Issue 64

Issue 64

“Dangerous Waters” of Great Barrier Island Northland Exploration Surfing Essentials Trevally & Kingie Island Hopping

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Contents

Features 14 18 26

Kayaking the Coromandel - Island hopping on the western side of the peninsula.

Pelorus Discovery - Magnificent river swimming, remote trout fishing and glass clear water.

Northland Exploration with the Yakity Yak Kayak Club.

Sea Kayaking 10

Dangerous waters? - Just whales, sharks, 30kn winds, high seas & torrential rain.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Multisport 7

Speight’s Coast to Coast The 30th Anniversary.

Fishing 8

Trevally & a kingie - a cracking weekend

White Water Kayaking 48

Transcendance - An extreme sports documentary.

Technical 22 28 32

Towing - Three alternative methods tested Surfing Essentials - A great start Reclaim your foot room - How a roof box can transform your vehicle.

Regulars 5 35 36

Editorial Events calendar - Go with the flow 2011 Buyers Guide

Expedition

10

Great Barrier

Fishing

08

Trevalli & kingie

Touring

14

Coromandel

Discovery

18

Pelorus River

Editorial

Issue 64

The Weather Gods What to do when the weather gods take away the option of going kayaking in your favourite spot?

Find another favourite spot is the answer!

For us so far this summer, it has been windy on more days than was helpful and the beach has not been a friendly spot to play. One day at a friend’s batch (thanks Mathew, Jane and Amelia) we left the big boats in the driveway and took the family kayaks to Matheson’s Bay, as on the morning walk it was sheltered from the strong winds.

However when we arrived (late because of a long yummy breakfast) Poseidon and Zeus had once again changed their minds and the sea was angry and unsuitable for the planned adventure. Not to be deterred, the kids pointed at the small creek. We had several hours of fun with the kayaks and a paddle board exploring, playing games and getting soaked. We then explored the stream on foot and discovered a stunning water hole complete with a swing. There are countless rivers and creeks around NZ which are less affected by wind, however a careful watch needs to be kept on any rain in their catchment and hence the river levels. But many a fun day has been had paddling a river that we know well, picnicking on the river bank, swimming in a calm spot, skimming stones or catching dinner.

The message we at Canoe & Kayak and the NZ Kayak Magazine always try to pass on is: skill and knowledge and the correct equipment equals a fun day out. So if you are keen for adventure and you don’t have these key areas sorted, drop us a line and we will happily help you get on the water safely and you will create

memories that will last for a life time.

In the next few months Josh Neilson is releasing his film ‘Transcendence’, have a look at the article page 48 and be amazed. I am so impressed with what Josh has achieved here and I am looking forward to the seeing the whole film more than anything else coming out at the movies.

Huge congratulations Josh. We are very happy to be one of your sponsors.

Cheers and safe happy paddling.

Peter Townend

Copyright: The opinions expressed by contributors and the information stated in advertisements/articles are not necessarily agreed to by the editors or publisher of New Zealand Kayak Magazine.

Pricing: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate. However they may change at any time.

EDITOR: Peter Townend Ph: 0274 529 255 / (09) 476 7066 Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz PUBLISHER: New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published five times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: MHP Print DISTRIBUTION: MagMag SUBSCRIPTIONS: (see page 24) New Zealand – 6 Issues = $40 Overseas – 6 Issues = $60

CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’ articles and photos.

Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/guide New Zealand Kayak Magazine ‘Contributors Guidelines’ for more details.

ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: James Fitness Email: james@canoeandkayak.co.nz New Zealand Kayak Magazine Front Cover: Shae Townend paddling Northland Photo by: Peter Townend Contents page photo: Crystal clear waters at the Cavalli Islands.

Photo by Peter Townend

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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MULTISPORT >> SPEIGHT’S COAST TO COAST

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See you all next year!

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Suppliers of spot prizes including the Beachcomber Ultralight, Cobra Tandem, Seattle Dry Bags and NZ Kayak Magazine Subscriptions.

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kevin@ruahinekayaks.co.nz www.ruahinekayaks.co.nz 6 RuahineI S11-07 S UV1.indd E S1I X T Y F o u r • A u t u m n 2 0 1 2

w w w . k a25/07/2011 y a k n z10:23:11 . c o .a.m. nz

Speight’s Coast to Coast The 30th Anniversary.

by Pete Townend Historic wins for The Usshers’.

Richard & Elina are the first husband and wife to win both the longest day titles in the same race.

Richard Ussher (above) was first to cross the finish line in 11hrs 33min 24sec.

Elina Ussher was the first woman to finish.

Her time: 13hrs 25min 24sec All photos coutesy of sportzhub.com

We have been participating, training paddlers and sponsoring this race for many years and it is hard to believe how the years have flown by!

Many people come back year after year and most have it as a personal challenge that drives them to develop new skills and train and be there on race day.

This year’s event was as per usual a fun, well run event and the talk from the competitors as always is that it is still the race to do.

How about this years stats: • the average age was 38 • 57% were new entrants • 25% were women • 35% were from the North Island • 47% from the South Island • 17% were internationals • The oldest male competitor was Dave Kennedy at 71 • the youngest, Zak Hamilton at 17 • the oldest female was Lyndsay Gough at 60.

Lyndsay is the oldest woman ever to have competed in the two day individual event!

• the youngest, Ayla Wilson-Bairds at 16.

• Dave, Zak and Ayla are all in teams.

• Fleur Pawsey is doing her twelfth event and Mike Ward his twenty ninth.

If you are keen to give it a go, give a Canoe & Kayak Centre a call and they will get you started.

Toni Keeling (above right) Winner of the Womens two day individual takes on the mountain run.

Toni’s mum, Christine completed the one day race - from the North Shore.

Elina Ussher (right) begins her kayak run, 5 hours 43 mins into the race.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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FISHING >> BAY OF ISLANDS

Trevally and a kingie!

A cracking weekend in the Bay of Islands.

By Andy Doncaster

Roelof’s reward!

Okay so the weekend started with a bunch of us in serious need to get out of work and get some fishing done. As all good

over and the fight was on.

The fish took line and I got it back. After a few minutes I started

plans go this one was no different.

Everyone ran late and some had

Andy looking pretty pleased with his Trevally

to turn back for forgotten stuff at home... it would have been a very dry weekend if they had not turned round.

On rising we found the sea was flat, a mild swell running and only about a two foot (60 cm) shore break to contend with. My plan was to join my mate at the nearby islands after a quick throw just off the end of the peninsula while waiting for another friend to join me.

After a couple of tries and a bit of filming in different spots I’d already landed a nice sized snapper. Good for the pan.

With the snapper on board and dispatched for later consumption I got the soft bait back in the water with a flick of the wrist. Before the bait reached the bottom I was spooling line at a rate of knots. I hit the handle, flicked the bail arm

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to turn the tables on the fish, retrieving more line than the fish was taking. In a while I could make out the fish’s colours. Yes! A BIG travally. But when the fish saw the boat it took off on another blistering run. The retrieve started all over again. Eventually I got the fish next to the boat ready to bring it onboard. Where was I going to put it? Best I despatch him on the side of the boat. So with the obligatory photos taken further fishing resulted in several big snapper and many bust offs on barracuda. They plagued us for the whole weekend.

Sunday dawned with very similar conditions and we were on the water shortly after sunrise to be immediately bothered by the barracuda. To lessen the bother we joined the fluorocarbon to the braid main line, trimming the braid as short as possible. Otherwise these fish go after the furry end of the braid and snap you off with their very sharp teeth.

I got a call over the VHF. A mate of mine had hooked into a big stingray and was trying to get his line back before cutting loose. This big stingray and an hour and some change later resulted in a very respectable 15.2 kg kingfish. I will let him tell the story from here: At 9:05 I stopped briefly in 17 metres of water to adjust my sounder... “Nek minnit”… all hell broke loose behind me. I grabbed the 8 kg spinning rod out of the holder, and so began the fish-fight of my life. The line was peeling off my brand new Penn Conquer 5000 at an alarming rate, but I knew the drag was set just right for the rod, so couldn’t dare fiddle with it. The braid was running low on the reel, and the kayak was on a steady pace towards an island which was behind me until about a minute before. The fish changed direction a couple of times with me reeling like mad. I kept the rod pointing towards the bow of my kayak, so the boat followed the fish in every direction. After about 10 minutes I was slowing down, and felt confident that I could deploy the drogue without getting spooled completely. The fish was steadily making way towards the island, and when I reached the 7 metre mark, my worst fear was confirmed: I could feel that sickening vibration on the rod of the braid being wrapped around structure. The sounder still showed a sandy bottom, so I felt pretty confident that I was wrapped up in kelp. I backed off the drag slightly, allowing the fish to peel off even more line, and my plan worked: the braid cut through the kelp, and soon a huge bush of kelp popped to the surface. I turned the drag back on, but knew that I had to get out of the shallows, as the rocks were looming just 50 metres away... I asked my good mate Dave, who was close by all the way, to hook a tow line on my boat and paddle us out of there. He managed to tow me to about the 15 metre mark. Thanks Dave!

