Funtessea

Under the Sea - Sculling Brace Practice

2011-06-28T09:43:00.021+10:00

Under the sea
Under the sea
Darling it's better
Down where it's wetter
Take it from me
Up on the shore they work all day
Out in the sun they slave away
While we devotin'
Full time to floatin'
Under the sea
Alan Menken & Howard Ashman

I totally agree with Menken and Ashman - 'Darling its better, down where its wetter'.
Sculling brace; submerged meditation; devotin' time to floatin', no matter what you call it, planned time spent underwater in my kayak is rewarding. Following Warren Williamson's advice, I fall into the water, let myself sink and come up on the other side and slowly repeat it from side to side.

To improve I practice in all conditions.Of course the objective is to gain skills to use in challenging situations but I also find this activity very relaxing.

Special Dolphin Sighting

2011-05-24T14:00:00.046+10:00

Playing in rough water off Bribie Island in Moreton Bay, I noticed a strange looking dolphin jump out of the water and flip onto its back not far from me. I quickly paddled over to have a closer look, but it had disappeared. There are at least 8 dolphin species recorded in Moreton Bay so it is not uncommon to see them when paddling in the area. However since the Brisbane floods, visible marine activity has been minimal so I was quite excited by the close sighting.

used with permission_Ken Douglas
A short time later, as we continued to play, the same thing happened again. This time Gnarlydog also saw the dolphin and pointed out that it wasn't a dolphin, but a shark approx 4 - 5 ft long. It was quite dark on top with a white belly. The obvious difference was the blunt or stubby head.

Bull shark in 1m water_Alkok_used with permission
I did not feel overly concerned as the shark showed very little interest in us and while some rolling was going on, we were mostly above water in our kayaks. We continued playing for another hour or more, the shark splashing occasionally before disappearing altogether. I was keen to find out what type of shark it was as I had never seen one jump out of the water like that, especially so close to us. I contacted shark expert Valerie Taylor to ask her opinion:

Shark Conservationist and Underwater Film Maker Valerie Taylor AM
Tess
You have just described an average shark. Nearly all have white or pale stomachs and are darker on top. The blunt head sounds like a bull shark and they will jump out of the water. I have seen it several times. Do not ever get in the water when the vis is down. Predatory sharks hunt by sight and vibration. Lacking hands, if they cant see something splashing around in the water they can and often do investigate the unusual by biting. You were quite safe in your kayak specially if staying still like a log. Female Bull sharks at this time of the year are swimming into the harbours and rivers to pup. They do this so the males don't eat the new born sharks. The baby sharks will stay in the inland waters until they are big enough to hold their own in the ocean.
Regards Valerie Taylor ***

Bull Shark_Delusion Productions_used with permission
***Interview with Valerie and Ron Taylor

Getting close to GnarlyDog

2011-04-04T09:00:00.012+10:00

Wind forecasts above 15kn are a great time to head into the tidal flow where opposing forces create nice rough water to play in.
Getting close to GDog, very close...

Rainy Weekend Fun

2011-03-19T18:50:00.021+10:00

"In my opinion, you can never practice the sculling brace enough. What I like to do is to get into a sculling brace position, looking up, hands under the paddle, let yourself sink and come up on the other side, to the sculling brace. Doing this back and forth very slowly is a good workout. It's good for learning orientation when you’re under water, teaches you to relax and be ok with being in the water". Warren Williamson

Taking advantage of another rainy weekend when no one else was on the water, I played and had fun, rolling one day and surfing the next. As Warren says, the sculling brace is helpful in learning underwater orientation and relaxing underwater, both important for the kind of sea kayaking I enjoy.

Paddling out through the clear green water the sky was ominous and the falling rain stung my eyes. This small discomfort was quickly forgotten as each wave lifted the stern of my kayak for another ride.

Happiness is a Stick

2011-02-17T10:23:00.025+10:00

Dreamer Matt_Vanstix Aleut paddle
Queensland and my hometown Brisbane, is recovering from the unprecedented weather events of January 2011. Several local beaches and waterways remain closed to swimmers as a precaution. On some of the hottest days of Summer, the usually popular beaches are eerily deserted.

It’s no secret that playing around in my kayak with my stick makes me happy.
Kayaking is a chance for me to be fully present in the moment, not thinking about anything except my body, the paddle, the kayak and the water. Even when I muck it up, it’s still fun. I play to improve my skills and I like that I don’t have to be technically perfect to enjoy myself.

Gnarlydog sculling during a play session
As I play, get wet and focus in the now, I not only come to enjoy the sensation of being underwater in my kayak, I learn how the movements of my body affect the kayak in the water.

Greg Schwarz Scarecrow rolling during a play session
Playing with traditional paddles has fast tracked my learning and increased the FUN factor more than I could have imagined.

Greg's 'Downunder' stroke
Sticks may not be for everyone, but my friends and I enjoy learning the subtleties of using them - and the benefits they bring!

Birthday Rolls #46

2011-01-05T14:54:00.024+10:00

Starring: Greg Schwarz, Jim, Gnarlydog, Adventuretess
Guest Appearances: Moira, Bruce

12 months since the tradition of ‘birthday rolls’ began, it was time to do it all again. All rollers chose to use Greenland Paddles, including Jim who was using his homemade GP for the first time.
Birthday presents are not exchanged among group members; the act of getting together in this way is considered gift enough. I was therefore taken by surprise when Greg Schwarz handed me a small red fleece bag. What lay inside left me speechless: Greg had made me a Norsaq, a Greenland harpoon throwing tool similar to a Woomera. My Norsaq is a beautiful work of art meticulously made with the same timber used to make my GP. Greg substituted Ash on the tips and trim where traditionally bone would have been used.

I have no experience rolling with a Norsaq so was appreciative that Greg included lessons as part of the gift.

Entering the water, the effect of the recent devastating floods was apparent by the unusually brown water and our discovery of a freshwater catfish eel flopping around on the tide line. This poor fellow must have been washed out of a nearby freshwater creek.
12 months ago aged 45, I had wondered at my ability to perform as many rolls. Today attempting 46, plus 1 for luck, I had no such concerns. The challenge for me on this birthday lay in doing different types of rolls. The groups abilities are at different levels but throughout the session, butterfly, Greenland, hand, offside, speed, forward ending and other types of rolls were successfully performed.
On top of these, Greg decided to do his as hand rolls, all 50 of them, one after the other!
After completing the required number of rolls, we played.

Gnarlydog perfected his skirt-in-place re-enter and roll while Greg turned to his role as mentor, helping Jim achieve his first offside roll, using his new GP then guiding me in the use of the Norsaq.

I've found practicing and playing in my kayak improves both my skills and confidence and I’m fortunate to have many opportunities throughout the year to celebrate my kayaking friend’s birthdays in this way.

Jim & Tess

How do you celebrate your birthday ?

Going Out with a Bang

2011-01-01T16:37:00.011+10:00

For most of this year I've nursed an injury which has impeded my adventure activities. Opportunities to kayak were precious and with a little help from a Gold Coast instructor, some good kayaking DVDs, books and the endless patience of my mentors, I've experienced some quality bum-in-boat moments.
I enjoy rough water paddling and am in the process of acquiring the skills of kayak surfing. I'm fortunate to have spent the final day of 2010 with my friends in gentle surf, in my Nordkapp LV.

Team Vanstix_Vanilla, Adventuretess, Gnarlydog NYE 2010

Under Threatening Skies

2010-12-28T15:02:00.005+10:00

While others were fighting for bargains at post-Christmas sales, or staying out of the wet weather on their couches at home, I was itching to get my kayak wet.

The only post-Christmas “sale” I was interested in involved using my Flat Earth kayak “sail”. Unfortunately the forecast was for heavy rain instead of wind, so I left the sail at home, grabbed my GP and Gnarlydog and launched under threatening skies.

In contrast to the sky, the bay was calm and unusually devoid of boats. My body relaxed into the familiar rhythm of the forward stroke; the only sounds the occasional splash of the paddle and the ‘tic tic tic’ of rain hitting the brim of my hat. A feeling of peace enveloped me. It was 6 years to the day since I first took up sea kayaking.

Approaching the reef surrounding of our destination, the water line was clearly higher than usual, with the incoming flow encroaching on the usually dry land. The king tide was flooding the small protected bay with warm, clear water providing perfect conditions to practice sculling and rolling.
Taking advantage of the rare water height, we weaved a path over the submerged beach through mangroves and shrubs, inaccessible at other times. Small sandstone cliffs were reminiscent of the coastline in North Queensland, the pink colours a contrast against the surrounding dark foliage.
This rainy day exploration had left me with the feeling of a remote experience in my own backyard bay.

One for the 'Haters'

2010-12-13T14:41:00.033+10:00

used with permission

What is it with some people?
As a result of an incident I blogged about earlier this year, I become aware of a small 'clique' of local sea kayakers waging a smear campaign against me. Recently I was advised by a concerned source that this smear campaign is (still) very active.
I am addressing the despicable behaviour of these kayakers now because if I continue to say nothing, others might think what is being said is true, and it is definitely not.
I have learned from past events that staying silent achieves nothing except making me appear ‘guilty as charged’.
To the audience of these kayakers, when they speak their lies to you, ask yourself “What have I done to them? Why are they against me? Why are they trying to blacken my reputation when I am not present to defend myself?”
I don’t know, but I will not tolerate it.

This toxic 'clique' obviously thinks local kayakers are stupid enough to believe their lies and that their identity will remain anonymous to me. Think again. The sea kayaking scene is small.
I know who you are. I know you read this blog, as do the people you are denigrating me to.

YOU might think that with your smear campaign is achieving results however your audience is thinking for themsleves and discovering that YOU are a liar.
Surrounding yourself with a band of low-life individuals that apparenlty support the agenda to decriminalise your actions has not worked in your favour this time.

I'm calling you on your behaviour. If you continue to deliberately defame me, the very people you tell your lies to will know that YOU are telling lies. If you continue, what will your audience think of YOU?
Smart people will make their own minds up about me. The rest will believe you.

Sea Kayaks for People with Disability

2010-11-09T14:00:00.069+10:00

Lou, a friend’s daughter survived a horrific MVA which resulted in the amputation of one of her legs. Lou has been asking me how she can become a sea kayaker.
After talking with her, I remembered ‘Birthright’, a moving short film I had seen. In ‘Birthright’ Sean Mullens captures Michael’s daily ritual to find his natural self through surfing.
BIRTHRIGHT from Sean Mullens on Vimeo.
I reflected on ‘Birthright’ and options for Lou. Sea kayak manufacturers invest a lot of time and money into developing and improving sea kayaks, but what about kayaks specifically designed for people with disability? Weren’t sea kayaks well suited to people with lower limb mobility challenges?
During my search, I was drawn to Hybrid Unlimited, the project of sea kayaker Andre Janecki who is trying to develop a recreational kayak specifically designed for double leg amputees and paraplegics.

Hybrid Unlimited Designer Andre Janecki
Andre’s concept is that to feel free, to feel natural, feel in the moment, means you need to be independent.
The Hybrid Foundation Ltd, a not for profit organisation was formed to design and develop products to support people with disabilities.
Andre’s design, the Hybrid Unlimited is the world’s first kayak equipped with wheels.

