Tsunami Rangers Visit

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....

Whitsundays 2009

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

Playing in Moreton Bay

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

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

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

The Edge

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.