Issue 82

Issue 82

French Polynesia Seven days circumnavigating Raiatea and Taha’a Islands

Trip Planning - Plan B & C

What to do when Plan A is impossible.

Solo Kayak Fishing and Staying Safe Proudly supported by:

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 3

Contents Sea Kayaking 6.

French Polynesia 14.

How To Save $65 17.

Kawhia Harbour Fishing 28.

Solo Fishing and Staying Safe.

White Water 47.

Olympic Success for Kiwi Paddlers General 22.

Planning Plan B’s and C’s 37.

Taranaki Pouakai Tarns 38.

Our water ways are our life!

40.

End of a great era and the

start of another Technical 32.

Changes to the Maritime Channels 34.

Ten Ways To Find North 44.

Trip Card - Cornwallis to Whatipu 45.

Trip Card - Army Bay to Tiri Tiri Matangi Product 42.

Rack-It-Up 43.

Rhino-Rack StealthBar 46.

Kayak listings

PAGE 4

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Editorial Wow what a couple of months.

Loads to watch on TV with the Olympics and our kayakers doing extremely well, not to mention all the other athletes. The weather has been up and down with stunning days of sun and calm to wickedly rough days for those who like to balance their skills, fitness and equipment against the elements.

A young friend recently had a close call with offshore winds while surfing. His roll worked, but the gale was determined to test just how many times he could roll in a row. The outcome was the gale won and then training and some equipment came to the rescue, along with a Good Samaritan a helicopter and a police car. The Samaritan saved the day, the helicopter and police car turned up because of the deployment of his PLB that was attached to his person. He had the good sense when all avenues of self-rescue had been exhausted to activate his PLB. Being well dressed meant the time in the water in the middle of the winter caused no hardship and he now has learnt the valuable lesson of ‘what if’ in the life of adventure.

What if - If I take a swim here do I have?: •

Warm gear that will be comfortable in the water.

• Electronic communications that are attached to me (if my kayak is lost) to call for help.

•

Photo by: Meghan Walker

Now while our young friend made some omissions in his list, we are all very proud of him because he had layers of planning, skill and equipment that allowed him to keep calm and deal with the situation.

A huge thank you to the official rescue teams that leapt to action, although through the actions of the Good Samaritan they were not required it is very reassuring that they are there and respond so fast.

It’s an end of an era.

We say farewell to Rob Howarth, who is hanging up his hat with Canoe & Kayak. Rob has been with the group for 15 years, 14 of which as owner of Canoe & Kayak North Shore.

Over the years we have seen many changes and challenges. Rob has always taken them in his stride and taken the challenges head on.

He is now looking forward to more time with family and a new direction. No doubt we’ll see him out on the water.

Peter Townend Editor

A reliable set of skills to self-rescue.

• Equipment to allow me to self-rescue and cover breakages and loss.

• A reliable person who knows where I am and when I am due back and knows what to do if I don’t show up on time.

• A current weather forecast and the ability to imagine what it will be like on the water.

I was shown the Swiss cheese model of Risk Management a few years back. This is where the different items in the above list are like a slice of cheese, each piece having a hole in it. For a situation to become catastrophic all the holes in all the slices have to line up so an arrow could fly through them all. All it takes is one layer of planning or skill or equipment to be correct and the arrow is stopped. In this situation, while a number of areas had not been covered, enough had, and so an embarrassing and potentially dangerous situation unfolded but everyone went home.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

EDITOR: Peter Townend, pete@canoeandkayak. co.nz PUBLISHER: New Zealand Kayak Magazine is published four times per year by Canoe & Kayak Ltd. PRINTING: MHP Print Pricing: At the time of printing the prices in this magazine were accurate.

However they may change at any time.

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Go to: www.kayaknz.co.nz/subscriptions CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’ articles and photos. Refer to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/ guide for more details. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: James Fitness, james@canoeandkayak.co.nz New Zealand Kayak Magazine

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 5

French Polynesia - A Paddling Paradise

By Larraine Williams

The kayaking trip to French Polynesia was in such demand we ended up with four consecutive trips booked with Kayak Nomad Polynesia. Martin and Larraine had previously paddled with guide Patrice, and when he advised that his new kayaking tour business was up and running we were keen to go and try it out.

The basic plan for each group was to spend seven days circumnavigating Raiatea and Taha’a which are two islands within a single lagoon. I was in group two, and we were picked up from the airport and transported the short distance to Farahei Lodge. This lodge was an adventure on its own, built in a traditional manner with no actual windows, just entire walls that are propped wide open unless there is a storm coming, in which case they can be secured. Our bed was on the upper floor and three sides of it were open with the drop straight down – one wouldn’t want to be inclined to falling out of bed, or sleepwalking! The bathrooms were also a talking point – they were beautifully decorated with stones and shells imbedded in the concrete, and while the toilet and hand-basin were under cover, the shower area was open to the sky.

Over the first few days we became well acquainted with the swarms of mosquitoes that went voraciously after any exposed skin. We had to fend them off with the liberal use of bug-spray, and keep covered up as much as possible, even though the heat made us want to strip off. We also met the tupa, which are land crabs up to about 100mm across - they hide in their holes in the sand during the day, but at night they come out and will carry off anything that you have left lying around. Pauline had some excitement one morning when she found one in her tent. Patrice nearly lost one of his Crocs when a tupa tried to wrestle it down its hole.

Each day we were on the water early, and had a long relaxing lunch stop on a motu, which is a small coral island, generally only a few centimetres above high tide, and covered with coconut trees. We had ample time to swim, snorkel, or nap, before heading off to the motu where we were to spend the night.

PAGE 8

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 9

On the third night, the motu we stayed on had a glorious fresh water, and an outdoor shower. We were all coated with multiple layers of salt, sweat, bug spray, and sun screen, sprinkled with a liberal amount of sand, so it was a treat to scrape all of that away.

The following day we paddled across to the mainland and up the river.

As we were heading up, it started to rain heavily in the hills above us. The original plan was to stop for lunch on a fruit grower’s property and sample fresh coconut water, and rambutan which is related to the lychee, but thereafter called ‘eyeballs’ because of its look. After a short stop, we hightailed it back down the river as there was a possibility of a flash flood. We went back to the same camp for that evening, and it rained and RAINED, with lightening, for about four hours. Thankfully this motu had a large shelter where we could take refuge and cook dinner – there was a large hole in the roof but we worked around that. We were all sitting around so we had story-time when Martin entertained us by reading his book aloud.

It didn’t matter to us that he was already half way through, and we never did find out what happened. Martin had some music with him and after dinner we ended up having a dance party in the dark.

The next day the rain had stopped, but we had a strong tail wind which pushed us quickly along the coast and across to Taha’a Island. That night we camped at Motu Ceran which was absolutely stunning with everything you would expect from a tropical island – white sand, clear blue water, and coconut palms. Ceran is actually a private island with a resident family to take care of the place, which included raking all of the sand every morning – I will never complain about doing the vacuuming again – at least I don’t have an entire island to sweep every day!

Two young men went out to the reef to catch their dinner and brought a few fish back for us too. They sat on chairs at a table in the water to clean the fish, and were throwing the waste back into the water. This attracted a number of small black-tipped reef sharks and a ray which came to within a couple of metres of us. We were all very excited, while the two young men were very amused at our response.

DECK MOUNT ROD HOLDERS

ACCESSORY LEASHES

DECK BAGS

MICRO .75 & 1.5 LITRE DRY BAGS

PADDLE LEASHES PADDLE FLOATS

OMNI AND OPTI DRY BAGS

99 LITRE BACK PACK DRY BAGS

KAYAK COMPASSES

FLUSH MOUNT ROD HOLDER

140 LITRE BACK PACK DRY BAGS KAYAK FOLDING CART

AUDIO CONNECT PHONE / MP3 BAGS

LENGTH OPENING LATITUDE DRY BAGS BECKSON PUMPS

KUDO DELUXE SEATS

Phone your closest kayak retailer or for further information email Great Stuff Ltd Distributed by Great Stuff Ltd. www.greatstuffltd.co.nz or email greatstuffltd@xtra.co.nz

GSAD-Mar14

The view you would rather have

The next day, our destination was Coral Garden which was right on the edge of the reef. We were welcomed by a couple in traditional dress who sang and played the ukulele before showing us where we could camp.

The Coral Garden itself was a strip of water between two motu, and we walked to the outside end, got into the water, and the water flow carried us along. It was clearly a protected area as the fish were more numerous than in other areas, and throughout the afternoon a number of boats came through bringing tourists from nearby resorts. At that camp there was a ‘two part toilet’ – a ramshackle shed, with a serious list, that had two toilets inside with no separation, so you could take a friend for company if you wished. It looked like it was about to fall down, but was all decorated inside with tinsel, shells and sprouting coconuts.

The next day was our last on the water, and we were back to the lodge.