Hybrid Unlimited concept design
Getting to, in and out of the water without assistance, is the key. Having motorised wheels would make the job much easier. In Andre’s design, quad inflatable sponsons are used for safety and durability. Seats are individually cast to the paddlers profile and a breathable top deck provides additional comfort. Aeronautical quality composites keep the weight to a minimum. This is no ordinary kayak, but neither are the paddlers the Unlimited is designed for!
Intrigued, I asked Andre a few questions to try (and) better understand the Project.
Andre, why is your design special?
Because it's the first ever kayak with wheels! Wheels are the key factor so you can go down and up the boat ramp on your own! To feel free you need to be independent!
Have you been able to test your design?
To fully test the UNLIMITED we need to "stretch" the scale down model for another... 4meters (12ft)! However with over 20 years of kayaking experience I know that this kayak will perform as intended (including the fun as well as the safety factor).
Do you have any indication on the demand for your design?
I wish there would never be demand for it, but sadly accidents happen every day. I can't quote double leg amputees statistics, but there are 80 cases of paraplegics per year (half of it involving young men) and this is only in Australia.
Will the kayak be transported on roof racks and if so will assistance or a special system be required to do so?
The roof rack or the passenger seat will do. The kayak centre section which includes the 3 wheels and the seat (I call it 'a cocoon') is only 1.2meters (4ft) long and will weight no more than 6kg (16lb). You shift your self in to it like the standard wheel chair and 'zoom' around your car to pull up the paddle, PFD, lunch box, sun glasses, etc. Then by flicking a switch the car battery will inflate the side sponsons (in less than 5 minutes) and you ready to roll down. Having the wheels motorized would obviously help (specially on the way up) but for the time being a 20 meter (65ft) long thick rope with equally spaced knots will do the job.
Where will the Hybrid UNLIMITED kayak be manufactured and how affordable will it be in comparison to sea kayaks currently on the market?
As a kayaker I see no boundaries. I am willing to sign with anyone regardless where (and who) they are. The UNLIMITED will always remain as a "recreational special need kayak" with cost equal to a quality "expedition sea kayak".
Andre, how do you fund the Hybrid UNLIMITED Project?
The Concept Design is on me. I am committing $350.00 from every "Hybrid 550" (a sea kayak like no other, in Andre's words) sold worldwide to the project.
But for the full size prototype we need a Sponsor with $50k. Funding is needed to purchase components and custom made features like carbon kevlar disc wheels, inflatable sponsons, vacuum mouldings, etc.
Will the Hybrid UNLIMITED kayak be available internationally and how will I be able to test and purchase one?
Internationally of course! But before we can test (and purchase) one, we need to find a Sponsor for this project! If there is one area I'm hopeless (and a failure!) with, it’s the correspondence to government and corporations. In September and October of 2009, I travelled through Europe, USA and Canada where the Project was well received, but we still need a major financial partner/sponsor.
Should anyone wanting more information contact the Hybrid Foundation Ltd directly?
By all means! I hope that together we can make it happen sooner! hybrid8@bigpond.com
Finally Andre, if you had one wish what would it be?
I wish for no accidents at all. But knowing the statistics I really wish for a CEO somewhere to realise the rewards for sponsoring the UNLIMITED ... at a cost equal to a replacement set of boardroom chairs!

Will the Hybrid UNLIMITED Project help Lou realise her goal? I don’t know, but a project as ambitious as this seems to sit appropriately within our sport, a sport that fosters ambitious sea kayaking expeditions and ‘firsts’.

Race Around Australia's Freya Hoffmeister Hybrid Foundation Ltd
image Andre Janecki_used with permission

If you have suggestions or comments to help Lou or Andre realise their goals, please join in this discussion and add your comment below.

Footnote - On 3 Dec every year, International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is celebrated worldwide to recognise the achievements and contributions of people with disability. One of IDPwD's aims is to involve people with disability and the broader community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness of IDPwD.

Shark I.D. update

2010-10-12T09:36:00.017+10:00

Eric Soares has published a story 'How to Deal with Sharks'.

The story includes shark & marine life encounters, tips on dealing with sharks and why it is always a good idea to listen to your kayak instructor.
Just as we practice recovery scenarios, recent media on sharks (giant hammerhead and great white 'lurking' off the Qld coast & the tragic loss of surfers lives in Perth W.A. and Santa Barbara U.S.A.) could encourage non-hysterical discussion among sea kayakers to plan for the unlikely event of a shark encounter - defence, first aid, kayak damage etc ?
Eric's (and the other Tsunami Rangers) experience with sharks as sea kayakers compliments the information shared with us in Shark I.D. by Valerie Taylor A.M.

Shark I.D. post first published July 2010

Mud Island Humpback Whales - 12 months on

2010-09-27T08:40:00.026+10:00

Update to post Humpback Whale Graveyard Oct 2009

12 months on Vanilla, Gnarlydog and I revisted Mud Island.

With a benign forecast and Gnarlydog's renowned lack of interest in flat water paddling, the only challenge on this 35km trip would take place in the mind. Fortunately Gnarly was blessed with great companions and an interesting destination.
En route to Mud, Gnarlydog spotted movement across the calm passage. It appeared to be kayaks also moving north. One, clad in bright orange was particularly visible 4km away. If you want to be seen on the water, those high vis tops favoured by some really do work!
Close to St Helena Island south of Mud, my attention was drawn below the surface of the water. The floor was bare here except for hundreds of small cone shells. As the water depth increased, I began to see sting rays and passed in amazed silence over a dozen turtles on the bay floor. A minor commotion in the water and swirls of black ink, left behind by a defensive fast moving squid captured my attention. Vanilla alerted us to an eagles nest precariously built on the very top of one of the super tall radio towers. It seemed to be an optimistic engineering feat but made us wonder how long any chicks would last when their first unpracticed flight was such a long way down.
Crossing the deep channel between St Helena and Mud Island, the boys asked me to investigate some movement in the water ahead. As I approached the source they eagerly asked 'is it a shark'? While it is pupping season, it was only a large ray.
At Mud we entered the moat like lagoon surrounding this part of the island and approached the creek entrance just as 2 kayakers, one wearing a bright orange top, were exiting. kayakdiary.net's Mark & Sue were the distant kayakers seen earlier, who were also exploring Mud Island on this calm day. Leaving Mark and Sue to continue their exploration, we entered the creek.

Surprisingly, there is still matter from 2 of the 3 whales decomposing among the mangroves but only the biggest bones of the 3 whales remain on the creek floor.
The creek is quite shallow even on a spring tide and the missing bones are too heavy to have simply washed away. Perhaps the EPA or souvenir hunters have removed them.
Weaving through the mangroves past the remains, Vanilla and Gnarlydog chose to follow the creek while I stayed behind and took photos to compare with Kate's, taken 12 months ago.

2009_Kate Yeomans_used with permission

2010_Tess Dodd
Up close, the smell was overpowering. The rancid stench stayed with me for most of the day.
The edges of the flattened remains were fatty and drifting with the movement of the water. The top had hardened and was littered with mangrove leaves.

Through the shallow water I could see vertebra and a rib lying on the floor beneath the floating remains. When my kayak nudged the fatty mass it startled a school of fish approx 30cm in length which swam out from underneath. While it looked and smelled disgusting, it was very interesting to see how long decomposition was taking and the effect on the immediate environment.
Gnarly called out to me concerned that I may have passed out from the smell. I stayed taking photos until I could bear the smell and mosquitos no more and rejoined him to paddle further up the creek.
The creek is a tight shallow channel surrounded by a submerged field of mangroves giving the feeling of being in a maze. On a spring tide you could lose your way. Vanilla was nowhere to be seen or heard which is not unusual given his low profile nature. We were unsure which direction he had taken so followed what we thought was the channel. Vanilla eventually emerged driven back by agressive swarms of mosquitos. 'Sand-Fla-Van'** was hastily produced and applied to already bitten skin.

We returned to the lagoon as the tide began to ebb enjoying the chance to paddle inside the islands protective coral barrier.
Conditions remained calm and returning to our launchsite we were compelled to create our own excitement, chasing and catching the small waves in the chop and mini tideraces along the way. Vanilla raised his sail but forward paddled faster than the weak tail wind. I was very happy to be in my Nordkapp LV Sialuk as my expedition boat would not have been as much fun in these small conditions.

**'Sand-Fla-Van' (Sand-Fly-Vanilla) was created by Vanilla using non toxic ingredients to replace commercial products containing DEET which destroy expensive outdoor gear. During the past 12 months, we have used it almost exclusively on trips with satisfying results. It is also multi use and has been used to stop bites itching and as a low grade anticeptic.

Mid Coast Humpback Whale Discovery

2010-09-08T19:08:00.012+10:00

During a recent expedition we discovered a Humpback whale carcass washed up on the beach by a full moon tide. Locals later advised us that the carcass had been drifting around the area in the previous weeks. I ventured closer observing that the baleen had washed up seperately along the beach. The birds seemed to like it but I did not linger as the smell was overpowering.

Report and images from the expedition to follow shortly.

Shark I.D.

2010-07-27T11:31:00.052+10:00

What shark is that, bumping my kayak.....

Great White Dorsal Fin_Image http://www.sticca.info/
Acknowledgement: I would like to thank Valerie Taylor AM (Member of the Order of Australia), multi award winning underwater action photographer, film maker, marine conservationist and shark authority for sharing some of her knowledge gained from 50+ years spent underwater with her husband Ron Taylor AM (Member of the Order of Australia).
Valerie, thank you.

Valerie Taylor AM with black tipped reef sharks_used with permission

I grew up on an island with a coastline that stretches almost 50,000km linked by over 10,000 beaches. My island home has the Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep and a marine environment which is home to species found nowhere else in the world. My island home is Australia.

Growing up surrounded by oceans and enjoying her bounty, you might expect I would be knowledgeable of the marine life, including sharks. While most Australians live within 50km of the coast, not all venture regularly into the water or have any real understanding of its inhabitants. Like most Australians, the foundations of my knowledge of sharks or in this case ignorance of them, was gleaned from the trusted newspaper, nightly news bulletin and movies. Between JAWS and Vic Hislop, I was totally brainwashed into being fearful of the ‘killing machines’ waiting to hunt me and eat me alive the moment I stepped into the ocean.
Thank goodness internationally renowned conservationists and underwater film makers Jacques Cousteau and Ron & Valerie Taylor were also on screen in Australia in the 70’s to offer us a factual perspective.

Diving with Tiger Shark_Valerie Taylor AM, Ron Taylor AM, Stan Waterman _Image g-na
As sea kayaking takes place in the marine environment it is interesting to note from recent conversations and forum entries that while we may have lost some of the paralysing fear associated with sharks, ignorance still abounds. We laymen don’t know how to identify them by sight or behaviour. Aside from being advised to avoid the sunup/sundown feeding times and churned up water at river mouths where an inquisitive bite could prove detrimental; there is little factual information available about shark behaviour around kayaks (in Qld anyway). For example, a recent touch up between a kayaker and a shark in Moreton Bay was immediately presumed to be by a Great White, even though no one saw the shark. It piqued my interest as my limited understanding was that Qld was not the preferred environment for Great White sharks. Surely there are other species of sharks more commonly found in Moreton Bay which may have tasted the hull?

Tiger Shark 'stripes' Image_g-na
Preferring facts to sensational speculation, I sought to find out more from acknowledged authorities. Fortunately, multi award winning underwater action photographer, film maker, marine conservationist and shark authority Valerie Taylor AM offered the following insights*. Ms Taylor advises that her expertise comes from her background as a diver, not a sea kayaker although you cannot argue that her phenomenal knowledge of sharks is undisputed:

Dear Tess,
Some female Great Whites go north to pup probably so their daddies do not eat the new born. They have been tracked swimming up the coast then swimming back. One was seen in the early 70s off Heron Island and photographed by an American called Stan Waterman. It was small, 2 meters. Smaller G Ws eat only fish. A big one has been seen by Peter Piggot (Uncle Pete's Toy stores) from a helicopter in Morton Bay. It was probably a female. They could follow the whales up the coast but there are many other sharks that hang around whales when they give birth mainly to eat the after birth. Not even a GW would take on a female whale protecting her young.
There are far fewer sharks off our coast than when I was young. In the 60s 70s we saw them constantly while diving and snorkelling. Now we rarely see them at all unless we go to a no take zone or protected area, then it is mainly the harmless Grey Nurse or Wobby.
If we see a shark in the wild while diving we consider ourselves lucky. If you see one while paddling enjoy the experience.
Regards Valerie Taylor AM

Great White_Image g-na
Since taking up sea kayaking, I have had close encounters with Humpback whales, dugong, dolphins, rays, sea snakes and turtles but seldom sharks. The handful of encounters with sharks has included an evening paddle where I was briefly accompanied by a dorsal fin; a Tiger shark surfacing to investigate in the passage between Moreton and Stradbroke Islands; I’ve been aggressively ‘bumped’ from below and followed by what I believe was a large shark, although it did not break the surface. My experiences are not unique as many sea kayakers would have similar experiences.
Tom Nicholson of Elver Paddles recounted this recent experience*, while he was paddling his hand made, skin on frame Greenland kayak off the northern NSW coast. Tom raises interesting questions about identifying shark species from dorsal fins, something I’ve wondered myself.

