ISSUE 4 5 Trans Taupo Race Results - Canoe & Kayak

Trans Taupo Race ResultsISSUE 45• Josh Neilson Kayaking in Thailand• Paddling Stewart Island• Coastbusters 2008• Taranaki Yakity Yak Club hit Waihohonui & Ohineango Rivers$6.90 NZ$6.90 AUSTSPONSORED BYDiscover Another Worldwhite water • RIVER • sea • multisport • fishing • lakes

Who says the West Coast is always rough? 6Tasmanian Fish Frenzy. 8Nam tok te nae? - (Where is the waterfall?) 10Wild Water and fragile craft- Canoeing in the fifties. 14Lake Clearwater. 16Colville to Waikawau - Coromandel. 18Team work = Clockwork =Coastbusters 2008. 20Big Catch! 23Taranaki Yakity Yak Club atWaihohonu & Ohinepango. 24The seven dwarfs from North Shoreand their guide -Kayaking in Samoa. 25Trans Taupo Race Report. 28Trans Taupo Race Results. 29Whakanewha - Rocky Bay - Waiheke. 32Issue 45Aussie Adventure on Stewart Island. 34Taranaki kayak Fishing Classic. 36Products available . 38Product release - Catch 390. 40Buyers Guide. 43Front cover photo: Ross BentonPhoto by: Kim BattenGrade Two River CertificatesAsk anybody who has competed in a multisport race and they will sayOne or two weekends trainingIs just NOT ENOUGH!!!We believe our comprehensive Grade 2 Training & Certification is the best you can get.To gain the skills to confidently paddle on white water, you need at least3 weekends on the water with our instructors.PHONE NOW0508 5292569OR CALL IN TO YOUR LOCAL CANOE & KAYAK CENTREFOR MORE DETAILS AND COURSE DATES2008 Multisport Package $995Accommodation available in TaupoOfficialSponsor4 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

EDITOR: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: Geon PrintDISTRIBUTION: IMDSUBSCRIPTIONS:New Zealand – 6 Issues = $35Overseas – 6 Issues = $55Payment 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.• Text should be submitted on disk oremailed as a Word text file.• Photos should be emailed or put on CD asa high resolution (300 dpi / 1.2mb) jpg atfull size accompanied by captions. Printsshould be captioned on the reverse andnumbered and listed in text.• All care will be taken to safeguard andreturn material.• No responsibility is accepted forsubmitted material.• Material published in the magazine mustnot be reproduced without permission.• 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.Subscription Form• 6 issues for $35, saving nearly $6.40 off the news-stand price, delivered free in NZ.Overseas subscription $NZ55 postage free.Name:Email:Address:Phone:Card No:Cheque Visa MastercardSignatureButcher, Baker, Candlestick maker.The list of things to organize for a large trip of 53 keen Yakity Yakers on a seven day WhanganuiTrip starting 26 th April seems endless. Moreover it needs to be carefully checked, as once weare on the river bank ‘what we have, will have to do’Then there is the weather forecast. When it is rain on all days of the trip, B_____. So what dowe do?We continue as if the trip will happen; buying food; wrapping it in plastic bags and, wherenecessary, in dry bags; filling gas bottles and checking cookers; checking the wet weather gear,tarps, tents and personal rain gear. Several days of packing has produced a load weighing morethan a ton completely filling a large ute. There’s no room for passengers!And we continue to watch the weather forecast.Closer to Saturday I ring the local operators to see what the river is doing and speak to weatherguru Steve Knowles, remembering the occasions when adverse weather was forecast that we’vecancelled trips. Then the weather system had moved more quickly or slowly than expected andwe could have gone.Of course we want to be careful, safe and have fun. How do we know it will be all right to start?If the river is already high, extra rain will potentially make it unsafe, and tracks to camping siteswill become more difficult. Wet conditions increase the chance of injury. Closer to starting, theforecast can be relied on to predict the amount of rain, direction and strength of the wind. Thesedetermine temperature, a critical safety consideration.And who are we? Experienced paddlers can cope with conditions that novices should notexperience.The final decision this year? If all was well when printing this magazine started we went on theriver, there is a PS which means that I’ve got a ton of packed goodies on my hands.Remember, stay safe, think before you act, challenge yourself and have fun.Peter Townend (Ed.)P.S. We had 3 days out of 7, then the rain drove us home.*Subscribe 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.nzISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 5

Who says the West Coast is always rough?by Vincent RoweHere’s some of the shots I took along the way on a truly sublime wind free day between Piha andWhakaruro Bay (just south of Karekare) on Christmas Eve ‘07, when it was the calmest it had been allyear - many said.A closer look at the island off Mercer Bay (the island and beach arevisible from the tracks at the end of Te Ahu Ahu Rd, Te Ahu AhuRd’s off to the left at the top of the Piha hill before going down tothe beach) in almost glassy conditions.This is what the other side of Panatahi Island looks like - this is theisland off Whakaruro Bay (the next one south of Karekare),approx 20metres high, which often has fur seals basking. Three of them werethere and two casually checked me out while i checked them out(swimming within three feet of my kayak), however due to paddlingand coordinating getting my hands dry and using the camera, only gota video clip of one of them in the water and a shot of another lazilyrolling in front of me, which just appears as a swirly ripple .Mercer Bay on the way back in better light, this is the beach which the recent TelstraClear ad was shot at (everything went in by helicopter), in this shot it’s clearer why nota lot of people go down there - mainly just the locals know about how to get down tothe beach ‘cos the track’s not listed on any maps, it must be dry for at least 4 days prior,to fully explore the caves and natural tunnels it must be a king low tide of at least 4.2metres (ideally between 11.00 am and 5.00 pm), which only happens 2 or 3 times a year,it’s 820 vertical feet from the car park at the end of Te Ahu Ahu Rd down to the beachand it’s blinkin’ steep (four sections of rope for the not so sure footed)! Last year therewere no suitable tides or days to fully explore there by foot.Just south of The Gapat Piha, with the TennisCourts on the right.Parked at my favourite beach - Mercer Bay which is just north of Karekare onthe west coast, although inaccessible from the land due to 500+ foot cliffsOne day I’ll get back out there when the high tide’s later in the day (it was 11.00 am when these were shot) and it’s calm like this, toget better shots of the cliffs and dozens of caves along this section of coast with sunshine on and in them.

ISSUE FORTYfive• 2008 7

Tasmanian Fish Frenzy by Jeff SigafoosPhotographs by Vanessa A. GreenEarly on a December morning my wife, Vanessa, and I hadcome south from Hobart to kayak Cockle Creek, a gin-clearstream which flows into Recherché Bay on the easternboundary of Tasmania’s vast Southwest National Park.The road ended and the wilderness began when our truckrumbled over the last rickety bridge. Eager to explore, Iignored its anguished creaking, though it bode ill for thereturn journey.Edging our kayaks into Cockle Creek, the rapidly rising tide jerked us intothe main channel. Then the threatened dumping turned into a fast passagewith little for us to do except steer. Rounding the first bend, 100 metresfrom the protesting bridge, and seemingly miles from civilization, threeducks ‘exploded’ from a calm bay. On the far bank black swans movedcautiously and something furry thumped up the near bank and vanishedinto the bush. Ten minutes later we spotted a cosybeach which would do nicely for a warm middayswim and lunch.There was no wind, the air was crisp and in spite ofthe swift current, the water appeared glassy. I begantrolling for Eastern Australian Salmon, (Kahawai inNew Zealand). Boat speed was ideal, the fly trailednicely and the rod was secure but easily accessibleunder the deck bungee. In glorious weather I staredat the fly line looking for the slightest twitch, waitingfor the big one to strike. “Any second now”………“Any second now”. Nothing. Nothing at all.The creek broadened amidst open tussock andrushes, providing good cover for the ducks wehad spooked, and the tidal flow had stopped.Paddling upstream into ever shallower water becameincreasingly arduous and bumpy. When we passedthe remains of a bridge, six semi submerged pillars,we turned back.Then it happened, from a school of fish an epic battlebetween man and one 2 inch whitebait. It lasted 3seconds. Since salmon eat whitebait it was good toknow that their breakfast was to hand, but there wereno salmon here. I let the little guy go and stopped trolling.The sun was high when we reached our beach; time to slap on SPF40, eat lunchand swim. Vanessa was bravely in first. “Invigorating!”She declared as sheshowed off her goose bumps. But we got to like it and lingered while the tidalflow reversed. While we dried, flotsam began speeding past, and we realizedthat we had to go to avoid stranding.Vanessa reached open water without incident, but I shared a sandbar withseveral hundred tiny reddish-orange crabs. I bounced up and down in myseat, pushing, struggling to get off before I was eaten, while Vanessa beachedon the beautiful crescent of white sand of Recherché Bay’s northeast shore.Uninjured, but much put about and short of breath, I joined her.The view improved my temper. The wide bay, fringed with mountains, wascalm despite a southerly breeze. We paddled towards a rocky point abouta kilometre away, past the bronze statue of a Southern Right Whale. It is amemorial to whaling and sealing, once a substantial local industry whichsupported a hotel’s roaring trade until the1850s.Now in ruins the hotel isLanding an Australian Salmon.8 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

visited by hikers on a coastal track. A couple, theonly people we saw all day, waved to us across20 metres of clear water which, back then, wouldhave been red!We paddled on past numerous small bays,disturbing dozens of sting rays with our shadows.They took off in puffs of sand and, looking formore, I became mesmerized by the beauty oftheir undersea world.At 6.30pm we turned for home in somethingof a hurry. Driving at night amongst nocturnalmarsupials would take me 4 or 5 hours to coverwhat, by day, takes 3.We sprinted for our beach, had a quick swim andwhile drying off I spotted a commotion 5 metresoffshore.“Did you see that?” Vanessa hadn’t. Then ithappened again, a large school of whitebaitunder attack from a large school of salmon. Iwalked my kayak to the water and slipped in, notbothering with the spray skirt. Immediately thecommotion was repeated 5 or 6 metres ahead. Flyrod ready, I cast behind me and with two or threepaddle strokes headed into the whitebait schoolat a good clip. Paddle at rest, fly rod gripped, Ihooked and released my first real fish of the day.The school moved to the right and I followed,hooked and released another salmon.Vanessa took over direction, pointing to myleft. “Over there!”Stalk and drift worked verywell. Most fish were pretty small; perhaps300 grams, but some were half a kilo. WhenVanessa shouted, “It’s nearly 8”, I had caughtand released 34 in 2 hours. No trophies butmarvellous fun!We loaded the truck. Made it across the bridgeand in gathering gloom I failed to see a wallabyon the edge of the gravel road. Fortunately itsaw me. Now on red alert I rarely topped 40 kph,Vanessa looked left and I looked right. Wallabieswere everywhere .They moved, but numerouspossums refused to budge. We had to stop andchase them off the road. Proud to have inflictedno marsupial injuries it was close to midnightwhen we reached our drive.Recherché Bay at Cockle Creek is, I believe,Tasmania’s premier kayaking area. And on theright day the fishing isn’t bad.The happy anglerTui 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 FORTYfive • 2008 9