We had a special dinner that evening. The table was laid with large leaves, sprinkled with lemon juice, coconut water, flowers and vanilla pods. This gave off an amazing smell and when the freshly caught baked fish were laid on top it was quite a wonderful sight, and an amazing dinner.

All of us had elected to stay an extra night at Farahei and the following day our host Vetea was employed to guide us on a ‘walk’ up the sacred mountain, which is of particular importance to the Polynesian people. The walk turned out to be rather more than we expected as we kept on going up, and up. The route was narrow, muddy and very slippery. Janet kept asking Vetea ‘how much longer’ and he kept saying ’10 minutes’. We finally got to the waterfall that was our lunch stop, and Vetea showed us the very rare and sacred Tiare Apetahi flower that grows nowhere else. The views from up there were amazing as we could see both sides of the island. The trek down the other side was also very slippery and on several occasions PAGE 10

Issue 82 Spring 2016

Ultra lifejackets offer versatility and comfort at a price that will have you paddling safely like this in no time Avaliable at Canoe & Kayak Stores Nationwide www.kayaknz.co.nz

Lake Rotoehu Photo by Ruth E. Henderson

we were told to ‘put our bottom on the floor’ and slide down. By the time we reached the coast we were all pretty weary, but when Vetea led us to a pontoon we all jumped into the water and had a most glorious swim, followed by ice cold beer. Bliss. Our feet were disgusting – all white and wrinkled, with ground in dirt that took days to get clean. We then found out that we had climbed over 2000 feet (610 m) and covered 22 km. No wonder we were tired!

in such an intimate way. The scenery was beautiful, the water clear and warm, and the company as lovely as always.

Many thanks to Patrice for his guidance.

That evening we had another lovely dinner, which ended up with Vetea singing ‘A Love Song to Janet’, which included many things taking ‘10 minutes’. Janet handled it well, and the rest of us were roaring with laughter.

Poe, Vetea’s wife, did a Polynesian dance for us, and also tried to teach us how to move our hips like she did – hopeless fail, but there was much laughter during the attempt.

It was a wonderful trip with many varied adventures. It was a privilege to be guests in Vetea and Poe’s home and experience another culture

KAYAK COURSES SEA KAYAKING WHITE WATER ROLLING MULTISPORT GRADE TWO SURFING AND MANY MORE

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

P ACOURSES G E 1 2Sep 2016 QTR I s sLND.indd u e 8 21 S p r i n g 2 0 1 6

FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES w w w . k a6/09/2016 y a k n z 1:52:09 . c o . PM nz

Lake Rotoma Photo by Ruth E. Henderson

How to save $65

It costs $130 to sail on the Inter-Islander Ferry with a kayak for a return voyage across the Cook Strait. But if you’ve got the energy, and a few Scottish genes like me, you can halve that amount by kayaking one-way. Obviously you can avoid paying anything at all by doing a double crossing, if you have the time and suitable weather, but that was the last trips objective.

This time, in April, myself and a few friends opted to save just $65. Our mission was to kayak the path of the Ferry.

The trip started with just two of us, myself and Nelson paddler Perry Turner. But as the crossing date neared, others got wind of the adventure and tagged along, adding safety in numbers and increasing the social banter. By the time we launched the kayaks in Picton we were a party of seven.

by Nathan Fa’avae

couldn’t be on the water any earlier, but it meant we were travelling through Tory Channel with the tidal flow so it made it worthwhile, stealthily paddling along the coast, ships chugging by, bioluminescence twinkling in the star light and a pod of dolphins swimming by.

Arriving at the heads about 10.00 pm, we set up camp with a view into the strait. It was tempting to go for it, the southerly that had blown steadily for a few days had died away and the forecast for the next day was a building northerly. But instead we lit up our cookers for a hot “Absolute Wilderness” meal and cup of tea and sat in our sleeping bags soaking up the atmosphere of being at the edge of the passage.

Our goal was to paddle directly to the Wellington terminal, haul the boats onto the loading ramp and catch the ferry back on the 5.00 pm Saturday sailing.

Friday night on the beach in Picton, nearing darkness we checked our lights and started the trip to the Tory Channel entrance.

Because everyone had worked on Friday we

PAGE 14

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

This was my seventh crossing and normally I wouldn’t venture into the strait with a northerly approaching so fast.

Ideally, the back of a southerly is preferred because there can be some settled weather but in this case, it was clocking backwards and forwards between southerly and northerly so quickly I’d say even the wind was getting frustrated.

But there was a window, albeit small. The forecast was for the northerly to rise to 25 knots by afternoon, with a dying southerly swell of two metres. Slack water at Tory Entrance was 3.19 am so we agreed it’d be wise to have an early start, launch about 4.00 am. That’d give us 12 hours to get to the check-in for the ferry and it was possible we could have 12 hours of paddling, depending on what weather we faced.

After a trademark cowboy strength brew of coffee, in pitch black we left the harbour of Tory Channel and bobbed our way into the strait. We could see the lights of Cape Terawhiti on the North Island so we made that our target.

As the sunlight started mingling with the darkness, we were clear of Arapawa Island and into a noticeable northerly breeze. This wasn’t that pleasing, surely the northerly wasn’t building at 6.00 am. We floated about having a team talk, making sure everyone was aware of the gamble of pushing on at the risk of facing high winds mid-strait if the system had arrived already, unlikely as this was. We paddled on.

As hoped and expected, it turned out it was just cool air streams left over from sinking mountain air movements from the night, so once the heat of the sun was upon us, we were treated to about an hour of amazing conditions mid-strait. Almost no wind and a lazy southerly swell rolling beneath us.

Within an hour of land, the northerly came in rather aggressively. That in itself wasn’t an issue but we knew the southerly swell would make the Wellington beaches tricky to land on. So we braced ourselves for a long paddle in a situation where it was not safe to land or paddle close to shore, but not to be so far out that the northerly could blow us back out into the strait. Between a rock and a hard place so to speak.

We did find shelter in Karori Stream and timed the surf to land on shore, enjoying the moment of stepping out of our kayaks onto the ‘other island’, the North in this case. A bite, some coffee and celebrations, it was time to set out on what we anticipated would be the challenging part of the trip.

And it was.

For hours we battled the northerly which rose to 35 knots, the crashing southerly swell made for some dramatic moments as we crept around the coast line into Wellington Harbour. As we neared the harbour I was relieved to see kite surfers whizzing across the water. I could tell from the size of their kites the wind wasn’t over 20 knots, we’d cracked it!

1-person deck optional

optional 2-person deck

Nathan Fa’avae and Sophie Hart during 1st Niue circumnavigation

ultimate versatility • 1, 2 or 3 person kayak in a bag

Nathan Fa’avae: “The Seawave enabled myself and paddling partner to be to the first people to circumnavigate Niue by kayak, in June 2016. I rate the boat 5 out of 5, full marks, I couldn't fault it.”

KAYAKER Limited, NZ distributor of GUMOTEX inflatable boats

Ph: 021 066 2956 • Email: sales@kayaker.co.nz • Web: kayaker.co.nz

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 15

As we turned into the final stretch we finally had some respite with a cross wind, a yacht race to watch as we paddled by and a few local fizz boats passing by probably wondering where we’d come from. It’s a magic feeling paddling in front of the capital city after the contrast of the Marlborough Sounds and the strait, and we made it with an hour to spare.

The sailing back to the South Island was joyous, given we’d each saved $65. The cafe and bar were popular sitting areas for the seven passengers with dried salt all over their faces. In dry clothes, safe on board a ship, it was satisfying looking out the window as the weather outside rampaged, winds and rough seas. We’d cut it fine.

Hats off to the team for achieving a challenging but safe crossing. Ash and Naomi Whitehead, Reid Forrest, David Ayre, Dan Busch and Perry Turner.

WHITE WATER COURSES BOOK NOW FOR AN AWESOME WEEKEND OF PADDLING AND FUN FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

COURSES Sep 2016 QTR WW PORT.indd 1

6/09/2016 2:44:13 PM

A Comfortable Entry Level Sea Kayak • • • • • • • • •

Two Large Storage Compartments Two Large Hatches Comfortable Foam Padded Seat Easy to use Rudder System Stable and Comfortable to Paddle New Zealand Made with Top Quality UV Stabilized Plastic Orange Fade - A Stunning, Safe Colour Two Year Warranty Exclusive to Canoe & Kayak

All this at an affordable price PAGE 16

Matariki v5.indd 1

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz 20/01/2014 11:29:57 a.m.

Kawhia Harbour

by Mary-Anne Hoseason

Kawhia Harbour was the location for the 2016 Anzac weekend paddle with the Bay of Plenty Yakity Yak Club.

Kawhia has great paddling significance as Kāwhia is known in Māori folk lore as the final resting-place of the ancestral waka (canoe) Tainui.

