C&K mag #30 sp - Canoe & Kayak

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WHITE WATER • RIVER KAYAKING • SEA KAYAKING • MULTISPORT

2 ISSUE THIRTY • 2005

ISSUE THIRTY • 2005 3

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4 ISSUE THIRTY • 2005 

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Canoe Polo, join in on the fun 8 

Waterfall Crawl, Park and Pray 9 

Louis Trapper and friends, extreme white water 

kayakers, tackle some big water. 

The Murray Leg 14 

Kelvin Oram continues his challenge, and fund 

raising for ‘Save the Children,’ this time in 

Australia. 

Speight’s Coast to Coast 15 

World team rivalry and results. 

Surf Survival 18 

Adventure Philosophy’s Mark Jones gives tips on 

how to land in the surf. 


Kayak fishing in the Wild West 20 

Nigel Legg is absolutely mad on fishing and knows 

how to catch trophy fish. 

Ben Fouhy interview 22 

Rob Howarth chats to a champion. 

With Love - Aroha Island 24 

Ruth E. Henderson and 34 other Yakity Yakkers 

fall in love with the magical spot. 

A Dream Realised 28 

Auckland Canoe & Kayak has new owners. 

A Paddle in the Harbour 28 

George Lockyer has a grin on his face, and the 

wind on his back in the Lyttelton Harbour. 

Issue 30 

Hamilton - it’s on the map 31 

The newest Yakity Yak club and latest Canoe and 

Kayak store have a home. 

The Sea Going Kayak 31 

Andrew Mount from AUT explores the options 

available when selecting a boat. 

Letter to Editor 32 

Yakity Yak photo essay 34 

The Taranaki club supplies this edition’s pictures. 

What’s On 36 

Press Release - Mokau is threatened 36 

Taupo High School 41 

tackles the Whanganui river and Rhena 

Landerfeld has a unique work experience. 

Buyers Guide 43 

Kayak tuition 48 

Directory - accommodation, 

tours and kayak hire. 49 

Front cover: Nigel Legg and 

his trophy snapper. 

Photo by: Stefan Marpul

EDITOR: 

Peter Townend 

Ph: [09] 473 0036 Fax [09] 473 0794 

Email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz 

SUBEDITOR: 

Ruth E. Henderson 

Ph: 021 298 8120 

Email: ruth@canoeandkayak.co.nz 

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CONTRIBUTORS: We welcome contributors’ 

articles and photos. 

• Deadline for issue 32: 10 June 2005 

• Deadline for issue 33: 10 August 2005 

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ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO: 

Ruth E. Henderson 

ruth@canoeandkayak.co.nz 

New Zealand Kayak Magazine 

Cool mornings, warm days, roaring bonfires and 

stunning star filled evening skies are welcome 

friends in to these stunning autumn days. It is the 

time of year when I slip away down the majestic 

Whanganui River for my annual holiday and 

when work and social responsibilities slow down 

to give more time with the family. 

A heard a story recently which reminded me that 

I have not written about a pet topic for some time. 

This is the scenario - 

A day trip: the weather got up and people 

capsized, rescues were completed and 

eventually, everyone reached the shore safety. 

Near misses are common throughout our lives. 

With a kayak, car, power tool or climbing a ladder 

we have all had close calls. So what can help us 

be safer? 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE 

In a kayak the essential skills are - 

• Forward and Reverse Power strokes 

• Sweep strokes (for turning) 

• Low Brace (for preventing a capsize) 

• Self Rescue using a Paddle Float 

• Team Rescues to rescue your paddling 

buddies 

Subscribe a friend to the Kayak NZ Magazine 

Name: 

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Or phone [09] 421 0662 Fax [09] 421 0663 email: pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz 

Essential knowledge is - 

How to find and understand weather reports, 

look at local conditions and correctly interpret 

that information. You must know your ability 

and the skills of your group to cope. You must 

allow for a large safety margin. 

Practice - 

Learn from Courses, Clubs, Books, and DVD’s 

etc and practise with a bunch of like minded 

kayakers till your skills are ingrained to deal 

with all likely conditions. 

It is immaterial whether you are paddling a 

‘Sit on Top’ or a ‘Sit In’ kayak. You will prevent 

some problems and fix others with your 

practised skills and knowledge. The advice 

given “that anyone can go kayaking” is true 

but should be tagged with the advice that 

“you will only be safe if you learn how to be”. 

Editor’s equation: 

Skills + Knowledge + Practice = Happy Paddling 

Yahoo for autumn ... See you on the water! 

Peter Townend 

Editor 

Great Stuff Safety Flag 

• Very easy to remove 

• Simply plugs into a rod holder 

• If lost overboard it floats 

• Flexible plastic base and 

fibreglass shaft 

Being seen has never been easier 

Available at all good Kayak stores 

Includes Safety Flag & Rod Holder 

email: greatstuff@graphics.co.nz 


KAYAK SPORTS 

North Shore Canoe Polo 2005 

by Rob Howarth 

Canoe (or kayak) Polo is a great game, 

which follows the same sort of rules as 

water polo except you are chasing the 

ball around in a kayak! It’s fun and it’s 

a great way to improve your paddling 

skills. Canoe & Kayak North Shore are 

currently running two leagues at 

Northcote College Swimming Pool and 

we need more members! 

Social League 

Thursday evenings 7.30pm. This league is 

designed to be fun and friendly and we want 

inexperienced players. The rules are watered 

down to make things easy and we have members 

aged between 13 and 60+! So, come on down and 

have a look one night. We’d love to have 

you onboard. 

B Grade League 

Wednesday evenings 7.00pm. If you already know 

the rules and want a serious game then the B 

grade league is for you! 

Interested in playing in either league? Contact 

Rob Howarth at Canoe & Kayak North Shore 

09 479 1002 or rob@canoeandkayak.co.nz or for 

other areas contact your nearest Canoe & Kayak shop. 

8 ISSUE THIRTY • 2005

WHITE WATER KAYAKING 

Waterfall Crawl, Park and Pray 

by Louis Tapper 

“At the time of action, second-guessing 

yourself is inappropriate. You’ve prepared 

your body and mind in rehearsal, you’ll know 

what to do at the instant where a decision is 

demanded- trust yourself to make the right 

one and commit yourself to doing it. Your job 

is to be here now, focus on it.” 

‘The Fear Book’, by Cheri Huber 

The idea was simple. We would run nothing but waterfalls, safely, for the 

three days of Labour weekend. We wanted to discover ‘park and pray’ 

waterfall spots around the North Island and try the new Bliss-Stick MAC1 and 

Huka boats in some challenging water. The trip achieved these goals but 

turned into a crawl in more ways than one for Shane, Quinny, reluctant late 

starter Paul and myself. 

The build-up had all the hallmarks of a classic trip. It did not disappoint. Ideas 

from kayakers all around the country were posted on the Wellington Kayak 

message board to supplement ours. During a recent trip to Norway I was 

frequently regaled with stories of people injuring backs and ankles on 

waterfall runs that had gone wrong, so the emphasis was always on safety. 

Louis and Shane 

Also fresh in our minds was the Palmerston kayaker who broke his back 

landing backwards off a 24 m waterfall. 

We spent the night at River Valley and rose early to pick up creek boats from 

the Bliss-Stick factory. Richard kindly lent us two MAC1s and a Huka to try 

out for the weekend. The outfitting of the kayaks was perfect, straight off the 

shelf, so Shane and I quickly felt confident and at home in both boats. 

Shepherd’s Falls was first on the list. At first glance it looked tricky to run. A 

large log, which lay above the sweet part of the lip had to be avoided on the 

way down. Everyone successfully negotiated the drop and went on to run a 

small weir in Taihape. 

Unfortunately because the land owner would not let us cross her land we 

did not get to run the Hautapu drop. She made it clear in no uncertain terms 

that she was unwilling to accept liability and a possible OSH prosecution for 

any injuries received while we were on her property. The alternative of 

walking down the railway line would take longer than we had counted on. 

We moved to the Raukawa Falls where we paddled the top drop. It had a 

clean take off and a pillow for a landing and was the ideal water we were 

looking for. In my research I had not found anyone who had run the bottom 

falls and it was obvious why. A quick peek over the lip of the bottom drop 

revealed a significant drop with a potentially sketchy shallow hard landing. 

Maybe this can be run during high flows when the pool at the bottom is 

deeper. From the take out we scrambled up a bush covered steep bank and 

the crawl part of the weekend started in earnest. 

Tawhai falls is a classic 10 m drop near the Chateau. We ran it a couple of 

times after making individual decisions about how it should be done. There 


was plenty of debate afterwards about the relative merits of the techniques 

used. 

Day two and it was time to check out the Huka Falls. Everything looked good 

with river levels around 80 cm while we scouted it for over 40 min. After 

warming up in the Huka hole, we did one last scout to check if the level had 

changed before putting in. Shane put in first and made a relatively clean 

solo descent. Paul’s unplanned exit via the cliff created some nervous 

moments for both Quinny, myself and onlookers. 

Aniwhenua Falls was an opportunity to introduce a couple of waterfall 

virgins to the joys of kayaking. We made two upright runs in the Topo Duo 

and headed down the river for the first real flat-water paddle of the trip. “It 

was all over so quick” was the general response after running the waterfall. 

Day three dawned and we headed for the release at the Lower Aratitia. 

Although it isn’t a waterfall, Quinny, Shane and I had scouted it the day before 

and were keen to run it. It is fantastic piece of pushy white water which had 

us all satisfied and wanting more. 

We had gathered only limited information about drops on the Potu river. 

Everyone we talked to warned us that these drops were hard to find -and 

how right they were! We discovered that this was the real crawl part of the 

trip. An attempt to find the drop in near the top by the dam had failed on 

day one. We put in below the Potu dam, floated and pushed our way though 

this overgrown, low volume river. 

After 30 minutes of paddling and portaging, we came to the top drop which 

looked about 10-12 m with a sketchy take-off and a 1.5m deep pool to land 

in. Disappointed, we launched our kayaks off the drop and walked around 

the drop on the right hand bank. We continued down the river with the view 

to getting out at State Highway 1. We were faced with an impossible entry 

into a gorge. An hour’s intense bush bashing travelling only 800 m ended 

when I jokingly confronted the group with: “do you want the good news or 

the bad news? The good news is that I have found a way back down to the 

river and there are two anchors and an old throw rope already in place. The 


bad news is we are going to have to abseil 15 m down into a gorge that none 

of us has paddled and it is late in the day!” We made the obvious decision 

and walked out to State Highway 1. 

We met our shuttle drivers Kim and Rose, driving up and down, worried that 

something had gone wrong, and the owner of the slings and throw rope, Phil 

McIntyre, who happened to be driving past. He stopped for a yarn. He said 

the run from the sling was ok but required caution. One of his team had 

been caught in a sump. The Potou was an interesting adventure, but finishing 

it will have to wait for another day. 

Despite being tired and weary we were planning our next getaway as we 

headed back to Wellington. Both the Huka and the MAC1 boats passed our 

waterfall test with flying colours. I have since bought a MAC1 to replace my 

Phat and Dagger Nomad. 

It was a fantastic weekend with elements of adventure, near disaster, lots of 

laughs and good memories, kept fresh by the superb photos taken by Kirsty 

Monk and Rose Scheyvens. Luckily there were no injuries other than Paul’s 

injured pride and there are 

still plenty more North Island 

waterfalls waiting to be run 

during next year’s crawl. 

More detail on the locations 

and descriptions of the 

drops can be found at: 

http://kupe.org.nz 

Photos by Kirsty Monk 

and Rose Scheyvens 

Graphic by Timon Maxey

Louis take off, Tawhai Falls 

Louis landing, Tawhai Falls 


Shane - Huka Falls 


Quinny - Raukawa Falls

Henry - Shepard Falls 

Shane - Taihape Weir 


INTERNATIONAL KAYAKING 

The Murray Leg 

Kelvin reports, “the longest river in 

Australia has just been tamed by the 

lanky Pom in his inflatable friend.” 

That’s 1646 km in 46 days from Echura, 

Victoria to Wellington, South Australia. 

He’s raising money for “Save the 

Children - to try and raise awareness 

and funds for their projects around the 

world” and generously allows us a 

peep in his diary and an email to 

friends.. 

What have I done? I am trying to paddle over 

7000km down some of the largest rivers in the 

world in a 10ft. glorified lilo designed for white 

water canoeing. 

I have only been paddling for a year and the one 

time I attempted a long distance journey in a 

canoe (across Argentinean Patagonia) I swore at 

the end of it...”Never again!” 

I am about as fit as my Dad (i.e. not particularly) 

and my idea of daily exercise is changing from Sky 

sports 1 to Sky sports 2 on the remote. 

I have chosen a time to do my trip when George 

‘W’ and our Tony have decided to declare war on 

anyone with a bit of a tan. Those people who 

regard this action as being a trifle excessive tend 

to frown upon British passport holders. 

Having watched the film ‘Deliverance’ recently, I 

know that travelling down rivers through remote 

areas can be a little risky even in ‘civilized’ 

countries. I have no desire to be made to ‘squeal 

like a pig’ by some shortsighted yokel! 

As you can see, I had a few doubts about the 

whole adventure and my ability to complete it. 

Having finished the first of the 7 rivers I am a little 

more optimistic. 

Apart from a few hiccups at the start my ’10ft lilo’ 

has been fine. It sank after only 3km paddling 

when the outlet holes (designed for white water) 

became inlet holes. I had to fill them in with glue! 

At the caravan park where I performed this 

operation, the Aussie owners found it highly 

amusing that I was paddling around the world in 

a rubber boat that had sunk on the first day! Ha 

Ha Ha! After about 1000km my paddle 

complained about the amount of work it had to 

do and snapped in half. Over the next few days it 

snapped into 3 then 4 pieces. It is being 

ceremonially trashed here in Oz and I will get a 

new one! 