Nam tok te nae?(Where is the waterfall?) by Josh NeilsonSam Ward-Upper Sirithan Falls- photo by Will ClarkDuring 2007 I was lucky enough to represent NZ at the WorldFreestyle Kayaking Champs in Canada; kayak a number ofthe best runs in California; surf the waves on the PacificCoast of Nicaragua; but most memorably join an expeditionexploring an area of the world that kayakers had not reallylooked at, Northern Thailand. Sam, a friend I had met inUganda, was expedition leader. He and his friend Willwanted a third member and emailed me.I had heard that Ben Brown, Steve Fisher and Eric Southwick, all world classkayakers, had made a two week, big budget trip to Thailand the year before,so I contacted them for data. They had done a lot of driving and walking, andfinding places to put in and take out had been a real task. It didn’t soundtoo promising. But Ben sent me photos of their trip, including one of Fisherrunning Mae Pan falls, a 50 foot drop into a small pool below a spectacular200 foot waterfall. That did it! The trip would be worth it if I only ran one of thewaterfalls they had met. A quick check of the bank account and I was in.A month later, after a 12 hour flight I was sleeping on a bench at Bangkokairport for 14 hours, waiting for Sam and Will. We had a 14 hour train ride toChiang Mai before I could rest properly in the accommodation Sam’s contacthad arranged. The city was our base for the next 6 weeks.We spent a few days getting our bearings and a vehicle before our first trip,a warm up an hour to the north, paddling a rafting section on the Mae TaengRiver. In the humid conditions, paddling through lush jungle and passingelephants bathing on the riverside, proved a real shock.Back at Chiang Mai, the guys were at the mall when I came across a websiteguide to Thailand’s hundreds of national parks. There were photographs ofall attractions which, because the Thais are spiritual people and waterfallsare very important to them, included waterfalls! With this extra informationwe planned our journey.Once we were on the road rivers jumped out at us. On our way to find onewaterfall we’d come across a few more. Main road signs in English directedus, but on side roads all signs were in Thai and we were lost. A friend inChiang Mai had taught us a few words to help us out, including “Nam tokte nae?” meaning “Where is the waterfall?” They came in handy! Of all thedifficulties I’ve experienced overseas, language, outside cities where manypeople speak a bit of English, is the hardest to get around. We managed withhand gestures and minimal Thai words, but on one occasion things couldhave gone very wrong.We were by the Tard Luang River in northeast Thailand. A guy approached,talking and and pointing upstream. All we understood was “Nam tok that way”.Excitedly we geared up and with our new friend tramped upstream furtherand further into the jungle, passing lots of cool slides and drops. We put in torun a very cool looking 40 foot slide drop. On our way out, still accompaniedby our friend on the riverbank, we paddled some amazing drops till we cameto a rapid which, at this flow, was unpaddlable. Portaging round it we firstheard loud voices and after a while saw our friend talking with a guy dressedin camouflage and holding a gun.We stopped in our tracks. Peering into the jungle we saw more, and perhapsimagined other, camouflaged men. Were we allowed here? Ambush! Were wesafe? We had heard of Thai guerilla kidnappings, and we were in the GoldenTriangle, one of the largest drug smuggling areas in Asia.I walked towards the man with the gun. He had a very stern, straight face.Drawing closer, my heart thumped so I could no longer hear the waterfall. Mencame out from the trees. Suddenly he broke out in big smiles, laughed, pointed10 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

to the river and urged us to paddle this waterfall. I think our friend must havetold the ‘soldiers’ what we were doing, but shocked at finding strangers ontheir patch with never-before-seen, possibly threatening, bright plastic kayaks,they hadn’t really believed him. They watched us paddle the drops. To takea photo one man gave me his gun to hold. After following us down river for awhile, suddenly they were gone, back into their hills!This scary meeting could easily have ended our trip. Maybe we were luckyto have met a local who could explain what we were doing, maybe they werejust hunting in the jungle, maybe………Next we tackled a length of the Thai/Laos border from a small town in the highnortheast, paddling south towards Mae Charim National Park Headquarters.The river had fast moving flat sections and big volume rapids, very differentfrom the low volume creeks we had experienced so far. Water levels were veryhigh and, since we reached our planned first night camp in only 2 hours, wewent on to find another good spot before dark. To beat the extreme heat wewere back on the water at 5.30 a.m continuing non-stop till the take out. We’dpaddled 120 kms in just over 9 hours, at an average speed of 13kph.This ended our northeast trip. We returned to Chiang Mai and the followingday drove to the Burmese border to renew our visas. We crossed, paid a feeand, because of political unrest in Rangoon, were hastily returned to Thailandwith fresh visas – all within 5 minutes.We now went west, starting higher up the gorge of our first descent, found awhole new section and marked another never-run section for later paddling.Morale was high as we drove southwest towards the highest mountain inThailand and ‘the waterfall’ which had caused me to join this expedition. Whenwe heard it we ran through the jungle till the track opened out and we werestanding below its two tiers. The top drop was about 200 feet and unpaddlable.It led into the 50 footer and our cleanest drop so far.One at a time Will and I hauled our kayaks to the top, then abseiled into thebase of the 200 footer. First there, I scouted my entry to the 50 footer androlled off the lip for the drop I’d been dreaming of. The landing was hardbut I hit my line perfectly. When Will nailed his line too, we all paddled toa bridge before calling it a day. We had pad thai and cold beers at a smallvillage. I was satisfied!Over the next days we paddled a new section of the Mae Klang River, andrepeated a section that Ben Brown and his friends had paddled a year before.Then, in Chiang Mai for the last time, we rested, shopped, drank, ate wonderfulThai food and eventually took the train to Bangkok.It was in a Bangkok restaurant that we talked and talked about our amazingnine first descents, three virgin river sections, and many incredible runsthat time or water flow had not allowed but which would attract a secondexpedition in 2008. We sketched the plan!Many thanks go out to the people who made this 2007 expedition possible– Pete Buick, Fon, Jason Younkin, Canoe and Kayak Ltd, Bliss-Stick Kayaks,Hydraulics, Keen Footwear and everyone in Thailand who understood“Nam tok te nae?” and sent us in the right direction to the falls.Will Clark Mae Klang River- photo by Sam WardDesigners & Constructors of Multisport & Adventure Racing KayaksPhone 06 8750043 Fax 06 8750983E-mail:- kevin@ruahinekayaks.co.nz Website:- www.ruahine.co.nzAdventure DuetWell proven with continuing race successes.Our Adventure Racing double features a higher bowand foredeck, space for paddler’s feet, a large ovalrear hatch and a forward bulkhead.RebelThe ideal kayak for the smaller paddler in the 50 to 70kg range.ISSUE FORTYfive• 2008 11

Sam on Upper Tard Luang behind Joshwith new friends -Photo by Will ClarkJosh on Mae Sa waterfall -photo by Will ClarkTemple in Chiang Maiphoto by Josh NeilsonJosh in the bushphoto by Will ClarkSam on upper tard luang josh with nefriends -photo Will Clark

Josh taking on the Mae Pan FallsPhoto by Will ClarkJosh teaching a Thai lad to kayakPhoto Will ClarkJosh on the Mae Sa RiverPhoto by Will ClarkJosh on the Mae Sa Riverwaterfall - Photo by Will ClarkJosh Upper Tard LuangPhoto by Will Clark

Wild Water and Fragile Craft -Canoeing in the FiftiesWritten By Doug PhillipsI like to share, with any member of the canoeing fraternity who shows theslightest interest, one of my few achievements. I am one of the earliest topaddle and raft white-water in New Zealand. Not the first by a long chalk,but in the fifties we were starting to explore the country’s wilder waters.Our knowledge was limited and our equipment rudimentary. But we hadprogressed from the ply and painted canvas of the forties and, the ultimatein danger, the corrugated iron canoe. This was cheap and fraught withhazards. You simply acquired a twelve foot length of corrugated iron, bentit up at both ends, tacked the iron to bow and stern posts, sealed it with tar,dug up if necessary from the roadway, jammed a wooden seat in and, ifyou were brave enough, set sail hoping you didn’t get swamped and sinkto the bottom.Now, we relied on rubber dinghies bought from the air force. These wereeither no longer required, or faulty, or both. We bought paddles or madea substitute, a broom stick with two paint tin lids nailed on. You may notbelieve it but they were quite effective. The ultimate in marine technologywas the collapsible canoe, a highly sophisticated craft consisting of heavyrubberized canvas skin, numerous dowel ribs and a heavy ply hinged floorplate. Kayaks in this country were unknown and nobody had thought ofcrash helmets. In fact we were so naïve that when we tipped out we swamhead first, past head crunching rocks.An Easter holiday expedition down the Waikato was my first venture. Weknew that dam building was numbering the Waikato’s days of canoe-ability,so when my friend Jack Storey invited me to join him on the AucklandCanoe Club’s expedition, I jumped at it. I was completely inexperienced,but no matter we were off on a huge adventure. We gathered in Aucklandand took off in a Green-line Bus. This was a minimum comfort suburban busbut the ultimate in water-borne convenience. At the end of each day it metus at the riverside with warm dry clothes and sleeping bags. We didn’t runto tents, but most nights there was a shedor a meeting house to escape the rain. Onother occasions we slept out and prayed forfine weather. Our prayers must have beenanswered since on two Easter expeditionswe never got wet.First stop was the Hamilton pie cart whereat eleven p.m. we met up with the trampingclubs and exchanged good humouredinsults. We reached Taupo at three a.m. andafter a few uncomfortable hours sleep wewere at the lakeside assembling canoes andblowing up inflatable dinghies.We launched our craft and paddled to themouth of the river. It was my first trip in afourteen foot canoe and I was surprisedhow stable it was. But before the daywas out it was nearly my last. We made aquick portage round the control gates andheaded towards the Huka Falls. Somehowwe had got to the front of the flotilla. Notintentionally I assure you. We were sweptinto a large pool where Jack, suspecting thatwe were close to the falls, wisely suggestedwe pull to the bank. And we were!! We werein the pool just above the chute.A few more dips of the paddles and wewould irretrievably have been the first to attempt the falls. Not a prospectI like to contemplate. We had hardly drawn our canoe up the bank whendown came an inflatable dinghy with an unsuspecting crew of two.“Come ashore” we shouted “You’re near the falls”. They paddled like madmen but to no avail. Their dinghy drew closer and closer to the first rapid.At last they gave up, leapt into the water and swam ashore while the dinghysped into the chute. To our surprise it didn’t career over the falls but gotpinned to the bank. The rest of the party gathered on the cliff above. Withmore bravado than common sense we tied a rope around a small memberof the party who, as we lowered him, walked his way down the cliff ( I amglad it wasn’t me). With the dinghy safely on the bank we congratulatedeach other on a successful boat rescue, but I don’t think we thought howclose we had been to an awful tragedy.On our next portage we edged our canoe down the cliff and through thebush to the huge pool below the falls where life jackets and paddles werefloating, waiting to be retrieved. Since we had had little sleep and muchexcitement, the first day’s trip was short. We camped on a terrace abovethe Aratiatia rapid and after tea strolled along the cliff top to gaze on theawe inspiring rapids, speculating how to cope with the raging waters farbelow. “If you came out there by that rock then you would paddle over thatway.” Thankfully none of us seriously contemplated chancing our arm. Weall knew that trying to shoot the wild waters would be certain suicide. Andbrave as we were, no one was that stupid. Exhausted, we slept soundly, fiveof us on two lilos. I don’t remember how we fitted on them, but we did.Saturday was a long, long day. The first and the only wild water was theFulljames rapid. Today, if you exclude Huka Falls which are occasionallyrun by experienced, intrepid kayakers, it is the only readily canoeablewhite water left on the Waikato. It was my first major rapid. There is a hugerock right in the middle and we were heading straight for it. “Help”,14 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