Estelle led the trip with a group of 20 paddlers coming from as far as Palmerston North, Auckland, Rotorua, Hamilton, Pirongia, Taupo and Tauranga. Some paddling for the weekend, others just for day trips. The group was a mix of very experienced to very new paddlers.

The drive gave a good sense of what the sleepy seaside village was like, as the traffic was nonexistent for the last 40 minutes, on a long weekend Friday night.

The group stayed in the S-cape camping ground on the edge of the harbour as you first drive into Kawhia and a quick 10 minute walk from town. The main advantage was being right on the water.

Each day we paddled there was about a 100 metres from cabins and kitchen to kayaks. No loading and unloading boats as we were allowed to keep them on the waters edge for the three days. We could easily assess the winds, weather and tides from this location.

This harbor is very tidal and any paddling needs to be carefully planned.

The rock formations looking just like their name, rose high out of the sea. Paddling through the maze of rock was enjoyed by the group, some finding it interesting getting in and out of the narrow spaces. We paddled east down the harbour finding lots more rock formations before we had to beat the head winds and outgoing tide. Once back the bonus was being able to hop out of the boat and straight into a shower leaving sorting the gear till warm and dry.

Once we were recharged, we took the afternoon to visit the ocean beach for a dig and warm bathe at the Te Puia Hot Springs four kilometre from Kawhia. The pools can be accessed two hours either side of low tide.

Hot water oozes from the black sand, which can be formed into shallow bathing pools with a spade. The camping ground kindly lends out small spades to help dig. It’s a fifteen minute drive though forestry and a few minutes walk over the sand dunes gets there.

The hot water is easily found as others are bathing. If not there are two white poles, which once lined up give the location to find a warm spot.

On Saturday the group left two hours before high tide and headed to the pancake rocks on the other side of the harbour. www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 17

The best idea is to burrow in your toes to find a warm spot before digging or grab one as someone else leaves.

Saturday evening was a shared pot luck dinner. What an amazing kitchen with its five fridges and a very well stocked supply of crockery and kitchen utensils. With so many people offering food we had a feast and shared some with other campers and still had plenty of leftovers for the next night. The evening continued with lots of discussion, knowledge and experience shared about kayaking.

Sunday morning saw a wind free day with light rain as the keen headed out on the water. This group paddled to the cliffs in the eastern harbour.

The rock and strata formations on the cliffs was observed and some shared their geological knowledge. The rain picked up but the sea was calm and even more pancake rocks were explored. These were more impressive than the day before. We paddled a short distance into the inlet and back out to a small island before the outgoing tide required that we return home.

After warming up with a shower and lunch we drove to Aotea, a short drive over the hill to the next harbour north of Kawhia. A walk along a well mowed path beside the beach takes you to the harbour entrance. A good place for viewing the huge sand dune on the other side. Very impressive as it has very little vegetation. That afternoon others visited the Kawhia

PAGE 18

Issue 82 Spring 2016

museum which holds a giant fossil of an ammonite. Ammonites are an extinct group of marine mollusc animals. Found in 1978 while excavating the road, this is the world’s largest at 1.4 m.

Saturday evening was either left overs or fish n’chips. Ruth then introduced us to the game of Mexican Trains. Personalities within the group came out as some were rather competitive, others strategy based, and then there were those who found it a challenge not to talk. There was lots of laughter and fun.

On Monday some headed home while others took to the water, paddling in wet conditions.

The rain didn’t stop the keen exploring more of the inlet on the other side of the harbor. Heading directly across, using the tides to our advantage, we were surprised to see just how far the inlet travelled inland. The sea had obviously penetrated the limestone rocks and inundated the land, creating unique and hidden shallow waterways. It felt a world away and the towering limestone cliffs only added to the experience. After exploring as much as possible and looking for any other access points, we headed back out in to the main harbour. The wind had whipped up quite a bit of chop, which made for an interesting paddle back across the harbor.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Royal Spoonbill

Liz Spratt & Estelle Leyshon

TAUPO KAYAK TOURS ‘Nature’s Ultimate Playground’ WAIKATO RIVER FLOAT TRIP TAUPO MAORI CARVINGS FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/TAUPOTOURS

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994 w wTOURS w . k aFEB y a2016 k n QTR z . c LND o . nTPO.indd z

1

I s s u e 8 2 S p r i n g 2 0 1 63/02/2016P A8:51:31 G E AM 19

It was a fantastic way to finish the weekend and we were all surprised just how much there was to discover in this remote harbor and just how much more there is to paddle too. We all said there would be a next time!

Kawhia is a place many had never been before. For somee this trip saw the building of new friendships for others old childhood memories were rekindled, but am sure this is a place we’ll return too.

Other activities include visiting the museum, a walk to the Maketu Marae the final resting place of the famous waka Tainui. A charter trip to Te Maika and Te Waitere can be organized with the campground.

Software used The two paddles were recorded on a phone app called Strava.

This records many things. Of most interest being the distance, and route taken on a map. The two trips could then be compared at the end and it was interesting to see exactly where we went with the tide and wind carrying us each day. I am not sure how accurate the terrain map would be as sand banks change.

You can get a good hour from a fully charged phone on airplane mode, have the location button on and still take photos. To save the information at the end of the trip it needs the airplane mode to be turned off.

See www.strava.com/mobile for details

PAGE 20

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

adventure equipment

SIT-ON-TOP COURSES WANT TO LEARN OR BRUSH UP YOUR PADDLING SKILLS? BOOK NOW FOR A FUN WEEKEND OUT Tommahawk Dry Cag

FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

COURSES Sep 2016 QTR SOT v2 PORT.indd 1

Junga Semi-dry Cag

6/09/2016 2:51:03 PM

Adventure Touring Cag

Xipe Touring PFD

Rakau White water PFD

Sladek Recreational Cag

RFD New Zealand Limited 0800 777 009 Auckland Wellington Nelson Christchurch Filename: SURVITECpos_PMS.eps Colourway:

www.kayaknz.co.nz

&

100% Pantone PMS 158c

&

100% Process Black

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 21

Planning Plan B’s and C’s

By Ruth E. Henderson

PAGE 22

Issue 82 Spring 2016

Peter Beadle and Mary Modrich ww w . k a yona ka nPlan z . cC. o.nz

It was April 2004, and I was tootling down the motorway enroute to join up with the Bay of Plenty Yakity Yak Kayak club.

The plan I’d signed up for was a weekend trip out to Slipper Island. I was pretty much a newbie at club trips, a new club leader...but on this occasion I was willing to follow - I’d paid no heed to the weather forecast; happy to put all my faith in the trip leader, big Steve Knowles; happy to just get away from the city and all things work related.

Then, just before the turnoff to Highway 2 my cellphone went... “Been a change of plan” Steve boomed “Too rough for Slipper, go to Taupo.”

Taupo!!! Although disappointed I’d not get out to the island off from Whangamata, I obeyed. The group met up at the Kayakers Lodge, and over hot chocolates, Steve outlined his alternatives plans. On day one we drove north to Tutukau Road, headed inland to the Waikato River and played around at Orakei Korako, trying the riverside thermal bath out, practiced our paddle float rescues and generally had fun. That night everyone chucked $10 in the pot, we shopped then cooked up a grand feed. On day two we went down Taupo’s eastern side till we found Hatepe and the tranquillity of the sunken forest on Hinemaiaia Stream.

Result? A wonderful weekend away; an adventure to remember: an extreme example of planning for Plan B’s at its best.

Fast forward to July 2016: Club trips to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Miranda on the Firth of Thames, and Raglan on the Waikato’s west coast, all encountered windy stormy weather, all engaged Plan B’s and Plan C’s.

forecast conditions. The group can split into two or more pods with paddlers relishing 25 knots plus going off in one direction while those happiest in 15 – 20 knots do something different. Gung-ho advanced paddlers can call their own shots.

Why persist?

The aim of most trips is to ‘go away’, to escape the city, work, ‘wife’, kids, chores...to have fun, socialise and exercise; have a change of scene, refresh the body and soul for the working week ahead. So, why would you cancel!

What to look for?

Sheltered waters In places with harbours such as Kawhia, Raglan or Mount Maunganui, there will be estuaries, creeks and streams to explore. And if the wind is set to blow from one point of the compass then seek shelter from that side of the harbour, paddle in the lee of the land. In narrow parts of New Zealand such as the Coromandel Peninsula, it can be a simple case of switching coasts from say Whitianga to Te Kouma Harbour. Or like Steve – be bold; look in an entirely different direction, look at rivers and lakes elsewhere.

Exit points If the trip needs to be shortened to escape the afternoon’s forecast wind, is there an abbreviated trip you can do? If somebody needs to quit, is there road access, so you can either hitch a ride back to cars or camp or phone a non-paddling partner to come to the rescue?

