White Water Kayak
Employment - Outward Bound
Date: 2014 -
Location: Queen Charlotte Sounds
Runs: Rai River, Pelorus River, Wakamarina
Days: 75
Hours: 400
No. of People: 2:14
Grade: 2
Flow: Variable: Low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable: All!
Extra Comments: Taking students down runs on various rivers.
Location: Queen Charlotte Sounds
Runs: Rai River, Pelorus River, Wakamarina
Days: 75
Hours: 400
No. of People: 2:14
Grade: 2
Flow: Variable: Low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable: All!
Extra Comments: Taking students down runs on various rivers.
Personal - Murchison
Date: 22.3.14 - 23.3.14, 12.4.14 - 13.4.14 & 26.4.14-27.4.14
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Runs: Flatwater, O'Sully's to O'Reiki and Lower Matakitaki
Days: 4
Hours: 16
No. of People: Various
Grade: 2-3+
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny
Extra Comments:
22.3.14 - First time on both runs, definitely felt rusty as it has been a while since i've been out. Really liked O'Sully's to O'Reiki - not a big fan of the technical stuff on Lower Mataks. Good to be back in a boat - life is grand!!!
12.4.14: Model student for Kayak 2 candidates. Really enjoyed river run.
26.4.14: O'Sully's to O'Reiki...the run of the season. Ran left line on Jet Boat for the first time :D Finished with Middles, forgot how cold it is!
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Runs: Flatwater, O'Sully's to O'Reiki and Lower Matakitaki
Days: 4
Hours: 16
No. of People: Various
Grade: 2-3+
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny
Extra Comments:
22.3.14 - First time on both runs, definitely felt rusty as it has been a while since i've been out. Really liked O'Sully's to O'Reiki - not a big fan of the technical stuff on Lower Mataks. Good to be back in a boat - life is grand!!!
12.4.14: Model student for Kayak 2 candidates. Really enjoyed river run.
26.4.14: O'Sully's to O'Reiki...the run of the season. Ran left line on Jet Boat for the first time :D Finished with Middles, forgot how cold it is!
Personal - Murchison
Date: 20-23.12.12
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Runs: Various
Days: 4
Hours: 25
No. of People: 4
Grade: 2-3
Flow: Medium
Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny
Key Learnings: Rolling is the most important thing i will ever do. One correctly placed stroke in time saves about a hundred trying to make up for it.
Extra Comments: Booked in for a course with the New Zealand Kayak School. Best thing i've ever done. Did 12 sessions of kayaking in four days and literally watched myself improve each time. Walked into the course with 2 and a half average rolls and walked out with six solid rolls (and one well on the way!).
Rolling - 2 hrs every morning. Sweep rolls both sides, hand rolls both sides, one handed hand roll both sides, left back deck roll.
Day 1: Flat water skills & Buller Bridge to Matiri Rd (Gr2)
Day 2: Doctors Creek put in play spot (Gr2) & Claybank to Doctors (Gr2+).
Day 3: Middle Matakitaki (Gr2+) & O'Sully's play spot (Gr3)
Day 4: Lower Matakitaki put in play spot (Gr2+) & Granity (Gr3).
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Runs: Various
Days: 4
Hours: 25
No. of People: 4
Grade: 2-3
Flow: Medium
Weather Conditions: Mostly sunny
Key Learnings: Rolling is the most important thing i will ever do. One correctly placed stroke in time saves about a hundred trying to make up for it.
Extra Comments: Booked in for a course with the New Zealand Kayak School. Best thing i've ever done. Did 12 sessions of kayaking in four days and literally watched myself improve each time. Walked into the course with 2 and a half average rolls and walked out with six solid rolls (and one well on the way!).
Rolling - 2 hrs every morning. Sweep rolls both sides, hand rolls both sides, one handed hand roll both sides, left back deck roll.
Day 1: Flat water skills & Buller Bridge to Matiri Rd (Gr2)
Day 2: Doctors Creek put in play spot (Gr2) & Claybank to Doctors (Gr2+).
Day 3: Middle Matakitaki (Gr2+) & O'Sully's play spot (Gr3)
Day 4: Lower Matakitaki put in play spot (Gr2+) & Granity (Gr3).
Middle Gold
Date: 15th & 19th October, 2012
Location: Middle Gold, Vancouver Island, BC Canada
Run: Middle Gold
Days: 1
Hours: 4
No. of People: 6
Grade: 3+
Flow: Flood runs
Weather Conditions: Raining
Incidents: Swim on both runs
Key Learnings: Stay in my boat, it's 1000 times better than being out of it.
Extra Comments:
19.10.12 - Redemption Run: River flow had reduced considerably but was still flowing high at 250 cumecs. I eddied out before the site of my last swim and decided to run the same line as the week before. Was pushed up against a wall and swum. Got held down in a seam which was a long long 10 seconds. Back in the boat and finished the run with no further incidents. Redemption Run # 2 planned for spring 2013.
15.10.12 - After a long dry summer and fall the rains finally hit, and they hit hard. The middle Gold became a flood run and with just 5 days left at SPL a group of us decided to run it. Got stuck in a sizeable whirlpool and swum which became a lengthy swim as eddies were few. Wound up walking out, lost my paddle and recovered my boat in the ocean a few hours later.