“On Saturday a cranking southerly was blowing. Perfect for a run from my place to Woolgoolga, 15km up the coast.I headed out in my F1 though dauntingly big surf, 3/4 expecting to be pounded back onto the beach. But my little boat really surprised me and we made it out the back. Guessing some solid 5 foot swell coming through. Once out there I headed north. I barely needed to paddle, other than to make sure I caught the swell when it was breaking behind me, and a bit of steering, as my little sail just cranked - plenty of speed bubble noises, and planing down swells.. at speed the F1 feels like it 'pops up' and planes.Half way there off Sandy Beach (yup it really is called that.. creative buggers round here..) I saw a large D shaped dorsal fin. Ragged trailing edge, sharky slow movement and a _large_ shadow, that seemed about the same proportions as my boat. No tail fin out of the water. Not great visibility of the body because of the wind chop.It was not a whale, and it wasn't a dolphin. ... clearly, it was a biggish shark. And it was turning across my bow, heading round.It certainly gave me some impetus to paddle!! Irrational cause 4 or 5 kts isn't going to out run a shark, but I felt much better paddling a bit away from it.Anyway the paddle was great, saw a whale, a pod of dolphins, some albatros and skewas (sp) and had a mighty nice time out there. Woolgoolga was beautifully sheltered, with offshore wind, and little waves for landing.But I can't ID the shark.From a bit of googling it looks like a great white fin shape, but does anyone know of a dorsal fin shark id method? I'm imagining a nifty poster (What shark is that?) Any help appreciated.”
TomN
www.elverpaddles.com
First published on SeaKayakForum Sun 25 June 2010

Tiger Shark_Image Willy Volk
There has been speculation on whether certain attributes of a sea kayak might attract a shark’s interest over others; hull colour; rudder acting as a lure; solo kayak or the straggler in a group of paddlers. Ms Taylor kindly responded to these and Tom’s questions below.

Dear Tess,
Interesting observations. Few sharks swim on the surface normally but some of the larger species will swim to the surface to investigate the unusual. Hammerheads (the smaller species) often swim on the surface with their dorsals out. They seem to like the sun. Sunfish or Mola Mola often mistaken for sharks do the same and their fin looks like that of a shark. They grow very large but eat jellyfish. They usual swim slowly. Tiger sharks have a curious nature. We have had them come up to check out our dingy and any other thing that they see floating. They have very sweet natures around divers, never aggressive (that’s our experience) but we know when working with them not to swim on the surface and when exiting the water if we have been working with a tiger we get out fast. One guy who does a lot of work with them has had 7 cameras that divers let go for a minute and they floated up taken by tigers. Warning - never swim after your camera, just let it float away if you are filming tigers. They will eat anything they do not understand. It is a test, remember sharks have no hands they feel with their nose or teeth, most of the cameras were later found still floating. The sharks had spat them out.
Great Whites also are very curious. They generally do not have a sweet nature. In the 70s we did a lot of colour tests with Great Whites. Their favourite colours seem to be cream, yellow and orange. In the 1980s we did colour tests for the US navy (they were testing the safest colour for the plastic bags that a downed airman could float in). Dark green like a garbage bag seemed best and I think that is what they use today. The US navy tests were in the tropics. No Great Whites.
Now, about the fins, even we have trouble identifying a shark by its dorsal fin but with a GW there is usually a tail fin at least breaking the surface a little. Tom’s dorsal sounds like a sunfish or perhaps a tiger. A Hammerhead would I think avoid you. They are very hard to approach when on the surface. I think a GW would move fairly fast though we have mostly seen them around baits in a feeding pattern. The few time we have encountered them without baits they were moving much faster than you could swim.
Bull sharks will also investigate the unusual specially something splashing around on the surface like a dying fish. They like the G White also investigate by biting which is why most swimmers on the very rare occasion contact with a Bull is made, are bitten then let go. Bull sharks are fish eaters but a bite in the water can bleed out a human very fast. Most deaths from shark attack are caused by loss of blood.
If I had a kayak I would never have the bottom a hot bright colour. As for white, well a lot of fish, sharks included have white bellies which must make them hard to see from below when looking up towards the sky. If a shark was investigating me in a kayak I would keep still, float like a log not splash around like a dying fish. If contact is made a jab in the gills with your paddle will have the shark showing great respect. No predator expects its intended prey to fight back. They expect it to try and escape.
Hope the above answers some your questions but remember my experience comes from being a diver not a paddler.
Regards Valerie Taylor AM

Bull Sharks_Image AlKok

Hammerhead Shark_Image ClifB

Sunfish or Mola Mola_Image jillmotts

Sunfish fin_Image gripso banana prune
Valerie’s information is interesting and offers a lot to think about. There is still plenty more to be learned. The Moreton Bay ‘touch up’ could have been a Great White but seems more likely to have been a Bull or Tiger shark. Regardless of type of shark, paddling a kayak that gets 'taste tested' would be memorable.
It seems dorsal fin identification may be a long way off yet and given their diminishing population, the chances of seeing a shark during a trip is rare. When Tom’s heart rate returns to normal, he may realise how fortunate he is to have had the experience.
You may have your own facts or close encounter to share, I would be interested to hear from you.

Postscript 4 Aug 2010:
from Valerie Taylor re Duane Strosaker report on Qajaq USA Greenland Kayaking forum 2 Aug 2010:
Dear Tess, Very interesting. The shark behaved as I would have thought it should. One small point I did not make when I wrote. Is if the shark cannot dig its bottom teeth into the intended victim (in this case a fibre glass hull) They will not bring their top teeth down with any force. This is maybe because they do not want to break them off or perhaps the subject is not tender and juicy like a fish or sea lion. I noticed this over 100 times during the mesh suit tests. To get the shark to bite properly I had to have a tuna fillet tied to the outside of the suit (they like tuna best) otherwise they would just give a test bite dislike the feel of the mesh and let go. Unfortunately a test bite from a well armed animal can cut through human flesh and veins very easily, it does not have to be aggressive just curious as the shark in the story you sent me seemed to be.
Regards Valerie

g-na,Stan Waterman, Valerie Taylor AM, Ron Taylor AM Jan 2010

*Used with permission of the author
**Information provided by Valerie Taylor AM relates to questions asked about regions in northern NSW and Queensland Australia.

Postscript:28 October 2010
Eric Soares has published a story titled 'How to Deal with Sharks'.
The story includes shark encounters, tips on dealing with sharks and why it is always a good idea to listen to your kayak instructor.

Kayak Surf Skills

2010-07-01T05:05:00.013+10:00

Starring: Craig McSween
Co Starring: Martin, Gavin, Gary, Vanilla, Gnarlydog and Adventuretess

A wise man of sea kayaking once told me "begin kayak surfing by playing in waves which feel comfortable. Over time, move to bigger and bigger waves, which still feel comfortable. Do things (waves) in increments, slowly acclimating yourself to a particular size until you feel the need inside to try something more challenging. If that voice inside you doesn't appear, then you are not ready to go for bigger waves. So don’t let anyone force or talk you into something you are not ready for. Also, if you are going into the surf, expect to get wiped out. There is no shame in that. The trick is to know how to get wiped out". Good advice.

I was upside down. My eyes closed, I could feel bubbles fizzing around me as waves rocked my kayak in the surf. I was here to build on my surf skills.
I guess the lesson had begun.
Relaxing, I rolled up only to be hit in the chest and pushed backwards by another breaking wave. Laughing, adrenalin pumping, I felt alive.

My kayak surfing skills had been put on hold over summer. During the warmer months my favourite beaches are heaving with surfers, stand up paddlers and swimmers. Not enough space for me to safely practice my developing skills. Frustrated by the lack of time in the surf, I eagerly grasped the opportunity to participate in a formal surf session with one of Queensland’s leading sea kayak instructors, Craig McSween.
I’ve know Craig for several years. In fact, he introduced me to sea kayaking. His easygoing manner belies enviable skill and an innate understanding of the complexities of the sea.**

The objective of this session was to push ourselves in the surf within the boundaries of common sense. Conditions were mild but provided enough energy to achieve our objective and have some fun. Following a thorough briefing and warm up, the helmeted group of 6 hit the water.

Locating a section of surf without the usual mob crowding the swell, Craig outlined each skill then provided a demonstration. Craig’s ability to impart real life knowledge gives his training an edge not found in text books. Under his guidance we ventured backwards, forwards, sideways and at times upside down through the surf. I had flashbacks of the anxiety of going for my driver’s license; hill start, parallel park, reverse, merge...

Until now I believed my days of doing cartwheels were left behind in childhood. Martin cart wheeled and rolled perfectly. His first, he wore an elated yet stunned expression on his face for some time after. Gnarlydog managed 3 cartwheels and rolls as he battled in and out through the breakers. Gavin and Vanilla displayed their usual elegance under pressure and I’ve no doubt Gary was low bracing in his sleep that night.

I cannot speak for anyone else but Craig's confident relaxed attitude gave my confidence a nudge and whet my appetite to play more often in the surf.

**Craig's interest in sea kayaking led to the inception of the Qld Sea Kayak Club. Craig continues to provide training, tours, equipment and advice to Club members, tourists and members of the public through AdventureOutlet, his Gold Coast business.

Lime Pocket Weekend

2010-06-16T12:25:00.020+10:00

Starring: 30knot Melt, Gillian, ‘Little Ripper’ Skipper Rob, Vanilla, Gnarlydog, Adventuretess
Special Appearances: ‘Little Ripper’, 70 black swans, 140ml rain and 30knot winds

From beneath the brim of my rain soaked hat, I surveyed my companions. Heads bowed into 30knot wind to protect naked eyes from the sting of lashing rain, progress was slow but steady. The force of a sudden stronger onshore gust momentarily surprised me. It was at this moment Vanilla suggested we all kayak roll…

24 hours earlier…

The Queensland weather was turned to ‘sauna’ hot.

Our group would be camping remotely on the northern end of Bribie Island. Paddling to meet the others at the launch site, the early morning air was sultry, yet unusually clear and still. Buildings 12km away across the bay were clearly visible.

Kayaks loaded with ultralight camping gear and gourmet food, we made our way north where we would rendezvous with Skipper Rob from ‘Little Ripper’, the only non kayaking member of the group.
Zigzagging around the many sandbanks scattered up the shallow passage, local birdlife was abundant, but the dolphins, turtles and sting rays commonly seen here stayed hidden below us in the cool water.
The humidity as we paddled was unrelenting, causing droplets of sweat to trickle uncomfortably down faces, backs and cleavages.

Halfway to our campsite we located the 'Mothership'.

Landing nearby, views of the distant Glasshouse Mountains were superb. The antics of the resident birds entertained us while we ate lunch.

We continued to enjoy the panorama as we followed the channel toward Lime Pocket, our overnight destination. There are no facilities or drinking water there. Campsites are nestled privately in the bush along the passage. As we passed the Mission Point campground, I was pleased my companions were also interested in remote camping, as the campsites and beach here were overflowing with boats and people.

Reaching Lime Pocket, we quickly set up camp as Skipper Rob arrived and set anchor. Rob promptly cast a fishing line and an amused eye over us as we swam and enjoyed a session rolling the now empty kayaks.

Rolling novice Gillian keenly listened as Melt introduced her to some basic skills. Gill was later rewarded with a hot shower aboard the ‘Mothership’.

Skipper Rob extended his hospitality to the whole group making several trips in the tender collecting some for showers and the rest for refreshments. Recharged, we shared a substantial happy hour on the back deck of ‘Little Ripper’ as the sun set. Once darkness descended, ‘popping’ noises could be heard on the surface of the water surrounded the boat. Efforts were made to try and catch the elusive fish before Rob returned us to shore for dinner.
Evening temperatures were still warm. Gourmet dinners were prepared and eaten quickly, as the mozzies began feasting on us.

During the night the rain came. 140ml of it. Rain. And more rain.

After a night of record breaking rainfall, the downpour eased as dawn arrived.
Launching back into the passage, the weather could not have been more different to the previous day. The volume of rain in the passing showers was incredible. Once again passing Mission Point, the beach and campground were now deserted in stark contrast to the previous afternoon.

Virtually alone on the water we again had only the birdlife for company. Flying above us was an enormous stork whose size was likened to an albatross. Ahead on a large sandbank were elegant shapes that were difficult to identify in the conditions. As we drifted closer, we counted 70 black swans striking poses in the rain.

