard, Canoe and Kayak, Day Two, Ferg’s Kayaks, Bivouac, Keen Footwear, Macpac, OutwardA sharing of cultures.One of New Zealands Ambassadors.It’s not all hard work.ISSUE FORTYeight• 2008 13

North Shore Snapper FishingBy Jason MilneIn November hungry spawning snapper are found inAuckland’s warmer, sheltered North Shore bays. Eagerly,Sam, Chris & I knocked off early to fish a local worm bedknown for good sized snapper.Chris was kayak fishing for the first time, so Sam and I expertly showed himhow things were done. I had saved the worm bed on the GPS and soon the fishfinder showed we were in luck. We set our drift anchors and threw down oursoft plastics. Experts know that snappers spawn when surface water reaches18C . Massing for some weeks, feeding between spawning, competition forfood makes them more aggressive and increases the chance of a hook up.Chris didn’t know this.Free floating snapper eggs were plentiful. Sam and I sharpened our hooks!We bobbed around getting an occasional strike, checked the lure and enjoyeda spectacular sunset for the paddle home. The score for the day was ‘Experts’nil, Chris three!Chris will be out again as soon as poss. I’ve promised to take him kayakingto another local spot, free diving for scallops. This will be anotherfirst for Chris.You want a feed of snapper? Become a bird watcher! The best time to start is when free floating eggsattract dive bombing birds. The birds are feeding on bait fish. Spawning snapper are hungry, gobblingup the scraps throughout the water column, so it’s not necessary to bottom your hook.Note, at this time of year bigger spawning fish are most aggressive, and your chance of catching a bigsnapper increases ten fold. But while they are the best breeders and spawn several times during theseason, they are not the best eating. Do put them back in the water. Take the legal, smaller fish and onlywhat you need. This will justify another fishing trip when fresh fillets run out and you need more, thisyear and next!Chris showing the experts how it’s done.Fish report for BOP.The good weather has steered clear of the weekends, but for those whocould get out during the week the fish have been there for the taking.Several yakkers have reported good catches of snapper off the main beachfrom Omanu to Papamoa.The Tauranga harbour has even produced 40cm snapper for the last sixweeks in no more than two metres of water.Soft baits are still doing the greatest damage, with Bar B Q Chicken being theflavour of the month. They out fishing Nuclear Chicken ten to one!!!The sea temperature in the Bay of Plenty is heading towards the magic 18degree mark when snapper spawning starts. By all accounts we expectawarm summer with great fishing in the Bay of Plenty.Tight LinesStevo.These are the best size for eating.Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.Register with yourlocal Canoe & Kayakstore to receive a carsticker and go in to wina $500.00 gift voucherIf your name is drawn, all youhave to do is show your car hasa Canoe & Kayak sticker on it toclaim your prize.Email info@canoeandkayak.co.nzif you cannot get to a store.14 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Camping & KayakingBy Julie ReynoldsCamping and Kayaking go hand in hand like Kiwis and BBQ’s or Sand andSurf. So it goes without saying that Canoe & Kayak could also venture intocamping equipment.It makes sense on so many levels, so there you go, we’ve done it. You can nowfind a good selection in store of tents, cookware, camp furniture, sleeping bags,lighting the list goes on and on.We’ve chosen the Kiwi Camping brand in order to offer a complete range ofquality gear. It was important to stock quality at affordable prices so that gettingout there and spending a night in a tent was achievable for everyone.Kiwi Camping is a New Zealand heritage brand much like Canoe & Kayak ispart of New Zealand’s kayaking heritage.We have focused on the needs of the paddling camper, ensuring the equipmentis lightweight, compact and durable. But most importantly it feeds comfortablyinto hatches. Families and other camping converts are also catered forwith a huge range of family tents, bunk beds, toilets, even kitchen sinks areavailable.It’s well worth checking the range out when next in store. With summer herecamping and kayaking have to be at the top of your list.Roof Racksfor alloccasionsFor a Rhino sales centre near you phone -ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 15

A 366km Solo Sea kayaking JourneyMeeting the Spirit TreeCape ReingaBy Robbie BanksRobbie at Cape reingaThis is my story of a soulful journeyof self discovery, searching to find myplace within the world, experiencingthe passion of adventure.The desire to completely immerse in the wildand changing elements, provides the ultimatechallenge.Where does the journey begin and end? A366km personal challenge was planned as asolo adventure from Tutukaka to Cape Reinga,yet the successful completion was truly madepossible by a team of people, each putting theirinterest and passion towards it in their ownindividual ways.Can we live a full life cautiously? I think not.Through the ages man has always pursuedthe quest for personal freedom, seeking tosatisfy the tremendous longing to explore theunfamiliar and unknown.Hill walks, which were once a real adventure, arenow well trodden scars on the grassy valleys.The kayak however cuts no groove and leavesno scar. The same stretch of water can bepaddled everyday but the surface may never bethe same twice.The sea provides the unfamiliar, the unwornand the unexpected. Sea kayaking gives aperson the opportunity to venture on to a wild,unpredictable expanse in a craft that movessolely by strength of arm, directed by experienceand knowledge. Facing the challenge of the seain this way causes a paddler to journey into thegenuine unknown.“The unknown, untried areas of the soul”- Aquote from Derek C. Hutchinson.A Word on Safety/ Risk Management.Solo kayaking is not to be undertaken lightly.Potential risks are increased. There is no oneavailable for immediate assistance.The importance of carrying essential safetyequipment is paramount but still not aninvitation to take unnecessary risk.The most important decisions are made beforegetting on the water.During trip planning meetings with Rod Voyce,Ian Crossan and Steve Knowles we discussedthe philosophy/summary of Risk Management.A solo journey of this scale and location requiresa degree of awareness, skill and experience tobe achieved safely.This is our summary of Risk Management.Exposure to hazards is part of the experience;coastal kayaking expeditions present a numberof unique risks & hazards.Managing risks requires environmental factorsto be balanced against the dynamics of thehuman element.With effective management and a high degreeof competence, the risks can be reduced toan acceptable level, but cannot be completelyeliminated without removing the challenge.Many, many hours went into planning andpreparation. Those who received a copy of mytrip plan know the degree of attention to detailand equipment. The clear boundaries andlimits on what sea conditions I was prepared toventure out in.My first day – I was very pleased to finally be onthe water. The build up to the trip had been animmense, all consuming, and the desire was nowstrong to just do it!I arrived at Mimiwhangata a day ahead ofschedule, a strategy to get a head start on a frontpredicted to hit in 2 days.With the weather in mind I chose to leave thatvery morning directly from Mimiwhangata ratherthan using up precious time travelling backdown the coast to Tutukaka.This meant I realistically could make it aroundCape Brett and into the safety of the Bay ofIslands before the bad weather arrived.Packing on the first day was a slow tedious affair,I asked Lynnis and friends if they could pleaserespect my space, so all my concentration couldgo into packing.I knew every essential item required, includingtwo V.H.Fs, two mobile phones, spare batteriesfor all electronics including an M.P.3 player I nowconsider this to be a life saving entertainmentdevice for those long lonely stretches. Thismountain of equipment lay all around me, theextra electronics which I was not accustomed to,added to the bulk!But nothing was in the state I would havedesired. Having spent three days away fromhome, kayak training in Auckland with other16 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

instructors, my gear was wet and salty! The carwas a tip with wet clothes, discarded bananapeels, and B.P coffee cups scrunched up beside,maps and trip plans.In addition to the standard safety equipmentattached to my P.F.D I had a built in tow system,flat blade knife, water system, signalling device/whistle, V.H.F, Cell phone, G.P.S. and Flares.I had to find space for a Kannad 406P.L.B Xs3(Personal locater beacon) and a few muesli bars.If it wasn’t for Ian Glover jolting me into realityby providing Survival estimates in the eventof a capsize, you could forgive me for thinkingI had enough aboard this floating palace todrift around in the briny for a week! Only thingmissing was a cool gin & tonic.I packed keeping in mind, prepare for the worsthope for the best.I was prepared to achieve this challenge withthe minimum of support. As long as Lynnis coulddrop me off, and pick me up at the end, anythingin between would be a bonus.I was in for a wonderful surprise, both LynnisBurson and Michael Winch surpassed myexpectations. Their commitment as a supportteam was astounding and beyond anything Icould have possibly imagined.The trip finally began.....A final blast of my theme song - Cool Change– then the troops arrived, Lynnis and friendsto help me wheel the loaded kayak to thewater’s edge.I woke most days at 4.30am, lying in my tent,ears finely tuned to the sounds of the sea andwind. Rising by 5am, allowed enough time todigest breakfast, and mull over the days plans. Itake my time loading the kayak, clear in my mindthat all equipment is stowed methodically. I stopfrequently to sip coffee, survey the ocean andsky, looking for tell tale signs of pending weatherconditions, never solely relying on weatherreports. On the water most days by 7am I tookadvantage of more settled conditions before anafternoon breeze kicks in.One of the pleasures of going solo is movingat your own pace, making decisions that canbe changed easily. You are free to focus onindividual needs, within the boundaries ofwhat nature chooses to throw at you, each dayalways different.Note: - Robbie successfully completed her366km journey and so far has raised $1535 forNew Zealand’s Make a Wish Foundation.www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/solokayak4makeawishA trip of this size cannot be summed up brieflyand a more detailed article/book is in thepipeline so watch this space.View my blog sitehttp://seakayakeradventurenz.blogspot.comNorth Cape.Lynnis Burson, Robbie Banks and Michael Winch.Lynnis and friends to help me wheel theloaded kayak to the water’s edge.Spot the kayaks below!ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 17

Wild Water and Fragile Craft – Part 3Canoeing in the FiftiesBy Doug PhillipsEquipped with my new, collapsiblecanoe, and starting at the Hingaia Bridgebetween Papakura and Karaka, weplanned to paddle down the Manukautidal estuary to the ParahurehureInlet through the narrows of theWeymouth Ferry and then go northto the Puhinui Estuary and PalmersRoad Beach. This Beach formed theWestern boundary of our family farm.The attractions were fast water below thebridge and a very fast current at the WeymouthFerry accompanied by substantial waves and achallenging rip. Like most Weymouth lads I hadexperienced the waters of the Ferry in its variousmoods from relatively benign on a summer’s dayto positively dangerous when the outgoing tideswirled and eddied rushing tons of water into themain harbour. Fast flowing water and a Westerlywind tossing up substantial waves would provideus with a real adrenaline rush and what I hopedwould be an exciting enterprise.By mid Saturday morning my friends John andRichard Talbot had assembled my canoe for itsinitial voyage. The three of us squeezed into atwo man cockpit set off down stream. Our first socalled rapid proved rather tame, then we sweptinto the inlet.There in front of us stretched a huge expanse ofwater. The currentproved less forceful than we had hoped for. It wasgoing to be a long, long, paddle. But fortuitouslythe wind blew directly from behind us . And wehad come prepared. Well sort of prepared. Wehad a sail from a wartime rubber dinghy. Weextended the telescopic mast, jammed it underthe combing and we were off. We didn’t travelat great speed but a long sail was a whole heapbetter than a long paddle. When we reached themuch anticipated Ferry the tide was well down. Nowaves, no wicked eddies just a channel of nearlyslack water flowing slowly between rocky outcrops.We had had a great day and were not toodisappointed to have missed a fun paddle throughthe wicked waters of the Weymouth Ferry, but wewere probably the first canoe to make this trip sincethe early days of the Maori. Shouldering our towrope we pulled our canoe a mile up the shallowNorthern channel to Palmers Road beach and HomeA year or so later I was teaching a Bible Class ofthirteen year old boys. They were enterprisingand capable. Several of them had built themselvescanoes. My suggestion, a waterborne explore of aremote estuary of the Manukau was greeted withapproval. We planned to to launch our smallfleet at Palmers Road Beach at the bottomof our farm, paddle up the Puhinui Creekas far as we could, carry our canoesover the small dam into fresh waterand continue as far as we wereable. In those years this was aremote and totally unpopulatedarea of rocky outcrops andextensive swamp, with grovesof cabbage trees and clumpsof tea tree. Now it’s the venuefor the Puhinui InternationalEquestrian Trials.We were off, a gaggle of highlycoloured craft, paddlingalong on the incoming tidepast groves of cabbage trees,up ever narrowing, snakingchannels through the mangroves,under a substantial bridge built byAmerican Army Engineers up to themini dam. We hoisted our canoesover and continued into shallowingwater until we could go no further.The stream was too narrow and blockedby rushes.This was just as well. The tide was starting toebb and if we delayed we would be stranded inacres of mudflats. Back we went with reefs of mudappearing around us. Clumps of rock spread outfrom McLaughlin’s Hill threatened our passage.Back at our launching spot we spent the rest of18 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

the afternoon, like all young fellows, buildingmud dams in the tiny creek then smashing themin floods of water. Little did they know they wereplaying in the only partially diluted effluent ofour cowshed. Nobody was contaminated so whywould I spoil their fun.That was my last canoeing expedition. In 1960I went on my big O. E. and sold my canoe. Nowcanoeing is greatly more sophisticated. Daringcanoeists in light, manoeuverable kayaks, plungethrough unbelievably huge waves. Commercialenterprises offer exciting well organised raftingtrips. We were surely amateurs but we had a greatdeal of fun and not a little excitement. Most of ourrapids were totally new to us and I am still proudto say I am one of New Zealand’s early white waterrafters.This is the final of three parts.Doug Phillips is obviously one of themore intrepid travellers amoung us.In the days when it was OK to cobbletogether a craft and head out for anexperience of a life time. Adventure,trying something new, was life.Now a days we are surrounded by rulesand regulations trying to save us fromourselves. It’s surprising we ever made itthis far.I love reading articles like this. They takeme back to my childhood of taking on achallenge or two. In retrospect, a littlerisky, but an awful lot of fun.Thank you Doug for an enjoyable series.and Jason Kyles for the illustrations.James Fitness (sub editor) GS3ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 19