About 40 minutes had passed when the fish started to surface, and for the first time we could see the silver beauty with the yellow tail glow in the sunlight. “It’s a kingie!!” At that moment the next rush of adrenaline kicked in, as I realised that sharks in the neighbourhood would be calling in any minute to check out the commotion under the water, and demand their share. Another good friend, Arnold, was also close by the whole time, and took some photos. It took another 20 minutes, and three attempts with the gaff, before I had the fish on my lap. What a relief!! I got on the VHF and asked the rest of the boys: “How do you iki a kingfish??” The answer over the airwaves was more of a “Yeeehaaa!!” than anything else. I ended up not dispatching the fish, as it was even more wasted than I was. I put the fish in the back of my ‘yak, opened a cold Coke, and started the paddle back to the beach. The kingie weighed in at 15.2 kg. Back at the beach I received a crash-course on “how to fillet a kingie” and it fed six big families… What an awesome ending to a great weekend.

For the whole article and video of this trip, go to: www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/fishing.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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SEA KAYAKING>> EXPEDITION

Dangerous waters?

Just whales, sharks, 30 knot winds, high seas & torrential rain.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

By Campbell Thomson

Four of us, Andy, Jim, John and Campbell, left the Kapiti Coast at 6 pm bound for Taupo Urban Retreat Backpackers, with hourly driver changes.

The night was filled with the sounds and smells of a sixperson bunkroom. By eight the next morning we were on our way to Fletcher’s Bay at the very top of the Coromandel in anticipation of our ordeal ahead.

We stopped near Port Jackson to talk to a local farmer about our journey. With surprise and horror on his face, he said “Holy s**t, you know that’s a dangerous bit of water out there”. But we knew we had the next five days of great weather and the four of us could handle this trip to Great Barrier Island.

We left Fletcher’s Bay at about 4 pm

and within 20 minutes Jim yelled “WHALE”. We managed to paddle with it for 10 minutes. It was a truly magical experience for us with the lone finback whale. The winds and sea increased with three of the four of us packing sails heading towards the security of Tryphena Harbour.

With wind, tide and waves of 2.5 metres we were swept south to Cape Barrier — a 20 kilometre paddle! Our first camp was on a steep sloping hill, but at least we knew we were safely on the island.

Pictures: There was plenty of rock gardening and snorkelling.

Left: Andy proves there is no need to get out of their kayak to go snorkelling.

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www.kayaknz.co.nz

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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Day Two We woke to an amazing day of glassy water and cloudless skies so the decision was made to paddle the exposed east side of the island. We were in awe of the countless caves and rock formations. One cave in particular was at least 120 metres deep. We camped that night at Whangawahai Bay — spectacular — a paddle of 31 kilometres

Perfect conditions for a sail.

Day Three

This was another day out of the box. Heading north I commented that some of the beaches and bays were as picturesque as any that would be found in the Abel Tasman or the Whitsunday Islands of Australia.

We paddled to a bay near Waikoro Point for a coffee break where shortly after, as Andy would call it, I had an outer boat experience. Unfortunately on the other side of a large rock, out of view and earshot of the guys. Thankfully my skills course swung into gear and lessons were learnt that day. Rounding the top of the island we were confronted with a head on gale so we headed into Miners Bay, our camp for the night. We surprised four small Hammerhead sharks chasing shoal fish on the surface — a paddle of 25 kilometres.

The Barrier is out there somewhere?

Ki Waho - ‘Into The Outdoors’ is a 64 page magazine published by Outdoors New Zealand. The articles are designed to foster learning, innovation, best practices, knowledge transfer and collaboration within the outdoor recreation and outdoor education sector, both nationally and internationally.

To buy the latest issue visit: www.ki-waho.co.nz

The magazine for New Zealand’s outdoor community

NZ Kayak has 40 complimentary copies of Ki Waho Issue 5 to give away

Email: james@canoeandkayak.co.nz to get yours now!

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DRY BAGS

Day Four Heading south and now on the west side of the island, we were treated to amazing inlets and beautiful little islands. Our destination was Port Fitzroy and to my joy we found the Hub. Burgers, chips and coffee were the order all round. That totally beat my last three days of dehydrated food!

We camped the night at Bowling Alley Bay — two tents and two hammocks on a rocky ledge. Our neighbours that night were friendly yachties who entertained us with a keen desire to test their audio system until the wee small hours. That day’s paddle was 35 km kilometres.

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Day Five

We woke weary to an overcast day and the decision was made to take the window of opportunity and make a run for Fletcher’s Bay — a good 31 kilometres away. We were confronted with 30 knot winds and 3 metre breaking swells, but the tide was with us and the wind was on our starboard aft quarter. In high spirits and close formation we set to the task at hand arriving on the beach of Fletcher’s Bay in torrential rain, but with a sense of achievement and thoughts of where our next adventure would be.

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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FEATURE >>ISLAND HOPPING

KAYAKING THE COROMANDEL Island hopping on the western side of the peninsula

By Phillip Donnell

Three significant island groups dot the eastern side of the Firth of Thames.

The northernmost (Motukawao) cluster lies between Papa Aroha and Colville.

The middle group envelops the entrance to Coromandel Harbour and its adjacent bays.

The southernmost group guards Te Kouma and Manaia Harbours and environs. Each group makes an ideal day trip if the conditions are favourable. We decided to tackle them in three separate excursions, leaving early each morning, since the wind tends to rise after noon.

The islands off Coromandel Harbour were our initial focus. Leaving from Oamaru Bay, we headed west across the Hautapu Channel to the rocky beach on the southern side of bush-clad Motuoruhi (Goat) Island. Paddling south, we then traversed the maze of oyster lines nestled between Motukopaka and Waimate Islands. The latter is farmed and has clean sandy beaches on both eastern and western sides.

We crossed the Waimate Channel to the cone-shaped Motutapere, the highest point in the vicinity (175 m). From here it was a short distance to the steep western flanks of Whanganui Island, which contrast with the many small bays on its harbour side. It too is farmed, with few trees and numerous signs to discourage camping. At its northern tip a small but welcome beach ushered us into the narrow channel separating the island from the mainland, before we continued north along the coast to complete our circuit.

Papa Aroha is 10 km north of Coromandel

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township by road. Its seaside motor camp is an ideal base from which to explore the Motukawao Group, comprising four main islands plus several rocky outcrops. We paddled north-west to Motuwi or Double Island, so named because of a low narrow shelf in its centre which is submerged at high tide. Rocky ledges surround the island, but a stony beach on its southern end allowed us to catch our breath.

Motukahaua (Happy Jack) Island, 2.5 kms further north, was the highlight of this trip. Its steep sides indicate an ancient volcanic cone, since eroded and flooded by the sea. We aimed for the left headland, which marks the entrance to the famous Elephant Cove, one of the most beautiful locations in the area. Inside, the right shoreline drops to a narrow isthmus, the only landing place and an excellent (albeit small) campsite for a stopover. However, beware of the rats and the large ants.

Moving south, we paused at Motukaramarama (Bush) Island, notable for its cliff-top gannet colonies and strangely-carved rock formations.

Fish and seabirds frolicked around us. We spent a pleasant afternoon exploring the marine farms of Moturua (Rabbit) Island, followed by the fascinating nooks and crannies of the Three Kings (Ngamotukaraka) complex, before heading east back to our starting point.

Several islands stand as sentinels at the entrances to Te Kouma and Manaia Harbours. They were an excellent choice for a third day on the waves. We drove to the end of Te Kouma Road, on the southern side of Coromandel Harbour, to begin our trip. From this point we

Rangipukea Island and entrance to Te Kouma Harbour (Top left) Squadron Bay, Te Kouma Harbour (Bottom left) Right: Pause in the narrow channel separating Whanganui Is from the mainland

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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paddled along the coast, pausing at a pristine beach, until it turned south around Te Kouma Head into the elongated harbour of the same name. Squadron Bay, the second cove on its northern side, was a great place to lunch beneath the pohutukawas, before weaving our way through the pleasure craft to the notable pink cliffs opposite. There are a number of coves on both sides of this pretty harbour, and it is worth venturing into its upper reaches.

Don’t bother to do this at Manaia. It is shallow, muddy and fairly uninteresting. Skirt its entrance, then head 2 km south to explore the caves at the northern end of Kirita Bay, accessible by kayak. Pause at Wekarua Island on your way back as the prelude to a more extended stop in the lovely sheltered bay on the eastern side of Rangipukea Island. After climbing to the top of a nearby hill for panoramic views, we descended to sunbathe and swim, gathering energy for the final burst back to our vehicle.

This tripartite archipelago is a kayaker’s paradise. The islands are in easy striking distance of the shore. You can vary the length by making up your own route. If sea conditions become too exposed, more protected waters are near at hand. There are many idyllic spots. Fishing reaps rich rewards. And you have all this with the added benefits of returning to a hot shower and a comfortable bed each night! What more could you want?

Unusual rock on west side of Motukuramarama (Bush) Island. (Right) The entrance to Elephant Cove, Motukahaua (Happy Jack) Island (Below)

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Access: SH 25 and Te Kouma Road (just south of Coromandel township) Maps and Charts: NZMS 260 series T10 Coromandel or the new map series Topo 50:BA34 Coromanel Marine Chart NZ533 Firth of Thames.

Note: 1 sea mile = 1.853 kms; 1 km = 0.54 sea miles.

Grade: Rating for sea conditions is moderate to exposed for Motukawao Group, protected to moderate for the other two trips.

Times: 6-8 hours per trip using sit-on-top kayaks, quicker in sea kayaks!

Further Information: Websites: www.kayaknz.co.nz; www.kask.co.nz; www.nzcoastguard.gen.nz Contacts: DoC Hauraki Area Office at Thames, ph. 07 867 9180; Coromandel Information Centre, 355 Kapanga Road, ph. 07 866 8598, coroinfo@ihug.co.nz.