Location: Middle Gold, Vancouver Island, BC Canada
Run: Middle Gold
Days: 1
Hours: 4
No. of People: 6
Grade: 3+
Flow: Flood runs
Weather Conditions: Raining
Incidents: Swim on both runs
Key Learnings: Stay in my boat, it's 1000 times better than being out of it.
Extra Comments:
19.10.12 - Redemption Run: River flow had reduced considerably but was still flowing high at 250 cumecs. I eddied out before the site of my last swim and decided to run the same line as the week before. Was pushed up against a wall and swum. Got held down in a seam which was a long long 10 seconds. Back in the boat and finished the run with no further incidents. Redemption Run # 2 planned for spring 2013.
15.10.12 - After a long dry summer and fall the rains finally hit, and they hit hard. The middle Gold became a flood run and with just 5 days left at SPL a group of us decided to run it. Got stuck in a sizeable whirlpool and swum which became a lengthy swim as eddies were few. Wound up walking out, lost my paddle and recovered my boat in the ocean a few hours later.
Employment - Strathcona Park Lodge
Hydrology lesson by the river
Dates: 1st August 2012 & 10th - 14th September, 2012
Location: Campbell River, Vancouver Island BC, Canada
Run: Campbell River
Days: 1 each
Hours: 40
No. of People: 1:5 instructor to student ratio, 10 students total
Grade: 1+
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Incidents: Had a near miss with one of the instructors playboating on an eddy line during instructor training and getting caught between a boat and a dock when he flipped.
Extra Comments:
10.8.12 - 14.8.12: First time instructing white water kayak. Went from scratch on flat water with strokes and t-rescues through the river. Stressful at times with 5 beginner kayakers to look after but lots of fun.
1.8.12 - White water instructor training on the Campbell River. The salmon were running (it was my first ever run) and there was a bear on the side of the river just watching the salmon go by.
Location: Campbell River, Vancouver Island BC, Canada
Run: Campbell River
Days: 1 each
Hours: 40
No. of People: 1:5 instructor to student ratio, 10 students total
Grade: 1+
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Incidents: Had a near miss with one of the instructors playboating on an eddy line during instructor training and getting caught between a boat and a dock when he flipped.
Extra Comments:
10.8.12 - 14.8.12: First time instructing white water kayak. Went from scratch on flat water with strokes and t-rescues through the river. Stressful at times with 5 beginner kayakers to look after but lots of fun.
1.8.12 - White water instructor training on the Campbell River. The salmon were running (it was my first ever run) and there was a bear on the side of the river just watching the salmon go by.
Kayak Surfing - Tofino
Long Beach, West Coast Vancouver Island, Canada
Date: Summer 2012: June - August
Location: West Coast Beaches, Vancouver Island Canada
Days: 15
Hours: 30
No. of People: Variable, 1 - 6
Surf: Variable, small to large swells
Weather Conditions: Variable
Extra Comments: Its been a long time since I've kayak surfed and I am stoked to be back in the water. Nice clean sets, long sandy beaches... I even think I am becoming acclimatized and have ditched my wetsuit for thermals and board shorts. Paddling at sunset is my favourite, heaps of porpoise, sea lions and seals. A great way to feel alive...
Location: West Coast Beaches, Vancouver Island Canada
Days: 15
Hours: 30
No. of People: Variable, 1 - 6
Surf: Variable, small to large swells
Weather Conditions: Variable
Extra Comments: Its been a long time since I've kayak surfed and I am stoked to be back in the water. Nice clean sets, long sandy beaches... I even think I am becoming acclimatized and have ditched my wetsuit for thermals and board shorts. Paddling at sunset is my favourite, heaps of porpoise, sea lions and seals. A great way to feel alive...
Taipo River
Date: 14th April, 2012
Location: Taipo River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Taipo
Days: 1
Hours: 2
No. of People: 3
Grade: 2
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Incidents: 1 x swimmer
Extra Comments:
First run ever on the Taipo, stunningly beautiful but a bit too low for great paddling.
Location: Taipo River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Taipo
Days: 1
Hours: 2
No. of People: 3
Grade: 2
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Sunny
Incidents: 1 x swimmer
Extra Comments:
First run ever on the Taipo, stunningly beautiful but a bit too low for great paddling.
Rapahoe Beach
Date: 12 April, 2012
Location: Rapahoe, West Coast New Zealand
Days: 1
Hours: 3
No. of People: 2
Surf conditions: Choppy
Weather Conditions: Rain
Extra Comments: Kayak surfing on the west coast...I had missed it so much!!! It was choppy and difficult but satisfying fun :)
Location: Rapahoe, West Coast New Zealand
Days: 1
Hours: 3
No. of People: 2
Surf conditions: Choppy
Weather Conditions: Rain
Extra Comments: Kayak surfing on the west coast...I had missed it so much!!! It was choppy and difficult but satisfying fun :)
Murchison
Crystal clear water
Dates: Summer 2012/13
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Runs: Various - see below
6.12.12: Earthquake & Maiteri. 1 day, 5 hours, 4pple. Grade 3/+. Flow: High, rain - 1 x swim on rollercoaster rapid. Was peaking on Earthquake run, first time I'd ever run both Earthquake and Maiteri. Loved doing two completely different rivers in one day - one pushy and big water, the other gorgy and technical. Last boulder garden on Maiteri we just squeezed through, the water was dropping quickly and another fifteen minutes would have seen it unrunable.