We returned to the original launch site to farewell 2 group members, while those remaining continued. Incredibly, within minutes of leaving ‘30knot Melt’ behind, a 30 knot squall was upon us. The driving rain pelted our faces and flattened the tops of surrounding waves. It was fantastic and energising to be out there!
Vanilla made the suggestion to roll as the squall momentarily increased. The 3 remaining kayakers rolled as requested, observing the muted silence in those few seconds under water.

On this trip I found that using my Aleut ‘Bling stick by Van’ was easier than the larger bladed euro style paddles I have used in similar conditions on other trips.
The combination of varied conditions, magical wildlife, remote camping and exceptional company made this weekend an absolute cracker – one of my all time favourite overnight trips.

QSKC The darkest hour

2010-05-16T12:15:00.060+10:00

Please be advised, this entry has a local focus and is a departure from the usual posts on this blog.
*Updates have been added at the end of this post*

QSKC The Darkest Hour

In my opinion, the current committee of QSKC is formed by a majority of deceitful hypocrites.

There, I said it!
Now I finally can.

I am no longer associated with the Qld Sea Kayak Club.
Now that I no longer belong to the Club, I don't have to fear censorship, unrelenting judgement and intimidation.

Members of the Committee have waged a "witch hunt" against me since the day that I wanted to expose that I was a victim of sexual harassment during Club trips from a QSKC member, who also happens to be friends with a majority of current Committee members.

I believe the QSKC Committee and Queensland Canoeing have successfully managed to brush under the carpet a very serious incident.
I was not given a fair chance to present my sexual harassment/bullying complaint (1) and have been ill advised by the Qld Canoeing Member Protection Officer on procedures, seemingly so the complaint could be dismissed on technicalities.

As far back as the 2008 QSKC Xmas weekend held at Cotton Tree, I was warned by the then Vice President/Webmaster not to ‘upset’ the current QSKC Secretary and Events Coordinator, or I would be sorry; that they were influential in the sea kayaking community and that I should be very careful.
When I asked exactly what he meant, why I should be careful, he replied because they were close friends of the Club member who had been named by me as a bully and sexual harassment offender.

Since the inception of the 2009/2010 Committee, I believe the QSKC has seen the worst management in its history (2).

The Committee has now terminated my QSKC membership under a self interpreted technicality of the Model Rules, despite my actually having not done anything wrong. Instead of issuing a formal warning or reprimand and disregarding my reply to their Show Cause demand and my substantial contributions to the QSKC and the sport of sea kayaking, they chose to terminate my membership.

But the Committee won't stop at that.
Now they are after the person that brought the sexual harassment matter to their attention: Damiano Visocnik.

Damiano appears to have been a thorn in their backside for a while.
In the best interests of QSKC members, Damiano has exposed several problems within the Club concerning safety and ethical management which were apparently not well received.
Now the Committee wants to terminate his membership on grounds that he was aware that potential profit was to be made from one of the ‘Special Events’ that I organized. They accuse Damiano of breaking alleged Club rules that actually don't exist in the Model Rules.

So, it seems that while it was OK that Damiano and other Committee members are aware that other Club and Committee members (present and past) make a profit from Club events, suddenly Damiano is breaching Club rules for knowing, after the fact, that Tess Dodd made a potential profit from a Special Event that she organized.

It is OK that past and current Club and Committee members provide a service to members for a profit, but when I organized an event for the Club and, to avoid being out of pocket, quoted a fee to encompass unknown costs, suddenly I am breaking Club rules...

I attended the Committee meeting held on 5th May 2010 where the Qld Canoeing Member Protection Officer advised the Committee that any profits made from Club events were between the Committee and the provider.
The Events Coordinator and one of the recently appointed General Committee Members both argued that it is OK for Club members (one works for Qld Canoeing Inc and the other advertises on the QSKC website) to make a profit from the Club, as they are ‘commercial operators’ who pay tax.

For the record, I have an ABN and declare any profits made from such ventures to the Taxation Department, as I hope do other Club and Committee members who make a profit. But for some reason I’m the only one who has been singled out as breaking an alleged rule somewhere and Damiano is being blamed for that rule breaking (3).

For the ‘Special Event’ in question, held more than 12 months ago, I made all arrangements myself in my own time using my personal phone, email and banking details (as I have previously done for several years with many other groups interested in participating in outdoor pursuits eg: Honestly Woman Magazine, BCE Social Club).

The participants in the Special Event (Club and Non Club members) were advised of the cost of the event and asked to deposit the monies into my personal bank account, NOT the QSKC bank account or through the Events Coordinator. Invoices and expenses were paid from my personal bank account.

My accountant and the Aust Dept of Taxation are the only ones who are aware of any profits made from any ventures I am involved in. While Damiano (and others) is aware of some of my activities, he does not have full disclosure of my financial matters.

The Committee refuses to acknowledge this and has deemed Damiano to have breached club rules and are now asking him to ‘show cause’ why his QSKC membership shouldn't be terminated.

In light of the Committee's decision to pursue Damiano, I believe it's fair that all Club and Committee members making a profit from events (that the Events Coordinator promotes for Club members), or who know of this, should also be asked to show cause.

Footnotes:
If I want to remain a member of the QSKC I need to lodge an appeal to be heard by interested Club members during a general meeting.

During the past 12 months I have been informed by Club members that they have been told slanderous tales about me by serving Committee members.

Present and past members had already been told that I would be kicked out at the next meeting, before the verdict.

As it appears the termination of my membership was premeditated to further personal agendas, I do not believe at this time I would be afforded an unbiased audience for a fair appeal.

(1) - 3rd Feb 2007 QSKC Mudcrab Madness trip - exposing genitals to me, then urinating. Making sexually suggestive remarks to a female visitor at camp.

Feb 2007 - Aug 2007 – Hearing my name called and looking over to see him expose his genitals to me, which on one occasion he was fondling.

Aug 2007 – QSKC Fraser Island Whale Watch trip - while heavily intoxicated, exposing genitals to me during the trip and sharing graphic details of sex life. Asking if I knew the meaning of certain sexual terms. When I asked him to stop he continued and as I walked away, he followed me insisting I HAD to hear it.

Oct 2008 - While serving as Club President, I received abusive and threatening phone calls which I ended and reported to the Committee and the Qld Canoeing Member Protection Officer.

The member resigned soon after but has since rejoined the Club and is now in a position of power as a Committee Member.

(2) -The elected President resigned after a very public outburst slandering me on the Club member email group.
The elected Webmaster resigned with a pending grievance against him for discrimination and bullying.

(3) - As Events Coordinator at the time of the ‘Special Event’, Damiano was responsible for taking registrations from Club and Non Club Members interested in the ‘Special Event’ advertised on the QSKC website, just as the previous and current Events Coordinator is.

Additional supporting substantiating material available on request to interested parties by private email.

" I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell."
Harry S Truman, Apr. 3, 1956

UPDATE 11th June 2010 -
I have been notified by a QSKC member that financial members have been provided with information regarding my ‘show cause’ and have been advised of an appeal date.

This came as a surprise to me as I received no communication from the Committee regarding the appeal prior to this.

I believe this to be yet another example of the steamroller (bullying) tactics employed by this Committee.

Would it not be wise to advise the parties involved BEFORE advising club members?
Would it not be wise to confirm with the parties involved IF they are available on a specific date?

Perhaps scheduling a meeting (at short notice) at a time and place that is unsuitable to most members is to the Committee’s advantage?

I reiterate my earlier statement – given the demonstrated questionable behaviour of the so called ‘Management’ Committee (who are charged with representing the best interest of the club and its members, NOT their own agenda’s) in regard to this matter and others, I find it difficult to believe I would be given a fair hearing.

QSKC smear campaign policy

- create a chat group that is distributed to all members private email addresses without prior permission from the members (breach of privacy)

- accuse and defame individuals publicly

- if the accused tries to present their side of the story, ban them from the chat group

- when other members step in to question the Committee or defend the accused, ban and delete all evidence of conversations relevant to the matter

- since that was not enough, terminate the accused membership

It appears that the QSKC has adopted an autocratic style of management, peddling propaganda and censorship.

The authority (QSKC Committee) creates unethical means for communicating the agenda they want to pursue, while eliminating any possible democratic conversation. Members wishing to ask questions or make comment are invited to email Committee members, who do not reply.
As a former Web Master (who resigned before he could be terminated) would answer to controversial/and any other issues put to him: "End of discussion..."

The QSKC Committee creates ‘policies’ to further their own agenda. This is done without consulting members or advising them of their introduction. Records and files have been deleted and meeting minutes contain omissions and bias.
No wonder the Committee so adamantly opposed the voice recording of those meetings.

Teen Greenland Rolling

2010-02-22T12:34:00.035+10:00

Mini-Me does rolling
Starring: Greg Schwarz & Mini-Me

Loving this sport as I do, I sometimes wonder how much more I could achieve if I had started sea kayaking earlier in life - what an advantage to soak up kayak skills when you are younger, braver, have more energy and more importantly, youthful flexibility.

I recently had the pleasure to be part of a small group practicing balance and rolls in a variety of sea kayaks where one of the group, was a young girl.
Prior to this, the girl had only paddled a friend’s plastic kayak with a large recreational cockpit and no bulkheads for a half hour during a picnic.

This was her first time paddling a sea kayak. She chose a Greenland paddle and skeg boat (Norkapp LV) and surprised us by listening carefully and applying advice that was offered on the intricacies of forward stroke and body rotation. She spent some time paddling up and down the beach practicing the stroke and in turn, offered critique on some of our forward paddle styles.

Observing others rolling, sculling and balanced bracing, she surprised us again by asking if she could try some of the things we were doing.
Paramount to any beginner’s success is having a kayak that fits and access to skilled mentors and while none of the kayaks were a perfect fit, she was fortunate that Greg Shwarz was among the group. Under Greg’s guidance she began balanced bracing a Tahe Marine Greenland kayak almost immediately!

Only minutes later she grasped the technique of sculling and it was only because she was underdressed and shivering from the cold water that she didn't learn to perfect a roll.
Next time, suitably dressed for immersion, maybe she will surprise us with a hand roll? :-)

Butterflies and Hand Rolls - Australia Day 2010

2010-01-27T13:34:00.010+10:00

Starring: Greg and Moira Schwarz, Gnarlydog, Adventuretess

Australia isn’t only about vegemite, koalas, mateship and cockroach races at the Story Bridge Hotel, it’s about living the Aussie dream and ‘having a go’.

After returning a day early from Fraser Island, I decided to spend my bonus day off pursuing my current Aussie dream, to hand roll my kayak.

An impromptu session with rolling mentors Moira and Greg Schwarz was arranged.
Watching Greg and Moira’s effortless balanced braces and Greenland rolls has inspired me to ‘have a go’.

It isn’t always pretty, but I have a lot of fun testing the boundaries of balance in my kayak. Without their guidance, balanced bracing would just be some weird thing that those kayak roll specialists do.
Armed with determination and a neoprene oven mitt, we met Moira and Greg among the patriotic hordes setting up bbq’s and esky’s along the grassy shorefront.
I’ve been attempting hand rolls for a short time and I just couldn’t quite pull it off. Almost reaching the back deck and then failing, my bare handed sweep wasn’t working for me. Warming up with a short paddle and a few rolls, I carefully studied Greg and Moira as they performed hand rolls.
I put the neoprene glove on and listened carefully to Moira’s instructions.

Before I knew it I had rolled and was lying on Sialuk’s back deck looking into the sky.

Success!

Tentatively I tried again, to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. Feeling more confident, I tried it again and sure enough, up I came.
By this time, I was getting excited and wanted to try it one more time before going commando (without the glove). Well, the magic left me and my hand rolling came to an end. Moira comforted me with assurances that this was common when learning to hand roll. It comes. And it goes.
Taking a break we all swapped kayaks and I watched as Moira hand rolled, Greg elbow crook rolled and Damiano butterfly rolled in Sialuk – his first!
Moira paddles an Avocet LV and the cockpit fits me very well. I decided to try the hand roll one more time and surprising myself, I managed to hand roll a further 3 times in the Avocet LV before the magic washed off.
We 4 left the beach satisfied. For a few short hours we’d all ‘had a go’ and ‘lived the dream’. Sharing celebratory ice creams afterwards, I was a very happy kayaker.

