Peter, Like many on this list, I was following your fellow Aussie, Andrew McCauley, on his inspiring Trans-Tasman Kayak Expedition as it progressed on the web. I don't usually follow many of these web-coverage journeys as they are tending to become more numerous and many have lost their sense of wonder as the world shrinks. But Andrew's trip was just a bit different. While an extraordinary man in many ways, he still was a regular bloke paddling an only slightly modified production-single kayak, one self-modified under budget restrictions and employing his own deep-water tweaking requirements. He was an IT consultant, 39 years old. And he was paddling entirely below the 40th parallel - the "Roaring Forties." I was only hoping for more daily reports and was deeply saddened to suddenly learn of the loss of this fine paddler recently - an adventurer of the high altitude and lower latitudes, you might say. His final attempt on January 11, 2007 at the first-ever 1600 km unsupported journey by kayak from Fortescue Bay (an actual honeymoon beach of his apparently ) on the east coast of Tasmania to New Zealand's Milford Sound inspired ordinary paddlers and expeditioners the world over. With respect to inspiring other people to specifically reach out for "big, bold goals on a shoestring budget in conventional kayak designs", I believe he succeeded. His stated objectives include those specifically mentioned on his departure, namely that that the crossing would challenge himself, extending his boundaries and taking himself outside his comfort zone. I'll say. Risk taking is just what he did, as they say. Or as Andrew's friend, Jen Peedom reportedly remarked, these challenges are part of a risk-takers spirit, and if they don't act upon them, then part of their spirit dies. My memory is a bit foggy with respect to when you brought Andrew's crossing plans to the attention of the list. I remember he failed at his first attempt, finding it too cold paddling or sleeping in the hull without insulation, I think. I have to admit I wrote him off a bit at that point (lost a bit of interest), figuring it was a close-to-being a Peter Bray style initial fiasco (Peter's first attempt at the Atlantic crossing seemed to need better equipment testing and planning, and required a rescue). The reasons for the misgivings for me were simply critically-constructive ones, based on the premise that if inadequate testing equated to turning back so early due to simple sleeping/conductive heat-loss issues, despite the 6 days paddling and sleeping during the Gulf of Carpenteria crossing, how well tested were other things like the "Casper" capsule, etc., in truly outrageous seas likely to be encountered? I thought he might run into problems mid-way, and was a bit worried at times. Would he hit his head while being tossed around, though secured inside the Casper capsule? What about the Casper casual being ripped off in huge seas or a rogue wave? How could he brace and paddle effectively with no proper seat and thigh bracing? I wasn't sure what to think. Extreme adventurer or a guy with a goofy yellow capsule? After clearing half way, it was looking good though. Having said all that, Andrew was still, and will always be to me, in the same league with men like Romer, Lindermann, Gillett and Bray. Not that I have a right to judge. This post is only my perspective as it developed. I do know Andrew must have had the determination, drive, experience, passion and athleticism and calm/cool/collectedness to make such a crossing attempt. Included with other accomplishments, as you know, he was also a veteran of three Bass Strait crossings, including the fist-ever non-stop crossing of the Bass Strait (220 km in 35 hours) in 2003, the Gulf of Carpenteria crossing in 2004 already mentioned, and the 2006 Australian Antarctic Territory 850 km or so expedition paddle from Hope Bay to the Antarctic Circle. I didn't realize until recently how difficult his paddle back to Tasmania against seas and gales had shown just how strong and savvy a hardcore paddler Andrew was. And he turned back, precisely to avoid the need for a mid-crossing rescue scenario. His public words about safety and responsibility within an adventure travel framework did reconcile, ringing true and right in retrospect. I couldn't help but compare Andrew's attempt with the planned attempt by James Castrisson and Justin Jones. Their trans-oceanic expedition is to be performed in a two person kayak - what I think amounts to a stretched version of Peter Bray's second-attempt, successful-crossing single. Both men will be crossing in a tandem together from Sydney to Auckland. Paul Cafynn and tandem-partner sound like the only other attempt by kayakers to make the crossing, and that ended I believe when the Harbour Master had them arrested. I was impressed with James and Justins preparation, planning, equipment choices, safety provisions, and overall attitude to the crossing. Less experienced than Andrew, I'm sure they are giving every permutation and what-if a huge amount of thought. When they cancelled once (a few time I see now), I didn't check back on their sight, and now see they have postponed their crossing until November. They were not happy with the weather windows, gear and boat irregularities, etc. They seem to be taking a serious approach to their safety and garnering approval from authorities such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, with their Sydney to Hobart yacht race style provisioning. They are using their "Crossing The Ditch" adventure to raise funds for the Sydney Children's Hospital. This doesn't make the trip any more or less noble in my mind, though. I do find the name of their crossing to be sort of odd, given the conditions Andrew faced. But, I'm not privy to Aussie word choices. Their route is obviously different, but I can't see it as vastly safer, and their financial investment is much, much higher. Delaying the trip was probably a good