21.11.12: Middle Mataks. 1 day, 5 hours, 2pple. Grade 2+. Flow: Low, sunny - Two great runs down the middle Matak's. One of my favourite rivers.
9th & 10th April, 2012: Middle Mataks and O'Sully's. 2 days, 8 hrs, tents, 3 pple. Grade 2+ & 3. Flow: Low, sunny - Girls trip to Murch. I had forgotton how beautiful the rivers here are and how clear the water is. Had a blast being a daredevil at O'Sully's and getting my adrenalin pumping. Kell did her first Grade 3 rapid. Fantastic weekend out.
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Runs: Various - see below
6.12.12: Earthquake & Maiteri. 1 day, 5 hours, 4pple. Grade 3/+. Flow: High, rain - 1 x swim on rollercoaster rapid. Was peaking on Earthquake run, first time I'd ever run both Earthquake and Maiteri. Loved doing two completely different rivers in one day - one pushy and big water, the other gorgy and technical. Last boulder garden on Maiteri we just squeezed through, the water was dropping quickly and another fifteen minutes would have seen it unrunable.
21.11.12: Middle Mataks. 1 day, 5 hours, 2pple. Grade 2+. Flow: Low, sunny - Two great runs down the middle Matak's. One of my favourite rivers.
9th & 10th April, 2012: Middle Mataks and O'Sully's. 2 days, 8 hrs, tents, 3 pple. Grade 2+ & 3. Flow: Low, sunny - Girls trip to Murch. I had forgotton how beautiful the rivers here are and how clear the water is. Had a blast being a daredevil at O'Sully's and getting my adrenalin pumping. Kell did her first Grade 3 rapid. Fantastic weekend out.
Blue Gums Play Wave
Dates: Summer 2011/12
Location: Motueka, New Zealand
Run: Blue Gums Play Wave, Motueka
Days: 8
Hours: 16
No. of People: Variable - 1 to 4
Grade: 2+/3
Flow: Variable, low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunshine to rain
Incidents: Occasional swimmers
Key Learnings: How to surf a hole!
Extra Comments:
4.1.13, 5.1.13, 6.1.13, 5.2.13 - Love the wave! Drought means it is getting smaller and smaller every day...
13.3.12 - The best day I've ever had paddling in my entire life. I had so much fun! The wave was quite low but it was perfectly sticky and I got some amazing unprecedented surf time. Regina worked on her ferry glides and paddled into the foam a few times with 1 swim.
4.3.12 - Swam unexpectedly when I rolled and my deck imploded. I didn't dress for getting that wet but had fun anyway : )
17.1.12 - Realised today I've moved from a novice paddler to teaching. Taught my friend who had never paddled before. Went through wet exit drills, ferry glides and eddy turns. I really enjoyed teaching.
15.1.12 - Paddling with Kell who paddles grade 2. Tutoring with ferry glides, eddy turns and rolling.
20.1.12 - Taught Jason T-rescues, worked on my stern rudder in the play wave.
21.12.11 - This has got to be my favourite day paddling ever. The main reason is that i was for the first time, able to paddle in a t-shirt. The sun was shining, it was warm and the water was refreshing rather than mind numbing. The second reason it was my favourite day paddling ever is that the play wave was at a perfect level (80 cumecs rather than the 350 cumecs i have been blundering through of late). It is hard work just to get onto the wave but the times i did manage it was awesome.
Got to paddle a play boat for the first time ever, it was a little like how i imagine driving a smart car would be...the vehicle ends at my toes.
7.12.12 - Turns out the wave i was at last time wasn't actually Blue Gum play wave...it was another wave 100m downstream. Played on the real Blue Gum play wave today. It was quite frankly the biggest volume water I have ever been in. For the first twenty minutes i just sat on the eddy line and made a thousand movies in my mind about how wrong this could all go. Eventually i plucked up the courage to play and had a wild time. Can't wait for it to rain again!
26.11.11 - I was in Marahau and saw a 4-wheel drive with three white water boats on it. I immediately met Austin and Cassie Huck and went on a paddling mission with them to the Blue Gum play wave. Austin was extremely modest and forgot to mention he was ranked 4th in the US for play boating. He was an awesome teacher and very inspiring. The wave wasn’t that great, it didn’t stick like it does at a higher volume but it was a good feeling to be back in white water again.
Location: Motueka, New Zealand
Run: Blue Gums Play Wave, Motueka
Days: 8
Hours: 16
No. of People: Variable - 1 to 4
Grade: 2+/3
Flow: Variable, low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunshine to rain
Incidents: Occasional swimmers
Key Learnings: How to surf a hole!
Extra Comments:
4.1.13, 5.1.13, 6.1.13, 5.2.13 - Love the wave! Drought means it is getting smaller and smaller every day...
13.3.12 - The best day I've ever had paddling in my entire life. I had so much fun! The wave was quite low but it was perfectly sticky and I got some amazing unprecedented surf time. Regina worked on her ferry glides and paddled into the foam a few times with 1 swim.