Join Us For A Kayaking Adventure - Specialty Tours

Taupo Maori Carvings Half day guided trip to the rock carvings, Lake Taupo... only accessible by boat.

A leisurely paddle of about 3 km to the rock carvings. The largest is over 10 m high and from below in a kayak it is imposing.

$85 per person (bookings essential).

Phone 0800 KAYAKN for details.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Waikato River Discovery Glow Worm Kayak Tour

2 hour guided kayak trip. Experience the magnificent upper reaches of the mighty Waikato River - Soak in the geothermal hot springs - Take in the stunning environment... a perfect trip for all the family...

Adult $45, Children $25 Special group and family rates.

Call 0800 KAYAKN for details.

Join us for a picturesque paddle on Lake McLaren to view glow worms by night or beautiful waterfalls by day. This trip takes about 1.5-2hours and is suitable for paddlers with no experience. All gear, hot drinks and nibbles are supplied.

Price $75 per person.

Phone Canoe & Kayak BOP for bookings 07 574 7415

Sugar Loaf Island From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out on the open sea to Sugar Loaf Island Marine Reserve. View the scenic & rugged Taranaki coastline as we draw closer to the Islands.

Enjoy the seal colony and experience the thrill of close up views of these fascinating marine mammals.

Allow 3 hours subject to weather. $70.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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FEATURE >> DISCOVERY

Pelorus Discovery Magnificent river swimming, remote trout fishing and glass clear water.

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By Nathan Fa’avae

www.kayaknz.co.nz

REGULAR>> EVENTS The Pelorus River is at the northern end of the South Island in the Marlborough region. It flows approximately 90km from the Richmond Range into Pelorus Sound (an immense sea-kayaking destination). The river is renowned for its magnificent river swimming, remote trout fishing and glass clear water with numerous gorges. It is also measured as one of the cleanest

GRAB AN INFLATABLE!

and purest sources of water - drink a cupful and you’ll surely agree.

The Pelorus valley was the site of a massacre of the Ngati Kuia and Ngati Apa tribes by the Maori chief Te Rauparaha, who came from the North Island coast, west of Wellington.

The first Europeans to arrive in 1843 found a few remaining Maori people producing flax for Te Rauparaha. Halfway between Nelson and Blenheim, it’s now mainly known for Pelorus Bridge: a campground, café and bridge to jump off on a hot day.

The upper 40km flows through Mount Richmond Forest Park and provides popular hiking trips in the valley. My history with the river dates back over 20 years when I started hiking into the reaches trout fishing and exploring the backcountry. With three DOC huts spread evenly along the riverbank it makes for easy trip planning. The river by nature tends to squeeze itself into a canyon at any opportunity, creating frequent deep slow moving pools followed by short drop rapids.

One particular section has always intrigued me. Between Middy and Roebuck hut there is 6 km of river. The hiking track for this section climbs high between 100-150 vertical metres above. I’d fished some of the river above Middy Hut but there was about 5 km that remained mysterious. It presented the question, “For the track to be so far from the river, what is down there?”

Something must be. A kayaker’s curiosity engaged.

With our kids now all school age, Tide 5, Zephyr 7 and Jessie 9, Jodie my wife and I lined up a school holiday with plenty of activity. The first week we completed a seven day hiking trip in the Leatham Conservation area. After a night in town we then did a five day circumnavigation of Durville Island by sea kayak. Once that trip was cleaned up from we decided a river trip was needed to wash the salt out of our hair.

A few phone calls, emails and internet searching kayaking information on the upper Pelorus River resulted in nothing. We couldn’t find anyone who had paddled the upper gorge, or even been in there. (After the trip we heard of a pair who apparently tubed it with their mountain bikes!) Step in Google earth to the rescue. The ability to zoom in on an aerial photograph of the river meant we could scout from our home office. We could tell there was plenty of white water but more pleasing, all the rapids appeared to have portage options. The river level was reading 20 cumecs at Pelorus Bridge, which I interpreted as a low water trip, ideal for our family on unfamiliar currents.

A quick call to Helicopters NZ and we had a chopper booked for 10 am the following day.

Boat choice was Gumotex K2 inflatable doubles. They have a sensible amount of room to load gear and retain predictable performance for manoeuvring through rapids. They are also lightweight, easy to repair and pack down small.

Only a 12 minute flight from Nelson airport had us on the banks of the river pumping and

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

19

TECHNICAL>>ROTO-MOULDING

packing. A snack and a safety talk, we eddied out and began the river journey with the adventure element peaking nicely.

Almost immediately the drop-pool style of boating began. From one absolutely pristine pool to the next, interspersed with Grade One - Two rapids. I had my two girls on board for the first day and my youngest Tide, decided to blow her whistle whenever we approached a rapid, the whistle blowing became more frequent than a French referee’s.

Every rapid was easy to scout and had a portage option. The river is littered with swimming holes, picnic spots and fun challenges. Once deep into Conical Gorge the trip has a real wilderness feel, no track, no people.

We opted to hike the kids around a few rapids and one we lined the boats through, a Grade Three choked up boulder sieve. I’d guess though in high flood it could be paddled. (I’ll be back in my creek boat in the Spring - adults only trip).

Not sure exactly what to expect on the trip, we were rewarded like Lotto winners. We felt like we’d uncovered a treasure. With highlights a plenty and a great time to relax, we had to be diligent with safety given the children. This paid off as on one rapid Jodie got pushed off line hitting a submerged feature and subsequently wrapped the boat midstream. I was covering from the bank and was able to swiftly rescue my son and then promptly retrieve the kayak. It was a good reminder that there were real risks present. Our kids are confident swimmers and somewhat used to this level of recreation now.

Wishing to expand the privacy and wilderness aspect, we ended day one about 1km upstream from Middy Hut and the track. With blue sky and no rain forecast we opted to camp on the river flats. Absolutely superb camping and the kids spent the remaining daylight hours paddling themselves around the big pond we had made home.

After a good sleep, good breakfast and good fire brewed coffee we

20

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

rigged up and drifted off in hope of another day like the first.

I guess you had to be there but the trip just got better and better, the pools got deeper, the clearest water I’ve seen got clearer and the paddling was exciting.

Rest stops were spent with masks and snorkels drifting spotting trout and eels, followed by finding hot rocks in the sun to warm up on.

Day two could have ended easily at Captains Creek hut but we paddled on to another secluded beach camp. Out of sight but close by, the track provided a scenic trail run after a day with the paddle.

The third day had us emerge closer to civilisation as we left the Forest Park, however, the river hides itself well and it really wasn’t until the fourth day when we arrived at Pelorus Bridge on the State Highway that we felt like we’d returned … to chaos.

We paddled about 35 km, had three nights camping on the river and collectively, about 150 river swims. The final day of paddling the gauge was reading 7 cumecs so we’d be on a dropping river all week. I suspect a solid flow around 20 - 25 would be perfect.

The trip is a winner. While there is a hike in option it’d potentially ruin the experience by being such an epic. The helicopter ride literally heightened the atmosphere and probably was not much difference in price given the efficiency and convenience.

We took all our camping gear but it’d be feasible to do the trip staying only in the huts. For paddlers seeking action, I’d be happy to try the river at 50 cumecs. It could be touching Grade Four in parts but otherwise a flood run would most likely present a memorable Grade Three day trip.

For us it was an amazing family kayaking mission that we’ll remember for many good reasons. We’ll do it again, but not before further exploration of the untold rivers that have equal potential.

Pictures: Pelorus River had a bit of everything for a family paddle.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Editor note: While this trip report details what has been a wonderful kayak experience, it’s important to note that both Nathan and Jodie are NZOIA Certified Kayak Instructors. Wilderness trips such as this require a level of experience, knowledge and skills to match the group.

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

21

TECHNICAL >> TOWING

Towing

- Three alternative methods tested

By James Whitworth & Steve Smith

The boys at Manukau Canoe & Kayak decided to test three methods of towing: •

the bungee direct tow system

•

the short tow, direct tow,

•

the ‘dog leash’ for the assisted raft tow

We decided to test the gear over a period of time; in calm and “challenging” conditions. What we wanted to establish was: is it safe to use, was it easy to use, and establish the pro’s and con’s.

First up was the bungee direct tow system. The equipment consisted of a length of 6 mm bungee, about 150 mm long. Tie it in an overhand knot and attach it with a cow hitch to your deck lines on either side of your kayak.

The bungee tow is a fast effective tow used when you have to get a kayak out of a dodgy situation, or you

need to retrieve and return a kayak that the paddler has fallen out of.

The technique is simply hooking your bungee onto your buddy’s front carry handle, and paddling off. The buddy should hold the rear of the rescuer’s kayak during the entire rescue. (See picture below right) Was it safe? We wanted to know if you as the victim could roll up if rolled over.

We both could as our rolling skills were good, but we found that either of us capsizing while in the tow was very unlikely, as we were effectively in a rafted set up. The victim is grasping the rear of the rescue kayak and adds a lot of stability to the set up.

Was it easy to use? We both found that is was very easy to use, and if cold and

Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers N.Z. Inc. (KASK) Annual subscription is $35.00.

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22

KASK is a network of sea kayakers throughout New Zealand KASK publishes a 200 page sea kayaking handbook which is just $15 to new members; the handbook contains all you need to know about sea kayaking: techniques and skills, resources, equipment, places to go etc.