idea, leaving one to believe these guys will be okay when they do finally attempt the crossing in late 2007. In trying to understand what went wrong to cause Andrew to loose contact with his kayak and eventually all hope only 80 km or so from the New Zealand's South Island coastline, I followed PeterT's direction to Laurie Ford's site: >Peter posted: >There's a little more about this on Laurie Ford's website, for those >interested: >http://members.iinet.net.au/~lford1/nz.htm< I've always liked Laurie's commentaries - he has the background and experience to carry real veracity in what he says, though I do find him off-putting at times. Perhaps some latent penal-colony genes, or am I way off base and pathetically racist? Never mind, don't answer that question. I repent. On the periphery, Laurie seems upset with folks who were critical of Andrew's inclusion of a small sail for the second attempt, supposedly rendering the trip is some people's view as not pure as an unaided human-propulsion paddle. Well, it is an issue with some paddlers unfortunately, but the issue of purity does remain wholly subjective. I do actually see how modern paddlers using modern gear differentiates between traditional paddlers, with the sudden inclusion of sailing apparatus. We are talking propulsion differences, not high-tech electronic gear type differences and comparisons. It didn't however, detract in any way the significance of what Andrew was trying to accomplish. Overall, Laurie's summary gave an excellent perspective, and helped me visualize how things possibly unraveled at the end so ironically for Andrew, so close to land. First though, Laurel's defense of Andrew included the fact that the Hobart Marine Board, the local police, and two members of the Australian Customs approved and/or paved official way for Andrew to proceed. According to Laurie Ford, word for word: Tasmanian Police took Andrew's kayak to the Derwent River near the Queens Domain in Hobart and tested it. Within the Search and Rescue Dept of the Tasmanian Police there is a very very experienced kayaker - this kayaker/policeman put a wetsuit on and got into the kayak and tested its self righting ability. After he finished testing his comments were "I don't have any problems with it". This all sounds very good. Obviously, given the state the kayak was found in with most of its gear, I agree with Laurie that something sudden happened whereupon he lost contact with the kayak. Having had this happen to me in storm force winds, particularly in waves breaking greater than 2 to 3 meters, a kayak drifts away in micro seconds. Unlike others perhaps, I do feel that big swell with breaking seas atop, are still more difficult than lower swell with the same sea state. There is just huge amounts of dynamic energies as peaks combine. It is legendary what one can do in a rough sea with adequate thermal protection, a mask/snorkel, and fins - along with some skill and backup. These were not realistic options for Andrew to get back to his kayak. My own use of tethers suggest they are highly underrated. Although Andrew reportedly employed the use of a boat-to-person life line rope, he obviously wasn't attached. I'm not sure how user-friendly/functional his tether was. The first rule of ocean crossings in never loose contact with your vessel (as long as it remains viably afloat). The family believes high seas took Andrew's life from him. I can't image the total dejection Andrew underwent, separated from his kayak (if that is indeed what happened), knowing he was so close to his family and success. I know from survival swimming situations Even more so once I had a small family to think about), how painful the psychological pressures are struggling in the water. And while one can summon amazing courage, strength, and pull out amazing resources of determination and resolve to get back into a kayak in gnarly seas (as he had done a few times on the trip already, and was desperate to avoid repeating), once separated, most often only tragedy awaits. Much was made in the media as to wither Andrew was wearing a drysuit or not. It seems he was, or was putting it on under difficult circumstances, but in 18 degree water, without a raft of some sort and a personal EPIRB attached to his person, there wasn't much hope. 12 to 15 hours is usually tops, though some individuals have survived longer. The 70 centimeter-tall Casper capsule could have broke away during a front moving through, or by a rogue wave. Paul Hewitson, Mirage manufacture, did indicate this as a possibility too. The Casper capsule bubble was designed, as we know, to self-right the kayak during sleep-mode or during rest periods, etc., but given its reliability across the bulk of the trip in roaring 40 knot northerlies, the assumption now is it ripped off post capsize. This seems very plausible, as the capsule would not have been properly secured while it was bouncing around. I'm not sure what Andrew's PFD situation was. He obviously did have the Kokata drysuit according to family and friends, and it wasn't in the kayak. We also know that flotation aids survival time. Vicki, Andrew's wife, is reported to have said that her husband likely lost strength after battling storms at the end of his month-long passage, which may have added to his difficulties post event. It's odd to think adventurers like Chris Duff were somewhat terrified of being blow offshore, out of places like the Milford Sound coast, and out into open water. Open water is where Andrew operated, thrived, and challenged himself. Laurie Ford's claim he was about to attempt a similar crossing a while back, but only his wife prevented him from going, was interesting. He was to perform this crossing in a conventional kayak, without any support or aid, nor any outriggers, etc. I don't know how he intended to sleep/rest had he had departed or planned further. I did like his time frame: 15 days or so tops. Andrew's 30 day crossing is a long time to