Whale Watching at Fraser Island,the Sea Kayak way!by Laurie SmithLeaving the Sunshine Coast at 5.00amon Sunday 24 th September, bound forFraser Island, was a bit of an effort.We hoped to be well rewarded inhumpback whale territory off FraserIsland’s north west coast at Wathumbatwo days later.Six paddlers were on this trip, Brian & Deb McCarthy,Mark Devery, Jo Eadie and Heather & Laurie Smith.Four of us opted for tent accommodation while theMcCarthys slummed it in their recently purchasedTvan by Tracktrailer, complete with ensuite.The track on to the Manta Ray ferry at Inskip Pointwas the usual soft sand and once committed therewas no turning around even though the $90.00charge for the return trip was enough to scare afew off. The tide was at its lowest so the beach toEurong posed no problems and the $9.00 coffeeand sausage roll at the local café filled us up forthe drive to Central Station.The water in the creek at Central Station wascrystal clear and the short scenic walk besideit gave our rear ends a well earned rest frombumpy roads. Then, more sand track driving toreach Lake McKenzie. The lake didn’t look itsmagnificent self on the day. The wind was up andManta Ray ferry at Inskip Point.it was fairly cloudy but we are hardy kayakersand after about a hundred-metre carry we hadthe kayaks in the water. Smoko on the far side ofthe lake gave a different perspective to the placeas well as a large buffer zone between us and thebackpackers occupying most of the beach spaceon the accessible side of the lake.We had intended to camp at Lake McKenzie forthe first night but new rules prohibiting campingthere saw us return to Central Station for the night.Not complaining though asthe $1.00 hot showers werefantastic and the campsites,complete with a table each,made the overnight stopin the rain forest verypleasant. Mark and Jo hadto rethink how they packedtheir eggs when eighteenegg whites, dripping outof plastic egg holders, didnothing to enthuse the eggloving pair.An early start the nextmorning had us back onthe beach at Eurong nearlow tide so the next 70kmMark & Jo realised they’re mistake!This is what a 4x4 can do.Wreck of the Maheno.20 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Heather listening for whales.Mark, Deb, Brian and Jo ready to start the rescue.up to Indian Head was on a fairly wide beach.We stopped to see the sights along the way. Thefirst stop was Happy Valley to check if the toiletsflushed, then at Eli creek for the same reason plusa cup of coffee. The Nissan versus Mitsubishiargument escalated when Brian’s trailer needed tobe pulled out of the soft sand. We saw our one andonly dingo here so it appears the culling exercise acouple of years ago was effective. Next stop was atthe wreck of the Maheno. This wreck is nothing likeI remembered as a pre teenager but it still attractsthe many tourists who visit the island.Crossing the soft beach sand at Indian Headproved to be a challenge for the vehicle towingthe van. A couple of other island visitors hadalready found it difficult. But thanks to good-oldAussie mateship, a winch, a good sand anchor anda lot of pushing we were all soon on our way. Wedrove another bumpy 19km across the island, pastOrchid Beach village, to our Wathumba campsitewhere we would spend the next four nights.The campsite was great. It was a very short carry forthe kayaks. There were cold showers and toilets,a proper table (only one for the whole campsitethough so get in early), spectacular sunsets and avery lively colony of midges so nobody got into thelazy sit-around and chat mode.We arrived in time to have a short paddle aroundthe inlet and a look at the open water in theafternoon but next morning we were rearing togo. We paddled out of the campsite by 9.00amwith the midges in full flight and went due west forabout 6km without seeing a whale within 4km ofus. The whaleboats were reporting the whales tobe so thick that they “could almost walk on them”.“Just like soup” one skipper reported, but not forus. Brian had been told that the whales could beheard singing, if they were close, by listening withyour ear to the paddle. Heather tried but obviouslythere were none in our vicinity. We returned tocamp about 1.00pm with nothing to be joyousabout. Tried the open water again at about 3.30pmand several whales were spotted on the horizonbut nothing within reach. We returned to camp toenjoy a few cool drinks and the beautiful sunset.Wednesday morning had us out of bed early soBrian and a humpback whale.we could leave by 8.00am beforethe midges awoke. As we nearedthe mouth of the inlet a large blackobject could be seen flapping inthe water. From about 400 metresaway we were guessing it was ahumpback’s tail or a couple ofdolphins playing. Within about fiftymetres it was obvious it was a smallwhale, about 4 metres in length,marooned on the sand bank. Thetide falling fast, Brian contacted thelocal whale expert by radio whoconfirmed it was a Minke whale.We were advised not to touch it forfear of personal injury and that theEPA would be there in an hour or socoming from Urangan, about sixtykilometres away. By then time itwould be too late, even ten minuteswould have been too late. It wasISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 21

View south from Indian Head.natural to try to save it.I am not sure about the others but I was surprisedwhen it moved with our initial push. I’m sure itcould sense that we were trying to help. Whenwe pushed it would try to help by flapping itstail. It was not until we had moved it about 400metres into deeper water that it was able to swimby itself. The Minke was nicknamed “Blinky theMinke” after Jo accidentally poked it in the eyeThe rescue underway. Mark, Jo, Brian and Laurie.while trying to get a firm hold on its pectoral fin.About two hundred metres out it turned aroundand for a short moment we thought it was goingto return to the shallow water, but I guess it washaving one last look through its good eye at itsrescuers before joining its mates. We advised theauthorities that we had successfully pushed it backinto deep water and that it swam off without anyapparent injury.This was to be a good day. We had to paddle outabout two kilometres encountering several largehumpbacks within twenty metres of the kayaks.Luckily they put on a sedate show for us. Theycircled us and flipped upside down as they passedunder our boats. We followed this pod beforethe EPA requested we speak with them about therescued whale. After the pow-wow we paddledabout a kilometre before getting another ringsideseat, although not quite as close as the previouspod. What a great day. The talk around the campthat night was definitely about Blinky and how theMinke came to have that name.We made another early start the following morningto beat the midges, but this time there was noMinke to fondle on the way out. We paddledsoutheast that morning. About four kilometresoff the coast we spotted a single humpback abouta kilometre and a half off the beach. We quicklyclosed to our allowed one hundred metres andjoined by about six playful dolphins who preferredthe whale’s frolicking to our paddling. This madea great sight and it’s times like this I wish I had alonger zoom lens on my camera. Sadly this wasthe only close encounter we had that day but itwas great to sit on the sand, chat, climb sand hillsand swim even though the water was still onlyabout 21 degrees.We returned to camp about 4.00pm and reluctantlybegan the pack up ready to leave camp early andmidge-free. Mark and Jo were on cooking duty22 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

for the lot of us. Burritoswere on the menu and theingredients made for a noisynight. This got the emphasisoff my snoring which hadapparently kept everybodyelse awake for the previousthree nights.Leaving day, tents packedand 4WD’s ready to moveby 7.30am. Yes! We beat themidges. We arrived back atMiddle Rocks about an hourearly for the ideal tide sowe took another look at theChampagne Pools beforedriving on to Indian Head.There was no pushing orpulling this trip so we hadtime to walk to the top ofthe headland. Deb thoughtshe saw a whale and we allsaw an enormous mantaray and a school of largefish swimming in the crystalclear water at the baseof the cliffs.There is a great view from here and the beach south looked inviting so itwas not long before we were under way again. Back to Inskip PointLooking out for whales across Platypus Bay.Coloured sands.via the coffee shop at Eurong. The coloured sands area looked as good asI remembered it from many years earlier and it provided abeautiful backdrop to the wide, white sandy beach and thecrystal clear blue water of the Pacific Ocean.Total distance for the driving trip was 316km and aboutanother 40km of paddling. It was a fabulous six days and avery rewarding trip especially saving Blinky the Minke. Ourwhale story had made the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast newswhile we were away and appeared in the Sunday SunshineCoast Daily on our return.28, Essendon Place, RD 4, RotoruaPhone 07 345 7647 or 021 898942 Fax 07 345 7657www.daytwo.co.nzEmail: info@daytwo.co.nzISSUE FORTYeight• 2008 23

The Preparation…………...In June a friendly email to Yakity Yakclubbies announced the itinerary foran October Fiordland Trip.Undoubtedly authored by Andy it mentioned“extreme camping” and “extreme weather” andstressed that this trip was not for wimps. A moretempered invitation followed, from Neil I wouldguess, highlighting the awesome scenery andpaddling for just 5-6 hours per day. We wouldbe camping for only 5 nights. “This is supposedto be a holiday” was added …….That soundedmore appealing. Not omitted was the likelihoodof lots of rain. Fiordland gets about 7 metres peryear. Hammocks were recommended because theprevious year’s reports revealed camping sites hadvery limited flat ground but PLENTY of trees! It wastime to sign up and commit dollars.We had a ‘get to know one another’ paddle toSomes Island followed by a meal and then aweek before Start day we were briefed. Neil said“Remember the repellent, don’t bring too muchgear and buy yourself a plastic box! ….oh and don’tbe late for the ferry.”On our first night we drove our van into thepicturesque Picton Camping ground and wererepeatedly woken by 4 goods trains on the elevatedsection of track which dissects the ground. Wewere short of sleep for the long drive to Frankton.We breakfasted at Kaikoura, and then madecaffeine, food and toilet stops. In good weatherKiwi Association of SeaKayakers N.Z. Inc.(KASK)KASK is a network of sea kayakersthroughout New ZealandKASK publishes a 200 pagesea kayaking handbook whichis free to new members: thehandbook contains all youneed to know about seakayaking: techniques andskills, resources, equipment,places to go etc.KASK publishes a bi-monthly newslettercontaining trip reports, events, book reviews,technique/equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’le. KASK holds national sea kayaking forums.Website:www.kask.co.nzAnnual subscription is $35.00.KaskPO Box 23, Runanga 7841,West CoastYakity Yak FiordlandTrip Diary17th—27th October 2008South of Geraldine we drove through increasinglystunning scenery and reached Frankton in theearly evening. A welcoming Speight’s Ale Housewithin a stone’s throw of the motor camp servedmeals and liquid refreshment.Sunday dawned clear and frosty. We had a latebreakfast and shopped for food in Te Anau beforecontinuing through what is surely a world famous,dramatic landscape to the granite, hand-chiselledHomer Tunnel. At Milford the weather forecastwasn’t great. The locals confirmed that windwould make our planned paddle and night campimpossible. Instead we booked into the motorcamp and kayaked the inlet. Tony, Liz and Jeremybegan their paddle on the river before meetingthe rest of us. Tony dunked first and practisedhis wet exit technique. We had a lovely paddle inquiet water and determined on a short paddle toBowen Falls in the main Sound. What a differencea wind makes! In choppy water and a strong sidewind half the group turned back, half made it overand at least one paddler went swimming!That night some camped, others bunked and hugecrayfish, cooked in the communal kitchen wereshared. Keas ravaged Paddy’s boot laces.On Monday we awoke to usual Fiordland weather,a southerly with rain and mist! We took an hour anda half group trip on a tourist ship, to see numerouswaterfalls pouring from sheer cliffs and theamazing, neck wrenching Mitre Peak. Just past theHomer tunnel, when returning to Te Anau througha snow covered landscape, we had a snowball fightwith a company of Keas!More food shopping at Te Anau and we droveon to Manapouri. In the late afternoon, kayakspacked for a three day trip, we started the 10 kmsmoderate paddle to our first camp site. A strongby Carol Tweedhead wind made the going tough, and after an hourthe shore we’d left wasn’t receding! Neil made thecall to return to what had become a surf beach. 30metres short Paddy tipped and Jolene rescuedhim, wet and very cold. We spent the night at theManapouri camping ground where the cabinsresemble gingerbread houses.On Tuesday it was sunny and warm, with a breezeinstead of a gale. We reached our previous day’sdestination at lunchtime leaving plenty of time toset up camp and play. One group paddled the river;another walked some of the nearby Kepler trackwhere an elderly man with a Zimmer frame wasalso walking... He had no pack and only 2 walkingsticks attached to his frame. A very strange sight,but good for him! Two of us made the most of thepleasant afternoon by taking a siesta. The camp fire24 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