My body has also protested at the sudden 

inclusion of 50km paddling a day to its normally 


by Kelvin Oram 

sedate routine. However it was the first couple of 

weeks that were the hardest, and now I laugh in 

face of physical torment and aching muscles 

HAHAHAHAHAHA! 

The biggest battle of the last 7 weeks has been 

mental. I think that I have just about avoided 

losing my faculties (it was a close run thing!). For 

a while I became the singing canoeist. Then the 

wind increased and made me really angry. It’s 

hard to sing through gritted teeth! I spent many a 

happy morning paddling to the sounds of 60’s folk 

and motown hits. It’s strange but the river was 

devoid of wildlife when I belted out ‘Feelin good’ 

by Nina Simone or ‘Mercedes Benz’ by Janis 

Joplin! On very lonely days I talked to the birds 

and convinced myself with a realistic imitation of 

a pelican I could tell other pelicans not to fly away 

when I approached (and sometimes they 

didn’t...............honest!). 

The wildlife was spectacular, especially in 

reserves and National Parks. I often shared my 

campsites with kangaroos and emus and 

countless water birds. Tiny neon blue fairy wrens 

hopped about right next to me. In the evenings 

pelicans waited for me to throw them a carp while 

I was fishing. Sometimes they waited a LONG time! 

Where the river winds its way through very arid 

bush it is like a giant, snaking oasis , which attracts 

all sorts of visitors for a drink. In a canoe I could 

sneak up and surprise little critters that live on the 

river bank : baby darters hurled themselves into 

the water, sometimes from alarmingly high up in 

the trees; pied cormorants looked around 

nervously then took off in a panic; pelicans 

grunted as I got closer and reluctantly heaved 

their bulk into the air. They flew about 50m 

Kelvin with Rob Clampett and Rosie Marshall 

downriver only to repeat the effort 2 minutes 

later! Willie wagtails (that’s their real name!) 

shook their behinds provocatively from side to 

side as I went past, putting a smile on the man in 

the funny little red rubber boat! 

So, apart from the numb arse, calloused palms, 

sunburnt arms (with fingerless glove ‘twat marks’ 

which I wore while paddling!), knotted back 

muscles, tennis elbows, 40 degree heat, gale force 

winds (gusting to 100kph), 2ft (60cm) oncoming 

waves (on a bloody river!), lightning, broken 

paddle, leaky boat and mental problems the trip 

went pretty smoothly. BRING ON THE MEKONG!! 

The thing that will stand out in my memories of 

the Murray will be the generosity and kindness of 

the people that I met along the way. I have been 

treated to roast dinners, fed steak and sausages 

from authentic Aussie BBQ’s, given beers, 

showers, wine, cooked breakfasts, free 

accommodation, tours of the local area, cigars and 

good company all the way down the river. On a 

houseboat I was even given a few ‘cowboy 

cocksuckers’, a cocktail!. Being a ‘Pommie bastard’ 

didn’t affect the friendships formed. As long as I 

gave as good as I got on the piss-taking front, I was 

welcomed with open stubbies! Most blokes were 

pretty worried that I didn’t have room for an eskie 

full of beer in my canoe, but said that what I was 

doing was ‘Fair Dinkum!’ 

Thank you Australia. I am now off to the pub, 

called hotels here - (very confusing) to down a 

couple cold VB schooners, about 1/2 pint of 

Victoria bitter, actually it’s a lager, (also confusing) 

and tonight I shall sleep in a real bed for the first 

time in nearly 7 weeks WAHEY!

Trans Tasman 

Rivalry set 

for 2006 

The Australian Team of Guy Andrews, Narelle Ash & Kris 

Clausen took out the inaugural Speight’s Coast to Coast 

World Teams Challenge amongst stiff competition 

including a dominating first man and woman home from 

New Zealand. 

Seven international teams started the gruelling one day world 

championship race from Kumara Beach, with only three complete teams 

crossing the finish line at Sumner. 

The World Teams Challenge is the latest addition to the Speight’s Coast 

to Coast, brainchild of race founder Robin Judkins. Teams are made up of 

two male and one female competitor all of whom must complete the 

One-Day event. The team with the lowest combined time wins the World 

Teams Challenge. 

Hong Kong/China were the first casualties; unused to cycling on hilly 

terrain the team struggled on the first leg. A good run from all team 

members wasn’t quite enough to make it to the kayak stage before the 

cut off time. 

The main divide proved to be just that for the majority of the World Teams 

Challenge field; the 33km mountain run, coupled with high temperatures 

meant only three teams remained in contention at the Mt White 

kayak transition. 

Sweden was the first country to have all three team members cross the 

finish line but the cumulative time of the Australians just bumped the 

Swedes into second place. Team Jeep South Africa were the third and 

final team over the line, reportedly humbled by the race and the calibre 

of both the elite athletes and the number of average New Zealanders 

who challenge themselves in the Speight’s Coast to Coast. 

The World Teams Challenge is set to become the highlight of the Speight’s 

Coast to Coast with the international athletes vowing to be back to 

conquer the mountain, settle some scores and knock the Aussies off their 

perch to take home the latest Trophy offered in premier international 

adventure racing. 


MULTISPORT 

World Teams 

Challenge Results 

Cycle 1 Mountain Run Kayak Cycle 2 Overall 

Place No. Names City / Country Ev Sect Time Pl Sec Pl Time Pl Sec Pl Time Pl Sec Pl Time Pl Sec Pl Time Pl Sec Pl 

ONE DAY WOMEN 

6 209 KRISTINA ANGLEM NEW ZEALAND W W 1:51:11 13 1 3:42:15 14 1 5:01:11 7 1 2:05:59 6 1 12:40:34 6 1 

19 174 SALLY FAHEY ALEXANDRA W W 1:51:39 33 3 3:55:36 23 2 5:23:14 21 2 2:14:26 23 3 13:24:54 19 2 

23 172 EMILY MIAZGA CANADA W W 1:51:39 31 2 4:01:33 27 3 5:26:37 29 4 2:12:17 16 2 13:32:04 23 3 

42 91 ANDREA HEWITT CHRISTCHURCH W W 1:52:53 75 10 4:01:55 28 4 5:41:49 73 11 2:21:26 46 5 13:58:02 42 4 

63 82 ANNA BERTHELSEN TAURANGA W W 1:54:12 107 13 4:25:04 64 6 5:39:44 67 8 2:30:15 83 12 14:29:14 63 5 

66 104 MEAGAN STEWART AUCKLAND W W 1:58:27 119 15 4:38:08 89 9 5:37:13 61 6 2:17:53 37 4 14:31:39 66 6 

70 137 RACHEL CASHIN TAUMARUNUI W W 1:52:13 50 6 4:54:07 112 12 5:25:24 24 3 2:23:11 52 6 14:34:55 70 7 

76 214 CLAIRE MUIR UNITED KINGDOM W W 1:52:31 61 7 4:37:29 87 8 5:41:55 75 13 2:29:31 78 10 14:41:26 76 8 

79 203 SARA WALLEN SWEDEN W W 1:51:57 40 5 4:31:27 73 7 5:49:24 103 14 2:32:20 98 14 14:45:06 79 9 

81 220 NARELLE ASH AUSTRALIA W W 1:52:44 71 9 4:20:47 55 5 6:03:50 132 16 2:29:52 82 11 14:47:12 81 10 

86 125 RACHEL ROBERTSON CHRISTCHURCH W W 1:58:09 118 14 4:43:11 98 11 5:41:51 74 12 2:26:22 64 8 14:49:32 86 11 

91 144 MITCH MURDOCH-GRAY QUEENSTOWN W W 1:53:04 83 11 4:59:05 114 13 5:35:36 54 5 2:26:20 63 7 14:54:04 91 12 

106 26 NIC KELLY MAPUA W W 1:52:44 70 8 5:10:34 123 14 5:39:57 69 10 2:27:46 68 9 15:10:59 106 13 

110 142 KATHARINE EUSTACE WANAKA W W 1:53:41 100 12 5:15:57 130 15 5:39:54 68 9 2:31:09 93 13 15:20:39 110 14 

113 212 GINA TRELEAVEN SOUTH AFRICA W W 1:51:53 36 4 4:39:47 93 10 5:49:56 104 15 3:01:46 159 17 15:23:21 113 15 

132 168 JENNIE BELL CHRISTCHURCH W W 2:12:24 159 17 5:32:55 151 16 5:38:19 62 7 2:34:22 107 15 15:57:59 132 16 

152 81 KIRSTY GALLAGHER CHRISTCHURCH W W 2:01:04 141 16 5:44:12 158 17 6:20:43 149 17 2:35:38 115 16 16:41:36 152 17 

163 GILLEAN HILTON AUSTRALIA W W 1:52:53 79 10 

164 IRENE FIRESTONE AUCKLAND W W 2:35:14 182 20 

206 MEI LUN YEUNG HONG KONG W W 2:59:35 187 21 

216 RENEE KLINE UNITED STATES W W 2:09:47 161 18 

Place No. Names City Cycle 1 Time RunTime KayakTime Cycle 2 Time TotalTime TeamTime 

WORLD TEAMS CHALLENGE 

1 219 GUY ANDREWS AUSTRALIA 1:57:07 4:06:05 4:56:12 2:12:58 13:06:21 

220 NARELLE ASH AUSTRALIA 1:52:44 4:20:47 6:03:50 2:29:52 14:47:12 

221 KRIS CLAUSON AUSTRALIA 1:50:53 3:32:20 5:08:20 2:09:02 12:40:34 

2 201 FREDRIK LINDSTROM SWEDEN 1:51:38 4:03:51 5:32:26 2:28:00 13:55:55 

202 ERIK WAHLUND SWEDEN 1:51:25 4:12:00 5:32:09 2:15:55 13:51:27 

203 SARA WALLEN SWEDEN 1:51:57 4:31:27 5:49:24 2:32:20 14:45:06 

3 210 SAKKIE MEYER SOUTH AFRICA 1:52:08 4:24:38 5:46:53 2:31:34 14:35:12 

211 PHILIP HAYWARD SOUTH AFRICA 1:52:42 4:38:22 6:04:05 2:25:52 15:00:59 

212 GINA TRELEAVEN SOUTH AFRICA 1:51:53 4:39:47 5:49:56 3:01:46 15:23:21 

208 RICHARD USSHER NEW ZEALAND 1:50:52 3:05:56 4:42:49 1:45:52 11:25:27 

209 KRISTINA ANGLEM NEW ZEALAND 1:51:11 3:42:15 5:01:11 1:49:04 12:23:39 

207 GEORGE CHRISTISON NEW ZEALAND 1:50:56 3:46:27 DNF 

213 GARY MACPHERSON UNITED KINGDOM 1:52:28 4:19:43 5:26:19 2:11:16 13:49:45 

214 CLAIRE MUIR UNITED KINGDOM 1:52:31 4:37:29 5:41:55 2:29:31 14:41:26 

215 ANDY BEALE UNITED KINGDOM 1:51:23 DNF 

216 RENEE KLINE UNITED STATES 2:09:47 DNF 

217 CORI JONES UNITED STATES 2:00:19 5:14:02 6:45:59 2:41:51 16:42:10 

218 KYLE SEATH UNITED STATES 2:09:48 DNF 

204 HING TONG (JIMMY) YEE CHINA 2:59:35 5:18:15 DNF 

205 PING N MAK CHINA 2:59:35 5:19:34 DNF 

206 MEI LUN YEUNG CHINA 2:59:35 DNF 


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ADVENTURE PHILOSOPHY 

Getting back again 

- Surf survival Part Two 

Surf survival Part One focused on 

understanding surf and getting out 

through it. Part Two looks at getting 

ashore again. You can choose whether 

to confront surf when on the beach, you 

may not have a choice when you are 

behind the waves staring wistfully 

back to land. 

You may have to land in marginal surf conditions. 

Make no mistake about it, landing in such surf is 

serious business. It can be an exercise in survival, 

but knowledge, skill and good judgment will help 

take the lottery factor out of it. The one big thing 

in your favour is that you are going with the 

energy of the waves and you can use this to 

your advantage. 

Coastal features produce different surf 

conditions. A bay’s shape can focus or dissipate 

waves. Headlands, reefs and islands can create a 

wave shadow. In marginal surf, look for a landing 

that will offer some advantage. Establish where 

the line up is and stay sufficiently outside of this. 

Observe carefully. Remember the biggest waves 

will break deepest and a gently sloping surf zone 

can break well out to sea. It is difficult to read from 

behind, but you will be able to tell whether the 

surf is dumping or spilling. The swells rolling in 

beneath you will give you a fair indication of their 

size. The face will be about twice the height of the 

wave’s back. 

Look for hazards such as reefs and rocks or other 

people in the water. A kayak is a lethal weapon in 

the surf zone. If you are part of a group, establish 

some paddle signals. Landing one-at-a -time 

means the first person in, the most experienced, 

can then direct following boaters to the best line. 

Get ‘lean’ for the trip in. Stow anything that has 

made it onto your deck throughout the day - map, 

fishing-line, drink bottle...surf will claim these if 

you don’t. Stow your hat and sunnies, detach 

your paddle leash if you have been using it. I lift 

my rudder up. A rudder down only slows a turn 

from rest, and makes it more difficult to reverse 

and is prone to damage if you broach into the 

beach. Stern ruddering with your paddle and 

being able to paddle straight without a rudder are 

essential skills in surf. 


Mark Jones is a member of the Adventure Philosophy team and 

Senior Lecturer on AUT’s Outdoor Leadership Programmes. Mark Jones 

Once you have made all your observations and 

have a sense of the timing of the sets, move in 

closer to the line up. Don’t be half hearted. Choose 

your moment and go. Edging indecisively closer 

to shore only eats up precious time and increases 

the likelihood of being caught by a breaker 

from behind. 

You have options in the impact zone. Which is 

best depends on the type of surf and the landing. 