KASK publishes a bi-monthly newsletter containing trip reports, events, book reviews, technique/equipment reviews and a ‘bugger’ file. KASK holds national sea kayaking forums.

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

www.kayaknz.co.nz

wet with numb fingers (or not all there in my case) it was still no great effort.

Pro’s: Cheap to set up & easy to stow.

Can be used on either side of the kayak.

Easy to use.

Con’s: No way to ‘quick release’ the set up.

Cannot be used on some kayak models, as their bow carry handles are not suitable for this system.

Was it easy to use? We found that this tow was very easy to use in any conditions.

The second set up was the short direct tow system. This consisted of around 1.5 m of 4-5 mm cordage and 2 stainless steel clips. This can be stowed over your deck lines forward of your cockpit where it can be used quickly if needed.

The last gadget was to ‘dog leash’ tow for a rafted situation. This tow can be used when your buddy cannot paddle, perhaps hypothermic, sea sick or injured in some way. The patient would need to be assisted, with an ‘engine’ or ‘work horse’ doing the paddling. So how does it work? Attach the dog leash to your buddy’s bow toggle and thread the

Pro’s: Cheap to set up & easy to stow.

Can be used on either side of the kayak.

Easy to use.

Con’s: Not ideal if you want to tow for long distance.

Left: The bungee tow on the deck lines, Above: The Short tow stowed, Right: The dog leash, Below: The bungee direct tow - note Steve is able to hold onto the rear of James’ kayak.

The short tow, like the bungee tow is fast, an effective method to use in a situation where you have to get a fellow paddler out of trouble, or you need to retrieve and return a kayak. The technique is simply un-hooking either side of your stowed tow (depending on what side of the towed kayak you come up to), and hook on to the towed kayak, to the rear of their bow toggle, on their side deck line. The victim can hold onto the rear of the rescuer’s kayak for stability, and allow the two boats to run parallel.

Was it safe? We tried rolling the buddy and found that there was sufficient room to carry out the roll without any problems. The chances of the assisted capsizing, in our opinion, were slim. Like the bungee tow, the two kayaks are very stable in a rafted type position.

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

23

running end through the ‘support’ person’s bow deck line, then back to the support person’s cockpit where they have the ability to release the tow if required.

The ‘engine’s’ tow line is connected to the ‘dog leash’ at a point between to the two rafted kayaks, and forms a ‘V’. The support person can vary the length of the ‘dog leash’ slightly to make sure the two kayaks that are being towed run parallel to each other, and not nose-in on each other.

The great thing about this tow is the ability for either the support person or the ‘engine’ to release the tow. This gives an extra level of safety to the set up as well.

Was it safe? With the support person and the ‘engine’ being able to discontinue the tow at any time, and the fact that the ‘engine’s’ tow line is not actually connected to either the patient’s or support persons

kayak, only to the bridle formed by the ‘dog leash’. We believe it’s a safer option than a direct tow.

Was it easy to use? The hardest thing about this was running the ‘dog leash’ through your own kayak’s front deck line. Because we don’t have arms two or three metres long, we would have to get another kayaker to do this for us.

Pro’s: Cheap to set up & easy to stow.

Can be used on either side of the kayak The set up can be released by either the ‘engine’ or the support person.

Pictured clockwise from left: The ‘dog leash’ stowed on deck, ‘Dog leash’ tow in action, It’s really easy to give support if required.

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Con’s: Support person has to hold the ‘dog leash’ in one hand and perhaps the patient in the other. As the support person, you could secure the running end of the ‘dog leash’ to your deck line beside your cockpit if you needed two arms to support the patient.

The rescuer / engine is towing two kayaks, so this may only be suitable for short distance tows.

Looking outside the square and trying out methods and equipment that we’ve seen other paddlers using, either here in New Zealand, or off-shore adds to our ‘toolbox’ of paddling skills. Try not to be limited in the way we believe things should be done and explore other options.

We believe as long as they are safe and practical, give it a go. Ask your mates at your club what methods they use. Remember; many brains are better than one.

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

25

North Shore - Auckland - Manukau - Waikato

Northland Exploration with the Yakity Yak Kayak Club.

Have you thought about joining? But are unsure how it all

works? Well, I thought I would let you know more.

First, you give your local Canoe & Kayak Centre a call and book yourself onto a Skills Course. This is a comprehensive course that will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to start participating on some of the easier trips. As your abilities grow you will challenge yourself on the more advanced trips and the leaders will give you advice if you are unsure about a trip.

Keep an eye on your emails and the website to find the trip that is right for you and call Canoe & Kayak to book.

A typical email you could expect follows: “Hi All We’re going on a summer kayaking holiday to stunning Northland.

Come along and join us!

February 18th and 19th. Travel up on Friday Night the 17th (3.5 to 4 hours from Auckland) and back on Sunday evening.

We will base ourselves at the Matauri Bay Holiday Park (no accommodation available, but heaps of tents space and you don’t need to book. Cost $20 per adult and $9 per child) We’ll head out for stunning sea kayaking day adventures from there. The plan is that everyone

Bay of Plenty - Taupo - Taranaki - Wellington

Come & Join Us

brings their own breakfast and lunch and I will put on a beach BBQ for Saturday Night ($15 per person) We will start paddling early to get the best part of the day and enjoy a bit of snorkelling and maybe bring a hand line for a fish as well. This trip is suitable for all clubies so come along and experience a coast line that is unbelievable.

Please book with Steve and the Team and see you there.�

The photos on the cover, contents page and this page were taken on this trip and a stunning weekend it was. The stars on Friday night were so clear and the snorkelling was the best I have had in a long time.

We all, including my 12 year old daughter Shae, spent loads of time

kayaking through caves exploring narrow channels and Shae, Carol, Dave and I probably spent three hours snorkelling. A huge slab of Sirloin and a yummy fresh fish salad supplied by Denis, completed a magical Saturday which was followed up by another stunner on Sunday.

So if you want to get out there and join in on the great New Zealand adventure with the Yakity Yak Kayak Club give us a call and join up, you will have the time of your life.

Peter Townend Founder of the club

Shae & Pete Townend paddling the Cavalli’s. Photo by Carol Blair

TECHNICAL >> SURFING

Surfing Essentials A great start.

By Estelle Leyshon

New Zealand is blessed with some of the best surf beaches in the world. With so many to choose from it seems strange that so few paddlers enjoy them. Apart from the enormous fun they greatly improve boat handling, rough water confidence, rescues, rolling and beach landing skills.

Kayak surfing can be enjoyed by anyone with a sea kayak, sit on-top kayak, white water kayak or playboat. The principles of surf kayaking are the same no matter your choice of craft. Beginners, intermediate or advanced paddlers who follow these principles have a great time.

The Basics of Kayak Hull Shapes A kayak’s hull shape determines how it performs and handles in the surf. A sea kayak, for example, generally has a shallow arched or v-shaped hull. Designed for tracking and speed they are difficult to manoeuvre in the surf. Once the kayak chooses the direction of travel on the wave you can find it almost impossible to correct its line and straighten the boat. However, going out over the waves can be quite easy. They punch or ride over them when you get your timing right.

However, sea kayaks can be just as much fun in the surf once you’ve learnt a few techniques, mainly how to stay upright!

Sit-on-top kayaks (including fishing kayaks) tend to be broader with some keel underneath but nothing too harsh. They are an ideal kayak

to use if you are a novice in the surf. They build confidence since there is no fear of entrapment. If you do fall out they do not fill up with water like sit-in kayaks. Therefore, they can be easier to recover in the surf than other craft but still tricky to climb back on when the swells are coming through. Because of their hull design they tend to be much more stable than sea kayaks and white water kayaks. They allow a little bit of manoeuvrability so you can still have fun catching the waves.

Those with flatter, planing hulls (like playboats and white water kayaks) lend themselves better to kayak surfing as they have fast hulls and are manoeuvrable. The paddler can carve and turn and even do tricks on the wave. The downside to these is that they can’t

always punch through the waves and unless you perfect a ‘dip and roll’ technique, you can find yourself picked up and dumped by the waves. However, once you have the confidence, these kayaks are the choice of many on the surf. They can be marvellous fun.

If you truly want to master kayak surfing then a full ‘surf kayak’ is the ultimate weapon of choice. Designed with hulls like surf boards, including tri-fins, these kayaks can gather incredible speed down a wave with edges (or rails as they’re known) that simply carve up the wave. These kayaks are not for the novice and can be unstable and difficult to roll but if mastered correctly they become a thing of beauty on the water.

The Basic Principals of Kayak Surfing Now that you understand a little about hull shapes, consider which category your kayak fits in to?

With any kayak, the better the fit, the more control you will have on the waves. For those with sit-on kayaks invest in a pair of thigh braces that simply clip on to your boat. These just sit over your knees and will give you better hip control, which you’ll learn is important in surf.

If you capsize they fall off when you drop your knees. So there is little risk of being connected to your boat when capsizing. I meet so many kayak fishermen who have never used them and when shown what they do it’s always the next thing they purchase. Besides it helps to keep belongings and dignity intact!

With your kayak set up correctly, approach the water, watch and wait. A common reason people tip out of their kayaks is nervous haste to get out through the surf. They fail to watch the patterns and frequency of the waves. Waves tend to come in sets, a succession of larger waves followed by a succession of smaller waves. Watch several sets come through so you get a better idea of the frequency.