Team Vanstix 3 Days at Fraser Island

2010-01-27T13:32:00.024+10:00

QSKC Australia Day Weekend at Fraser Island
Starring: Team Vanstix

I love a sunburnt country
A land of sweeping plains
Of ragged mountain ranges
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons
I love her jewel-sea
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!
~ extract from ‘My Country’ by Dorothea McKellar

This poem has resonated with me since I first learned it in Year 7 at school. It often comes to mind during trips. Dorothea McKellar was only 22 when she wrote about the drama, hardships and beauty of life in Australia.

While the majority of the local paddling community were content to spend another weekend in Moreton Bay, our QSKC group decided to take advantage of a rare 4 day weekend to travel to the more remote location of Fraser Island.
During winter, Hervey Bay and the waters off Fraser Island are bustling with commercial whale watch boats vying for glimpses of migrating Humpback whales and their calves. In summer, the warm temperatures and public holidays attract 4wd campers who tend to stay inland or on the eastern side of Fraser, leaving the western side peaceful in comparison.
Launching from Urangan we quickly reached Big Woody Island, negotiating the shallow water surrounding the island before eventually rounding the rocky southern tip. After leisurely investigating the southern beach, we made the crossing to Moon Point on Fraser Island with sails up.
Rounding Moon Point, the tantalising view of foliage rimmed by white sand and clear turquoise water spread out before us. As we headed along the beach we began looking for campsites. A friendly yachty moored close by warned us of the sandflies waiting to ambush us on the beach.
Having spent time in bug infested locations around the world; we laughingly assured them a few sandflies wouldn’t diminish our enjoyment of the surroundings..…Famous. Last. Words.

Unfortunately, we had no sooner set up camp and sat down to enjoy happy hour together than the ambush began.
The yachties were right and we watched enviously as they relocated further offshore for the evening. The onslaught of all things biting was relentless. Sandflies; biting black flies; green march flies; monster black flies; mosquitoes.
Fully dressed and smothered in various strength repellents including the usually reliable Sand Fla Van and DEET, one member of the group surrendered and retreated to his tent, the ONLY safe haven. Another member cloaked himself in a large mosquito net, to no avail. Dinner was prepared as quickly as possible and eaten together in 1 tent, where we were finally able to relax.
Rising early in the morning we noticed that there were no signs of the usual evening visits of local dingoes. Perhaps the insects had driven them away? We quickly packed up camp and without stopping for brekfast, were on the water to continue our trip in record time.
The air temperature was warm and so was the water. As we paddled, the swell running onto the beach created waves to play in.Vanilla bracing on shore breakers
Reaching Woralie Creek early, we were pleased to see only 2 others in camp. Surveying the campsite, it was extremely disappointing to see places we had previously pitched tents now littered with toilet paper, illegal fire pits and the blackend remains of fires. Aside from the fact fires are not allowed on Fraser Island, the fact that the fires had been made on the flat areas leaving only sloping sites to pitch tents on, offered an insight into the intelligence of the fire bugs.
It also raised questions about the management of this world heritage listed island. Perhaps along with Dingo warning signs posted around the island, there should be instructions on how to shit in the bush. Dingoes will dig up anything that isn’t deeply buried, so if you are merely covering your waste with a piece of bark or leaves, you may as well not bother. It’s also highly desirable to do it away from the campsite, not just at the base of the tree closest to your tent!

The QSKC in partnership with Leave No Trace Australia promotes minimal impact camping on all club trips; small groups using sound environmental practices. Information on minimal impact camping and kayaking can be found on the QSKC and LNT websites.

The afternoon was spent rolling and playing just off the beach and as darkness enveloped us, a pleasant evening was spent out in the open, the biting insects at this campsite deterred by clothing and repellent.

A dawn text message relaying a family emergency forced a change of plans. After another fast pack up, we were quickly on the water for the return paddle to Urangan. Averaging over 8km per hr, we had moments of welcome excitement crossing sandbanks with tide rushing over them. Small following seas and a tail wind in our sails assisted us with our 35km return trip to Urangan harbour.

**Although this was a Qld Sea Kayak Club trip, the Club Webmaster Gary Tischer refuses to publish my trip reports on the QSKC website or my submissions to the Club Google Group**
***9th Feb 2010 - As there was a grievance pending against the Club Webmaster, I was asked to remove the above comment. The Club Webmaster has since resigned and the remaining members of the Committee have introduced a new policy regarding links to blogs and websites http://www.qldseakayak.canoe.org.au/site/canoeing/qldseakayak/downloads/QSKC_Communication_Policy.pdf
The ex Webmaster has himself posted comments about this on a public forum http://www.seakayakforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57&start=40#p5395 , negating the need for any comment on my blog to be removed.***

Scarborough to Bribie - Keeping the Skin on my Tail

2010-01-06T10:03:00.023+10:00

Starring: 8 members of the 'Claytons Group', Greg Schwarz, Gnarlydog, Adventuretess

Gnarlydog using his Flat Earth Kayak Sail and Elver Greenland paddle

The original seat in my Nordkapp LV ‘SIALUK’ has been rubbing the skin off my tail on trips longer than 15km. Very fond of the hull's shape but not of the "furniture", I tried, among other things, heat deforming the seat to change its shape but ultimately the best solution on longer trips was to duct tape the area on my butt that was likely to be rubbed raw.

Gnarlydog made me a new seat in the MEI (Multisport Expeditions International) workshop. After a week playing with kayak rolls, I decided to test the new seat during a 27km social paddle with members of informal kayak group The Southeast Queensland Sea Kayakers or 'Claytons Group'.

11 kayakers launched at Scarborough heading for Bongaree on Bribie Island, Group members quickly settled into their own paddle rhythms, the lack of breeze making the trip humid. Optimists in the group kept sails raised, hopeful to catch any whisper of wind. Unchallenging conditions combined with eager paddling made for a fast arrival at Bongaree.

Reaching the sand beach, some opted for a refreshing swim in the inviting water, while others practiced rolling. I separated from the group here to share lunch with some locals before paddling back to Scarborough later in the afternoon.

Afternoon sail

Sailing back, we noticed smoke flares and activity in the distance. The local Coastguard was undertaking a training activity, using a rescue helicopter to transfer people from water to moving boat and back again. Staying low to water and boat during manoeuvres, the ability of the chopper pilot was impressive. Watching the surface water dispersed by the hovering helicopter, I wondered about the effects the downdraft might have on a kayak....

Landing back at Scarborough with the skin on my tail intact, I was very happy with the new kayak seat, which only need minor mods to be perfect for me.

45 Rolls for my 45th Birthday

2010-01-06T10:00:00.022+10:00

Starring: Gnarlydog, Greg Schwarz, Adventuretess

Celebrating my birthday close to Christmas and New Year has always posed challenges as to the best way to celebrate. Most people are partied out after so many ‘festive’ celebrations. I prefer celebrating by spending time with favourite people, outdoors if possible.
During a recent QSKC trip, ideas were tossed around as to the best way to acknowledge my 45th birthday. It's the wrong time of year to undertake a 45km bush walk in Queensland (too hot), perhaps a 45km paddle would do the trick. The suggestion was put forward to try doing 45 kayak rolls using Greenland paddles (GP).
As I only learned to kayak roll with a euro paddle a little over a year ago and could then only do 3 rolls in a row in flat water if I was lucky, I felt this would be a suitable, fun challenge to commemorate my birthday. While I can roll and have spent hours roll training, I have never counted them. I believed the desired outcome was achievable; I just wasn’t sure how difficult it would be.
Vanilla and Blackduck were both out with chest infections, leaving Gnarlydog and Greg Schwarz to bravely join me in the challenge. Plans were made, rules discussed and rewards decided. The 3 challengers would use traditional paddles (Greg his homemade Schwarz GP; Gnarlydog an Elver GP & Adventuretess a borrowed Mitchell GP – thanks Steve).
We 3 are all GP newbies, with different kayaking styles and skills. The smart money was on Greg having the easiest time reaching our target of 45 rolls each. Greg and his wife Moira are skilled rollers who practice regularly and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. They introduced me to balanced bracing and have taught me new rolls, as well as helping me to improve my existing rolls.
All the visualisation, vitamins and yoga paid off (I’m kidding, we woke up, drove to the beach and launched) as Gnarlydog set the pace by aggressively rolling 10 times in fast succession.
While Gnarly was eager to get his rolls on the tally board, Greg and I were a little slower to begin.

A healthy competition to be the first to reach 45 was soon underway, our beachfront audience of mostly grey nomads watched in alarm before realising we were repeatedly tipping over on purpose.
There was a variety of beautiful rolls performed, but the choppy conditions made photographing our quest difficult.
My rolls were not always ‘pretty’, but I did not fail any until I passed the 50 mark and started playing with my offside and forward sculling rolls – neither of which I have done before!
Gnarlydog was first to reach 45, plus 1 for good luck.
Greg and I quickly followed and as there was still some air left in the tanks, we continued to roll. Around 60 rolls in, Gnarly’s ADD (Action Deficit Disorder) kicked in and he couldn’t resist surfing the small waves pushing us around.
‘Speed rolling’ was something else I hadn’t tried before, so timing each other, we took turns to see how many rolls we could do in 10 seconds. What fun, although I may need to change my name to Dizzytess!
Celebrating later with Greg and his wife Moira over a feed of fresh prawns and ginger beer, the new Gordon Brown DVD played in the background as we discussed the different ways to construct traditional paddles and the merits of using different types of wood. It was the perfect end to my birthday challenge.
Completing the challenge was a huge achievement for me. The improvement in my rolling during the last 12 months affirmed my 2009 decision to dedicate time to roll and play instead of ‘throwing a few rolls in at the end of a trip’, usually tired and with a loaded boat.
I’m now almost more comfortable upside down than right way up in the kayak.
2010 presents more opportunities to continue improving my skills, with a strong focus on GP. I am very impressed with traditional paddles and particularly the lack of stress in my body. I also paddle with an Aleut paddle, which is slightly different to a GP.
I could not think of a better way to celebrate turning 45 – except maybe doing 45 different rolls….

Larry Gray at the Australian Sea Kayak Symposium

2009-11-30T14:01:00.037+10:00

Larry Gray and Tess
Australian Sea Kayak Symposium, Currumbin, Qld.

“When we become one with the sea, a primal part of ourselves is released. We recover that instinct all human beings shared before we distanced ourselves from the living world around us. Ironically we feel more empowered by leaving behind all of the props of the modern world.
Perhaps, that is why so many seek the simplicity of the kayak. It is the ultimate craft for merging with the ocean, for understanding its moods and surrendering to its dynamism. When we enter the ocean in a sea kayak, we combine with a greater force. We start to understand who we truly are and what we are capable of.”
Larry Gray

Renowned Australian sea kayak adventurer, award winning documentary maker and Pittarak sea kayak designer Larry Gray was the guest presenter at the 2009 Australian Sea Kayak Symposium.

Relatively unknown in Queensland’s sea kayaking community, Larry impressed everyone with his unpretentious behaviour. His skills workshops were extremely popular after the opening night audience were kept spellbound during his presentation. Sharing his experiences honestly and with unrestrained physical animation, Larry entertained while his documentarys amazed. Tales of close calls, ingenious gear fixes and an implicit acceptance of indigenous ways, offered an insight into this unaffected man.

Larry’s style might be considered unorthodox in some sea kayaking circles, but it would be a mistake to underestimate him as a sea kayak adventurer or documentary maker.

His first kayak expedition in the 1970's began as 2 mates going for a paddle -that lasted 6 months Mallacoota to Torres Strait Island. During his documentary making career, Larry has captured incredible vision surfing through storms and breathtaking images from his 1980's expedition to Greenland.

His partner Producer Mary O’Malley and son often travel with Larry to remote locations and feature in some of his documentaries.

His continuing passion for indigenous communities and kayaking adventures ensures his life remains the proverbial ‘Boys Own Adventure’. In fact Larry’s boyish charm is evident during his demonstration of the difficult ‘Stealth Roll’.