I thought, “we can’t miss it “ But just as we expected a canvas tearing thud,the current swept us safely past.“Great.” I thought “That’s one lesson I’ve learnt. It’s not the big rocks youcan see that you need to worry about, but the sneaky ones just below thesurface.” That was the last real excitement for the day. The river becameslow and sluggish as if it had lost its way and didn’t know where to go. Greatmeanders snaked backwards and forwards. Half mile curves gained only ahundred yards. We paddled and paddled. Our backs ached, the light wasfading fast and we couldn’t see our destination. Maybe we had missed it inthe gathering dark? But no! At last, there was a gleam of light and we spottedthe dark shape of our faithful Green Line bus with many people.We had arrived at the local Marae and, to our embarrassment, werewalking in on a Tangi for a 6 year old boy. Typically hospitable andgenerous Maoris welcomed us and we slept in a nearby meeting house. Imay have been tired but wooden floors and minimal weight sleeping bagsdon’t make for uninterrupted sleep.On our next day we headed for Orakei Korako through a gorge which wasreputed to have dramatic rapids. They weren’t dramatic but they were fun.While the scenery was beautiful there was better to come. We were lookingforward to the famous Whakaheke rapids. And they were worth waiting for.About quarter of a mile below the Orakei Korako ferry, after flowing withincreasing speed through native bush, the river turned dramatically intoa maelstrom of broken water. It dropped eleven metres in less than akilometre; the mighty Waikato at its turbulent best. We swiftly changedcraft. With our limited ability we would have smashed our canoe andpossibly drowned. Then in a rubber dinghy and a crew of four we wereoff, drawing closer and closer to the roar and peaks of white water below.Excitement mixed with a little apprehension. We paddled to the lip ofthe first fall. We were going. This was it! But no, the current whipped usback up stream.“Paddle boys we’ll go over this time” but the water gods had us in their grip,playing with us. Round we went again past pendulous ferns dipping theirheads in the steely cold water.“Now let’s go.” And go we went. With a swoop and a thud we were in thegrip of waves of white water.“Paddle this way!” “No, into the rough!” We were having the ride of ourlives. All too soon we were through.“Wow! How about that? Wasn’t that the best? Did you see the waves wecame through? Great really great!”As we dragged our dinghy ashore we laughed and shouted with sheerexuberance and not a little relief. We had made it. Knowing the danger,knowing the hazards, we had plunged through the waves and over thebarely hidden rocks and we had made it “Wow!” Well that was the climaxof our Easter river trip. Apart from a perfunctory explore of the thermal areawe had done what we set out to do. We had aquired canoes so transportacross the river was no problem. I don’t know if we paid the owners but Ihope we were honest and paid our dues.Now it was back to the relative hum drum of life on the farm after anadventure we would never forget. Fifty years later my blood runs faster justrecalling our days on the river.But once wasn’t enough. I’ll share another adventure with you next issue.Watch for Doug’s tales in the next couple of issues.It was pioneers like him who built this great country. The ‘can do’attitude that at times was risky, but can be looked at with respectand a little humour.ISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 15

LAKE CLEARWATER By George LockyerLake Clearwater from the hillsRoad to ClearwaterAnnie discovers the real use of a bilge pump!We are lucky to live in New Zealand. I mean, here we are on an Easterweekend, surrounded by mountains, paddling to a small, well treed island inthis picture postcard lake. Mountain bikers are cycling the clearly defined, 10km long, 4 wheel drive track which runs round the lake. There’s an angler overthere fishing for rainbow trout, and a couple are getting their wind surfersready, otherwise my children Annie (aged 13) and Fergus (aged 10) and I havethe lake to ourselves.We round the island, Annie paddling her ‘Dancer’ ahead of me while I’m in mytrusty Q Kayak’s ‘Tui’, and land on a shingle beach to swap boats. Annie wantsa first time go using a rudder. At the camp site on the far shore of the lake shesoaks me with my bilge pump and runs off to find her little brother who wantsa turn at paddling.The lake is choppy in a southerly. It is very shallow, only a couple of metres atits deepest, and therefore not as cold as deeper snow fed lakes. But we don’ttry swimming. You might care to try it. I’m told it won’t give you a coronary!After lunch we turned for home.Lakes Clearwater and Camp sandwich a remote settlement of 180 batcheswhich, in the absence of mains electricity, have tiny wind turbines and solarpanels. Powered craft are able to use Lake Camp, but Clearwater is free ofthem and perfect for kids and beginners learning to sail, windsurf or kayak.The camping site has toilets and costs $4 per tent per night (pay the honestybox). A word to the wise, you need to bring your own water if you can’t bebothered to boil the lake’s!New Zealand is chock full of small lakes like Clearwater, little gemswaiting for you.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.For more information phone 0508 5292569www.nzki.co.nz16 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

SWING 400Length: 400cmWidth: 76cmWeight: 24kgMax Load: 170kgACADIA 280Length: 283cmWidth: 68cmWeight: 17kgMax Load: 150kgSWING 470ACADIA 370Length: 470cmWidth: 83cmWeight: 34kgMax Load: 270kgLength: 370cmWidth: 68cmWeight: 20kgMax Load: 160kgModel also available without a rudderNAPALI 470Length: 470cmWidth: 67cmWeight: 29kgMax Load: 170kgACADIA 470Length: 470cmWidth: 83cmWeight: 34kgMax Load: 300kgCHECK OUT THE LATEST RANGE OF PERCEPTION KAYAKS.WWW.PERCEPTIONKAYAKING.COM

Colville to Waikawau – Coromandelby Leighton StokesSarah enjoying the sun. Square Top Islandand Great Barrier in the distanceI currently study at A.U.T, for aDiploma in Outdoor Recreation andLeadership. As part of my coursethis coming semester, I have beenkayaking, improving skills and justhaving a great time. One of the tripsI organized was a ‘circumnavigation’of the Coromandel Peninsula.I had intended to start at Coromandel Townand finish at Matarangi, but with only four daysavailable this was not possible.The Colville Bay Motor Lodge became basecamp and departure point for Johnny, Josie,Sarah and me. Mark and Wendy, owners of thelodge, offered to be our shuttle taxi service toand from Waikawau Bay. This was a huge helpand greatly appreciated. Moreover, at only $8ppfor a tent site, it was a bargain.The first day’s forecast was a 20 knotsouthwesterly with a sizeable easterly swell.Starting our 27 kilometre journey on thewestern side of the peninsula we thought theswell would not trouble us. We paddled out ofColville Bay with the wind on our port quarter,helping us heaps.The wildlife around these parts is incredible. Nomatter the size of the swell Sooty Shearwaters,flying at one with the ocean, rose and fell, alwaysa foot above the sea; and there were Gannets,plenty of Terns and quite a few Blue Penguins.The wind was increasing. At Channel Island itwas averaging 36kn, and the swell had pickedup to 1.5m. Occasionally, scary 2 metre wavesbroke over our fully laden kayaks.As we pulled into Port Jackson for thenight we were battered by catabatic windsgusting up to 40kn.The wind blowing 20 knots.18 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

Spectacluar sunrise on the last day of the trip..Camp at Port Jackson. Channel Islandand Great Barrier in the distance.We had taken just under 6 hours including an hour for lunch.For our second day the sky was blue, wind averaging 6kn, swell easing.We set off at 10am to paddle 15km . The water was calm, clear and warm.At the Pinnacles, a pod of dolphins joined us but, scared off by boatslaunching from nearby Fletcher Bay, they weren’t playful. We had a quicklunch and went snorkelling with teeming marine life in crystal clear water.Towards our final campsite on the eastern coast, reefs tested our surfingskills. Thankfully, even in the odd freak swell, I managed to stay upright.On our final day we were on the water at 6 a.m. paddling out of Port Charlesenjoying one of the most beautiful sunrises I had seen. The photos justdo not do it justice.A bigger easterly swell, close to the cliffs, passed under us from theleft, hit the cliffs and came back from the other direction making thesea a tad confused! Helped by a light breakfast we got through withonly minor upset tummies.The sea was calmer round the corner and we had a snack before movingon to Waikawau Bay. Much of its 3km white sandy beach is exposed, soour final act was landing in surf. I caught a nice wave. ‘Awesome, I aced it!’Then I broached! A pathetic attempt at a low brace gave me no support andI rolled into the white water.We were back in Auckland at 4 p.m.Big thanks to the great hospitality from Wendy and Mark at Colville BayMotor Lodge. I recommend them to everyone.Johnny playing amongst the rocks.The Pinnacles, our half way point of the trip!ISSUE FORTYfive• 2008 19

Own yourneighbourhoodkayak centre.TEAMWORK =CLOCKWORK =COASTBUSTERS 2008By Ruth E. HendersonApply now to reserveyour area forone month.JOIN THE TEAMNewCanoe & Kayak Centresavailable.Control your owndestiny.Choose the Lifestyle.Enquire now!Phone: 0274 529 255Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nzPeter TownendManaging Director, Canoe & Kayak Ltdand I’ll be glad to have a chat .All approaches will be dealt with in confidence.Deb Volturno (Tsunami Ranger) beingstern deck carried by a ‘blind man’Fluoro jacketed Guy Folster behind a barricade of trafficcones, pointed out where to park, and where to register.Following the crowd into the Milford School hall, folk weremet by Natasha Romoff and her team, and given a nametag with an all important pod number on it. The bubble ofenergy and sound rose and rose, then paused silent as PaulHayward, Chairman turned on the mike and welcomed all200 of us to the 12 th Coastbusters.He introduced the Captain of the Tsunami Rangers, Jim Kakuk and his Lt.Commander Deb Volturno. Jeff Wright, the “Red Team’s” technology whiz,tweaked the sound and boom, smack, wallop, fasten your seat belts …holdyour breath - the show began. Watching the Tsunami Rangers slides waslike being in one of those surround sound IMAX theatres where you feel asthough you are actually part of the ‘ride’. The stage and pace was set for theweekend.The next day Mark Jones of Adventure Philosophy set the theme for theweekend. He urged us to leave the zone of “Know what you know” and “Knowwhat you don’t know” and go into the zone of “Don’t know, what you don’tknow”; to push the boundaries by doing longer trips in more severe anddifferent environments; to go from ‘driving’ a Toyota to a Ferrari, to beingcreative like Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes and Transmogrifying.A time machine would have been handy as Saturday was always going to bea day of hard choices – wanting to be in two places when four “streams” ofworkshops or talks were happening. How to choose between Biff Fredricksen’s“Europe – why go?”, Graeme White and Margie Old’s “Paddle Fitness &Injury Prevention”, “Advanced Trip Planning” with John Kirk-Anderson, ora workshop on “Sails” run by Kevin Dunsford & Kevin Killilea. Biff won me,cruising down the Danube or Rhine with a chance to stop and explore villagemarkets, castles or cathedrals.Meanwhile the “Thoughtful Food” company were lining up cups, and cakes…and the “Invisible Team” Natasha Romoff and Sue Levett were changingrubbish bags in the toilets...Choosing was a little easier for the next session as I knew I could hear PaulCaffyn talk about his latest trip to Greenland at the KASK Forum at Ohope, andhad learnt a bit from Wade of Quality Kayaks about repair and maintenancelast time. But I still had to toss up between Bryan Tourell’s “Trip Planning –Basics” and an update from DoC. I’m glad I went to the DoC one –as they want20 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