Landing between breaks: 

Essentially this is landing in a window between 

sets of waves, more suited to a break close to 

shore. Keep looking behind you and when the sea 

looks flat the set will have finished - time to go for 

it. To reach the shore before the next wave arrives 

you need to paddle hard. 

Between waves and broach: 

If you are about to be caught up by the next set, 

as a broken wave approaches, turn your boat 

sideways with a sweep and stern rudder stroke, 

then brace and rail into the wave as it hits. 

Broaching in this manner means you won’t be 

pitch-poled by the wave lifting the stern. It is 

essential to lift the shore-side gunwale as you surf 

sideways and get support off the wave with a low 

brace. Failing to do this invariably results in a 

rapid and violent capsize when the gunwale 

catches the water while you keep moving shorewards. 

If you get surfed right into the shallows 

exaggerate your lean over your brace, then when 

you bump the bottom you won’t be easily rolled. 

Even an empty kayak hit by a wave has enormous 

power so make a habit of getting out of your kayak 

on the surf side to avoid being damaged by your 

own boat. 

Surf and broach: 

This is a fast way through the impact zone using 

the energy of the wave to your advantage. Often 

the first of a new set will be smaller and break 

closer in to shore, so when the sea looks flat is a 

good time to go for it. Time your approach to catch 

a wave as it begins to form. As the swell lifts your 

stern lean forward and paddle hard with final, 

rapid, powerful strokes. Once surfing, use stern 

rudders to stay perpendicular to or maintain a 

slight angle to the face of the wave. As the wave 

steepens and is about to break, sweep stroke or 

stern rudder the kayak into a broach position and 

lean onto a low brace. This is a good general 

technique for negotiating all surf except dumping 

surf for which the following is the 

preferred option. 

Landing on the back of the wave: 

To avoid the violent impact zone of surf dumping 

on a steep beach stay on the back of the wave. 

Position yourself just outside the impact zone. Get 

a feel for the size and frequency of the waves as 

they break beyond you. This technique requires 

impeccable timing. Choose a moderate sized 

wave and paddle onto its crest, paddling forward 

and back-paddling as required to keep the kayak 

horizontal, avoiding both falling off the back of 

the wave and dropping down the face as it breaks. 

Paddle hard to shore, and extra hard if the beach 

is steep. Pull the spray tab as soon as you are 

certain you won’t be dragged back toward the 

waves, jump out immediately, drag your boat clear 

and breathe a sigh of relief. 

With skill and the right type of wave you can surf 

all the way to the beach without broaching. Steer 

away from breaking water beside you and surf 

along the unbroken wall of water on the other side 

of you. To prevent turning out of the wave you 

will need to rudder on the downhillside while 

tilting toward the wave. 

With a rocky shore, backing in whilst facing out to 

sea may be an option to give you greater control 

and avoid being surfed into rocks.

Swell is difficult to forecast and sometimes you can find yourself returning 

through surf you wouldn’t contemplate going out through. I’ve known the 

West Coast swell go from a one metre no-brainer to very scary oceanic 

monsters in two hours. Waiting behind such waves is lonely. Companions 

are of little assistance, rescue is often impractical and dangerous. Alone you 

must find a way through the aptly named impact zone. When faced with 

that prospect, practising skills and learning how to stack the deck in your 

favour is an investment you’ll be glad to have made. 

Potential landing sites: 

Areas in inside reef (A) and beaches 

east of the point (B,C) are probably 

fairly protected. The surf will increase 

in size moving south along beach (D) 

as protection from the point is lost. 

Beach (E) and other areas north of the 

point are fully exposed to the swell 

and may have large surf. The steep 

topography suggests a steep sea floor 

so plunging surf can be expected in 

areas exposed to the swell. 


KAYAK FISHING 

Kayak Fishing in the Wild 

Wild West by Nigel Legg 

Absolutely mad on fishing, very, very 

average at kayaking. I think this is a 

pretty good description of my kayak 

fishing exploits over the last year. 

Having fished since I was a young fella 

I consider myself a reasonable 

fisherman. But boy was I in for a shock 

when it came to kayaking. 

I will never forget paddling back to a popular 

Taranaki beach with a couple of mates in ‘tiny’ 

surf, being knocked over in no more than a metre 

of water, and then rising to applause and raucous 

laughter from my buddies and at least a dozen 

boaties and bystanders. Being able to kayak 

successfully, especially in surf requires practice, 

technique, and often a bit of ingenuity. 

The easiest way to learn is to just do it, get out in 

the surf and try different things, try coming in 

backwards until there’s a break in the wave sets 

and then turn and paddle in. 

• No drainage hole 

• Strenghtening under flange 

• Only 3 rivets for mounting, 

less holes in your kayak 

• Fits Great Stuff safety flag 

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS 

Available at all good Kayak stores 

email: greatstuff@graphics.co.nz 


The wild Wild West refers to the west coast of the 

North Island principally the Naki with its rugged, 

rocky wind swept coastline. A labyrinth of reefs, 

sandbars, cliffs and river mouths provides an 

ideal habitat for a variety of sea fish, but most of 

all it provides an opportunity. To me that 

opportunity is the margin of water that is too far 

for the surfcaster to reach and too close to shore 

for the boat fisherman to worry about. The easiest 

and most effective way to fish this water is by kayak. 

Kayak fishing. 

A variety of kayaks on the market these days are 

specifically designed for fishing. They are 

generally very stable sit-on-tops, providing 

enough storage inside to cope with fishing rods, 

burley and tackle. 

Made of super durable plastic they are virtually 

indestructible. There is no limit to the additions 

and modifications which can be made to these 

kayaks. For example depth finders, navigation 

systems, and radios. 

But realistically a good seat and paddle, buoyancy 

aid or lifejacket, sharp knife, anchor and rope, rod 

and reel and a method for distributing burley are 

enough to get you started. 

Safety should be paramount with kayak fishing so 

safety flags, flares and a method of 

communication, (even a cell phone in a dry bag), 

are desirable. 

Snapper 

The main quarry for this kayak fisherman is 

snapper. Kayaks are ideal for targeting the large 

solitary snapper in our shallow reefs. 

Nothing gets the heart pounding more than a 

head-thumping run of a large snapper. Snapper 

are deep powerful fish with large heads and 

mouths. They have good speed but their strength 

is their main attribute. Not only are they great 

And for variety, a trevally. 

sport fish, they are delicious table fish as well. 

Surprisingly most fishermen know little about 

their quarry. Here are some interesting facts: 

1. All snapper begin life as females but by the 

time they reach 3 - 6 years half have changed to 

males. 

2. Contrary to popular belief the greatest 

abundance of snapper occurs over open mud in 

less than 70 metres of water. 

3. Snapper feed mostly during the day whereas 

larger fish feed mainly in the morning. 

4. Snapper reach maturity at approx 3 years, at 10 

years old they are approximately 380mm long. 

Only a few snapper live past 40 years. The oldest 

recorded snapper in NZ was 63 years old. 

5. The maximum weight recorded for a snapper 

in N.Z. was 17.2kg and the maximum length was 

1.05 metres. 

6. Snapper spawn in water 20 -50 metres deep, 

preferring large open bays. November and 

December are peak months for spawning but this 

can depend on the season with temperature being 

the main stimulus. The threshold appears to be 

about 15 degrees Celsius. 

7. One of the most interesting facts about snapper 

gained from the tagging programmes is that the 

majority of mature snapper travel less than 10 

kilometres in their lives. 

To me kayak fishing is the ultimate. It connects 

you to the sea, provides an opportunity to explore 

and fish New Zealand’s truly remarkable coastline 

and who knows it may even provide the 

occasional trophy fish. 

Most of the snapper facts are from ‘The Living 

Reef’ (The ecology of N.Z.’s rocky reefs) published 

by Craig Potton Publishing 2003. 

Photos by Stefan Marpul.

Nothing gets the heart pounding more than a 

head-thumping run of a large snapper. 


KAYAK INTERVIEW 

Ben Fouhy 

Ben Fouhy has become a household 

name in New Zealand since winning 

the World K1 1000m in 2003 and the 

Silver in Athens in 2004. Sprint 

kayaking has made him famous but 

there is a lot more kayaking history to 

Ben Fouhy than meets the eye. Canoe 

& Kayak’s Rob Howarth caught up with 

Ben to find out more. 

C&K: So Ben, at what age did you start kayaking? 

BF: The first time I was in a kayak I was 5 or 6 

years old, my parents gave me $5 to have a go on 

the Blue Lakes in Rotorua, I loved it although I 

didn’t paddle again until I was 13. My brother and 

I had a muck around on the river; we didn’t have 

a clue what we were doing and very nearly got 

into trouble! After that I started doing multisport 

with Taumaranui High School at the age of 15 and 

then in 6th form I got into white water slalom. I 

competed for a good year before swapping back 

to multisport and down river racing. 

C&K: What was your first multisport kayak? 

BF: A Quality Kayaks Venturer! Mum & Dad 

strapped it to the roof of the Falcon with the straps 

going through the windows. 

C&K: So multisport racing became your goal? 

BF: Yes I suppose, I started getting into longer 

races and trained up for The Mountain to the Sea, 

which has a pretty long kayak leg. I bought myself 

a Sisson Evolution and really got into the longer 

distance stuff. 

C&K: And the adrenalin rush of white water 

paddling didn’t grab you? 

BF: I love white water paddling but I made a 

conscious decision to leave it alone. Paddling 

grade 4 is a great buzz but the more you paddle 

the more you want to paddle harder stuff to keep 

the buzz going. The risk of injury is fairly high if 

you aren’t on top of your game so I decided to play 

safe and concentrate on multisport and marathon. 

C&K: Do you think slalom and white water 

paddling has helped with your paddling career? 

BF: Most definitely, especially slalom; it gives 

you a really solid set of white water skills which 

allows you to be a lot more relaxed on the river. 

C&K: And you were pretty successful at 

multisport and marathon? 

BF: I guess I must have showed some promise 

because one day I was told that if I got myself a 

K1 and turned up at the National Marathon 


Champs I would be in with a chance of making the 

team for the Aussie champs. I finished second in 

the under 18s and headed off to Aus the following 

year. It was exciting stuff. 

C&K: So how did you go in Australia? 

BF: The only DNF (did not finish) of my career! 

I was totally dehydrated, it was 35 degrees and I 

didn’t drink enough fluids. Our training advice 

before the champs was to train with two 

polyprops to prepare for the heat; I lived in 

Taumaranui where we always wore two 

polyprops! The advice came from Auckland - 

enough said!! 

C&K: And so you decided that marathon paddling 

was for you? 

BF: No, I got back into multisport for a while 

until 2001 when I decided to give marathon a real 

crack again. I went over to Aus to train and that’s 

when I made a real jump in my performance. In 

2003 I made the transition to sprint and competed 

in the worlds. 

C&K: Being world champ must have been a buzz? 

BF: It was an amazing feeling! 

C&K: And then the Olympics 

BF: It was a hell of a couple of years. 

C&K: So what have you been up to since Athens? 

BF: I have had a pretty cruisy few months, which 

has been really nice, a chance to get my life back 

again and live like a normal human being. This 

year will be pretty low key, I am keen to give 

worlds a good shot, but this year is more about 

getting set up with a good home and systems for 

the next Olympic campaign. 

C&K: You have just bought a house on Auckland’s 

North Shore? 

BF: Yes! Our first place, Katie and I moved in the 

first week of March. At last I have a garage to store 

all my kayaking kit and bike gear. 

C&K: Presumably you are in full time training. 

How are you surviving? 

BF: I have a great new sponsor in Hasler. Hasler 

came on board before Christmas and that has 

made a huge difference. There is no cash prize 

for an Olympic silver medal (or gold for that 

matter) so without Hasler’s sponsorship I would 

be taking a much longer break from serious 

training. There are a heap of other sponsors too 

so I’d like to say thanks to all of them. 

C&K: You competed in this years Speights Coast 

to Coast as a team with Jonathon Wyatt (World 

Mountain Running Champion). How did you 

enjoy it? 

BF: I had a great time! I’ve done the Coast a few 

times but the teams event is really good fun 

(especially when you win!). When you do 

individuals you get totally immersed in your own 

event but with teams you can take a step back 

after your leg and enjoy watching the race. 

C&K: Were you pleased with your kayak leg? 

BF: Considering I hadn’t done a lot of paddling 

over summer, yes. I probably chose too long a 

paddle for the size blade I was using, I used 218 

Andrew Martin Fusion Medium and I was a bit 

sore. Ideally I should have had a smaller blade or 

shorter paddle. 

C&K: And did Jonathan enjoy it? 

BF: Absolutely, although the mountain run is 

very different from his normal racing, Jono is used 

to running up steep hills on fairly even terrain 

(they drive quad bikes up them to film!) boulder 

hopping and river crossings were a different ball 

game. He got lost three times when he ran off into 

the bush following a dead end track! So to 

concede only seven minutes on that course was 

exceptional. 

He had a great final bike leg however, pulling 1hr 

48mins to get the fastest time. No one was 

expecting that! 

C&K: And will you be back next year to defend 

your title? 

BF: We’ll have to see how our training schedules 

pan out. 

C&K What advice can you give to new 

multisporters giving the Waimakerere a crack next 

year? 

BF: Don’t underestimate the fatigue factor. It’s 

a great river but four hours of pushy water takes 

its toll on the body and the brain and with 

previous stages on top it can be pretty tough. 

Make sure your grade 2 skills are up to it. 

C&K: Finally Ben, what are you up to over the next 

few months? 

BF: Well my training is going through a 

developmental stage. I’m working with Darrell 

Bonetti at the AUT trying to get the balance right 

between aerobic and anaerobic training. I have 

proved I can perform at top level so now what I 

need to try and do is fine tune to optimise my 

performance. If I had been 1% better at the 

Olympics I would have won by half a boat length, 

instead I got beaten by one and a half boat 

lengths! 