was lit for the evening meal and word got out aboutthe party. During the night, the remains of Alan’sclassic red wine was punctured by animal guests.On Wednesday morning the weather was clearand calm when we started across the lake for ourlongest paddle. A game of tag paddle was startedenabling some interval training for those fitnessfanatics amongst us. Several GPS geeks enjoyedthemselves by working out exact speeds and thentrying to beat them!As usual, the wind picked up mid morning andapproaching ‘Hurricane Passage’ after lunch it wasblowing hard. We were in an avenue of choppywater between two heads. An imminent southerlyfront caused us to make camp just before gustywinds, white caps and driving rain let loose.In the dense bush camping in tents was challengingbut much easier for hammockers. When the rainand wind eased, Keas investigated the camp andits human invaders. We maintained a very largefire until the small hours.Fresh snow covered the surrounding mountains onThursday morning. It was a cold, clear day with lightwinds; perfect paddling conditions but sunburnfor a few. We ate lunch on a gorgeous beach andsome of us took a brief dip in the lake before we setoff for an early evening arrival at Te Anau’s LakeView Camp Site. Sunny, hot weather made dryinggear easy and encouraged laundry activity. Wehad our evening meal of pizza, pasta and lots ofbread at La Toscana.On Friday we had flat water, blue sky and anamazing vista of mountains for a 16 km paddleacross Lake Te Anau of mountains. The lunchstop included an easy walk to Hidden Lake andEast Cove. Late afternoon we drove throughmore stunning scenery to Queenstown’sPinewood Backpackers.SaturdayWinter returned on Saturday! In wind and snowfour brave paddlers managed a morning paddleon Lake Wakatipu. Others needed an adrenalinerush and took a white water rafting trip down theShotover River. Journeying to the start was as scaryas the river trip. Several buses towing trailers ladenwith rafts had to negotiate a narrow gravel road onthe side of sheer cliffs. Two hours later after a cold,exhilarating ride, we were back in Queenstown.Just what we needed, a feast of roast dinnerand apple crumble,prepared by Paddy(head chef) and helpers,greeted our return.Kaikoura, via the CrownRange Road, Wanakaand the Lindis Passwas our destination onSunday. Fresh snow andan overheating wagonforced an impromptustop. We had anothersnow ball fight and threesnow men decoratedthe windscreen for40 minutes. The lunchstop at Lake Tekapo offered an amazingclear view of Mt Cook. At Christchurch airport Nikkileft us to attend a conference in Northland. Wehad afternoon tea at Amberley café and arrived atDusky Lodge, Kaikoura for a fish and chip supperat 8.45.Monday was a sunny Labour Day with time for a3 hour paddle around the peninsula to see sealsand numerous sea birds. ‘Injured and unconscious’Neil put a group through a practice rescue to givehands on experience. He recovered in time for aroll in the double kayak with Jolene. On to Picton!Paddy and Alan offered ‘agony uncle’ advice fromthe back seat of the van.In Picton we said goodbye to Jolene who, promotedto Paddy’s Ninja social secretary, lets him delegatetotal responsibility for his actions.The crew, Neil, Alan, Carol, Caroline Mark, Paddy,Greg, Jeremy, Jolene, Liz, Neville, Nikki, Steve, Tony.Now available in New ZealandContact your local Canoe & Kayak CentreISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 25

The Yakity YakNZKI Sea Kayaking2 Star CertificateNZKI Sea Kayaking3 Star CertificateNZKI Sea Kayaking1 Star CertificateRun NZKI 1 Star & SeaKayaking Skills CoursesSea Kayaking Skills Course& Yakity Yak ClubMembershipEnjoy Club Trips AllOver The Country!Leader Training CourseEskimo RolliWhich pathNZKI Sea Kayaking4 Star CertificateRun Advanced Club Trips & AssistOn Advanced Level CoursesRun Advanced LevelCoursesWeather &Navigation CourseOceans CourseNZKI Sea Kayaking5 Star Certificate Kayak Surfing SkillsCourseBAY OF PLENTY3/5 Mac Donald StreetMount Maunganui(off Hewletts Rd)PHONE: 07 574 7415TARANAKIUnit 6, 631 Devon RoadWaiwhakaiho,New PlymouthPHONE: 06 769 5506WAIKATOThe corner Greenwood St &Duke St, SH 1 Bypass,HamiltonPHONE: 07 847 5565WELLINGTON2 Centennial HighwayNgauranga,WellingtonTAUPO77 Spa Road,TaupoPHONE: 07 378 1003PHONE: 04 477 6911For up coming Yakity Yak trips see

Kayak ClubWhite Water Skills Course &Yakity Yak Club MembershipNZKI White water Kayaking1 Star CertificateGrade 2 MultisportCertificateng CourseLead Club TripsMeet A Great BunchOf People!will you take?NZKI White WaterKayaking 2 StarCertificateRun NZKI 1 Star& White Water KayakingSkills CourseNZKI White WaterKayaking3 Star CertificateNZKI White WaterKayaking4 Star CertificateAdvanced WhiteWater CourseRiver Skills CourseRun Advanced Club Trips& Assist On AdvancedLevel CoursesRiver Rescue CourseNZKI White Water Kayaking5 Star CertificateMANUKAU710 Great South Road,ManukauAucklandPHONE: 09 262 0209NORTH SHOREUnit 2/20 Constellation Drive(off Ascension Place),Mairangi Bay, AucklandPHONE: 09 479 1002www.canoeandkayak.co.nzAUCKLAND502 Sandringham RdSandringhamAucklandPHONE: 09 815 2073SILVERDALEDISTRIBUTION CENTRE6 Tavern Road, SilverdaleAucklandPHONE: 09 421 0662HAWKE’S BAYPHONE: 06 842 1305

“A perfect day” By John BroadwellThe day started out so well!“Wind ten knots from the southwest in the morning - peaking atfifteen knots and swinging to the west in the afternoon”: so ranthe Marine forecast for Auckland on one of those rare Septemberdays, away from work.Great! I thought, Brian and I were on for Browns Island and Motuihe in theHauraki Gulf, a nice relaxed paddle for the day out, just the two of us. Oh, howwise we all are with hindsight.We arrived at St Helier’s Bay at 8.30am, the day was flawless, flat calm sea andbrilliant sunshine. There was a party of eight double kayaks visible out in thebay heading east towards the Tamaki estuary – a good omen, or so I thought.After a trip report on the VHF to the Auckland coastguard we set off at 9.30am.We sauntered round the back of Browns Island and like nascent Ed Hillarys,put in a quick ascent to the summit. With the place to ourselves we werelords of all we surveyed. Dark clouds massing, ominously in the west, made aheavy dramatic backdrop to Auckland. We descended thehill with clouds threatening us. Distant shafts of rain tiltedearthwards eventually catching us as we dropped backonto the beach.With everything packed ready for re-launching the heavensopened encouraging us to shelter under the pohutakawaslike two errant schoolboys.The rain eased, “OK let’s go for it”, I said, thinking we wouldget wet anyhow. The sea was calm with that strangenessassociated with rainfall. All the little wave crests flattened off,deadened in the hissing torrent like oil on troubled waters.We kept a sharp lookout for other vessels. This was no timeto become a speed bump for some gin palace bearing downon us at full throttle in the poor visibility.We could still see Motuihe in the distance as the rain easedand the wind gently picking up behind us. My safety antennaebegan to engage with the weather when we were midwaybetween Browns Island and Motuihe. I asked Brian, “Are youcomfortable with the idea of paddling back into this wind?”He said “yes”, but to satisfy my own caution I suggested we turn around intothe wind and see if it really was acceptable. This done we agreed to continueto Motuihe. This was to be the first of those critical sequential moments in achain of events, its outcome already unfolding before us. The wind rose, theswell became ‘lumpy’ and unpredictable. Motuihe nearing we pressed on withthe wild weather at our heels hounding our progress. Rounding the pier atMangoparerua Point on Motuihe the sea was very agitated before we reachedthe safety of Tauranga O Kahu on the western side of the island.I completed a trip report on my VHF with our safe arrival on the island beforewe enjoyed our lunch of hot tea, hot baked beans and tins of sardines,consumed in the comfort of the island’s DOC built shelter.I tried to access the Coastguard “nowcast” to see what was going on outthere with the weather. I could get no response when on channels twentyone and twenty two. This was the second critical factor in the sequenceof events. I eventually gave up searching for the “nowcast”. We portagedOminous black clouds over the city.28 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Preparing to leave Motuihe.And then the rain came down.our kayaks over the island to the Ocean Beach side to allow us to launch incalmer waters before sending off a departure trip report. Our launching wasthe third critical factor and launching on the northern side of the island wasthe fourth critical factor.As we rounded Te Tumarae Point we gave it a very wide berth due to themassive white waves breaking over the rocks well out into the channel. Wethen came face to face with our head wind. We were due south of the mainMotuihe channel, passing just north of Rock Island, when progress becameslow in the teeth of the westerly. I became concerned at our rate of progress,or lack of it, and went back to see Brian and to encourage him to take a moresoutherly course.We continued for a time, making little progress in the heaving seas. Probablythe fifth critical error occurred at this point.Then, unfortunately, Brian capsized – now it was all down to me. As I turnedmy boat around with great difficulty I noticed a large pleasure boat headingwest in the Motuihe channel. I dismissed that from my mind and focussedon getting Brian back into his kayak. I tried a bow rescue in the heavy seaand succeeded only with sheer bloody mindedness and the use of a cockpitstirrup. During the rescue my mind was evaluating our circumstances and allthe available options. Thinking about our situation was valuable in decidingthe next step, but was superceded when the offer of assistance came from thelarge pleasure boat circling nearby.We accepted their kind offer. This was the sixth and best critical decisionwe had made all day.We got ourselves on board and put the boats in tow. Meanwhile, meetingMarten and Jacqui with their university-age daughter, we were offered dryclothes, beer, wine and coffee. From struggling in the storm to this in fiveminutes, the contrast and surreal nature of events left me bereft of coherentthought. With my head pounding,“Thank you’s” were all that escaped frommy numb lips. My gratitude knew no bounds. I was so grateful to share theresponsibility for our safety. Relief flooded through me.On their way to Waiheke for the weekend, and seeing the rescue taking placebefore their eyes the family had detoured to pick us up. They kindly took ustake us back from Motuihe to St Helier’s Bay dropping us off just a couple ofhundred metres offshore.Back home for 4.00pm I had plenty of time to reflect on our little adventure. Ievaluated each of the critical decisions and saw the classical pattern of a seriesof relatively minor errors compounding each other to eventually emerge as apotentially serious incident.So to the post mortem and the lessons learned.The first critical point occurred halfway between Browns Island and Motuihe,at the very point where I questioned our ability to paddle back into theincreasing force of the westerly. My intuition was spot on.The second critical point occurred when I was unable to access the “nowcast”on my VHF. If I had heard the “nowcast” whilst on the island I would haveknown conditions had worsened too far for our safe return. I examined theradio afterwards at home and found it switched to Canadian settings. With wetspectacles and the radio in a small transparent dry bag I had missed this smallbut important factor. The international settings had accidentally been pressedduring the handling of the radio. Talking about our adventure to Russell at theAuckland Store afterwards, I mentioned this problem with the radio, at whichpoint he showed me how to “lock” all the current settings.The third critical decision was that we should not have launched our boatsfrom Motuihe. With hindsight we should have just sat tight on the island andawaited a change in the weather.The fourth critical decision was to launch from the northern side of theisland. This action put us in a bad position far too close to the main Motuihechannel and fighting a losing battle with the general force of the driving windand waves.The fifth critical point arose when I realised we were not making sufficientforward progress and our position in the Motuihe Channel was graduallyworsening. With the ebbing tide some unwelcome drifting occurred in awesterly and shorewards direction towards Emu Bay on Motutapu. Martentold us when we boarded his boat that the “nowcast” was giving the westerlywinds as peaking at twenty nine knots.When Brian capsized, I knew, even after I returned him to his craft, that it couldall happen again. Weakness would set in after being in the water for even thosefew minutes and the difficulty of the rescue had tired me.The sixth and final critical decision was simply the common sense one ofaccepting the help being offered by the people in the motor launch.I have no regrets about the day’s events, though after forty-seven years inoutdoor pursuits this was the first time I had ever benefited from or beeninvolved in a rescue. I do know that I am a lot wiser now and need to listenmuch more carefully to the little intuitive gnomes within. I also now realisethat I should have exercised greater caution in aligning our experience muchmore closely to the chosen objectives. It’s ok to be ambitious when on yourown but not in the company of others.None of it would have been a problem if the weather had remained good butif it deteriorates or circumstances worsen, then there could well be seriousrepercussions.A few days afterwards a bottle of Champagne winged its way to our rescuers.A small token of our appreciation and gratitude for all their trouble andinconvenience.So ended our “perfect day”.ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 29