Madness MayhemAll hands on deck!us to have a say about the places we value. You can too – see www.doc.govt.nz.Click on “getting involved”, “consultations” and “current”. To participate inthe review of their “Conservation Management Strategy” in Northland go towww.doc.govt.nz/northlandcmsreviewMike Scanlan’s “Kayak Fishing Workshop” won hands down for me over theYoga session with Michelle Smith, the “Safety at Sea” session with Sue Tuckerand Jim Dilley, and a recap of the Kayak for Cancer epic trip to Cape Reingaby Guy Folster and Chris Dench – only because I had done/heard/been therebefore, whereas soft-bait fishing was new. Mike had dragged along his kayakand kit providing a great hands on approach, in tandem with an informativePower Point and detailed notes. Adherers should not fail to catch fish.Before lunch the duo act of John Kirk-Anderson and Stephen Councel usedhumour to illustrate the serious and sobering business of drowning – andhow to plan NOT to. Think AC/DC. A = Avoidance (e.g. check the weather,use a map) C = Cope (use your paddle skills) D = Dealing with it (e.g. useyour paddle float do a self-rescue) and C =Call for help (e.g. use your VHF orcellphone in a drybag).Once again the food fairies delivered, Christine Watson quietly in thebackground, Ross Brunton tying up rubbish bags, Charlie Barker re arrangingchairs… all we had to do was eat and try not to talk with our mouths full!I didn’t have a choice about which after lunch workshop to attend as I wasdelivering “How to create pictures vs. taking snapshots”, but it would havebeen a toss up between Hugo Meares’s talk on paddling in Patagonia andErica Law’s one on the Southland Fiords. For the strong hearted there wasmore from the Tsunami Rangers.The hardest choice was between – Gabriela de Tezanos Pinto’s NZ MarineMammals , Chris Dench humorous look at “Gear and Gadgets”, “Food AndForaging” with Jacqui Tyrrell and Greg Dunning or to do another sessionwith Biff looking at the nuts and bolts of canoe-wandering in Europe. By anarrow margin, the ‘Foodies’ won. I was staying with the Dunnings and theyhad been talking in code over breakfast… I was dying to find out what the“Green Things” were that Juliet had to bring along and well, Greg’s chowderis legendary; I wanted the recipe.Interspersed between the cups of tea and workshops, we had Pod meetingsto plan our approach and tactics for the Kayak Games on Lake Pupuke.After smoko it was all on. The participants got very wet; we supporters andspectators got a load of laughs. Richard Saysell, Gary Sheeran and Peter Beadlehad developed some interesting sports. There was madness and mayhemout there. You’d have thought the imaginative Calvin and energetic Hobbeswere up to their flights of fantasy. There were variations of stern deck rescues,bow held towing, swimming with a paddle, paddling sideways, paddling ona compass bearing ‘blindfolded’ by a bucket on ones head…. The main thingwas we all had fun, and got to know each other before the serious stuff onSunday.But the day hadn’t finished – after a sumptuous dinner, Sandy Robson who setoff in 2007 to follow in Paul Caffyn’s paddle strokes around Australia, gave anaccount of her journey. Like Mark Jones, she too encouraged us to embracenew challenges and live our dreams.There wasn’t much time for sleeping or dreaming – as we had to leaveAuckland by 7 am to get to Sullivan’s Bay and on the beach for an 8.15am podgathering and briefing. Trundling along SH1 there was a procession of carsladen with kayaks, plus I spied Dai and Anneke Williams taking their BBQ(one of three) for a ride. With 24 pods of 8 things had to be efficient and wellplanned. Fortunately we had logistics expert Neil Watson as Pod Chief withRoss Brunton his 2IC. Kevin Dunsford was responsible for a Risk ManagementPlan; emergencies were ‘covered’ with Mike Scanlan arranging delivery ofa rescue boat, Peter Lory as its Captain. (The only emergency I was awareof was when Treasurer Dai Williams and Capt. Lory were scooting aboutlocating pod leader Charlie Barker,to find missing tent poles that Charlie wasresponsible for.The beach was a colourful but organised sight; pods duly checked each other’ssafety gear, and then set off for about four hours of exercises. Towing systems,ISSUE FORTYfive• 2008 21

Sullivan’s BayBBQ cooks Ian Henderson, Paul CaffynSpectators at theKayak GamesNeil Thompson demonstrates and assisted rescueLynnis Burton,Paul Herbert sortthemselves outassisted rescues, paddling techniques, emergency overnight stopovers,compass bearings and estimating travel time scenarios were all played out,rafting up from time to time to discuss these issues or lessons learnt. All inall a very well executed morning and the perfect site. With nearly 200 peopleon the water, it was surprising that once we left the beach we were hardlyaware of the others.Back at base was the welcoming sight of a food marquee and the wet weatherprecaution of a couple of tents. Food supervisor Christine Watson had it allunder control: 450 sausages had been ably sizzled by chief BBQ chef IanHenderson assisted by Paul Caffyn and Stephen Law, whilst Helen Lory, LeslieSaysell, and Alison Sheeran had chopped and sliced up boxes of tomatoesand cucumber, and buttered bread ready to feed the masses. There was alsobottled water from Waiwera, and lovely fresh apples. As evidenced overthe whole weekend, many hands made light work…and many paddlersappreciated and scoffed the lot.After that no one was too keen to move… people chatted, loath to have anotherCoastbusters finish. For fifty folk, it didn’t – they paddled or drove aroundthe corner to Martins Bay for the inaugural International Kayak Week. Butthat is another story.PS The green things were water cress fresh and pureed.PPS to find out more try these websites;www.coastbusters.org.nzwww.adventurephilosophy.comwww.tsuamirangers.com22 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

Andy with his 12kg Kingie.Big Catch! by Andy BangsDawn on Good Friday was a morning all keen fishermen dream of. No wind and barely a cloud to be seen. The swell forecast was less than 1 metre, greatnews for a novice kayak fisher with dubious skill in the surf.The Fish n Dive went onto the roof rack, 8kg soft bait rig and net in the boot and I was off to Motiti Rd, Papamoa. High tide was around 7am. I had been doingwell on the snapper during the last couple of hours of the outgoing tide so I was keen to see if the fishing was as good for the incoming up to high tide.At the beach in the half light of dawn I set up the Cobra, dragged it into flat calm water, paddled for 500 metres and looked for the current lines whichpromise good fishing. Lacking a sounder I guessed where to drop the first Berkley Gulp/Pink Shine soft bait to check the depth. Before I could decide if Ineeded to paddle further a 1.5 kg snapper took the bait. I dispatched it and the bait went down a second time. Same result, another hard fighting pannie inthe bag. Yeeha this was looking promising! Third drop, nothing.I moved to deeper water about 1 km from the beach as the sun rose and counted 12 other kayaks. Popular pastime! In a good patch of current I dropped thesame bait. WHAM! A solid hook-up. The rod bent and 8kg braid peeled off the screaming reel. By crikey a rather large snapper to join the other two in thebag. But the run continued and all the 100 metres of braid disappeared. I was down to the mono backing. “This ain’t a snapper. Hope it’s not a shark!”30 minutes later I glimpsed colour then a rapidly pumping large yellow tail powering a kingie back to the depths. For 20 minutes this awesome fish towedme around the ocean until, at last. it was beside the kayak. Lacking a gaff I got about one third of the kingie head-first into my snapper net, put the rod in theholder, grabbed its tail and hauled it in.I was rapt! I have caught kingies in a boat before, some bigger than this, but this was my first in a kayak.I weighed it at home: 12kg or 26lb. Funny how youthink they will weigh more! Now I’m looking forward to good snapper fishing before winter kicks in. Roll on spring!!ISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 23

Peter van Lith on the last couple of drops onthe Ohinepango Stream.Taranaki Yakity Yak Clubtrip on the Waihohonu andOhinepango. Central NorthIsland, crystal clear springfed rivers with narrow gorgesections and beautiful sceneryon the Eastern side of MtNgauruhoe.Ross Benton looking cool and calm,must be the glasses.photo’s by Kim BattenLester Kelly in his Super Rad enjoying theextra challenge a low volume boat gives.

THE SEVEN DWARFS FROM NORTH SHORE - ANDTHEIR GUIDE - KAYAKING IN SAMOAThere once was a young girl from HullAt no point was there ever a lullWith a trip name of FuzzyThe Samoans called her their ‘Cuzzy’And she flew the whole time like a gull.Orgie came with a unique kind of laughA bit like a half strangled calfBut his own special turfWas out in the surfAnd as a planner times two and a half.Our guide was a guy known as MortyHe was long and tall and haughty‘Go there, come here’ he criedWe paddled, we turned and we triedWe hit a few rocks and were naughty.We all loved the girl they called SleepyIt was a worry when she went all weepyShe paddled so hardHer arms were like lardAnd she used language that was known as‘bleepy’.There was an old fella called DopeyWhose trip name should have been GropeyHis hands they would roamHe’d always come homeWe think he will always be hopey.We all heard the blonde jokes from hellThey suited our girl very wellShe was our BlondieWho waved a gold wandieAnd said ‘what is my future, pray tell’.Rowdy had the banter and chatShe knew she would never get fatHer smile was a killerHer dancing a thrillerAnd she stayed as sleek as a cat.It was hot in Samoa they sayRocky aimed to go all the wayHe tried and he triedShe fought and she criedAnd they stayed friends at the endof the day.A Good Trip from Richard & LeslyeSaysell, Andrea Pichler, Jane Wheater,Nick Webb, Sue & Ian Gunthorp (notin trip name order).NEW TECHNOLOGYTO KEEP YOU EXTRA WARMSharkskin is a revolutionary technical water sports garment that provides the warmth of a 2.5millimetre wetsuit and comes in a large range of sizes and styles to meet your needs.Even on a warm day wind chill can quickly cool you down on the surface. The windproof membranein Sharkskin acts not only to keep the wind out, but also breathes to reduce overheating. Theinner layer maintains warmth and also wicks away moisture for added comfort.The 4-way stretch material combined with a carefully designed multi-panel cut provides a superior body hugging, comfortable, non-restrictive fitalong with easy donning and doffing. Sharkskin is also odour and itch resistant, non-chafing, has outstanding sun protection (UPF 30+), is abrasionresistant, mildew resistant, lightweight and dries much faster than neoprene. Sharkskin is the product of choice for water sports enthusiasts.For your Authorised Aquanaut Dealer phone 09 415 8350, visit www.aquanaut.co.nz or email sales@aquanaut.co.nzSharkskin_jan08.indd 124/01/2008 2:22:55 PMISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 25