4.3.12 - Swam unexpectedly when I rolled and my deck imploded. I didn't dress for getting that wet but had fun anyway : )
17.1.12 - Realised today I've moved from a novice paddler to teaching. Taught my friend who had never paddled before. Went through wet exit drills, ferry glides and eddy turns. I really enjoyed teaching.
15.1.12 - Paddling with Kell who paddles grade 2. Tutoring with ferry glides, eddy turns and rolling.
20.1.12 - Taught Jason T-rescues, worked on my stern rudder in the play wave.
21.12.11 - This has got to be my favourite day paddling ever. The main reason is that i was for the first time, able to paddle in a t-shirt. The sun was shining, it was warm and the water was refreshing rather than mind numbing. The second reason it was my favourite day paddling ever is that the play wave was at a perfect level (80 cumecs rather than the 350 cumecs i have been blundering through of late). It is hard work just to get onto the wave but the times i did manage it was awesome.
Got to paddle a play boat for the first time ever, it was a little like how i imagine driving a smart car would be...the vehicle ends at my toes.
7.12.12 - Turns out the wave i was at last time wasn't actually Blue Gum play wave...it was another wave 100m downstream. Played on the real Blue Gum play wave today. It was quite frankly the biggest volume water I have ever been in. For the first twenty minutes i just sat on the eddy line and made a thousand movies in my mind about how wrong this could all go. Eventually i plucked up the courage to play and had a wild time. Can't wait for it to rain again!
26.11.11 - I was in Marahau and saw a 4-wheel drive with three white water boats on it. I immediately met Austin and Cassie Huck and went on a paddling mission with them to the Blue Gum play wave. Austin was extremely modest and forgot to mention he was ranked 4th in the US for play boating. He was an awesome teacher and very inspiring. The wave wasn’t that great, it didn’t stick like it does at a higher volume but it was a good feeling to be back in white water again.
Pool Sessions
Kris and Regina doing roll practice
Date: Summer 2011/12/13
Location: Marahau Valley Farm Pool
Days: 6
Hours: 6Kris
No. of People: Variable, 1 - 3
Extra Comments:
13.12.12 & 3.1.13 - Roll practice
2.4.12 - Final week in Marahau...roll practice in the pool.
26th & 27th Feb, 2012 - Helping Regina with her rolls, practiced my own different hand roll techniques...went back to the first one I learnt, it works the best!
19.2.12 - A quick run over deep water rescues/rolls etc for the attempt at crossing the cook strait. Nailed my hand roll and am really happy about that one!
4.2.12 - Roll practice, helping Regina and Kris. Kris managed her first sweep roll ever which she was elated about. I was just as excited...my tutoring works!
18.1.12 - Roll practice right and left sweep rolls. Helped Regina with her sweep roll.
Location: Marahau Valley Farm Pool
Days: 6
Hours: 6Kris
No. of People: Variable, 1 - 3
Extra Comments:
13.12.12 & 3.1.13 - Roll practice
2.4.12 - Final week in Marahau...roll practice in the pool.
26th & 27th Feb, 2012 - Helping Regina with her rolls, practiced my own different hand roll techniques...went back to the first one I learnt, it works the best!
19.2.12 - A quick run over deep water rescues/rolls etc for the attempt at crossing the cook strait. Nailed my hand roll and am really happy about that one!
4.2.12 - Roll practice, helping Regina and Kris. Kris managed her first sweep roll ever which she was elated about. I was just as excited...my tutoring works!
18.1.12 - Roll practice right and left sweep rolls. Helped Regina with her sweep roll.
Motueka River
Dates: Summer 2011/12 /13
Location: Motueka River, New Zealand
Run: Motueka
Days: 3
Hours: 6
No. of People: Variable 2-4
Grade: 2+
Flow: Variable, low to flood runs
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunny to rain
Incidents: Swimmers occassionally
Key Learnings: Be clear about where the take out is to avoid first times shooting past it!
Extra Comments:
19.3.13 - First rains since Jauary, the Mot went from 5 cumecs to 40...still low but great to get on the water.
16.1.13 - Boat recovery mission from when i lost it on the Baton, unsuccessful - no sign of it :(
9.12.12 - Sat in on a lesson teaching two novice paddlers basic river moves and rescues in preparation for an upcoming adventure race.
12.3.12 - The best day I've had down the Mot. Was the most experienced paddler which was a relatively new position for me in white water. Helped Regina with her eddy entries and exits - and she's looking better!
12.2.12 - A fun run down the Mot. Left/ Right & hand rolls all successful. Good day out :)
13.1.12 - First time down the Mot river, a 2+ entry level river. This was Reginas first time down a New Zealand river and she swam then missed the take out so had a few hundred metres of bush bashing to do to get back to the road. Good day out though. Smashed out a hand roll in the current. Yay.
Location: Motueka River, New Zealand
Run: Motueka
Days: 3
Hours: 6
No. of People: Variable 2-4
Grade: 2+
Flow: Variable, low to flood runs
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunny to rain
Incidents: Swimmers occassionally
Key Learnings: Be clear about where the take out is to avoid first times shooting past it!
