QSKC The darkest hour

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*


I apologise to those who have already read this posting but due to lies STILL being posted on forums and told to my sea kayaking friends here and overseas, I am reposting it.

The ongoing character slurs by members of the QSKC & some of their NSW & Tasmanian counterparts must have good people wondering what is up here in Australia. So, while I have moved on from this rubbish and enjoy a much deeper connection with the sport and other kayakers around the world, this is reposted for the benefit of the locals who are asking questions because of recent postings on forums & conversations.
 
I am not sure what psychological high these people get from telling lies and gossiping about others. I actually dont really care, these people are not the ones I choose to spend energy on. They say they are warning people about me in the interest of sea kayaking - well, imagine if they focused  on the sport of kayaking and talked about the pleasure that gives them instead of talking rubbish about people behind their backs.

Unfortunately, in the last couple of years I have heard from other women in the SK community who have had similar incidents with the same offender.

Women seeking instruction should check out the instructors history, ask other women who have been instructed by them. Take a friend. Trust your instincts. And, most important, at the FIRST sign of inappropriate speech or behaviour REPORT him not just to the club, but to the Police.

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 and influential members of the kayaking community in NSW.
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.

Kayak Surf Skills

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". Commander Eric Soares. 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

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.