Tree Trunk Gorgeby Josh NeilsonAs a child I heard stories of people whomissed the take out on the TongariroRiver being stuck in caves for ages,or worse being found dead. Thesetragedies, on what was thought of asa hard but manageable river, weredaunting.Years later I came to understand how earthmovements had created a tight and deep sectionof riverbed which seemed impassable by a craftor a swimmer in a life jacket . The gorge collectedand held trees in the deepest part of the TongariroRiver. The media called it ‘Tree Trunk Gorge’ andthe kayaking community for many years knew itto be deep, beautiful and scary, but unsuitable fora descent. I had only heard of this magical place,but many Kiwis and tourists had driven down thenarrow road to a small mossy car park and peeredAll above the main falls.over the side of a bridge into one of the NorthIsland’s most beautiful waterfalls and spectacularriver gorges.The first time I turned into Tree Trunk GorgeRoad off State highway 1, I couldn’t wait to see formyself the place with such an amazingreputation. I parked and approached.The gap in the earth seemed hardlywide enough to warrant a bridge.But standing on it, leaning over therail, experiencing the river’s power,I couldn’t take my eyes off the falls. Iknew there and then that sooner orlater I would be back to run them.That New Zealand summer wasfollowed by kayaking in the northernhemisphere summer and I was backin New Zealand, sitting on the bank inTekapo for the ‘Tekapo Throwdown’kayak event. Dylan Thompson suggested that I joina New Zealand Film Tour at the start of December.Sharn Stewart would accompany us for a fewweeks in each Island and make the film.I had already committed to a few weeks inWellington and had to miss the South Island halfof the film, but I received updates about the boysdoing multiple runs of Nevis Bluff and bombingthe Kokatahi while Sharn hung from the bottom ofthe chopper to get the shots. The jealous scale washigh and anticipation on overload. I knew the riverlist we were about to get into.I met the boys coming off the ferry at 1 a.m., climbedinto their car and drove through the night fromWellington to Huka. A short sleep, a look at the flowand we scouted Aratiatia Rapids. We played Paper,Scissors, Rock to decide the order for paddling therapids. I was first at the control gates then Sam andDylan. We all made it through on sweet lines tocheer, hug and shake hands. An epic tale!We ran it again to get more camera shots and seeif it was still scary. I thought it was scarier, but justas much fun!Over beers at the Bliss-Stick Christmas party wediscussed a plan to check out Tree Trunk Gorge.No one wanted to show doubts, so it was on. Asimilar plan to make the first descent of the gorgehad been hatched a few years previously at theBliss-Stick Factory. This was our turn.On Friday morning we loaded the car, drove upState Highway 1 and turned off, staring at theglowing sign ‘Tree Trunk Gorge’, heads swivellingas we passed it. I was in a trance until the passingbush brought me back to reality. We pulled into themossy car park less than a year since I’d been thereand had seen the gorge for the first time.In quiet organised chaos we checked the drops,picked our lines and identified places for a safetyrun. Exiting a boat in the gorge and swimming outwould be much less than ideal, the safety crew wasour only way out.Back at the car Sharn organised his film cameras,Jamie Sutton geared up for safety and DylanThompson, Sam Sutton, Mike Dawson and I wentthrough our gear and kitted up for the descentahead. As usual there was a lot of joking but itwas hard to keep thoughts off the two big crossesin memory of those who had not made it throughDylan in the Zig Zag.30 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

this ominous gorge. When the second game of Paper, Scissors, Rock was overfor the week we pulled our spray decks on and pushed into the crystal clear,cold Tongariro River.A few splashes of water to the face and a last check to see the helmet camerawas on and I took a few strokes to the first drop, a zig zag rapid where the riverturns 90 degrees three times in a few metres and the corners are just wideenough to get the kayak down. I made it through to pause a few metres fromthe lip of the big one, dark caves on each side and only the water I was in lit bythe sun. I waited a minute or so and then out of the cave-like exit from the firstrapid came Mike, concentrating fully, in his bright red kayak. Dylan was next,but at the last turn in the zig zag he was caught in a pocket and sucked out ofhis kayak. His quick reaction had him climbing up the volcanic wall and ontoa ledge. Sam, out of his boat, got a rope down to him for a skilled rescue and,with Jamie’s help, had Dylan up on the bank with all his gear.Mike and I were still above the falls where Sam and Dylan were determinedto join us. Minutes later they were safely at our side peering over the lip ofthe main falls. It was again my time to go. I paddled round to get ready, closedmy eyes to visualise the line I had seen while scouting, and with one moresplash to the face I was off. Hard left, light left stroke at the lip, pause, tuck…..Impact. Connecting the wall on the way down softened the hit and I was nowfurther into the gorge. I caught a small eddy behind a bend and looked up. Thebridge, which I could only make out as a small strip across the almost cavedover river, was directly above me. I whistled and a few seconds later Mikecame over. Dylan and Sam followed on clean lines and we now had just onedrop to go. This was the crux.This is the only drop which cannot be fully seen from above. You can only seethe entry, a bit of the lip and the aerated water resurfacing into undercut caveson both sides at the bottom. The plan was to boof off the middle, keep it straightto avoid the caves and paddle out to the end. Paddling to the lip was fast as thewhole river was now pouring off a lip only 2m wide. The boof was good andthe landing was soft but the boil had other ideas. I needed a quick energeticpaddle but avoided the undercuts and was out. Looking back the river wasamazing. I was safe but there were still three to come. They came through withbig smiles and I think a lot of relief. It seemed unreal and hard to believe thatwe were floating out of the crevasse in perfectly calm and clear water!We hadn’t paid much attention to the take out track. It starts easy but soonThe Gorgebecomes very steep and winding! Slowly, mentally and physically drainedbodies made the top of the gorge. Jamie wound up the rope and safety gearand the cameras were out replaying the descent. While we packed I knowthat each of us was thinking of those who hadn’t made it through the gorgeBoats on the roof and everyone exhausted we pulled a U-turn and headedback to State Highway 1.At the intersection I saw the glowing sign again, relieved and amazed that lessthan a year before I had not known what was there and was now leaving withfirst hand experience! I have travelled to many countries and paddled on someof the world’s craziest white water but Tree Trunk Gorge is by far the mostbeautiful, spectacular, scary and amazing place I’ve ever been inside.Josh on the main falls.Dylan in the Zig Zag.Dylans rescue.ISSUE FORTYeight• 2008 31

ARE YOU COMFORTABLE?By Sam GoodallTo enjoy paddling you need to be comfortable in your boat.Following a few suggestions can help to make your paddlingexperience more enjoyable.SEATING OPTIONSIncreasing the surface area between you and your seat reduces pressureareas. So, to improve an existing seat:-.Add a closed cell foam layer (camping mat etc) to reduce pressure points. Becareful not to reduce stability by adding too much height.Cut holes in your existing seat, foam or paddling, below your ‘Sit bones’ toreduce pressure on the nerves under these bones.Fit a foam block underneath your hamstrings, just in front of your seat, to takepressure off the back of your legs.Change the angle of the seat. The angle between your torso and your thighcan make a huge difference.DIFFERENT SEATS• Three great seat options on the market that may work best for you.• Bumfortable foam moulded seat• Inflatable cushions• Gel filled padsHIP PADDINGHip padding makes a huge difference to your stability and general boat control.Add closed cell foam to the sides of the cockpit, slightly above your hips, soyou are ‘held’ in the boat. Don’t risk losing circulation in your legs by makingthe padding too tight on the hips!FOOT PEDAL PLACEMENTThere is no ideal placement for your foot pedals. For stability and good controlyour pedals should be as close as possible to you so your knees are tightunderneath the cockpit coaming. However, in most boats, when you wantto stretch you wont have room. At the other extreme, place your pedals asfar away as possible, to allow best leg drive, and more room to stretch, butit will be difficult to lock your knees under the cockpit coaming to achieveboat control.The solution lies between the two extremes, set the pedals in contact with yourfeet, your knees under the cockpit coaming. When you don’t need maximumstability/boat control, you can straighten your legs, and focus on leg drive.ADDED EXTRASTwo more ‘add ons’ involving foam and glue will help you get the most fromyour paddling!Heel cups – If your foot pedals do not provide a satisfactory area on whichto push, fit foam heel blocks in line with each pedal. These will allow you toreally drive through your foot, and your heels will be more comfortable.Knee pads will increase comfort and give you better boat control. If your boatdoes not have thigh braces fitted, add two blocks of foam on the inside edgeof the cockpit coaming, between your knees and quads. They will stop yourknees wanting to pop out when railing or rolling. If your boat already has thighbraces, add closed cell foam matt to increase comfort.TIPSTo glue foam I always use F2 ados contact adhesive, applied to both sides, leftuntil tacky, and then stuck together. Glueing to the inside top deck, flip theboat upside down, and stick your head into the boat. You’ll have no worriesabout holding the foam in place. You may also like to ‘duct tape’ the foam inplace, especially if it can catch when you are hopping in and out of the boat.Always make incremental changes. Slight changes in hip angle, foam layers,one at a time etc, go out paddling, and see how it works.I hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you have any questions, pleaseTHANKS TO MY SPONSORSCanoe Kayak North Shore Bike Albanywww.extremegear.co.nz ThermatechDanelle at George Duncan Muscle TherapyFoam blocks underneath your hamstrings.Foam padding added.Bumfortable Seat32 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