What is a Plan B? A back-up plan – usually for foul (read windy) weather, but not always; maybe there is a road closure due to flooding or slips; or a park is closed due to a wasp outbreak; or there is a tsunami warning.

A list of alternative things to do – or different places to explore.

A plan for those who may not, on the day, be comfortable in the

CANOE & KAYAK ADVENTURES NORTH SHORE

-STINGRAY ENCOUNTERS & MARINE RESERVE DISCOVERY -PUHOI RIVER TRIPS -PADDLE TO THE PUB w wTOURS w . k aSep y a2016 k n QTR z . c LND o . nOKR.indd z

1

‘Auckland’s Best Kept Secret’ LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994

FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/ADVENTURESNS

I s s u e 8 2 S p r i n g 2 0 1 66/09/2016P A3:08:30 G E PM 23

Towns, baches, cabins, camping grounds...

In winter, it’s handy having a communal building or at least a covered area to retreat to...to have drinks and nibbles, cook under, and play Mexican Train or 500... It is possible to find baches for rent at a reasonable rate that comfortably sleep a dozen.

What to do?

into the nearest Information Centre and check out what is seasonal, what is open or not, get some local knowledge.

For the future Explore, take a look down that side road, look out for launching or landing spots, car parking. Be curious. Take photos, notes...

Preparation At the trip planning stage, before you leave home – pour over maps, look for alternative places to paddle, ask around someone will have been there before. Check out the area on the web - find out what else the district is famous for... gold mining, second-hand bookshops, or waterfalls perhaps... just in case...

On ‘the day’ Take more maps than you think you’ll need. Call

PAGE 24

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

What is a Plan C? It’s a plan not involving a sea kayak – it remains securely tied to the roof-rack. Walking or tramping or cycling, tourist activities, markets, movies, bird watching...

And probably does not involve getting wet – but could, if you include fun things like black water rafting at Waitomo, or Wero White Water Park.

How to make sure your buddies or group follow the leader – Have a ‘non-cancellation policy’ – be reliable and steadfast in this. If booking a bach or a cabin – make sure everybody has paid their share in advance. ‘Fair weather sailors’ or those preferring to ‘tidy the garage’ can always stay at home. Tell the others to chuck in their raincoats and tramping boots, wallet and sense of adventure.

Guarantee - you and they will have fun!

Wero means Challenge.

New Zealand’s first ever man-made river and white water course is just off Auckland’s Southern Motorway at 770 Great South Road, Wiri. The Vector Wero White Water Park is open to the public for free. After the recent Miranda Yakity Yak Mid-Winter Christmas Party and club trip, we called in for a look. Shelley had this sorted as a Plan B and C and knew that at 1.00pm there would be some action to watch. Note - If there is no rafting or kayaking sessions booked the water does not flow. On this day no one was keen to get wet...but it sure looked fun. For the exciting Grade Three to Four you do need to be able to roll, well! For details see www.wero.org.nz or phone 09 976 7777

TARANAKI KAYAK TOURS ‘Like No Other’

WAITARA RIVER RAPIDS MOKAU RIVER TOUR SUGAR LOAF ISLANDS TOUR FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/TARANAKITOURS

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994 wTOURS w w . kFEB a y2016 a k QTR n z .LND c o TAR.indd .nz

1

I s s u e 8 2 S p r i n g 2 0 13/02/2016 6 P8:46:41 A G EAM2 5

Join Join the the Yakity Yakity Yak Yak Kayak Kayak Club Club n n

Yakity Yak trip to French Polynesia Photo by Larraine Williams

Enrol at yakityyak.co.nz /join email: info@yakityyak.co.nz

now, and let the adventures begin.

WHY JOIN? • Meet New Friends • Lots of Great Trips • Discover the Great Outdoors • Safety Minded • Opportunities to Improve Your Skills • and much more...

Proudly supported by:

SOLO FISHING AND STAYING SAFE

By Jason Walker

Kayak fishing by the very nature of dedicated fishing kayaks is normally a very solo sport as you are all alone on your craft, although as most of us have found through the growth of kayak fishing and kayak fishing communities such as KayakFishingNZ.com and local kayak fishing clubs it’s also a very social sport. You can find yourself never having to fish alone if you don’t wish to.

Although it is strongly discouraged, there are times where you may find yourself alone. Maybe you are lucky enough to be fishing mid-week while most are tied to a desk tapping away on a keyboard, or working away in a factory playing with the big tools.

— 

Whatever the reason you have found yourself heading out on to the big blue alone, what do you need to do differently when fishing solo compared to fishing with others?

SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY Safety is by far the most important thing when fishing on your own.

When you are out there all alone and it hasn’t quite gone to plan, you won’t have your mates to call upon to help or assist you.

Safety starts at home. When doing any fishing, be it solo or with others, check the conditions and let someone know where you are going. You should do both of these the night before and check the weather again as you leave.

Weather plays an important role in our plans when to go – what is the direction and strength of the wind, what is the swell expected to be, what PAGE 28

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

are the expected changes to those conditions throughout the day? This information can be sourced from several online resources. There are a few that stand out as reliable resources; Metservice, Metvuw, Windguru, Swellmap – a quick Google search will have you on these sites. From these you can start to plan your day, where are you going to head, how far off shore, how long you plan on being out before heading back to shore.

A strong offshore wind should be treated with a huge respect. Whilst this wind direction will assist you to get to that offshore spot you’ve had your eye on for an age, it will also be in your face all the way home. Paddling into a strong headwind will sap your strength very quickly. A question often asked by new kayak anglers is when is the wind too strong to go out?

There is no fixed speed but even most experienced kayak fishers won’t head out in winds in excess of 15 knots.

Use the forecasts to see what the expected changes are going to be throughout the day. This enables you to plan where you will fish throughout the day. If the wind direction is expected to change direction you may choose to head out wide early and head back in through the day before the swell and wind picks up.

So now you have a plan it’s time to communicate that plan to your onshore team. Tell whoever you are leaving at home where you are heading, how long you plan to be out on the water, what time you expect to return home. Be sure your check in person understands, if they do not hear from you, they are to try contacting you and if no contact is made within the agreed time frame, they MUST call for help. If you do not make contact as expected an alarm can be raised and the relevant services can start searching for you in the right place. For this reason if you head to your planned fishing spot and it turns out it’s not quite the conditions you expected and you decide to head to your back-up spot be sure to update those on shore with your new plans as well.

protect yourself from the elements For the full range go to

www.sharkskin.co.nz º+}8² µ ¢ noO 8

/sharkskin_watersports

Coastguard

Communications All this talk of letting people know your plans before you head out are great but what if something happens when you are out on the water? Your lifeline is going to be your ability to communicate to the coastguard and/or other emergency services. Ensure that you have the correct communication devices for the environment you are in and you know the correct methods to use in that area.

The New Zealand Coastguard provides a great service to kiwi water users across the whole of the country and you never know when you might need them! Your number one on the water communication device should be a VHF, a quality handheld waterproof model (or get a VHF dry bag for a non-waterproof model) can be had quite cheaply these days and will provide you with instant contact to the Coastguard in an emergency on channel 16 (outside of emergencies always use the local Coastguard

GIFT

SUBSCRIPTION THREE EARLIER ISSUES PLUS 12 MONTHS SUBSCRIPTION FOR $25 w wSubscriptions w . k a y ahalf k nPage z . cTIMBER o . n z1602.indd

1

GO TO: www.kayaknz/deal FOR DETAILS I s s u e 8 2 S p r i n g 2 0 110/02/2016 6 P10:52:03 A G E AM 29

channel). I recommend a handheld model over a fixed base one that is attached to the kayak because in the kind of emergency where you need to contact the coastguard it probably means your kayak has become inoperable or you have become separated from it, a VHF on your kayak cannot call for help but you can always call if you have your VHF attached to you somehow. Most VHFs come with clips that can be attached to your PFD, otherwise put it in a pocket on your PFD.

PLBs PLBs are now becoming more accessible at around the $500 mark. This is a great back up to the VHF, as if you can get no response using the radio, setting off the PLB will certainly get a response. They use satellite to communicate who and where you are directly with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) in Wellington. Get a unit with GPS included and it’ll tell them where you are far more accurately.

Let’s go fishing!

Getting out on the water and fishing on your own is just as easy as fishing with friends, hey at the end of the day you are in a single man craft so even when fishing with others you sort of are fishing on your own but when you are really on your own out there is there anything to be done differently from a fishing point of view?

There a few things that you should keep in mind, as touched on already they are mostly safety related but these are things you should keep an eye on.

Beware of buying PLBs from overseas, as the units are registered in the country of origin, therefore causing a delay in response times. Warranties are void also.

