This is for those poor souls who are forced to cut holes in ice to find water liquid enough to paddle. The Canterbury Sea Kayak Network, a very informal group, has just held its 11th annual mini-forum at Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula, NZ. Timed to avoid any public holidays, and to fit with high-tide in the early afternoon, the weekend is free to anyone interested. Attracting over 70 paddlers - a record - of all abilities and experience, it was a great opportunity to socialise, paddle, teach and learn. A low surf kept many happy, while the two metre swells off-shore caused a few dry mouths. Those who were up early went dolphin-spotting, and were rewarded with a brilliant display, at one time I counted at least six Hectors Dolphins playing in my bow wave. An evening talk on the rapidly diminishing wildlife on the peninsula, mainly caused by introduced predators, was a sobering reminder of the harm we are doing to our environment. Gliding among the dolphins, one paddler commented how terrible it would be if we were the last generation able to do this, and the responsibility that we had to the future. The water was warm enough for swimming, which was as well for those learning about surfing and bracing for the first time. One paddler in a rescue clinic I was running was foolish enough to light a cigarette while afloat, the first time I have ever seen this. He was immediately "volunteered" as the victim for the demonstration, and I think he got the message. A paddle up river to a Maori Waka, or war canoe, at the local marae was a highlight for some, and ice creams on the way home ended the weekend for others. I'm not gloating, really. JKA -- John Kirk-Anderson Banks Peninsula NEW ZEALAND *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Feb 21 2005 - 00:22:11 PST
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