On the Lighter Side: CanKayaking Cure a Mid-Life Crisis?By Jeff Sigafoos Photographs by Vanessa A. GreenSome men, when they hit the age of40, buy a red sports car and are donewith it. I envy them. My mid-life crisis,in contrast, has been rather morepersistent.Nearly 10 years now. In that time I think I’vetried nearly everything except the red sports car.Fortunately, I eventually discovered the cure forthe mid-life crisis. Unfortunately, the quest tookme down many dead-ends.First, I tried moving. Surely, I reasoned, movingfrom a city full of young people (Austin, Texas) toa state full of old people (Tasmania) would do thetrick. But soon I was taking afternoon naps andsigning up to play lawn bowls. Apparently thetheory of relativity is trumped by the When-in-Rome effect. I decided to move again. Lawn bowlsand naps weren’t me. Zorbing and bungy-jumpingweren’t me either, but at least New Zealandseemed to be a more interesting place, mid-lifecrisis or not.I tried my hand at gourmet cooking. My contributionto the culinary arts involved marinating toughchunks of meat for about 3 days and then burningthem to a crisp. Family and friends begged meto stop. One even offered to buy me a red sportscar. This foray was not a complete waste of time,however, as I did learn to enjoy cooking with wine.Sometimes I even put it in the food.Inspired by Into the Wild, I loaded a pack and setoff on what was supposed to be a 4-hour jaunt to aremote, and totally unknown lake. Wilderness andtime away from people was the key. Backpackingwould be my thing, my crisis tamer. Seven hourslater, having been passed by no less than a dozenfit and young trampers, I arrived sunburnt, reekingof sweat, and panting like a husky in a sauna. Thedingy tramper’s hut was packed with ravers hellbent on creating the next CBGBs. I resigned myselfto a night in my tiny tent. As the temperaturedropped and the rain poured in that night, I was,in the words of Woody Allen, “at two with nature.”Hypothermia was no way to resolve a crisis.Something more refined was needed. Fly fishing!Of course. The Zen-like serenity would easilyappease mid-life restlessness. To the river I wentwith my new waders, vest, fly rod, and somethingcalled a Woolly Bugger that was, supposedly, thefillet mignon of the trout world. Unfortunately, mylack of casting skills meant that Mr. Woolly Buggerspent half the day entangled in the trees and I spenthalf the day acting like Basil Fawlty. The only thingI was ever going to catch was leaf and bark, so I leftdejected and with a strange urge to beat my carbonnet with the nearest tree branch.What next, I thought, as I wound my way home,frustrated and fishless. Passing the unusuallycalm waters of Wellington’s Oriental Bay somethingcaught my eye, an old guy in a kayak. Out in the bayslicing effortlessly through the dead calm waterswas the answer. Kayaking. Watching that lonekayaker, I could see myself in that boat and knewinstantly that it would be right for me. Withinweeks I had a kayak, a few lessons under my belt,and a new passion. Four years later and I am stilldedicated to the sport. Crisis cured!Take my advice. Forget immigration. Forgetgourmet cooking, backpacking, and fly fishing,There is no better cure for a mid-life crisis thanslicing through the surf and cruising the coastlineunder your own paddle power. So get yourself akayak. If you want, it can even be a red one.Epilogue“Perhaps”, my wife said to me one day, “Perhapsyou didn’t even have a mid-life crisis after all.Maybe you just needed to find a hobby?” “What?”,I replied looking up from a glossy Canadianbrochure. “Hey what do you think about movingto the Yukon and setting up a dog-sleddingbusiness?” “Dog-sledding? The Yukon? Can’t youjust buy a bloody sports car!”Crisis mode.My version of a red sports car.ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 33

Canoe & Kayak North Shore SafeSummer Road showBy Hellen HyndmanAfter a winter of planning, the first in a series of six “SafeSummer Road Shows” took place at Mairangi Bay onSaturday 8 th November. As the first event of this type it washard to judge how many people would attend, howeveron the day people flocked to the beach to join in the funand there was also the support of local families who wererelaxing on the beach. Thankfully the sun was shining!With Kayaking being the fastest growing, non-motorised water activity inNew Zealand and the new ARC legislation brought out regarding visibility ofkayaks and paddle craft, Canoe & Kayak North Shore owner Rob Howarth saidthis was perfect timing to create an event that will promote and re-enforcethe need for on-water safety, education, training and visibility, to reduce thelevel of ‘rescue assistance’ needed when kayakers hit the water ill-preparedor uneducated.Feedback from those novices, boaties and old-pro’s alike who joined in thefun on Saturday, was that the event was very successful and was organised ina way which appealed to a wide range of people of all abilities and ages.Combining promotion of kayaking with safety education we had more than20 kayaks available on the beach for people to trial, ranging from sit on tops,sea kayaks, single craft, doubles and some which were big enough for theentire family! All kayaks were out on the water for the entire afternoon andat all times highly experienced kayak instructors were on the water to offerwords of advice and encouragement.Four leading NZ manufacturers, Mission Kayaks, Cobra Kayaks, Q-Kayaks, andBarracuda Kayaks displayed their fine craft. These included kayaks for fishingand diving, kids sit-on-tops and ocean going sea kayaks. Knowledgeablestaff answered questions and Santa is now, we understand, exchanging PlayStations for a ‘Squirt’ kayak – perfect for a budding young kayaker!Coastguard were there giving out information packs and the North Shore GirlGuides provided a very successful and much appreciated sausage sizzle. Theday overall was high energy, fun, interactive and educational.Many thanks to the North Shore City Council for making the day part of their‘Safe Summer Campaign’ and to Yakity Yak Kayak Club volunteers. You showedup in force to help – we couldn’t have done it without you!Check out www.canoeandkayak.co.nz for future dates and times .Canoe & Kayak, Ascension Place, Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay.Ph: (09) 479 100234 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

PHOTO: Mirren BrockiesNORTH SHOREsummer safetyroadshowsLearn how to be safe on the water with free supervised canoe and kayak use and RIB inflatable on-waterdemonstrations as well as a large array of safety equipment, supplies and kayaks on display.Mairangi BayTakapuna22nd November 1pmBrowns Bay6th December 11amMilford10th January 3pmOrewa7th February 2pmDevonport1st March 10amSponsor give-aways, promotions, sausage sizzle and more!Proudly Supported ByWe’re all set for a fun and educational day at the beach so come and join us!On-water activities are supervised but parental supervision is also required.Enquiries to Canoe & Kayak North Shore, Ascension Place, 20 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay. Ph: 09 479 1002

Canoe & Kayak BOPis For Sale!Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty benefits from a high exposuresite in Mount Maunganui with time to run on the lease.It includes a specialist kayak store with retail and on water activities. It is theHome of the BOP Yakity Yak Club, BOP kayaking school and is the specialistBOP Roof Rack Centre. Above the kayak shop is a 65m 2 self contained unit,currently rented to a small business.Steve and Karen started the Centre in 2003. Since then it has been a tip top,well regarded, profitable and growing business. It is now run by one ownerand one staff member.BOP Canoe and Kayak Centre is one of 8 linked to the largest specialist KayakingCompany in New Zealand. Licensed to Canoe and Kayak Ltd the owner enjoysthe Company’s proven business systems, purchasing power and on goinghead office support.To ensure continuing business success from day one, the Company providesa comprehensive training course for new owners followed by bi-monthlymeetings of fellow owners to discuss and share strategies, marketingand operations.A rare opportunity to purchase a profitable life style business in this excitingand growing industry.Please call me on 0274 529255, for a chat.Peter Townend, Managing Director,Canoe & Kayak LtdCanoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty.In store BOPTaupo Canoe & Kayak For Sale.The CastleThe Lodge TaupoThis fantastic lifestyle kayaking business is for sale. Canoe &Kayak Taupo has been established for over 10 years and isnow in a superb location in the most recognisable buildingtown.‘The Castle’ is on one of Taupo’s busiest roads, with huge exposure.The business - a specialist kayak store with amalgamated Roof Rack Centre - hasa healthy turnover and continues to grow. We also offer White Water, Multisportand Sea Kayak instruction. Our guided trips on Lake Taupo and the surroundingrivers are extremely popular. Hire of kayaks and equipment is also offered.AboveA Fantasticthe shop isLifestyle!a 3 bedroom, 95sqm Flat. Open plan, 1 bed en suit, mountainand lake views, currently rented out. Canoe & Kayak Taupo is 1 of 8 stores onthe North Island, part of a licensed operation. Income is approx 50% retail and50% tourism and instruction.At present it employs 3 full time staff members and many ‘on call’ guidesand instructors.Thorough training is given by Canoe & Kayak Ltd with plenty of on-goingsupport.Also there is the opportunity to buy the Kayakers Lodge, a 4 bedroom selfcontained house on the banks of the Waikato River. 14 beds, a renovated, 1bedroom sleepout (also rented out) and double garage. The house is set upto accommodate clients while on kayaking courses, and is shared with thecurrent owner.This business is reluctantly for sale due to change in circumstance.Don’t miss out on this great opportunity, live the dream...give me a call on 0274529255 and I will happily talk to you.Peter Townend, Managing DirectorCanoe & Kayak LtdISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 37

Kiwis take overin the U.S.A.7 DECEMBER 2008Run 12kmCycle 58kmKayak 19km89 kilometres coast to coast acrossthe Auckland isthmus. From NorthHead, Manukau Harbour on theTasman Sea, to North Head,Waitemata Harbour on the PacificOcean, the course is distinctive andchallenging. “Head to Head” is anexciting race and also an adventure,a journey of discovery throughAuckland’s surprisingly wild andscenic places. Compete as anindividual or in a three person team.For further information or an entry form,contact the event organisers:Nelson Associates,PO Box 25 475, St Heliers,Auckland.Phone (0274) 821 562,email: nelson.as@clear.net.nzAQUATX Holdings Ltd, who manufacture and distribute the Cobra rangeof kayaks in New Zealand and Australia, have just announced that theyhave purchased the Cobra Kayaks U.S. operation.Not only does this buck the trend of overseas companies buying up NewZealand businesses, but Aquatx are planning to relocate much of themanufacturing currently taking place in California to their Mt Wellington,Auckland facility. Currently produced in California, the increasinglypopular Marauder, Tourer, Strike, Eliminator and Expedition, will now bemade in NZ, benefitting the local market.To help manage the expanded operation, Mathew Coles has joined theAquatx team as Operations Manager.Mathew has recently arrived in NZ from Britain, with his NZ born wife.Previously involved in his family-owned plastics business he wasimmediately at home surrounded by roto-moulded kayaks!He will be busy commissioning new ovens, and ramping up productionto satisfy the demand from the new global markets that will be openingup to the Mt Wellington based company.In 1993 Cobra Kayaks US was founded in California by Warren (fromTaranaki) and Glenys Aitken ( a Cantabrian). They had relocated toCalifornia nearly 30 years ago. From their factory and warehouse inGardena, California, they have supplied Cobra boats all over the UnitedStates and the Caribbean, and through distributors and dealers in theUK, the Middle East and Asia. The connection to the NZ market wasstrengthened when Clinton Aitken, Warren and Glenys’s nephew, whohad been working in the Californian factory since 1995, returned to NZ in2001 and set up Cobra NZ in Christchurch.The current Aquatx shareholders shifted manufacturing, and Clinton, toAuckland and purchased Euro Inflatables in early 2007. These RIBs are nowmanufactured at the Mt Wellington facility, under the Aquatx brand.Ted Dixon, originally from California, is Aquatx Sales and MarketingManager and also a shareholder. This year he travelled to the US in Aprilto meet the Cobra US team, understand their sales and distribution model,and learn about the US market. He spent 10 days in southern Californiameeting Cobra dealers, then had a week in Florida and another week inTexas, attending boat shows and visiting kayak dealers.Stocks at the Cobra factory in California.www.head2head.net.nz38 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

