Issue 01 AU/NZ Autumn 2012

01_12_necky_padd;eM_May

Distributed exclusively by

boatinglifestyleadventure
bla.com.au

necky.com.au

A LIFETIME OF
EXPLORATION..

ONE WEEKEND
AT A TIME.
necky.com.au

LOOKSHA ELITE CARBON

Length: 5.2 m
Width: 0.55 m
Cockpit: 0.81 x 0.40 m
Weight: 21.3 kg
Storage: 201 ltr

LOOKSHA 14 POLYMER

Length: 4.3 m
Width: 0.63 m
Cockpit: 0.90 x 0.41 m
Weight: 26 kg
Storage: 162.8 ltr

LOOKSHA 17 FIBREGLASS

Length: 5.3 m
Width: 0.60 m
Cockpit: 0.83 x 0.43 m
Weight: 24.4 kg
Storage: 196.9 ltr

LOOKSHA ELITE FIBREGLASS

Length: 5.2 m
Width: 0.55 m
Cockpit: 0.81 x 0.40 m
Weight: 23.6 kg
Storage: 201 ltr

Autumn 2012
Paddlemag is published quarterly
Winter / Spring / Summer / Autumn
Publishers Adventure Types, Unit 3,
5-7 Mooltan St, Travancore, Vic 3032
Editorial correspondence
editor@paddlemag.com
10 Wentworth Ave, Sandringham, Vic 3191
Telephone 0433 353 356
Editor Patrick Kinsella
editor@paddlemag.com
NZ Editor Anthony Antz Longman
nzeditor@paddlemag.com
Associate Editors
Simon Madden + Chris Ord + Ross Taylor
Advertising Terry Wogan terry@adventuretypes.com
Founders Patrick Kinsella, Simon Madden, Chris Ord,
Ross Taylor, Terry Wogan, Heidi & Peter Hibberd
Design The Bird Collective / Heidi & Peter Hibberd
info@thebirdcollective.com.au
PO Box 80, Sassafras, Victoria 3787
www.thebirdcollective.com.au

Video Rohan Klopfer

Training, Skills and Hoodoo Gurus Tim Altman,
John Jacoby, Rohan Klopfer, Jarad Kohlar,
Cheri Perry, Matt OGarey, Turner Wilson
Trail Blazer Scott Rawstorne
Gear Gurus Adrian Kiernan, Jarad Kohlar,
Mich OConnor, Bobby Miller, Rohan Klopfer
Contributing writers Emma Francis, John Jacoby,
Adrian Kiernan, Rohan Klopfer, Jarad Kohlar, Sue
Lockwood, Bobby Miller, Mich OConnor, Cheri Perry,
Scott Rawstorne, Sandy Robson, Turner Wilson
Contributing photographers Harvie Allison, David
Brock, Kate Brockhurst, Murray Muzza AndersonClemence, Ray Hailey, Darryl Leniuk, Juris Puisens, Scott
Rawstorne, Ben Southall, Matt Sloan, Krystle Wright
Special thanks to
East Coast Kayaking www.eastcoastkayaking.com
Global Paddler www.globalpaddler.com.au
Paddle 2 Fitness www.paddle2fitness.com.au
Peak Adventure www.peakadventure.com.au
We Paddle www.wepaddle.com.au
Cover Photo Paul Porteous competing at Monsoon
Madness by Murray Muzza Anderson-Clemence
Proofer Chelsea Brunckhorst
Web consultant Mark Gould, Simon Madden

Foundation Supporters
Bla www.bla.com.au
Capacity Sports www.capacitysports.com.au
Fluid Kayaks www.fluidkayaks.com
Kayak 4 Play www.kayak4play.com.au
Sea to Summit www.seatosummit.com.au
Necky Kayaks www.necky.com
Ocean Kayak www.oceankayak.com
Old Town Canoes www.oldtowncanoe.com
PaddlePro www.paddlepro.com.au
Solution Gear www.solutiongear.com.au
Teva www.teva.com
Tourism Tropical North Queensland tq.com.au
Trak Kayaks www.rethinkkayak.com
True Alliance www.truealliance.com.au
Disclaimer
Canoeing, creeking, sea-kayaking, SUPing, rafting, running with scissors,
whitewater and bluewater paddling of all kinds, and other activities described
in this magazine, can carry significant risk of injury or death. Undertake any
paddling or other outdoor activity only with proper instruction, supervision,
equipment and training.
The publisher and its servants and agents have taken all reasonable care to ensure
the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the expertise of
its writers. Any reader attempting any of the activities described in this publication
does so at their own risk. Neither the publisher nor any of its servants or agents
will be held liable for any loss or injury or damage resulting from any attempt to
perform any of the activities described in this publication, nor be responsible for
any person/s becoming lost when following any of the guides or maps contained
herewith. All descriptive and visual directions are a general guide only and not to
be used as a sole source of information for navigation. Happy paddling.

Visit us online
www.paddlemag.com
www.facebook.com/paddlemag
www.twitter.com/paddlemag
vimeo.com/paddlemag
5

Contents
THE PUT IN

WORDS OF WISDOM

REVIEWS

8 Editors Letters

12 Guest Guru

16 Event Wrap Monsoon Madness

John Jacoby, a living legend

26 Race Preview The Great

of Australian paddling

Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge

80 Q&A Matt OGarey

64 Boats, Blades + Boards

The on-the-water essentials
74 A Good Time to Buy
The best in paddling gear

28 Destination SUPing Tropical

is on his way to Molokai

84 Health

WATERWAYS

North Queenslands Low Isles

FEATURES

Tim Altman on how

to prepare your body

102 Brunswick River

104 Lake Cooroibah

for a big race

THE TAKE OUT

Speck from Germany to Australia

86 How to

44 World First

Jarad Kohlars introduction

Across Bass Strait on surf skis

to racing whitewater

56 Exploration Kayaking

88 Why to

New Zealands Dusky Sound

Cheri Perry + Turner Wilson

92 Profile Meet the Global Paddler

on Greenland rolling

78 Tales from the River

Whitewater Women
106 Paddle porn
Money shots for paddling pervs
112 Jaunt Behind the scenes of
an Australian-made whitewater epic

30 Expedition Following Oskar

In the beginning
One day, when I was about six, my dad decided to throw our
TV set in the bin. I cant recall exactly what prompted this, but
basically he was making a stand against the pollution of my
brain by the idiot box. He thought I should be outside doing
stuff. I thought I should be on the sofa watching episodes
of Monkey Magic. In retrospect he was right, but at the
time I used to crawl under the hedge to go and watch the
adventures of Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy with my neighbours.
Hedge burrowing wasnt the only outdoor skill I picked up
during that period though. Dads plan worked pretty well,
and I began getting into various outdoor activities, including
kayaking, which I discovered through the school youth club.
After a while I hatched a plan with my best mate Jamie for
our first independent overnight paddling expedition, using
my mum and dads double kayak.
Now, I was brought up in southern Englands suburbia,
not backcountry BC, and this trip along the River Wey,
a tributary of the Thames involved a fair bit of shopping
trolley dodging. But still, eventually we paddled past the
orbit of council estates that surround our hometown and
set up camp in a field. We lit a fire, and tried to cook the
half-frozen pizza that had been sloshing around in the murky
water at the bottom of the kayak for several hours.
Long story short, Jamie got a rampaging dose of the shits and
has never set foot in a kayak or willingly slept in a tent since.
For whatever reason, however, I had a different reaction to the
experience. (Although, sadly, not to the pizza.)

That was, quite literally, half a world and three-quarters of a

lifetime ago. The intervening years have been kind. Now I have
world-class sea kayaking conditions at the end of my road,
access to truly wild (and shopping trolleyfree) rivers within
a short drive, and people I count as good friends who are
well-regarded paddling experts and who I learn something
new from every single time I get on the water with them the
same people whose expertise and generosity have made the
launch of this publication possible.
But I also learnt a few things on that first kayaking trip, some
thirty years ago, which have never left me. The first is that
frozen pizza is rubbish camping food. The second is that theres
something magical about having a paddle in your hands
even when youve had to actually tie it to your hands to avoid
dropping it when falling asleep, as I did when I paddled the
virtually non-stop 740km Yukon River Quest a few years back.
That experience, while leaving the bottom half of my body
numb for about a week, awakened another side of my passion
for paddling. Id always been a kayaker, but I loved the canoe
culture I discovered in Canada and came back dead set on
properly learning some open-boat and one-ended paddle
skills. I experienced the same feeling again when I paddled an
outrigger for the first time, during the making of this edition.
Ive been spending heaps of time attempting to improve my
surf- and ocean-ski paddling skills after being introduced to
that side of the sport a few years back, and since having a
crack a SUPing, Im also determined to master that. My wife

thinks my aspirations to get more into whitewater and creeking

are simply a symptom of a midlife crisis, but I suspect shes at
least grateful that my insurance policy is cheaper than a down
payment on a Porche.
And therein lies both the beauty and the curse of paddling
its a multi-faceted pursuit that either demands specialisation
or forces you to concede that you cant be an expert at all forms
of it. Unless youre one of those true natural ocean men (or
women), that clearly Im not. Damn it. But Im happy with that
and I suspect Im not alone. Otherwise I wouldnt have launched
this e-zine, which is intended to be a celebration of all paddlebased sports and pastimes.
Just how much I still have to learn has been brought home to
me time and again while putting this launch edition together.
Im happy to keep consuming the knowledge of my paddling
buddies and instructors, and when my body and brain wont
absorb any more I can always live vicariously through my kids.
Little Alice is brand new, she has all the time in the world, and
Ivy, my eldest daughter, has just turned six. Shes no stranger to
paddling already; maybe shell get to master all the skills Ill never
have time to learn. That bloody TV will have to go though.

Pat
Patrick Kinsella
editor@paddlemag.com

Editorial AU Patrick Kinsella

8

Los rios son las venas del mundo

When I was 17, I lived in Costa Rica for year as part of an

intercultural exchange. On the outskirts of my small rural town
there was a sign that read: los rios son las venas del mundo
(meaning the rivers are the veins of the world).
The truth of this statement made a big impact on me and,
as a kayaker, I chose to take this sign to heart and base my
life around my own love for the river.
Since then Ive travelled to a handful of countries scattered
across the world with my paddle in hand, Ive taught countless
children to take their first paddle strokes, and Ive challenged
myself against some of the planets toughest rapids.
When this wasnt enough, I launched a kayaking publication,
Cumec magazine, and chose to live in a great part of
New Zealand with stunning rivers and picturesque lakes
on my doorstep.
Why then have I stepped in to support the beginning
of another Australasian kayak magazine?
I first met Pat Kinsella a few years ago at a tradeshow
in Canberra. He was keen and enthusiastic about all things
adventure and was eager to try and work together on
a project. Initial ideas may have slipped by, but with new
technologies and easy access to high-speed internet, Pat is
now launching this e-zine and we finally have that chance.

Whether youre reading this on your iPad while commuting

to work, or sitting in front of your desktop computer, the
new format provides a far-reaching opportunity to share all
paddle-sports with like-minded individuals. Its fast, its free,
and its going to touch on all the diverse range of activities
that fall under the power of a paddle.
We cant be everywhere, but with the strengths of Pat and
the Paddlemag crews experience in publishing, and a drive
to provide inspiring content to the masses, there are many
exciting things to look forward to as we work together to
support the paddling community Downunder.
Now Pat knows this, and Im not ashamed to say it, but Im a
whitewater junkie, one of those whose vehicle reeks of damp
paddling gear, and who eagerly watches the flow gauges
every time it rains.
But while my influence on Paddlemag may be swayed towards
this prejudice, rest assured that theres a lot of good paddling
of all descriptions in New Zealand. Weve got more than
enough rivers, lakes, and coastlines to keep the avid explorer
frothing at the mouth as they look for inspirational trips, and
we cant wait to bring them to you.

Antz
Anthony Longman
nzeditor@paddlemag.com

Editorial NZ Anthony Longman

10

Guest Guru John Jacoby

THE GETTING
OF WISDOM,
AND THE EARNING
OF MAN HANDS
Having spent over thirty years on the water, there
arent many people in Australia who are more versed in
the art of paddling than John Jacoby. Here the multiple
national- and world-champion marathon kayaker tells
us the story of how it all began, and shares some of the
knowledge he has accumulated over three decades
of competitive, exploratory and recreational paddling.
Paddling in the depths of winter in Port Phillip Bay, wearing
woollen jumpers and a beanie, was a great initiation to the
harden-up school of the outdoors.
My initiation into the world of paddling took place during a
year 9 camp, and once awakened, my passion for the pursuit
was fostered through the schools fantastic activity program.

with my kayak on my shoulder around Central Park in Malvern

would all seem worthwhile after I won the World Cup in 1985.

Stewart Island and Fiordland in New Zealand, and paddling Bass

Strait via King Island, where the conditions really were testing.

Paddling was well and truly in my blood by that stage, and I

went back to Europe and won the Worlds for the following
four years. Some races went to plan, others were the exact
opposite, but the 1988 Worlds probably taught me the best
lesson to never give up.

I have paddled next to and on top of whales, which is pretty

cool, and Ive had dolphins jump out of the water and hit my ski.
I was once harassed by a leopard seal and Ive seen a few sharks
but nothing terrifying; I usually feel pretty safe in a ski or kayak.

I showed some potential on the water but had shocking technique,

so I was told to go and find a coach, which I did. I introduced myself
to Reg Hatch one day at a sprint regatta and he begrudgingly
took me on as a marathon paddler. Reg was a die-hard sprint
coach whod had success coaching John Sumegi to Silver and
4th place at Moscow Olympics in K1 500 and K1 1000 respectively.

The race took place in horrendous weather. After the first 2km
my kayak was swamped and I was coming dead last. It was
a long, brutal race but I just knuckled down and chased the
leaders, catching them on the final turn with about 4km to go.
At that point my confidence rose and I believed I could knock
these guys off. The race finished with a four-way sprint, which
I won by 1 second. I never was a good sprinter, but I did learn
over time that my sprint after 41km was better than most.

Our program consisted of 6-week blocks of a chosen activity.

My choice was invariably water-based, as the idea of jumping
in the ocean four days a week at lunchtime always appealed
to me. I remember well taking out old handmade Canadian
canoes in rough seas off Patterson River and Frankston Pier.

He tested me out by not speaking to me for 6 weeks, but I

continued to turn up to training. I was so excited at the prospect
of actually training with other paddlers, something that was foreign
to me up until then. Despite his reluctance, Reg must have instilled
a few new skills in me as I dramatically improved over a short time.

One day my teacher suggested we enter a long-distance canoe

race. I scoffed at the idea at first, as I thought it sounded
pretty boring, but I signed up and came second in my first race.
However it wasnt until the first year of university that I thought
about training and racing with any level of seriousness.

Marathon racing became my passion. I loved the tactics and

strategy involved in racing. This was further accentuated when I
toured overseas and discovered the art of portaging, and the fact
that this could become a key turning point of a race. The funny
looks I used to get doing 400-metre and 800-metre running reps

Images courtesy of Rapid Ascent

www.rapidascent.com.au

12

Back in the early 80s thermal clothing was still a novelty and I
distinctly recall paddling every morning out of Footscray Canoe
Club in shorts and a T-shirt, irrespective of the weather. My theory
was to paddle flat-out for 20km and if it was a cold frosty morning
then the incentive was even greater to paddle harder to keep warm.
Not exactly a high-tech training technique but I believe it gave me
one of the best endurance-based training blocks going around.

A love of paddling lead me into adventure racing and eventually

into the realm of ocean paddling and sea kayaking. To this day
my favourite paddles are long, remote and challenging seakayaking trips. Being isolated on wild seas, having to be totally
self-sufficient and feeling like an explorer, give me a real buzz.
The joys of poking along a rugged coastline, not knowing what
is around the corner has never lost its appeal. My favourite
trips include paddling the southwest coast of Tassie, exploring

These days I still paddle on the ocean two or three times a

week, usually in a spec ski, which is heaps more fun in the surf
than an ocean racer. I have lost a bit of the competitive urge
but still enjoy a nice paddle to Bells Beach and back while
catching a few waves at all the surf breaks on the way home.
Im more often sat in a carbon ski than a homemade canoe
these days, and Ive upgraded my winter clobber from a woollen
jumper and beanie, but the skills I began learning on those
freezing days on the bay three decades ago are still doing
me proud, and the pin pricks of excitement I feel when I catch
a wave or explore a new cove are just echoes of the sensation
I first experienced on that year 9 camp.
I hope I can pass that passion on. When my kids were small,
I used to just put them on the back of the ski or in my lap
and go for a paddle. I got a few funny looks from sea kayakers
when I was out the back of Point Danger with one of my boys,
cracking waves while they gingerly skirted around the reef.

I never was a good sprinter,

but I did learn over time
that my sprint after 41km
was better than most.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Kayaking

After paddling for 30 years I still havent mastered how

to find a comfortable seat. My legs still go to sleep, my back
still gets sore and I still struggle to paddle skis properly as
I cant seem to master getting leg drive through my heels
instead of through the balls of my feet so there is still
plenty for me to learn in the world of paddling. I have
picked up some good tips though, including the following:

4 x World Marathon Kayaking Champion 1985, 86, 87 & 88

Paddling toughens your hands. There is no substitute

for hours spent with the paddle in your hand.

2 x Winner JLL/JLW Challenge, Katoomba to Sydney 1999-2000

Dont hang on to the paddle too tight.

Doing gym work definitely is good for your paddling
(pity I dont go to the gym anymore!)
Paddling in the open ocean requires plenty of practice
and ocean awareness. It is not something one can
learn quickly and there is no substitute for hours spent
on the water for acquiring the knowledge and skill set
required to do it properly and safely. It never ceases
to amaze me how people think they will be able to
paddle a kayak proficiently in less than five attempts.