I’ve got the Australian sprint champs coming up 

and then the marathon champs at the same venue 

so I thought I’d hang around for that too. But as I 

say, I’ve had a pretty relaxed summer so it’ll be 

really interesting to see how I get on. 

C&K: Well, good luck Ben and thanks for talking 

to NZ Kayak Magazine.


DESTINATIONS 

With Love - Aroha Island 

by Ruth E. Henderson 

The instructions read, “Press buttons to 

hear birdsong. Do not press more than 

one at a time or the machine will get 

confused.” I’d long been confused 

between the sound of the weka (very 

prolific and noisy around our place on 

Kawau Island) and the more elusive 

kiwi. 

I was in ‘Opossum World’ on the Marine Parade 

in Napier, a shop which much to my surprise and 

delight, provided entertainment and education, 

on things...possum. Almost incidental was the 

retailing of possum fur product. 

So, I did as bid. A dim light partially illuminated a 

ground dwelling bird; the repetitive “Key wee, key 

wee, key wee, key wee, key wee...” left no doubt 

as to the identification of our national emblem. 

And yes, I was sure I’d heard it recently, at Aroha 

Island Ecological Centre. Aroha Island is reputably 

“the most accessible Kiwi habitat in Northland, 

and is probably your best chance of hearing and 

seeing the Kiwi in the wild” says the blurb on their 

website. Consisting of 12 hectares of regenerating 

native bush and mangrove forest, Aroha Island is 

a conservation and education project of the 

Queen Elizabeth II Trust. 

On Labour weekend, at the beckoning of our 

leaders Dave and Jacqui, who had found this gem 

in the NZ Camping guidebook, about 35 North 

Shore Yakity Yakkers descended on Kerikeri. We 

then drove east past the historic St James Church, 

Stone Store and Kemp House, for 12km to the 

‘island’ on Kurapari Rd, Rangitane. It is actually 

joined to the mainland by a causeway but this is a 

mere technicality, as the narrow jutting peninsula 

is all but surrounded by water and has the 

tranquillity, quietness, stillness, and isolated feel 

of an island. 

As a base camp and with such a big group it sure 

was a perfect spot and location: catering for all 

ages, levels of fitness, or inclination to explore 

close to home or far afield, by kayak or foot, or to 

just blob out, throw a frisbee and socialise in 

Charlie’s communal tent. 

As kayakers an obvious drawcard was rock 

gardening the stark Black Rocks, which stand an 

imposing 20m out of the water, with the islands 

of Moturoa and Motupapa enroute. Another spot 

to visit was the site where Samuel Marsden 

preached the first Christian service on Christmas 

day 1814. Alternatively if in a cruise mode, there 

were trips up the Kerikeri inlet past the superbly 


Black rocks 

Eliza Hobson 

Charlie’s Communal Tent

Perfect place for a filter coffee and the morning paper... 


located homes (envy, envy) to spy the historic 

buildings from water level. (N.B. Summer time and 

holiday weekend business opportunity exists for 

an ice cream vendor!) Then on the way back to 

base, if wanting more, the mammoth mangrove 

swamps with trees of incredible girth, provided a 

maze-type experience and when the mud moved, 

a suspicion of Gollum. 

By night, management kindly provided red 

cellophane to modify torches or headlamps so 

that when kiwi spotting, night vision for both 

parties was not affected. In small groups we 

traipsed around the gravel pathways, but were 

possibly not quiet or patient enough as no one 

reported spotting a kiwi. However, once everyone 

was cocooned in bed, their raucous screech 

competed with the snorers. 

Being not far from Kerikeri township proved a plus 

for a few of us: the lure of watching the Rugby NPC 

final on the box, while eating lamb shanks at the 

Keri Club beat crouching over a cooker, on a rainy 

night in Charlies tent, even for Charlie. By day, 

spotted in camp was the NZ Weekend Herald and 

Sunday Star Times, Pizza boxes... 

All up, despite the gloomy weather, forecasts of 

20 - 25 knot winds, and rain which did arrive in 

fits and starts, at times being shrouded in sea mist 

and drizzle, Aroha Island proved to be a stunning 

camp site and could be a good base to explore 

further within the Bay of Islands. Before heading 

back to Auckland a few folk paddled to Russell 

from Paihia. If more time was available, these 

towns could be worthwhile destinations, 

achievable from the island. 

The amenities at the campsite included flush loos, 

hot showers and a kitchen. For those not into 

‘canvas’ there is a bunkhouse and a cottage and 

power sites for campervans. Contact the hosts 

Greg and Gay Blunden, phone 09 407 5243 or 

kiwi@aroha.net.nz or visit www.aroha.net.nz for 

further information. 

Win Win 

Want to know more? Want to join the 

Yakity Yak Club? Fill in the form and 

receive an information pack and 

Go in the Draw to WIN.... 

Prize drawn on 31 May 2005 


Name: 

Email: 

Address: 

Phone: 

Please send me information on: 

Size: S M L XL 

Send form to: WIN A TRI/SEA VEST; NZ Kayak Magazine, 

7/28 Anvil Rd, Silverdale or phone (09) 421 0662. 

Black rocks 

Early Morning Tranquility 

Estuary & St James Church 


Aid valued at $219

The new owners of 

Auckland Canoe & Kayak 

A Dream Realised 

by Larraine Williams 

Russell and I went in to Canoe and 

Kayak Auckland to buy a couple of 

kayaks, and bought the shop instead! 

We have both been very active outdoors people 

since childhood. Russ was a keen scuba diver and 

an instructor for several years. When we met, I 

caught his enthusiasm for the sport and got 

involved too. We had many wonderful trips to the 

Alderman’s, Mayor Island, and the incomparable 

Poor Knight Islands. Russell’s dream was to own 

a dive shop and charter boat so that he could take 

people diving and fishing. 

But when Russ got a position with Sasol in South 

Africa, we were hundreds of kilometres from the 

nearest dive spot, so we returned to another love, 

tramping. (It is a memorable experience to come 

over a ridge and see a herd of wild antelope 

galloping off, or to detect the distinctive smell of 

a leopard. It will be close, waiting in a tree for prey 

to wander by). 

With the birth of our daughter Katrina in 1981, 

which prompted our return to New Zealand, Russ 

was excited to get a job with NZ Synfuels in 

Taranaki implementing new technology. Our son 

Richard was born in 1983. I was experienced in 

photography, encyclopaedia sales and horse 

breaking and training. I now completed a NZ 

Certificate of Horticulture and started working 

part time for a local garden centre while both 

children were at school. 

We took up orienteering, or ‘cunning running’ as 

it is sometimes called, competing in National 

championships. I caught the competitive bug and 

frustrated with a lack of fitness I started serious 

running. Originally the intent was just to get fitter 

for orienteering, but it took on a life of its own and 

I ran my first half marathon at the age of 40, Round 

The Mountain relay and several fun runs. 

We had a 3-year stint in Canada where Russell 

took up golf in the summer and downhill skiing in 

the winter, and I enjoyed cross-country skiing. 

Back in Auckland we have been active members 

of the West Auckland tramping club and Russ has 

continued his passion for golf at Titirangi, 

maintaining a 10 handicap. I have completed the 

Tough Guy Challenge and my first triathlon. (The 

next tri is in April.) 

On holiday in the Abel Tasman National Park we 

discovered kayaking. We loved it. 

Combined with tramping, it extended 

our enjoyment of the outdoors. In 

November 2004 we enrolled in a Sea 

Kayaking Skills Course, intending to buy 

2 kayaks to escape for the Christmas 

holiday period. We did more, we bought 

the shop. 

We intend to grow the shop’s reputation 

for service to the kayaking community 

and to build a thriving club and kayak 

school. Our learning curve is steep and 

we welcome news and experiences from 

all who call. We look forward to joining 

you for club trips and activities. 

Though Russ’ dream was to own and 

operate a scuba charter business this 

comes very close. His dream, our dream 

has substantially come true. 

We are about to “DISCOVER ANOTHER 

WORLD”. 

Auckland 


SEA KAYAKING 

A Paddle in the Harbour 

by George Lockyer 

I’m very fortunate to live in 

picturesque Governors Bay, on the 

Banks Peninsula, only 15 minutes over 

the Port Hills from Christchurch. 

It’s only a five-minute trundle from my 

house to Sandy Beach Rd and 

the water. 

After 17 years away from kayaking I purchased my 

Q-Kayak’s Tui at Canoe and Outdoor World in 

Christchurch, along with a two-wheeled trolley. I’d 

taken it out half a dozen times and so far had been 

very impressed. It’s a good basic, stable sea kayak 

with plenty of room for storage if you fancy a 

longer trip with camping in mind. 

It’s morning when I launch. The right blade of my 

paddle dips hungrily into the briny, powering my 

kayak a little further onward. The left one rises 

toward the blue sky as a few drops fall from it like 

diamonds to merge once more with the ocean. My 

back muscles bunch and relax and my breathing 

quickens as I step up the pace. I can hardly keep 

the grin off my face. Nothing exists but the sea, the 

sky and my boat knifing through the slight chop 

of the Harbour. 

I turn slightly to cut through the wake of a 

speedboat pulling a water skier. I must admit to 

feeling slightly nervous. The last Eskimo roll I 

attempted was in a heated pool a good 20 years 

ago and 12 thousand miles away so I’m taking no 

chances. I know I should have more faith in my 


abilities (albeit very rusty ones) and the 

seaworthiness of my boat. 

On my right I pass Governors Bay jetty, which 

stretches 400 metres into the water and where last 

summer my six-year-old son caught his first fish, 

an unappetizing dogfish, at which even the cat 

turned up her nose. A cormorant wheels overhead 

and the wind blows spray in my face. On my other 

forays into the harbour, the water had been as flat 

as a millpond but a Southerly has gotten up and 

things are getting a bit choppy. 

I approach the tip of Mansons Peninsula and 

maneuver the Tui through the narrow channel 

between the mainland and Plum Pudding. This 

tiny piece of land only becomes an island at high 

tide. The other side is more exposed to the wind 

and I really have to dig my paddle in to stay on 

course for the tip of Moepuka Point. Then it’s a 

short paddle, this time with the wind at my back 

to Quail Island, where I pull the kayak up onto the 

beach, get my flask out and sit down in the sun 

for a welcome coffee break. 

In front of me the steel ribs of a wreck point to the 

sky. There are four shipwrecks, intentionally sunk: 

nothing romantic I’m afraid. The island’s 81 

hectares (or about 200 acres in the old money) sits 

solidly in the middle of the ancient volcanic crater 

that is Lyttelton Harbour. Captain Mein Smith was 

the first European to set foot on the Island back in 

1842 of the schooner Deborah. He named it after 

the large number of native Quail encountered at 

the time (though not surprisingly, now long 

extinct). The Maori name, ‘Otamahua’ means, “to 

gather sea-bird eggs”. The Island is administered 

by the Department of Conservation and with the 

Otamahua / Quail Island Ecological Restoration 

Trust, they are embarked upon a project to rid the 

island of pests and regenerate the native forest. 

The History of the Quail Island is rich and diverse. 

It was acquired by The Crown in 1850 from the 

Ngai Tahu and sold into private hands soon after. 

It was farmed until 1976 when it became a 

Recreation Reserve. In 1987 administration of the 

Island was transferred to DOC. 

Both Scott and Shackleton quarantined their dog 

teams here en-route to the Antarctic while their 

boats were provisioned in Lyttelton. 

Quail Island was first farmed by Edward Ward 

who along with his two brothers, came out with 

the Canterbury pilgrims in 1850 aboard the 

Charlotte Jane. He herded his cattle from the tip 

of Moepuka Point, past King Billy Island to Quail 

Island. At low tide the water is only 600 mm deep 

but the clinging mud would have made it an 

exhausting business! 

As well as being farmed, the Island was also used 

at one time as a leper colony. 

Flask stowed away, life jacket on and paddle in 

hand, it’s back into harness and I continue on. Last 

year a pod of hectors dolphins was spotted on the 

South side of the Island, being pursued by 

something resembling a killer whale. I paddle to 

the jetty where a scenic cruise boat from Lyttelton 

docks and rest my arms for a few minutes.

Quail Island 

Kayak in Channel 


DOC provides extensive signage and walking 

tracks over the Island. The old farmhouse high on 

the North side is used as an office. 

I’m now approaching the more exposed North 

side. Off to my right I catch a glimpse of the open 

ocean between the heads. On my left, sea birds 

nest on the ‘wedding cake’, so named because of 

the varied strata of rock, testament to the volcanic 

activity, marching up the cliff face. As I leave Quail 

Island and strike out for home, a pair of paradise 

ducks fly low overhead. There’s about six metres 

of water beneath my kayak. From my low vantage 

point the chop seems bigger than it probably is. 

It’s amazing to think that I’m paddling across the 

flooded crater of an extinct volcano. The complex 

of Lyttelton and Akaroa volcanoes began, so 

archeologists tell us, some 12 million years ago in 

the Miocene period (I hope they were right about 

the extinct bit). 

The waves are directly behind me now and I pick 

up speed, at times surfing. When I approach 

Sandy Beach I reflect on the lives of Edward Ward 

Day Two 

Riot 

and his brother who drowned somewhere close 

by. They had rowed their homemade boat to 

collect firewood and apparently a squall got up 

and overturned the boat. The firewood had 

probably crushed the two men. A storm raged and 

almost a week passed before Edward Ward’s body 

was discovered. His brother Henry was 

never found. 

To have endured the privations of the trip from 

England and meet their end after only six months 

in the new colony was tragedy indeed. 

I pull my boat out and onto its trolley. My batteries 

recharged and morbid thoughts out of my mind I 

head up the beach road for home. 