Larry Gray 'Stealth Roll'
Larry Gray is no ‘show pony’. During workshops he demonstrates only some of his incredible paddle and boat control skills. While he obviously advocates paddler safety and injury prevention, he doesn’t say that what he does is the only way to sea kayak, or his tools (euro paddle and Pittarak kayak) are the only tools to use.
Hopefully this is only the first of many visits to Qld for Larry.
To find out more about Larry, purchase his documentarys or contact Larry Gray and Mary O’Malley visit Pittarak Sea Kayaks

The Puffin Paddle - One Man. One Brother. One River

2009-11-03T14:01:00.019+10:00

Puffin Magic Foundation

I became aware of The Puffin Paddle while reading Fatpaddler's blog. Sean (Fatpaddler), shared this incredible story of tragedy, hope and brotherly love that I now share with you.

On 1 November 2008 James Gribble suffered a severe spinal injury in a freak accident, rendering him a quadriplegic. Waiting to go Tiger fishing on the mighty Zambezi River on a terribly hot day, James merely fainted whilst sitting on a stool, falling backward onto hard sand.

The result of this seemingly innocuous occurrence was catastrophic. The impact of the fall severely bruised his spinal cord and broke his C4 and C5 vertebrae, leaving James with voluntary movement only from his shoulder up.

Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the location, it was 30 hours before James reached fully qualified medical care. This delay worsened his condition by causing fluid to collect in his lungs, leading to respiratory complications.

The Puffin Magic Foundation (PMF) was founded with the goal of supporting James throughout his rehabilitation and to expand to support other quadriplegics.
In an effort to raise funds for the PMF, James’ younger brother, Martin will attempt to kayak the length of the Murray River from Albury-Wodonga on the NSW / Victorian border, to Goolwa, South Australia.

Paddling constantly rain, hail or shine, The Puffin Paddle will take 56 days to complete the 2,200km journey and will commence on 1 November this year-hopefully Martin will finish on time and make it home for Christmas with James and his family.

Read the blog of Martin's journey driven by love of one brother for another http://puffinpaddle.wordpress.com/

Kayak Roll Preparation - "Pre-Rolling'

2009-11-02T12:04:00.013+10:00

Like most kayakers, when I first started sea kayaking, learning to kayak roll was on my priority list.
I couldn’t wait to learn to roll believing it would be easily accomplished.
Rolling would be a key skill to letting me go where I wanted to travel in a sea kayak…out in the sea.

Armed with basic bracing strokes, I eagerly attended roll training with a qualified instructor. As I wasn't used to the reality of being upside down underwater, once in the rolling class, I soon realized that suddenly being tipped over underwater was not the most comfortable or familiar environment.
Anxiety mixed with the confusion of being upside down made learning the steps to a successful roll extremely difficult. I finished the training disappointed with my lack of progress, unsure if I would ever be able to master this seemingly complicated skill.

Looking back it is now obvious to me that if you are not comfortable upside down in the water, you are wasting your time and money attending a kayak roll class. 'Pre' rolling or priming is essential. It was only after a lot of getting wet and mucking around in my kayak that I was finally more confident underwater and ready for rolling.

getting comfortable underwater
I’m sure there are instructors around who will take your money regardless of your readiness to roll however GOOD instructors take the time to find out if you are confident underwater, if your kayak fits you and if you use bracing and skulling strokes.

With persistence I could roll but my technique was basic (I would roll back up with force rather then finesse) and unreliable. Introduced to the intricacies of balanced bracing by Greg Schwarz, I was ecstatic when I finally learn the "balanced brace".

balanced bracing
Learning to scull and balance brace gave me confidence underwater and an understanding of how the kayak moved in the water with certain body movements.

I discovered rolling is not about strength and pushing a big bladed paddle into the water to bring me back up. Rolling is more about aligning my body with my kayak, using my body to apply opposing forces with my leg/knee that will turn the kayak into an upright position. Not all kayakers are equal: some are more flexible than others and some have better underwater orientation, so training should be adjusted to the individual.

Hanging out with Greg Schwarz I learned another "soft roll"; the "butterfly" roll.

Greg likes to 'finesse' his rolls and he loves to teach that to others.

I am not a qualified instructor but I recommend aspiring rollers to undertake a lot of "priming" before you take that class.
Become confident with wet exits, happy to hang upside down for a minute (or two) before popping the skirt and maybe, with the help of a knowlegeable friend, start some basic sweep strokes with a paddle float to learn the motion of a roll. The chances are that unlike my first class, a prepared student will have more luck in successfully completing a roll course than one that has never tipped upside down in his/her kayak.

Humpback Whale Graveyard - Mud Island

2009-10-26T11:31:00.036+10:00

Media reports of the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) towing 3 humpback whale carcasses to Mud Island, close to Brisbane to decompose, has generated keen discussion in the local community.

With limited information and experience in the disposal of dead whales, sea kayakers and boaties alike have been pondering the cause of death and the wisdom of the EPA's Moreton Bay choice of final resting place for these mammals.

What happens to whales as they decompose?

Would the placement of the humpbacks on Mud Island encourage large sharks to the area?

Are there benefits to the environment?

Without a degree in marine science I can only join in the speculation.
Could the humpback whales demise simply be the normal course of nature, which we all now witness 'as it happens', as part of our overpopulated, media saturated world?
Could it be more sinister, as some suggest, and be related to the poor water quality of Australia's east coast, perhaps even linked to the Moreton Island oil spill?

Kate, a well known local sea kayaker, hazarded a solo visit to Mud Island to see what the fuss is about. As you can see from the images (taken on mobile phone cam), there are no white pointer fins breaking the whale fat slick floating on the water.

Kate saw only one whale as the foul stench of decomposing matter was so strong that it quickly drove her from the island. She didnt bother with a circumnavigation to search for the other whales and paddling away, Kate noticed her paddle blades and kayak were now coated with a pungent fatty residue.

Back on land transporting her now greasy Nadgee by trolley, Kate wondered if she would encounter the local dingo, drawn by the smells permeating her kayak as she walked home through the streets.

An experienced solo sea kayaker who has extensively kayaked the eastern coast of Australia, Kate had never encountered a problem like this.

Consideration was given to the merits of using kitchen degreasers, metholated spirits and kerosense to remove the grease and smell of decomposing whale fat.
The decision to try metholated spirits first proved to be sufficient, although Kate is sure there is a lingering 'odour' to her kayak.

Within days of Kates visit, the whale carcasses were no longer to be found at Mud Island. What happened to them remains as much a mystery to this kayaker as why they were taken there in the first place.
All images by Kate Yeomans_used with permission

Update - 26th September 2010
12 months on, Vanilla, Gnarlydog and I revisted Mud Island. Full post and images here - Mud Island Humpback Whales revisited

Bribe to Moreton attempt

2009-10-20T07:39:00.041+10:00

Starring: Vanilla, Gnarlydog, Karrazy, Gary, April, Adventuretess
Guest Appearance: Sea Snake

A late start, incorrectly loaded kayaks and a below G2 pace in challenging conditions necessitated an on-water change to the trip plan.Within an hour it became clear Bribie to Moreton would have to become Bribie to Bribie and while disappointing, the weekend was still enjoyable and a new experience for some members of the group.
Like all good kayak trips, the weekend provided group members with some learnings to reflect on for their next G2 trip. It also highlighted skills that may need to be addressed in future training sessions.
While the plan changed, the group still had the opportunity to experience paddling in 15 – 20kn headwinds against the tide and feel the effects of paddling through highly confused water, but close to shore.
Post Moreton Island oil spill, marine life is returning to this area with plenty of birdlife, dolphins and swimming crabs surrounding us as we paddled.

This 15km crossing can be intimidating, exposing you to a range of conditions. Deep channels, strong currents, shallow sand banks, container ship traffic, marine life and weather variations make this an interesting paddle with few opportunities to stop for a break. Having undertaken this crossing several times in various conditions, the trip was planned with a minimum cruising speed of 5km per hour.

Launch morning proved to be a lesson in patience for participants as en route some were forced to wait out the aftermath of a motorway accident. The group eventually assembled at the launch site where severe beach erosion made packing the kayaks close to the water impossible. Packing was carried out high up in the dunes then the loaded kayaks were carried ** to the sliver of remaining beach to launch. An hour behind schedule the group was on the water.

** http://gnarlydognews.blogspot.com/2009/10/kayak-carry-straps.html for an article on carrying loaded sea kayaks

Within an hour of launching, Gary's GPS read that we were progressing at only 3.5 km/h. This speed was well below the planned pace. A 15 – 20knot headwind, strong outgoing current and the skill level of some group members indicated reaching Moreton would take at least 6 hours – double the planned time on the water. To the disappointment of some, the decision was made to turn back to Bribie.

Close to shore, highly confused water tossed the kayaks around offering the opportunity to low brace in small pitching waves (see movie below). For some this was a welcome chance to play, for others it was an anxious first experience of ‘washing machine’ water.

As conditions did not ease as was forecast and the group were prepared for an overnight trip, the decision was made to postpone Moreton and paddle north to camp on the ocean side of Bribie Island. With the wind and current now at our tails, we made fast progress for the first time that day. The ocean side of Bribie is remote but very busy in summer with 4wd vehicles traffic and fishermen.

Scouting for a semi protected campsite in the dunes, the first 'recon' was a success. Taking it in turns to land in the small surf, off the water a quick perusal of the area confirmed several campsite choices high above the waterline. The beach here was also severely eroded so the kayaks were emptied and lifted high out of the way of 4wdrive traffic.

A pleasant pre dinner happy hour was spent together in the dune grass, contemplating the meaning of life and reviewing the day, the view of Moreton Island teasing us in the distance.

In the evening, 3 of the group opted to go ultra-light and sleep without tents. There are several lagoons on the island so ultra-light camping requires a heavy application of tropical strength insect repellent. After the success of Vanilla’s home-made ‘Sand Fla Van’ in the Whitsundays, the concoction was shared around and we settled in for another glorious night under the stars.

Woken only once during the night by donuts (not the deep fried delicious kind, but the ‘beach bogan’ tear up the beach in your 4wd kind) we rose the following morning refreshed and bite free.

Vanilla’s early morning beach walk revealed a large sea snake lying on the sand just above the tide line, close to camp. Appearing to have difficulty making its own way back to the water we were concerned that this exquisite reptile would come to grief on the busy beach. The sea snake was gently encouraged back into the safety of its water habitat.

The forecast of increasing winds encouraged the group to start early. Launching was non-eventful and we enjoyed a slow paddle back with a 10knot head wind and an occasional dolphin for company.

Arriving back at the launch site close to high tide there was very little beach to land on. Kayaks had to be quickly hauled high out of reach of the encroaching tide.

While the trip may not have gone as planned, being adaptable meant the weekend was not wasted. The decision to turn back was not made lightly. As a QSKC trip leader I lead trips that offer others the opportunity to kayak, test their boundaries and increase their skills within the safety and structure of Australian Canoeing guidelines.
Just as I learn something about kayaking and trip leading on every paddle, I hope the members of this group learned something that will enhance their kayaking experience in future.

Kayak Rolls and Skills

2009-10-14T13:36:00.008+10:00

If you enjoy accessing quality information, videos and sea kayaking links, I recommend visiting Derrick Mayoleth's website www.kayakquixotica.com
I'm currently hooked on this section of the website http://www.kayakquixotica.com/video-section/index.html it shows some great technique captured on video of different types of rolls and related skills.
When I was first learning to roll, I didnt know the difference between pawlata, C2C or sweep rolls and I recall feeling some frustration because I could only see what was happening on top of the water. As soon as the instructor went upside down and I could no longer see, it became 'secret kayaker business'.
Looking at the short movies filmed from different angles on Derrick's website provides a clear guide to what's going on above and below the water.
Rolling isnt always about survival, it is also about having fun. I can't wait to get in the pool or out on the water and try to recreate some of these moves - perhaps not the bowling ball roll (?)...Kayaking is an in water sport after all!

Tide Race Fun in the Whitsundays

2009-10-01T07:30:00.017+10:00

Starring: Vanilla and Gnarlydog
Image: Tess Dodd
Youtube Movie: VanillaVids

During a recent trip to the Whitsundays, we were lucky enough to cross through some small tide races that were perfect to play in, which a few days later become not so small and a lot more challenging.
Closer to home, it can be hard to find these conditions to paddle in, although on a couple of occasions, I have found similar conditions on trips to Moreon Island and around some islands and headlands on the Gold Coast and in northern NSW.