When asked what was happening in the US he commented, “Retailers I spoketo overwhelmingly reported that kayak fishing was experiencing exponentialgrowth. Customers were spending as much on accessorising their boat, as onthe boat itself.”Trends in the US included customised seats. In Florida, for example, the seatswould be of waterproof canvas on a frame, so that the paddler is suspendedjust above the kayak. In the hot Florida climate this means a cooler morecomfortable ride. Also in Florida kayak shades keep the sun off paddlerswhile they are fishing. “Flats” fishing in shallow water is popular in Floridaand on the Texas gulf coast. The fish are skittish, so keen fishermen like theirboats to be in neutral colours. Stone and camouflage are popular choices.Also the shape of the boat is important. A ‘quiet’ bow is needed for a silentglide through the water.Ted says “We saw a boat being fitted out by a Cobra retailer in SanDiego – the customer had spent $US1200 on the boat, and another$1500 on accessories: GPS/Fish Finder, custom seat, shade sail, extrahatches and rod holders, live bait tank, and a carbon fibre paddle.The shop owner told us that was a normal fit-out.”Ted expects to spend several months in the US during 2009 preparingfor their summer season. He sees great opportunities. “We have astrong network of loyal Cobra dealers, particularly in the southernCalifornia region.”The Aquatx team are equally dedicated to their distributors closerto home, including Canoe and Kayak. “It was NZ and Australiandealers’ calls for quicker delivery of US models that contributed toour purchase of Cobra US”.The Cobra brand in NZ continues to support Canoe and Kayak, andrecent joint activities have included beach demo days at MairangiBay and Browns Bay, as well as sharing a stand at the November BigBoys Toys show in Auckland.Ted at a boat show in FloridaOne of our dealers in the U.S.ISSUE FORTYeight• 2008 39

The Fish BinInsulated Cooler BagThis insulated cooler bag is ideal tokeep your catch cool. The uniquetapered zip opening allows a singlehanded operation to place your fish inthe bag behind you. Great storage spotfor your drinks & snacks too.Price: $175.00Fish StringerKeep control of your catch. The stringer is fed through the mouth & out thegills for easy stowage.Price: $49.00Beckson PumpsThe Beckson THIRSTY-MATE ® hand pumpis manufactured in the U.S.A. of the finestmaterials available. It is self-priming and veryeasy to clean. This hand pump is designed dspecifically with the Sea-Kayaker in mind,and has an aluminium reinforced shaftwhich prevents the pump shaft from flexingin a rolling sea. A Sleeve installed at thefactory provides positive flotation for pumpsdropped overboard.Price: $79.00Sea Rover CompassThe Sea Rover features a large compass with easy to readmarkings—no squinting here to read where you’re going! With asimple, yet elegant base, the Sea Rover attaches easily to deck linesor sits nicely on top of a deck bag. Quick-release buckles allow foreasy attachment.Price: $79.90Insulated TankwellCoverAn insulated cover with a mesh storagearea for the tankwell to keep yourcatch cool.Price: $99.90Fish Finding Mounting KitAll the parts you’ll need to mount yourfishfinder. Why waste countless fishing hourstrying to find bits and pieces in the garage tomount your fishfinder.Excludes Fishfinder & battery.Price: $119.0040 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Chill Factor ZeroSharkskin products use Polartec® Windbloc® fabric that block 100% of thewind and offer maximum protection from the cold and the elements. A softhand, stretch, and a durable water repellent finish (DWR) make this thehighest quality, most comfortable windproof fleece product on the market.Windbloc® fabric combines the warmth of Polartec® thermal fabrics with apolyurethane barrier membrane that allows moisture vapour transmissionand is completely windproof and waterproof, eliminating the need for awindbreaker or additional shell. This reduces the weight and number oflayers needed to protect and insulate. These fabrics are very durable,quiet, and non-pilling, and have enhanced stretch and recovery, makingthem appropriate for general outerwear and accessories where weatherprotection is desirable.New “climate control” from Sharkskin.Some of NZ’s leading multisport personalities told us theyloved Sharkskin but wanted the ability to “vent” the tops toallow for periods of sustained activity – so we did!We added a heavy duty YKK zipper with a comfort flapbehind it which looks good and will more than last thedistance. This gives users the choice of zipping up forwarmth or opening up for hot Summer days or for whenpaddling hard for long periods of time.Pictured is the newshortsleeve “climate control” top,(comes in longsleeve also), chest vestand shortpants – all perfect for Summertemperatures and making sure youare protected from the elements whileenjoying your paddling.Technical specificationsBlocks 100% of the wind to prevent wind chillProvides warmth without the weight and bulk of traditionalinsulating fabrics.Water repellent surface sheds rain and spray.Non-restrictive fit for full range of motion.Creates less noise than a traditional shell.Polyurethane film membrane allows internal moisture tomove to outer surface, leaving you dry and comfortableDurable; will outlast traditional fabricsMachine washableISSUE FORTYeight • 2008 41

Learn To Kayak PHONE 0508 529 2569 TO BOOKSEA KAYAKINGWHITE WATERSKILLS COURSEA comprehensive course designed tocover the skills required to become atechnically correct and safe paddler.The course progresses so you developtechniques and confidence at anenjoyable pace with great end results.This course is run over a weekend or byrequest in the evenings.Course: 1 Weekend • COST $399ESKIMO ROLLINGThis course covers the skills requiredto become a technically correct EskimoRoller. You increase your confidence,allowing you to paddle in morechallenging conditions. Being ableto eskimo roll will make you a morecompetent, safe and capable paddler.Course: 4 Evenings • COST $200INTRO TO WHITE WATERA comprehensive course designed tocover the skills required to become atechnically correct paddler. Startingoff in a heated pool and progressingthrough flat water to moving water, itallows you to develop techniques andconfidence at an enjoyable pace withgreat end results.Course: Weekend • COST $349ESKIMO ROLLINGThis course covers the skills requiredto become a technically correct EskimoRoller. This will increase your confidence,allowing you to paddle in morechallenging conditions.Course: 4 Evenings • COST $200WEATHER & NAVIGATIONUnderstanding the weather and abilityto navigate in adverse conditions is vitalwhen venturing into the outdoors. Learnto use charts and compasses and forecastthe weather using maps and the clouds.Course: 4 Evenings • COST $150OCEANS COURSEAn advanced course designed to build onyour skills. Covering paddling technique,kayak control, rescues, preparation,planning and decision making.Course: Weekend/overnight• COST $350RIVER SKILLSOn this course we continue to build onthe skills gained on the Intro to WhiteWater course. Developing your skills,technique and confidence on the fastermoving white water of the WaikatoRiver and progressing on to a Sundayday trip on the Mohaka River. Includes,eddie turns, ferry gliding, rolling, surfingand building new skills in River Rescuetechniques and River Reading.Course: Weekend • COST $349MULTISPORT& White WaterA comprehensive package of instructionand coaching designed to progressivelybuild your kayaking skills to NZKI 1 Star &Grade Two Racing Certificate level.Run over 3 weekends you are introducedto white water, with water confidence,river reading and white water skills. Riverrunning instruction on the fastest linesand rebooting all the other skills we havetaught you during your first two weekends.Course: 3 Weekends • COST $995KAYAKING SURF COURSESurfing is heaps of fun when you knowhow. We will spend the evenings startingoff in small surf and building up to oneand a half metre waves. We will use arange of sit-on-tops and kayaks to makeit fun and easy to learn. Skills to be taughtinclude surfing protocol, paddling out,direction control, tricks and safety.Course: 4 Evenings • COST $349RESCUE COURSEYou need rescue skills to look afteryourself and your paddling buddies inadverse conditions. This course coverstowing systems, capsized kayaks,T Rescues, paddle floats, stern deckcarries, re-enter and roll.Course: 1 Evening • COST $60ADVANCED WHITEWATERThis course is designed to sharpen yourwhitewater skills and start learning simplerodeo moves. We will focus on skillssuch as river reading, body position androtation, advanced paddle technique,playing in holes and negotiating higherGrade 3 rapids. We recommend you arefeeling comfortable on Grade 2+ rapids.Ideally you should already be paddling themid section of Rangitaiki or equivalent.Course: Weekend • COST $349RIVER RESCUEThis course is covers likely scenarioson white water rivers. It is suitablefor paddlers who feel comfortable onGrade One to Two rivers. You learn ropeskills, muscle techniques, team control,heads up, risk management and combatswimming. Also covered are skills requiredin the following situations: entrapments,kayak wraps, swimming kayakers andtheir equipment.Course: Weekend • COST P.O.A.AwardsContact your nearest Canoe & Kayak centre to develop apersonalised course to suit your needs.For more information phone 0508 5292569www.nzki.co.nz42 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

SWALLOWINTRIGUEGLADIATORThe next step up from the entry level kayaks.Fast with good stability. Medium skill ability isrequired to enjoy racing this kayak. A very popularCoast to Coast kayak.Prices start at $2710, $2940 KevlarLength: 5.4 m, Weight: 14kg Glass, 12kg Kevlar , Width: 480 mmFIREBOLTThis kayak is ideal for the beginner/entry levelkayaker who is looking for a quick, light kayakwith great stability. Also suitable for first timeCoast to Coasters.Prices start at $2460, $ 2740 KevlarLength: 4.94 m, Weight: 14.5kg Glass, 12kg Kevlar , Width: 540 mmAvailable online atinfo @canoeandkayak.co.nzThis fast, stable kayak with its larger cockpit isbuilt for the bigger paddler looking for a longer,stable kayak for Coast to Coast etc.Prices start at $2860 Glass $3170 KevlarLength: 5.9 m, Weight: 15.5kg Glass, 13.5kg Kevlar, Width: 530mmADVENTURE DUETThis new, very user friendly kayak with itsexcellent combination of speed and stabilitysupercedes our very popular Opus. It is suitablenot only for the intermediate / advanced paddler,but also for the busy, but keen ‘Weekend Warrior’.Prices start at $2860 Glass, $3170 KevlarLength: 5.9m, Weight: 14.5kg Glass, 12.5kg Kevlar, Width: 455 mmREBEL KEVLARMultisportOCEAN XThis lightweight, very fast and recently updatedAdventure Racing double kayak continues todominate adventure racing in NZ and is a greatrecreational double.Prices start at $5260 Glass, $5760 KevlarLength: 7m, Weight: 29 kg Glass, 24 kg Kevlar, Width: 550 mmMAXIMUSThe Rebel is designed for paddlers of bothgenders up to 75kgs. At 5.65 metres long, theRebel is half way between the length of theSwallow and the Opus or Firebolt and is fasterthan them all.Prices start at $3150Length: 5.65 m, Weight: 11 kg , Width: 450mmTHE ELIMINATORThe Ocean X is suitable for kayak racing in themany harbours, estuaries and lakes of NewZealand and lends itself well to the kayak sectionsof many multisport races.Prices start at $3200 Glass, $3700 KevlarLength: 6.4 m, Weight: 18kg Glass, 16.5kg Kevlar, Width: 500 mmSURF SKIFast ocean going Racing Sea Kayak. The broadbow allows this kayak to ride over waves likea surf ski without losing any speed and is easyto control while surfing. A low profile reducesbuffeting by the wind in adverse conditions.Prices start at $3620Length: 6.43 m, Weight: 16 kg, Width: 510 mmVIPERA fast stable racing and training ‘Sit -on’. It has anadjustable dry seat and a cool draining system.Ideal for the paddler wanting a good fitness workout.Prices start at $1695Length: 5.0 m, Weight: 22 kg std, Width: 584 mmAn excellent training and competition surf ski, canbe used with under-slung rudder or rear mountedrudder.Prices start at $1795Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 22 kg kg std, Width: 510 mmThis boat is designed as an entry level alternativeto expensive composite crafts, has good stabilityand speed. Colours: Stone grey, Mango, Whitegranite, Lime, Yellow.Prices start at $1695Length: 5.2 m, Weight: 22 kg std, Width: 550 mm