TOUR OF THE MANTELPIECE

John has more gold bling than Mr T. Hes paddled
Bass Strait by both the east and the west route, has
circumnavigated Stewart Island by sea kayak and, in 1987,
became only the sixth athlete ever to be presented
with the keys to the City of Melbourne. A wander through
his paddling and multi-sport CV reveals the following:

14

6 x Australian Kayaking Champion, 1042km, 1985-1993

Solo multisport
3 x World Multisport Champion (NZ Coast to Coast) 1988, 89 & 93
5 x Winner JLL/JLW Challenge, Mt Buller to Melbourne,
1994, 95, 96, 98 & 2001 (undefeated & race record holder)
5 x Winner Mars Challenge Ballarat to Barwon Heads
2001, 02, 03, 04 & 05 (undefeated & race record holder)
2 x Winner Tasmania 3 Peaks Race
(Ocean Sailing & mountain running) 94 & 95
2 x Australian Rogaining Champion 1998 and 2001
1st place Australian Winter Classic Multisport race Omeo 2001
1st place Cradle to Coast multisport race (Tasmania) 1994
1st place Thredbo Enduro 1993
Team Multisport
1st place Mountain Designs Geoquest, NSW Australia, 2007
1st place Extreme Adventure Hidalgo, Mexico 2005
1st place Raid Gauloises, Krygyzstan 2003
1st place Mild Seven Outdoor Quest (4 day multisport race)
Lijiang, China 2001
1st place Expedition British Virgin Islands Adventure Race 2001
1st place Elf Authentique Adventure race Brazil 2000
1st place Western Isles Challenge, Scotland 1999
1st place Eco Challenge, Maine, USA 1995

PaddlePro Pty. Ltd. Telephone: (03) 9546 7486 Email: sales@paddlepro.com.au Web: www.paddlepro.com.au

Click HERE to view the catalogue.

monsoon
madness

Event wrap

FROM THE ROCKSLIDE PUT-IN

AT THE START OF THE VERY
FIRST RUN, RIGHT THROUGH TO
THE POURING OF THE BOOTY
BEERS AT THE CLIMAX, 2012S
MONSOON MADNESS WAS A
ROCKING, ROLLING, HUCKING,
BOOFING EXTRAVAGANZA
OF WHITEWATER PADDLING
Story by Pat Kinsella
Images by Muzza + Pat Kinsella

Image Dominic Bannerman

survives Invertor on a run through
Crystal Cascades > Photo by Muzza
16

17

On a mad March day, on a raging creek just outside Cairns,

Australia came perilously close to having a Frenchman
crowned as the National Boatercross Champion for 2012.
Boatercross is basically downriver creek racing in a roller-derby
format, with pairs of paddlers in playboats trying to knock each
other out and reach the finish line first. Its fast and its furious,
and its one of the most exciting spectator sports Ive ever
witnessed why its not in the Olympics I have no idea, except
perhaps because its hard to get the right conditions. Unless
youre in Cairns of course, where you can find the perfect creek
right on your doorstep, at least during the Wet season anyway.
The countrys very best creek paddlers and whitewater
specialists had turned up to Monsoon Madness in force to take
part in the nationals. Some of the local paddlers helmets had
been customised with XXXX beer labels, but it was very nearly
a case of Sacrebleu prevailing over True Blue. Thankfully Phil
Gibbins was there to save a nations blushes.
Phil, an AIS paddler and rising whitewater star who is heading
to London later this year to compete in slalom at the Games,
went head-to-head against visiting Frenchman, Pyranha
paddler Maxine Mitaut in the final shoot out.
The duelling duo crashed through the aquatic chaos that is
the Crystal Cascades section of Freshwater Creek, with barely
a blades width between them as they battled through the
penultimate rapid, Ski Jump.
I had the jump on Maxine off the start, said Phil later.
But I made a mistake just above Ski Jump and he caught me.
We got tangled up off Ski Jump, but I was lucky to get away
again, and from there I got back in the lead.
The Victorian crossed the line seconds later to take out his second
national Australian boatercross title, nailing back-to-back victories
in a competition that was born with the launch of Monsoon
Madness last year. Maxine will go down in history as Australias
second-placed national boatercross champ for 2012, and Christian
Fabris (another AIS slalom paddler) took out the third spot.
Main Image Local lad Riley Best launches
into madness. Photo by Pat Kinsella
Inset images clockwise:
Top left Tribes Max Davidson, from Canada,
loving the tropical paddling in Cairns. Photo Muzza
Top right Our cover boy, Paul Porteous, slams a beer
bootie after taking a swim. Arguably, this actually
makes XXXX taste better. Photo Pat Kinsella
Bottom Local Marlow McGregor, winner
of the Freestyle Championships. Photo by Muzza

18

19

WATCH SOME OF
THE BEST ACTION
from this years
Monsoon Madness

Image Phil Gibbins and Maxine

Mitaut go blade-to-blade over
Ski Jump. Photo by Pat Kinsella
Image Dominic Bannerman
prepares for the plunge.
Photo by Muzza

The event had grown significantly for this, its second running,
and some 40 elite athletes from all around the country
(and further afield) rocked up to test their skills and nerves
along Crystal Cascades, a 1km riot of raging water that is
found just 15 minutes from Cairns CBD.

The competition proper started right below No Fear, with

paddlers putting in on a sliding start and fighting it out over
rapids including Inverter, Pin City, Cave Drop, Ski Jump and
Penitentiary. With no real pools between any of them, this
stretch of Freshwater Creek is essentially one long boily rapid.

Theres some speculation that Josh Bond event organiser, firefighter and cavalier cascade runner had entered into a diabolic
deal with the weather demons. For the second year in a row
the outrageously moody tropical weather, that usually does what
it damn well wants in Tropical North Queensland, had rolled over,
smiled and offered perfect conditions for the Monsoon Madness.

After a grading run, the field was divided into an A and B group, and
paired off for an instant-death knock-out round. Two by two they
took on the raging rapids until just Phil and Max were left standing.

For weeks prior to the event, Josh had been nervously eyeing
the skies as the monsoonal deluge continued to fall too far
south, flooding southern Queensland and northern NSW, but
leaving levels in Crystal Cascades around Cairns worryingly low.
And then, a week before the event, the sky totally collapsed
and by the first day of the event the creek was thundering.
In fact, a few days before it kicked off, some were worried that
the flow was a little too mad and there was talk of levels that
would rip the arms off mere mortals. Big drop specialist Lachie
Carracher was not among those fretting. The Victorian was there
with some of his Tribe paddling posse, including Canadian Max
Davidson, and much to the appreciation of onlooking awed
locals, the boys had been tearing it up on No Fear, the surging
15-metre drop at the head of Crystal Cascade.

Phil had been in fine form all day, but the Frenchman pushed
him to the max in the thrilling final. Mitaut is backpacking
around Australia, borrowing gear and jumping in the drink
for a paddle whenever he gets the chance.
Later, during the post-event pub session where the liquid
continues to flow at a furious rate, Riley Best, a local lad who
has just returned from an extended stint of paddling in Ecuador,
tells me how Max came to be in Australia: I was showing two
French guys I was paddling with in Ecuador a video produced
by Adrian Keirnan of the Herbert River in Far North Queensland.
Val posted the video on Facebook, where Max saw it, and
the next thing here he was, paddling with us. Small world!
Max appears to have been wholeheartedly adopted by the
Australian paddling community, who are just enjoying having him
here and seeing how much hes loving it, and it seems no one would
have begrudged it if he had taken the national title home with him.

Left Josh Bond leads Rob Kirk

through chaos. Photo by Muzza

Image Josh Bond in action

Photo by Muzza

By day two, more than a couple of contestants looked like

they needed a dip to clear the cobwebs out from the previous
nights celebrations. Fortunately they didnt have to wait long
before getting their heads wet, as we were on the banks of
the Barron River watching them compete in the Australian
Freestyle Championships on an unforgiving and munchy wave.
Maxine was once again in flying form, but this day belonged
to local paddler Marlow McGregor, who nailed the National
Freestyle title with an aerobatic performance. Special mention
must also go to Joseph Dunne, who smashed it in the junior
division, throwing down some truly audacious moves in the
process, and who will be representing Australia at the Freestyle
World Championships in August.
Congratulations also to whitewater canoeing legend Jez
Blanchard, who took out the one-ended paddle division,
and womens winner Emily Karr, who nailed both the womens
Boatercross and the Freestyle Championships admittedly
she was the only female competitor in this years event
(come on ladies - get amongst it in 2013!), but thats largely
irrelevant because her paddling was top class.

And she took her bootie beer like a man at the conclusion of
the event, when everyone whod been forced to pull their deck
and swim during the weekends action was required to scull
a beer from the still-warm bootie freshly removed from Jezs
foot. Nice.
Where Monsoon Madness can go from here is anyones guess,
but the excited chatter at waterlevel over the weekend points
to a paddling festival with enormous potential. Its an event that
sees elite paddlers performing right at the top of their skill set
in two national championships, in two stunning locations, both
super accessible to spectators.
The potential is there to expand it too, incorporating some other
competitions and heats on lower-grade sections of the creek,
which would throw the festival wide open to more people, while
keeping the elite championships as the marquee stages.
Its an evolving event thats moving as rapidly as the water
it takes place on, but whatever direction Josh and the crew
take Monsoon Madness in, Paddlemag will be watching and
reporting with interest

Read more about the event and on-creek paddling around Cairns at www.cairnskayaking.com.au

Left Muzza in action capturing the

following shot. Photo by Ray Hailey
Right Lachie Carracher runs
No Fear. Photo by Muzza
Bottom Joseph Dunne threw
down some big moves to nail the
Junior Freestyle Championships.
Photos by Muzza

Behind the scenes

muzza
THE MONSOON CHASER

The money shots from this spread were taken by Tropical North
Queenslands top adventure photographer, Murray Muzza
Anderson-Clemence, the man behind Extreme Photography.
The name of his company reflects the gonzo approach Muzza
takes to his work, and he spent almost as much time in the
water as some of the competitors during Monsoon Madness.
A former infantry soldier in the Australian Army, Muzza
has just taken up paddling himself and has a well-defined
sense of adventure. He has skydived for ten years, both
competitively and as a sport, and previous exploits have
seen him mountain bike 3000km from Kilarney to Cairns,
and a further 1400km from Cairns to Cape York both rides
totally unsupported and in aid of charity.

When hes not throwing himself out of planes, down rapids and
across dirt tracks, however, hes generally found behind one
of his Nikons, recording the action. Over the past five months
his specific goal has been to capture the best outdoor and
adventure images in North Queensland, indeed Australia, but he
didnt have to go far from his base in Cairns to get these pearlers.

Although he likes to keep his kit bag tight and light

Covering whitewater action throws up some particular challenges

for photographers, as Muzza found out a couple of weekends
before Monsoon Madness, when he accompanied Josh Bond
and a couple of other paddlers on a mission up Behanna Gorge
to get some footage of four guys running a 50-foot fall. A swim
was required to get to the vantage point he wanted, but when
he pulled his camera out he discovered the dry bag had been
ripped while crossing the rapids, and his equipment was drowned.

and he brought his full arsenal of gear to the event.

in order to maintain maximum manoeuvrability,

Muzza was taking no risks for Monsoon Madness.
He did an extensive recce of Crystal Cascades before
the event, lining up the abseil required to capture
this shot of Lachie Carracher running No Fear,
Muzza lives by the eight-P principle Plenty
of Prior Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss
Poor Performance.
You can check out the results of that mantra right here:

extremephotography.com.au

25

Race Preview by Sue Lockwood

THE HEKILI 2012

GREAT BARRIER REEF
OCEAN CHALLENGE
The Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge (GBROC) a 40km,
iron-length, downwind ocean paddle from Palm Cove to Port
Douglas was born over a few Sunday sundowners after the
crew at Cairns Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club heard a whisper on
the wind that event company USM were launching the Cairns
Airport Adventure Festival in 2011. The club saw the 7-day
multi-sport fiesta as the perfect chance to showcase the quality
of paddling in the Australian tropics.
With no changes, no substitutes, and no stops, Australias first
and only long-distance, open-ocean, iron-length paddle race
demands a totally different mind-set to other challenges. It
requires the brain to break the pain barrier. While a six-paddler
crew can support each other, doing it solo is a tough gig where
the mind wanders and one totally relies on that little inner
voice to get you through.
The 2012 GBROC is open to OC6, OC2, OC1, ocean and spec
skis, and with just a few weeks left until race day, entries so far
include competitors from Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand
and all over Australia. Winds have been over the last few weeks,

and organisers have put in an order for a 20- to 25-knot wind

day, to give paddlers maximum surf speed.
The finish line at Port Douglas will see plenty of action, with
the RRR mountain bike race, the Coral Coast triathlon and
the GBROC converging on Four Mile Beach for an adrenalinepumped climax to all three races.
In the 2011 race, nine-time world long-distance ski champion
Dean Gardiner finished first overall in 2.41.26 hours, while
breathing down his neck was Townsvilles Mick De Rooy,
finishing a mere 20 seconds behind him.
This year people are predicting more close action, with local
lads the Coconuts from Innisfail competing against Australias
top mens OC6 crew, Outrigger Australia from the Gold Coast.
Meanwhile, one of Australias fastest female paddlers, Amanda
Ozolins from Mooloolaba, has confirmed she will be battling it
out solo on an OC1.
Tropical North Queenslands paddlers like to bring the cultural aspect
of the sport into their racing. Outrigger canoeing is a way of life,
bringing many amazing cultures from around the globe together.

The sport of outrigger canoeing began in Hawaii, however its

origins go back 30,000 years to Asia where the first sea-farers
began their migrations, paddling east and settling in Melanesia,
Micronesia, Polynesia, and beyond. Evidence of outrigger canoes
can be found in aboriginal rock paintings along the northern
coastal areas and islands of Australia.
The Hawaiians began the sport using canoes made from
koa trees. There was much ceremony around finding the right
tree to build a koa canoe and today, in the Hawaiian oceancrossing race from Molakai to Ohao, its considered an honour
to be chosen to paddle a koa canoe.
A huge effort is made to teach paddlers the culture, history,
and the adventurous spirit of outrigger canoeing. The
northern clubs have worked hard to build a race with a
difference in the tropical region, and with the GBROC theyre
successfully bringing paddlers of all disciplines, from all over
the globe, to Tropical North Queensland to compete in one of
the most challenging of race formats, long-distance iron-length.
More about the race: hekilioutrigger.com.au/news.html

WATCH
the highlights of
last years event

Images courtesy of Barry Alsop (Eyes Wide Open Images)

and Hekili Cairns Outrigger Canoe Club

26

27

Destination: Tropical North Queensland

SUP
AROUND
THE LOW
ISLES
The Great Barrier Reef pulls in thousands of people every year,
every one of them hell bent on sticking their heads straight
into the salty brine to find Nemo et al. Now we love a bit
of diving, but during the peak season the boats can get
pretty busy and youre always watching the clock when youre
underwater with tanks on your back.
Paddling the reef can provide a very different experience
just ask Ben Southall. (pictured left) Ben beat over 34,000
other applicants to score himself the Best Job in the World
a few years ago, after which he spent a year as caretaker
of the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Then he completed
the Best Expedition in the World, which saw him paddle the
length of the GBR, diving as he went.
Paddlemag recently visited Port Douglas with Ben, and explored
a section of the reef in a whole new way, by SUPing around the

28

The Low Isles are a pair of pretty punctuation marks in the blue
expanse that is the Coral Sea. In total there are four acres of
coral cay above the water supporting a lighthouse and large
bird population surrounded by some 55 acres of beautiful reef.
Over 150 different species of hard corals are found in the waters
here, plus 15 species of soft corals, but it was the animals that
got us excited.
Several resident turtles popped up to say hello, and a number of
rays and sharks flashed beneath our boards, as we navigated the
channels between the mangroves and paddled around the islets.
When the call of the Coral Sea became irresistible, it was simply
a case of hopping off the boards into the drink, for a cool down
combined with the chance to explore what lay beneath with a
snorkel and mask. Sensational.
If youre not travelling with your own board, or if you need
a way of getting out to the Low Isles, visit Port Douglas

Low Isles. It was an experience that still managed to blow Ben

based SUP and kite-boarding specialist Brett Wright at

away, even after everything hes seen over the last couple of years.

standuppaddlesurfer.com.au or windswell.com.au
29

FIRST
CLASS
TICKET TO
everywhere
Story + images by Sandy Robson

In 1932, a 25-year-old German electrician called

Oscar Speck jumped in his folding kayak and
began paddling through the waterways of
Europe looking for work. Along the way he fell in
love with the journey itself, and carried on until
he reached Australia, 7 years later. As he arrived
on the shores of Thursday Island, World War II
had just erupted, and he was promptly interned
for six years. Last year, Australian expedition
kayaker Sandy Robson, set off to recreate
Specks astonishing adventure in several stages.
Image Entering the Iron Gates Gorge in Serbia

30

31

We sit side by side on the precipice. This is Jugos special

place where he comes to breathe the river. He held my hand
to get me on this edge safely and now I can see why we have
climbed over the railing. Jugo tells me what he sees.

The whole thing was originally Oskar Specks idea.

I thought most kayakers would know about Oskar, but
I was wrong. Even in his homeland, Germany, I was telling
people his story for the first time.

This Dunav vista is intertwined with his life in Novi Sad and
with his love for his country. Dunav is the Serbian word for
the Danube. He can see himself kissing a girl by the river
when he was just a teenage boy. He can smell the blossoms
of the riverside trees. He tells me about his decision to leave
a good job, wife and child in Canada to return and fight for
his country alongside his brother. He was up here when the
NATO planes were dropping bombs on the bridge below.

I am telling the story now, not with words but with paddle
stokes as I re-trace the 50,000km kayaking journey Oskar
Speck took from Germany to Australia. For me it has gone
from being a story on paper and a map showing a route
through places whose names I couldnt pronounce, to
a story that Im living. Its a tale that travels through many
countries, and not much of it is in English.

The war is over, but the peoples problems continue. Jugo says
that when he sits here, the problems get smaller. The river
is their escape, he says of the many men that I have seen
out fishing on the river in the past few days. Sure, theyre
catching food to put on the table, but when they go
to the river they are joking around and life is simple again.
The river shows them what is important and what is not.
I can relate to what he is saying because kayaking is my escape.
I am escaping a lifestyle that most people in my world consider
normal. Normal seems to involve getting up and going to
work each day until you are 60 years old, and then retiring,
perhaps having paid off a house in the suburbs in the process.
The ocean and wild places have given me a different
perspective on what is important. So here I am overlooking
the Dunav with Jugo. I am taking some of my retirement now.

32

Exactly why I am doing it, I think I will find out with the
passing of time. Thats something I have plenty of. It took
Oskar seven years to reach Thursday Island in a folding kayak.
I will try for five. The water under my bow started on
the Danube River in Ulm, Germany in May 2011.

It took Oskar
seven years to reach
Thursday Island
in a folding Kayak.
I will try for five.
Image A cave in Iron Gates Gorge, Serbia

33

I first met Oskar while reading his water-stained diary

penned eight decades earlier. As I got to know him, I tried
to imagine how I would cope with the challenges he faced.
This research, coupled with my subsequent experiences,
not only gave me a perspective of what the journey would
have been like for Oskar, but also revealed what had
changed and what has endured over the last 79 years.
My first challenge was not the rapids and whirlpools that Oskar
experienced, but getting past 35 dams that now punctuate
the Danube, using locks or portage routes. In the first week
I had to traverse 18 small, self-operated locks. Each involved 30
cold minutes of standing in the breeze in wet paddle clothing.
Oskar and I both used a network of kayak clubs on the Danube
for accommodation, support and the companionship. In Austria
I was lucky to be launching in Linz on the same day as two
German kayakers, Patrick and Johanna. I was intrigued by
their retro folding kayak, which was similar to Oskars, and
they were an inspiration to me as we paddled big-kilometre
days together through Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. It was
a very hard day when we had to part ways early one morning
in Budapest. My friends packed up their kayak and took the
train home, as I went off alone into Serbia.
Oskar had at least two dogs during his voyage, and what I found
most remarkable was how he had paddled the 35-nautical-mile
crossing from Turkey to Cyprus with a young puppy in the kayak.
During my first night camping alone in Serbia, I found myself
wishing I had a dog with me for companionship and security.
On my last day on the Danube, I met Brza. She arrived in
the morning as I was packing my kayak, and pursued me
a kilometre down river until I finally gave up and let her climb
on board. She was the perfect kayak dog and eventually
found a place to sleep on the back deck, with her head
curled around my waist. With sadness, I returned Brza to her
hometown, Brza Palanka, at the conclusion of the 18km trip
to my take-out point. I didnt think the border police would
let me take her across and I was unsure if she would survive
the whitewater on the Vardar. I was not even sure I would.