Timing is everything, and when a large set of waves has just finished you need to be heading out for an easier ride through breaking waves and surf. Ideally head directly into the oncoming waves at 90 degrees. Keep paddling: don’t stop every time a wave comes towards you. You need to keep forward momentum to get over the waves. This is much safer than being picked up and carried backwards by a wave. Don’t stop paddling until you are beyond the break zone in swells with no breaking waves. Here you can rest and position yourself safely until you are ready to catch a wave.

Beginners are advised to start off in the white wash of the broken waves to get a feel for it.

Catching your first wave, be it big or small, can be one of the most exhilarating experiences. However, for too many the experience is short lived. They get tipped over just as they were gaining speed, clueless why it happened.

Firstly, when they do pick a wave they often leave it too late to pick up the same pace as the wave. This means they will either be dumped on the wave, or catch the wave and then gain sudden speed which they can’t control and ‘pearl’ or nose dive the kayak. Or they miss the wave altogether as it travels past them. You will be more successful and

safer if you ensure that you get up to the same speed as the wave before catching it. This means paddling hard in advance of the wave.

By doing so, the kayak will glide down the wave and stay ahead of it.

If whilst on the wave you feel the kayak slow, lean forwards and put in some more paddle strokes to speed up.

Secondly, people tip over when they feel the kayak start to turn.

The human instinct is to try to correct this turn by straightening the kayak and in doing so they lean in the opposite direction (away from the wave). By leaning away from the wave, the water that is rising up the wave will catch the bottom edge of the kayak and flip you over. So when catching any wave, big or small, it is always important to lean into the wave, edging your kayak as much as possible. This will give you stability and control on the wave. When you are learning and your kayak starts to turn, go with it and concentrate on leaning and edging your kayak into the wave. By adding a support stroke with your paddle and literally bracing yourself on the wave you will get even more stability.

Just remember that as the power of the wave dissipates you need to relax your edging and transfer your weight to the centre of the kayak Above: As a beginner, it’s often fun to otherwise let the kayak run down the wave with no you can find paddle control. To get control, put your yourself tipping paddle blade as a rudder at the rear of over the other the kayak. This will control your decent on the wave. way.

Commonly, I see people leaning backwards in the kayak as they come down a wave, either thinking it will keep the bow of the kayak up or as a human instinct that tries to get them away from the possible danger of the water in front of them. In leaning backwards you are in fact slowing the kayak down. By leaning forwards

Join Us For A Kayaking Adventure - River Tours

30

River Tours

Mokau River

White Water Paddling

Waitara River Tours

Exploring beautiful estuaries.

Enjoy a scenic trip with wildlife and wonderful views.

Enjoy this beautiful scenic river which winds through some of New Zealand’s lushest vegetation. Camping overnight and exploring some of New Zealand’s pioneering history. A true Kiwi experience.

Need some excitement? Take a kayak down a wicked Grade Two river run... this is a whole day of thrills and fantastic scenery down some of New Zealand’s best rivers.

For those who are slightly more adventurous at heart, this is a scenic trip with the excitement of Grade Two rapids. Midway down, we paddle under the historic Betran Road Bridge where we will stop for a snack.

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 2569 for details

Phone Canoe & Kayak 06 769 5506

Phone Canoe & Kayak on 0508 529 2569 for details

Allow 2 hours paddle only.

Priced at $70.

Phone: 06 769 5506

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

www.kayaknz.co.nz

you will gain more speed, which puts the kayak in a better position on the wave. A top tip is that if you think your kayaks’ bow is going to dip down in to the wave, simply edge and turn your kayak more into the wave. This will prevent a kayak from ‘pearling’.

For those just wanting to make the beach landing as simple and dry as possible, without the thrill of catching a wave or too many of them, then it is very important to sit out at the back of the waves and watch the pattern of the waves. When the last big wave of the big set comes through, paddle right behind it on the back of the wave. Keep paddling until you reach the beach and remove yourself from the kayak as quickly as possible. Be ready to edge and apply a support stroke if necessary. Some find coming in on a wave backwards easier as they can see what’s coming and slow themselves down by paddling against the waves. This can take a little practice!

Essentially, ‘practice’ is the key. Be prepared to get wet and lose your dignity a little. Start on small broken waves and then build up your confidence and technique before moving to more challenging green waves. Try a sit-on first if you’re really nervous and then progress to a sit-in. Whichever way you do it you will discover how much fun you were missing and that it wasn’t as scary as you thought. You’ll be a much better paddler for it!

Get kayak surfing with Canoe & Kayak who offer courses for all abilities. See www.canoeandkayak.co.nz for more details.

TECHNICAL >> ROOFBOXES

Reclaim your foot room How a roof box can transform your vehicle.

Why o why have I never used one before?

Travelling with the family I’ve often struggled to fit in all the luggage and toys.

I’ve used a ute for work and have not fitted a canopy to the tray because the open space is often more useful. We also have a reasonably large family car, but two adults, three kids and a friend away for a few days creates a lot of equipment. We used large dry bags in the back of the ute and squeezed gear into the family car. Even foot room was taken up. Well all that changed with the purchase of a roof box. Within seconds the roof box is fitted to the roof rack and the equipment and luggage just pour into it.

Some of the benefits are: Dry storage, this is essential for the utility and I now use it for my tools as well.

The roof box is ideal for your wet smelly stuff. Ski equipment (including skis) mountain biking clothes, tramping, kayaking, any grubby or smelly gear, gets slung into the roof box and the trip home is minus foggy windows and stinking poly prop, socks and boots.

Security: Because no one can see what is in the box, and it locks securily, our gear is safe.

Huge space: I’ve doubled our car’s boot space.

Easy opening: Buying a newer design I got double sided openings. I can open one side to get a bag or item out, close it, open the other side and retrieve another item, this prevents the need to unpack the roof box

Rhino have a kayak carrier for every need

Check them out now!

Rhino-Rack’s wide range of kayak carriers let you carry your boat safely, either on its hull or side.

For product or advice contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak Store.

32

ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

www.kayaknz.co.nz

to get at something burried at the back.

Easy fitting: Less expensive models still come with fiddly U bolts which take some time to install. This would be of little concern if the roof box is permanently fitted. But if, like me, you are going to remove it after trips, I suggest spending a bit extra for an easy clamp system which only takes seconds to install or remove.

I have not noticed any change in the car’s performance, and no increased noise.

On our next family holiday we will be taking our roof box for sure.

Cheers Peter Townend

p

eu e r F

e

som

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c spa

" " " "

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Aerodynamic Quiet Dry storage Easy to fit

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

33

Factory Specials Composite Kayaks Special Offer, Limited Time, Limited Numbers* Tahe Marine is one of the biggest kayak manufacturers in Northern Europe.

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Tahe Kayak’s products are primarily marketed in Scandinavia but the market has grown each year and now Tahe kayaks are known and appreciated in many other countries around the world.

Carbon/aramide construction – this composite construction increases durability and stiffness of the kayak, absorbing even less energy during paddling and withstanding the most challenging environments.

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Wind Solo - Innovative, fast and stable cruising sea kayak with low V shaped hull for both speed & manoeuvrability. Length: 505 cm Width: 54cm - Weight: Carbon/aramide 22-24 kg. Retractable skeg+rudder.

A good all-around kayak, suitable for a variety of paddling conditions and paddler experience. In essence, this is a wonderful touring kayak.

Seaspirit - This kayak is designed keeping in mind stability and the easy manoeuvering. The kayak hull is designed with a shallow V-bottom with hard chine and flared sides, which will secure stable performance. This safe and stable kayak is perfect for beginners, but can bring a lot of joy to an experienced paddler.

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hours and we can discuss Tahe Kayak’s range and sort out most suitable kayaks for you.

* Offer open while present stocks last. Limited colours available.

Distributed by Great Stuff Ltd. For additional information, www.greatstuffltd.co.nz or email greatstuffltd@xtra.co.nz

TAHEAD-MAR12

EVENTS >> WHAT’S ON

Go With The Flow

What’s coming up in your region

Centre Auckland

March

April

May

10th - Supper at the Summit - Basic White water Skills for Sea Kayakers 13th & 27th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 18th - Beginner’s Paddle 19th - VHF Course 23rd - 25th - Camping For Beginners Surfing at Orewa - Thurs evenings during summer Rolling - every Tues evening

1st - Beginner’s Trip 2nd - Trip Meeting, Whanganui River Trip.

24th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 29th - Beginner’s Paddle

North Shore

10th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 11th - Round the Shore Challenge 25th - Super Sunday Paddle

14th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 29th - Super Sunday Paddle

Manukau

10th - Clarke’s Beach 17th - Coromandel/ Hahei 25th - Surf Course - Cornwallis to Laingholm Rolling - Every Monday evening [except Public holidays].

7th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 14th - St Helier’s to Rangitoto 28th - Tawhitikino Rolling - Every Monday evening [except Public holidays].

Rolling - Every Monday evening [except Public holidays].

Waikato

17th - Sea Kayak Skills Course

6th - Easter trip to the Marlborough Sounds 25th - Raglan

13th - Whanganui River

Bay of Plenty

11th - Lake Matahina 23rd - 25th - Waikaremoana 31st - Sea Kayak Skills Course

5th - 9th - NZ Motor Caravan Association Easter Rally 8th - Mohaka River 14th - Bay Kayak Classic Fishing Competition

12th - Accleration on Water Offshore Powerboats.