TUI EXCELPENGUINSHEARWATERA versatile touring kayak for lake, river and sea.Stability, speed and easy tracking make for anenjoyable day’s paddling. A larger cockpit allowsfor easier entry and exit.Prices start at $1930Length: 4.4 m, Weight: Std 24kg, Width: 620 mmTASMAN EXPRESSHas all the features for multi-day kayaking withease of handling in all weather conditions. Withgreat manoeuvrability this kayak is suitable forpaddlers from beginner to advanced.Prices start at $2430Length: 4.80 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg lite ,Width: 610 mmTASMAN EXPRESS ELITEA comfortable performance orientated sea kayakwhich will suit all sizes of paddlers with plentyof foot room for the bigger ones. Handles well inrough conditions, a fun boat to paddle.Prices start at $2475Length: 4.80 m, Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23kg lite, Width: 610Available online atResponds to rough conditions. Its low profile andflared bow enable it to perform well in adverseconditions. It is designed to give the paddlermaximum comfort, with adjustable footrests,backrest, side seat supports and optional thigh brace.Prices start at $2695Length: 5.3 m, Std. Weight: 29 kg, Lightweight: 25 kg, Width: 620 mmSOUTHERN SKUAAs per the plastic model, the kevlar TasmanExpress responds to rough conditions but itsdecreased weight, and increased stiffness, giveseven better performance.Prices start at $4260Length: 5.3 m, Weight: 22 kg std, Width: 600 mmFOVEAUX EXPRESSSea KTORRESThe Southern Skua has a low deck profile enablingit to perform extremely well in windy conditions,while its longer hull gives it greater speed andallows it to respond in a following sea to surf thewaves. It gives maximum stability in the open sea.Prices start at $4235Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 22 kg kevlar , Width: 600 mmC&K BOUYANCY AIDA very responsive and playful sea kayak. Comeswith a moulded thigh brace. The dolphin nosewith flair, allows lift in the ocean swell. A fun,nimble kayak.Prices start at $4160Length: 5.4 m, Weight: 14.5kg, Width: 540 mmFOAM PADDLE FLOATA fast and stable sea kayak capable of handlingextreme expeditions. Huge storage and lots of legroom.Prices start at $4320Length: 5.6 m, Weight: 23 kg kevlar carbon, Width: 600 mmCAMP SHOWERIncrease your visibility in these yellow bouyancyaids. They can be adjusted with side, shoulder andwaist straps. There is a pocket with a ring to storekeys, knife or whistle on the inside.$99.50A paddle float you don’t have to inflate!The reflective webbing trim and a metallic chromefront panel enhances visibility. Deployment is easywith a large pocket for your paddle blade, and a wideadjustable leash to secure the paddle shaft.$109.90The Camp Shower is great for washing.It’s time to trade up! Constructed of durable PVC, ithas a separate fill cap, on/off valve and a hanging/carrying handle. The Camp Shower is also great forwashing dirty hands and feet.$24.95

ACADIA 370CONTOUR 450CONTOUR 480Flat water cruising, well appointed, a niftyadjustable backrest, an access hatch in the backwhich is great for carrying your extra gear.Prices start at $1299Length: 3.7 m, Weight: 20 kg std, Width: 680 mminfo @canoeandkayak.co.nzThis kayak is designed for day tripping and lightovernight expeditions. It’s great fun to paddle andhandles easily.Prices start at $2300Length: 4.5 m, Weight: 26 kg std, Width: 640 mmCONTOUR 490Is a roomy, manoeuvrable, easy to handle boat.A channelled hull provides outstanding trackingwhich helps keep you on course. Its upswept,flared bow makes crossing rough water a breeze.Prices start at $2550Length: 4.8m, Weight: 27 kg, Width: 620 mmECO NIIZH 565 XLTayaksECOBEZHIG 540This double Sea Kayak is an ideal day tourer withthe easy ability to do those weekend campingexpeditions. It handles well, is fun to paddle andhas well appointed accessories.Prices start at $3199Length: 4.87 m, Weight: 35 kg std, Width: 800 mmPOINT 65 NEMOThis model is proving a hit with its lighter weightand some excellent features. We now have aplastic double sea kayak that is great to use for allthose amazing expeditions and adventures.Prices start at $4250Length: 5.64 m, Weight: 45 kg std, Width: 760 mmPOINT 65 505An enjoyable sea kayak, fast and nimble with hugestorage, great features and the most comfortableseat your butt will ever meet.The Point 65 Nemo is comfortable and stablerecreational kayak for the whole family. It isdesigned for stability and comfort and is aimedat entry level paddlers looking for an affordablekayak easy to handle on and off the water.A fully-fledged touring kayak designed for entryand medium level paddlers, it is an affordableand high-quality touring boat. At 505 cm it offersgreat glide and tracking.Prices start at $3199 Prices start at $1099 Prices start at $2299Length: 5.4 m, Weight: Std 27 kg, Width: 590 mm Length: 3.5 m, Weight: Std 22 kg, Width: 630 mm Length: 5.05 m, Weight: Std 25kg, Width: 580 mmCOBRA MHH325 VHFCUDA 168 FISHFINDERCUDA 168P FISHFINDERCobra handheld marine VHF radio. Completewith AC & DC charger. 1, 3 & 5W output. Instantemergency channel access. Submersible to JIS7standards. Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery.$249A top selling member of the Cuda family for it’sgreat on-the-water performance and value! 4”, 4level greyscale screen. 200kHz transom mounttransducer. 168x132 resolution. Fishtrack & Fishsymbol I.D.$239Comes with Porta-Power Pack case and portable200kHz Skimmer transducer with suction cupmounting bracket. (Batteries not included)$349

FLOWSWING 400 PLUSCATCH 390Stable and easy to paddle, it handles surf withease. Simple to use for the beginner, yet excitingfor the more experienced paddler.Prices start at $879Length: 2.95m, Weight: 19kg, Width: 750 mmSWING 470 PLUSFishing, cruising, well appointed with gear storageinside. Also includes an optional extra pod thatdetaches, which is great for carrying your fishinggear to your favourite spot.Prices start at $1199Length: 4.0 m, Weight: 24 kg, Width: 760 mmSURGEFeatures to satisfy the keenest angler. Ideal for beginners& experienced fishermen alike. Front & rear bulkheads.Watertight fishing rod chute. Flush mount rod holdersbehind the seat .Prices start at $1650Length: 3.90m, Weight: 28kg, Width: 850 mmAvailable online atA fantastic two person cruising kayak which is stableand fast. It has plenty of storage and great features tomake your adventures fun.Prices start at $1399Length: 4.7 m, Weight: 34 kg std, Width: 830 mmA fun double sit on top kayak with the option of athird person sitting in the middle. The kayak hasample stability and speed and performs well inthe surf.Prices start at $1299Length: 3.90 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 850 mmRecreSQUIRTACADIA 280ACADIA 470A Sit-on-Top for the family. Able to seat an adultand a small child. It is easy to paddle and is verystable. Easily carried by one adult or two kids.Prices start at $449Length: 2.7m, Weight: 17 kg, Width: 760 mmMICRO DRY STUFF SACKSA light easy to use family kayak. Enjoyablepaddling for the whole family in sheltered waters.Prices start at $799Length: 2.8 m, Weight: 17 kg std, Width: 660 mmSAFETY FLAG & LIGHTA great fun family boat with plenty of freeboardallowing for a heavy load. Excellent for shelteredwater exploring. Paddles quickly and has excellentstability. Dry storage compartment.Prices start at $1599Length: 4.7 m, Weight: 34 kg std, Width: 830 mmBOP SAFETY FLAGSCompact splash proof protection for all yourvaluables and electronics. Constructed with 70DHex rip-stop nylon with an easy-to-use three rollclosure system.$29.90Be seen day or night with Great Stuff’s Safety Flag,LED light unit. Comes complete with Rod Holderor alternative deck fittings. A must for all openwater kayakers.$119.90These Flag & lights have a rigid fibreglass polethat threads into a surface mounted bung. Thewaterproof safety light runs on 2 AA batteries andis visible for up to 3km in good conditions.Deck flag $75.00, Deck light $125.00Deck light & flag $155.00

FIREFLYESCAPEEESCAPADEHere is a little cracker! The Firefly is designed sothe kids can have some fun. Little and light. Easyto handle and nice and stable. Here is a kayak thekids will love, if they can get Dad off it!$496Length: 2.4 m, Weight: 16 kg kg, Width: 700 mminfo @canoeandkayak.co.nzProbably the closest you will come to finding onekayak that does it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling.Prices start at $810Length: 3.3 m, Weight: 23 kg , Width: 740 mmKIWIAn extended Escapee for the larger paddler to fish,dive and have fun in the sun.Prices start at $1020Length: 3.46 m, Weight: 27 kg std, Width: 750 mmTANDEMationalPLAYThe fantastically stable and manoeuvrable Kiwihas with room for an adult and small child. Ithas two dry compartments for gear. Light, supercomfortable and fast for its length. An awesome,all round kayak. Available in 3 versions.Prices start at $1270Length: 3.75m, Width: 740 mmWeight: 20 kg Std, 23kg Excel & 18 Lite.STRIKEA ‘two person’ kayak, ideal for fishing, surfingand exploring. It has two 6” hatches to store youradventure equipment. Room for three, oftenpaddled by one.Prices start at $1195Length: 3.81 m, Weight: 25.90 kg, Width: 915 mmEXPLORERGreat for the paddler who wants a fun fast surf andflat water kayak. Kids love this Sit-on as it is nottoo wide for them to paddle and yet is very stable.Prices start at $749Length: 3.10 m, Weight: 18 kg, Width: 711 mmTOURERA Wave Ski which the whole family can enjoy.Fantastic in the surf, it‘s a fast and manoeuvrablesit-on-top.Prices start at $895Length: 2.9 m, Weight: 16 kg std, Width: 686 mmFISH N’ DIVEIdeal for fishing, surfing and exploring and one ofthe driest ‘Sit-ons’ you will find. Great hatches forstoring your goodies are available.Prices start at $995Length: 3.43 m, Weight: 18.18 kg std, Width: 790 mmMARAUDERThe low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts downon windage, enabling paddlers to maintain highspeed and straight tracking with easy handling inall conditions.Prices start at $1295Length: 4.55 m, Weight: 22.68 kg , Width: 711 mmThe ultimate fishing/diving kayak. A large well islocated in the stern and holds up to three tanks.There is one centrally located seat and a smallercompanion seat near the bow.Prices start at $1195Length: 3.8 m, Weight: 28 kg, Width: 914 mmThe Marauder is for the serious kayak fisherman.Fast, stable and loads of deck space. Excellentperformance in surf.Prices start at $1395Length: 4.3 m, Weight: 24 kg std, Width: 780 mm

PADDLERS BILGE PUMPPADDLE FLOATROD/ PADDLE LEASHA must for any boater. Our 36 litres per minuteBilge Pump features an easy-grab handle,super-strong pump shaft and heavy-duty impactresistant plastic.Two chamber float for added safety. A 2ndchamber for use when you need extra buoyancyor if one chamber is accidentally punctured.Unique quick-release-at-paddle feature allowspaddle to be quickly & easily attached/detachedto/from leash. Constructed with a heavy-duty snaphook for maximum durability and an internal Kevlarcord filament for maximum breaking strength.$59.90 $84.90 $34.90LATITUDE STUFF SACKSUPER LATITUDEAvailable online atWith full horizontal access, our Latitudeseliminate the hassle of having to dig vertically toget at what you want. Built with a polyester bodyand heavy-duty vinyl ends, Latitudes are builtto perform, but at a value price!10Ltr $69.90 - 21Ltr $79.90 - 51Ltr $99.90OPTI DRY STUFF SACKEco-friendly PVC Free Super Latitudes featurethe great wide mouth-lateral design. Slides easilyinto kayak hatches. Our hands-free Autopurgevalve automatically purges the air as the bag iscompressed.10Ltr $69.90 - 21Ltr $79.90 - 51Ltr $119.90OMNI DRY STUFF SACKOMNI DRY BACKPACKProdThe Opti Dry is super-tough and super-clear.Constructed with heavy-duty clear vinyl and anabrasion resistant bottom.10Ltr $29.90 - 21Ltr $34.90 - 41Ltr $44.90MIGHTYMITE CARTThese all-purpose bags are great for anyadventure. The Omni Dry Bag features awaterproof 3-roll closure with D-ring, vinyl bodyand heavy-duty abrasion resistant bottom.10Ltr $39.90 - 21Ltr $44.90 - 41Ltr $54.90STANDARD TROLLEY140 litresHuge says it. We put a guitar in one last weekend,huge storage. A heavy-duty 3-roll closure system$99.00HEAVY DUTY TROLLEYOur new Mighty Mite Cart is small enough to fit inmost Kayak holds, With pneumatic wheels, anodizedaluminium frame, a single tie-down, and a stand, thiscart offers great features at a low price.$149.00These wheels are the step down from the heavyduty version. Large wheels still make any terraina breeze, while a pin holds them in. They still foldaway into your back hatch. A lighter weight trolleyfor moving mainly empty kayaks.$199.00Easy to carry a sea kayak loaded down withall your gear! Heavy duty stainless steelconstruction. Wheels fold down conveniently to fitin a back hatch.$349.00