Oskars craft wasnt designed

for the ocean and, surprisingly,
he couldnt swim. When he
got worried he would tie himself
to his kayak with a rope.
The Serbian kayakers I had become friends with in Belgrade
assisted me with passage from the Danube in Serbia to the
Vardar in Macedonia, and provided the contacts I would need
to paddle this river that is little known outside of the Balkans.
On a one- or a two-week expedition, you can plan every detail.
A four-month journey is another situation entirely. Sometimes
you simply have to take things as they come. Prior to the
expedition I couldnt find any information about the Vardar. In
Germany, paddlers asked me how I planned to get myself and
my kayak from the Danube to the Vardar, and I surprised and
worried them when I said I didnt know. Having undertaken
huge journeys before, I was confident it would work out. When
you follow your dream, things often just fall into place in ways
you could never imagine, so I continued to paddle into the
unknown until the day I arrived in Novi Sad and met Jugo.
We sat down for a coffee and to my utter delight and surprise
he said: Its all arranged. It seems the bush telegraph is
not unique to Australia, and the Serbian paddlers really did
have everything sorted, from route plans to contact details
of English-speaking people in every town I would stay in as I
passed along the Danube in Serbia. The mayors of some towns
had been made aware of my impending arrival and I even had
the name and telephone number for the chief of police.
The icing on the cake, though, was contacts for paddlers in
Macedonia and a detailed description of the Macedonian
section of the Vardar River. I was humbled by my experience
of Balkan hospitality. If you only paddle one part of the
Danube River, then I urge you to go to Serbia.

Top left image With Brza on the Danube in Serbia.

Bottom left Sandy cuts a lonely figure
leaving Antalya. Photo by Seyfi Yilmaz.
Top and bottom right archive images of Oskar Speck,
courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum
34

35

So, hows your relationship with Oskar Speck going?

I am asked as Stage One of my expedition concludes.
Well, its pretty tough at the moment actually. The first stage
took me from Germany to Cyprus; I have very little money left
and finding work and sponsors to fund the next stage is tough.
But if we could sit down right now and have a beer and a chat
about the trip, I know what Oskar would say. You dont need
money to see the world in style. In his words, a kayak is a
first-class ticket to everywhere.
Jugo would agree with Oskar. He paddled for three months
last year on a budget of one Euro per day and he says of
such adventures: Everyday is like a fairytale. Long-distance
kayakers are rich in adventures that travellers staying in the
finest of hotels could never imagine.
So, I know what Oskar would say, but maybe the question
about my relationship with Speck is delving for something
more. Perhaps people think Im out there paddling solo
and talking to Oskar like an imaginary friend. Okay, I have
to admit, I may have sworn at him when confronted by the

weir on the Vardar River that I had to portage 5km past,

and again the next day when I arrived at three wirecovered rockwalls spanning the river and prompting yet
another portage from hell.
And Oskar and I had a difference of opinion when it came
to the Vardar. I would have been content to continue on the
river Danube from Serbia all the way to the Black Sea and
even across to Istanbul. But Oskar got his way, so I went from
the Danube in Serbia to the Vardar River in Macedonia, put
my sea kayak into the whitewater and hoped my boat would
not be damaged like his was in the rapids.
It was a relief to arrive at the sea. Then my relationship with
Oskar was okay again. We were off to the Greek Islands
together and a sea kayaker really does belong on the sea.
I probably set out on this next phase of the journey with
more confidence than Oskar. His craft was not designed for
the ocean and, surprisingly, he couldnt swim. When he got
worried he would tie himself to his kayak with a rope. At times
it must have been terrifying.

I would have been content to continue on

the river Danube from Serbia all the way
to the Black Sea, but Oskar got
his way, so I went from the Danube in
Serbia to the Vardar River in Macedonia,
put my sea kayak into the whitewater
and hoped my boat would not
be damaged like his was in the rapids.

Medium Cart

www.youtube.com/SeatoSummitTV

Small Cart

Great on rough or uneven ground

Large Cart
The ideal transport solution for kayaks, canoes or sit- Paddlepro
on-tops. Constructed using light weight anodised
alloy and pneumatic wheels for a smooth ride, these
collapsible carts are great on rough or uneven ground.
All carts come with tie downs with easy feed webbing.

Image Patrick
and Johanna

36

Kayaks, Canoes and Sit-on-Tops

Style:

Width

Extended
Length

Height with
wheels

Carrying
Capacity

Small

28cm

20cm

30cm

70kg

Medium

46cm

28cm

35cm

70kg

Large

62cm

4cm

39cm

70kg

Sit-on-Top

15cm to
43.5cm

NA

51cm

70kg

Sit on Top Cart

kg
2501lb
55

All carts come with tie downs

25mm OD Solution 6063-T6

alloy tubing

When the wind has a name, then you

know it is something to be respected.
Here the wind is called Meltemi
and it can blast for days at a time.
As I paddled, I could see gusts
marching across the ocean surface
toward me, sometimes spiralling
around with such force that
I had to brace my paddle close to
the kayak and wait for the fury to pass.

Image A Greek campsite,

from the roof of Tinos church

Kayaking in the Greek Islands can be idyllic.

The route took me south from Thessaloniki and along the coast
of the second-largest Greek Island, Evia so huge that until
you reach its southern cape, you forget that its an island at all.
Then the real island hopping begins, first Andros, then Tinos,
Mykonos, Naxos, Koufonisi, Amorgos, Kinaros, Kalymnos, Kos,
Nisyros, Tilos, Halki, Alimia and finally Rhodos.

are unlike anywhere else I have paddled. Normally you can

look at a forecast and paddle on the sheltered side of an island,
but in the Aegean, there is no sheltered side. The wind blows
onto one side of the island, climbs up the peaks and blasts with
katabatic force over the water on the other side of the island.

I had my share of perfect days, with an ocean vista

complemented by a view all the way to the sea floor through
crystal-clear water. The little blue and white churches perched
on the cliff tops in remote coves reminded me to give thanks
for the beauty of my surroundings.

As I paddled, I could see gusts marching across the ocean

surface toward me, sometimes spiralling around with such
force that I had to brace my paddle close to the kayak and
wait for the fury to pass. I know from previous experience that
when the environment gets tough you have to adapt and go
with the forces around you rather then fighting them. Day
plans have to align with nature more and with a wristwatch less.

But then theres the wind. When the wind has a name, then
you know it is something to be respected. Here the wind is
called Meltemi and it can blast for days at a time. The islands

In Greece this meant long siestas in the middle of the day, getting
back on the water in the late afternoon and paddling until it
got dark. Sometimes it meant not getting on the water at all.

Image Kekova in Turkey

39

The crux of this section was the Cavo Doro. This strait between
Evia and Andros has a fearsome reputation as the most
treacherous area in the entire Aegean, and people were waiting to
see if I could paddle it in a kayak. Entering the bay near Karystos
at the southern end of Evia Island, I immediately got a taste
of Cavo Doro conditions. Strong meltemi and katabatic winds
blasting across the bay were producing a terrifying swell that
I found myself battling against, whilst looking over my shoulder
at a rocky shoreline that I did not want to end up against.
I was pushed out of my comfort zone and it took every bit
of muscle power I had to get through the fury and safely onto
the beach that day. Far greater than the physical challenge
though, was the mental challenge of waiting out the next
three days until the conditions eased.
The strain of deciding when to stay and when to go is, for me,
the toughest part of a kayaking expedition. Here, for the first time,
I started questioning my ability to complete the trip. I couldnt yet
see and judge the Cavo Doro strait that lay around the headland
from my camp, and my trepidation rose and fell with the tide.
Eventually conditions did abate and thankfully the crossing
was easier than expected. Oskar was welcomed to Andros by
English-speaking children. Beaching my kayak, I too was met
by three children who spoke excellent English and who quickly
arranged a place for me to camp near their grandfathers home.

Local fishermen proved an excellent source

of information when it came to understanding weather
patterns. After a strong meltemi such as Id just
experienced, I was told there can often be a fortnight
of calm conditions. This proved true, and I got myself
across the Aegean Sea in that weather window.
As I gained confidence in my ability to complete the
trip and became comfortable with whatever the weather
threw at me, new challenges emerged. Like Oskar,
I was running out of money and sometimes only ate
two meals a day to make my funds go further.
More frustrating though, were border crossings and
bureaucracy. Relations between Greece and Turkey
were such that I was advised not to attempt to cross
over by kayak. I tried telephoning an agent that organised
yacht transits into Turkey after all, I did have a sail
on my kayak but he hung up the phone.
When Id exhausted all other options I gave up and crossed
the border by ferry. The problem was, people dont
realise what a girl in a sea kayak can do. If theyd authorised
me to go, then they would be taking responsibility for
my actions, and nobody wanted to put their job on the
line for some foreign girl with a crazy plan.

Image Greek Campsite on Alimia

Opposite page Conditions in Greece
varied from sublime to terrifying

I was pushed out of my

comfort zone and it took every
bit of muscle power I had
to get through the fury and
safely onto the beach that day.

Are you crazy? is a question Ive heard several times since

I started following Oskar Speck. A Turkish fisherman said
he could relate to me because I have something broken.
I looked puzzled, wondering if part of my kayak was busted,
so he clarified: Something broken in the head.

a divided island and once you land in the north there is

no way you can go by sea to land in the south.

But, he got it. He understood why I was making the journey.

He told me he admired the fact that I was chasing a crazy dream,
because everyone has dreams but most people do not dare to
realise them. He relates to me because he left normal behind
in Istanbul to come and live on the coast. He also relates to me
because he is a fisherman who loves being out on the sea. He
and I share the knowledge that theres an awful lot in this world
that we can do without, but dreams are not one of those things.
Crossing into Turkey by ferry I accepted. Turkey is an amazing
place to paddle and never have I had so many cups of tea and
such warm hospitality from complete strangers. I will never
win the lottery because Ive had my luck hundreds of times
over in experiences and friendships.
It felt like some outside force was bringing everything together
perfectly so I was extremely disappointed when bureaucracy
again stopped me kayaking across to Cyprus. I couldnt
retrace Oskars route around Cyprus either, because its now

I made a short expedition on the Turkish Cypriot side and

visited the monastery where Oskar stayed at Cape Andreas.
From here I gazed over the vast ocean to the horizon and
thought of Oskar setting out to paddle for two days to cross
to Syria in the east. Surely he would have been terrified for
his life, paddling that distance in the folding kayak.

SINCE 1898

With all the red tape Id recently bumped against, I was no

longer sure how and where to end my paddling for Stage One,
but there was one place I still wanted to see: Cape Kormakitis.
Oskar was so fatigued by the crossing from Turkey to Cyprus,
that he lost track of reality. He started to be unsure if he was
alive or dead. As he got closer to Cape Kormakitis in the
dark, he saw two crosses on the hill and he thought maybe
he had perished, and these crosses were for him and the
puppy Mehmet that travelled beneath the spray cover.
At Cape Kormakitis, my frustration about the bureaucracy Id been
battling against was abruptly exorcised from my mind. When
youre following your dream, nothing can truly get in your way,
its just a matter of paddling around the obstacles and staying
focused on your destination however distant that may seem.

Stage two of Sandys epic expedition will begin this month,

and will see her paddle to the southern coast of India.
Find out more about Sandy and how to contribute to her expedition fund at:

www.sandy-robson.com
More about Oskar

NEW

Sandys expedition map

SARANAC 146 XT
Length: 4.4 m
Weight: 35.8 kg

explore...

Image Sandy at the end of stage one

42

oldtowncanoe.com.au

Width: 0.91 m
Capacity: 340 kg

Distributed exclusively by

boatinglifestyleadventure
bla.com.au

01_12_oldtwon_paddleM_May

The Saranac XT brings a whole new level of comfort and exciting new features for family canoeing
adventures or for serious fishing endeavours. It features two contoured padded seats with seatbacks
plus a centre bench seat perfect for smaller passengers. The bench seat also includes a covered storage compartment, while bow and stern seats
incorporate a variety of extras including cup holders, rod holders and storage trays designed to add convenience and versatility to the canoe.

Photographs by Richard Rossiter and Emma Francis

How does a novice paddler

find herself among six blokes,
kayaking across Bass Strait?
Said paddler, Emma Francis,
asks herself the same question.
Cmon Mick, get the power down in your catch! Drive
through your legs! Try to relax!
The wind is a howling 35-knot westerly, straight across
the beam. The confused water is doing, what in cooking
parlance, one might describe as a rolling boil. And just
to add an element of surprise to this gauntlet, theres
the occasional capping wave to slap the unsuspecting
paddler across the face and tell him to wake up to himself.
This is Bass Strait, it sneers. What did you expect?

THE ACCIDENTAL
ADVENTURER

44

Were just 10 kilometres into our 330-kilometre journey

across one of the worlds most treacherous bodies of water,
and 40-year-old Mick, one of seven in our number, is already
facing his demons. Our expedition leader, 28-year-old
Jarad Kohlar, is determined to keep the group at a steady
pace, but his instructions shouted through the wind with
the trained vocal chords of a former PE teacher appear
to be having the opposite effect. Relaxing is a tall order.
I am relaxed! Mick spits back. Hes not, but, right now, not unlike
a woman in the throes of labour, he just wants to be left alone.
If Jarad isnt relaxed, then hes certainly not showing it.
Indeed, the Victorian adventure race champion is no stranger
to masochism, having twice before paddled across Bass
Strait by sea kayak. But theres a bit more at stake on this trip.
Not only is Kohlar leading the first-ever crossing by oceanracing ski (a lightweight, sit-on-top craft built for performance),
but hes also doing it with five paying customers not
hardcore, career adventurers like himself, either, but ostensibly
ordinary, middle-aged men, with respectable jobs, loving
families and slightly sceptical wives waiting back home.

45

IN THEORY, I SHOULD BE RELAXED,

HAVING SUCH AN EXPERIENCED,
STRONG ATHLETE KEEPING ME UPRIGHT
AND OUT OF THE DRINK. BUT NO
AMOUNT OF RATIONAL REASSURANCE
CAN QUELL THE PRIMAL FEAR OF DROWNING.

This time Kohlar has more than his own life in his
hands. And, at this moment, as we cross the turbulent
Toora Channel on our way from Port Welshpool
in Victorias southeast, to Sealers Cove on the east
coast of Wilsons Promontory leg one of six
hes on the verge of throttling a few of his charges.
Where the fuck is Brendon going? he mutters,
turning his attention away from Mick. Brendon!
Its no good. Forty-one-year-old Brendon, a
seasoned ocean paddler, is relishing the conditions,
and has taken off to catch some runners. Trying
to keep five paddlers of varying abilities corralled
in these conditions is clearly a futile exercise.
As for me, well I can rest assured Ill never be more
than half a metre from the boss. As the weakest
paddler of the group, I have opted to join Jarad on a
double ski. In theory, I should be relaxed, having such
an experienced, strong athlete keeping me upright
and out of the drink. But no amount of rational
reassurance can quell the primal fear of drowning.
I dont know if I can do this, I yelp.
Nah, youll be fine, he says. Its a piece of piss.
Oh, and as Kohlars girlfriend, I can tell when
hes bullshitting.

So how the hell do I find myself, with less than a years paddling experience
under my belt, taking on what kayakers dub the Everest of the sea?
Has paddling across Bass Strait been a lifelong dream of mine? Or is this
just some extreme form of aversion therapy?
Actually, neither is true. Im simply doing this because I was asked; Jarad
wanted me to come along, and I thought, Why the hell not? Seriously, he
could have been offering me canaps at a party for all the sober thought I
put into the decision. I dont exactly fit the textbook profile of an adventurer.
To be fair to myself, though, I havent taken my preparation as lightly. Ive
trained hard for a year, and even faced grave moments of doubt; during
a training circumnavigation of Phillip Island, I was gripped by seasickness
so debilitating, I begged Jarad to radio the Westpac Rescue Chopper.
(He didnt, of course, and I came good. The lesson of any endurance sport
is you always come good. Eventually.)
Plus, I know Im in safe hands. Despite Jarads sometimes-cavalier
appearance, he is, in fact, a shrewd and trustworthy leader. In planning
this first commercial crossing, he has rightly left nothing to chance.
From lifejackets, leg ropes, and paddle leashes, to EPIRBS, GPS and
VHF, our safety protocol is solid. And if all else fails, we have our escort
vessel, the 40-foot fishing trawler, Montique, to pluck us to safety.
But not today. As we leave the cauldron of Toora Channel behind and
snuggle into the lee of the Prom, the wind promptly backs off, and we
let out our breaths. Four hours later (seven after setting off) we cruise
into Sealers Cove. Its hitting dusk, and we have just enough light to get
our gear off Montique, and set up our tents. But therell be no songs
around the campfire tonight. Its up at sparrows tomorrow to do it all again.

Above image Expedition leader, Jarad Kohlar

Top left image Emma back on terra firma after
paddling 70km from Deal Island

46

47

There are few things in this world more unpleasant than pulling
on cold, damp compression tights at 4am. But its a morning
ritual Im going to have to embrace for the next week, along
with baked beans for breakfast and al fresco ablutions.
Today we leave Victoria for Tasmanian soil first stop, Hogan
Island. I havent heard many favourable reviews of Hogan. All
I know is that its small, denuded and rat infested, but Im happy
to reserve my judgement. I figure, after another seven or so
hours in the saddle today, any solid ground will be welcome.
We paddle out from Sealers Cove with the sun just rising. The water
is glassy and were all in good spirits, but the lumpy horizon suggests
well be in for some more bucking bronco antics before long.
With the next three legs of the trip involving long stints between
land, Jarad is insistent we stay put if the wind is forecast to
exceed 15 knots. This may seem conservative, but the Strait has
an assassins smile. As a relatively shallow body of water peppered
with strong tidal currents, even moderate winds can stir it into a
frenzy. As Chris Fenner Montiques eminently wise second mate
tells us: One minute its 15 knots, the next its 60 it can change
without warning, and thats when youre stuffed.
Providing us up-to-the-minute forecasting is former navy meteorologist, Jeremy Grey. Jeremys prediction today is a west northwesterly wind of 10 knots, increasing to 20 knots by early afternoon.
With around 50 kilometres of paddling ahead of us, its essential
we maintain a speed of at least eight-kilometres per hour to
avoid the worst of the wind. We cant afford a repeat of yesterday.

Edging out of the shelter of Sealers Cove, we notice the

first ripples. Initially, theyre gentle, no more confronting
than the wash of a distant ferry. But, slowly and steadily,
they build until, about 90 minutes later, we find ourselves
in swell that, at a minimum, requires concentration. By now
we can already see Hogan Island in the distance, which at
least gives us a focal point upon which to anchor our efforts
and, indeed, our churning stomachs. But things are about
to get interesting.
Its a ship that signals our fate a dirty, big cargo ship,
bearing down on us at 25 knots. In all my fretting about
shark attacks, golden staph-infected friction sores and other
unlikely scenarios, I never once considered that wed be
crossing shipping lanes. Now Im directly in the path of a
Maersk, and its sounding its horn. Its not going to slow down,
for love or money, so we have no choice but to speed up.
We make it with sea to spare, but my nerves are shot.
And to make matters worse, Brendon, and best friends,
Richard and Sandy who wisely decided against a game of
chicken on the high seas are now behind us and out of view,
thanks to the growing swell. In a cruel coincidence, the ship
has heralded the early arrival of those afternoon sea breezes.
Brendon is first to succumb. Over the radio, we hear
news from Sandy that hes violently ill, and waiting to be
picked up by Montique.
Looks like someone forgot to take their Kwells, Jarad mutters.