ggThe Yakity YakNZKI Sea Kayaking2 Star CertificateNZKI Sea Kayaking3 Star CertificateggNZKI Sea Kayaking1 Star CertificategRun NZKI 1 Star &Sea KayakingSkills CourseggSea Kayaking Skills Course& Yakity Yak ClubMembershipggEnjoy Club Trips AllOver The Country!ggWhich pathLeader Training CourseEskimo RolligNZKI Sea Kayaking4 Star CertificategggRun Advanced Club Trips & AssistOn Advanced Level CoursesgWeather &Navigation CoursegOceans CourseNZKI Sea Kayaking5 Star Certificateg gRun Advanced Level CoursesKayak Surfing SkillsCourseHAWKE’S BAY15 Niven StreetOnekawa,NapierPHONE: 06 842 1305TARANAKIUnit 6, 631 Devon RoadWaiwhakaiho,New PlymouthPHONE: 06 769 5506WAIKATOThe corner Greenwood St &Duke St, SH 1 Bypass,HamiltonPHONE: 07 847 5565WELLINGTON2 Centennial HighwayNgauranga,WellingtonPHONE: 04 477 6911BAY OF PLENTY3/5 Mac Donald StreetMount Maunganui(off Hewletts Rd)PHONE: 07 574 7415For up coming Yakity Yak trips see

Kayak ClubWhite Water Skills Course &Yakity Yak Club MembershipgNZKI White water Kayaking1 Star CertificateGrade 2 MultisportCertificateng CourseLead Club Tripscwill you take?gggggMeet A Great Bunch Of People!Run NZKI 1 Star& White Water KayakingSkills CoursegNZKI White WaterKayaking 2 StarCertificateggggNZKI White WaterKayaking3 Star CertificateNZKI White WaterKayaking4 Star CertificateggAdvanced WhiteWater CoursegRiver Skills CoursegRun Advanced Club Trips& Assist On AdvancedLevel CoursesRiver Rescue CourseggNZKI 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 0662TAUPO77 Spa Road,TaupoPHONE: 07 378 1003

TRANSsea-kayakoutriggersurf-skiTrans Taupo – 3 join sub 4 hour clubThree craft and their six paddlers became the first to jointhe Trans Taupo exclusive ‘Sub 4 hour club’ in the inauguralevent on the weekend.After a flood of late entries, 77 craft of various types took to the water withexactly 100 paddlers/rowers on board for the first race of its kind acrossof pure crystal mountain fed waters of Lake Taupo (New Zealand’s andAustralasia’s largest freshwater lake).The day could not have dawned better as the early morning mist cleared.Paddlers/rowers congregated in mass on the tranquil waters of TokannuBay. Variable 10 knot winds were forecast (assuring paddlers would get a bitof everything) with a predicted high of 19 degrees, the same temperature asthe water. The scene was perfect for the battle of human powered craft anda crack at breaking into the sub 4 hour club.The mass start always had spectacle written all over it and it did notdisappoint those amongst it and those watching from the shore. For thefirst time in the known history of open water racing, surf ski paddlers, seakayakers, waka ama kaihoe (outrigger paddlers) and ocean rowers linedup side by side fellow sportsmen/women eagerly awaiting the start ofNZ’s newest and longest open water race. Craft set off on the Trans Taupovoyage at 8:05am on Saturday 12th April 2008 to the cheers of watchingfriends, family and supporters.With Lake Taupo ¾ of a metre lower than normal after a cracker summer,paddlers/rowers raced for a good line down the centre of the marker polesand out into the larger Waihi Bay at the southern end of Lake Taupo. It wassurf ski paddlers who immediately set the early lead, paddling over theshelf into deep water of the bay and heading around the Tongariro Riverdelta. In amongst the lead group were race favorite and arguably in formNZ’s no# 2 surf ski paddler Simon McLarin (Auck), ex-top multisporter TimGrammer (Auck), past world down river team’s race champion Aaron Cox(Wanganui), and Simon Greenwood (Auck). They were soon joined by theforce of the Wanganui River Scullers quad ocean rower (of Lance, Murray,Tony and Pat) who starting conservatively had powered to the foreonce out in the open water.Not far back in a second bunch was NZ’s World Ranked Number#1 FemaleSurf Ski paddler Katie Pocock (Auck) and with her the leading Double SeaKayak men’s pairing of Dave Rudge and Jerome Sheppard from Wellington.Passing Check Point 1 (CP1) and refuelling point at the mouth of theTauranga-Taupo River, the Wanganui River Scullers had managed tobreak clear of the surf ski paddlers with the exception of Simon McLarinwho, sitting on their wash would just not let them go. Feeling a little guilthe dropped back momentarily to the chasing ski paddlers to urge them tocome up with him to the lead quad rower, before he made the jump back uponto their wash alone.Through CP2 (and the team transition point) at the northern end of MissionBay and 16.8kms gone into the crossing, little had changed, with theWhanganui Ocean Rower with Simon McLarin in tow leading the way. Afew hundred metres back from them was the surf ski trio of Tim Grammer,Simon Greenwood and Aaron Cox. And the same distance back again was abunch of surf ski and sea kayakers including leading woman Katie Pocock.After a flat calm journey across the lake, the leaders then rounded MotuterePoint and began the leg up to Hatepe Point into a light head breeze. This leg,although closest to the shoreline, proved to be the competitors toughest asthe breeze strengthened a little as the day began to heat up.Passing CP3 (the last checkpoint and refuelling opportunity) at HatepePoint, and with the largest most exposed leg of roughly 20km into Taupo togo, Simon McLarin decided he would take on the Wanganui River Scullersin an all out drag to the finish. Over 5km’s out in Lake Taupo off,Te Kohaiakahu Point, Simon Mclarin took advantage of the gatheringvariable winds and lumpy lake conditions to take the lead and edge aheadof the Quad. But the rowers refused to give an inch and the battle pursued.First to beach their craft in front of the Taupo Yacht Club and run 20metres up to the finish to take out the inaugural Trans Taupo challenge inimpressive fashion was 46yr old individual surf ski paddler Simon McLarinin the now race record of 3hrs 45min 49 sec. Just 1 min 46secs back in 2nd28 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

was the quad ocean rowing team the Wanganui River Scullers. Fightinghard all the way and doing his best to reel them in was Tim Grammer a mere37 seconds further adrift. All three craft (6 paddlers/rowers) became thefirst to join the illustrious Trans Taupo ‘Sub 4hr Club’.In an impressive show of paddling strength and fitness, Katie Pocockbeached her surf ski and raced ashore to be a notable fourth overall acrossthe line, merely 23 seconds outside the 4 hr mark and missing joining theSub 4 Club with the lads. With unfinished business, she’ll no doubt be backto etch her name in the club’s lifetime members book next year.Fifth over the line and first double sea kayak was the men’s pairing of DaveRudge and Jerome Sheppard (Well), just 41 second outside adding theirnames to the Sub 4 hr Club.The winning male single sea Kayaker was Rick Martin (Hastings) in 4hrs22min 47 sec in 17th place overall, and Rowina Hayes (Taupo) took linehonours in the women’s single sea Kayak in front of her hometown crowd, 53rd overall.Bryce Irving (Tauranga) edged out Tonga White (Ngaruawahia) by 2mins 12sec to take the single men’s waka ama title, coming in in 14th place overall.Best amongst the men’s single ocean rowers was Craig Smith (Hunterville)in 27th spot, and just 11 min 1 sec back keeping him honest in 30th overallwas Tracy Moorehouse (Wanganui) 1st female single ocean rower. TheTeam Tasman crew of Gordon, Steven, Simon and Scott muscled theirpurpose built Bridge to Bridge Tasman Sea crossing boat across the lake innothing short of what was a spectacular sight, finishingmid-field in 40th position.The all women’s double sea kayak was won by Auckland’s Julie Hopkinsand Prue Fry (41st overall to finish) and the mixed doubles sea kayak titlewas won by Christine Couldrey and Paul Dutton (Raglan) in4 hrs 8 min 23 sec, 13th overall.Finally Christian Liebergreen (an overseas tourist) and team mate StuGolding convincingly took out the single sea kayak relay combination,joining forces at the last minute and each competing half of the journeyacross the lake with great combined success.The Trans Taupo will be back in March 2009, which is pleasing news allwho competed in or watched the inaugural event and are speaking of theirreturn next year. If you’re keen to join them, be sure to get your entryin early for year 2.Many thanks are extended to all the Event Sponsors who got behind theevent when its success was an unknown. Further gratitude goes out to theTuwheretoa, Harbour Master, local Coastguard and Regional Council, plusfriends and family for their tremendous support in getting the event up andgoing, and making it such as great success.Photos courtesy of www.photochick.co.nzISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 29