Lights If you are planning to go fishing during hours of darkness or fishing through dawn or dusk, then you want to ensure people can see you. All the bright clothing you are wearing and that dazzling coloured kayak you are paddling is all rendered useless in the dark. There are several kayak specific safety lights on the market, which you should invest in if you want to be seen by other water users. Green and Red navigation lights are not required on a kayak but you should display and all round white light.

PAGE 30

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Wash fishing If you are wash fishing around rocks, islands, or the shoreline casting lures and softbaits into the white water as it washes back which can be very productive for both multiple different reef fish and the big moocher snapper we are all after, then you need to keep an eye on both the drift and swell. Both wind and current will have an influence on your drift direction and speed. Observe as you are fishing which direction you are drifting. You want to ensure that you are not being dragged directly into the wash. The swell will not only be pushing you towards the rocks but also depending on the size of the swell you’ll also be getting some reflected waves back off the rocks at the same time, this can lead to an ugly situation where you are getting hit by waves on both sides. You should be able to see this area from further out so again watch your drift and try to stay out of that area.

Fishing out wide If your preference is to head out to deeper water and away from the wash, looking for some good table fish sitting over sand or structure then you are at less risk of getting mixed up in the wash but you still need to keep your wits about you and constantly keep an eye on your environment.

Keep an eye on other water users, even though the ocean feels like a large open space on a kayak you are much smaller than most vessels and with even a small swell you and your kayak easily disappear. You are not the easiest thing to spot on the ocean and whilst of course the skipper of the other craft has the responsibility, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for your own safety. Even a passing power boat can easily upset your balance by causing a wake and you tipping out of your kayak. No fun at all, and even less if you find yourself struggling to get back onto your kayak.

Correctly Fitting PFDs Every year we hear of lives lost that could have so easily been saved had they headed out with correctly fitting PFDs. We see where people have ventured out on kayaks without proper safety equipment. In 2013 there was a case where a father and daughter headed out on the water with only one PFD between them. They had one adult sized PFD which the father gave to the daughter obviously putting his daughter first, but unfortunately as it was not correctly sized, it failed to save her life when for unknown reasons they both ended up in the water.

Please ensure that when you head out on any kayak that you have a correctly fitting PFD. The fit does matter.

To check it is fitting correctly, having donned the PFD, hook your thumbs under the shoulder straps and lift. If the straps go past your ears, it does NOT fit.

If you are in a situation where you are using a borrowed kayak, or a kayak that you’ve found at the bach, or you rented for the family holiday, and you are in doubt as to the quality or effectiveness of the provided safety equipment then stay off the water until you have been able to satisfy yourself that all the kayak users will be safe. If you are unsure what equipment you need or the correct sizing please head into your closest Canoe & Kayak store and ask the staff there.

They will be able to help with the correct safety equipment.

Another thing to keep and eye out for when fishing offshore is the

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 31

weather and more importantly the wind. Even if the forecast you checked earlier was for good conditions, never forget that all it ever was is a forecast, it’s not fact. They may get it wrong from time to time. You can, (and I have several times over the years), find yourself heading out for a fish in what are pleasant conditions only to find after a few hours the wind has spun around, the swell has picked up and what should have been a nice easy paddle home at the end of the day turns into the worst paddle of your life. You have been fishing with your back to the land all day quite happily but upon packing up for the day and turning around you realise you have drifted way further offshore than you planned and that wind really has picked up and it’s blowing hard turning what should have been a 15 – 20 minute paddle home into a one or two hour epic paddle!

If you are faced with this situation you have a few options, first one is simply to hunker down and just head straight into the wind and slog it out all the way home – can be alright if you are paddle fit but you need to keep an eye on your speed and energy levels.

Another option is to tack across the wind, rather than heading directly into the wind. You head across the wind at an angle and then turn back across it; a zig-zag pattern all the way back home. Yes this means you will cover more ground but if the wind it too strong for you to paddle into it’s an option. If you are trapped in a bay, rather than heading back to the

launch spot right in the middle of the bay, if you head to the shore line down either side you’ll find the wind won’t be as strong. Again a further paddle but it will give you some reprise from the wind strength just watch out for any swell if you get too close inshore.

Changes to the Maritime Mobile Repeater allocations Maritime radio channels will be changing on 1 October 2016 New Zealand, along with a number of other countries, is required to change some maritime VHF repeater channels to make space for newly allocated international services for ship tracking and data services.

New Zealand will be moving a few private VHF repeater services, most Coastguard VHF repeater services, and all NowCasting weather services to accommodate these changes.

The frequency changes will take place in New Zealand on October 1 2016, before the peak summer recreational boating season when VHF radio services become busy. This ensures New Zealand is ready for the changes that come into force internationally on 1 January 2017.

No change to emergency distress calling Maritime Channel 16 Although some maritime channels will be changing, the existing maritime Channel 16 used for safety, distress and calling purposes will not change.

4-digit channel numbers are allocated internationally to new maritime channels. New Zealand will be using some of these new 4-digit maritime channels for the Coastguard and privately provided NowCasting weather services.

You will still be able to listen to the weather channels on your current VHF set by simply dropping the first two digits and using the last two digits of the 4-digit channel number. For example, in the Waitemata Harbour where the new weather channel number is 2019, you only need to use channel 19.

Please contact your radio supplier in the first instance if you have a problem with your handset.

If you have any questions on the changes, please contact Radio Spectrum Management or go to www.retune.co.nz and look under “More Information”

No need to buy a new radio Your current radio will be able to access all the available channels after the changes take place. However, you may need to switch to a new channel number to continue to access your local repeater or listen to the weather forecast.

New maritime channels The biggest change you will notice is the new 4 digit maritime channels for the Coastguard and NowCasting weather service. These PAGE 32

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

COASTGUARD RADIO

VHF CHANNEL INFORMATION CHANGES NEW CHANNELS EFFECTIVE FROM 1 OCTOBER 2016 Whangaroa

Whangaruru/Tutukaka

Whangarei

Whitianga

Tairua/Pauanui

NEW CH: 05

NEW CH: 61

NEW CH: 05

NEW CH: 63

NEW CH: 63

OLD Ch: 84

CHANNEL KEY

Bay of Islands

OLD Ch: XX

NEW CH: �4

Operating until 1 Oct, 2016 NEW CH: XX

Operating from 1 Oct, 2016

OLD Ch: 85

OLD Ch: 83

OLD Ch: 86

OLD Ch: 86

OLD Ch: 86

Whangamata

Hauraki Gulf (Inner Gulf)

OLD Ch: 84

NEW CH: 04

OLD Ch: 80

Hokianga

NEW CH: 64

OLD Ch: 82

NEW CH: 65

Waihi Beach

(Outer Gulf)

OLD Ch: 85

NEW CH: 07

OLD Ch: 82

NEW CH: 60

North Kaipara

Tauranga/ Maketu

no change

CH: 61, 66

OLD Ch: 83

NEW CH: 01

Kaipara

OLD Ch: 84

NEW CH: 07

Whakatane/ Opotiki

Manukau

NEW CH: 18

OLD Ch: 80

OLD Ch: 81

NEW CH: 18

Waihau Bay

Raglan

Rotorua Lakes

NEW CH: 02

NEW CH: 02

OLD Ch: 86

OLD Ch: 63

NEW CH: 65

OLD Ch: 81

East Cape

OLD Ch: 85

Lake Taupo/ Turangi

NEW CH: 05

no change

Gisborne

CH: 61

OLD Ch: 83

NEW CH: 03

Taranaki

no change

Hawke’s Bay

CH: 61

OLD Ch: 82

NEW CH: 01

South Taranaki OLD Ch: 83

Wanganui

NEW CH: 63

OLD Ch: 85

NEW CH: 18

Manawatu OLD Ch: 64

NEW CH: 60

Wellington no change

Kaikoura

CH: 62

no change CH: 60

Canterbury OLD Ch: 86

NEW CH: 01

CH:

�6

MARITIME DISTRESS CHANNEL

FOR URGENT MARITIME ASSISTANCE USE MARITIME CHANNEL 16.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 33

Ten Ways To Find North

By Andy Blake

© Steve Baldwin

Before I visit a new place, whether I am kayaking or tramping, I like to spend some time looking at a topographical map or nautical chart of the area. I like to get familiar with its features, things like, the general lay of the land, type of cover (bush or farmland), location of man-made features, location of rivers, distances between landing or camping spots and other areas of interest. If it’s a kayaking trip, then the maritime information becomes relevant - tidal areas, coastline, distances, landing spots etc. I start to get a bit of a feel for the area and form a basic picture of what I expect the environment to be like.

I remember a tramping trip many years ago where a Kea shredded my only paper map - I decided to shorten my trip just because I didn’t feel confident enough to wander about without a map to guide me. It is great having an assortment of electronic gadgetry to guide us when we are off the beaten track - but what happens when our batteries go flat or the electronics simply get wet - something quite easy in kayaking! Well, you simply Improvise, adapt and overcome!