With Richard and Sandy nursing Brendon, and Mick stopping for no
man lest he once again lose his nerve, Jarad and I raft up with 51-yearold Andrew Couttsy Coutts to take stock of the situation. Waiting
here for everyone to regroup is too much of a risk; some of the
waves are capping now and its crucial we maintain our momentum
to stay warm and focused. Confident theres barely a kilometre
separating the front and rear paddlers, we decide to push on,
checking in from time to time via radio to make sure everyones okay.
It feels like an eternity, but the distant smudge that is Hogan Island
eventually comes into sharper focus. Its my fixation on the emerging
detail a tree, a rock, a cow that helps me find a rhythm in the
confusion of the swell. Occasionally, a capping wave topples into the
back cockpit, nearly knocking me out. Its a shocking sensation that
always comes as a nasty surprise. I know capsizing wont kill me,
but I anticipate it with all the irrational dread of a visit to the dentist.
Now, just 200 metres off Hogan, we reach the crux of the matter.
To arrive at our landfall, we need to paddle through a small channel
and around to the northeast of the island. But, with wind working
against tide, the waves are now standing up, and it takes every
ounce of collective skill to keep the group forging ahead.
Then, just like that, the wind disappears. Were in the lee of the land,
and the contrast is like night and day. The roar dies away, the sun
comes out, and we find ourselves gliding across postcard-perfect
turquoise water into a cosy little bay. It may be a fairly unremarkable
mound in the middle of nowhere, but, right now, Hogan Island is the
most beautiful thing Ive ever seen.

Top left Sunrise over Cape

Barren Island on the final day
Bottom left Heading out from
48

Cape Barren Island

49

Heres a tip: if you ever visit Hogan Island, make sure youre
packing earplugs. Between the rapacious native rats,
fornicating little penguins, and grumpy Cape Barren geese,
youll be lucky to snatch two hours of decent sleep.
Little wonder then, that the following morning it only takes
the slightest note of doubt in Jeremys voice to convince us
not to paddle. Yesterdays wind, we learn, reached 18 knots
just three knots above our self-imposed maximum, but enough
to push us to our limits. With fatigue, blisters and tendonitis
now creeping into the group, a rest day is in order.
Besides, we have another task to complete. In the great
tradition of all foolhardy expeditions, we are using our notoriety
for the greater good by raising money for Surfrider Foundation
Australia and contributing to its National Marine Debris Survey.
Dubbed Clean Across Bass Strait our mission is to collect and
document rubbish we find washed up on the remote islands we
camp at along our journey.

A CURSORY GLANCE THROUGH

THE HOGAN ISLAND VISITORS
BOOK REVEALS NAMES
SYNONYMOUS WITH ELITE
ADVENTURE FORMER
MARATHON-KAYAKING WORLD
CHAMPION JOHN JACOBY,
IRONMAN GUY ANDREWS,
AND THE ILL-FATED TASMAN
KAYAKER, ANDREW MCAULY.

50

I should clarify. When I say we, I mean the six fellas. While
I happily count myself among the feminist sisterhood, I feel
biologically compelled to abstain from todays litter hunt and
tend to more pressing matters namely, campsite cleaning,
hair washing and leg shaving. Even out here, on a one-anda-half-square-kilometre island with only 40 head of cattle
to see me, I must keep up certain standards. Perhaps its
my little attempt at maintaining order in the face of Mother
Natures exquisite chaos.
Besides, with their big sticks and bandanas, the blokes look like
theyre off for a Boys Own Adventure, and Im loath to break
the spell. In this moment, away from the pressures of work and
family, theyre 45 going on 14. It gets me thinking, as I run the
Gillette across my knee, how there comes a time in the life of
a man when he needs to risk it all. Its no coincidence this group
is of a certain age. Call it a midlife crisis, or just an innocent
yearning for something quite essential, it seems that going
to extremes be that an affair with a 20-year-old blonde,
or, preferably, a paddle to Tassie is his way of satisfying the
explorer within. In an age where there are few frontiers left,
it makes sense that more and more ordinary people are taking
on extraordinary challenges.

I resent the fact that society tells us we cant go out and

do risky things anymore when, in fact, our whole nation was
founded on men and women heading out into the unknown
and risking their lives, says 44-year-old environmental scientist,
Richard, later that day.
Its this growing sentiment that Kohlar is tapping into by
commercialising the Everest of the sea experience. Like
climbing Everest itself, crossing Bass Strait by kayak was once
strictly the domain of the skilled, self-sufficient expert with
a slightly retarded sense of their own mortality.
Indeed, a cursory glance through the Hogan Island visitors
book reveals names synonymous with elite adventure former
marathon-kayaking world champion John Jacoby, Ironman Guy
Andrews, and the ill-fated Tasman kayaker, Andrew McAuly, to
pick out a few. Sure, these guys didnt pay for a guide, charter
a support boat, or sip chardonnay at the end of each days
paddling. But, they did bestow on Bass Strait a kind of mystique,
and thats why traversing it is now a paddlers right of passage.
Its perhaps fitting, that, while pondering these questions over
freshly-shucked abalone and sauvignon blanc, we should witness
six sea-kayakers limp into shore, shivering and battle-weary from
their first days crossing from Tidal River. The wind is blowing
harder than yesterday, and were frankly astounded they chose to
make the journey given the conditions. From what little they can
tell us, through chattering teeth, we gather it was a baptism of fire.
Chris and Montique skipper, Butch Barnewall, whove joined
us for happy hour, can barely disguise their disdain. These
Flinders Island locals have worked the Strait for a combined
two decades, and cant understand why any paddler would
risk the journey unsupported.
I have very little regard for these people, says Chris, bluntly.
They dont understand how quickly things can turn against
them. And when it does turn, its the local fisherman who then
have to risk their lives trying to rescue them.
Considered in this light, Kohlars fully supported commercial
offering, while taking some of the gloss off Bass Straits
death-defying allure, is perhaps a welcome arrival on
adventures new super-highway.

Image Bass Strait ski paddler Brendon Grail

51

Image arriving at Little Musselroe

After three nights on Hogan Island getting well acquainted with

forest and the highest lighthouse in the Southern

the local fauna and collecting more plastic drinking bottles

Hemisphere, its an undiscovered paradise receiving

than one would have thought possible on an uninhabited

fewer than 1000 visitors each year.

island more than 50 kilometres from the nearest mainland

the cold front passes and were able to push on to our next
landfall, Deal Island in the Kent Group National Park.

Its the morning of our final leg, and the chilly air is filled with
a mixture of excitement, trepidation and perhaps even a tinge
of sadness. Weve saved the best until last a fast and furious
surf across Banks Strait from day fives camp on Cape Barren
Island, to Little Musselroe Bay on Tassies northeast coast.
With just under 40 kilometres to go, and trailing wind and
swell, this could all be over in the blink of an eye, but we
need to keep our wits about us. Banks Strait is transected
by notorious tidal races, making paddling at slack water critical.

I dont care! I retort. Youre just being a wanker.

a trance and lose all sense of where water meets sky.

Sure enough, Banks Strait turns on the most exhilarating

conditions of the journey. Designed to go downwind, our
skis do their thing, literally hurtling us towards the Tasmanian
mainland. But keeping in time with Jarads strobe-fast stroke
as we pull onto the runners is exhausting, and after an hour
or so of this frenetic pace, Ive had enough.

Then we hit the sand at Little Musselroe Bay, and the emotion is
spent. Theres no spontaneous whoop of joy, no mass embrace, no
popping of champagne. (Not yet, anyway weve strict instructions
to save that moment for the local TV crew thats running late.)
Nope, theres just a deep sigh of relief, and the hum of a rideon lawnmower, driven by a local farmer whos seen it all before.

As 43-year-old fashion-man Sandy reflects, over

I dont like this anymore. Stop it, I demand from the back seat.

a much-anticipated plate of lamb shanks at the

Cmon baby, just a bit longer, I want to get some good photos.
Our photographer is snapping away from the back of Montique,
and Jarad wants the money shot.

Gday, he says casually. Youll be the second lot thats

come through this week.

Its with a tinge of disappointment we leave this idyllic

isle the following morning, but were now sitting in
the eye of a high pressure system, and have to make

To our relief, the wind is a pleasant 10 to 12 knots, and slightly

hay while the sun shines. In fact, conditions are

downwind, so we cover the 45 kilometres in a little under five

preternaturally benign, and our entire 80-kilometre

hours, arriving in the magnificent East Cove in time for lunch.

journey to Allports Beach on Flinders Island, takes

There to greet us with home-baked brownies are Tim

Mount and Lynne Macco, Deal Islands summer caretakers.
Tim, a college professor, and Lynne, a doctor who dabbles
in acupuncture, hail from New York State, and have spent
the last few months playing Robinson Crusoe on their very
own slice of heaven.

place upon a millpond. Barely a breath of wind

ripples the waters surface and if it werent for the
searing blisters and carpal tunnel syndrome now
plaguing my hands, it would be hard not to fall into

Deal Island is in stark contrast to Hogan. A protected marine

Interstate Hotel that evening, Day four was bought

park, with towering granite cliffs, large remnants of native

and paid for by days one and two.

Oh, harden up, would you?

That does it. Im sobbing now, my first tears of the trip.
I guess Ive done well to hold it together this long.
How hard do you want me to be? I blubber. Jarads words
sting, but thats not really it. Its the drama of reaching the finish
line, a bubbling up of all the emotion Ive kept in check for the
past week, thats now spilling over.

Not a giant leap for mankind, clearly, but a pretty big step
for this girl

Top The team at the finish.

L-R: Richard Jennings, Jarad
Kohlar, Sandy Cameron, Andrew
Coutts, Emma Francis, Michael
Kolody, Brendon Grail
Bottom left Brendon Grail
all washed up at the finish,
Little Musselroe Bay
53

Melbourne

MAP
The long way down

A
B

Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day

C
D

Bass Strait

One: Port Welshpool to Sealers Cove

Two: Sealers Cove to Hogan Island
Three: Hogan Island to Deal Island
Four: Deal Island to Allports Beach, Flinders Island
Five: Allports Beach to Cape Barren Island
Six: Cape Barren Island to Little Musselroe Bay

Tasmania

A Port Welshpool
B Sealers Cove
C Hogan Island
D Deal Island
E Allports Beach, Flinders Island
F Cape Barren Island
G Little Musselroe Bay

National Marine Debris Survey

across Banks Strait

Surfrider Australia, in conjunction with Tangaroa Blue, is
inviting beach lovers everywhere to contribute the National
Marine Debris Survey. All you need to do is choose a section
of beach to clean up, record and categorise the debris
you find, and submit the results. The data is used in the
implementation of education programs and legislation
reform to help reduce marine litter.
The Clean Across Bass Strait team collected more than 100
plastic drink bottles from Hogan Island alone, most of which
came from foreign sources. According to Surfrider, illegal
dumping accounts for a significant proportion of the marine
debris in and around shipping channels.
To find out more about the survey, visit www.surfrider.org.au

Want to paddle
Bass Strait in 2014?
Jarad Kohlar will be leading another supported
crossing of Bass Strait in February 2014.
To find out more, go to

www.cleanacrossbassstrait.com
54

Indulge your Adventurous Nature

27 May 4 June 2012

Below Andrew Couttsy

Coutts catching the runners

Cairns Airport Adventure Festival

ENTER NOW

cairnsadventurefestival.com.au

Set in one of the worlds most iconic tropical locations, the 2012 Cairns Airport
Adventure Festival will take place from 27 May to 4 June 2012.
The festival features 10 days of events for people of all ages and abilities.
A unique adventure race that appears in the jam-packed program on May 27 is the
Hekili Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge. This is one of Australias biggest and
newest downwind iron ocean races. Outriggers and surf skis will paddle a 40km iron
event course from Palm Cove to Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas with the beauty of
the Wet Tropics rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other.

Story by Rohan Klopfer (with Pat Kinsella)

Images by Rohan Klopfer

56

UNDER
COVER
OF DUSK

While New Zealands Milford and Doubtful Sounds

have been viewed from all angles over the years,
Fiordlands other jewel, Dusky Sound, has
remained remote and mysterious. Protected and
preserved perfectly by its inaccessibility, it remains
exactly as it was seen centuries ago by the likes
of James Cook and George Vancouver. Indeed, few
people other than hermits and conservationists
have visited the haunting sound since those
curious captains called by and discovered a place
that was, even then, home to indigenous hideaways and hunted tribesfolk. Armed with a couple
of ingenious folding kayaks and with the help of a
cavalier chopper pilot, two Australian adventurers
pierce the dusk and explore what lies within.

The question was innocuous enough but, as is often the

case, the unsaid (and in this case entirely unintended)
section of the equation was the part that my ear tuned into.
Are you up for a beer in Queenstown in mid-January?
was what my friend actually asked me, shortly before
Christmas, but I heard something entirely different.
Somehow, through the Boys Own Babel Fish I think
I have in my ear, I heard: How about spending five days
heli-paddling and exploring the virtually impenetrable
place known as Dusky Sound, followed by a postexpedition beer in Queenstown?
Why not? I agreed instantly. I was due both an adventure
and a beer, and this would be a great opportunity to test out
the new Trak folding kayaks Id recently got my hands on.
Besides, Dusky Sound is a place the sea-kayaking world
has been whispering about in awed tones for a while now.
Dusky where? said Phil, looking mystified.
57

WATCH
the Dusky Sound video

No one lives in Dusky Sound any more. In fact,

hardly anyone ever has. But that doesnt stop
it reverberating with human history if anything
it makes the echoes of the few people who have
been here all the louder.
Hanging precariously off the southwest elbow
of the South Islands Fiordland National Park,
the sound is a little-visited corner of New Zealand
where the footprints of explorers such as Captain
Cook are still visible. Well, maybe not his actual
footprints, but definitely the tree stumps in the
clearing at Astronomers Point, where the wandering
Yorkshireman established an observatory during
his second visit.
Its a spot so cut off from ordinary that a gang
of sealers temporarily abandoned by their boat
once built a whole new ship from scratch. They left it
on its rollers when they were subsequently rescued,
where it lay for years until it was appropriated by
another crew of shipwrecked sailors who had arrived
on Captain Cooks old ship, the Endeavour, which
now lies in a watery grave at the bottom of the sound.
How could you turn down an invitation to
explore a place like that (even if it had been
cunningly disguised as an invite for a quick beer)?

Phil Woodhouse (left) and Rohan

start their remote adventure

You boys are travelling light My stomach sinks, weighed

down by self-doubt. Id left Melbourne on the morning of a new
year, dusty and dehydrated from the previous nights revelries.
What had I forgotten to pack? We load the equipment into the
helicopter. The chopper pilot is right it doesnt seem like much.
Especially considering there are two full-size kayaks in our bags.
Of course we left a lot of luxury equipment at home, due to
the 40kg Jet Star baggage limit. But the fact I could bring
our boats all the way from Melbourne was testament to the
Traks portability credentials. It was easier than travelling
with my mountain bike. (Although, admittedly, on the return
flight to Melbourne I did have to wear my pfd on the plane
which led to some funny looks.)
Even the bus ride to Te Anau gateway to the Fiordlands
National Park and an outdoor adventure mecca had been easy,
and the helipad was within walking distance of the bus station
These things are unreal Our pilot from Southern Lakes
helicopters seems suitably impressed. I wish everyone
would paddle these kayaks they fit right into the pod!
Boarding the helicopter I can hardly contain my excitement.
We soar over Lake Manapouri and soon find ourselves
gazing down upon the main range. Flying so close to the
jagged peaks, while sat in the front of the glass helicopter
seems so utterly surreal, that Im left secretly hoping that
the paddle will stack up to the quality of the journey in.

Just like the explorers whose wash we are following in,

we arrive at Supper Cove, the seaward end of the sound.
Quickly we unload the still-whirring flying machine that
has brought us here in a fraction of the time it took those
who ventured here before us. After a quick handshake
and a reassuring promise from Dave that hell be back
to pick us up at 11am on the 12th, the chopper lifts up and
promptly vanishes around the back of the escarpment.
And so were left, just the two of us and about 100-million
sandflies, every one of them belligerent and blood-crazed
after being starved of human victims for god knows how long.
Within seconds weve ripped open the packaging and
donned our new sandfly nets and mittens. We live in this
net armour for the entire week, putting it on the second
we get off the water every day. You soon forget that youre
even wearing the nets, and life without their protection
is virtually unbearable. Not for the last time we think
about those early explorers and wonder how they coped.
The only time the net comes off is when were eating,
when alternative protection is required. We quickly learn
that Bushmans insect repellent melts the skin of the
kayaks so we dont use that. A homemade concoction
of baby oil, Detol and a splash of tea tree oil works
amazingly well instead, giving us enough time to eat
our food without getting eaten ourselves.
59

No time is wasted in getting the kayaks assembled, as we

want to be on the water well before the sea breeze kicks in.
Fortunately it takes just minutes to put the Traks together,
and theyre roomy enough to swallow all our equipment and
provisions with ease.

the least amount of sandflies. This was the site of the first
European house ever built in New Zealand, and was also the
construction site of the first ship built on these shores, the
Providence, built by one group of stranded sailors and inherited
by another gang of shipwrecked desperados years later.

The wind blows predicable and steady here, 15 to 20 knots

from 11.30 in the morning to five in the evening everyday.
Although, as the journals of Cook and Vancouver recount,
the weather can chuck in the some serious curveballs too,
in the shape of ferocious gales and torrential downpours.
Weve been studying the weather charts and all looks well,
but we keep at least one ear twitching in the wind at all times,
for signs of a nasty surprise on the way.

Life would have been tough for these guys, no doubt.

They may as well have been in outer space they were so
utterly isolated from the rest of the world; their clothes must
have rotted on their backs, and, instead of the company
of women, they would have felt the lovebites of countless
sandflies and mosquitoes. But for all their problems, they
would have eaten well. I am the worlds worst fisherman,
but from the first cast I make from my kayak, I find myself
hauling in blue cod. Each evening we cook the fresh catch
over an open fire, just as those early sailors would have done.