2008 Trans Taupo Final Race ResultsSINGLE SURF SKI FULL COURSE MENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Simon McLarin 49 Auckland 3:45:49 +0:00:00 1 +0:00:002 Tim Grammer 3 Auckland 3:48:12 +0:02:23 3 +0:02:233 Paul Gillard 44 Auckland 4:01:06 +0:15:17 6 +0:15:174 Craig Anderson 41 Wellington 4:03:01 +0:17:12 8 +0:17:125 Joe Cornforth 14 Hamilton 4:04:21 +0:18:32 9 +0:18:326 Aaron Cox 28 Wanganui 4:04:41 +0:18:52 10 +0:18:527 Dave Hicks 47 Wellington 4:05:28 +0:19:39 12 +0:19:398 Wayne Patterson 55 Mt Maunganui 4:19:02 +0:33:13 15 +0:33:139 Warwick Smith 26 Auckland 4:25:46 +0:39:57 21 +0:39:5710 Mark Van Den Anker 39 Auckland 4:29:14 +0:43:25 24 +0:43:2511 Brad Hayes 9 Hamilton 4:32:37 +0:46:48 26 +0:46:4812 Chris Piggott 77 Auckland 4:58:32 +1:12:43 32 +1:12:4313 Leigh Davis 70 ? 5:16:05 +1:30:16 37 +1:30:1614 Brian Coombe 7 New Plymouth 5:38:11 +1:52:22 46 +1:52:22SINGLE SURF SKI FULL COURSE WOMENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Katie Pocock 27 Auckland 4:00:23 +0:00:00 4 +0:14:342 Tracy Wilson 17 Auckland 4:24:45 +0:24:22 18 +0:38:56SINGLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Rick Martin 56 Hastings 4:22:47 +0:00:00 17 +0:36:582 Andrew MacDonald 50 Tirau 4:29:47 +0:07:00 25 +0:43:583 Trevor Tait 69 Auckland 4:58:15 +0:35:28 31 +1:12:264 Dennis Dickey 15 Hamilton 5:03:11 +0:40:24 34 +1:17:225 Ryan Castle 53 Auckland 5:04:17 +0:41:30 35 +1:18:286 Jeff Wells 4 New Plymouth 5:19:46 +0:56:59 39 +1:33:577 Ben Darby 6 Auckland 5:31:36 +1:08:49 42 +1:45:478 Brendan Hartigan 59 New Plymouth 5:36:55 +1:14:08 43 +1:51:069 Bryan Tourell 12 North Shore 5:37:37 +1:14:50 44 +1:51:4810 Ken Franklin 58 Paraparaumu 5:37:54 +1:15:07 45 +1:52:0511 Viv Parker 33 Te Aroha 5:42:51 +1:20:04 48 +1:57:0212 Russell Troy 60 Auckland 5:46:15 +1:23:28 49 +2:00:2613 John Sanderson 1 Auckland 5:50:31 +1:27:44 51 +2:04:4214 Tony King 73 ? 5:51:23 +1:28:36 52 +2:05:3415 Glen Davies 8 Taupo 6:01:14 +1:38:27 57 +2:15:2516 Stephen Fox 66 Auckland 6:23:33 +2:00:46 62 +2:37:4417 Mike Hopkins 21 Auckland 6:26:42 +2:03:55 63 +2:40:5318 Mike Ettema 20 Auckland 6:30:03 +2:07:16 64 +2:44:1419 Steve Bignell 65 Taupo 6:42:42 +2:19:55 66 +2:56:5320 James Hawkins 2 Auckland 6:56:15 +2:33:28 67 +3:10:2621 Paul O'Connor 46 Auckland 7:36:08 +3:13:21 69 +3:50:1922 Andrew Wagg 67 Christchurch 7:36:09 +3:13:22 70 +3:50:20DNF Michael Ryan 25 CartertonDNF Brian Coffey 62 Auckland30 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

SINGLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ O VERALL OVERALL+1 Rowena Hayes 31 Taupo 5:51:28 +0:00:00 53 +2:05:392 Noreen Flanagan 18 Auckland 6:09:31 +0:18:03 61 +2:23:42SINGLE WAKA AMA FULL COURSE MENPL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Bryce Irving 75 Tauranga 4:18:46 +0:00:00 14 +0:32:572 Tonga White 34 Ngaruawahia 4:20:58 +0:02:12 16 +0:35:093 Troy Dolman 76 Rotorua 4:24:57 +0:06:11 19 +0:39:084 Keith Curry 40 Hokianga 5:38:52 +1:20:06 47 +1:53:035 Tony Loretz 42 Auckland 5:52:19 +1:33:33 54 +2:06:306 Byron Perkins 43 Auckland 5:52:20 +1:33:34 55 +2:06:317 Tom O’Brien 64 Gisbourne 6:57:41 +2:38:55 68 +3:11:52SINGLE OCEAN ROWER FULL COURSE MENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Craig Smith 54 Hunterville 4:36:34 +0:00:00 27 +0:50:452 Rod Trott 22 Wanganui 4:59:00 +0:22:26 33 +1:13:113 Bruce Butters 35 Wanganui 5:49:07 +1:12:33 50 +2:03:18SINGLE OCEAN ROWER FULL COURSE WOMENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Tracy Moorehouse 30 Wanganui 4:47:35 +0:00:00 3 0 +1:01:46DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MENPL NAME-1 NAME-2 # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Dave & Jerome Rudge/Sheppard 52 Wellington 4:00:41 +0:00:00 5 +0:14:522 Richard & Jonathon The Boatshed café& kayaks 38 Cambridge 4:02:29 +0:01:48 7 +0:16:403 Kevin & Grant Ruahine Kayaks Ltd 57 Hastings 4:05:07 +0:04:26 11 +0:19:184 Shane & Mark Ross/Rickard 48 Wellington 4:28:28 +0:27:47 23 +0:42:395 Peter & Ted Brock/Hughes 19 Auckland 5:55:56 +1:55:15 56 +2:10:076 Quinten & Ronald Kiner 68 Palmerston North 6:06:27 +2:05:46 60 +2:20:38DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE WOMENPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Julie & Prue Hopkins/Fry 5 Auckland 5:30:24 +0:00:00 41 +1:44:35DOUBLE SEA KAYAK FULL COURSE MIXEDPL First Name(s) Surname(s) # FROM TIME TIME+ OVERALL OVERALL+1 Christine & Paul Couldrey/Dutton 24 Raglan 4:08:23 +0:00:00 13 +0:22:342 Peter & Bronnie Van Lith 45 Tarinaki 4:25:13 +0:16:50 20 +0:39:243 Rich & Vicki Willis 51 Cambridge 4:26:49 +0:18:26 22 +0:41:004 Marcus & Sonya Diprose/Thompson 37 Rotorua 4:41:13 +0:32:50 28 +0:55:245 Ritchie & Rae Williams/Kurucz 74 Hamilton 4:43:43 +0:35:20 29 +0:57:54ISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 31

Whakanewha - Rocky Bay, WaihekeA 100% Natural Sleeping Tablet by Kel AshleyAt the start of this magnificent summer, halfway down thesouthern side of Waiheke proved a great location to spenda few days. Developed 13 years ago and now managed byAuckland Regional Council (ARC) Ranger Andy Spence, thecamping ground at Whakanewha nestles in native bush.The place is stunningly beautiful. Huge pohutakawa, some over 200 yearsold, rivalled by equally massive puriri and nikau palms, might have beenseedlings when Capt. Cook was around. Cook missed this side of the islandcompletely. Did Waiheke’s fortified Maori pas discourage him? Perhaps hehad bigger fish to fry. For us, discovering Whakanewha waswell worth our ‘voyage’.We paddled past the massive, pill-shaped rock which guards the entranceto Rocky Bay and at low tide landed on the righthand end of a white shellybeach. Trolleys, or in our case, Warehouse bags were options. Since thecamping ground starts on the grass verge, we could have done better,avoiding both by landing at high tide!Like much of New Zealand’s pre-European history, Whakanewha’s iscolourful and tragic. Its Maori name means ‘to lull’, but this was often beliedby bloody battles around the many fortified headlands.The most stunning views of the bay can be had from the pa immediatelybehind the camp. At night the lights of the Sky Tower flicker beyond BrownsIsland. In this idyllic place it’s hard to believe that you’re so close to thepulsing metropolis of Auckland.The camp is basic ARC. Heaps of drinkable water from taps, two coldshowers, flush toilets, grass and trees. That’s it. Cell phone access is prettyshaky. Great! If you run low on supplies and enjoy cockles and pipis,you’re in luck. If not, there’s a supermarket not too far away at Surfdale. Beinnovative — cadge a lift or paddle to Putiki, have a beer at the Irish pub(you’ll probably cringe if you’re Irish), then cadge a lift to the supermarket.Confession time. Bar a day trip to the very lovely Awaawaroa Bay, a coupleof marginally successful fishing excursions and another to Putiki Bay, wedidn’t do much kayaking. At Putiki Bay the internationally famous, seriouslyCampi Ground at Rocky BayAndy Spencewealthy Rothschild family own a quaint historic villa with its own beach.(We’d like to be in negotiations to take it off their hands… surely they needthe money!) We morphed back and became landlubbers, enjoying the manytracks and walkways which snake through the bush of the WhakanewhaRegional Park. Another visit will see more adventurous sea excursions toPonui or Pakatoa.But that’s the magic of Rocky Bay — or Whakanewha, take your pick. It ‘lulls’you into feeling that there’s no better place to be. At the northern end ofthe bay, Andy Spence has fenced off the wetlands and beach to protect theendangered dotterel population. It’s still accessible, but signs ask you to takecare.He gathered a group of would-be greenies from the camp for an ‘educationaltramp’, gently imparting years of conservation practice as he led the partyon the tracks and lovingly constructed walkways created by volunteers. Hegave them the credit. But without his vision, leadership and single-mindeddevotion, a gorse covered, cattle trodden wasteland would not have becomea kayaker’s and camper’sparadise. “Being the parkranger at Whakanewha hasbeen the most satisfyingwork I have ever done”, hewrote. “It has been my life’swork. It has required everyskill I have learnt in my life”.As we school children oncelearnt, Sir Christopher Wrenrebuilt London after theGreat Fire. His tablet in StPauls Cathedral, writtenin Latin, reads “If you seekhis monument, look aboutyou’. On a smaller scaleit’s what we can say aboutAndy Spence and one day,maybe, hope to hear aboutour work.Oh, the sleeping tablet? Aftera six and half hour paddlefrom the East Coast Bays, yousleep pretty well.32 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

For all your roof rack requirementsBAY OF PLENTY: 07 574 7415WAIKATO: 07 847 5565Email: sales@roofrackcentre.co.nzWELLINGTON: 04 477 6911AUCKLAND: 09 815 2072NORTH SHORE: 09 479 1002HAWKE’S BAY: 06 842 1305TAUPO: 07 378 1003MANUKAU: 09 262 0209TARANAKI: 06 769 5506 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 33

Aussie Adventure on Stewart IslandA tale of Survival Sea kayaking and tramping by Alissa WoodsSunset at Doughboy BayIn 2001, while I was at University, a DOC ranger visitingAustralia gave a presentation on working in New Zealand.Apart from gaining 12 months valuable work experienceand enjoying the novelty of living in another country, NewZealand offered a couple of outdoor adventurers the chanceto fill every weekend and holiday with the best NZ has tooffer.Inspired by him, Keenan and I moved to New Zealand in September 2007 andhave been big into sea kayaking. Issued with 3 weeks off over Christmas, atrip to Stewart Island seemed a perfect idea. We booked a couple of ferries,purchased two sea kayaks and spent a few weeks preparing meals and fruitfor the dehydrator.On Stewart Island, fearless and determined to tackle the unknown, wepacked as much food and gear as we could into our kayaks and towed themon homemade trolleys over the hill towards Paterson Inlet. ‘Eliza’ and‘Elaho’ reached the water’s edge at Golden Bay and our trip of a lifetime hadreally begun.For three days we paddled up South West Arm into a 30 knot wind, rainand 1.5m swell, sneaking around every little point to shelter from the wind.We stayed in hunters’ huts at Hapuatuna Bay and South West Arm, dryingclothes and thawing frozen fingers and toes. At last a beautiful sunnymorning with pancakes for breakfast and then we got thrashed on the waterwhen the afternoon wind picked up. We stashed our kayaks at RakeahuaHut and strapped on tramping packs.For five days we tramped the interior of the island, crossing to the west coast.Table Hill, one of the high peaks in the Tin Pot Range was our first challenge.Unmarked Alpine tracks, Alpine bogs, dense scrub and driving rain madespirits low and progress slow. We pitched camp on the only patch ofdry ground on the Alpine swampland. In the morning a break in the rainallowed us to power up to the summit for spectacular views of the remoteand rugged environment. The wind was strong and I had to hold tightly ontothe camera, but when a storm hit from the southern ocean, we were blowninto a rapid descent. We ate a quick lunch in the shelter of our tent, put ourwet wet-weather gear on and returned to Rakeahua Hut.That night 7 people shared the 6 bunk hut! In the morning we reluctantlypulled on still wet boots and set off to stunning Doughboy Bay on the westcoast for a 16km walk which included climbing Mt Doughboy. The mudFinally the wind is in our favour!Alissa Woods picturedbecame deeper and by 8 p.m. we were exhausted. It was New Year’s Eve.Greeted by friendly midgies and Oyster Catcher birds we joined four othertrampers around a beach bonfire and camped under a clear sky, sharingstories and enjoying the star show until, “Happy New Year”! At 12.05am wewere fast asleep.We spent a ‘rest’ day at Doughboy fishing and exploring the rocks.Amazingly every cast of the line brought in a fish. Then it was over. Theunbreakable Ugly Stick fishing rod snapped in half. Fish for lunch was abeautiful change from dehydrated Chili con carne.Wearing dry socks, and with energy renewed, walking back to our kayakswas a breeze. Short on food, thrown about by wind and swell, we paddledtowards Oban. I faked a smile when Keenan yelled, “Are you havingfun?”. But my guard was down when he disappeared behind a wave and,reappearing, caught my look of horror. We slugged it out across Paterson34 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