Taupo

10th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 17th - Trans Taupo Race 18th - Freestyle Jam@FJuljames 24th- 25th - End of summer sale 30th - Sea Kayak Skills Course

1st - Sea Kayak Skills Course 7th, 14th & 21st - Multisport Grade Two Certificate training

5th - 6th & 12th - 13th - Multisport Grade Two Certificate training ,19th - 20th - Multisport Grade Two Certificate training 28th - 29th - Club trip Kinloch to Kawa Kawa Rolling - Every Friday evening

Rolling - Every Friday evening

Rolling - Every Friday evening

10th & 11th - Taranaki Fishing

5th - 9th - Easter Coromandel Expedition around the cape.

5th - 9th - Coromandel - This group will be a bit more leisurely

Taranaki

Classic 16th - 18th - WOMAD 2012 Wellington

Also

24th - Sea Kayak Skills Course 31st - Sea Kayak Skills Course

Rolling - every Tues evening

Surfing at Orewa - Thurs evenings during summer Rolling - every Tues evening

5th - Easter trip to the Abel Tasman 22nd - Coastal Invaders. Club fun day.

4th - Canoe Polo School League underway

3rd - 6th - Marlborough Sounds 12th & 27th - Sea Kayak Skills Course

14th - 20th April Whanganui River Trip

For more details go to www.canoeandkayak/events

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SKILLS COURSE Our most popular course.

Come and learn all the skills you need to become a confident and competent kayaker.

Over the weekend you will learn paddle skills, rescues and what’s more you’ll meet other awesome people like you!

All paddlers who complete this course become members of the ‘Yakity Yak Club’. Don’t have a kayak? Don’t worry, all paddling gear and even a yummy lunch is supplied.

KAYAK SURFING Surfing is fun when you know how, and guess what? It’s easy! We’ll start you in small surf sit-on-tops and build your skills until you’re a pro. Surfing builds confidence for all kayakers, plus it is a great way to spend a day at the beach.

All paddling gear provided, just bring a smile.

ESKIMO ROLLING Learning to Eskimo roll is easy. With the right techniques you’ll be rolling in no time.

Learn in a heated pool over four evening sessions, starting in a white water kayak and progressing to a sea kayak.

If you’re learning to surf, having a confident Eskimo roll will double the fun! And you’ll look impressive too.

OCEANS COURSE This weekend course will build on your skills in a realistic environment, based at a remote camping site. Along with paddling technique we cover trip planning, preparation and decision making on the water.

A must for paddlers planning overnight trips or multi-day expeditions.

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www.kayaknz.co.nz

CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ INTRO TO WHITE WATER White Water paddlers must have a solid base of skills and this is the course to get you started.

This weekend course starts in a heated pool, progressing from flat water to moving water, always at a pace you are comfortable with.

It’s a great way to meet paddlers and build your skills together.

RIVER SKILLS Designed to build on skills learnt on the Intro Course, this weekend focuses on building your confidence on fast moving water and culminates in a Grade Two river paddle on the Sunday. The course will help you fine tune eddie turns, ferry gliding, rolling, surfing, and introduces new skills in river rescue and river reading techniques.

MULTISPORT & WHITE WATER This course is a comprehensive package of instruction and coaching designed to progressively build your kayaking skills to Grade Two racing certificate level.

Run over three weekends, your confidence on the water and river reading skills will help make your day a huge success.

ADVANCED WHITE WATER Ready for Grade Three Rivers? Sharpen up your white water skills and be prepared to negotiate higher Grade Three rapids with confidence.

Learning some simple rodeo moves, advanced paddle technique and playing in holes will help you achieve your goals in advanced white water paddling. This weekend course has a strong focus on safety and sound decision making.

RIVER RESCUES Are you a confident paddler in Grade Two rivers? Before you make the big move to Grade Three you must have the skills covered in this two day River Rescue Course. We will teach you the skills required to cope with entrapments, kayak wraps, swimming kayakers and their equipment.

WEATHER & NAVIGATION There’s not always a TV for a weather forecast where we end up, so knowing how to understand the weather is an important skill.

You will learn how to forecast weather using maps and the clouds.

Navigate using charts and a compass over four evening sessions.

Another essential course for paddlers getting right out there.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

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SIT-ON-TOP >> RECREATIONAL

PLAY The Play is the perfect kayak for the family. The Play is lightweight and compact, simple to transport, load and unload and can be quickly launched and easily manoeuvred. Stability is provided by a shallow V-shaped hull that enhances manoeuvrability and tracking. The clean deck design, comfortable cockpit area make it easy to use. Three foot positions for different length legs make it an excellent choice for sharing by the whole family or a group of friends.

Length: 3.1 m Width: 710 mm Weight: 18 kg

Prices start at $545

ESCAPE The Escape is the perfect sit-on-top to throw in the water at a moments notice for a float, a quick fishing trip or to catch a sunset. Perfect for women, children and average size men.

The Escape can be outfitted with Cobra’s large ‘A’ hatch, as well as the 10” round hatch. It has plenty of space for rod holders on the side rails and gear in the tank well.

Length: 3.2 m Width: 790 mm Weight: 17 kg

Prices start at $795

EXPLORER We think that the Cobra Explorer is as close as you can get to the perfect all-purpose boat and one of the driest sit-on-tops you’ll find. Stable and fast with superb tracking, it is versatile for all sizes, shapes and varying expertise of paddlers. A great day trip kayak for exploring those hard to get to inshore caves and coves. An oversized external rear tank well holds all types of sports gear or picnic supplies. For fishing and camping there is a flush foredeck with plenty of space for a large storage hatch.

Length: 3.4 m Width: 790 mm Weight: 18.2 kg

Prices start at $895

NAVIGATOR The Cobra Navigator, with its longer cockpit, is perfect for taller paddlers and anglers who are looking for the features of a larger kayak, but still want the manouevrability and easy use of a smaller boat, while maintaining stability, speed & tracking.

The navigator can be fitted with Cobra’s ‘A’ hatch, as well as our small rectangular hatch. It has plenty of space for rod holders on the side rails and for gear and accessories in the tank well.

Length: 3.8 m Width: 790 mm Weight: 22 kg

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Prices start at $995 www.kayaknz.co.nz

CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ TANDEM When one is not enough - the Cobra Tandem. One of the lightest twoseaters on the market, it is more manageable than other tandems and can be easily loaded on top of the car. The Tandem is easy to manoeuver and offers a fast stable ride. The top deck design allows for both a forward and rear seat. With deck space for up to five storage hatches, there is plenty of room to stow cargo. Reconfigured, the Tandem also makes a great fishing kayak with room for the long-line or the crayfish pot plus up to six rod-holders.

Length: 3.8 m Width: 915 mm Weight: 26 kg

Prices start at $995

FIRE FLY Here is a little cracker! The Firefly is designed so the kids can have fun.

Little and light, easy to handle and stable. The kids will love it, if they can get Dad off it!

Length: 2.4 m Width: 700 mm Weight: 16 kg,

Prices start at $535

ESCAPEE A great general-purpose kayak. The Escapee’s upswept bow and long keel enable the kayak to ride well over waves especially in choppy conditions.

Its straight tracking gives good forward speed. You can have loads of fun in the surf carving in and out of the wave, or you can go for a leisurely cruise without realising just how far you’ve travelled.

Length: 3.3 m Width: 740 mm Weight: 23 kg,

Prices start at $775

ESCAPADE The Escapade is a multipurpose kayak suitable for touring and fun in the waves. The Escapade has an innovative tri-keeled hull to give greater speed and stability especially when loaded with scuba diving equipment or fishing gear. The hull shape and upswept bow also ensure good surfing in the waves. Fit a rod holder to this kayak and you won't see Dad for hours!

Length: 3.5 m Width: 750 mm Weight: 27 kg

Prices start at $975

ESCAPADE II The Escapade II is an extremely versatile kayak that can be paddled by one or two people. It is a multipurpose kayak suitable for touring, fishing or simply having fun in the waves. This kayak has an innovative flatter tri-keeled hull to give greater speed and stability, plus there are two moulded in holders to take fishing rods. The kayak has storage in the front and a centre hatch and can be fitted out with an extra hatch at the stern. The hull shape and upswept bow also ensures good surfing in the waves.

Length: 3.5 m Width: 750 mm Weight: 26 kg

Prices start at $900 See More On-line: Download a free ‘QR App’ onto your smartphone and scan the ‘QR links’ above or visit our website

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz

www.kayaknz.co.nz

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SIT-ON-TOP >> FISHING/ INFLATABLES

MARAUDER The Cobra Marauder has been extensively remodelled and is now a pure performance fishing kayak from every angle and offers excellent stability.

Ample rocker provides manoeuvrability and smooth paddling as well as stability during surf launches and landings. The keel design and tracking channels in the hull make for excellent tracking. A user friendly deck design offers you more than enough options to truly customize the Marauder to fit the way YOU want to fish, and you’ll see why the Marauder is raising the bar on what a fishing kayak should be.

Length: 4.3 m Width: 780 mm Weight: 28 kg

Rudder & O hatch are not included in base price.

Prices start at $1345

FISH N’ DIVE The Cobra design team have created the Cobra Fish N’ Dive multi-platform fishing kayak. Ideal for day fishing, the kayak features one centrally located seat and a smaller reverse companion jump seat near the bow for another passenger or additional gear. There is no other kayak on the market this size that offers as much storage space. A large well is located in the stern and holds up to three tanks. Scuba divers love this unique arrangement that allows for heavy loads and provides a stable exit and re-entry platform.