MULTI SPORT • RECREATION • SEA KAYAK • WHITE WATER • POLO 

Canoe & Outdoor World 

7 Pilgrim Place, Christchurch. Ph.03 366 9305 

www.canoeworld.co.nz 

* Stockists of New Zealands top-rated kayaks & kayaking gear * 


Hydraulics 

Q-Kayaks Wave Sport Ruahine Kayaks Eskimo 

Legend Paddles 

Thule 

Palm

Hamilton - It’s on the map 

by Ruth E. Henderson 

The newest Yakity Yak club has finally 

gained a base, and the latest Canoe and 

Kayak shop a location, in the pumping 

heart of the Waikato: Hamilton City, 

Waikato region, Auckland Province, 

North Island, New Zealand, Pacific 

Ocean, The Earth, The Universe.... 

Hamilton, the largest inland city in the country is 

built around the Waikato River. The AA Visitor 

Guide describes the general appeal of the region. 

“The Waikato region is one of the world’s greenest 

places and richest agricultural producers. Volcanic 

activity has enriched the soil, producing lush grass 

for raising dairy cattle, thoroughbred horses and 

vast stands of exotic timber. At locations where the 

underground rocks are still hot, mineral springs 

often rise and are tapped for bathing and 

drinking.” This statement immediately makes me 

think Paeroa’s L&P, Te Aroha hot pools, Waingaro 

Hot Springs...the green, green grass of home. 

In real estate jargon, having grown up in the 

Waikato and having lived in Hamilton for over ten 

years I say, think Hamilton, think location, 

location, location because the greatest thing about 

Hamilton is its location. It is land-locked but so 

central and within easy driving distance of 

Auckland, Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupo, Thames, 

Raglan. For kayakers there is much, much more 

than green grass to camp upon and hot pools to 

luxuriate in!!! 

Lets look: first grab a map of the North Island. 

Find a piece of string, put a knot at one end, and 

pierce the knot with a pushpin. 

Measure off on the map’s scale 100 km, and mark 

this distance on the string starting from the knot. 

Stab Hamilton, and with your homemade drawing 

compass, draw a circle. 

Within a 100km radius or within easy striking 

distance there is the choice of two coasts, the West 

Coast with Raglan, Aotea and Kawhia harbours or 

the East Coast and destinations such as 

Whangamata, Athenree, Mt Maunganui. If the surf 

is too little or too large for what you have in mind, 

on one coast, you have an alternative! 

If you prefer fresh water, there are heaps of lakes: 

Karapiro, Arapuni, Waikare, Hakamoa not to forget 

the better known Rotorua lakes, with Taupo just 

outside the 100km circle. 

Then there are the rivers: the Waikato and Waipa 

can provide sedate paddles or epic journeys, and 

for whitewater excitement there are others such 

as the Mokau and the Karangahake. 

To find the new hub of 

kayaking; whether you 

want to hire a boat, go 

on a guided tour, take 

kayaking lessons, join 

the Yakity Yak club or 

purchase some gear: 

check out the map on 

the back page. Canoe & 

Kayak, Hamilton is now 

longer “opening soon” - 

from the 11th April it will 

be open and pumping!!! 

Jo Anne Armstrong - Okete Falls, Raglan Harbour 

Waiwhara Bay, Raglan Harbour 


OUTDOORS WITH 

The Sea Going Kayak 

The versatility of Sea Kayaks is one of 

the great appealing factors for those 

looking for fun and adventure on the 

water. Sea Kayaks are craft that are as 

much at home exploring inland 

waterways as they are on journeys 

along the rugged open coast. Only the 

extent of conditions and the skill of the 

paddler will limit the options for a 

well-designed and maintained boat. 

My first kayak was a ‘fabric on frame’ boat that my 

father gave my brother and me one Christmas, 

and from there our assortment of craft gradually 

expanded. It includes a second canvas boat, an 

18 foot open sea tourer, beautifully constructed 

in moulded mahogany ply and known to us 

as ‘KAOS’. 

I now find that I am particularly at home in my 

faithful and functional ‘Penguin’ which serves me 

particularly well in both roles of recreational 

paddler and Sea Kayaking teacher. Many other 

boats that intrigue me, however my loyalty to my 

existing boat and my deep pockets convince me 

to stick to what I have. 

What influences your choice of boat? 

Stability 

Stability is your friend, and whilst it is often 

suggested that stability and straight-line speed are 

inversely proportional, the difference in straightline 

performance between most sea kayaks is 

marginal. Yes, it is generally correct that longer 

narrow boats can be faster than shorter boats, but 

Hi Ruth 

Greetings from the other side (of the world that is). 

A couple of our Poole Harbour Canoe Club 

Members have just returned after spending 

Christmas in your wonderful country, bringing 

back a copy of your mag for us poor people to 

have an ogle at. 

Looking through your mag, it seems that wherever 

you go, kayaking brings out the same qualities in 

people (or does the water just get to the same few 

brain cells?) The main differences are the 

spectacular rivers and coastline you guys have 

(envy) and the aquatic wildlife around your coast 

(no envy —you can keep the fish with the 

big teeth!!). 


the physique and capability of the paddler are 

more important. 

Storage space. 

A great appeal of sea kayaking is the ability to 

carry more than just the essential items. Whilst 

overall size of the boat will influence the scale of 

decadence, it is worth keeping in mind that larger, 

longer boats whilst giving extensive volume are 

likely to be heavier and slightly less 

manoeuvrable, particularly in rock gardens and 

the surf. 

Construction type. 

Your choice of construction type is likely to be 

influenced by the amount you want to spend, how 

carefully you handle your craft and your creativity. 

Current Options include roto-molded 

polyethylene (plastic), or composite (fibre glass/ 

carbon/kevlar). Each has merits. Plastic boats are 

durable and relatively cheap; glass boats are 

lighter, rigid and able to be repaired with ease, but 

they are more expensive. 

Locally produced, vacuum formed ABS boats 

plastic boats provide substantial weight 

reductions; increased rigidity; the ability to make 

repairs or modify using polyester resin or even to 

customise by painting with readily available 

automotive products. 

As a truly dedicated individual you might wish to 

create your own craft in wood. The most common 

types of construction are plywood stitch and glue 

or strip cedar. Both can produce strong, durable, 

lightweight boats with monumental aesthetic 

appeal. If you have the time and desire to produce 

a unique vessel, this is a most functional and 

rewarding alternative. 

Letter to the Editor 

We do get a regular number of people who 

holiday in N.Z. and when they get back to the U.K. 

having had a good time paddling on holiday, they 

look up a club and take up paddling. Many thanks 

for the recruits. 

As a club, we are always keen to forge links with 

people from other parts of the world. We have 

even twinned with a kayak club across the 

channel in Cherbourg. They have 2 junior kayak 

champions and we have 1. 

So if you have any readers coming to the U.K. who 

would like to visit our little corner of the country; 

they can look us up at www.phcc.org.uk 

Here in Dorset we have the heritage Jurassic 

coastline and not too far away there are some very 

by Andrew Mount 

Another option, fabric on frame, is closely linked 

to traditional construction methods. 

Contemporary versions are available but not 

often seen in New Zealand. This type of boat is 

light and uniquely can be folded away. It is 

recognised and used by kayaking icons such as 

John Dowd, a substantial endorsement in itself. 

These boats carry a hefty price tag, which may 

explain their scarcity in New Zealand. 

If synergy were to exist between dreams and 

technology, my perfect boat would have the 

durability of plastic with the aesthetic appeal of 

wood; the low weight of skin on frame and the 

strength and rigidity of carbon/kevlar. To date 

however it doesn’t, so I go by what serves my 

priorities best. 

If you who, like me, appreciate the shape and 

lines of your kayak as much as its functionality, 

try not to be too concerned to prevent scrapes and 

grazes on your precious boat. It is after all a vessel 

whose heritage is steeped in purpose, exploration 

and survival. It is a craft that will serve you well 

when conditions have become too extreme for 

most other craft, if you have the skills to do it 

justice. For some, this is when the fun begins. 

I particularly enjoyed the last few sentences in the 

chapter on finishing in Nick Schades book ‘The 

Strip-Built Sea Kayak.’ 

“Carry it to the water and carefully lay the kayak 

in. Paddle it from the shore with great care, 

avoiding any potential hazard. Do this every time 

you paddle until, eventually, the day will come 

when, thanks to a lapse of attention, you will hit a 

rock or stump that you didn’t see. The boat is now 

scratched. Your kayak is now complete”. 

good surf beaches. Our white water is mostly on 

the rivers in Devon and Cornwall during our 

winter (no glacial melt I’m afraid) and of course 

we have our beautiful harbour. For the completely 

potty there is the rodeo capitol of the U.K at Hurley 

Weir on the Thames in London just 2 hr 

drive away. 

Finally a question. Why are almost all kayakers so 

preoccupied with stuffing their boats with enough 

food to feed a small army and then determined 

to eat in the most out of the way place they 

can find? 

Happy Paddling 

Geoff Goulden 

Quartermaster for Poole Harbour Canoe Club

Andrew Mount and his father Maurice. Faithful ‘Penguin’ on left, with two canvas covered kayaks of unknown design. 

They were recovered in the late 1970’s by Mr Pegram of Whenuapai. Both are still in good functional condition. 


PHOTO ESSAY 

Yakity Yak 

Win Win 


by Bronnie VanLith 

Have you thought about trying something different? Joining 

a sport that is fun and where you can meet new friends and 

explore new places? Then why not give the Yakity Yak kayak 

club a go. Some common concerns about joining the club are: 

• I don’t know if I can kayak, I have never even sat in one before. 

Answer, Most people who join the club are novices. This is why we put you 

on a weekend long course first; to build up your skills and confidence while 

giving you the opportunity to see if you think you will like it. 

• I am not very strong or fit. I don’t want to be a liability. 

Answer: You won’t. We have a huge range of people with different fitness 

and strength levels. The club has a very supportive and nurturing culture. We 

always paddle to the slowest person. When we plan a trip that takes a little 

more fitness, we let members know. 

• I don’t like camping. 

Answer. Not all our trips are overnight stays. We do lots of day trips also. 

• I am too old or too young. 

Answer. Our youngest member is 13. ( Well actually I sometimes take my 

children on the trips. The youngest being 3yrs ) Our oldest member is 82yrs. 

You are only as old as you think you are. 

• I haven’t got a kayak. 

Answer. As a club member you can hire one at half price! You also get a special 

club discount if you ever decide to buy one. 

So come on, get out there and live life !! Give it a go!! Ask about the club at 

any Canoe & Kayak store. 

For more information on the Yakity 

Yak Club - fill in the form and 




Small tunnel 

Hannah relaxing 



Name: 

Email: 

Address: 

Phone: 




7/28 Anvil Rd, Silverdale or phone (09) 421 0662.

Ferry choc-a-block with kayaks 

Phew it’s hot! 

Have we got the energy left to smile? 

Who is in for the morning shower? 

Where is this club going to take us to next? 

Can I paddle up here? 

Kiwi Association of Sea 

Kayakers N.Z. Inc. 

(KASK) 

KASK is a network of sea kayakers 

throughout New Zealand 

KASK publishes a 

146 page sea 

kayaking handbook 

which is free 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. 

Website: 

www.kask.co.nz 

Annual subscription is $25.00. 

Kask 

PO Box 23 

Runanga 7854 

West Coast 


What’s On 

Kids Holiday Programme 

10-16 year olds 

A great way for your kids to get into the safe fun 

sport of kayaking. We will teach them to be safe 

The Cambridge to Hamilton Kayak Race and 

Cruise is New Zealand’s longest running kayaking 

event. Started over 25 years ago by Auckland 

Canoe Club, this was a social event which, while 

catering for the fast paddlers always included a 

cruising option for those who wanted to paddle 

the picturesque Waikato River but not compete. 

It was an event, which frequently attracted family 

groups, and three generations paddling together 

were not uncommon. Average numbers 

competing were usually around 120. 

Press Release 

By Ruth E. Henderson 

Whilst on a quest for a new Coromandel 

campsite for a future Yakity Yak Club trip, Ian, 

Mum and I stopped at the tranquil farmland 

setting of Colville Farm Holidays. At 4pm I saw 

a bubbling brook, swimming hole, expansive 

views over lush pasture to the hills and 

mountains beyond; facilities of hot showers, 

flush loo, power for Mum’s campervan, dogfriendly/tolerant 

rules, flat land for my puptent, 


competent kayakers over three half days with a 

full day adventure to finish off. 

Once this initial training is complete they can 

experience an overnight kayaking trip with the 

Yakity Yak Kayak Club. 

The cost per child is $195. This includes Yakity Yak 

Club membership, transport, food and kayak 

gear hireage. 

Ask your local Canoe and Kayak shop for 

more details. 

1st May 2005 - Cambridge to Hamilton Kayak Race and Cruise 

Located about 30 kilometres south of Te Kuiti, the 

Totoro Gorge section of the Mokau River offers 

excellent Grade 3+ white water as the river 

tumbles over a series of bedrock formations. The 

run starts below the existing power station at 

Wairere Falls. 

Unlike most Taranaki Rivers, which are fed by rain 

from Mt. Taranaki, the Mokau flows from the north 

and has a large catchment. This means that the 

Mokau provides summer kayaking - an important 

asset when other ‘naki’ rivers are suffering from 

dehydration. 

King Country Energy (KCE) wants to dam the river 

approx 4.5km down from the put-in. This means 

that instead of awesome white water rapids in 

bedrock formations we will have an oversized, 

weed-infested goldfish pond. 

KCE have grossly understated the amenity value 

Silent Night 

Three years ago, organizing this race became too 

time consuming for volunteers and it seemed that 

the Race was doomed to slip into oblivion. 

However, Auckland Canoe Centre took it over, 

turned it into a commercial venture and started 

getting sponsorship from most of the kayak 

manufacturers and importers. The number of 

competitors has continued to grow and this year 

it is estimated that there will be 250-300. 

Auckland Canoe Centre has been sold and is now 

called Auckland Canoe and Kayak, but the 

Cambridge-Hamilton Race and Cruise continues 

to be organized by former Auckland Canoe 

Centre owners, Su and Peter Sommerhalder 

under the name of Akarana Kayaks. 