Listed below are a few ways you can work out which way is north and with that picture in your head, assist you in formulating a plan to prevent “geographical embarrassment”.

1.Compass The magnetic properties of lodestone were used by the Chinese possibly as early as 70-80 AD to aid in navigation. Later discoveries saw the advent of more accurate devices used to establish direction especially when other techniques could not be used. Stars and constellations were often used on clear nights; the sun was used during the day and the compass could be used on cloudy nights.

The compass needle always points towards Magnetic north, which is a point on Ellesmere Island in Northern Canada where the northern lines of attraction enter the Earth. Be aware that magnets and other steel objects may interfere with your compass needle.

2.Magnetised Needle I have a needle in my survival kit which can be stroked towards the sharp end with a piece of silk. This magnetisers the needle and when placed on a small leaf in a paua shell or similar non-ferrous container of water, will point toward magnetic north - Try this with a hand full of water!

These techniques will never be as accurate as a magnetic compass but it will definitely get you heading in a rough direction - better to be out by 10-30° than by 180°. Remember that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere - some of these techniques are different in the northern latitudes.

PAGE 34

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

3.Cell phone app

6.Sun at Noon

One hundred years ago, everyone would have a handkerchief in their pocket, nowadays you would have more luck finding a cellphone in someone’s pocket- oh how times have changed. You would have very little luck wiping your nose with a cellphone but at least you can use it to find north.

Chances are that your android phone has a sensor built in that can measure the strength and direction of magnetic fields. Download a compass app and you now have a pretty accurate compass….but don’t rely on it for complicated navigation as phones are notorious for running out of batteries - or at least mine is!

If you have a watch and you are in the Southern Hemisphere, at around mid-day face the sun and you will be facing roughly north. In the Northern Hemisphere, at mid-day you will be facing basically south.

Remember to compensate for daylight saving. Too easy!

7.Waning/waxing moon When the moon is crescent in shape, i.e. is not a full or new moon, a rough North direction can be estimated. Simply draw a straight line in the air from the ‘upper’ most corner of the moon to the ‘lower’ most corner of the moon and continue this line to earth - you are now pointing to roughly north.

4.Two foot stick method This is one of my favourite skills to teach school students when they kayak with me - it is almost always a new skill to all of them.

On a sunny day, pick an area that is relatively flat and clear of obstacles.

Grab a stick about a metre in length and drive it straight into the ground.

Locate the end of the shadow of the stick on the ground and place a rock or other discernable object at this point. Now wait about 20 - 30 minutes and repeat the exercise- marking the new position of the end of the shadow with another rock or something similar. Now simply place your left big toe on the first rock and your right big toe on the second rock and you should be facing North - cool eh! Great technique if the sun is out!

North

Ask for a Beckson Pump Most kayakers only ever buy one pump.

Make it the best kayaker’s bilge pump.

5.Sunrise/Sunset This is an easy one - The earth spins which gives us the illusion that the sun “rises” in the East and sets in the West. Actually earth orbits around the sun and it doesn’t actually rise dead east and set dead west but that’s another conversation. So get up early and see which direction the sun rose and draw a line on the ground pointing towards where the sun first was visible on the horizon. In the late afternoon draw another line in the ground pointing towards the setting sun- this should be the rough east west line, now draw in the intersecting north south line and you have your earth compass.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Ask other kayakers and checkout what the professionals use.

Chances are they will recommend using a Beckson Thirsty Mate.

Why? Because Beckson is a trusted brand, been around a long time and they pump alot of water (rated at 30 litres a min). Plus they last for ages.

Unrestricted opening allows for great pumping volume

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

Issue 82 Spring 2016

BECKAD-Dec14

PAGE 35

8.Southern Cross In the Southern Hemisphere the prominent constellation known as the Southern Cross or the Crux, is known to most people. Two very bright stars known as the southern pointers can be found beside the Crux and can, with the Southern Cross, be used to find the direction of the South Pole.

Imagine the crux is a kite with a top star, a bottom star and the left and right star. This kite may not be upright so don’t mistake it for some other group of stars. Draw an imaginary line from the top star through the middle of the kite to the bottom star and continue along this line.

Now find the Pointers stars and draw an imaginary line between them and then draw a perpendicular line towards the line you drew below the Southern Cross. Use your finger to point at the intersection of these two lines. From this spot, drop your finger straight down to earth, you are now pointing south. North is behind you.

9.Watch Irrespective of if you have a digital or the older style analogue watch, you can still imagine where the hour and minute hands would be on your watch. So if you are in the Southern Hemisphere, simply point the 12 on your watch towards the sun and half way between the 12 and the hour hand would be roughly north.

South

10.Map If you are fortunate enough to possess a map, then navigation obviously is going to be a whole lot easier, providing you can read a map. To determine your bearings, position yourself somewhere where you can see a lot of ground with very prominent and easy to identify features. Things like high peaks, islands, headlands. Spread the map down in front of you

and use these features to orient or align the map to the ground. Find the North arrow on the edge of the map and bingo!

As you can see, there are so many different ways of determining your direction, day or night, on land or at sea - certainly no reason to ever get lost!

®

The Ultimate Kayak & Canoe Trolley

Versatile, Easy-to-Use Mounting Systems & Accessories for Leisure & Adventure Sports on and off the Water

The RAILBLAZA StarPort is a unique and versatile mount used in a huge number of applications.

The StarPort allows users to fit and swap out our full range of RAILBLAZA accessories. Made from high grade engineering plastics, the StarPort is easy to fit and stylish. It can be surface or recess mounted on power boats, inflatables, sail boats, kayaks, ATVs, garages and many other applications...

C-Tug Trolley The New Zealand made C-TUG is the best, most versatile and durable kayak trolley on the market. It carries up to 120 kg (300 lbs), dismantles in under 20 seconds to fit into a 250 mm hatch & won’t corrode.

Made in New Zealand

www.railblaza.com PAGE 36

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.c-tug.com www.kayaknz.co.nz

Taranaki Pouakai Tarns

By Ian McAlpine

Pouakai Tarns, in the Egmont National Park is the highest place in Taranaki and has an awesome back drop, Mt Taranaki.

Only one draw back, the tarns are six and half kilometres from the nearest road end and 610 metres above that starting point. One has to carry/tow your kayak to the tarns,1160 metres up the Mangorei Track.

Then, on the 23rd of April 2016, the Pouakai Tarns Club gained four new members, Maggie McAlpine (first woman), Blake Whitfield (youngest (9), plus Tam Hill and Rowen McAlpine.

The idea of kayaking the Pouakai Tarns came to me, being a keen kayaker, many years ago, but only fairly recently has this plan come together. On 30th May 2010, after two keen men, Jeremy Beckers and myself towed the plastic kayak in turn to the tarns, I became the first person in the world to kayak the Pouakai Tarns.

SIT-ON-TOP COURSES LEARN HOW TO CONTROL YOUR KAYAK FOR WHEN YOU LAND THE BIG ONE! BOOK NOW. FOR INFO SEE: CANOEANDKAYAK.CO.NZ/COURSES

LEADING THE MARKET SINCE 1994 www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 37

Our water ways are our life!

By Peter Townend

The last two months have for me been a roller coaster of emotions with the battle to protect the Okura Estuary and the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve from the mindless dumping of a colossal amount of sediment coming from developments and commercial operators. Along with this is the decade’s long struggle to prevent urbanisation of the rural land that surrounds this last piece of Auckland’s coastal eastern wilderness. We have won the last battle as we have won many battles over the last quarter century, but the war continues.

We all have heard how the water quality in our streams, rivers and now bores are in a shocking state. Eminent scientists are concerned that the effects of intensive farming on the water table with long term effects that are going to impact us all for generations to come. Hastings drinking water was a catastrophe that many had forewarned. It just adds to the evidence that we have had our heads buried in the sand (mud and cow pats perhaps) for too long.

Tourism is now our biggest earner and people come to New Zealand because of its image as clean and green, yet we all now live next to polluted water ways.

So, for two months I have undertaken a survey of our local estuary and the results are disturbing. In a nut shell, every time it rains, the river turns brown. We now have reliable information as to the reasons; land being developed for roads, housing and landfills etc and very poor sediment retention.

A healthy stream has between 3 and 6 grams of solids per cubic metre of water. Some of the tributaries to the estuary have flowed at over 1700 grams.

PAGE 38

Issue 82 Spring 2016

High levels of sediment are only seen for the time it takes for the sediment loaded fresh water to mix with sea water and then a chemical reaction takes place and the sediment drops to the bottom and the issue disappears from view.

However the real problems start at this point, as it only takes 5 mm of sediment to smother life on the sea bed.

Estuaries are the nurseries of the sea, and if you want good fishing and a health biodiversity these need to be kept as clear of sediments as possible. This also applies to the coast as a healthy reef has an abundance of life and a reef covered in sediment will be heavily impacted in its ability to sustain this life.