West End beach stop, Ulva IslandHapuatuna Hut, Paterson InletSouth West Arm from near Mt Doughboy summitInlet, and camped with other sea kayakers who were hiding from theweather in a picnic shelter near Prices Point.We scraped up our final breakfast from what remained of our rations. Thelast of the pancake mix, with cooked brown rice and melted ‘plastic’ cheeseslices on top, was delicious, improved by a little sugar and butter offered byour new friends.For the first time we had favourable paddling weather. On the bow of myboat we rigged a tarp for a sail with a stick for a mast, took to the water,made a few minor adjustments, rafted up and sailed back to Golden Bay.We needed only a few paddle strokes for the day.In Oban, wearing dry and clean clothes, a well deserved pub meal toppedoff a great trip. We had coped with awful weather, and conditions which seakayakers hope to avoid. Much tramping was in mud and hill climbs seemedendless. But we saw stunningly beautiful places, plants, animals, birdsand fish, and we met good company. However, we must have been the onlypeople who have visited Stewart Island and not seen a Brown Kiwi!New Zealand, and Stewart Island in particular, offers wonderful adventuresfor people who love a challenge. The DOC ranger hadn’t disappointed us.Alissa sailing homeISSUE FORTYfive• 2008 35

TARANAKI KAYAK FISHING CLASSICby Garry HarrisonDawn at White Cliffs. Paddler- the Jaffa.In March, 94 anglers entered for the best yet Taranaki KayakClassic, many picking up great spot prizes for registering!After the Friday briefing Dennis, Jimmy, Garry and Bruce, ourteam the Taranaki Tossers (bait that is), had an early nightfor a 4 am start. That was not too early. Several vehicles werealready unloading at our chosen spot when we arrived.At 6 a.m., looking forward to a perfect sunny day with very little wind, westarted our paddle in darkness. One of our team had no experienced ofthis and was naturally nervous. On the wild west coast so was I, but wasdetermined not to show it!We reached a reef on the edge of a marine reserve where a snapper, whichwas legal but not likely to win a prize, took my first bait. It lived another day.When the many bites we expected ran out with the sun it was time to move.We paddled 2 km offshore to the 20 metre mark. Fortunately Dennis, ourvisiting Jaffa, enjoyed paddling his hired Maurauder and had no troublewith the distance. We anchored and soon the lads were whooping withdelight as they landed snapper after snapper from the burley trail. Close toour limit bag we increased hook and bait sizes to lure the big one, but onlypannies, Gurnard and Kawahai came aboard..We moved to the 15 metre mark, catching up with Aaron Murrfit and histeam. They already had a good mix of species which later earned Aaronprizes. We baited up, had a burley trail drifting down current and for anhour caught yet more kawahai.It had been a great day with a great bunch of guys. Flat calm glassy ocean,lots of fish BUT not the BIG one. We headed for home.A long queue of competitors provided the weigh masters with a steadystream of fish including snapper over 6kg. The biggest for the day weighed7.8kg. Considering the number of kingis and tuna caught in the last fewweeks by members of our kayak club, it was surprising that there were nonethis day.The winning team36 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

We enjoyed a lovely meal and a band kept us entertained. By 11pm mostanglers had turned in, ready for another early morning start. But a bunch ofgood keen Wellington lads couldn’t wait. They went fishing in the dark justoff Oakura beach, were dumped on landing and broke a rod..Our team was up at 6am and on the beach at 7am, expecting moderatewinds. Dennis, Jimmy and Garry were ready to go, but where was Bruce?Other yaks were paddling while we paced up and down the beach. Just aswe decided to go without him, he arrived looking the worse for wear, anaftermath of dehydration on Saturday.In freshening wind we stayed close to home and fished Oakura beach wherea thresher shark gave me a good battle before breaking off to swim anotherA line up of great Snapperday. After an hour the ocean was very lumpy. Dennis got his anchor stuckand pulling with all his might a swell caught him. Over he went. I paddledto his aid, flipped his Maurauder and he quickly climbed back on board.Thankful for the buddy system we gathered up the floating bait and tackle,recovering everything except a loose rod. (As you probably know, everycompetitor must have a buddy). Drift fishing was now our best option andwe caught a steady stream of kawhai.A couple of hours was enough. It was time for a beach landing. For a whilewe studied the considerable waves, went for it and made it without drama. Afish n dive is very stable in rough conditions!The weigh in was at Butlers Reef Hotel. This time there weren’t so manyfish but as usual all eyes were on the hard core fishos. They brought 5-6kgsnapper to the scales.It was awesome to have both Steve and Shamus, great ambassadors forour sport, make the effort to travel to Taranaki for the competition andshare their vast knowledge with the locals. For this weigh in they wereempty handed. They had caught many fish, all smaller than Saturday’s, andreleased the lotBarney, from 90fm, was M C for the evening’s prize giving. Jim Morwood,who had just purchased a Fish n Dive , now has an Explorer as well, as theearly bird draw winner. Prizes totalling $15,000 (plus lots of spot prizes)were awarded.The last ‘prize’ was the entry draw for a Cobra Maurauder and accessoriessupplied by Cobra kayaks and Canoe & Kayak Taranaki, won by Jason Bondfrom Stratford.It was a great weekend. 94 entries, a splendid venue, marvellous sponsors,smooth organization from Oakura Surfcasting and Kayak Fishing Club madeit the best competition yet.And the tossers (bait that is) came third in the teams’ competion for thesecond year in a row. We will just have to try harder in 2009.Regards Gazza.(aka Garry Harrison)Gazza (Club President Garry Harrison) & friendGreat prizes to be won!ISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 37

Products available in store by ordering frominfo@canoeandkayak.co.nzCANOE & KAYAKThird BarFor very long loads, or for the ute. The Third bar ismounted on the tow bar and has a bar across thetop at the same width as a standard roof rack bar.Room for two kayaks.Priced at $449.00CANOE & KAYAKRoller LoaderThis version has two rollers in a V shape. Simplyload the bow of your kayak in the roller, lift thestern and push the kayak into position.Priced at $365.00Kiwi 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’file. KASK holds national sea kayaking forums.Website:www.kask.co.nzAnnual subscription is $35.00.KaskPO Box 23, Runanga 7841,West CoastAll three systems can have a bikebar added as an optional extra.CANOE & KAYAKLiberty loaderThis quick and easy device makes loading yourkayak a breeze. Having pre-set the height of theloader and mounted it on your tow bar, you simplylift the rear of your kayak into the webbing cradle,with the nose pointing away from the car. Thenlift the nose and walk it 180 degrees to rest on theroof mounted cradles. The Liberty loader acts asa third bar as well.Priced at $349.00Prorack Kayak CradleAn exciting new upgrade to the already popularKayak Cradle from Prorack.This cradle has always been popular for theacute angles available to suit even the narrowestmultisport boat. The flexible rubber pads mouldto the shape of your hull to cradle your kayakperfectly.The pivoting heads allow even pressure distributionacross the surface of the pad. In addition, thecradle pad flips over for easy side loading.The new cradle is now designed to fit the standard25 x 20mm bar. It will slide into the ‘T’ groove inmost aerofoil bars. If you have that ‘odd ball’ roofrack – Prorack have come up with a set of extrafittings to allow fitting to almost any roof rack.Tie down points are incorporated into the baseof the cradle.Tie down straps which incorporatea cam-lock buckle for speedy tightening, are alsoincluded in this kit.From $199.9538 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

Products available in store by ordering frominfo@canoeandkayak.co.nzADVENTURE PANTSBased on feedback from our customers, these paddling pants have beenupdated and improved for the new season We’ve slimmed down the cut of thelegs to take away some of the bulkiness, and changed the waist to streamlinethings there too. Now you can be warm and comfortable when waiting inthe wind, or putting up the tent, or scouting rapids, or having lunch, or justpaddling - everybody who’s tried paddlingpants knows how valuable they are, andnow you can try them too at a very, verygood price.• Unisex cut, with gusset - makes for a goodfit for both male and female paddlers.• Neoprene cone ankle seals - for acomfortable, easy-to-get-into solution(no need to be hopping around on a riverbank with one foot half through a latexseal).• Deep neoprene waistband with wideelasticated braces - so that the waistdoesn’t have to be too tight.Fabric: A 4oz ‘Tactel’ textured nylonwith a breathable, delamination-proofExeat coating.Priced at $244.95Colours: Blue/Black.RASDEX ADVENTURE SEMI DRY CAGIf you’re tired of looking at expensive dry cags or want something clean andsimple that will stop all that cold water running down your sleeves, this isfor you. It’s a slim-line semi dry cag with super-comfortable neoprene neckand textured breathable fabric. No unnecessary frills on this one, just whatyou need to keep warm and dry. Ideal for many kinds of paddling, whetheryou’re using a kayak or a sit-on-top, on a lake or a river, in competition or justplain having fun.• Folded neoprene cone neck - a redesigned neck using soft, supple 1.5mmneoprene for a non-restricting seal which avoids any weak points or raggededges.• Latex wrists with covers - includesa drainage eyelet to stop waterbuilding up between the layers.• Neoprene waist - a deep band fora good comfortable single seal.Fabric: A 4oz ‘Tactel’ texturednylon with a breathable,delamination-proof Exeat coating.Colours: Blue/Black.Priced at $229.95Roof Racksfor alloccasionsADVENTURE PRO DRY CAGThis popular dry cag is turning heads all over the world. The fabric is awaterproof, breathable tactel so it’s a good step up from the more basic shinynylon and is very comfortable to wear. The reflective piping separating thecolour panels catches the light easily, helping you to be seen if you’re on theriver a bit late, and looking good throughout the day. The arms are cut highand pre-bent to give you plenty of movement, and we’ve just added an elbowpatch to give the most vulnerable areas even more strength.Adjustable neoprene outer waist band - to keep a nice tight seal betweenyou and the water.Elasticated fabric inner waist band. Feedback from our paddlers has told usthat a double neoprene waistband is hard to use, so this cag now has a new,less bulky design.Latex neck with neoprene cone cover - the driest possible design. It’s completewith mesh drainage at the base of the neoprene cover so that water nevercollects between the seals.Latex wrists with adjustable covers are easy to get on. They also includemesh drainage.Fabric: A 4oz ‘Tactel’ textured nylon with a breathable, delamination-proofExeat coating.Colours: Red/Black or Blue/Black.Priced at $439.95ISSUE FORTYfive• 2008 39