Entry forms will be available soon from most 

North Island Kayak shops, otherwise email 

Akaranakayaks@slingshort.co.nz 

or kayakrace@slingshot.co.nz and a copy will 

be sent to you. 

Damming the Mokau River in Totoro Gorge 

will kill the white water rapids 

of the white water on this river and their plans will 

be strongly contested by kayaking interests. 

The existing power station at Wairere Falls is a run 

of river, which spills at a very low flow and does 

not store significant amounts of water. This station 

for me and my pup...idyllic. 

In the adjacent backpackers, reading the ‘Clear 

file’ stuffed with things to do, my brain failed to 

translate “On Friday night, homeless bands in the 

area, practise in the house over the road, you are 

welcome...” into NOISE. This was not the only 

brain failure and the band was the least of the 

disturbances. 

The last of the Auckland evacuees must have left 

at about 9pm. By 1am the traffic stream slowed 

and finally was silent. Some travellers decided to 

join us. The ladies from Lebanon or was it Lisbon? 

is kayaker-friendly but the new proposal with its 

large dam and storage reservoir spells death to 

the famous Mokau white water rapids. 

For more information updates etc keep an eye on 

www.rivers.org.nz 

Alan Bell. 

spoke excitedly, loudly and laughed long into 

the night, then coughed for the remainder. 

The man and his daughter argued so angrily 

when she refused to 

‘take her pills’ that I 

popped my head out, 

thinking I could be 

witness to murder most 

foul. Cows bellowed, 

horses tore at the grass... 

and an old dog WAS 

taught new tricks!!

PFD (PERSONAL 

FLOATATION DEVICE) 

Day Two have updated 2 of their 

most popular buoyancy vests. 

KIWITEA 

This popular '1 size fits all' vest has had its front 

pocket made larger to take even more handy items 

when heading out on the water. It also now has a 

reflective strip on the rear for better visibility in low 

light paddling. Available in red, blue or gold. 

$139 RRP 

TRI/SEA VEST 

The most popular vests for multisport, touring and 

cruising. The rear pocket on this jacket has been 

made larger to fit much bigger drinks bladders and 

reflective tape has been put on the top of the vest 

for better visibility. The front pockets have been 

made larger too and one of the pockets closes with 

Velcro to keep your keys and other small items safe 

in the event of a capsize. Colours, red, blue or gold. 

Sizes S/M/L. 

$219 RRP 

WHEELS FOR YOUR KAYAK 

PUTTING YOUR 

KAYAK ON THE CAR 

HAS NEVER BEEN 

EASIER 

LIBERTY LOADER Make summer 

easy with The Liberty Loader: Even 

a petite lass can load a large sea 

kayak by herself. $355 

Make life easy with this essential addition to your kayak. 

The Canoe & Kayak Trollies are made of stainless steel so they don’t rust. 

Wide wheels which don’t sink in the sand & a dinky little stand to make loading 

your kayak, the kids & your fishing gear on the trolly real easy. 

KAYAK TROLLY $249 RRP HEAVY DUTY KAYAK TROLLY $349 RRP 

RASDEX ADVENTURE PRO 

DRY CAG 

Keep paddling through the winter and stay warm 

and dry with this Rasdex jacket. Made from 

textured fabric, it feels great and has reflective 

piping for extra visibility in low light. Available in 

Blue/Black or Red/Black. 

$425 RRP 

USE YOUR PHONE AT SEA 

Keep your phone free from water, dust and 

dirt. Waterproof for half an hour to a 

depth of 1 metre, with a flexible dial 

surface and goretex audio membrane 

to allow use without removal from 

box. Supplied with variable tops to 

allow room for different phone 

sizes, with or without antenna. 

$89.95 RRP 

BILGE PUMPS 

TO PUMP YOUR 

BOAT DRY 

Essential safety 

equipment for all sea 

kayakers and open 

canoeists. Also great fun 

in a water fight. Arnie 

watch out! 

$74.95 RRP 

PADDLE 

FLOATS TO 

RESCUE YOU 

Essential for all single 

sea kayaks. “This is the 

spare tyre for kayaks”. 

$89.96 RRP 


RIVER KAYAKING 

Taupo High-School Trip to the 

Whanganui River 

I had come a long way from Germany - 

hoping to find a nice sports company 

for work experience. I ended up 

working for the new Canoe & Kayak 

Centre in Auckland and had a great 

time. Especially because I got the 

opportunity to join a five-day 

Whanganui River Trip, which was just 

overwhelming! Thanks Pete! 

It was a nice and sunny Monday when the Canoe 

& Kayak team of Pete, Peter, Mike, Tam and I met 

the 18 high school kids and 3 adults at the school 

grounds in Taupo. Everybody was excited, looking 

forward to their Whanganui River Journey. My first 

impression was that we would never get all the 

piled-up gear into the kayaks, but I forgot about 

the four Old Town Canoes we had on the trailer, 

mainly to carry all the barrels and bags. Lucky us! 

Fortunately we did not lose any of the vans, boats 

or gear on the 35 km of unsealed and bumpy road 

to our starting point Whakahoro, where we 

unloaded the vans and trailers and packed all the 

gear into the boats. The canoes must have looked 

like swimming donkeys with their heavy load, and 

at 2.30 pm we finally made it onto the water. 

The sun burned and the clear water looked 

tempting to jump in. Although most of the kids had 

never paddled before and some got stuck or 

turned without intention, we survived the first day 

without a single capsize! Well done kids! 

We spent our first night at Mangapapa campsite, 

where two other groups had already put up their 

tents. Some kids jumped off the cliffs and went 

for a swim before sunset. We spent a pleasant 

evening under the stars and shortly after dinner 

everybody disappeared into their tents. For the 

inexperienced outdoor traveller from Germany 

(me) it was the first night in wilderness with 

collected rain as drinking water, a sleeping bag to 

keep warm and even worse, a long drop as a toilet. 

But as I was told “it’s great fun” and most people 

in New Zealand really like camping, I thought the 

spoiled German girl would survive this trip, too. 

And that’s what I did - as you can see - and I did 

not even complain at all! 

Tuesday morning we were on the water at 9am. 

The weather forecast was not good for the next 


by Rhena Landefeld 

three days, but apparently you cannot predict the 

weather on the Whanganui River! We were in a 

good mood. We paddled 16 km along the winding 

river with sun and clouds alternating. The first 

boats became victims of rapids and the 

passengers were helped to an unintentional 

swim. We reached Tamatea Cave and the opposite 

campsite Ohauora at lunchtime and decided to 

spend our second night there. 

It was a good decision because minutes after we 

had put up our tents it started raining. 

Nevertheless we had a fun afternoon and evening 

sitting under a shelter with a bonfire in front of it, 

talking, eating (Pete made some of his famous 

banana fritters), singing and playing games. 

Interesting how grown ups can become children 

in the wilderness, playing “I spy with my little 

eye...” not to get bored! “Want another Tim Tam, 

Tam?” On the second night on the river, I learnt 

that it is not a good idea to choose a loamy soil 

for camping when it’s raining... When we wanted 

to return to our tents it was so muddy, we had to 

be careful not to lose our shoes or get stuck in the 

slippery ground. Another obstacle was provided 

by a big group of kids who had arrived in the 

afternoon. Their tents now blocked the entry to 

ours, and we had to fight our way around their 

‘buildings’. 

Another experience occurred to the ignorant 

German visitor this night. At 2.30am Pete blew the 

emergency signal and we had to come down and 

pull our boats further up the bank. Because of the 

steady and heavy rain, the river had risen and our 

boats were now endangered. At this time of night 

we were not even sure if we could carry on the 

next day, because you’re not allowed to paddle 

the river while the water level is rising. It was an 

exciting night! We went back to sleep and when 

we woke up in the morning raindrops were still 

falling on our tents. We spent an easy-going 

morning with bacon & eggs for breakfast under the 

shelter, watching the river, which fortunately did 

not rise any more. Our leaders decided to move 

on and so we left Okauora at about 10.30am. 

In Germany we have a saying that translates as 

“When angels travel, the sun will shine...” and so 

it happened to us. Once we launched, the rain 

stopped and at times the sun guided our way. 

Today the water was murky and the river ran 

much faster than the days before. We did not need 

to paddle at all; the river did all the work for us. 

We leaned back and enjoyed the landscape. 

Because of the heavy rain, many pretty waterfalls 

had magically appeared at the riversides. Some 

of them went straight down the cliffs, others came 

down in steps or even in a cave so that you could 

only hear it splash. We saw goats climbing on the 

cliffs and disappearing between the trees. 

Floating timber was probably the only danger we 

had. Most of the rapids were easier to negotiate 

with the higher water level. 

We arrived at John Coull Hut at lunchtime and 

again decided to stay. The weather was quite 

good, so we had the chance to dry our wet gear. 

Even if most of us would have liked to move on at 

first, again the decision made by our leaders was 

right. The kids enjoyed sleeping in a hut and the 

adults enjoyed the free afternoon drying tents and 

gear, reading and relaxing. Some of us stayed 

active and learned ferry gliding on the river with 

Tam and Mike in open canoes; others sat in the 

sun and watched wild pigeons playing in the trees. 

The evening and night were very cold and shortly 

after dinner everyone disappeared into warm 

sleeping bags - softly rocked into sleep by 

constant snoring from a certain neighbour’s tent. 

After three short days we had to paddle a long 

distance of 29 km on Thursday. We got up early to 

be the first on the water at 8am. It was misty and 

the clouds were hanging low in the river valley, 

which usually foretells a good day. And that was 

exactly what happened. We had the most 

beautiful and lovely day on the river; the sun was 

burning hot, the river was still fast, we paddled 

easily - simply enjoying the day. Big tree ferns 

which clung to the steep riverbanks moved in the 

wind, birds were singing and amazing waterfalls 

were a benefit for the eyes. 

At lunchtime we arrived at Mangapurua campsite 

opposite the walkway to the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. 

The canoes brought us to the other side of the 

river where our explorer group started to make 

its way through the forest. The ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ 

is one of the most famous features of the river. It 

was built in 1936 as part of a road from Raetihi to 

the river, but unfortunately has never been used. 

Life in this area had become too hard, so the 

farmers there were forced to leave. In 1946 the 

bridge was re-discovered, overgrown with grass 

and scrub. It got cleaned up, signposted and it now 

stands as a mute testimony to the failed effort to 

settle the region. Very impressive! The track from

Setting out 

Tent city ISSUE THIRTY • 2005 39

the landing to the bridge is signed to take 40 

minutes. But I tell you, it’s not a big deal to make it 

in 30 minutes with a bunch of energetic kids! 

Back on the river after lunch we paddled on to 

Tieke Kainga. The sun was still hot and so the kids 

decided to have a cool down with water fights. 

Mike and Pickles made an impressive seat change 

on the railing of one of the canoes. Pete and 

Lauren, who tried to copy them, ended up having 

a swim. But no matter, they got rescued...! And the 

sun quickly dried them again. 

Our destination camp for the last night, Tieke 

Kainga, has been revived as a marae about ten 

years ago. Now everyone is welcome on the 

marae, but you are asked to observe protocol. So 

it happened that when we arrived on the 

riverbank, we were asked, and explained how, to 

participate in the Powhiri (welcome). A Maori 

school group, already staying at Tieke, called us 

onto the marae and gave us a traditional welcome 

with singing, speaking and showing the Haka (war 

dance). We laid a gift on the ground and finally 

greeted everyone in the traditional form, by 

pressing noses (Hongi). It was a very special, 

amazing and impressing experience. Afterwards 

Maree at Tieke Kainga 


some of us even got the chance to listen to the 

historical story of the marae and the explanations 

of the pole carvings. Wonderful! 

Again, we had a very nice evening with cooking 

next to our tents and the kids playing rugby 

against some Maori boys. Later on we were 

invited to join the Maoris in the hut, watching 

school performances and talking. But our journey 

was not supposed to end as comfortable as 

this day... 

In the evening clouds had already covered the sky 

and at night it started raining again and became 

colder. Once we woke up the rain was still steadily 

banging onto our tents. This morning nobody 

really wanted to get up, but we had to carry on 

because we were to be picked up at Pipiriki at 

2.30pm. We put on all the warm clothing we could 

find but by the time we had taken down our tents, 

loaded our boats and were on the water we were 

soaking wet and cold. Pete explained the risks of 

this weather when you are on the water, so we 

paddled on, hoping that we would survive the last 

day without any complications. The wind was 

strong and made us feel the cold even more. We 

had 21.5 km remaining for our last day and spent 

most of it freezing, not noticing the landscape 

around us. Tam and Mike tried to keep the kids 

happy with singing. That’s how it happened that 

the song “100 bottles of beer on the wall” was 

counted down to zero. 

As we reached Ngaporo campsite nobody really 

wanted to get out of their boats, but it was more 

than time to have a break because most of us had 

already started shivering. Even in the rain Pete 

managed to start a fire, put up a tarpaulin against 

the wind and insisted on warming up and eating - 

no matter how long it took. Good on him, we all 

felt much better when we carried on. The rain had 

stopped but the wind was still strong. As the 

landscape changed and the riverbanks got flatter, 

we really had to fight against the wind and the 

waves pushing us up stream. It might have been 

quicker to walk the rest of our way than to paddle 

against the wind! But finally we made it to the 

landing at Pipiriki, where we got picked up. We 

were one hour late, wet, cold and exhausted - but 

as Pete would say, “It was just another day in 

paradise!” And don’t forget, “If you’re happy and you 

know it, clap your hands!” Thanks Pete for taking 

me along and making it a unique work experience!

Moody river 

Kids plus kayaks equals fun 


SWING 400 PLUS 

Sit-on-top 

Kayak, paddle 

and seat and 

2 rod holders. 

$1299 

Interest free finance available 

only $25 per week (approx). 

Conditions apply. 