Extra Comments:
19.3.13 - First rains since Jauary, the Mot went from 5 cumecs to 40...still low but great to get on the water.
16.1.13 - Boat recovery mission from when i lost it on the Baton, unsuccessful - no sign of it :(
9.12.12 - Sat in on a lesson teaching two novice paddlers basic river moves and rescues in preparation for an upcoming adventure race.
12.3.12 - The best day I've had down the Mot. Was the most experienced paddler which was a relatively new position for me in white water. Helped Regina with her eddy entries and exits - and she's looking better!
12.2.12 - A fun run down the Mot. Left/ Right & hand rolls all successful. Good day out :)
13.1.12 - First time down the Mot river, a 2+ entry level river. This was Reginas first time down a New Zealand river and she swam then missed the take out so had a few hundred metres of bush bashing to do to get back to the road. Good day out though. Smashed out a hand roll in the current. Yay.
Batton River
Date: Summer 2012/13
Location: Batton, New Zealand
Run: Batton
Days: 1
Hours: 2
No. of People: 3
Grade: 3
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Rainy
Extra Comments:
15.1.13 - Got myself into one of those awful situations where once I was on the river I realised it was bigger than what I was skilled for with no exit option. Swum near the take out and lost my boat, fortunately it turned up in a farmers field a few days later. I now have my contact details permamently etched into my boat but i'm also not planning on losing it again anytime soon.
23.2.12 - Checked out Blue Gums but it was in major flood with trees floating down it...decided to run the Baton which was my first grade 3 river since the accident. I was completely peaking out but it all went without incident, no swims, relatively smooth lines, good play waves and my first pool drop. Just waiting for it to rain enough so we can paddle it again...
Location: Batton, New Zealand
Run: Batton
Days: 1
Hours: 2
No. of People: 3
Grade: 3
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Rainy
Extra Comments:
15.1.13 - Got myself into one of those awful situations where once I was on the river I realised it was bigger than what I was skilled for with no exit option. Swum near the take out and lost my boat, fortunately it turned up in a farmers field a few days later. I now have my contact details permamently etched into my boat but i'm also not planning on losing it again anytime soon.
23.2.12 - Checked out Blue Gums but it was in major flood with trees floating down it...decided to run the Baton which was my first grade 3 river since the accident. I was completely peaking out but it all went without incident, no swims, relatively smooth lines, good play waves and my first pool drop. Just waiting for it to rain enough so we can paddle it again...
Ruby Bay Surfing
Date: 15.12.11
Location: Ruby Bay Beach, New Zealand
Days: 1
Hours: 3
No. of People: 8
Surf Conditions: Choppy
Weather Conditions: Rainy
Extra Comments: Had a blast paddling, we have had so much rain in the past week the sea barely tasted salty! Rivers have burst their banks all throughout the Tasman so kayak surfing seemed to be the place to go.
Location: Ruby Bay Beach, New Zealand
Days: 1
Hours: 3
No. of People: 8
Surf Conditions: Choppy
Weather Conditions: Rainy
Extra Comments: Had a blast paddling, we have had so much rain in the past week the sea barely tasted salty! Rivers have burst their banks all throughout the Tasman so kayak surfing seemed to be the place to go.
Clarence Trip
Date: 24th - 28th October, 2011
Location: Clarence River, New Zealand
Run: Clarence
Days: 5
Hours: 50
No. of People: 25
Grade: 2+ with one Grade 3 rapid
Flow: Medium
Weather Conditions: Sunshine to rain
Incidents: Another rock to the right side of my face this time. Blood nose/black eye. I have a talent for finding rocks with my head.
Extra Comments: I now have a 50% success rate with my hand roll!!! Got ridiculously wet and cold on the first sunny day so flagged practicing any more of those as days 2 through 5 rained and got colder. Ran the Grade III rapid on the first day with my motto being ‘continue to paddle no matter what’. Worked well, I survived, stayed upright and made my eddy. Loved the Clarence trip, would do it again..
Location: Clarence River, New Zealand
Run: Clarence
Days: 5
Hours: 50
No. of People: 25
Grade: 2+ with one Grade 3 rapid
Flow: Medium
Weather Conditions: Sunshine to rain
Incidents: Another rock to the right side of my face this time. Blood nose/black eye. I have a talent for finding rocks with my head.
Extra Comments: I now have a 50% success rate with my hand roll!!! Got ridiculously wet and cold on the first sunny day so flagged practicing any more of those as days 2 through 5 rained and got colder. Ran the Grade III rapid on the first day with my motto being ‘continue to paddle no matter what’. Worked well, I survived, stayed upright and made my eddy. Loved the Clarence trip, would do it again..
Middle Crooked River
First rapid of the walk in section
Date: 2011
Location: Crooked River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Middle through to Lower Crooked
Days: 3
Hours: 12
No. of People: Variable, 3 to 6
Grade: 3
Flow: Variable, high to medium
Weather Conditions: Variable, rain to sunshine
Incidents: Rock to the face (mine), 8 stitches and a black eye
Key Learnings: Don't paddle above my experience
Extra Comments:
2.10.11 - Not what I was planning on for a Sunday afternoon...ran the walk in section of the Crooked and missed my line for the first rapid. Tipped and hit a rock with my face. Am quite lucky it wasn't worse. Thankfully I was with a good crew, recovered my gear, got me back across the river (it was just entering the gorge so was a little tricky) then walked back out. I have always wondered what it would be like to go down a rapid upside down. I found out today, it feels like a punch in the face.