So what is the next step? It has to be that we all make more noise about our local water ways and how it is unacceptable to treat them as a drain for any activity apart from clear unpolluted storm water.

So, adopt a water way near you and start taking photos and sending them to the council and politicians and keep on publicising the issue in your back yard until you get everyone going “enough is enough” and then change will happen.

We need your help!

Please support the great work of the Long Bay Okura Great Park Society.

To make a donation, go to: www givealittle.co.nz/org/ savelongbayokuracoastline Every little bit helps.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Sediment flowing into Okura Estuary after rain.

Juvenile pipi washed up on Karepiro Beach.

A whelk plowing its way through sediment.

SUPPORT LONG BAY GREAT PARKS $24.99 A Magpie Collection

by Liliane Parkinson

The interactive bird book you have been waiting for. Beautiful photos, quirky art and QR-codes set this book apart. Available in dyslexic font.

LBGPS receives $10 from every copy they sell.

Go to canoeandkayak.co.nz/magpie to purchase.

Magpie collection.indd 1

8/09/2016 4:03:32 PM

End of a great era and the start of another Rob Howarth came to Canoe & Kayak North Shore over 15 years ago and has made a bundle of great friends and happy customers. He has now sold the store back to Canoe & Kayak Ltd and is chasing a change in direction. Rob will still be around as he wants to keep his hand in training multisporters we are super keen to have his experience available to this speedy group.

Canoe & Kayak North Shore was the first Canoe & Kayak Centre and with the change of ownership comes some changes.

The first is that John Wilson will be the new Retail Manager. His experience of working in the store and his love of kayaking and kayak fishing will bring loads of knowledge and energy to the business. Currently he is also enthusiastically leading the Yakity Yak Kayak Club as Club Captain and devoted to building the paddling community.

Kayak Adventures are getting a major push with the full time position of an Operations Manager going to Todd Dorset. Todd has been working out of our Okura base last year running a great range of courses and tours.

He will now move into North Shore and expand the on water activities we are offering with a team of highly trained kayak instructors and guides.

PAGE 40

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Todd has recently finished a degree in Sport and Rec at AUT and brings extensive management, kayaking and bush craft skills to the new position.

So, what changes will you see in store and on the water; A complete refit of the show room with a considerable increase in kayaks and kayaking gear along with a complete range of courses and tours to tempt you into getting out on an adventure of a lifetime. The extensive hire fleet is now stored elsewhere as there is not enough room at North Shore for all the trailers and equipment, but hire kayaks are still available - just give us a call. www.kayaknz.co.nz

So please come in an see the new fit out and meet the team. We are all here to make sure you have the time of your life while adventuring around the water ways and coast of New Zealand.

Cheers Peter Townend Managing Director Canoe & Kayak Ltd

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 41

Rack-It-Up – store your sports equipment in style!

Rack-It-Up introduces a range of stylish and functional sports storage racks, designed (and patented) to provide sports people a desirable means in which to store and display their sports equipment, the likes of which includes: fishing/ski, bike, surfboard, SUP, skate board racks and so on.

Made from recycled plastic reinforced with an engineered resin the racks are extremely robust, they don’t fade, corrode or rust and are designed for both internal and external use.

The racks are manufactured in Australia and marketed by Rack-It-Up in both NZ and Australia.

The kayak rack is designed to cater for a diverse range of both kayaks and SUP boards. This is accommodated via the flexibility of the cradle which adjusts to the required shape of the hull.

The Rack-It-Up racks provide easy storage of sports equipment, at the same time protecting the integrity of your sports equipment whilst not in use.

The Rack-It-Up Fishing Rod Storage Rack is designed to allow the storage of fishing rods and reels on an angled downslope for a more efficient space and has also been designed to accommodate a shelf for extra storage if needed for fishing accessories.

RRP $52.95

The Rack-It-Up Kayak Storage Rack is made with adjustable padded cradles that slide and tilt to conform to the kayak’s hull for a perfect fit.

The rack also provides the perfect storage for paddles and doubles as a hanger for life jackets or other accessories.

RRP $129.95

PERFECT STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR SPORTS GEAR!

The Rack-It-Up Bike Storage Rack is designed to enable you to safely and neatly store your bike, whether indoors or outdoors.

RRP $89.95

Kayak racks, plus racks for surfboards & SUPs, bikes, fishing and ski gear, skateboards and more. For the full range go to www.rackitup.co.nz The Rack-It-Up Stand Up Paddle Storage Rack is uniquely designed to allow the stand up paddle board to be kept close against the wall and show off its style with minimal visual interference from the rack.

The rack also provides perfect storage for your paddle.

RRP $59.95 PAGE 42

Issue 82 Spring 2016

Rack-It-Up racks: • Great looking & durable, don’t rust, fade or corrode • Made from engineering reinforced glass-filled nylon resin • Easily mounted and complete with all fittings required (except screws) • Cater for different lengths of boards /gear • Can be used indoors or outdoors

Go to www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/rackitup or Canoe & Kayak stores! www.rackitup.co.nz www.kayaknz.co.nz

www.rhinorack.co.nz Ph: 0800 866322 Recreational and commercial roof rack systems to fit all vehicles and a huge range of accessories including:

Kayak Carriers Boat Loaders Fishing Rod Holders Luggage Boxes Awnings

Contact sales@rhinorack.co.nz for more information or visit your local Roof Rack Centre.

The World’s Most USEFUL Roof Rack Systems

Roof Rack Systems

The Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier range is the perfect solution for securely transporting your snow gear to and from the mountain. Available as 2,3,4 & 6 pair options.

From $234

Rapid Locking Straps

Ski / Snowboard Carriers

With the introduction of the Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack it is time to convince your friends to take up kayaking. The vertical design means up to 4 kayaks fit on a single vehicle’s roof.

$249

Nautic Stack www.kayaknz.co.nz

Rapid Locking Straps are a quick, easy and safe way to secure your load. Features a lockable cover, PU coated wire encased through the length of the strap and a rubberised, corrosion resistant cam buckle. Four lengths available.

From $89

Designed with you in mind the Hybrid Bike Carrier is the best accessory for roof top bike transporting. Engineered with an ergonomically shaped handle that makes the arm easier to pull down and release.

$369

Hybrid Bike Carrier Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 43

Trip Card # 031 Cornwallis to Whatipu

Whatipu

Cornwallis to Whatipu Route card No. 031 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: 20 - 30 km Start point: Finish Point: Emergency contact: Comms coverage: Nowcasting:

Chart: NZ4314 Tidal Port: Onehunga

Cornwallis Wharf Cornwallis Wharf VHF Channel 18 or PLB Mobile phone coverage is sketchy at times Channel 79

Introduction: This is a trip for intermediate paddlers. It is not suitable for beginners.

The scenery is rugged as you paddle along the north side of the Manukau harbour.

Time your paddle to make the most of the tide reaching Whatipu around low tide.

Description: Get in at the Cornwallis Wharf. Reasonable parking available.

Land at Wonga Wonga Bay to the East of Paratutae Island.

If conditions suit, option B is to cross to the southern side of the harbour and paddle down that coast where it may be more sheltered depending on wind speed and direction.

Hazards: • There is a strong tidal flow around the Cornwallis peninsula, and in some conditions the water can be very rough off the point. At full flow it can be impossible to paddle against it.

There is a lot of water moving through a narrow harbour entrance. Stay close to shore to ensure that participants don’t get dragged out to the bar.

Ensure participants have the required skills.

• The bar at the entrance to the Manukau Harbour is very dangerous. Take care not to be carried onto it with the outgoing tide. Know what the tides are doing during the time of the trip.

Camping

Bird and wildlife watching

Toilets

Fishing

Please note; Every care has been taken to ensure the information contained in this Trip Card is correct at the time of publication, but things change and you will need to confirm the information provided. You will also need to get further information to ensure a safe trip, this will include an up to date, relevant weather forecast and the ability to understand its implications for the area and talking to locals in the area to garner new information on any hazards in the area. It is also expected that an appropriate level of knowledge, skills and equipment are required to safely complete the trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure of any information or you find the Trip Card needs updating. Cheers Peter Townend,Yakity Yak Kayak Club. Updated: September 2016

Trip Card # 032 Tiritiri Matangi from Army Bay

Hobbs Beach, Tiri Tiri Matangi

Tiritiri Matangi from Army Bay Route card No. 032 Skill level: Intermediate Distance: 20 km Start point: Finish Point: Emergency contact: Comms coverage: Nowcasting:

Chart: NZ532 Tidal Port: Auckland

Army Bay Army Bay VHF Channel 60 or 64 or PLB Mobile phone coverage is sketchy at times Channel 19 or 79

Introduction: Tiritiri Matangi is a beautiful bird sanctuary with many highly endangered species. There are feeding stations along well established walkways where you invariably see birds that are used to people being so close. In peak season there are guided tours (no charge).