PENGUIN 

Sea Kayak, 

paddle and 

spray skirt 





Great 

special offer. 

Interest free 

terms 

available on 

these 

products 

Great 


Interest free 

terms 

available on 

these 

products 

FISH N DIVE 

Sit-on-top Kayak, 

paddle and 

backrest and 2 

rod holders. 

$1350 




INTRIGUE 

Multisport Kayak, 

paddle, spray 

skirt and 

buoyancy aid. 

$2499 $2849 




Great 


Interest free 

terms 

available on 

these 

products 

Great 


Interest free 

terms 

available on 

these 

products

Tri/Sea 

Win Win 

For more information on any of these 

kayaks or equipment - fill in the form 

and receive an information pack and 



NEW ZEALAND KAYAK MAGAZINE’S BUYERS GUIDE 

Weight: 21.77 kg 

Width: 597 mm 

Length: 5.046 m 

Price: From 

$1995 

EXPEDITION is designed to go fast. It is built to accelerate quickly and get 

to its top speed in a short period of time. This boat has lots of storage and is 

ideal for any paddler interested in performance touring, sea kayaking and 

long distance cruising. 


Width: 711 mm 


Price: $1195 

(x A hatch and tank straps 

incl.) 

TOURER This kayak has it all, even an adjustable leg length rudder 

system. The low profile hull of the Cobra Tourer cuts down on windage, 

enabling paddlers to maintain high speed and straight tracking with easy 

handling in all conditions. The integrated keel provides stability and 

efficiency. 

RECREATIONAL AND SIT-ON-TOP 

KAYAKS SPECIFICATION KAYAKS 

SPECIFICATION 

Weight: 34 kg 

Width: 83 cm 

Length: 4.70m 

Price: From 

$1349 

ACADIA 470 A great fun family boat with plenty of freeboard allowing for 

a heavy load. Excellent for sheltered water exploring. Paddles quickly and 

has excellent stability. Dry storage compartment. 

Buoyancy 


Name: 

Email: 

Address: 

Phone: 




7/28 Anvil Rd, Silverdale or phone (09) 421 0662. 

Weight: 17 kg 

Width: 68 cm 

Length: 2.8 m 

Price: $819 

ACADIA 280 A light easy to use family kayak. Enjoyable paddling for the 

whole family in sheltered waters. 


Width: 62 cm 

Length: 4.5m 

Price: $1360 

SWIFT The swift is an easy handling and stable sit-on-top, with a hull 

shape similar to that of a sit-in kayak to give it greater speed. The standard 

Swift comes rigged with a rudder and storage compartments, making it the 

ideal craft for those longer trips or a day out fishing beyond the breakers. 

Weight: 27 kg 

Width: 750 mm 


Price: $910 

ESCAPADE Great general purpose kayak for fishing, diving and having 

fun in the sun. 

Easy finance available from Conditions and 

booking fee apply 


We have many more kayaks available so please ask if you cannot see what you want. 

THE EXPLORER is ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring and one of the 

driest ‘Sit-ons’ you will find. Great hatches for storing your goodies 




SPECIFICATION 


Width: 790 mm 


Price: From 

$895 


Width: 915 mm 


Price: From 

$1095 

THE TANDEM ‘two person’ is ideal for fishing, surfing and exploring with 

great hatches for storing your adventure equipment. Now available with 

three person option. It is often used by one person. 


Width: 710 mm 


Price: From 

$649 

THE PLAY is great for the paddler who wants a fun fast surf and flat water 

kayak. Kids love this Sit-on as it is not too wide for them to paddle and yet 

very stable. 

Weight: 34 kg 

Width: 840 mm 


Price: $1459 

SWING 470 PLUS A fantastic two person cruising kayak which is stable 

and fast. It has plenty of storage and great features to make your 

adventures fun. 

Weight: 25 kg 

Width: 780 mm 


Price: $1039 

SWING 400 PLUS Flat water cruising, well appointed with gear storage 

inside. Also includes an optional extra pod that detaches, which is great for 

carrying your fishing gear to your favourite spot. The pod can also be used 

as a seat. 

Weight: 14 kg 

Width: 700 mm 

Length: 3 m 

Price: $710 

SPRITE ONE A kayak for the family, able to seat an adult and child. 

Easy paddling, adjustable seat back and clip down hand grabs, paddles 

well in a straight line and is very stable. Suits flat water conditions. 

Please note that all prices are subject to change without notice. Accessories and hatches as pictured may not be included in price. 


Width: 915 mm 


Price: From 

$1295 

THE TRIPLE is an excellent performing family Sit-on. The centre seat area 

is dry with heaps of room so the kids can move and fidget without causing 

the adults any concern. The centre space also allows for storage of heaps of 

camping equipment. 


Width: 914 mm 


Price: From $995 

(hatches & accessories not 

included) 

FISH ‘N DIVE The ultimate fishing/diving kayak. A large well is located in 

the stern and holds up to three tanks. There is one centrally located seat and 

a smaller companion seat near the bow. It can also be fitted with an optional 

motor bracket for an electric trolling or small outboard engine. 

Weight: 15 kg 

Width: 780 mm 

Length: 2.7m 

Price: $469 

SQUIRT A Sit-on-Top for the family. Able to seat an adult and a small 

child. It is easy to paddle and is very stable. Easily carried by one adult or 

two kids. 

Weight: 23 kg 

Width: 750 mm 

Length 3.3 m 

Price: $770 

ESCAPEE Probably the closest you will come to finding one kayak that 

does it all. Surfing, fishing, snorkelling. 


Width: 810 mm 


Price: $889 

TORRENT FREEDOM Great for the surf and the river with awesome 

manoeuvrability. Excellent finish. 

Weight: 32 kg 

Width: 830 mm 

Length: 4.2 m 

Price: $1160 

DELTA DOUBLE Fun for the whole family at the beach or lake. 

Plenty of room and great stability.


Weight: 21 kg 

Width: 770 mm 

Length: 2.5 m 

Price: $630 

WHIZZ A great multi-purpose family boat for big kids and small kids alike. 

Lots of fun this summer at the beach. (Hot surfer!) 

Weight: 35 kg 

Width: 800 mm 


Price: $2579 

CONTOUR 490 This double Sea Kayak is an ideal day tourer with the 

easy ability to do those weekend camping expeditions. It handles well, is 

fun to paddle and has well appointed accessories. 



SPECIFICATION 

Weight: 27 kg 

Width: 67 cm 

Length: 470 cm 

Price: $1260 (Std) 

$1490 

(Expedition) 

NAPALI 470 The Napali 470 has been loaded with lots of technical 

features. It is a stable sit-on-top, and as efficient as a standard-size touring 

boat. 

Weight: 16 kg 

Width: 685 mm 


Price: $795 

COBRA STRIKE A Wave Ski which the whole family can enjoy. Fantastic 

in the surf, it‘s a fast and manoeuvrable sit-on-top. 

LAKE AND SEA KAYAKS 

Weight: 45 kg 

Width: 760 mm 


Price: $3379 

ECO NIIZH 565 XLT This upgraded model is proving a hit with its new 

lighter weight and some excellent features. We now have a plastic double 

sea kayak that is great to use for all those amazing expeditions and 

adventures. 

Weight: 27 kg 

Width: 62 cm 

Length: 480cm 

Price: $2039 

CONTOUR 480 Is a roomy, manoeuvrable, easy to handle boat. A 

channelled hull provides outstanding tracking that helps keep you on 

course. Its upswept, flared bow makes crossing rough water a breeze. 


Weight: 32 kg 

Width: 820 mm 

Length: 4.5 m 

Price: From 

$1170 to 

$1590 

SPRITE TWO Two person cruiser, comes with dry gear storage. Fast, 

stable and easy to use. Adjustable back rest. Suits flat water conditions. 

Weight: 32 kg 

Width: 74 cm 

Length: 520 cm 

Price: $1499 (Std) 

$1899 

(Expedition) 

NAPALI 520 We took the lines of the Napali 470 and stretched them out 

to nearly 5.2m and added another seat. The result is the Napali 520, a most 

efficient tandem sit-on-top. 

Weight: 20 kg 

Width: 710 mm 


Price: $849 

Five O Amazing surf sit-on-top. Fun, agile and performance orientated. 

Your height, weight and paddling 

ability will affect the type of kayak 

best suited for your needs. Ask for 

advice at your specialist kayak shop. 

Weight: 20 kg 

Width: 675 mm 

Length: 3.7 m 

Price: 

Tourer $1229 

Expedition $1429 

ACADIA 370 Flat water cruising, well appointed, a nifty adjustable 

backrest, an access hatch in the back which is great for carrying your extra 

gear. 

Weight: Std 22kg 

Width: 610 mm 

Length: 4.4 m 

Basic $1410 

Excel $1750 

Excel lightweight $1920 

TUI EXCEL A versatile touring kayak for lake, river and sea. Stability, 

speed and easy tracking make for an enjoyable day’s paddling. A larger 

cockpit allows for easier entry and exit. 




SPECIFICATION 

We recommend that everybody who uses a 

kayak should participate in a training 

course. This will ensure your enjoyment and 

safety. Ask at your nearest kayak shop. 


LAKE AND SEA KAYAKS 

Weight: 22 kg 

Width: 610 mm 

Length: 5.3 m 

Price: $3980 

TASMAN EXPRESS KEVLAR As per the plastic model, the kevlar 

Tasman Express responds to rough conditions but its decreased weight, and 

increased stiffness, gives even better performance. 

Weight: 26kg 

Width: 640mm 

Length: 4.5 m 

Price: $1889 

CONTOUR 450 This kayak is designed for day tripping and light 

overnight expeditions. It’s great fun to paddle and handles easily. 

Weight: 23kg 

kevlar/carbon 

Width: 600 mm 

Length: 5.6 m 

Price: $4110 Kevlar 

TORRES A fast and stable sea kayak capable of handling extreme 

expeditions. Huge storage and lots of leg room. 

Weight: 22kg 

Width: 590 mm 

Length: 5 m 

Price: $3110 

(Freight charges may apply) 

CHALLENGE 5 Slightly larger volume than the Sequel and lighter at 22kg. 

A fast and stable touring sea kayak well appointed and featuring a great 

rudder/steering system. 

Weight: 26kg 

Width: 580 mm 


Price: $2099 North Island 

$2195 South Island 

SEQUEL Fast, light, touring kayak suits beginners through to advanced 

paddlers. The hull design allows for great handling in rough water. Well 

appointed and ideally suitable for multisport training. 


Weight: 27 kg 

Width: 610 mm 

Length: 5.3 m 

Price: $2550 

Lightweight $2820 

TASMAN EXPRESS Responds to rough conditions. Its low profile and 

flared bow enable it to perform well in adverse conditions. It is designed to 

give the paddler maximum comfort, with adjustable footrests, backrest, side 

seat supports and optional thigh brace. 

Weight: Std 26 kg 

Width: 590 mm 

Length: 5.4 m 

Price: $2559 

ECOBEZHIG 540 An enjoyable sea kayak, fast and nimble with huge 

storage, great features and the most comfortable seat your butt will ever 

meet. 

Weight: 25 kg 

Width: 610 mm 

Length: 4.8 m 

Price: $2250 

Lightweight $2520 

PENGUIN Has all the features for multi-day kayaking with ease of 

handling in all weather conditions. With great manoeuvrability this kayak is 

suitable for paddlers from beginner to advanced. 

Weight: 22kg 

Width: 600 mm 

Length: 5.4 m 


SOUTHERN SKUA Fast, stable sea kayak. Great in the rough and in the 

wind. Well appointed for expedition and day trips. 

Weight: 34kg 

Width: 820 mm 

Length: 4.5 m 

Price: $1690 

WANDERER EXCEL A stable fun kayak which is easy to handle. This is 

an enjoyable kayak for all the family. 

Weight: 22kg 

Width: 600 mm 

Length: 4.5 m 

Price: $1785 North Island 

$1903 South Island 

BREEZE Fully appointed sea kayak. Light weight and agile with a long 

waterline giving good speed in a smaller sea kayak. Designed with the 

lighter paddler in mind. Suitable for day or overnight trips. Fun in a compact 

package.


MULTI SPORT AND RACING SEA KAYAKS 


SPECIFICATION 

Weight: 11kg 

Width: 450mm 

Length: 5.65m 

Price: $2995 

REBEL This new fast funky Ruahine Kayak is designed for the smaller 

paddler in the 50 to 70kg range. 

It is 5.65 metres long, which is half way between the length of the Swallow 

and the Opus and it has a maximum beam of 450mm. 


Width: 450mm 

Length: 5.89m 

Price: $2995 

OPUS This kayak is for the competitive multisporter who has mastered the 

mid range kayaks like the Swallow and is paddling the river with skill and 

enjoyment. Advanced paddling ability is required to enjoy racing this Kayak. 

Weight: 12 kg 

Width: 480mm 

Length: 5.4 m 

Price: $2795 

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

stability. Medium skill ability is required to enjoy racing this kayak. 

Weight: 16.5 kg to 19 kg 

depending on construction 

Width: 510 mm 


Price: $2980 - $3330 

depending on construction 

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 and is 

easy to control while surfing. A low profile reduces buffeting by the wind in 

adverse conditions. 

Weight: 26 kg Glass 

Kevlar/Carbon 

24kg Kevlar 

Width: 550mm 550 mm 

Length: 7m 7 m 

Price: $4995 Glass - $5495 

depending on $5495 construction 

Kevlar/Carbon 

ADVENTURE DUET This lightweight, very fast and recently updated 

Adventure Racing double kayak continues to dominate adventure racing in 

NZ and is very suitable as a recreational double. 



Width: 500mm 

Length: 6.4 m 

Price: $3495 kevlar 

& carbon 

$2995 fibreglass 

OCEAN X This Racing Sea Kayak was designed specifically for the ‘Length 

of New Zealand Race’ and built around the safety criteria drawn up for that 

race. The Ocean X is also very suitable for kayak racing in the many 

harbours, estuaries and lakes of New Zealand and lends itself well to the 

kayak sections of many multisport races. 