2nd & 3rd July, 2011 - This is again, part of my attempt to reconcile my trips lost by a technological flaw. The crooked trips were more of an introduction to Grade III water – paddled the upper section and survived twice. Spent long hours on the buffer practicing over and over until I nailed it. Love the Crooked journeys, am very sorry I have lost the trip details and photos.
Location: Crooked River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Middle through to Lower Crooked
Days: 3
Hours: 12
No. of People: Variable, 3 to 6
Grade: 3
Flow: Variable, high to medium
Weather Conditions: Variable, rain to sunshine
Incidents: Rock to the face (mine), 8 stitches and a black eye
Key Learnings: Don't paddle above my experience
Extra Comments:
2.10.11 - Not what I was planning on for a Sunday afternoon...ran the walk in section of the Crooked and missed my line for the first rapid. Tipped and hit a rock with my face. Am quite lucky it wasn't worse. Thankfully I was with a good crew, recovered my gear, got me back across the river (it was just entering the gorge so was a little tricky) then walked back out. I have always wondered what it would be like to go down a rapid upside down. I found out today, it feels like a punch in the face.
2nd & 3rd July, 2011 - This is again, part of my attempt to reconcile my trips lost by a technological flaw. The crooked trips were more of an introduction to Grade III water – paddled the upper section and survived twice. Spent long hours on the buffer practicing over and over until I nailed it. Love the Crooked journeys, am very sorry I have lost the trip details and photos.
Lower Crooked River
Crooked Gorge, beautiful
Date: 2011
Location: Crooked River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Lower Crooked
Days: 4
Hours: 16
No. of People: Variable, 2 - 6
Grade: 2+
Flow: Variable, low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunny to rain
Extra Comments:
29.10.11 - Decided not to tempt fate and run the upper section for the final trip of the year. Tackled the buffer wave over and over and said goodbye to my favourite play spots.
25th & 26th June, 2011 - This is again, part of my attempt to reconcile my trips lost by a technological flaw. I most likely had fun and probably swam as seems to signify my kayaking career thus far!
30.4.11 - This was my first time on the Crooked, it has the most beautiful gorge I have ever seen. Enjoyed paddling something new but found it to be a freezing river - colder than the Arahura even. Successful combat rolls - so am feeling better about capsizing myself now!
Location: Crooked River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Lower Crooked
Days: 4
Hours: 16
No. of People: Variable, 2 - 6
Grade: 2+
Flow: Variable, low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunny to rain
Extra Comments:
29.10.11 - Decided not to tempt fate and run the upper section for the final trip of the year. Tackled the buffer wave over and over and said goodbye to my favourite play spots.
25th & 26th June, 2011 - This is again, part of my attempt to reconcile my trips lost by a technological flaw. I most likely had fun and probably swam as seems to signify my kayaking career thus far!
30.4.11 - This was my first time on the Crooked, it has the most beautiful gorge I have ever seen. Enjoyed paddling something new but found it to be a freezing river - colder than the Arahura even. Successful combat rolls - so am feeling better about capsizing myself now!
Murchison Trip
Date: 18th & 19th June
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Run: Granity
Days: 2
Hours: 4
No. of People: 10
Grade: 3
Flow: Medium
Weather Conditions: Freezing cold and rainy
Incidents: I swum
Key Learnings: Gauge the experience of myself and my group and match it to what I am paddling
Extra Comments: Ran Granity Grade III rapid which was epic. The first part was magic but had a big lesson about catching eddy's high and making sure i'm in them properly before i relax. I got sucked out the back of the river left eddy and wound up in a hole then swum. Had an awesome trip and looking forward to doing it again.
Location: Murchison, New Zealand
Run: Granity
Days: 2
Hours: 4
No. of People: 10
Grade: 3
Flow: Medium
Weather Conditions: Freezing cold and rainy
Incidents: I swum
Key Learnings: Gauge the experience of myself and my group and match it to what I am paddling
Extra Comments: Ran Granity Grade III rapid which was epic. The first part was magic but had a big lesson about catching eddy's high and making sure i'm in them properly before i relax. I got sucked out the back of the river left eddy and wound up in a hole then swum. Had an awesome trip and looking forward to doing it again.
Arahura River
Date: 28.8.11
Location: Arahura, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Arahura
Days: 1
Hours: 4
No. of People: 3
Grade: 2
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Overcast
Extra Comments: The Arahura was beautiful as always. The play spots enabled me to fully appreciate the beauty of a hanging stern draw - magic. It was a long paddle as we ran both the Milltown Gorge section and the Lower section which was a four hour trip all up with more straight paddling than just playing. Enjoyed visiting the Arahura again as it seems there isn't much time left to visit my favourite rivers before tech is over for the year.