Tsunami Rangers Visit

2009-09-29T09:58:00.016+10:00

Enjoying the Oregon Coast
Tsunami Rangers Captain Jim Kakuk and Commander Eric Soares will be guest speakers at the 2010 NZ Coastbusters.

This is exciting news, as the opportunity for kayakers down under to see these guys in person is rare. If you don't know much about Jim, Eric and the Tsunami Rangers or their style of kayaking (hard to believe, but not impossible), you can find out more by visiting their website http://site.netopia.com/tsunami/door/

One of my favourite reads is 'Extreme Sea Kayaking' by Eric Soares and Michael Powers (foreward by another SK legend Derek Hutchinson). If you enjoy playing in caves, rock gardens or surf of any size, or simply enjoy reading about it from the safety of your arm chair, I highly recommend tracking down a copy. Contact Eric direct to order the book or any of their inspiring, action packed dvd's eric.soares@csueastbay.edu

For more info on the NZ Symposium in Feb visit http://www.mmcl.co.nz/CB2010/

Planning a February holiday now....

What would you do?

2009-09-17T14:47:00.041+10:00

What would you do?
What would you do if a female work colleague confided that her team leader had exposed his genitals to her?
What would you do if your wife told you that her boss was telling her sexually explicit details about his sex life and the sexual prowess of his partner?
What would you do if your daughter’s soccer coach bullied and threatened her?

What would YOU do?

Most likely, you would want to protect her, support her, report it, stop it.

Now, what if the above happened in your recreational sporting environment? What if the offender was in a position of influence, highly regarded among peers and the wider community? Would you still act the same way? Would it be more acceptable because it is a ‘social’ scene? Would you turn a blind eye because you believe his lapse in behaviour was simply a good guy having a bad day?

This happened to me.

If it had happened in my work place, this would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, this happened to me in a sea kayak club…

Lack of hard evidence and perceived damage to the sport and the offender’s reputation, has been held in higher regard than any damage to me or my reputation. Not only that, I was asked to apologise to the offender for bringing it to the attention of others.

This blog is for anyone reading it who may find themselves in this situation or who is told this is happening to someone you know. On reflection, I would handle things differently. I would report it immediately. At the time the initial offence occurred, I didn’t have the frame of mind to report it to the trip leader or governing body because I was shocked (studies show most cases of sexual harassment never get reported because of that and because the victim is too ashamed to report it and too afraid of the repercussions). I have no proof as evidence to legally pursue the incidents (although you might wonder how I would know explicit details about the offender’s sex life and sexual prowess of his partner if I was lying).

When you read this, perhaps sitting in judgement of me from behind your computer, remember, that just because a person is highly regarded by his peers and the wider community, it does not mean that he is not capable of committing such acts (reference the recent Brisbane bikeway rapist – a well respected father of 4, accused of raping at least 11 women) or, that you should be afraid to report it.

I urge other women, and men involved in sea kayaking, not to accept the culture that some other sports have. It would be disappointing to see this sport go the way of football, which suffers from almost weekly reports of incidents involving binge drinking and sexual harassment of women, often by the sports leading athletes.

I am a straight talking, glass half full kind of girl. Sharing this with you now is as difficult as telling someone about the incidents in the first place. In exposing this behaviour, I feel exposed and vulnerable, but I feel compelled to share my experience with you as a learning tool, so that this behaviour does not permeate the sport I love.

This blog is not a personal vendetta against the offender but an appeal to you, the sea kayaking community to listen when someone shares a negative experience. They may have no one else to turn to. Don’t brush it off, particularly if it is a repeat offence.

Learn from my experience. Don’t let the sea kayaking scene become the vanguard of yobbos, tainted with drunkenness, intimidation and harassment.

PS - Thank you to all who posted a comment or emailed me directly.
This blog topic has become almost as big a learning for me as the original offence! I seem to have frustrated some readers because of the emotion and vague details in my blog. I hope you understand that this was emotional for me, although I tried to dampen it down and, because of threatened legal action and possible alienation within the sea kayaking community when I wrote this topic, I decided not to ‘out’ the offender, but to try and make others in the sea kayak community aware this behaviour exists in our sport, generate discussion and to discover how others would react in similar circumstances.
Judging by the huge response from male and female kayakers to my blog and through forums that have since taken the thread down, I believe it has gotten the discussion going. With the removal of my post and your responses from p.net, other forums and discussion groups, it appears sexual harassment and how to lessen it/address it is still deemed by many as a topic not suitable for public discussion. It also raises the question of censorship – which I won’t address here and now.
Margot and others who were brave enough to share their own experiences THANK YOU. I am sorry for your experience. Prior to writing this blog, I felt isolated as I had not heard of anyone else within the sea kayaking community having similar experiences.
Other comments I have received have been both supportive and critical, with most offering constructive advice and comments about how to handle things, while some took me to task about the moral or legal aspects of posting this topic.
In review, in the same circumstances and using advice given by members of the sea kayak and legal communities -
if able to, loudly berate the offender, drawing attention to his actions;
report it immediately to the trip leader and other members of the group;

follow up with a written account of the incident sent to the trip leader, club officials and the sport’s governing body;
consider providing the police with a written account. In the absence of photographic evidence or other witnesses (rare), written records are all there is, as I have discovered;
Never be alone with the offender, or any group member you feel suspect about.
I don’t know if changing my actions would provide a different outcome, but it might help stop me feeling so helpless.
By publicly discussing this, I feel alienation from some members of the kayaking community BUT, I also feel support. That support has made me see that my experience with this one 'shark' is not ‘the norm’, and is not going to diminish my enjoyment of the sport.
Thank you again for your comments.

Tess
PS 12 Feb 2010
This story was reported on ninemsn today and should serve as a warning to offenders that unless you are specifically asked to show someone your genitals, keep them in your pants!!!

''Man parades genital piercing to co-worker
07:30 AEST Fri Feb 12 2010 By ninemsn staff
Feb 12, 2010
A Queensland man has escaped serious punishment after exposing himself to a female colleague to reveal a genital piercing.
Leslie Reginald McMillan, 47, told the Ipswich Magistrates Court he showed his co-worker the piercing on October 23 because he thought they had a "jovial, joking relationship", the Queensland Times reports.
The woman, who was not named, later called police.
Defence counsel Simone Healy told the court that McMillan, a bus driver, had earlier shown the woman his tongue piercing and she had asked if he was pierced anywhere else.
When the conversation came up again on October 23 McMillan decided to reveal his genital piercing.
"He thought the relationship between the two of them was different and it obviously wasn't," Ms Healy said.
"It was not a matter of him walking around flashing himself."
McMillan was fired from his job over the incident and now faces losing his security licence, the newspaper said.
He escaped a criminal conviction and was given a $300 good behaviour bond for six months. ''
PS 17 May 2010
Update here QSKC The Darkest Hour
Qld may look big on a map, but it is a small sea kayaking community. Thankfully, I have met enough decent people who sea kayak to continue with the sport.

Whitsundays 2009

2009-09-14T18:27:00.015+10:00

Thirteen days kayaking and camping around Qld's Whitsunday Islands, exploring remote islands & hidden sea caves and fishing for watermelon. Full trip report here soon... click the link to check out some of the fun we had playing in a small tide race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv7yCOojrVo

Coastal Paddling - Damiano Visocnik

Evening- Damiano Visocnik

Coastal Paddling - Damiano Visocnik

What's the deal with Peel ?

2009-07-12T21:40:00.019+10:00

On the Soapbox with Adventuretess

Peel Island, in Moreton Bay is managed by EPA Qld. The EPA website advises that online campsite bookings are essential. Popular Horeshoe Bay has many campsites while smaller Platypus Bay is a single booking, similar to booking a campsite on the Upper Noosa River - one booking secures the entire site. So if you book it for yourself or a group you are guaranteed to have the bay to yourself. Since the site is rather small it is fair that the booking can be made by one person/group only to avoid crowding.

Why then is it, that every time I take the time and expense to follow EPA guidelines and book the campsite in Platypus Bay, other people are camped there without a booking ? These 'other people' always appear to be boaties who are bent on enjoying an evening away from the wife, consuming large amounts of booze, building campfires (illegal on Peel) and having loud obscene conversations with no regard to those who are legally there. The illegals are never challenged or removed by the on site EPA Ranger, so they know they can do whatever they like.

The question is, should I bother to continue to follow EPA guidelines myself ?

A recent example - 11th July, I was part of a booked and paid for group. A power boat with 3 occupants without a booking, set up camp adjacent to the kayak group tents. The Ranger was on the island as his dingy was tied up on the beach nearby, we did not see him during our time there. The 3 'illegals' spent the afternoon drinking, lighting a fire (which they were asked to put out) and then continuing on into the night (way past 1am), drinking, swearing and relighting the campfire. The following morning, they were still drunk, their campsite littered with bottles, rubbish and camp-fire debris.

The morning after

the offending boaties

I am no chairman of the the 'tee-totaller squad' - people can do whatever they want in private and in designated areas. Peel Island is currently not one of these designated areas.

Sadly, the campsite and surrounds at Platypus Bay are degenerating to a similar standard of nearby Blakesleys Landing, where campfires used to be allowed and green trees lining the shore have been chopped down for fire wood. Visitors to Blakesleys also have to contend with obvious piles of campfire debris and uncovered toilet waste.

This anti-social behaviour will cause others to stop using the official booking system (if it is not enforced, why would you bother) and eventually ensure a ban on all camping on Peel Island in future.

The EPA can manage Peel Island as they see fit, they just need to make sure its the same rule for all.

Playing in Moreton Bay

2009-06-01T12:32:00.033+10:00

Starring: Smurfy, Gnarlydog, Vanilla, Mark Thurgood and Adventuretess

Graham 'Smurfy' Dredge hanging around in the chop

Our small group of kayak buddies headed out to find some action. Unfortunately, conditions were mild and a repeat of a previous surfing trip to the same area was not to be. The unknown is part of the allure of spending time in the elements - no two days are the same and you must adapt to the conditions, challenging or benign. Members of the group were still able to have some fun and practice in the chop - for me a highlight was being able to watch and learn from the most qualified Sea Kayak Instructor in Qld, as he enjoyed a rare play day.

Mark Thurgood from Qld Canoeing is currently the highest qualified instructor in Queensland: Level 3 Sea Instructor, Level 2 Whitewater Instructor, Flatwater Instructor

Nordkapp LV loves it wet and bumpy - so does the kayaker!

As conditions flattened out, our attention changed to rolling (a ritual performed on every trip). As each of us rolled under Mark's watchful eye, we greedily soaked up the observations of a pro. Like Craig McSween, Brian Towell and Rob Mercer, watching Mark Thurgood handle his kayak is like watching a well rehearsed ballet - effortless, all style and technique, no tricks or fireworks - just complete unity with the kayak and water. I have heard the theory that any roll that gets you up is a good roll, but watching Mark (and the others) inspires me - When I grow up, I want to be just like them!
Til next time...

Pool Play

2009-05-23T17:39:00.014+10:00

Feb 2009

After a frustrating morning repeatedly failing my roll, I decided to hit the pool with the video camera to try and discover the problem. Having footage of myself helps me to identify what I am doing right and what I need to change. These low res images taken from the video are to demonstrate what I mean. Looking at them I can see exactly what I am doing, not just what I think I'm doing. Filming yourself is an invaluable tool, give it a try!

Currumbin Fun

2009-05-18T13:32:00.015+10:00

Starring: Adventuretess, Gnarlydog, Vanilla, 30Knot Melt, Gillian, Papa Smurf & Playboat Allan

'Smurf in the Surf ', learning to brace

Heading out of the creek mouth, a dozen surfers were close to the point catching the breakers wrapping around the rocks. Our small group headed for the longer breaking swell to the north. With a reputation for carnage, today conditions at Currumbin 'Alley' were perfect for playing and learning on long gentle waves. The day was Graham's first in his new Assateague - in true Aussie style, he quickly gained the nickname 'Papa Smurf' because of its bright blue colour. Despite warnings that conditions would be small and ideal for beginners, Allan optimistically brought his playboat along. Not having much luck out the back, Allan left us to play in the break closer to shore, displaying enviable boat control skills learned through a strong whitewater background.
Never afraid to try new things it came as no surprise to see Vanilla surfing a wave next to Gnarlydog, trying to video all the action with the camera clutched in his teeth!