Length: 3.8 m Width: 915 mm Weight: 28 kg

Prices start at $1145

TOURER A performance sit-on-top touring kayak. Designed for the athletic paddler who wants to paddle with maximum efficiency and speed. A great fishing boat that is stable and easy to paddle. Very popular with free divers for its speed through the water.

The low profile of the Cobra Tourer cuts down on the windage, enabling paddlers to maintain high speed and straight tracking with easy handling. Easily equipped with an optional rudder system.

Length: 4.6 m Width: 710 mm Weight: 23 kg

Rudder & hatch are not included in base price.

Prices start at $1295

PRO FISHERMAN For long reach fishing expeditions the Pro Fisherman is the ideal kayak. More than 300 mm longer than the Fish N’ Dive, the Pro Fisherman has a narrower beam and is lightweight at 24 kg. This means a fast manoeuvrable kayak, able to handle more challenging sea conditions. It comes standard with covered side storage compartments, covered bait well, tank holder, front bungy and rudder system.

Length: 4.15 m Width: 730 mm Weight: 24 kg

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Prices start at $1945 www.kayaknz.co.nz

CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ ESCAPADE F The Escapade F is a great starter kayak suitable for fishing and diving. It’s an innovative tri-keeled hull that gives greater speed and stability, especially when loaded with scuba diving equipment or fishing gear. The hull shape and upswept bow also ensures good surfing landings.

Length: 3.5 m Width: 750 mm Weight: 32 kg

SOT FISHPRO The SoT FishPro is an ideal fishing kayak. The newest edition to the SoT ultralight is the centre storage compartment. The large center well keeps things at easy reach with a lid designed to enhance the working area and a bait board lid with separate storage tray. An optional internal rod chute for protecting rods in surf is in development.

Standard features include centre console, 2 hatches, bulkheads, 4 flush mounted rod holders, Railblaza Star Ports & saddles for thigh braces, seat or backrest.

Length: 4.2 m Width: 680 mm Weight: 18 kg

INFLATABLES

Prices start at $875 Note: Centre console not pictured

Prices start at $3000 HELIOS I Helios I offers plenty of storage space under the front and the rear decks, the adjustable foot rest provides a good brace. The decks are provided with elastics for stowage of small items that you would like to keep handy.

Also available as a double.

Length: 3.1 m, Width: 710 mm Weight: 13.5 kg

Prices start at $1595 TWIST I A single seater sit-on-top kayak that you can take out of your carry bag and get onto the water in minutes for spur-of-the-moment exploring!

Made out of a revolutionary lightweight and durable Lite-Pack® material, Twist I weighs only 6 kg and is undoubtedly the lightest inflatable kayak made of quality reinforced materials.

Twist has an extremely stable hull with comfortable back and foot rests.

You can stow your dry bag and gear in the secure cargo space at rear.

Also available as a double.

Length: 2.6 m Width: 790 mm Weight: 6 kg

Prices start at $1095

SUNNY A sit-on-top kayak with modern sports design. The Sunny keeps on course well and is suitable even for beginners. With the symmetrical design and the simple seat fastenings, Sunny can be reconfigured from a double kayak to a properly balanced single in moments.

Sunny includes: Two padded seats, 70 ltr backpack-able Dry bag /Carry bag, foot pump, repair kit and manual.

Length: 3.8 m Width: 800 mm Weight: 16 kg

Prices start at $1895

K40 TASMAN Incept sea kayaks bring a totally new dimension to the world of touring kayaks for ocean, lake and gentle river kayaking adventures.These inflatable sea kayaks offer the convenience and portability of an inflatable without compromising the performance expected from a hard-shell.

Incept inflatable sea kayaks pack down into light, compact airline baggage including kayak sprayskirts, seats, pedals, rudder and pump.

Length: 4.4 m Width: 670 mm Weight: 15 kg

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Prices start at $3036 ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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TOURING/ DOUBLES

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SEA KAYAKS >> TOURING/ DOUBLES

KIWI The fantastically stable and manoeuvrable Kiwi has room for an adult and small child. It has two dry compartments for gear. Light, super comfortable and fast for its length. An awesome, all round kayak.

The Kiwi comes standard with front & rear hatches and bulkheads fitted, while the excel & lightweight models are fitted with a retractable rudder. The ideal kayak for multi day trips, it’s the perfect craft to use in the outdoors for fishing and duck shooting.

Length: 3.75 m Width: 740 mm Weight: 20 kg Std, 23 kg Excel & 18 kg lite.

Prices start at $1365

SHEARWATER This comfortable performance orientated sea kayak suits all sizes of paddler. It handles well in rough conditions, it’s a fun boat to paddle.

A modern deck on the Shearwater allows more leg and foot room.

Combined with a new seat and padded backrest, the Shearwater offers maximum comfort for all day paddling. The rudder system is mounted to the hull of the kayak giving excellent strength and allows easy lift.

Length: 4.8 m Width: 610 mm Weight: 26.5 kg std, 23 kg lite

Prices start at $2650

SKUA For expeditions where distances are to be covered in varying sea conditions. Because the Skua has a low deck profile it performs extremely well in windy conditions, while its longer hull gives it greater speed and allows it to respond in a following sea to surf the waves.

The Skua has several new features to ensure maximum safety on the sea, including new adjustable thigh braces, paddle holder, rescue system and an easily accessible day hatch behind the cockpit.

Length: 5.2 m Width: 600 mm Weight: 27 kg std, 24 kg lite

Prices start at $2890

TASMAN EXPRESS The Tasman Express is an exceptional performance sea kayak. At 5.3 metres long, this sleek looking craft maintains good forward speed, especially when loaded with gear. Its low profile and flared bow enables this kayak to perform extremely well in adverse or windy conditions. An aerodynamic rudder blade is fitted to prevent drag and increase forward speed and turning performance.

Length: 5.3 m Width: 620 mm Weight: 29 kg std, 25 kg lite

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Prices start at $2890 www.kayaknz.co.nz

CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ SOUTHERN ENDEAVOUR The Southern Endeavour double is the ‘mother ship’ of Q-Kayaks’ fleet.

Its length, combined with a wider beam, allows for excellent stability and positive forward speed. This kayak is fitted with all our latest paddle rescue fittings, stainless steel towing bar and moulded in paddle holders at the front of each cockpit.

Length: 5.6 m Width: 800 mm Weight: 46 kg,

Prices start at $3540

BEACHCOMBER DUO The Beachcomber Duo has great lines, looks fantastic, and performs unbelievably well. Its low windage design offers an easy to control double kayak. It has a fast hull and excellent tracking. The kayak has ample storage with the expedition model even offering extra storage compartments between both paddlers’ legs.

Length: 5.8 m Width: 700 mm Weight: 28 kg

Prices start at $4299

SEABEAR II PACKHORSE Cruise in Comfort and Safety!

With its Flowtech Progressive Chine Hull, this is the choice of tour operators and keen double-paddlers. Large central hatch, as well as bow and stern storage: perfect for extended expeditions along the coast, as a duo or part of an exploration group. Easy and stable handling for kayakers of all levels. Designed to take paddlers of different weights and still give maximum performance.

Length: 5.9 m Width: 850 mm Weight: 40 kg fiberglass, 38 kg kevlar

Prices start at $5995

K50 PACIFIC Incept sea kayaks bring a totally new dimension to the world of touring kayaks for your ocean, lake and gentle river kayaking adventures.These inflatable sea kayaks offer the convenience and portability of an inflatable without compromising the performance expected from a hard-shell.

Length: 5.35 m Width: 670 mm Weight: 20 kg

Prices start at $3680

NOVACRAFT - CANOE 16 The Nova Craft 16 ft (4.9 m) Outfitters SP3 canoes are ideally suited for lake and river exploring. An awesome camping and exploring canoe. *Note: NZ models have plastic seats.

Length: 4.9 m Width: 915 mm Weight: 34 kg

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Prices start at $2385

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SEA KAYAKS >> COMPOSITE

GREENLAND T This is the kayak you have to try out if you are into Greenland style of paddling. This must be one of the most well recognised kayaks on the market today. With the classic lines and low volume it has given many paddlers the joy and the interest of trying something new, or going back to basics. Tahe Marine Greenland style kayaks have a particularly low volume and a tight fit to your body, which gives you full control of what you are doing and provides you with the feeling of being closer to water than ever.

Length: 5.45 m Width: 530 mm Weight: 22 - 24 kg

Prices start at $4590

REVAL The Revals’ hull with rocker and upswept bow provides a dry and smooth ride over waves with precise and confidence inspiring handling and stability. The relatively low rear deck helps prevent weather cocking in windy conditions and allows easy rolling. The elegant Reval is ideal for the medium to large sized paddler looking for a versatile easy to use boat that is agile enough as a day boat but with plenty of carrying capacity for multi day trips. The kayak is equipped with Kajaksport skeg and the original Smarttrack rudder system.

Length: 5.5 m Width: 540 mm Weight: 23 - 25 kg

Prices start at $4400

REVAL MINI The Reval Mini has wonderful stability and navigability even in breaking waves and strong winds. The kayak deck is equipped with two oval hatches and a day-hatch for easier entry into compartments. As the name suggests the volume of the Reval Mini is sufficient for weekend trips or shorter expeditions. The kayak is equipped with Kajaksport skeg and the original Smarttrack rudder system.