Location: Arahura, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Arahura
Days: 1
Hours: 4
No. of People: 3
Grade: 2
Flow: Low
Weather Conditions: Overcast
Extra Comments: The Arahura was beautiful as always. The play spots enabled me to fully appreciate the beauty of a hanging stern draw - magic. It was a long paddle as we ran both the Milltown Gorge section and the Lower section which was a four hour trip all up with more straight paddling than just playing. Enjoyed visiting the Arahura again as it seems there isn't much time left to visit my favourite rivers before tech is over for the year.
Cobden Beach
Date: 2011
Location: Cobden Beach, West Coast New Zealand
Days: Several
Hours: Lots
No. of People: Variable, 2 - 6
Surf conditions: Variable, small (rarely!) to large swell
Weather Conditions: Variable, rain to sunshine
Incidents: Got stuck in a rip one trip which nearly made us late for class.
Extra Comments:
May/June/July/August Kayak Surfing - lost data! :(
23.5.11 - The tide was low and the waves small however it was a great opportunity to practice my strokes in the waves and build my confdience catching them. There was a rip halfway out which was hard work avoiding - there was a point where I thought we wouldn't make it back before class started... looking forward to more early morning beach sessions.
14.5.11 - Got mauled by a giant wave then got caught in a rip and would have wound up in China today if Owen hadn't towed me back to shore. Love love love kayak surfing!!!
24.4.11 - This was my first time Kayak surfing. After having a major peak out on the first two waves that I surfed, I have settled into the resolve that as long as i keep giving it a go - I must get better! Managed to surf backwards completely by accident twice - when i was attempting to go over the wave rather that surfing the monsters. Seems I have to improve my timing a little more! Swum once when I tipped and lost my paddle - I need to work on holding onto that all important gem!
Location: Cobden Beach, West Coast New Zealand
Days: Several
Hours: Lots
No. of People: Variable, 2 - 6
Surf conditions: Variable, small (rarely!) to large swell
Weather Conditions: Variable, rain to sunshine
Incidents: Got stuck in a rip one trip which nearly made us late for class.
Extra Comments:
May/June/July/August Kayak Surfing - lost data! :(
23.5.11 - The tide was low and the waves small however it was a great opportunity to practice my strokes in the waves and build my confdience catching them. There was a rip halfway out which was hard work avoiding - there was a point where I thought we wouldn't make it back before class started... looking forward to more early morning beach sessions.
14.5.11 - Got mauled by a giant wave then got caught in a rip and would have wound up in China today if Owen hadn't towed me back to shore. Love love love kayak surfing!!!
24.4.11 - This was my first time Kayak surfing. After having a major peak out on the first two waves that I surfed, I have settled into the resolve that as long as i keep giving it a go - I must get better! Managed to surf backwards completely by accident twice - when i was attempting to go over the wave rather that surfing the monsters. Seems I have to improve my timing a little more! Swum once when I tipped and lost my paddle - I need to work on holding onto that all important gem!
Lake Brunner & Project 4 River Skills
Date: 15.5.11
Location: Lake Brunner/Floor of Project 4
Days: 1
Hours: 4
No. of People: 3
Weather Conditions: Rain
Extra Comments:
This weekend was a mission to find a river our relatively novice crew could do safely. As the rain just kept coming and none of us felt particularly like being washed all the way out to Cobden beach we opted for a flat water session on Brunner. Spent time helping Kell with her roll and I practised my left roll which got better...but ultimately my boat wasn't righting itself. Owen and I started to talk about paddle strokes and blade angles that night and before we knew it we had kayaks in the loungeroom and dry rolls happening for the next hour. Am looking forward to getting back in the water to see what it does to my roll!
Location: Lake Brunner/Floor of Project 4
Days: 1
Hours: 4
No. of People: 3
Weather Conditions: Rain
Extra Comments:
This weekend was a mission to find a river our relatively novice crew could do safely. As the rain just kept coming and none of us felt particularly like being washed all the way out to Cobden beach we opted for a flat water session on Brunner. Spent time helping Kell with her roll and I practised my left roll which got better...but ultimately my boat wasn't righting itself. Owen and I started to talk about paddle strokes and blade angles that night and before we knew it we had kayaks in the loungeroom and dry rolls happening for the next hour. Am looking forward to getting back in the water to see what it does to my roll!
Arnold River
Date: 2011
Location: Arnold River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Arnold River
Days: Lots.
Hours: More than lots.
No. of People: Variable, 2-6
Grade: 2+
Flow: Variable, low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunny to rain
Incidents: More swims than i care to remember while learning to paddle
Key Learnings: Stick with it, it gets better eventually
Extra Comments:
23.10.11 - Final paddle down the Arnold for the year. Said goodbye to the hole that keeps trying to eat me, farewelled the buffer that still challenges my edging technique and laughed about how Pyramid rapid used to terrify us all.
11.10.11 - Kayak Assessment: A momentous day today... I surprised myself by snapping out 3 left hand rolls. My left rolls are more dynamic than my right...who would have guessed! I then surpised myself further by giving hand rolling a try and on my first go I did possibly the best hand roll I may well ever do. I shot up so quickly i wasn't sure I had gone under water at all. I don't think I even got wet. Just to test it wasn't a fluke I tried it again and managed a second.
Very chuffed with my magic day.
Oh, I passed Kayak :D
8.10.11 - Just a quick run down the Arnie...face still sore so not too much playing. Bring on next weekend!