Over the next week, kayaking an average of 20km a day, we

explore ever deeper into the sound, investigating its myriad
islands and paddling into all the nooks and crannies, enjoying the
company of dolphins and seals. The young seals are a particular
delight, eyeing our kayaks with inquisitive puppy eyes.
That climatic curveball never comes and the Land of the
Long White Cloud belies its name and treats us to five
unexpected days of consecutive sun. I read later that New
Zealand had received the lowest amount of rain ever recorded
during January this year.
Cook wouldnt have recognised the place that he discovered
and named in 1770, while seeking refuge for the Endeavour
from the jaws of a savage gale. Cook liked the place so
much that he returned here exactly three years later in
the Resolution, and stayed for an extended period, briefly
befriending a family of Maoris that seemed to be on the run
from another tribe, before they mysteriously vanished.
The Sound is steeped in both indigenous and early European
explorer history. One campsite in particular Luncheon Cove
becomes a favourite of ours, and not just because it has

And the ones who rolled with Cook would even have drunk
well. Besides being the site of the first European house
and boat to be built in New Zealand, history also records
Dusky Sound as the very spot where beer was first brewed
in the country. While his scientists were studying the
movement of celestial bodies in the night sky, Captain
Cook set up a microbrewery, making a batch of beer using
local rimu branches, which he hoped would help prevent
scurvy. In an entry in his diary on Saturday 27 March 1773,
on Resolution Island in Dusky Sound, the good captain wrote:
We also began to brew beer from the branches or leaves
of a tree, which much resembles the American black-spruce.
From the knowledge I had of this tree, and the similarity it bore
to the spruce, I judged that, with the addition of inspissated
juice of wort and molasses, it would make a very wholesome
beer, and supply the want of vegetables, which this place
did not afford; and the event proved that I was not mistaken.
Well said that man. And that reminds me we have a date
with a beer to keep too.

As our final day beckons, we paddle back out to Supper Cove.

The hut is already occupied by with an intrepid Israeli hiker and
a group of adventurous lightweight hikers, some of them in their
70s, who have made their own tents, backpacks and raingear.
Our fish feast demolished, we feed the unwanted spoils to the
blues sharks that patrol the line between the shallow waters and
the vast deep of Dusky Sound.
We drift off to sleep to the sound of the ocean, but later I awake
to an almighty ruckus. After a few seconds of pondering, I realise
our gear is under attack by the New Zealand airforce, otherwise
known as kias.
Some people have had quite disturbing run-ins with these cheeky
birds, known for their talent for vandalising anything from tents
to boats. If they were to start putting holes in our kayaks, we could
be in for a longer stay than expected in Dusky Sound perhaps
wed have to build our own escape vessel too.
I flash through the door and come face to face with a cheerful kia that
has its head peeking through a suspicious-looking hole in the roof
of the hut. After watching it play around the hut for a while Im lulled
into a foolish sense of trust, and eventually wander back to bed.
And then everything goes quiet. Too quiet. One of the hikers raises
the alarm: The kias, theyre headed down towards your kayaks!
I take flight, dressed only in boardshorts and full-body fly netting
(I dont think the bushwalkers had seen anything quite like it in all
their 70 years). Rounding the corner I find the kia playfully bouncing
up and down on the kayak skin, as if its a trampoline. If I had a
video recorder with me I could make a YouTube sensation, but since
I dont have a camera to hand I grab the next best thing: a rock.
But as soon as I pitch the missile at the bird I realise theres only
going to be one loser in this battle. The bird just bounces over
the rock, and I resign myself to packing up the skins in the rain
and returning them to the safety of the hut.

WATCH
Assembling a Trak
T1600 Kayak

60

61

As 11 oclock approaches on pick-up day, we hold little hope

of seeing a helicopter. The weather has finally turned on us;
a cold wind drives persistent rain into our faces and the
clouds are claustrophobically low.
And yet, at exactly 10.57am, the chug of the chopper greets
our ears and it hovers in to land precisely on time. The pilot
has honoured his promise to the second, and thanks to his
commitment were in for the flight of our lives on the way out
although at times I think its going to be the last flight of our lives.
Helicopter pilots fly mostly by line of sight, and on this day,
there wasnt much of that to be had. Due to increasing cloud
were unable to break over the pass in the first three places
the pilot tries as he scrapes through gullies looking for a gap.
Finally he sees an opening and he guns the chopper straight
for it. My stomach comes up to say hello to my mouth as we
drop under the clouds, virtually skim the rocky outcrop and
plummet down a cliff on the other side.

THE TRAK FILES

62

Were out, and soon back amid the hub-bub of Queenstown,

as far removed from the isolation of the sound as you can
imagine. Time for that beer, and to plan the next trip back
to Dusky Sound. By the second handle of Tui, weve put aside
two full weeks, and clanged glasses on it. Better start saving
for the helicopter then

The Sunny King

126 Elite
Race SUP Board
Review by Jarad Kohlar

BOATS
BLADES
+
BOARDS
64

As an adventure racer and multisport athlete, I like to mix sup

my training with some SUP sessions over the warmer summer
months. Over the past two summers I have been training
and racing on my Sunny King Elite Racer 126 board. Right
from the outset I found this board to be super stable, super
fast and very competitive in the racing arena.
The lightweight nature of the Sunny King Elite Racer (12kg)
allows you to surf the smallest wind, boat or ocean waves
with ease. Better still, for competitive types like me, the
wider nature of the board under your centre of gravity means
you can really go for it right from the starting line in races.
The nimbleness of the Elite owes a lot to the boards design,
which boasts a semi-displacement hull, a low and even
bottom rocker and curved scoop lines. This means the
water-flow along the board is superb, and the hull shape
offers awesome gliding capabilities.
Its a versatile board too, with enough mass in the nose to
perform well going upwind, dealing with side winds, and to
get you flying down-wind. I often get up to 16km to 18km per

hour on my downwind SUP paddles from Williamstown

to Sandridge beach in Port Melbourne.
Hand-shaped and made from EPS Core and an Epoxy resin/
fibreglass combo, the board has a sweet laminate finish.
I also love the new liftsup handle that makes carrying my
Elite to the water a lot easier.
Ive been a paddler all my life, but SUPing gives you a very
different perspective. Paddling a SUP allows you to look right
down into the water and see the reefs below. Sunny King is an
Australian-owned company based in Melbourne, who support
the local racing scene and grassroots development of the sport.
At a glance
Length 381cm
Width 73.5cm
Weight 12kg
RRP AU$1700 (AU$1350.00 including
GST from SUP Warehouse)

www.supwarehouse.com.au

65

Boats, Blades + Boards reviews by Pat Kinsella

The Necky Vector 14

Necky are, of course, far better known for their high-

of different heights. Deck space is also generous, and

performance sea kayaks than their sit-on-tops, and the

primary and secondary stability is excellent, making this

Vectors are something of a new experiment for the well-

a good option for those who like to rest the paddle and

respected brand. Its a smart move that will see their name

dangle a fishing line.

become a lot more familiar to people getting into paddling

via the SOT angle, who may then move on to a more
advanced craft.

the Glenelg River that runs along a stretch of the Victoria

South Australia border and, while it performed well, we thought

However, as a touring craft this boat has plenty to offer in its

it felt a wee bit more sluggish across the water than expected.

own right and crafted to mimic the performance values of

However, we soon discovered that these conditions are not

Neckys sea kayaks it is capable of tackling some pretty

what the boat was designed for. With its weight and hull

challenging conditions. It has superior secondary stability, but

design, it is far more at home in the ocean, dealing with surf

also allows paddlers to get some edge and perform quick turns.

and swell, where its tracking is excellent.

As the name suggests, its 14 feet long (4.3 metres

This is no lightweight boat both in terms of what it can

also available in a 13-foot incarnation) and 63.5cm wide.

handle, and also how you handle it. Weighing in at 28.6kg,

Its equipped with a trailing rudder that is fully retractable,

getting it on and off the car is a two-person job, but once

and has plenty of storage space (92.5L in the bow, 69.2L

you have it out in the environment it was designed to tackle,

in the stern), making it the ideal SOT for an overnight

it comes into its own.

or multiday expedition.
The seat is exceptionally comfortable, with excellent
lumbar support, adding to its qualifications as a good
boat for longer trips. Adjusting the seat, the leg length
and the rudder ropes is very easy, so the whole family
can enjoy getting use from the boat without having to
worry about spending hours setting it up for people

66

We first put this boat through its paces on the flat water of

At a glance
Length 430cm
Width 63.5cm
Weight 28.6kg
RRP AU$1949

www.neckykayaks.com

The Think Eze

Increasing numbers of sea kayakers and amateur paddlers are
being tempted into having a crack at surf ski paddling these days,
and manufacturers are responding smartly, by bringing out boats
that look a whole lot sleeker than the plastic fantastic barges we all
started off on, but still offer a lot more stability than a standard ski.
The Think Eze (see what theyve done with the name there? eh?
eh??) is the latest craft in this mould. Paddlemag has been putting
one through its paces recently, and the short version of this review
is that its an absolute beauty of a boat for beginner ski paddlers.
At 5.2 metres in length, the fibreglass Performance Eze weighs just
15.5kg, while the Kevlar Elite is an even skinnier 12.5kg. It skips across
the water with a nippiness that belies its relatively short length.
The hull profile sleek and aggressive at the pointy end,
broad and forgiving around the cockpit enables beginner
paddlers to work hard on their technique without having to
worry about being bucked into the drink although the pace
of this boat will convince paddlers who started their ski career
on a plastic craft that theyve mastered the art overnight.
The only real downside to this boat is that, as with all such skis,
you will probably grow out of it quite fast as your skills improve.
However, it will hold a good price and demand for such boats
will always be high. Also, intermediate paddlers will appreciate
how responsive and manoeuvrable this ski is and its an
excellent boat to keep as an option even when your balance
has improved and your paddling ability is more advanced.

Its the ideal boat for moderately experienced people to

take out into rougher water than theyre typically used to,
and to use for working on their surfing and swell-catching
skills. If conditions have turned out a bit more challenging
than expected on race day, the Eze is an excellent option
to have available this is a super zippy boat for its size,
and a ski you can stay on is always going to be faster than
one thats going to tip you off. If you do go in, remounting
this stable boat is simple.
In terms of comfort, the Ezes ergonomic specs are good and
during testing we found the seat to be extremely comfortable
during paddles of one-and-a-half to two hours. Adjusting leg
length is very easy, so this is a good boat for people to share,
with the only slight criticism being that there are almost too
many notches to set it to, so you have to spend a tiny bit of
time making sure youre set up symmetrically.
On and off the water, this one sexy-looking ski with a super
smart design that offers excellent performance.
At a glance
Length 520cm
Width 51cm
Weight 15.5kg
RRP AU$2795

WATCH
the video

thinkkayaks.com
www.thinkkayak.com.au

67

Boats, Blades + Boards reviews by Pat Kinsella

The Fluid
Bazooka (large)
Review by Bobby Miller

Swell Carbon Matrix Paddle

Tipping the scales at a dainty 840g, the Matrix is a medium/
largebladed paddle that is light in the hand, but tough
enough to take a few knocks and is forceful in the water.
Perfect for recreational and touring purposes, its also light
enough to consider for races if youre happy to punch-on
with a non-wing paddle. The asymmetric blades are made
from tinted resins and glass laminate, and theyre mounted
on a 2-piece, lightweight carbon shaft, complete with drip
rings. The length isnt adjustable, but there are three settings
for angling your blades.
RRP AU$329.00

paddlepro.com.au

Carlisle Polar Paddle

With a pair of fibreglass reinforced Nylon blades to its name,
and a lightweight one-piece fibreglass shaft, the Carlisle Polar
paddle is light in the hand (around 1100g) but packs a punch
in the water. The blade, which is available in three width
sizes (160 mm, 175 mm, and 185 mm), has an asymmetric cut
and medium dihedral shape, making this the perfect paddle
for touring, whether youre an advanced kayaker or a total
beginner. Available from 210cm to 240cm, it has the standard
drip rings and also features a grip and locator.
RRP AU$199

www.bla.com.au

Fluid kayaks have busted out some new and exciting

developments for 2012. The Bazooka is the new creek boat,
replacing the long-loved and well-proven Solo (one of the
best creek boat designs of all time in my opinion).
After exclusively creeking in the Solo since 2005, I must
admit that adopting a replacement made me a little nervous.
Like Mary Poppins, the Solo is practically perfect in every way.
But in early March, I was fortunate to get one of the first
large Bazookas out of the mould.
After logging many kilometres in the boat, Im pleased to say that
Celliers [Celliers Kruger, the owner of Fluid Kayaks] has fixed any
minor imperfections the Solo may have had. He has eliminated
the word, practically and has gone straight to perfect.
I got the large Bazooka a few days before a race on Paint
Creek near Johnstown, PA. I took the boat on a test run on
the Shenandoah River the day before the race to get used
to it. Immediately, I noticed that the Bazooka was fast as
I cruised down the run. I also noticed that the boat carves a turn
extremely well. The stern edge requires a slight tilt and it engages.
The boat will immediately shoot in the direction you lean.
I was super excited by this, having paddled a creek boat
with minimal edge for years. Id tried creek boats with edges
before but found them to be grabby in shallow water.
This problem is fixed in the Bazooka by the fact that the
edge smooths out near the front of the boat, making it very
forgiving. The bow has a nice amount of rocker allowing it
to ride high and boof like a champ, while the low stern rocker
profile gives the boat more speed than most boats its size.
With a lot of speed and the high performance stern edge, I was
anxious to put this boat to the test. In the race, I was able to
manoeuvre easily through the rocky Class 4 rapids and keep
my speed up through all of the sections. I cruised to a first-place
victory, a great way to start off a relationship with a new boat.
On a recent trip to Great Falls of the Potomac River, I was pleased
to see the Bazooka handle the continuous waterfalls without any

68

problems. If I get slightly off line, I can lean over and the edge
carves me back where I want to go. Its great boofing ability made
it easy to launch flat landings off the drops, and the speed allowed
me to clear through most holes like they werent even there.
The boat is extremely stable so it is forgiving in swirling water.
The outfitting is very comfortable and easily adjusted. The seat,
which screws into a track in the boat, can be moved quickly
into different positions. The knee braces fit nicely on my leg and
you can slide them around with minimal effort to find the right
position. The centre pillar features steps so you can climb out
easily in the event of a pin. The back band feels good on my back
and the ratchet system allows it to be quickly pulled into place.
The large Bazooka is very big at 100 gallons (380L). I am 6 feet
tall and 165 pounds (75kg), so it floats me very high. This is the
perfect creek boat for a larger paddler, while the medium 87
gallons (330L) will work better for my weight. The small still
has plenty of volume at 75 gallons (283L) so it will be a great
fit for small to medium sized paddlers.
For fans of soft-edge creek boats, the Bazooka will instantly be
faster and more responsive but the stern edge will take a little
time to get used to. For fans of hard-edge creek boats, you will
instantly notice that the boat is more forgiving but still is very
high performance.
For creek racing, I think this boat is unmatched with its
combination of performance and speed. Fluid has hit the mark
with the Bazooka by creating a spectacular creek boat that
is forgiving yet is great at carving a turn, and this design will
make any creek boater who tries it a believer.
At a glance
Length 230 cm
Width 65 cm
RRP AU$1495

www.kayak4play.com.au

69

Boats, Blades + Boards

Wilderness Systems Tempest 170

The Fenn Swordfish

Mission X-Stream 420

review by Pat Kinsella

review by Mich OConnor

review by Pat Kinsella

As winter nips at our heels, many paddlers in the south will be stashing the
SOTs, SUPs and skis in the garage and looking to cocoon themselves a bit
more when theyre out on the water. A classic touring sea kayak cant be
beaten for staying cosy on longer trips, and they dont come a lot more
reliable and classic than the Tempest 170.

Ive been paddling surf skis for about threeand-a-half years now, and began to seriously
think about buying my own boat around 18
months ago. I was on my fourth training boat
at the training and skills clinic I attend, run
by Peak Adventure, and one week the group
I train with began talking about the fact that
Fenn were bringing out a couple of new boats.

This boat has bagged a drybag-full of awards, including Sea Kayaker

Magazine Readers Choice Award for Best Day- and Weekend-Touring Kayak,
and Wilderness Systems themselves rate it as the most capable sea kayak
they have ever built. So, does it merit all the accolades? Paddlemag rugged
up and took one for a test drive into the eye of an Anzac Day storm.
With its shallow V-shaped hull, the Tempest genuinely combines
sensational primary and secondary stability with some serious
performance values, and even in mountainous seas intermediate paddlers
will feel relatively comfortable. More experienced paddlers will enjoy its
speed and edging ability whatever the conditions.
The 170 is the middle child in the Tempest family, which also includes a little
sister in the shape of the 165, and the big brother 180 model. Im a bit north
of 6 foot, and still felt perfectly comfortable in the 170. The cockpit, seat
and easily adjustable footbrace system all proved comfortable for extended
trips, and with generous storage fore and aft this is an excellent touring
boat. It boasts a 10-inch bow hatch, an 8-inch day hatch, plus bow and stern
bulkheads and deck rigging.
The Tempest is available in a Pro fibreglass version, but the plastic model is
as durable a boat as you will find, and with its retractable skeg this kayak will
go anywhere. The skeg adds to its tracking qualities, and at 5 metres 18 cm in
length and weighing in at 25kg, the Tempest is an agile dancer on the water.
Considering performance and price tag, durability and versatility this is one
of the very best winter escape pods on the market, and a bargain to boot.

It didnt require too much research. The boat

being discussed sat somewhere between the
XT and the Elite. I was more than comfortable
on an XT by this stage, but the Elite was too
tippy and narrow for me. The Swordfish is
aimed at the intermediate paddler perfect.
As theyre new to Australia, there wasnt much
info available apart from the specs. I ordered
one, unseen and untried, through our coach.
The moment I sat in it, it was for me. I had
concerns that, being narrower than the XT, there
may not be enough room for my size-12 hips.
I neednt have worried and it is very comfortable
no numb bum here. Setting her up was simple
same deal as the XT and Elite, all you need is
an allen key to adjust your leg length but now,
finally owning my own boat meant I wouldnt
have to mess around readjusting it anyway.
I christened the ski Ariel, and we regularly
train together on the Bay in Melbourne.