Intoducing the Catch 390by the team at Mission Kayaking NZ LtdTwo Mission Kayaking staffcompeted in the TaranakiKayak Fishing Classic on the8 th and 9 th of March and hereis what they had to say aboutthe Catch 390:John Brown:“For someone who hasn’t donevery much kayaking or fished froma kayak, I found it very stable andeasy to paddle. It was great becauseI wasn’t too worried about becominga champion kayaker; I just wanted togo fishing. The handles were great aswell, really good for putting on top ofthe car or getting back in if you fellout, as I found out”!Nigel Fifield:“It was incredibly stable and handledthe large Taranaki swells just fine, aswell as giving you the confidence tomove around and fight fish withoutlosing any gear. The seat was alsoreally comfortable and it punchedthrough the waves really well on theway out and surfed nicely on the wayback in”.The new specialist fishing kayak can now be yours. Extensive research anddevelopment by Mission Kayaking NZ Ltd has produced the stable Catch 390with features to satisfy the keenest angler. It is ideal for a beginner and upgradekits are available for experienced fishermen. Moreover there is enough space fora DIY enthusiast to customize.Guarding against Murphy’s Law, the Catch 390 uses front and rear bulkheads to create three sealedcompartments. So when a hatch pops during a surf landing, or a rogue wave catches you with a hatchopen, the chance of swamping is minimal. Drainage is excellent.A unique feature is the watertight fishing rod chute. When negotiating large swells it keeps your rod inyour kayak!To secure your gear there are plenty of bungies and anchor points, and flush mount rod holders behindthe seat are excellent for trolling.You will punch easily through surf because theCatch 390’s hull is designed for stability and Speed.Contact your local Mission dealer today to getyour hands on the brand new Mission Catch 390.Vital Statistics;Length 390 cmWidth 85 cmWeight 28 kgStorage over 200 litres40 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

THULE professional rangeDesigned with a purpose for professionals like youYou know what it takes to get the job done well. So do we.The Thule Professional load carrier system is a uniquesolution designed specifically for the really tough demandsof on-the-move professionals.Now you can take advantage of this rugged, fully integratedsystem to help make every workday easier, safer and moreproductive. Being able to save 10–15 minutes here andthere duringthe week addsup. Opening upopportunitiesto either takeon more jobs orperhaps get offwork earlier.Thule ConduitBox 317Loading, separating andtransporting conduitshas never been easier.This unique, heavy-dutyConduit Box takes careof a few of the most annoying aspects of loading conduits and similarobjects. The double openings at the front and rear ensure easy access tothe load, while slam locks provide reliable theft protection. Perfectl forquick, secure and efficient storage of piping. Size: 320x22x12 cm.Priced at $1599.00Thule Awning326For working under coverYou may have to workoutdoors despite poorweather conditions, butthere’s no need to to sufferwhile doing it. With the Thule Professional Awning fitted to the side ofyour car you can keep up the good work, come scorching sunshine orpouring rain. Just pull it out when you need protection and push it backin when you’re done.Mounts onto the crossbars and operates from the side of the vehicle.The universal mounting system allows it to fit the majority of work vans.Available in three lengths.Heavy-Duty materialsWith aluminium profiles and tear resistant fabric in laminated PVC.Water proof and UV protection.Priced at $2399.00ISSUE FORTYfive • 2008 41

Learn To KayakPhone 0508 529 2569 to bookStage 1Stage 2Stage 1Stage 2SKILLS 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.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 evening sessionsCOST $200INTRO TO WHITE WATERA comprehensive course designed tocover the skills required to become atechnically correct paddler. Starting offin a heated pool and progressing throughflat water to moving water, it allows youto develop techniques and confidence atan enjoyable pace with great end results.Course: WeekendCOST $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 evening sessionsCOST $200Stage 3Stage 4Stage 3Stage 4WEATHER & 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 evening sessionsCOST $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 buildon the skills gained on Stage One andTwo Courses. 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 $349MULTISPORTDuring this course we build on the skillsgained on the Stage One to Three Courses.Developing your moving water skills,technique and confidence in your MultiSport Kayak. We start on the MohakaRiver on Saturday and progress to theWhanganui on Sunday for some bigwater paddling. River racing competencyletters are awarded to those who meet thestandard and criteria as outlined on theGrade Two Competency Certificate. A copyis available from Canoe & Kayak Centres.Course: Weekend • COST $349Stage 6Stage 5Stage 6Stage 5KAYAKING SURFSurfing 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 safetyCourse: 4 evening sessionsCOST $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.Programme One EveningCost $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 learnrope skills, muscle techniques, teamcontrol, heads up, risk management andcombat swimming. Also covered areskills required in the following situations:entrapments, kayak wraps, swimmingkayakers and their 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 FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

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.$90 per person (bookings essential).Call freephone 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...Price: $45 adult $25 children Specialgroup and family rates. Call freephone0800 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 freephone0800 KAYAKN for details.Phone: Taupo 07 378 1003,Hawke’s Bay 06 842 1305Interested in a great adventure on thisMagnificent River?Give us a call and we will give you amemory of a lifetime.Canoe & Kayak TaupoPrice on application.0800 529256TAUPO AccommodationWaitara River ToursMokau RiverSugar Loaf IslandAccommodation available to Yakity Yakclub members and their families... Ideal forsport and school groups... Situated on thebanks of the Waikato River our KayakersLodge accommodates up to 15 people, isfully furnished, with plenty of parking and aquiet location.$30 per person per night.Phone: 0800 529256 for detailsFor those who are slightly more adventurous atheart, this is a scenic trip with the excitement ofgrade two rapids. Midway down, we paddleunder the historic Betran Rd Bridge wherewe 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 $230.00 orone day $80.00.Phone 06 769 5506From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head outto the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar LoafIsland Marine Reserve. View the Taranakiscenic, rugged coastline as we draw closer tothe Sugar Loaf Islands. Enjoy the seal colonyand experience the thrill of close up views ofthese fascinating marine mammals.Allow 3 hours subject to weather.$55.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506Glow worms CruiseJoin us for a picturesque paddle on LakeMcLaren and into the narrow canyon to viewglow worms by night or beautiful waterfallsby day. This trip takes about 1.5-2hours andis suitable for paddlers with no experience,all gear, hot drinks and nibbles are supplied.Price $65 per person.Phone Canoe and Kayak BOP forbookings. 07 574 7415River ToursExploring beautiful estuaries. Enjoy a scenictrip with wildlife and great views.Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ for detailsKayak HireTaupo - 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 nowPaddle to the PubKayaking to a local pub is a unique way ofspending an evening, bringing your group offriends together by completing a fun activitybefore dinner and making a memorableexperience. These trips are available toRiverhead, Browns Bay and Devonport Pubs.COST: $59.00 each • GROUP DISCOUNTSAVAILABLE!Phone Canoe & Kayakon 0508 KAYAKNZ for detailsTwilight ToursDeparts 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 detailsCustomized Tours• Work Functions • Schools• Clubs • Tourist groupsWhether it’s an afternoon amble, afull days frolic or a wicked weekendadventure we 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 KAYAKNZJoin the Yakity Yak ClubWant 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 more50 ISSUE FORTYfive • 2 0 0 8

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.

DISCOVER ANOTHER WORLDAUCKLANDTAUPOTARANAKIHAWKE’S BAYNUKUHAUCITYDOMINION ROADBALMORAL ROADSANDRINGHAM ROAD502 Sandringham RdTelephone: 09 815 2073Arenel LtdT/A Canoe & Kayak AucklandSOUTHST LUKES RDS.H.1TONGARIRO STLAKE TERRACESPA ROADRUAPEHU STREETTANIWHA STREETS.H.177 Spa Road, TaupoTelephone: 07 378 1003Acme Kayaking LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak TaupoNORTHNORTHWAIWHAKAIHO RIVERDEVON ROADSMART ROADUnit 6, 631 Devon RoadWaiwhakaiho, New PlymouthTelephone: 06 769 5506Peter & Bronnie van LithTrading as Canoe & Kayak TaranakiTARADALE ROADNIVEN STREET15 Niven StreetOnekawa, NapierTelephone: 06 842 1305Canoe & Kayak LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Hawke’s BayNORTHNORTH SHORESILVERDALEMANUKAUBAY OF PLENTYUPPER HIGHWAY (16)NORTHERN MOTORWAYNORTHCONSTELLATION DRIVEUnit 2/20 Constellation Drive,(Off Ascension Drive), Mairangi Bay,Auckland - Telephone: 09 479 1002Flood Howarth & Partners LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak North ShoreWAIKATOKILLARNEY ROADSH1BYPASSDUKE STREETKAHIKATEA DRIVENORTHGREENWOOD STDUKE STREETKAHIKATEA DRIVEASCENSION PLThe Corner Greenwood St& Duke St, State Highway 1 bypassHamiltonTelephone: 07 847 5565On Water Adventures LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak WaikatoNORTHEAST COAST ROADMAIN NORTH HIGHWAYFOUNDRY RD6 Tavern Road,SilverdaleTelephone: 09 421 0662Canoe & Kayak LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak DistributionWELLINGTONNORTHNGAURANGA GO RGE RDCENTENNIAL HIGHWAYSTATE HIGHWAY 1TAVERN ROADMALVERNL V MARTIN2 Centennial Highway,Ngauranga, WellingtonTelephone: 04 477 6911J & M Downey LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak WellingtonFIRSTDRIVEWAYGREAT SOUTH RDTOYOYABRONCOSWIRI STATION ROADSOUTHERN MOTORAWAYNORTH710 Great South Road, ManukauTelephone: 09 262 0209Canoe & Kayak LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak ManukauJOIN THEPHONE YOUR NEARESTCANOE & KAYAK CENTRETO TAURANGA BRIDGEMACDONALD STREETMAUNGANUI ROADLIQUORLANDHEWLETTS ROADKFC3/5 Mac Donald StreetMount Maunganui (off Hewletts Rd)Telephone: 07 574 7415Jenanne Investment LimitedTrading as Canoe & Kayak Bay of PlentyNew KayakCentre AreasAvailableNow!PhonePeter Townend 0274 529 255Emailpete@canoeandkayak.co.nzwww.canoeandkayak.co.nz