We all had to work hard to get onto the waves but once on everyone had good rides, some on the same wave, some almost holding hands... Every now and then a big wave rolled through providing a more exciting ride or for the unprepared, the opportunity to high brace or try a roll.

Small strong waves perfect for brace & launch practice

As the swell flattened out, we ended the day close to shore with Papa Smurf practicing braces. The improvement in Grahams confidence and skills proving the change from a 'stable' plastic rudder boat to a glass skeg kayak was the right choice for him.

Brunswick Heads with QSKC

2009-05-05T12:33:00.002+10:00

The Edge

2009-04-30T08:57:00.003+10:00

Noel Davis, Hearts Gone Walkabout

It's scary and breathtaking living at the edge of your life
just you, the edge and the vast unknown
and echoing down the valley of your heart
the constant call to trust

Yet how quickly that edge becomes a settled place without an echo
a niche to line and realign until you feel satisfied
lulled into complacency by the now safe 'edge'
til your peace is undermined by a new awareness
out beyond the edge of who we have become.

Cleaning Out the Sinuses

2009-04-19T11:14:00.015+10:00

An awesome day playing with the guys between Moreton and Bribie Islands.

Starring - Adventuretess, Vanilla, Gnarlydog, Andrew, Graham, Paul and Danger Eddie.

It was joyful to see 7 kayaks getting tossed about in the messy waves. Still kicking myself that I didnt capture on film Vanilla's rise, fall, dip, dive and brace on a large wave or Danger Eddie's backsurf-stern rudder with a flip on another biggie.

best viewed in HQ mode , full screen (tabs at bottom of window above)
Most impressive kayaker of the day for me was Graham D - well done man!!!
We all finished the session by clearing out the sinuses trying to earn icecreams (3 successful rolls in a row and you get an icecream). No one did 3 - they all did MORE! Hats off to Andrew who did a different roll each time.
Had lots of fun and surprisingly, I did not fail 1 roll - successfully rolling with inuit style paddle and wing paddle and also successful re-enter and roll, thanks to Paul W for simple,clear tuition - it made all the difference.

Team Red Easter at Girra

2009-04-15T16:12:00.015+10:00

Starring: Adventuretess, Gnarlydog, Silverfox, Vanilla, Sean and Mini-me

The magnetic pull of granite slabs lured Team Red (plus 4) over steep mountain ranges, past lush paddocks and trendy wineries to Girraween National Park. Passing campsites heaving with 4wd and shiny new camp gear it was obvious the forecast rainy weather had not deterred the holiday hordes. Always preferring remote experiences, Team Red (plus 4) spent the following days off track exploring prehistoric granite cracks and hidden waterholes around the park. All styles of navigation were used with varying success; map & compass, GPS and 'rock compass'. Vanilla demonstrated crafty skill, creating leg saving gaiters for Mini-me using the sleeves of a t'shirt and a shoe lace. Mini-me has declared photographs of her wearing said gaiters 'not for publication', but if you close your eyes and imagine what a Khazakstani fashion student would create as leggings for male strippers - you'll be halfway there. There are an abundance of orchids and mushrooms growing in the park. A surprise discovery hidden in the fields was a rare, edible type of mushroom (please do not go out and pick and eat field mushrooms without expert advice - you can die). The pace over the weekend was relaxed, the environment lush and scenic and the company enjoyable. For images from another successful Team Red (plus 4) weekend http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnarlydog/3440695356/in/set-72157600724215182/

Sea Kayak Rescue Techniques

2009-04-06T06:51:00.005+10:00

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)

Had the opportunity to try out a new assisted rescue being touted as 'revolutionary' in kayak circles. Each time I've attempted it I have found it complicated, time consuming and injured the rescuer and the rescuee. Having said that, I will await detailed instructions from an 'expert' before totally dissing it. After all, there is no 1 way to paddle, roll or rescue. In the meantime, I'll stick with the fast and simple assisted rescues I currently use.

I found this great link with videos for assisted and self rescues as well as rolls and more. http://www.qajaq.no/technique.asp?id=15
KAMERATREDNING translates to assisted rescue and EGENREDNING is for self rescue - you can figure the rest out as you go.

Peel Island Overnight

2009-04-06T06:47:00.015+10:00

Ultralight Style

Team Ultralight - Darren, Graham, Vanilla (paddling with a stick), Gnarlydog & Adventuretess

We headed over to Peel Island late in the afternoon with the goal of camping overnight ultra-light style - no tents, minimal gear (but taking all required safety equipment). We first undertook this trip last Winter and I was keen to see how inventive the Summer crew would be by comparison. After flooding rain and high winds earlier in the week, the weather had settled for enjoyable paddling conditions.

Adjusting our course to allow for the incoming tidal flow, we swiftly paddled toward the western side of Peel Island as the sun set behind us. The last time I paddled over in the evening, we had following sea and breaking waves. The conditions this evening were extremely mild which was a bonus for those on the team experiencing their first night paddle. Reaching Peel, we continued up the western side, the tide just high enough to traverse the extended shallows surrounding the Island. Panicked bait fish jumped around us in the shallow water alerting us to the fact that bigger fish were just out of sight. In the early evening darkness we could still see the sandy bottom with the occasional patch of rock or coral.

Darren quitely advised us that we had company. It was thrilling to see the dorsal fins of sharks slicing through the water, keeping pace with us as we headed north. I wonder about the size of the dorsal fin in relation to the size of the shark. Staying close for a short time, they disappeared as we began heading around the top of the Island.

Silver clouds lined the night sky filtering the light of the small moon. Without the use of torches our eyes adjusted and we were able to safely paddle around neptunes obstacles and at times in the shallows, could see through the water to the bottom of the bay. Arriving at Platypus in the darkness, the group were keen to set up their makeshift accomodations, all but 1 choosing to camp close to the beach hoping to evade biting insects. Later in the evening, retiring to our tentless shelters after enjoying a gourmet happy hour surrounded by citronella candles & candle lanterns, the stillness of the night was broken by the sound of strong wind sweeping toward us across the bay. This was followed soon after by heavy rain, giving tentless & shirtless campers a reprieve from the relentless biting insects.

(pics)

Rising in the morning, the bay was busy with yachts scampering for home as the wind changed from ENE to a stiff southerly. Packing up the ultralight camp did not take long. On the water soon after the turn of the tide, our group headed south west to allow the light wind and the flow of the outgoing tide to assist our passage crossing to Cleveland Point. Passing Horseshoe, a protected bay usually filled with yachts and boaties, only 1 boat remained at anchor. As we paddled, the wind dropped until it was barely 5 - 10knots. Stopping just past the south western reef protecting Peel, a few kayaks turned upside down and right way up successfully, one volunteering to be rescued.

The paddle back to Cleveland was a kayak sailors dream, it was a shame that none of us had our sails on! The flow was strong as we reached Cleveland Point, the water distinctly changing from sea green to mission brown. Once across the bommies into Raby Bay, the flow and wind diminished but the murky water discouraged further rolling. All 5 returned with more good memories and a few mozzie bites. I highly recommend ultralight Summer camping on Peel, but would also recommend taking a mosquito net to sleep in.

Images Damiano Visocnik & Tess Dodd

Umina Beach NSW

2009-04-06T06:46:00.000+10:00

Weekend on the Surfside of Bribie Island

2009-03-16T15:23:00.022+10:00

Bribie Island Surfside
(3 days before the oil spill)

Starring: Adventuretess, Vanilla, Gnarlydog, Andrew, Sean, 30knot Melt & Danger Eddie.

The plan was to paddle up the outside of Bribie Island to camp on the more remote northern end, playing in swell and surf along the way. I was hopeful for conditions to test my new Nordkapp LV, but I learned a long time ago that pursuing outdoor interests requires no expectations and a flexible attitude to accommodate changes in weather, gear and personalities. On this trip it was all good, if a little bit small – the surf, not the personalities!

A gentle southerly on our backs and the assistance of a brisk outgoing tide ensured the group reached Woorim within an hour of launching from Bongaree. Approaching the flagged public swimming beach, we were chaperoned to the outside of the designated swimming area by enthusiastic lifesavers in orange rubber duckies, who should be congratulated on their ability to effuse authority while wearing zinc and speedos!

Enjoying the conditions but always considering options, on water discussion soon turned to Sundays forecast 30knot easterly wind and 2m swell. There was semi-serious discussion about taking advantage of the forecast by altering the trip plan to head east to the northern beaches of Moreton Island to camp instead. The group consensus was to stick with the original plan, so we continued our foray north.

The vibe in the group was relaxed and fun with members of the group cooling off rolling in the warm glassy water. With little wind and still protected by distant Moreton Island, the swell was well below the forecast size but every now and then a beautiful larger set would roll through sending kayakers scurrying to try and catch them before they dumped noisily onto the beach. The time spent learning to quickly manoeuvre kayaks was rewarded here.

Further north, a notable difference to previous winter trips here was the number of 4wd’s on the beach. There were dozens. We found out later during an afternoon beach walk, the 4 wheel drivers were as pleased to share the beach with pedestrians as we were with them. A mix of locals and tourists, some even shouting ‘Welcome to Bribie’ in French at us as they sped past us on the beach!

Anticipating a late lunch at camp, the rest of the group stayed offshore while our intrepid ‘scout’ Sean braved the Bribie dumpers to investigate prospective campsites. Relaunching, Sean surprised us all, himself included, with his amazing flexibility as he was pounded by an unexpectedly powerful set – few sea kayakers can bend backwards onto the deck of their kayaks like that without the need for chiropractic intervention, and no one got a photo!

On finding the perfect campsite, we were all quickly off the water without incident; although you might spot Melt at ‘Sunglasses Hut’ – no matter how many times they go into the sea, sunnies just don’t float!

Beachcombing, chilling and pipi hunting filled the early afternoon. Graham (aka Vanilla), the groups most experienced hunter-gatherer offered tips on locating pipis along the beach. Being the daughter of a keen surf fisherman, to find bait for dad while he fished, I was taught the ‘pipi twist’, but Vanilla’s system expended less energy and yielded better results. Perhaps the ‘twist’ was my dad’s way of wearing me out?

The small waves getting stronger on the incoming tide, Melt and Eddie returned
to the surf for some playtime.

best viewed in HQ mode

Later with the pipi’s soaking to purge them of sand, happy hour was enjoyed together in the dunes, sharing good company and an autumn water views. The beach ‘highway’ was quiet as the incoming tide sent the 4wd’s home, the only activity now provided by nature. There was much action in the sea as large marine life thrashed around close to shore and flocks of birds dived hungrily into schools of fish further out. The mozzies were also hungry, attacking bare and unprotected skin with vigour, prompting discussion on the development of new repellents and mozzie proof clothing.

Sunday’s forecast indicated our return trip against the tide could include a strong headwind, so the group rose early to return south. Taking turns to launch, Melt got the most surf ‘facials’ with nearly every wave breaking on him while Andrew lost, then recovered his hat mid surf zone.

A messier swell today was not as enjoyable to catch although the shoreline was still fun for some to play in. The current was strong and our progress slow, stopping for a snack at the beacon we were quickly pushed back along the beach from where we had just paddled.

The slower pace allowed us to talk and plan future practice sessions in the surf. Near Woorim there was a sand barge shooting a massive stream of sand into the water just beyond the shark nets. We toyed with the feasibility of paddling under the sand arch when the stream stopped and the barge headed off to dredge more. Woorim was busy with plenty of swimmers and SOFTs (Sit On Flat Top kayaks) in the water. Paddling close to shore we observed schools of mullet darting through the shallow water while sky divers skilfully plummeted toward targets on the beach. The sand barges efforts have created a wave that rolls right into the swimming area from beyond the markers. If it was a little further north or south, it would have been perfect to surf. Once past the designated swimming area we were once again joined by our friends in the orange rubber duck who chastised some of us (no names) for taking a ‘shortcut’.

Bribie Island is a sea kayaking delight providing conditions suitable for all level of kayakers. With the damage from recent Moreton Island oil spill, I hope it isn’t long before the ocean side of Bribie returns to the pristine environment we enjoyed this weekend.

Images by Eddie Safarik and Damiano Visocnik

2009-02-23T11:42:00.003+10:00