Although we dont get surf, we do get good swell

and wind (occasionally), and she can deal with both.
She handles well in a side chop, and in the event
of a swim, its easy for me to get back into the boat.
I dont get blown around by the wind in the
Swordfish, as I have in other boats I have paddled,
and she sits nicely in the water. Shes also
super responsive the steering is fantastic
and cornering around buoys made easy with
very little footwork required.
Ariel has had a few trips to Torquay and Lorne,
where we have fun getting into the surf. You have
a good feel of the waves beneath, she is quick
to pick up the waves and once on, you cant
wipe the smile off your face. Even on little runners,
Ariel is responsive and runs nicely.
Our coach bought one about a month or so after
me for use as a training boat, and its a magnet for
regulars at the sessions. It was designed specifically
as a ski for intermediate paddlers, and it excels as
exactly that. I love my boat.
At a glance
Length 6.1m
Width 45cm
Weight Vacuum Glass 14.5kg / Carbon 11.5kg
RRP Vacuum Glass AU$3,100 / Carbon AU$4,200

www.oceanpaddler.com

Another substantial sit-on-top that is taking the category into a new

capability bracket, the Mission X-Stream 420 is available with and
without a rudder. Aiming to provide the sort of performance most
paddlers would expect from a touring sea kayak, the hull of the X-stream
has been designed with a waterline length that gives the kayak speed. In
fact, the pace of this boat belies its short length (4 metres 20 cm), and
its tracking ability is also surprisingly sharp.
At the same time, the primary stability of the boat, which is 73cm wide,
means even relative beginners can venture out in choppy conditions and
give it a burst in the surf. It is still designed with recreational paddlers
firmly in mind, but the large storage capacity means that multi-day trips
are not out of the question. The seating configuration is not particularly
adjustable, but what it lacks in versatility it makes up for in comfort.
The boats impressive storage capacity also includes generous amounts
of functional deck space. What makes this design a standout for us,
however, is the positioning of the hatches, particularly the 10-inch rubber
hatch by the paddlers feet, which is ultra accessible and super handy,
particularly for people who like to dangle a line while theyre paddling or
to take photographs.
At a glance
Length 420cm
Width 73cm
Weight 28kg
Max Load 180kg
RRP AU$1,095 (no rudder) / AU$1,395 (incl rudder)

www.missionkayaking.com
www.seatosummit.com.au

At a glance
Length 518 cm
Width 56 cm
Weight 26 kg
RRP AU$1999

paddlepro.com.au
www.wildernesssystems.com

70

71

Boats, Blades + Boards

The Trak 1600T

review by Rohan Klopfer

With a Trak folding kayak your options are limited only by

You can change the rocker (banana shape) of this boat

your imagination, and the biggest problem is finding the time

with a hydraulic pump according to conditions and skill level

to get to all the places you want to explore with it. Combining

a flatter boat tracks straighter, while a more accentuated rocker

portability with performance, it is a fully foldable kayak

creates a more manoeuvrable and nimble kayak. This makes

that takes only 10 minutes to assemble and can go pretty

the Trak a real all-rounder, but one downside is that the pumps

much anywhere a fibreglass or composite sea kayak can go.

are heavy and we did worry (unnecessarily as it turned out)

This review is based around a journey I took in the Trak around

Dusky Sound, New Zealand. Id only paddled the boat a
couple of times before the trip, but I had practiced putting
the kayak together, so Id know what to do when under
pressure from the sand flies.

about the possibility of them failing after we spotted a little oil

leaking from a couple of hydraulics a problem Im sure will be
resolved quickly.
Its also possible to change the gunnel lengths (the sides of the
kayak) and to trim the kayak so you can deal with weather-

The Trak 1600 T is a touring kayak, which can be taken on

cocking or lee-cocking, (the kayak turning upwind or turning

the open ocean, down rivers or across any stretch of flat

downwind, respectively). This is a brilliant feature, removing the

water you fancy the look of. It features a built-in Tri-Active

need for a rudder (if there is ever a need for a rudder!)

Performance System (TPS), which consists of three selfcontained hydraulic jacks that drive pressure from the frame
into the PolyTRAK shell, providing rigidity and also allowing
for an amazing degree of versatility.

This is a boat for those who like their paddling to be a tactile

experience, as you can literally feel the water youre kayaking
across through the membrane.

Once assembled, the Trak is a pretty speedy ride and is

Im a little tough on my equipment, however, and I was

highly manoeuvrable with great initial and secondary stability.

worried about the durability of the Traks shell. However,

The performance quality can change depending on how you

in use I found the material to be strong and sturdy, with

have the boat set up, however.

about the same amount of care required as you would

take landing a fibreglass kayak. Yes, barnacles and oyster

shells may be an issue; you just have to be careful.

if you want to avoid the worry, loading your kayak with dry

There were a few frustrations, and a couple of things that we

learnt on the fly that will make things better on the next hit out.
In terms of portaging, carrying the kayak loaded or semi-loaded
was pretty difficult, and I dont think its a good idea for the
integrity of the boat. This isnt what theyre designed for, so empty
them out. We developed carry straps that made it a lot easier.

Its always good to practice self rescues in all conditions when

In terms of loading and unloading equipment, I found that

mounting a pulley in the bow in order to drag trapped dry bags
up through the ribs worked really well; without this unloading
the kayak was a little tricky and frustrating.

I can take this boat next. The possibilities are almost endless.

Stopping the seat from popping forward is easy you just tie
it back with a strap to the frame of the rib behind the seat.
We experienced no big dramas with the bungees some
hooks have fallen off, but the issue is easily fixed by replacing
them with the type that you feed the shock cord through
the eye, tie a knot and then pull back to load.

37 Jetty Road in Sandringham, and Ill let you have a play.

The sea sock takes a little time to fit properly, but it is an

essential safety measure on open seas. One concern people
may have is the floatation bag deflating you are able to
re-inflate this even if youre swimming next to your boat, but

bags as well as the inflatable flotation bags is a good option.

youre paddling a new craft, and you can view how these
work in a Trak by watching the excellent Trak Files on YouTube.
The Trak sea kayak is an amazing piece of equipment.
It made possible one of the best paddling journeys Ive ever
experienced, and Im already hatching new ideas about where
Stayed tuned to Paddlemag to find out where we end up,
and if youre intrigued to see what this boat looks like and
find yourself in Melbourne, come past the kayak shop at
At a glance
Length 488cm
Width 57.15cm
Weight 26.4kg (including spare jack, sea sock and flotation bags)
31.5kg (Complete package, including storage/carry bag)
RRP AU$4000 (including Reed sea sock)

www.rethinkkayak.com
www.eastcoastkayaking.com

WATCH
SELF RESCUE
IN A TRAK
72

73

Good time to buy

IMMERSION
RESEARCH
DOUBLE
D DRY SUIT

Sealskinz Ultra-Grip Gloves

and Kneelength Socks

Review by Adrian Kiernan

Drysuit modelled by Adam Cooper
Ive been lucky enough to have used this drysuit for almost
5 years. I working as a rafting and kayaking guide in Tassie
for half the year, doing expedition work on rivers like
the Franklin, and spending the rest of my time paddling in
British Columbia and Europe. My drysuits go through hell.
The purchase of a drysuit is something that needs
careful research, as theyre not cheap. I want mine
to be comfortable, dry (duh) and good value for money.
Many of my paddling friends use Gore-tex suits, but
I strongly believe that for drysuits you really want a
fabric that strikes a good balance between providing
performance and being good value money. For me, the
Double D does this.
The number one thing you need to consider when buying
a dry suit is the socks. This is where most people complain
of leaks. Leaks in areas like the neck and wrists have
nothing to do with the drysuit. There are only about two
manufacturers of gaskets and pretty much every company
uses the same stuff. The socks, however, take a BEATING!
Imagine walking on your nice new raincoat every day of

74

the week, in mud or gravel. Theyre simply not made for it.
You MUST wear good footwear over your drysuit to protect
it and also socks on the inside is a very good idea.
Immersion research has recognised this and, rather than
putting in some expensive fabric than will sooner or later leak,
they have simply coated the inside of the drysuit booties with
a layer of seal, making the fabric stronger and more durable.
The cut of the double D is also excellent. It sits well and gives
you plenty of room around the shoulders for unrestricted
movement. The zip across the back is really easy, and feels
much better to paddle with than over the shoulder it just
takes a little practice.
After durability, the next thing you want to ensure is that
you have plenty of room in the suit to wear layers of clothing
underneath when its cold.
So, when youre looking to invest in a drysuit, dont just go for
the one that makes your bum look small.

The cold is beginning to bite at paddlers extremities in the southern states

and these two bits of gear are a top addition to your water-going wardrobe.
Both boast Sealskinz seamless three-layer technology, which starts with a
merino lining that excels at providing warmth and wicking sweat away from
your skin as you get into your stroke. A breathable waterproof membrane then
comes to the party, preventing external moisture from getting to you from the
outside. Both items are waterproof so long as you have a tightly secured
cag and paddling pants stopping the juice from getting in the top. Obviously
they dont have the same warmth-providing properties as a dry- or wetsuit has,
however, and according to Sealskinz own thermal rating the gloves score 2
and the socks 3 out of a possible 5, so there are limits to the extremes you can
push yourself to while clad in this clobber. But theyll do a top job at keeping you
snug in almost all Australian conditions. You hardly lose any dexterity through
wearing the gloves, which also feature grip dots on the palms for grip in the
wet, but the paddle will still feel a little swivellier than when youre barehanded.
The socks have loop pile lining around heel and toes for better longevity
and feature an elasticated instep and achilles for additional support.
RRP Seakskinz Mid Weight Knee-Length Sock AU$59.95

RRP AU$1290

RRP Ultra Grip Gloves AU$54.95

www.kayak4play.com.au
www.immersionresearch.com

www.seatosummit.com.au
www.sealskinz.com

75

Good time to buy

Aquapac SLR Camera Case 458

76

Solution Gears Universal

Sit-on-top Trolley

Apparently this technology is used by the London Fire Brigade,

LA County Lifeguards and Japan Coast Guards. Maybe they should
have more to worry about than pissing about taking photos of
each other underwater, but thats none of our business really
point is this is good durable gear. Made from tough thermoplastic
polyurethane, the flexible casing is designed to fit most SLR
cameras and it costs a fraction of the price of youll pay for a hard
case. There is a payoff of course, and although this is technically
submersible to 15 metres, it wont go down to the depths that a hard
case will. But thats okay with us, were a paddling publication, not
a diving mag, and this casing is absolutely perfect for recording action
during activities such as kayaking, providing excellent protection
for your camera against saltwater and sand. It comes with desiccant
sachets to help minimise the harmful effects of humidity, has
a handy shoulder strap so you can sling it around your back
while paddling, and floats when dropped in the water. Awesome.

Sit on top kayaks, while brilliant in a whole range of

situations, are a royal pain in the arse to drag around.
Often theyre as heavy as a barge and as wide as a cow,
and theyre notorious for falling off standard trolleys.
All of which makes this innovative trolley design from
Sea to Summits Solution Gear range a stroke of genius.
The robust little trolley is made from anodised alloy tubing
welded into a tough design, has two easily removable
heavy-duty wheels and, weighing in at just 3.5kg, is super
easy to transport. The ingenuity kicks in, however, in the
design, which features two prongs, topped with rubber
cones, that fit into the scupper holes that youll find in the
bottom of the hull of pretty much all sit-on-top kayaks.
What about wider or skinnier boats? No worries
the trolley is fully adjustable. Brilliant. Cant visualise

RRP AU$189.95

RRP AU$129.95

www.everestsports.com.au
www.aquapac.net

www.seatosummit.com.au
www.solutiongear.com.au

what Im banging on about? Watch the video

Harmony Kickback PFD

Aquapac Mini
Stormproof Phone Case

A type III PFD with a difference, the Harmony features a highback design to accommodate recreational kayaks with taller seats,
which means you can paddle with a vastly improved posture and
get a whole lot more power in your catch because youre not
leaning forward like a floating hunchback. Simple concept, well
executed. The design remains comfortable even when youre in a
boat without a high seat, such as a touring canoe or kayak, and
it doesnt limit your range of motion one bit. The Harmonys high
back also means better ventilation, an effect thats heightened
even further by the mesh back panel. Other elements worth
mentioning include the reflective trim on front and back all the
better for making you more visible to peanuts on jetskis during
the dim winter afternoons and misty mornings that are so nearly
upon us. Its easily and quickly adjustable, and boasts an offset
shoulder buckle for comfortable portage. Materials wise, it has a
shell made from 210-denier nylon, which is tough but doesnt push
the price tag up too much.

A wee (and wee-proof) little drybag specifically for your

RRP AU$99.95

www.everestsports.com.au
www.aquapac.net

paddlepro.com.au

smartphone. Pop it in, roll the neck over three times, fasten
the buckle and your communication device is safe and
sound from incidental moisture such as heavy rain and
occasional splashing from paddling strokes. Note this is not
meant to protect your equipment during full immersion, so
do not take it along to rolling lessons or to a freestyle comp
or on a full-on creeking mission. It will keep your gear safe
(from water, dirt, sand and oil), however, in most recreational
and touring situations, and it makes an excellent belt-andbraces approach if you want to wrap your precious phone
in an extra layer of protection before throwing it into the
big dry bag of uncertainty. Its touch sensitive and sound
porous, you can keep your dog and bone dry and use it
while youre on the river. Plus it has a 5-year warranty. Bonus.
RRP AU$34.95

77

Tales from the River

Whitewater
Women

Main Image courtesy

of Georgia Nelson
Right Tanya Faux
Photo by Pat Kinsella

Tanya Faux an elite whitewater kayaker and former

Adventurer of the Year, who paddles professionally for Team
Teva, Team Wavesport and Team Kokatat has just returned
from leading a world-first, all-female, super-remote, crocodiledefying, whitewater expedition in the Kimberley region of
Western Australia.
In the first all-women expedition ever attempted in Australia,
and the longest whitewater river expedition ever completed
in the world by female paddlers, Tanya and her team of seven
spent over 30 days exploring the unchartered waters of the
Isdell and Charnley River systems, part of the King Leopold
ranges, during the violent and hostile cyclone season.
Tanya is more commonly seen in a cockpit of a creek boat,
but this 30-day adventure was a rafting mission, involving two
rivers and 150km of trekking. Promoting the protection of the
Kimberley was a key objective of the expedition. Crucial to this
goal was the recording of footage that would make people
aware of the regions beauty, but the seven uninitiated women
who accompanied Tanya into one of the most remote corners
of the planet didnt themselves quite understand the level of
beauty they were about to experience.

www.kimberleywhitewaterwomen.com
79

Q+A Matt OGarey

The road
to Molokai
The Kaiwi Channel, a 53km stretch of unpredictable open water
between the islands of Molokai and Oahu in Hawaii,
is one of roughest ocean channels on earth. The Molokai
Challenge, commonly considered to be the greatest
ocean race in the world, takes paddlers right across it.
Recognised as the Surf Ski World Championships,
a Molokai win is something all serious paddlers
want on their CV, but over the past 25 years only six men
have won the surf ski division, including Australians
Grant Kenny and Dean Gardiner. Can Stellar paddler
Matt OGarey add his name to that illustrious list?
Well, hes not going there on a holiday, thats for sure

Have you paddled Molokai before?

I made Team Australia in 2010 and we raced Molokai World
Outrigger Championships in an OC6.It was great to race
the event and see Hawaii and the channel, and get a feel
for what to expect.It was a big learning experience with
a good bunch of blokes, but our results werent as good
as wed hoped and it left me feeling that I had some
unfinished business over there. I quickly decided to return
and to go back to my roots and race the channel on a ski.
Talk us through your training regime
I aim to paddle over 100km each week.I do eight to nine
paddling sessions per week, two sessions in the gym and
at least one run or mountain bike ride just to break it up.
Julian from Paddle 2 Fitness sets my programs and we
try for at least two long sessions each week over 1825km.
Saturday afternoon is always a long one, as is Big
Wednesday, when I do two killer paddles.
What does this race mean to you?
Ive pretty much put my life on hold for 18 months and
dedicated every bit of energy I have to it. Ill give it everything
I have and if I fail, at least I know I put it all on the line.
Youre 38, what will be the average age
of the guys youre up against?
I think the average wont be far off my age. Clint Robinson
is a year older than me and he just took back-to-back
Molokai victories.You get guys over 40 that still match
it with the best paddlers out there, because theyre so
good in open water.They combine ocean skills, knowledge
and experience with fitness and technique.
This race attracts elites like some sort of legend-magnet,
who are you most looking forward to paddling against?
Its always a quality field with Olympians, world champions
and a few true ocean men that love it when its bumpy.
The likes of Clint Robinson, Marty Kenny,Brad Stokes,
Tim Jacobs, the Mocke brothers, Jeremy Cotter, Bruce Taylor
even Deano Gardener, who has won the event nine times and

who is getting on a bit, can still mix it up with the front runners.
Im really looking forward to racing against paddlers who were
my idols when I was growing up. Im a firm believer in surrounding
myself with people and paddlers who are better than meI figure
thats how you improve. To do well, however, I need to focus
on my own race and not think too much about the big names.
How do you make over 20 years of experience count on race day?
Ive been racing well lately and my preparation is on track, so
I need to stay confident that Ive done the work, am experienced
in open-water racing and know what is required.Being
around the ocean for so long give you a respect for it and an
understanding of how to read the swells and runs.Experience
in a race so long with so many variables is invaluable.However,
this will only be my second crossing of the channel, so as
much as Im going to race it hard, I need to respect the channel
and remember my lack of experience with this stretch of water.
Do you still get pre-race nerves at the starting line?
Nerves are a good thing.as long as you can control them
and turn that energy into power through the water.
If I dont get nerves before a race then something isnt right.
What skills did you try and sharpen up for Molokai?
There are many elements to a 53km race, and the conditions
are unknown until the morning of the race, so you have to
prepare for anything and everything.Its a downwind race
so I try and do at least one downwind paddle a week of 25km
or more.I clock up a couple of longer (1825km) paddles on
the flat to help with endurance and some interval and tempo
work so that I dont lose too much speed.
How tactical is the race?
I remember as a kid seeing Grant Kenny on the TV after he
won Molokai. His tactic was to be as fast as the others, then
every 5 minutes try and grab an extra runner to put him that
few hundred metres in front.I have an experienced support
boat driver who knows the channel, currents and winds
and will be a massive advantage when picking best lines.
You need to keep an eye on the leaders, paddle hard and use
the runners whenever you can without losing a good racing line.

Interview by Pat Kinsella

Images by Harvey Alison www.harvpix.com
80

81

What approach do you take to nutrition for this race?

Gear Box

I just did a 43km race on the Gold Coast to test my nutrition

policy and I discovered I needed to fine-tune a couple of elements.
Hydration and energy stores are vital.If you start feeling tired
and lethargic its probably too late.I need to make sure Im drinking
and eating before I start to feel it, so I am not depleted at any
stage.Its hard during a 4-hour race, but if you listen to your body
and react accordingly you will be in a good position to have the
energy at the end to respond to an attack or keep driving forward.

Boat Stellar SES Ultra

an amazing piece of kit!
Paddle MEEK G series adjustable
Apparel Stellar race gear
and Paddle 2 Fitness
compression pants and hat
Sunnies Sea Specs
Other SIS nutrition
and hydration. Overboard
waterproof mobile bag
and a can of coke
(for the last 15 minutes!)

If you could bribe the weather gods on race day,

what kind of conditions would you order?
Direct tailwind at around 2530 knots and 2.53-metre
seas.Slightly overcast with white caps.Then we will see who has
the coconuts!Im confident in covering the distance at race pace
if its pretty flat.Any bumps will be a bonus.
What are your expectations are you going to bring back bling?
I go into Molokai with very few expectations on me, as I am a bit
of a nobody on ocean paddlings world stage.I love nothing more
than seeing an underdog or unknown athlete produce something
amazing though.Nothing is impossible. Theres no point in
doing 12 training sessions a week accepting the family sacrifices
and financial expense without aiming for a podium finish.
Im preparing to be at the pointy end of the field. I realise that
its my first attempt on a ski, but Ive prepared well enough to
have a decent crack.Bling would be the ultimate.Top 10 amazing

Bio + Stats
From Burnie Tasmania
Height 182cm
Peak paddling weight 78kg
Years paddling 23
Career high Making national team
in 2006 and 2010 in outrigging

www.capacitysports.com.au
225 Bay Rd, Sandringham, Vic

03 9598 9821

Health Tim Altman

Pre-Race Preparation
for Ocean Racing
Youve put in the hard yards on the water,
but what should you do in the final
countdown to an event to ensure youre in
peak performance condition come race day?
During the last two weeks prior to a big distance paddling
event be it Molokai, the Doctor, the Graeme Long Memorial,
the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge, the Gold Coast Cup
or any other marathon or Iron-distance race there are still
things that can be done to optimise your chances of a great
performance (or at least to prevent catastrophe on the day).