Length: 4.9 m Width: 540 mm Weight: 21 - 23 kg

Prices start at $4150

WIND 585 This kayak has been designed keeping speed in mind. Therefore it is the fastest sea touring kayak in Tahe Marine range, that can be used for marathons, exercise and longer expeditions. Due to the length and the hull design this kayak is best suited to more experienced paddlers.

Tracking is excellent, due to the hull design. The kayak has as standard the Kajaksport skeg system or/and the original Smarttrack rudder system.

Length: 5.85 m Width: 540 mm Weight: 24 - 26 kg

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Prices start at $4570 www.kayaknz.co.nz

CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ KEKENO The Kekeno kayak is designed with comfort in mind and is perfect for exploring, whether you are taking on the foaming waves of the east coast or the calmer waters of the country’s lakes. The Kekeno is ready to handle all the conditions and our unpredictable weather.

Length: 4.0 m Width: 630 mm Weight: 21.5 kg fiberglass, 19 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3595

SEABEAR WAITOA The SeaBear Waitoa has been modernised to give today’s paddler modern comforts on the proven hull design. The SeaBear remains the classic touring kayak but has combined this with high standards in deck design.

Length: 5.5 m Width: 600 mm Weight: 26 kg fiberglass, 24 kg kevlar

Prices start at $4395

BREAKSEA The BreakSea is round-hulled with soft edges - this means lower primary stability, but great secondary stability - and it tracks nicely. It can be paddled with the rudder, or if you’re keen, you can test your skills by leaving the rudder stuck onto the deck.

Length: 5.2 m Width: 540 mm Weight: 22.5 kg fiberglass, 21 kg kevlar

Prices start at $4495 TASMAN ELITE A true high performance sea kayak with maximum rigidity. Fully constructed of kevlar with a mix of carbon through the cockpit area, this model weighs only 22 kgs.

The Tasman Express Elite is also a narrower kayak with less volume than the polyethylene models, which combined with the lighter weight, make this a kayak which will maintain a greater speed in all conditions.

Length: 5.3 m Width: 600 mm Weight: 22 kg kevlar

Prices start at $4590

FOVEAUX EXPRESS The Foveaux Express is a responsive and playful sea kayak. Q-Kayaks’ original composite design, with a redesigned deck configuration, gives it the sporty look and practicality of a third hatch. The dolphin nose with flair, allows lift in the ocean swell while dispersing the water, and the low peaked deck performs well in strong crosswinds. A fun, nimble kayak.

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

Prices start at $4460

SOUTHERN SKUA The Southern Skua has a low deck profile enabling it to perform extremely well in windy conditions, while its longer hull gives it greater speed and allows it to respond in a following sea to surf the waves. It gives maximum stability in the open sea.

Length: 5.4 m Width: 600 mm Weight: 22 kg kevlar

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Prices start at $4590 ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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SEA KAYAKS >> MULTISPORT

HURRICANE New, fast, and not so tipsy. The hurricane gives you the very best balance of speed and stability. The sleek deck is designed to be less vulnerable to strong cross winds, while the raised bow provides extra lift to prevent the front of the kayak being submerged in rapids and small waves.

The Hurricane is user friendly with an adjustable seat and footrests, plus it is fitted with front and rear end loops for ease of lifting.

Length: 5.9 m Width: 490 mm Weight: 12 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3170

MAXIMUS Fast ocean going Racing Sea Kayak. The broad bow allows this kayak to ride over waves like a surf ski without losing any speed. It is easy to control while surfing. In adverse conditions a low profile reduces buffeting by the wind.

The Maximus gives maximum speed and good stability in moderate sea conditions. The broad bow allows it to ride over waves like a surf ski without losing any speed, and makes for easier control while surfing a wave.

Length: 6.4 m Width: 510 mm Weight: 16 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3890

EXCALIBUR Used in New Zealand’s ultra-rough Speight’s Coast to Coast annual race across the South Island, the yearly ‘Motu Challenge’ in the North Island, and many other multi-sport events, Excalibur is the kayak for competition at the highest level. Like the TriBear, Excalibur handles white water rivers or flat water easily, and its proven hull shape has helped create winners. The gel-coated construction gives the kayaks needed sun protection. The kayak is light and manoeuvrable yet offers good stability and great speed.

Length: 5.7 m Width: 550 mm Weight: 15 kg kevlar

Prices start at $2945

BEACHCOMBER ULTRALIGHT One of the most popular kayaks for the Speight’s Coast to Coast. The Beachcomber has been developed using the best innovations from existing kayak designs to attain the finest quality and performance achievable in recreational ocean kayaks. These features have been streamlined into a new, high quality, rigid and safe kayak for both novice and professional users.

Length: 4.9 m Width: 600 mm Weight: 17 kg

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Prices start at $3099 www.kayaknz.co.nz

CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ REBEL KEVLAR The Rebel is designed for paddlers of both genders up to 75 kg. At 5.65 metres long, the Rebel is half way between the length of the Swallow and the Firebolt and is faster than them all.

Length: 5.65 m Width: 450 mm Weight: 11 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3210

SWALLOW The next step up from the entry level kayaks. Fast with good stability.

Medium skill ability is required to enjoy racing this kayak. A very popular Coast to Coast kayak.

Length: 5.4 m Width: 480 mm, Weight: 12 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3000

INTRIGUE This kayak is ideal for the beginner/entry level kayaker who is looking for a quick, light kayak with great stability. Also suitable for first time Coast to Coasters.

Length: 4.95 m Width: 540 mm Weight: 12 kg kevlar

Prices start at $2900

GLADIATOR The Gladiator is the latest design from Ruahine and is our top seller. This exciting new kayak meets the needs of the larger novice/intermediate paddlers looking for a lively, railable, stable, safe kayak with a good turn of speed. It is fitted with our larger cockpit, making it very suitable for the larger/heavier paddlers from approx. 80 kg upwards.

Length: 5.9 m Width: 530 mm Weight: 13.5 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3210

FIREBOLT The Firebolt is fast, smart looking and has excellent balance between speed and stability. It has an easy paddle entry, a fine ‘cutting’ bow, a low foredeck and a wider rear deck for more secondary stability. The Firebolt is faster and more stable in white water and less vulnerable to strong winds in open water. Suitable for paddlers from about 70 kg upwards.

Length: 5.9 m Width: 450 mm Weight: 12.5 kg kevlar

Prices start at $3250

ADVENTURE DUET The Adventure Duet racing double is suitable for use on rivers, lakes and the sea. It has decklines, bulkheads and hatches and is great for recreational paddling and adventure holidays or adventure racing where one wants to carry gear in a lighter weight, fast double.

The Adventure Duet is ideal when one paddler might be stronger than the other ( such as a mix of gender and/or generations).

Length: 7.0 m Width: 550 mm Weight: 26 kg kevlar

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Prices start at $5760 ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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WHITE WATER >> JOSH NEILSON

‘Transcendance’ An extreme sports documentary.

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By Josh Neilson

www.kayaknz.co.nz

After many months planning and shooting, I am now in the final stages of editing and, I must say, this has been as much a personal learning experience as it has been about finishing a film. I set out to prove a point and gather knowledge on a subject close to me and believe I have now found the answers often overlooked in many outdoor films.

Twelve months ago I set off from New Zealand to make a film.

Usually I would have my kayak and paddling equipment, and piles of camera gear. But this time was different. Recovering from a shoulder surgery that would keep me out of my boat for almost a year, I set off to make a film on extreme sports psychology. If you have read previous

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ISSUE SIXTY Four • Autumn 2012

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Shows will be in Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Christchurch, Taupo, Rotorua and Auckland. If you live somewhere else and would like a show in your town please contact me and we will try to make it work.

Following these shows we are off to Australia, USA, Canada and Norway to premiere the film and get back into some Northern hemisphere summer kayaking!

I’d like to say a huge thanks to Canoe & Kayak NZ, Dew Motion, Skull Candy, CamCaddie, Tribe, and everyone else who has helped in making this film happen! I couldn’t do this without you all!

Cheers and hope to see you at the show!

Josh Neilson Left: Josh sets up for another photo shoot.

Below: Getting the detail while still taking in the scenery is quite a balancing act. articles in this magazine you will have been keeping up to date with how it has been going.

Have you ever been told you’re crazy for doing the activity you choose? Have you ever been asked why you have a death wish kayaking off waterfalls? Have you ever been compared to a drug addict because of the actions you choose within your sport?

As I pushed the limits while kayaking these, and many other stereotypes, have been common accusations by friends and people I have met along the way. Having completed this film I feel I have a better understanding of what I do and how to answer to such comments. Transcendence is not all about being serious and proving a point. It engages with athletes on a variety of levels to get a well rounded idea on what goes on during the extreme sports experience.

Have you ever wondered what athletes flying metres from a cliff at 250 km per hour in a nylon suit think about during their flight? Do you know what goes on for a kayaker at the lip of a 20 m waterfall? Can you comprehend what goes on in the mind of Kiwi free diver, William Trubridge when he is 101 m below the surface of the water on one breath of air and has only himself to propel him back to oxygen? Well, if this is something that might interest you come and check out my film ‘Transcendence’ at one of the shows around NZ during April or buy it online and show your friends.

Information on premiere dates and venues will be online at www.southernundergroundproductions.com in the coming weeks or email joshneilson@gmail for more information.

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