Width: 540 mm 

Length: 4.94m 

Price: $2295 

INTRIGUE This kayak is ideal for the beginner kayaker who is looking for 

a quick, light kayak with great stability. 

Weight: 13.5 kg Kevlar 

12 kg Carbon / 

Kevlar 

Length: 6.2 m 


$3295 Carbon / 

Kevlar 

F1 This innovative new multisport kayak is designed for the advanced and 

elite paddler. This radical kayak is fast with considerable secondary stability 

and is fitted with our new “bikini” seat. It will accelerate with ease, cutting 

wave trains and eliminating rocking. 


Width: 585 mm 


Price: $1495 

THE ELIMINATOR is a fast stable racing 

and training ‘Sit -on’. It has an adjustable dry seat and a cool draining 

system. Ideal for the paddler wanting a good fitness work out. 

Give your specialist kayak shop a call 

and talk to one of our friendly team to 

help choose the best kayak for you. 

Easy finance available from Conditions and 

booking fee apply 


SEA KAYAKS, TOURING AND SIT-ON-TOPS 

Stage 1 

SKILLS COURSE ESKIMO ROLLING 

A comprehensive course designed to 

A comprehensive course designed to 

cover the skills required to become a 

technically correct and safe paddler. The 

course progresses so you develop 

techniques and confidence at an 

enjoyable pace with great end results. 

This course is run over a weekend or by 

request in the evenings. 

COST $295 

Stage 3 

WEATHER & NAVIGATION 

Understanding the weather and ability to 

navigate in adverse conditions is vital 

when venturing into the outdoors. Learn 

to use charts and compasses and forecast 

the weather using maps and the clouds. 

Course: 4 evening sessions 

COST $150 

Stage 5 

KAYAKING SURF COURSE 

Surfing is heaps of fun when you know 

how. We will spend the evenings starting 

off in small surf and building up to one 

and a half metre waves. We will use a 

range of sit on tops and kayaks to make it 

fun and easy to learn. Skills to be taught 

include surfing protocol, paddling out, 

direction control, tricks and safety 


COST $349 


Stage 2 

This course covers the skills required to 

become a technically correct Eskimo 

Roller. You increase your confidence, 

allowing you to paddle in more 

challenging conditions. Being able to 

eskimo roll will make you a more 

competent, safe and capable paddler. 


COST $200 

Stage 4 

OCEANS COURSE 

An advanced course designed to build on 

your skills. Covering paddling technique, 

kayak control, rescues, preparation, 

planning and decision making. 

Course: Weekend/overnight. 

COST $350 

Stage 6 

RESCUE COURSE 

You need rescue skills to look after 

yourself and your paddling buddies in 

adverse conditions. This course covers 

Towing systems, Capsized kayaks, 

T Rescues, Paddle floats, Stern Deck 

Carries, Re-enter and Roll. 

Programme One Evening 

Cost $60 

Win Win 

Learn To Kayak 

For more information on any of these 

courses or tours - fill in the form and 




WHITE WATER AND MULTISPORT 

Stage 1 

INTRO TO WHITE WATER 

cover the skills required to become a 

technically correct paddler. Starting off 

in a heated pool and progressing 

through flat water to moving water, it 

allows you to develop techniques and 

confidence at an enjoyable pace with 

great end results. 

Course: Weekend 

COST $349 

Stage 3 

RIVER SKILLS 

On this course we continue to build on 

the skills gained on Stage One and Two 

Courses. Developing your skills, 

technique and confidence on the faster 

moving white water of the Waikato River 

and progressing on to a Sunday day trip 

on the Mohaka River. Includes, eddie 

turns, ferry gliding, rolling, surfing and 

building new skills in River Rescue 

techniques and River Reading. 

Course: Weekend • COST $349 

Stage 5 

ADVANCED WHITEWATER 

This course is designed to sharpen your 

whitewater skills and start learning simple 

rodeo moves. We will focus on skills such 

as river reading, body position and 

rotation, advanced paddle technique, 

playing in holes and negotiating higher 

Grade 3 rapids. We recommend you are 

feeling comfortable on Grade 2+ rapids. 

Ideally you should already be paddling the 

mid section of Rangitaiki or equivalent. 


INTRO TO ESKIMO 

ROLLING 

Stage 2 

This course covers the skills required to 

become a technically correct Eskimo 

Roller. This will increase your confidence, 

allowing you to paddle in more 

challenging conditions. 


COST $200 

Stage 4 

MULTISPORT 

MULTISPORT 

During this course we build on the skills 

gained on the Stage One to Three Courses. 

Developing your moving water skills, 

technique and confidence in your Multi 

Sport Kayak. We start on the Mohaka River 

on Saturday and progress to the 

Whanganui on Sunday for some big water 

paddling. River racing competency letters 

are awarded to those who meet the 

standard and criteria as outlined on the 

Grade Two Competency Certificate. A copy 

is available from Canoe & Kayak Shops. 


Stage 6 

RIVER RESCUE 

This course is designed to cover likely 

scenarios on white water rivers. The 

course is suitable for paddlers who feel 

comfortable on Grade One to Two rivers. 

The areas covered are rope skills, muscle 

techniques, team control, heads up, risk 

management and combat swimming. Also 

covering skills required in the following 

situations: entrapments, kayak raps, 

swimming kayakers and their equipment. 

Course: Weekend • COST P.O.A. 

Tri/Sea Buoyancy Aid valued at $219 

Name: 

Email: 

Address: 

Phone: 




7/28 Anvil Rd, Silverdale or phone (09) 421 0662.

Accommodation available to Yakity-Yak club 

members and their families... Ideal for sport 

and school groups... Situated on the banks 

of the Waikato River our Kayakers Lodge 

accommodates up to 12 people, is fully 

furnished, with plenty of parking and a quiet 

location. 

$25 per person per night. 

Phone: 0800 529256 for details 

Directory: Things To Do 

TAUPO Maori Carvings Waikato River Discovery 

Mohaka Whanganui River Trips 

Half day guided trip to the rock carvings, 

Lake Taupo... only accessible by boat. 

$85 per person (bookings essential. 

Call freephone 0800 KAYAKN for 

details. 

TAUPO Accommodation 

Hawkes Bay Harbour Cruise 

A guided kayak trip round the safe waters of 

the Inner Harbour, while learning about the 

history of the area. During this stunning trip 

around the beautiful Napier Inner Harbour 

of Ahuriri, we stop to share a glass of fresh 

orange juice, local fruits and cheese platter. 

All this for $40 per person. 

Phone 06 842 1305 

Paddle to the Pub 

Kayaking to a local pub is a unique way of 

spending an evening, bringing your group of 

friends together by completing a fun activity 

before dinner and making a memorable 

experience. These trips are available to 

Riverhead, Browns Bay and Devonport Pubs. 

COST: $59.00 each • GROUP DISCOUNTS 

AVAILABLE! 

Okura River Kayak Hire Company 

Phone: 09 473 0036 

2 hour guided kayak trip. Experience the 

magnificent upper reaches of the mighty 

Waikato River - soak in the geothermal 

hotsprings - take in the stunning 

environment... a perfect trip for all the family... 

Price: $40 adult $25 children Special 

group and family rates. Call freephone 

0800 KAYAKN for details. 

Waitara River Tours 

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 Rd Bridge where we 

will stop for a snack. 

Allow 2 hours paddle only. Priced at $50. 

Phone: 06 769 5506 

Okura River Tours 

Exploring Karepiro Bay and the Okura 

Marine Reserve. Enjoy this scenic trip with 

abundant wildlife and a stop at Dacre 

Cottage, the historic 1840 settlers house, 

which is only accessible by boat. 


Phone: 09 473 0036 

Twilight Tours 

Departs from one of The East Coast Bays 

beautiful beaches. Enjoy the scenic trip 

with the sun setting over the cliff tops as 

you paddle along the coast line. 

COST: $49.00 • Group discounts available! 


Phone: 09 473 0036 

Mobile: 025 529 255 

Need some excitement? Take a kayak down 

this wicked Grade II river run... this is a 

whole day of thrills and fantastic scenery 

down the Mohaka River. 

Price: $100 per person. Call freephone 

0800 KAYAKN for details. 

Phone: Taupo 07 378 1003, 

Hawke’s Bay 06 842 1305 

Mokau River 

Enjoy this beautiful scenic river which 

winds through some of New Zealands 

lushest vegetation. Camping overnight and 

exploring some of New Zealands 

pioneering history. A true Kiwi experience. 

Two day trips $220.00 or 

one day $70.00. 

Phone 06 769 5506 

Kayak Hire 

Taupo - Open for the summer and by 

appointment. Long Bay, Auckland - open 

on weekends and by appointment. Have 

some paddling fun on the beach or let us 

run a Tour for you and your friends and 

explore these beautiful areas. 

Phone Canoe & Kayak 

on 0508 KAYAKNZ for details 

Customized Tours 

• Work Functions • Schools 

• Clubs • Tourist groups 

Whether it’s an afternoon amble, a full 

days frolic or a wicked weekend 

adventure we can take you there. 

If there’s somewhere you’d like to paddle 

we can provide you with experienced 

guides, local knowledge, safe up to date 

equipment and a lot of fun. 

Contact your local store 

on 0508 KAYAKNZ 

Interested in a great adventure on this 

Magnificent River? 

Give us a call and we will give you a 

memory of a lifetime. 

Canoe & Kayak Taupo 

Price on application. 

0800 529256 

Sugar Loaf Island 

From Ngamutu Beach harbour we head out 

to the open sea to Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf 

Island Marine Reserve. View the Taranaki 

scenic, rugged coastline as we draw closer to 

the Sugar Loaf Islands. Enjoy the seal colony 

and experience the thrill of close up views of 

these fascinating marine mammals. 

Allow 3 hours subject to weather. 

$50.00 per person. Phone 06 769 5506 

NZKI 

New Zealand Kayaking Instructors 

Award Scheme 

Become a kayaking Instructor and Guide. 

Get into gear and get qualified! 

It’s fun and easy to do. 

Don’t delay phone 0508 5292569 now 

Join the Yakity Yak Club 

Want to have fun, meet new people, have 

challenging and enjoyable trips, and learn 

new skills? 

PLUS get a regular email newsletter and 

this magazine! Also, get a discount on 

kayaking courses and purchases from 

Canoe & Kayak stores. 

Then, join us! 

Phone Canoe & Kayak 

on 0508 KAYAKNZ to find out more 



NZ Distributors: Southern Extreme Ltd. Ph 03 360 2550 Fax 03 360 2499 e-mail thule@irl.co.nz


CITY 

DISCOVER ANOTHER WORLD 

NORTH SHORE 

UPPER HIGHWAY (16) 

AUCKLAND 

DOMINION ROAD 

BALMORAL ROAD 

502 Sandringham Rd 

Telephone: 09 815 2073 

Marine Retail Developments Ltd 

T/A Canoe & Kayak Auckland 

NORTHERN MOTORWAY 

Unit 2/20 Constellation Drive, 

(Off Ascension Drive), Mairangi Bay, 

Auckland - Telephone: 09 479 1002 

Flood Howarth & Partners Limited 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak North Shore 

HAMILTON 

DUKE STREET 

NORTH 

CONSTELLATION DRIVE 

KILLARNEY ROAD 

SH1 

BYPASS 

KAHIKATEA DRIVE 

NORTH 

GREENMOUNT ST 

DUKE STREET 

SANDRINGHAM ROAD 

KAHIKATEA DRIVE 

ASCENSION PL 

SOUTH 

ST LUKES RD 

The Corner Greenwood St 

& Duke St, State Highway 1 bypass 

Telephone: 07 847 5565 

This shop is for sale 

NORTH 

NORTH 

SILVERDALE 

EAST COAST ROAD 

S.H.1 

TONGARIRO ST 

NUKUHAU 

Easy finance 

available. 

Conditions and booking fee apply 

SPA ROAD 

MAIN NORTH HIGHWAY 

LAKE TERRACE 

TAVERN ROAD 

ANVIL RD 

FOUNDRY RD 

7/28 Anvil Road, Silverdale 

Please phone for opening hours 

Telephone: 09 421 0662 

Canoe & Kayak Limited 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Distribution 

TAUPO 

38 Nukuhau Street, Taupo 

Telephone: 07 378 1003 

Rees and Partners Limited 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Taupo 

FIRST 

DRIVEWAY 

TARANAKI 

Unit 6, 631 Devon Road 

Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth 

Telephone: 06 769 5506 

Peter & Bronnie van Lith 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Taranaki 

www.canoeandkayak.co.nz 


NORTH 

MANUKAU 

GREAT SOUTH RD 

TOYOYA 

BRONCOS 

WIRI STATION ROAD 

SOUTHERN MOTORAWAY 

710 Great South Road, Manukau 

Telephone: 09 262 0209 

J. K. Marine Limited 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Manukau 

WAIWHAKAIHO RIVER 

DEVON ROAD 

SMART ROAD 

NORTH 

JOIN THE 

YAKITY YAK 

CLUB 

BAY OF PLENTY 

TO TAURANGA BRIDGE 

MACDONALD STREET 

MAUNGANUI ROAD 

3/5 Mac Donald Street 

Mount Maunganui (off Hewletts Rd) 

Telephone: 07 574 7415 

Jenanne Investment Limited 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Bay of Plenty 

HAWKE’S BAY 

TARADALE ROAD 

PHONE YOUR NEAREST 

SHOP 

NIVEN STREET 

HEWLETTS ROAD 

LIQUORLAND KFC 

NORTH 

15 Niven Street 

Onekawa, Napier 

Telephone: 06 842 1305 

CSJ Limited 

Trading as Canoe and Kayak Hawke’s Bay

C&K mag #30 sp - Canoe & Kayak

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