The ocean side of Tiri has some great rockgardening with a couple of caves.

Description: Meet at Army Bay. Paddle along the coast to the end of Whangaparaoa Penninsula. Cross to Tiritiri Matangi. There is the option of paddling around the island, going for a walk, or lying on the beach. Return.

This trip is only suitable for beginners if the weather conditions stay calm all day.

Note that Tiri is pest free – please check your boat and gear for rats, mice, Argentine ants, rainbow skinks, soil and seeds.

Hazards: • Army Bay is adjacent to army land. They frequently have shooting practice using live rounds. If this is on, they generally post a very small notice on the gate near the top of the boat ramp, so always check there. They also fly red flags on poles located along the top of the cliffs visible from the water. If there is a sign posted, or the red flags are flying, you are required to paddle well out from the coast, approximately 500m off shore.

• The seas in the Tiri Channel (Whangaparaoa Passage) can become quite large when wind opposes tide.

Toilets

Bird and wildlife watching Fishing

Please note; Every care has been taken to ensure the information contained in this Trip Card is correct at the time of publication, but things change and you will need to confirm the information provided. You will also need to get further information to ensure a safe trip, this will include an up to date, relevant weather forecast and the ability to understand its implications for the area and talking to locals in the area to garner new information on any hazards in the area. It is also expected that an appropriate level of knowledge, skills and equipment are required to safely complete the trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure of any information or you find the Trip Card needs updating. Cheers Peter Townend,Yakity Yak Kayak Club. Updated: September 2016

Kayaks

Available through Sit-on-Top Sit-on-Top Family Lagoon Ozzie Nemo Espri Replay Fishing Espri Angler Profish GT Profish 400 Profish 440 Profish Reload Double Viking 2+1

Family Squirt Flow Glide 390 Xstream 420 Fishing Catch 290 Catch 390 Catch 420 Double Surge

Recreational Sit-In Family Access 280 Fishing Line 280 Doubles

White Water Flying Squirrel Remix Stomper

Access 480 Line 480

Sea Kayaks Family Matariki Contour 480 Touring

Sit-on-Top Family Frenzy Mysto Scrambler 11 Tetra 12

Ecobezhig 540 Doubles Contour 480 Eco niizh 565

Double Malibu Two Malibu Two XL Malibu Two XL Angler

Family Firefly Whizz Escapee Escapade Swift Double Delta Escapade II

Multisport Intrigue Swallow Firebolt Gladiator Rebel Ocean X Double Adventure Duet

River Kayaks K30 Explore/ Sally K37 Mohaka

Sea Kayaks K40 Tasman Double K50 Pacific

Family Sprite 1 Kiwi Tui Doubles Sprite 2 Wanderer

Sea Kayaks

Sit-on-Top Tequila! Single Tequila! Double

Recreational Sit-In Martini Single Martini Double

Wanderer Excel Dusky Bay Classic Southern Endeavour Dusky Bay II

Double Twist 2 Solar 2 Solar 3

Recreational Sit-In

Double Helios 2 Swing 2

Sea Kayaks Framura Seawave Baraka Scout

Tui Excel Penguin Shearwater Skua Tasman Express Ta s m a n E x p r e s s Elite Foveaux Express Southern Skua Torres Maximus

Single Twist 1 Safari

Canoe

Family

Touring

Sit-on-Top

Single Helios 1 Swing 1

Recreational Sit-In

Doubles

Fishing Tetra 12 Angler Trident Ultra 4.1 Trident Ultra 4.3 Trident Ultra 4.7 Prowler Big Game II

Sit-on-Top

White Water Sea Kayaks Beachcomber Ultra Light Interface

K1 K2

Double AR Duo

Sit-on-Top Family

Sea Kayaks Family Kekeno Touring Waitoa Breaksea Doubles SeaBear II Packhorse

Play Escape Explorer Tourer Fishing Navigator Fish n Dive Marauder Double Tandem SLS Tandem Long Reach

For all these and more go to: canoeandkayak.co.nz

Great Advice / Great Brands / Great Service

Photo Andrew Cornaga

Olympic Success for Kiwi Paddlers

By Josh Neilson

When I asked Mike Dawson and Luuka Jones about what it

was like competing in an Olympic final you could have been mistaken to think they were talking about a training session on the Kaituna.

Both athletes are so calm and collected and yet they had both achieved so much in their sport recently. “I guess I have been building up to this Olympics for the last four years, though it has been a 16 year journey to achieve that performance” Luuka said about her amazing final run securing her a silver medal in the Women’s Final. On the start line the commentator noted, “It looks like she is asleep right now”. My heart was pounding watching on my laptop at 6 am. You could tell the years of sports psychology was paying off and she could match her technical skill with her mental calmness! The night before Mike’s big race he sent me a message saying “Yeah man it’s getting close for sure! All Good here.

Fired up. Back in Okere soon for a couple of beers and to create some projects!” as if he were on holiday and not about to race on the biggest stage for canoe slalom the next day. In a sport where one mistake ends your race, he kept his cool, to have clean lines and finish in the top 10.

Back at the finish line for Luuka’s race she said “The feeling of so many years of hard work coming together when it counted and when the pressure was on was incredible” she added “It was a mix of emotions and I can’t really explain how stoked I was”. Talking with Mike when he got home he often referred to how awesome it was to be there to support Luuka even though his achievement was amazing in itself. This is a common theme in kayaking where the experience of being out with your mates on the river is just as important as the kayaking itself. www.kayaknz.co.nz

The build-up to an event like this takes more than just technical skill.

Every time I saw Mike or Luuka, they were either just coming back or heading off to a different type of preparation. You would be foolish to think you could paddle through gates for four years and make the Olympics.

Meetings, physio, sports psychology, gym, travel, the list goes on. With the right combination of all these you have the recipe for success! One thing that set Mike apart from other competitors was his form of cross training.

While others were doing laps of slalom courses he was off on an adventure in the deepest most remote gorges of Angola. When you think about this and what goes through one’s mind while exposed to land mines and coming across illegal diamond operations, not to mention crocodiles in the river, you can understand how he sits at the top of the Rio white water course in front of the world and calmly paddles toward the start gate.

When asked about whether they are going to carry on with slalom, Mike says “well actually I’m off to Europe tomorrow to race in the last World Cup event and do some promotion for the White water XL event in Auckland in November”. With the recently finished WERO White water course on our backdoor, things can only get better for slalom in New Zealand. Luuka went on to say “my plan is to keep going. I still have a lot that I want to achieve in the sport and most importantly, I love it”. Both as calm and collected as they paddled furiously down the Rio course they both signed out saying “Catch up for a paddle soon”.

Cheers and congratulations to you both from all the NZ kayaking community!

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 47

PAGE 48

Issue 82 Spring 2016

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Luuka Jones practicing for the big event.

www.kayaknz.co.nz

Issue 82 Spring 2016

PAGE 49

Photo Andrew Cornaga

We can fit a rack to almost anything!

SMALL CAR BIG LOADS WE’LL SHOW YOU HOW

BAY OF PLENTY 07 574 7415

TAUPO 07 378 1003

roofrackcentre.co.nz WELLINGTON 04 477 6911

TARANAKI 06 751 2340

MANUKAU 09 262 0209

WAIKATO 07 850 1002

NORTH SHORE 09 479 1002

AUCKLAND 09 815 2072

What we do ;;Sit-on-Top Kayaks ;;Sea Kayaks ;;Recreational Kayaks ;;White Water ;;Multisport ;;SUPs ;;Canoes ;;Inflatables ;;Kayak hire

;;Kayaking accessories ;;Tours ;;Sea Kayak instruction ;;White Water instruction ;;Sit-on-Top instruction ;;Multisport instruction ;;School groups ;;Multisport training ;;Coaching

HOME TO THE

Canoe & Kayak Auckland 502 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham, Auckland 1025 09 815 2073 auckland@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Bay of Plenty 49 Totara St, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, 3116 07 574 7415 bop@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Waikato 545 Te Rapa Rd Hamilton, 3200 07 850 1002 waikato@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak North Shore 2/20 Constellation Dr Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0632 09 479 1002 northshore@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Taranaki 468 St Aubyn St, Moturoa, New Plymouth, 4310 06 751 2340 taranaki@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Wellington Unit F 2 Centennial Highway Ngauranga, Wellington, 6035 04 477 6911 wellington@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Manukau 605A Great South Rd Manukau, 2104 09 262 0209 manukau@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Taupo 54 Spa Rd Taupo, 3330 07 378 1003 taupo@canoeandkayak.co.nz

Canoe & Kayak Christchurch (Agency) 03 377 6161 027 376 6161 chch@canoeandkayak.co.nz

canoeandkayak.co.nz