be exposed. The only way to do a fast crossing is in a double with two paddlers, a Klepper-style kayak under sail perhaps, or in a surf ski. The latter presents difficulties for sleep, obviously. When I think about it, what Andrew attempted is truly amazing. That he made it as far as he did, even more amazing. That he failed so close to land, a minor detraction in terms of what is now possible. When I try to image what it must have been like for him out there at various moments, both during the highs and lows, I can't even comprehend. Life is a series of moments, held together briefly like sand gripped between the fingers of one's clenched fist on a hot summer day at the beach, slowly pouring away. That Andrew had so few of those precious moments to share with loved ones like his small son, Findlay, is truly sad. I hope that as his son grows into a young man, he will appreciate the legacy his father left behind, especially given his father's ability to squeeze the life force from each handful of sand he grasped - fleeting moments indeed. On this day of celebrating Andrew's life at his memorial service, I like many, feel sullen by the loss yet elated by the courage Andrew' showed us. Most of us have never met Andrew, and hopefully claim to comment about his life with trepidation and humbleness. I can't help but admire Andrew McCauley and the life he lived more than I realized. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Doug' wrote: - >But Andrew's trip was just a bit different. While an >extraordinary man in many ways, he still was a regular >bloke paddling an only slightly modified production-single >kayak, one self-modified under budget restrictions and >employing his own deep-water tweaking requirements. >afloat). G'day Doug, Your post was a fitting tribute to Andrew, describing his voyage and the circumstances with great insight. I'd been holding back from commenting, feeling totally unqualified. So focused on pointing to his web site and the weather conditions. Then following his loss found it hard to describe my feelings or what was gong on. Can't think of anyone better fitted to provide such a good view of Andrew's achievement. Thanks mate. You described the voyage perfectly and I'm grateful. The press have been sympathetic and have understood Andrew's effort. They gave wide coverage of the memorial (video clip http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=26018&sy=smh&source=undefined). Five hundred people attended the service held in wind and light rain at Australia's first lighthouse overlooking the Tasman sea. Paul Hewitson has been helping to analyse the events of Andrew's last day from the material found in his boat. Paul will release this in a documentary for Vicki's benefit. Vicki will write a book to celebrate Andrew's adventures. We now know that he was within 54km of landfall. As Vicki says: "I feel very strongly that he should be recognised as having achieved his goal. He was well in sight of land" and "I want to encourage Finlay to have his dad's strength, courage and integrity and just to have his dad's incredible belief that anything is possible." All the best and here's wishing you a very successful recovery, PeterO. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Peter, That was an emotional-for-me clip of the memorial service. I'm sorry if my "tribute" post detracted form Andrew's accomplishments in any way. I don't think I got the spelling of his name correct, either, but I was posting at a time when I was not feeling too well. I see from the recording found that Andrew probably gave new meaning to the term "suffering at sea." Like I said, I can't even imagine what it must have been like for him. I'm glad the media viewed his trip favorably, not that we care too much about what opinions the media have, but it is probably a good indicator of the common-man identifiers most everyone feels in retrospect. We will look forward (if that is possible in a sort of non-negative way ) to the documentary and book by Paul and Vicky, respectively. _That_ type of media attention is well deserved. Andrew's wife will need his courage and strength too, to move on, dealing with the remorse and loss of her husband and father to her small son. Yvonne and I have agreed to send some funds via the avenue you suggested,even though we are tight these days. > G'day Doug, > > Your post was a fitting tribute to Andrew, describing his voyage and the > circumstances with great insight. I'd been holding back from commenting, > feeling totally unqualified. So focused on pointing to his web site and > the > weather conditions. Then following his loss found it hard to describe my > feelings or what was gong on. Can't think of anyone better fitted to > provide > such a good view of Andrew's achievement. > > Thanks mate. You described the voyage perfectly and I'm grateful. > > The press have been sympathetic and have understood Andrew's effort. They > gave wide coverage of the memorial (video clip > http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=26018&sy=smh&source=undefined). Five hundred > people attended the service held in wind and light rain at Australia's > first > lighthouse overlooking the Tasman sea. Paul Hewitson has been helping to > analyse the events of Andrew's last day from the material found in his > boat. > Paul will release this in a documentary for Vicki's benefit. Vicki will > write a book to celebrate Andrew's adventures. We now know that he was > within 54km of landfall. As Vicki says: "I feel very strongly that he > should > be recognised as having achieved his goal. He was well in sight of land" > and > "I want to encourage Finlay to have his dad's strength, courage and > integrity and just to have his dad's incredible belief that anything is > possible." > > All the best and here's wishing you a very successful recovery, PeterO. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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