Alcohol

It is very important to get plenty of sleep in the two weeks

Its not advisable to drink alcohol for a few days before a race.

prior to a race. Even though training lightens up and you

It will dehydrate you and the strain it puts on the body (to

will not feel the need for as much sleep, the most important

metabolise it) can drain energy and sap the immune system.

thing is to keep rested to avoid the immune system being

compromised and worst nightmare you end up sick on the
day. The additional rest also allows your body to freshen up,
which equates to extra speed when you need it.

Nutrition

Caffeine
A caffeine hit can be useful on race day. It can enhance
endurance performance in athletes by increasing fat utilisation
(for energy) and decreasing glycogen utilisation. It also wards
off drowsiness and increases alertness. The ideal dosage of

Major adjustments to your diet should only occur in the last

Paddling

caffeine on race day is 2.1mg per 1kg of body weight. More than

couple of days prior to a race. For a long event of two hours

this offers no further advantage, so theres no need to overdo it.

The bulk of the paddling miles should have been done if not,
theres no point reading further, because youre in for a world
of pain and discomfort no matter what you do now. A common
mistake made by well-prepared paddlers before an event
is maintaining heavy miles on the water prior to the race.
In the last week, you should not be looking at doing more
than an hour to an hour-and-a-half on the water of aerobic
work, and at no more than 80 per cent.

or more carbohydrate loading is useful. This simply involves

Many paddlers, especially those travelling to a race at a venue they

have not paddled at previously Molokai being a classic example
rush to familiarise themselves with conditions and end up
very flat on race day, as theyve done too much in the week prior.
While youre starting to taper your training and lighten your
water work, the last two weeks provide the perfect opportunity to
improve your pure speed on the water. This always helps in pulling
onto the next run or sprinting to jump on a wash. Short flat-out
efforts (1 minute or less) with at least double rest are advisable.

84

Sleep

raining carbohydrate intake significantly higher than is usually

Feeding & Drinking

consumed. Whilst grains are an obvious choice, 100% whole

While you should have been practicing your feeding and

grains are far better than refined grains (white flour or rice) as

drinking routine during your longer paddles before the two-

they offer much greater nutritional value in the form of fibre

week countdown to a big race, this time can be an opportunity

and micronutrient content (vitamins and minerals), which are

to perfect or tweak your routine. This can be the difference

vital for energy production and preventing cramps. Theres

between a pleasurable experience and a great performance,

no need to make things too complicated in regards to the

and a frustrating, uncomfortable, long hard day in the boat

percentage of carbohydrates to protein and fat and so on

just have more. Its the one time where you can indulge in that
coffee scroll all in the name of performance.

Water

Tim Altman (B.Sc, B. H.Sc Naturopathy) is a practicing naturopath

who has been paddling kayaks, surf skis and ocean skis for
29 years and coaching for over 10 years. Since 2009 he has
been the head ski paddling coach at Torquay Surf Life Saving

Water consumption should be adequate prior to the event

Club. He represented Australia twice in sprint kayaking and

especially in the morning prior (where you may be a bit toey

competed in Surf Lifesaving at a national level for many years.

and might not feel like drinking). If you feel the need to urinate

Tim owns and operates We Paddle

in the first 30 minutes of your event, thats a sign youve

had enough to drink. If not, youve probably not had enough.

www.wepaddle.com.au

85

Skills Clinic by Jarad Kohlar

An introduction to
Whitewater Racing
Winter is well and truly on its way in the southern states of
Australia and La Nia has been partying hard throughout
the country for months, spilling cloud juice all over the place
happy days for those who like their water white and their
rivers flowing hard. If youre new to the aquatic rodeo that
is whitewater paddling, however, there are some foundation
skills that its essential you learn, even before taking on
rivers with moderately low-level rapids. Here Jarad Kohlar
provides an overview to the skills he teaches in Peak
Adventures Introduction to Whitewater course. Its aimed
primarily at multisport adventures who will be facing river
runs and rapids during upcoming races, but there are valuable
lessons here for anyone interested in whitewater basics.
There are many reasons people may want to pick up some
whitewater paddling skills some have been sea kayaking
for years and want to try something new and challenging,
others are training for events such as Marysville to Melbourne,
the Avon Descent, Upper Murray Challenge, Murray Marathon
or the Coast to Coast in NZ, which all involve paddling stage
along rivers with some rapids. Still more have been inspired
by the escapades of elite paddlers, and theyre taking their
first steps on the road to more full-on whitewater experiences.
Whatever your motivation, however, fast-flowing rivers and
even gentle-looking rapids can be cold-hearted killers if you
dont know how to approach them and what to avoid.

The Basics

The Boat

An intro to whitewater course will teach you key fundamentals,

such as basic whitewater paddling strokes, how to pick the race
line, how to signal to other paddlers (to say youre okay, or that
youre in difficulty) and, most importantly, how to read the river
and identify snags, eddies and strainers.

There are many kinds of whitewater paddling from creeking

to playboating to racing and hundreds of different designs
of boat. My courses are primarily designed for people
training for races that include river sections, and we use
basic whitewater racing craft like the Finn Endorfinn and
Finn Mark 2. Both these boats have been made to go fast
down whitewater rivers. Youre going to encounter rocks,
so you certainly want a plastic boat with a trailing rudder.

Youll learn how to deal with grade 1 and 2 rapids. These look
relatively benign from the bank but can still present challenges
for those new to this kind of paddling.

Getting Started
Winter is the best time to begin your initiation to whitewater,
because there is increased river flow and the ocean is too cold for
some people to comfortably paddle. River water is cold too, of
course, and you will get wet as you hone your skills, so I strongly
recommend that all paddlers wear a wetsuit or a drysuit with
good booties and gloves. You should make sure you have warm
dry clothing to put on at the end of your lesson, and youll burn
more energy than you might expect, so take some food along.
Those training for a multi-sport race might want to practice
paddling wearing their bike helmet. All reputable course
providers, Peak Adventure included, will supply other requisite
equipment and safety gear required, such as a kayak, pfd,
paddling helmet, appropriate clothing if needed, first aid kit,
a comprehensive risk management plan and qualified instructors.

Basic Skills and Water Safety

Like stripes on a zebra, every single rapid is different. I teach
students how to find the race line in each rapid. The core
principle is to stay in the main flow of the river ie aim for
the V in the rapid however sometimes you might need
to head river left or right due to a snag 50 or 100 metres
downstream. You always need to look ahead, and in some
cases youll need to get out recce what is coming up around
the next corner. If youre racing, dont leave your first run
along the river until race day do your research and, if possible,
paddle the race section a week or so prior to the event.
Its essential to stay calm while paddling. You need to be
able to keep your boat under control at all times. Never grab
hold of overhanging branches or obstacles encountered on
the river, as this will simply pull you out of your boat and
potentially place you in danger.

If you are tipped out of your boat, float feet first (your head
is the most important part of your body dont put it in the
firing line to bounce off rocks). Try to keep your bum off the
bottom of the river and avoid hitting rocks. You can protect
yourself by kicking off rocks with your feet and guiding your
downriver direction with your swimming hands this is called
the safety position. Move towards the bank when it is safe
to do so (when there are no strainers).
Strainers are the biggest danger in most southern state rivers,
due to the high amount of trees along riverbanks. A strainer is an
obstacle, such as a downed tree, that water can move through
but you cant. They can trap people and act like a sieve. Even on
relatively slow flowing rivers, the water that builds up behind
a paddler caught in a strainer can exert enormous force, pinning
the person to the obstacle and potentially drowning them.
Even after completing a course, never paddle whitewater
alone, and always carry safety equipment such as a throw
rope so you can assist your buddy if they get into difficulty.

The Deets
Location Peak Adventure conduct whitewater courses
on the Upper Yarra River and the Thompson River
Duration 46 hours
Cost $100$200, depending on location
Next courses June, July, August, September. See website for dates.

Peak Adventure is about taking people into the outdoors,

pushing physical limits and having a great time. Jarad Kohlar
is one of Australias elite Adventure Racing athletes and
is here to help you achieve your AR, fitness and sporting goals.

www.peakadventure.com.au

86

87

Skills Clinic

Origins

Be patient keep learning

Cheri: Greenland Qajaq culture represents the original and

definitive skill set of the kayak. You learn to roll first, you
learn to roll well from every angle, and then you go paddling.

T: Learning the foundation rolls requires good instruction

and good practice of the basic concepts, but once youve
got these three rolls on both sides, capsizing will become
less of a worry and you can challenge yourself more with your
paddling. Mastering the entire list is well beyond most human
beings its that difficult. And thats partly the point of it.

Turner: The methods of training are age-old and take advantage

of many generations of on-the-water experience. We put
rolling up on a pedestal and make it an advanced skill. These
guys were sewn into their kayaks they had to learn to roll first.

History and the List

ON A
ROLL
Cheri Perry and Turner Wilson are world experts
in Greenland paddling and rolling techniques.
Recently they visited Australia to conduct a series
of skills clinics and demonstrate the millenniaold skills that they are helping to keep alive.
Paddlemag caught up with them to find out just
how much weve got to learn from Qajaq culture.

T: Most rolls have a basis in hunting situations, where a

capsize often involved being in unusual paddle positions,
being entangled in gear, or being in specific conditions
such as a steep beam sea.However, some rolls on the list
almost certainly came from people just showing off.
C: There are many different ways of rolling because there are so
many ways to capsize. Chasing the rolling list helps you think
underwater, and as a result of that training you develop patience.
Eventually the rolls just happen naturally, like breathing.

The basics
T: In the stage between capsize and recovery, Greenland rolling
sees the paddler present their upper torso flat to the water,
either on their back or on their chest. When you organize
your body in the correct way, it takes advantage of the bodys
natural buoyancy in the water and makes rolling much easier.
C: Most of the rolls we teach can be described in the very
simplest terms thus: Use your bodys natural ability to
float, keep your head neutral to initiate leg drive, then drop
your head deep into the water (either forward or backwards,
depending on your intended finish position) to recover.

Selection
C: We typically teach the Standard Greenland Roll first
because its easy to learn and will serve you well, but its
not the best roll in all situations.
Use a storm roll (forward start and forward finish) when youre
going out through surf to avoid getting pounded in the chest
by waves, and to come up facing forward and ready to paddle.
The Reverse Sweep Roll is the opposite of SGR. Its the roll you
want when you find yourself on the back deck.

Getting started

CHECK OUT
footage from Cheri and Turners
visit to Melbourne

88

T: Leaning three paddle rolls, on both sides, is great foundation

skill-set. The Standard Greenland Roll is the initial layback roll
that sets the tone for all other layback rolls. The reverse sweep
is the foundation aft-capsize to forward-finish roll, and the storm
roll is the foundation forward-capsize to forward-finish roll.

Flexibility and technique

T: Flexibility certainly helps, but the most important
attribute is good body awareness, understanding the
mechanics of each roll, andgood practice.
C: The further down the list you go the more strength
and flexibility is required. Everyone can benefit from yoga;
it provides balance to the body, strength where you are
weak and flexibility where you are tight.

Basic principles of how to do a Greenland roll

T: Move the kayak first, take your head out of the water last
thats the fundamental notion that helps you succeed in rolling.
That and taking advantage of your bodys buoyancy in the water.
C: We highly recommend you practice out of the water with land
drills that simulate rolling and remind you what to do in water.

Mistakes
T: Using the wrong muscles in the wrong way is the most
common route to failure. Theres also a very popular misunderstanding about the real nature of rolling a kayak: its more
what the body does, not what you do with the paddle. Use your
core strength instead of over-emphasizing your arm strength.
C: Picking up the head and engaging two legs instead
of one are both common mistakes. Its important to learn
to relax and just use the few muscles you need, instead
of sabotaging your roll by using too much muscle.

The kayak
T: The skin-on-frame kayak (SOF) or other low volume kayak
where the fit is intimate, where the kayak becomes an extension
of your legs, is an ideal pathway, but many Greenland rolls
can be done in many different kayaks. All kayaks can be rolled.
C: A good SOF, a tuiliq and a skinny stick ought to be used by
all paddlers at some point in their lives, just so they experience
how it all began. In Greenlandic SOFs you sit differently.
Legs are straighter, not froggy style. The kayak is attached
to your thighbones, not your knees, which is key, as there are
then no hip restrictions. Foot bracing becomes less important.
You feel the waves through the skinits a completely
different experience.

89

ocean-kayak.com.au

WATCH
Cheri do a straightjacket roll
(no paddle, no arms)

Traditional paddle vs modern designs

T: The skinny stick is an archetype that comes down to
us through time, impregnated with many generations of
day-in and day-out experience, optimized for ease of rolling
and ease on the skeletal structure in its foundation strokes
and braces. It can be used efficiently in almost all sea
states. Its a very simple and elegant tool that defines the
form follows function credo.
C: Four power faces, four back faces, no wrong way around
simple! The stroke with the Greenland blade is completely
different than with the Euro. The forward, canted stroke
is powerful and smooth, the entry is a quiet slice, the power
phase is later and the stroke is longer. For me, the skinny
stick is magical. It constantly teaches you about simplicity.
You just need to be open and listen.

The DVD
Cheri and Turner have recently made a DVD,
This is the Roll, with highly-regarded paddling
filmmaker Justine Curgenven. Beautifully filmed
in Canada, Italy and the UK, the DVD provides
two-and-half hours of detailed instruction on
Greenland rolling techniques, and bucketloads
of inspiration to get out there, seize a norsaq and
get into it. For details on where to buy it, check out:

www.cackletv.com

Other gear
T: The norsaq is a hunting tool used to extend the range
of a harpoon toss. This (or its cousin, the rolling stick)
is a transitionary tool between performing paddle rolls
and hand rolls.
C: A tuiliq (hooded jacket that seals tightly around the
face and wrists and attaches directly to the cockpit of
the kayak) is a really nice item to add. It gives a sense
of freedom in the cockpit, and the buoyancy shifts around
to different parts of the body.

Prowler Ultra 4.7

The ultimate all round fishing kayak, ideal for

offshore, coastal or inland fishing. It has great
stability for fighting the big fish with excellent
tracking and superior handling. It features a
water proof flip lid with dry storage for surf entry
and re-entry which allows fishfinder mounting
options and dry rod/reel storage.

The Prowler Ultra 4.7 incorporates volume

across the bow for a drier ride, a moderate
rocker to help performance in ocean swells and
a more pronounced fin to aid in tracking. Ideal
for offshore, coastal or inland fishing. It features
a water proof flip lid with dry storage for surf
entry and re-entry which allows fishfinder
mounting options and dry rod/reel storage.

SPECIFICATIONS

Distributed exclusively by

385cxi available on
selected Prowler models

SPECIFICATIONS

Length

4.3 m

Width

0.74 m

Length

4.7 m

Width

0.74 m

Weight

29.7 kg

Capacity

195 kg

Weight

36.7 kg

Capacity

250 kg

COLOURS

COLOURS

boatinglifestyleadventure
bla.com.au
03_12_OceanK_PaddleM_may

90

Prowler Ultra 4.3

For our full product range visit ocean-kayak.com.au

Profile: Global Paddler story + photos by Pat Kinsella

The escape artist

THIS MIGHT BE A BIG BROWN LAND,
BUT THERE ARE MYRIAD WATERWAYS TO
EXPLORE OUT THERE YOUVE JUST
GOT TO KNOW WHERE TO LOOK.
OR YOU COULD LET SOMEONE ELSE DO
ALL THE HARD WORK FOR YOU, AND THEN
FOLLOW IN HIS WELL-RESEARCHED WAKE.
PADDLEMAG GETS ON THE WATER
WITH THE GLOBAL PADDLER, A BLOKE
WHO IS DISCOVERING THE WORLD ONE
RIVER (LAKE, INLET, ESTUARY) AT A TIME,
AND THEN SHARING THE LOVE.

92

93

Its not just about the paddling, says Scott Rawstorne, as he

tops up our plastic mugs with a squirt of boxed red and settles
back in his camping chair. I dont necessarily get excited about
the prospect of sitting in a kayak day after day, but its what I see
and experience while Im paddling that makes it such a special
way to travel, and such a satisfying thing to share.

Recreational paddling is a stealth pursuit,

Scott is the Global Paddler. Although he has kayaked all around

the world and has footage on his YouTube channel to prove it
hes the first to admit that the name is a little misleading.

On Lake Maraboon, near Emerald in

Because Scott doesnt traverse the planet on epic multi-year

paddling expeditions, he does quite the opposite: he explores
the aquatic features of his own backyard (which is, admittedly,
a large one, in the shape of Australia), and translates his
findings into a series of comprehensive and highly practical
guidebooks, so that others may follow in his paddlestrokes.
Hes the hidden hero of the everyman paddler; a source of
inspiration for the person who simply wants to jump in (or on) a
kayak and escape into the arms of an afternoon paddle, where
theres no one to race, just waterways to be explored and wildlife
to be encountered. The kayak doesnt have to be high-end and
the paddle doesnt have to be carbon, so long as the boat floats
and the book stays dry enough to read, youre away.

even if you dont intend it to be.

You see so much from a kayak, because your
approach is so quiet and calm, says Scott.
Especially birds. I see so many different
kinds of birds while Im researching my guides.
Queensland, I once paddled right into
the midst of 300 brolgas.
Hes had other, slightly more confronting
encounters, such as with a crocodile in Lake
Julius, but Scott reckons hes never felt in any
danger in all the years hes been paddling
and researching his guides around Australia.
Although his focus is very much on punter
paddlers and weekend wanderers, this is a
guy who knows his boats. In another lifetime,
Scott spent six years as a paddling guide, for
companies including Sydney Harbour Kayaks.
He has also done stints selling kayaks for
a living, and spent time as a rep for Perception.

WATCH SCOTT
going truly global, kayaking through

I noticed that when people were buying

a kayak, they wouldnt ask me anything about
the product, theyd spend all their time seeking
advice about where to go and use it, he recalls.
He also put in 20 years as a business analyst, but
eventually the pull of the outdoors convinced
him to chuck in corporate life, pick up a paddle
and take a chance on his hunch that there was
a gap in the market for someone who could tell
kayakers exactly where to go. Best decision
I ever made, he grins over the top of the vino
mug. I love the fact that this is my office now.
Were in a campsite on the Glenelg River, which
flows through a breathtaking gorge that forms
part of the border between Victoria and South
Australia. Scott is doing what he does best,
researching a guide, and Ive come along for
the ride. The night is star-splattered, the forecast
is for a perfect day tomorrow, and the stretch of
the Glenelg River Ive seen so far has been eyewateringly sensational. Its hard to argue with his
logic this is a quality workspace.

AND....
in the Fjords of Norway

the canals of Venice

95

GLOBAL PADDLERS TOP FIVE PADDLES

Shoalhaven Gorge, NSW Illawarra: Theres something very special
about this gorge a communion with nature that rejuvenates
your spirit and makes your heart sing.
Lake Dunn, QLD Central West: A wonderful paddling opportunity
hidden away in desert country 68km northeast of Aramac. This
amazing oasis is fringed by river red gum and coolibah trees and
frequented by countless native birds and animals. To paddle it is to
be enthralled by a succession of unique and inspirational moments.
Lake Wetherell, NSW Lower Western: A truly stunning place.
Outback light frames endless silhouettes of floodplain trees
protruding from the water. These trees are an eerie reminder
of the past and home to wonderfully vibrant birdlife.
Clarrie Hall Dam, NSW Northern Rivers: A peaceful spot, wrapped
in blankets of thick forest and cradled in the protective arms of
Wollumbin (Mount Warning), the towering patriarch of mountains.
Its not the largest lake in NSW, but it might just be the most scenic.
Lake Borumba, QLD Wide Bay & Burnett: Densely forested hills
rise up on all sides, wildlife put on regular show stopping
performances, and every scene deserves a photograph.