SPORTSMANS DROGUESEA ROVER COMPASSPACK SINKA great small-craft safety accessory.These heavy duty Sea Anchors are built in tough PVCfor maximum abuse. With tubing sewn in, they stayopen to deploy quickly. Designed to work both as asea brake while drifting, and sea anchor.300mm dia. opening 580mm length$79.00info @canoeandkayak.co.nzThe Sea Rover features a large compass with easyto read markings—no squinting here to read whereyou’re going! With a simple, yet elegant base, the SeaRover attaches easily to deck lines or sits nicely ontop of a deck bag. Quick-release buckles allow foreasy attachment.$79.90STD DECKBAGOur 15 litre capacity square camp sink can’t bebeat. The Pack Sink’s unique square shape makescleaning larger items simple and it folds flat foreasy (out of the way) storage when not in use.$35.90DELUXE DECK BAGuctsYAKITY YAK KAYAK CLUBOur Standard Deck Bag offers exceptional value!The entire bag is radio frequency welded tokeep waves and rain out. Our splash proof,HydroKisscoated zip is sealed in with no excessiveneedle holes for water to find.$119.90KAYAK CENTRES FOR SALEThe Deluxe Deck Bag offers a unique window viewaccess, high capacity and light reflectivity.A clear window allows for easier gear location anda higher profile for better gear storage.$149.00BUY A SUBSCRIPTIONJoin the club. You will get a weekend skills courseto teach you techniques and safety skills and ayear’s membership. If you are keen to learn morethere is a bunch of courses which teach everythingfrom Eskimo Rolling to becoming an instructor.$399NORTH SHOREUnit 2/20 ConstellationDrive (off Ascension Place),Mairangi Bay, AucklandPHONE: 09 479 1002AUCKLAND502 Sandringham RdSandringhamPHONE: 09 815 2073SILVERDALEDISTRIBUTION CENTRE6 Tavern Road, SilverdalePHONE: 09 421 0662HAWKE’S BAYPHONE: 06 842 1305WAIKATOThe corner Greenwood St &Duke St, State Highway 1Bypass, HamiltonPHONE: 07 847 5565MANUKAU710 Great South Road,ManukauPHONE: 09 262 0209BAY OF PLENTY3/5 Mac Donald StreetMount Maunganui (offHewletts Rd)PHONE: 07 574 7415What a great way to earn a living. Working in arecreational retail business with heaps of timeoutdoors, floating on the sea with great company.Phone Peter Townend on 0274 529 255,James Fitness on 0275 414 474 oremail info@canoeandkayak.co.nzfor more information.TARANAKIUnit 6, 631 Devon RoadWaiwhakaiho, New PlymouthPHONE: 06 769 5506WELLINGTON2 Centennial HighwayNgauranga, WellingtonPHONE: 04 477 6911TAUPO77 Spa Road, TaupoPHONE: 07 378 10036 issues for only $40, saving nearly $5.00 offthe news-stand price, delivered free. This greatmagazine will give you heaps of information andideas to make your kayaking more enjoyable.Subscription price to anywhere in NZ$40Please Note:For the kayaks advertised, theprice is for the kayak only. It doesnot necessarily include any of theaccessories, hatches, seats etc shownin the photos. The prices were correctat the time of printing however dueto circumstances beyond our controlthey may alter at any time. Pleasecontact your nearest Canoe & KayakCentre and they will put together agreat package of the best equipmentavailable for your kayaking fun.

Directory: Things To DoTAUPO Maori Carvings Waikato River DiscoveryMohaka Whanganui River TripsHalf day guided trip to the rock carvings,Lake Taupo... only accessible by boat.A leisurely paddle of about 3km to the rockcarvings. The largest is over 10m high andfrom below in a small boat it is imposing.$90 per person (bookings essential).Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.2 hour guided kayak trip. Experience themagnificent upper reaches of the mightyWaikato River - soak in the geothermalhotsprings - take in the stunningenvironment... a perfect trip for all the family...Adult $45, Children $25Special group and family rates.Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.Need some excitement? Take a kayak downthis wicked Grade II river run... this is awhole day of thrills and fantastic scenerydown the Mohaka River.Price: $125 per person.Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.Interested in a great adventure on thisMagnificent River?Give us a call and we will give you amemory of a lifetime.Price on application.Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.TAUPO AccommodationWaitara River ToursMokau RiverSugar Loaf IslandAccommodation available to Yakity Yak clubmembers & their families. Ideal for sport &school groups. Situated on the banks of theWaikato River our Kayakers Lodge houses upto 15 people. Fully furnished, with plenty ofparking and a quiet location.$30 per person per night.Phone: 0800 529256 for detailsFor those who are slightly more adventurousat heart, this is a scenic trip with the excitementof grade two rapids. Midway down, wepaddle under the historic Betran Rd Bridgewhere we will stop for a snack.Allow 2 hours paddle only.Priced at $50.Phone: 06 769 5506Enjoy this beautiful scenic river whichwinds through some of New Zealandslushest vegetation. Camping overnightand exploring some of New Zealandspioneering history. A true Kiwi experience.Two day trips $230.00One day $80.00Phone 06 769 5506From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head outto the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar LoafIsland Marine Reserve. View the scenic &rugged Taranaki coastline as we draw closerto the Sugar Loaf Islands. Enjoy the sealcolony and experience the thrill of close upviews of these fascinating marine mammals.Allow 3 hours subject to weather.$55.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506Glow worms CruiseRiver ToursKayak HireJoin us for a picturesque paddle on LakeMcLaren to view glow worms by nightor beautiful waterfalls by day. This triptakes about 1.5-2hours and is suitable forpaddlers with no experience. All gear, hotdrinks and nibbles are supplied.Price $75 per person.Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings.07 574 7415Exploring beautiful estuaries.Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife andwonderful views.Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ for detailsTaupo - Open for the summer and byappointment. Long Bay, Auckland - byappointment only. Have some paddlingfun on the beach or let us run a Tour foryou and your friends and explore thesebeautiful areas.Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ for detailsNew Zealand Kayaking InstructorsAward SchemeBecome a kayaking Instructor and Guide.Get into gear and get qualified!It’s fun and easy to do.Don’t delay.Phone 0508 5292569 NOW!Paddle to the PubTwilight ToursCustomized ToursJoin the Yakity Yak ClubKayaking to a local pub is a unique wayof spending an evening, bringing yourgroup of friends together by completinga fun activity before dinner and makinga memorable experience. These trips areavailable to Riverhead, Browns Bay andDevonport Pubs.COST: $59.00 each • GROUP DISCOUNTSAVAILABLE!Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ for details.Departs from one of your local beautifulbeaches. Enjoy the scenic trip with the sunsetting as you paddle along the coast line.Group discounts available!Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ for details.• Work Functions • Schools• Clubs • Tourist groupsWhether it’s an afternoon amble, a fulldays frolic or a wicked weekend adventurewe can take you there.If there’s somewhere you’d like to paddlewe can provide you with experiencedguides, local knowledge, safe up to dateequipment and a lot of fun.Contact your local storeon 0508 KAYAKNZ.Want to have fun, meet new people, havechallenging and enjoyable trips, and learnnew skills?PLUS get a regular email newsletter andthis magazine! Also, get a discount onkayaking courses and purchases fromCanoe & Kayak Centres.Then, join us!Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ to find out more.50 ISSUE FORTYeight • 2008

Highperformancefunwith Aquatx Cobra Kayaks andenjoy high performance fun, ridingthe foam, fishing or just paddling!The Aquatx range of Cobra Kayaks meets the fullrange of on-water paddling needs from surfing fun,serious fishing, diving and touring, to multi-sport highperformance.Aquatx Cobra Kayaks all feature polyethylene hulls forsuper tough performance, with a 10 year guaranteeto prove it. The self draining reinforced scuppersthroughout give unparalleled hull rigidity and a drierride.Aquatx Cobra Surf & Fun Kayaks are speciallydesigned for family fun at the beach or on the river.The light-weight but strong design means they canbe easily mounted on roof racks or trailers and thensimply carried to the water.The ‘sit on top’ design with self draining scuppersmeans a drier, safer ride.Aquatx Cobra Touring and Fishing Kayaksare unique because they offer a range of specialistaccessories to configure your kayak to your own needsfor sports fishing and distance touring.All Aquatx Fishing and Touring Kayaks can be fittedwith a motor bracket for an electric trolling motor.Plus with the largest hatches on the market, there isstill plenty of room left for rod holders, scuba gear, thebattery, tackle box, bait tank, and much more.Aquatx Cobra High Performance Kayaksare the kayaks of choice for low-cost, robust traininggear. Designed for both speed and distance, AquatxHigh Performance Kayaks offer a great deal whetheryou are new to multi-sport kayaking or you are anexperienced veteran seeking a training boat.Aquatx Cobra Kayak Accessory System is acompletely configurable system with a huge range ofcustom options.Call 0508 AQUATX or visit www.aquatx.co.nz2 7 8 2 8 9Call us now for ourdealer locations orvisit the Canoe andKayak dealer nearestyou and find out how tomake your dreams a realityon the water this summer.

CITYDISCOVER ANOTHER WORLDUPPER HIGHWAY (16)AUCKLANDDOMINION ROADBALMORAL ROADNORTHERN MOTORWAYNORTHSANDRINGHAM ROADArenel LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak AucklandCONSTELLATION DRIVEWAIKATOASCENSION PLSOUT HST LUKES RD502 Sandringham RoadTelephone: 09 815 2073KILLARNEY ROADSH 1BY PA SSDUKE STREETKAHIKATEA DRIVENORTHGREENWOOD STDUKE STREETKAHIKATEA DRIVENORTHS.H.1.TONGARIRO STEAST COAST ROADNUKUHAU77 Spa Road, TaupoTelephone: 07 378 1003Acme Kayaking LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak TaupoMAIN NORT HIGHWAYFOUNDARY RDNORTHWELLINGT ONNORTHTAUPOLAKE TERRACENGAURANGA GORGE RDSPA ROADRUAPEHU STREETTAVERNCENTENNIAL HIGHWAYSTATE HIGHWAY 1ROADMalvernTANIWHA STREETL V MARTINS.H.1.FIRSTDRIVEWAYTARANAKIUnit 6, 631 Devon RoadWaiwhakaiho, New PlymouthTelephone: 06 769 5506WIRI STATION ROAD710 Great South Road, ManukauTelephone: 09 262 0209ChallenorReynolds LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Manukauwww.canoeandkayak.co.nzNORTHGREAT SOUTH ROADTOYOTAWAIWHAKAIHO RIVERBRONCOSDEVON ROADJOIN THEMOTORWAYSMART ROADPeter & Bronnie van LithTrading as Canoe & Kayak TaranakiNORTHPHONE YOUR NEARESTCANOE & KAYAK CENTREHAWKE’S BAYCanoe & Kayak LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Hawke’s BayNORTH SHORE SILVERDALE MANUKAU BAY OF PLENTYUnit 2/20 Constellation Drive,(Off Ascension Place) Mairangi Bay,Auckland - Telephone: 09 479 1002Flood Howarth & Partners LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak North ShoreThe Corner Greenwood St& Duke St, State Highway 1 BypassHamilton - Telephone: 07 847 5565On Water Adventures LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Waikato6 Tavern Road,SilverdaleTelephone: 09 421 0662Canoe & Kayak LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Distribution2 Centennial Highway,Ngauranga, WellingtonTelephone: 04 477 6911J & M Downey LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak WellingtonSOUTHERNTelephone:06 842 1305E-mail:hawkesbay@canoeandkayak.co.nzMAC DONALD STREETMAUNGANUI ROADTO TAURANGA BRIDGELIQUORLANDHEWLETTS ROADKFC3/5 Mac Donald Street,Mount Maunganui(Off Hewletts Rd)Telephone: 07 574 7415Jenanne Investments LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Bay of PlentyWant a KayakShop?For the Ultimatelifestyle business.PhonePeter Townend 0274 529 255Emailpete@canoeandkayak.co.nz