96

It all started in 2008, when Scott and a friend undertook an expedition in

rural New South Wales where they did 40 paddles in 40 days and visited 40
pubs in the process. You have to include the pubs, he laughs. I still include
a local pub in my guides now. Thats where you get all the inside knowledge
and meet the real people. In fact, a press release had done the rounds, and
often people recognised us the minute we walked into the bar.
They completed their mission and paddled every single consecutive
day although it was so cold on Lake Eucumbene they had to paddle in
snowboarding gloves, and they faced golf-ball-sized hailstones in Gundagai
and 50 knot winds on Wentworth Falls Lake.
Exactly why they chose to undertake such an expedition in the middle of
winter in alpine waterways isnt quite clear, but they did. And that led to
more paddles, more research and eventually the formation of a guide-writing
business, Escapology, and the publishing of a popular book, Paddling Around
New South Wales, which contained details of 78 different paddles.
Soon after that, Scott parted company with his old paddling partner and
went solo as the Global Paddler. He began producing Queensland guides,
and is now in the process of researching a series of Victorian paddles.
Many of his Queensland guides are already available as pdfs from his
website, globalpaddler.com.au, and the books are in the production stage.
After Victoria he has big plans for Tasmania, Western Australia and New
Zealand too, but right now we have a border to paddle across.

97

IM PRETTY PROUD OF THIS COUNTRY

NOW THAT IVE SEEN SO
MUCH OF IT IN SUCH A GREAT WAY.

The guides dont discriminate against any form of paddler.

Scott is commonly pictured in a sea kayak, but you could easily
do the vast majority of his trails on a SUP, a sit-on-top (like
were both on today), or a Canadian canoe. For me, stand-up
paddle boards and plastic sit-on-top kayaks are putting more
fun back into paddling, he says.

And then theres a section of the river where paddlers have

to hug one bank, because its a designated water-skiing spot.
Scott initially isnt too comfortable with that, but after we
launch hes soon mollified by the staggering beauty of the
gorge that we find ourselves kayaking through. Theres no
skiers around today anyway, just a few school groups in canoes.

This paddle along the Glenelg is a perfect example. We do a

return trip of around 16km, which takes around three and half
hours at a relaxed and sociable speed, with time for lunch
and to stretch our legs shortly after weve crossed into South
Australia (and put our watches back half an hour). Although
were on a river, its tidal here and the flow is negligible, so it is
possible for anyone to paddle it on pretty much any craft.

You have to have some rules to ensure the quality of the

experience, explains Scott. I wont include a paddle if its
terrible, or if I discover that its less than two hours long.
The only exception with that is if there are several nice short
paddles near each other.

If wed had four or five days to spare, we could have started

much further up and followed the river right down to the sea,
as there are canoeists campsites all along the lower part of the
Glenelg from Dartmoor to Nelson. The vast majority of Scotts
guides are day-trips, however, as thats what he believes his
audience is primarily interested in, and he will only write up the
section of the river that we actually paddle.
He locates and researches lakes, rivers, estuaries and inlets in
a variety of ways tapping into local knowledge, scouring old
maps and guidebooks, receiving tip-offs and by poring over
Google Maps but Scott insists on paddling every metre of
water himself before including it in a guide.
I think some guidebooks are written by people who havent
been to the places theyre describing and thats totally
wrong, he says. There are many things you cant see on a
map, and remote research will never reveal everything. The
success of my guides depends on the quality of the information
I provide people.
The Glenelg, again, serves up a good example. Our intended putin point for the days paddle, right by the campsite at Princess
Margaret Rose Cave, is inaccessible by car, but the friendly Parks
ranger offers to take our kayaks down on his quad bike. Scott
isnt happy with that though, pointing out: If hes not here when
readers turn up with their kayaks, theyre not going to be able to
launch. I need to know people can be self-sufficient.
So we drive a few kilometres upriver to a spot where anyone
can get their boats to the waters edge and put in.

There are benefits to coming and actually paddling all the

trails too. Besides the fact that its enjoyable, you can find some
real hidden gems than no map or guide can tell you about. I
went and researched a trail at Chinaman Creek Dam and it was
too short, so I didnt write it up. But nearby I discovered a great
paddling route that no one seems to have ever heard about.
Aside from inlets, Scott sticks primarily to flat water. He avoids
sending people down rapids or into the sea. The vast majority
of people paddle inland, or very close to shore, he says. Not
many do real sea kayaking, headland to headland stuff. Im
wary of the dangers of sending people out into the ocean, and
besides everyone knows where the sea is. I produce guides to
spots that paddlers dont already know about.

THIS IS THE
for the guys
AD
WHO MAKE

KICK-GSS
& DESIGN.
ADS

LIKE FOR INSTANCE, THIS MAGAZINE.

And so, four years after setting up his work desk on the
wandering waterways of Australia, is he happy with the view
outside his office window?
Im not jingoistic, but Im pretty proud of this country now
that Ive seen so much of it in such a great way. The diversity
of the terrain Ive paddled through is just amazing, from the
rainforests of Queensland to the limestone cliffs down here, Im
very lucky to have experienced and seen so many things from
the water. I just hope I can spread my enthusiasm for paddle
travel to other people, through my writing
Check out the Parks Victoria guide for more information
about paddling the Glenelg River
Find the Global Paddler online at globalpaddler.com.au
For a taste of what the Global Paddler offers through his
guides, read on through pages 100-105.

www.the bird collective.com.au

Presents

WATERWAYS
The Paddle trail guide
Yeah, you could just take your kayak, sit-on-top or paddleboard down to the local beach as usual, and put in your
standard few kays going up and down that familiar coastline.
Its great just being outside, and you might even spot
a dolphin, but you know there are some more intriguing
waterways out there waiting to be paddled - rivers you can
link together to do a point-to-point mini expedition, or a lake
teeming with birdlife that youve never explored. But how to
go about finding such places? And how will you know where
you can put-in and pull-out? And is there a pub nearby for
that post-paddle debrief? Check out our series of paddling
trail guides for all the inspiration and information you need
to get out there and paddle beyond your normal horizonline.

10 0

101

Waterways
Words + Photographs
by Scott Rawstorne

Brunswick River
ESSENTIALS
WATERWAY: Brunswick River
REGION: Northern Rivers, NSW
DISTANCE: 20km
TIME: 4 hours
START: Boat Ramp near boat harbour,
Old Pacific Hwy, Brunswick Heads

GPS: 28 32 2.08 S, 153 32 39.03 E

FINISH: Return to start
PARKING: Small car park,
can get busy on summer weekends

TOILETS: Brunswick Heads boat

harbour & Heritage Park in Mullumbimby

CONDITIONS: Open areas, tidal,

light traffic, shallow areas

GETTING THERE: Directions to

Brunswick Heads are available at

www.maps.google.com.au
This paddle trail was supplied by the Global
Paddler. For a map to accompany this
trail, more information about surrounding
paddles, and many more options, visit

www.globalpaddler.com.au
102

The Byron Shire is an incredibly gorgeous part of NSW, but to really appreciate
its inner beauty you need to grab a boat and take the scenic route from
Brunswick Heads to Mullumbimby.
The Brunswick River is that rare find, a tidal estuary that stretches between
two towns. So, if youre prepared to do a car shuffle, you can decide which end
to start (dependent on the tide) and always have the assistance of the flow. If a
shuffle isnt possible, simply time your start so you turn when the tide does.
This guide covers the return journey from Bruns to Mullum, as the locals
affectionately know these places, and starts at the boat ramp just west of the
Boat Harbour on the Old Pacific Highway. To start at Mullum, use the boat
ramp in Heritage Park, on the confusingly named Brunswick Terrace.
After launching, paddle towards and under the bridge that carries the new
Pacific Highway over the river. Obstacles to look out for in the early part of the
paddle include oyster beds and the occasional fishing line hanging over the side
of a tinnie. Mangrove Island temporarily divides the river shortly after the bridge.
The deeper water is to the left but a kayak or canoe can usually pass either side.
The name Mullumbimby derives from the language of the Bundjalung people,
and means small round hill. There is little doubt they were referring to the
conical Mt Chincogan standing above the town. The peak is occasionally
visible early in the paddle but its not until further inland that you realise what a
distinctive landmark it is. In September, locals pay homage to the 308metretall
mountain with the Chincogan Fiesta, which features a foot race to the top of the
mountain. That is the only time you can go up there, as its on private property.
Theres really only one place where you could make a wrong turn
and thats where Kings Creek meets the river. Its an obvious fork;

just remember to go to the right when you get there.

Closer to town, youll pass under a historic red railway bridge
part of a railway line from Casino to Murwillumbah that opened
in 1894 and ran until 2004. Many hope that the trains will come
rolling into town again one day.
Youll know youve reached Heritage Park when a small, dirt boat
ramp appears on your left. This is the more tranquil end of the park,
which features over 200 species of rainforest plants, all labelled.
After that simply jump back in your boat and make the return
journey to the seaside at Brunswick Heads, where there are
heaps of great cafs and restaurants.

MORE INFORMATION
PADDLE GEAR & ADVICE:
Global Paddler / 0413 756 414

globalpaddler.com.au
BED: Massey Greene Holiday Park,
Tweed St, Brunswick Heads, (02) 6685 1329

FOOD: Rice (Indonesian), 18 Mullumbimby St,

Brunswick Heads, (02) 6685 1111

PUB/HOTEL: Hotel Brunswick, Mullumbimby St,

Brunswick Heads, (02) 6685 1236

OTHER PADDLES CLOSE BY:

Simpsons Creek, Marshalls Creek

MULLUM2BRUNS PADDLE
The third Mullum2Bruns Paddle is being held on Sunday
27 May, and this year will include a new Paddle 2 Fitness
Extreme Challenge. This eco-friendly community
event saw 667 paddlers take part across all divisions
last year. The main events begin at Heritage Park in
Mullumbimby and conclude at the Terrace in Brunswick
Heads, with live music, free paddle clinics, a duck race,
raffle, BBQs and other festivities. The Mullum2Bruns
Paddle offers divisions for recreational and competitive
paddlers of all ages and abilities, including:
The Paddle 2 Fitness Extreme Challenge:
In which paddlers contest a 20km course from
Brunswick to Mullumbimby and back again.
10km Hotel Brunswick Paddle Challenge:
An open division paddle down the river from
Mullumbimby to Brunswick Heads.
10km Sprint Rescue Stand Up Paddle Challenge
For SUPers, along the same course.
10km Echo Fun Paddle For any non-motorised
craft, along the same course at their own pace.
For more info, check out Mullum2Bruns Paddle online:

Mullum2Bruns Paddle 2012

103

Waterways
Words + Photographs
by Scott Rawstorne

Lake Cooroibah
ESSENTIALS
WATERWAY: Noosa River, Lake Cooroibah
REGION: Southeast Coast, QLD
DISTANCE: 17km return
TIME: 3.5 hours
START: Riverside beach,
Gympie Terrace, (east of Noosa River
Yacht Club), Noosaville

GPS: S 26o 23 50.44 / E 153o 3 20.33

FINISH: Return to start
PARKING: Small car park
TOILETS: Near start and near
western ramp of car ferry

CONDITIONS: Some open areas, tidal,

some heavy traffic, some shallow areas

GETTING THERE:
Directions to Gympie Terrace,
Noosaville are available at

www.maps.google.com.au
10 4

If a survey was done to find the top holiday destination in Australia, Noosa
would be one of the favourites. The leading light of Queenslands Sunshine
Coast is blessed with dazzling beaches, some of the best surf breaks in
the country, a gorgeous headland, a national park where you can go koala
spotting on five excellent walking tracks, and of course the Noosa River
arguably its finest feature.
Some come to fish, some come to sail, and some take advantage of the cruise
boats that swan up and down this sparkling waterway. The wild at heart grab
a kayak and ride the rising tide to places unreachable by any other means.
The starting point for this trip is just east of the Noosa River Yacht &
Rowing Club. A parking area and public toilets make this a convenient
spot, although there are parks and sandy places to launch all along the
waterfront in Noosaville, so you can take your pick. Kayak ownership is not
a prerequisite for paddling at Noosa either. It is possible to hire one locally.
The plan is to paddle upstream to the far side of Lake Cooroibah and back.
Follow the main course of the Noosa River the whole way and you will have
a great day, but the true delights are in the details behind that island, up
that creek, in that lake. Those experiences are unique to your day on the
water and theyre the ones youll remember later.
There are three islands to circumnavigate Goat, Sheep, and Makepeace.
Makepeace Island used to be called Pig Island, but when Old MacDonald
moved out they didnt feel the need to stick with the farmyard theme and
used the owners surname instead. True story. Makepeace Island is now

owned by billionaire Richard Branson who has developed

it as a free holiday resort for Virgin Blue employees.
Other interesting places to explore include the residential
canal system, Doonella Lake, and Wooroi Creek. The

MORE INFORMATION
PADDLE GEAR & ADVICE:
Global Paddler / 0413 756 414

entrances to each of these are on the left side as you make

globalpaddler.com.au

your way up the river.

BED: Noosa Caravan Park,

Right next to Wooroi Creek, the Noosa North Shore Car

143 Moorindil Street, Tewantin,

(07) 5449 8060

Ferries takes traffic across the river 365 days a year, departing
every six minutes. This is the only vehicle access for homes

FOOD: Blue Angel

on the eastern side of the river. Theres also a 50km stretch

of beach over there thats popular with the 4WD crowd.

235 Gympie Tce, Noosaville,

(07) 5473 0800

The ferry uses cables that run down into the water in front

PUB/HOTEL: Noosa River

and behind. These are hazardous for kayakers so make sure

not to get too close when you cross its path. If necessary,

Yacht & Rowing Club, Gympie Tce,

Noosaville, (07) 5449 8602

you can use any delay to go for a comfort stop. Theres a

OTHER PADDLES CLOSE BY:

toilet near the western ramp.

Islands of Bli Bli, North Maroochy River

The open water of Lake Cooroibah is just 1.5 kilometres further

on. Cooroibah Creek is in the southwest corner of the lake
but difficult to reach with even the highest of tides. Most of it
is extremely shallow but a channel has been carved through
the centre to cater for sightseeing ferries. Cruise up to the
northern rim and relax for a while before heading home.

This paddle trail was supplied by the Global

Paddler. For a map to accompany this
trail, more information about surrounding
paddles, and many more options, visit

www.globalpaddler.com.au
1 05

Paddle Porn

Australian Formula 1 driver Mark Webber

and elite adventure athlete Guy Andrews paddling
hard around Tasmanias Freycinet Peninsular
during the Swisse Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge.
Photograph by Juris Puisens

WATCH
footage from the event

10 6

Michael Lyddiard lost an eye and most of his right

arm when a bomb blew up in his face in Afghanistan.
During the Magnetic Island Adventurethon
in March, Michaels prosthetic failed after 4km.
It was a 13km paddle and he completed the lot.
Photograph by David Brock

1 07

Paddle Porn
This was taken one night out the front of Mermaid SLSC
during one of our ski training sessions. Julian from
paddle2fitness tells us. Surf was medium but with a
nice steep face. The paddler in the background is Tim,
a development ski paddler from the surf club. I was
taking him out through the surf and this big one just
stood up in front of us. I had my Go Pro on 5-second
interval shooting speed, hoping for a nice shot during
the hour-long session and when I uploaded the photos
back at home I saw this one. A one in a billion shot!
Photograph by Julian

WATCH
Bobbys mates
run the Potomac River

Fluid paddler Bobby Miller

takes his new Bazooka
over Angel Slot on the
Potomac River in Maryland.
Check out Bobbys review
of the Fluid Bazooka
on page 68 of this edition
Photograph by Matt Sloan
1 09

Paddle Porn
Alaskan kayaker Solan
Jensen paddling in Neko
Harbour, situated on
the Antarctic Peninsula.
Photograph by Krystle Wright

Reigning World Champion Dawid Mocke was in

Western Australia to race the Doctor earlier
this year. Because its across a channel between
Rottnest Island and the mainland, that makes this
race pretty cool, Dawid told Paddlemag after the
race. Its also super competitive. No one is giving
away any favours to others. Youre racing for
your spot, and everyone has their hard face on.
I was very impressed with [20-year-old Think
paddler from the Gold coast] Michael Booth.

He caught up with me. Usually a growl from

an experienced paddler like me is enough
to drop a young guy like that, but he kept
right up with me and had a really great race.
He will definitely be paddling star of the future.
Check out edition two of Paddlemag for
a feature by Dawid on how to perfect your
downwind technique for next years Doctor.
Photograph by Kate Brockhurst

WATCH
a video of the event

110

WATCH
JAUNT
the feature film
in its entirety

Image Adrian on Mashiter

Creek, BC, Canada
Photo Jules Domine

Image Rogers Creek,

BC, Canada (3x 20ft
waterfalls in a row)
Photo Jules Domine

JAUNT
Australian filmmaker and
elite paddler Adrian Kiernan
takes us on a jaunt through
the backstory of the
latest locally produced
kayaking film to hit screens
all over the world.

Some time ago, after watching yet another Americanproduced kayaking movie, myself and two of my closest
buddies decided to make a paddling film ourselves; one
with a truly Australian twist. It would be a film we could
show to fellow paddlers overseas, and a way to showcase
the world-class kayaking we have right here in Australia.
Skippy Films Productions had just been conceived.
The first film, Downunder the Horizonline was really
the pilot project for us. It taught us many skills in editing,
production, and opened our eyes to the world of DVD
distribution and promotion.
The film totally exceeded our expectations after its
release. It was showcased in the Reel Paddling Film
Festival worldwide; it toured Europe and North America,
and appeared on shelves in kayaking stores all over.
For the next year we all concentrated on paid work, while
exploring a few individual projects, but before long ideas
for a new film began to bubble to the surface. My mates
were scattered all over the world by this stage, and so the
editing was left up to me this time.

112

Not that I was complaining. I was able to relive all the highlights
of my friends paddling seasons, adding my own memories
to complete the edit.
And in January this year, JAUNT was born, the second
film released by Skippy Films Productions.
JAUNT uses a collection of footage from Sean Boz, Colin
Furmston, Jez Blanchard and Canadian freestyle superstar
Kelsey Thompson, as well as a huge amount of my own footage.
Its a journey that takes us from the comfort of work and play
in North America, Australia and Norway, to remote helicopter
access-only rivers in New Zealand and the jungles of Laos.
Its a window into the life of a travelling kayaker. This is an
existence that can be addictive, but if its money and possessions
you seek, then it is definitely not for you. We choose to live
like this because in a time where everything has been explored
and the largest mountains summited deep river canyons
have become one of the last places on earth where you can
truly experience the unknown. Welcome to our world
Check out White Box Mag, the online paddle sports video
magazine that Adrian Kiernan produces: White Box Mag

113

paddle
MAG