1.10.11 - Play day on the Arnold, still attempting stern squirts and general play tricks. Ran shuttle, had a good day out.
25.9.11 - Play day on the Arnold, nearly got eaten by a hole, and definitely got eaten by the buffer. Surfed waves and practiced technical skills.
20.9.11 - Fast run down the Arnold - it was at a fantastic flow with all features cranking. Surfed the sticky hole on river right and got my heart rate cranking, practised a few whoopies and got thoroughly worked on the buffer wave.
11.9.11 - Momentous day today...I managed my first stern squirt against the buffer rock. Did flip. Did lose my paddle. More momentous - found my paddle. Combat rolled. New (secondhand) deck leaks so much i might have well as swum and not emptied my boat. Needs repairs!
14.8.11 - Started the day by being hailed on with pea sized hail balls! Put in at the water race for the first time – quite burly water which was awesome to play on. This trip was dedicated to technique...and playing. Hammered both buffer waves, surfed the holes and was witness to Mikey’s first ever whoopee against the buffer rock resulting in being carried down the eddy line vertically. Great trip, love the Arnold at low flow – there is so much more to play on.
13.8.11 - A day dedicated to technique... worked on my hanging stern draw over and over. Played in the water race for the first time, buffer wave is becoming my friend rather than my enemy... good day out!
29th May, July and August 2011 - Have spontaneously lost the past 3 months of my kayaking blog (thank you technology) so am attempting to summarize my weekend Arnold runs here. Lots of paddling, definitely practised my technical skills and played on the buffer wave lots. Have learnt to surf and have started doing whoopies and surfing holes.
28.5.11 - Absolute carnage on the Arnold today...it was absolutely pumping due to the heavy rains we have had which brought it to a 2+ river. Out of six of us, three ended up swimming simultaneously and a quick river rescue had to be carried out before we lost gear or people well past the take out. We managed with a few hundred metres to spare however it was a good lesson in planning our group dynamics a little better before we run a line.
16.5.11 - The Arnold was truly in high flow with wave trains everywhere... I had a blast and am discovering I really like 'big' water. Unfortunately most of the features on the Arnie were washed out so there wasn't much playing to be done but I got to practise my left side rolls (still working on it) but hopefully i'll be competent by the end of the week. Next goal...hand rolls.
13.4.11 - This trip was about practising as a team as we headed down the Arnold - this is in preparation for the Clarence during the holidays. Spent time playing on waves etc and also began practising my left hand roll. Haven't mastered it yet (feels so weird!) but am confident I will have it by the end of the holidays.
10.4.11 - A good SDL paddling day today. Two successful combat rolls (yeah!) and one swim (boo). I began learning how to surf waves and rode the buffer a few times. I feel much better about my hanging stern draws ... and my roll.
7th & 8th April, 2011 - Tech Assessment:
Day 1: Flatwater stroke assessment... sweep strokes, forward paddling, reverse sweep strokes, fig of 8 drills, rolling etc. Moved to the Arnold where we were assessed on eddy entry/exit, hanging stern draw, ferry/reverse ferry glides, s turns, hazard identification, excecuting a chosen paddling line, self rescue.
Day 2: Rescue day - deep water rescue, throwbagging, T-rescue, boat/paddle retrieval, stern deck carry etc.
5.4.11 - The Arnold was definitely cranking today! Even though it is fed from Lake Brunner, there are little creeks that feed into it everywhere. Pyramid rapid was HUGE - the water was over my head coming down it. I could hear the voice of Phil - who on my first run down the Arnold awarded me the prize for the least number of paddles he had ever seen down that rapid (none) - startled possum syndrome. This time all I could hear was 'paddle paddle paddle!' which kept me upright...and yes, I had fun!
19 & 20th March, 2011 -
19th: The beginning of the run was great! Got 5/5 rolls (flattish water) then missed 3 in a row (rapids) which knocked my confidence around a bit. Owen helped me a lot with my eddy turns both in and out and I now have a hanging stern draw to add to my repertoire of moves. Owen also took us for a plunge off the side – near the rope swing. I did a massive face plant but oddly enough I would rather jump off that five times in a row and face plant every time rather than surfing the buffer wave. Guess that means more buffer wave practice for me!
20th: Today was my sixth straight day on the river and I can tell that my strokes and eddy turns are definitely on the improve. Rolls are mostly good (on flat water only...in a rapid I tend to lose it all over again) – I am beginning to be able to critique my own rolls which is a bonus. Am looking forward to paddling the Arahura next weekend. I can tell I have also made ‘headspace’ improvement. Last week I had nightmares of drowning and dying and woke up in a cold sweat. This week I had dreams about rolling in rapids and woke up to find myself in the roll position! This brings a new meaning to learning a back deck roll in my sleep... stay tuned.
15th - 18th March, 2011 -
15th: Lake Brunner/Arnold River This is truly a day worth recording in detail. The morning started very similar to the others – me being frustrated with my lack of rolling ability and resigning myself to the adage ‘it will come with time’. The golden breakthrough moment was when two of the boys urged me to roll unassisted in the lake and offered to t-rescue me if I failed the roll. My decline was for the same reason as the other times, ‘I haven’t been able to roll yet, it will likely be another T-rescue and besides, I don’t want to learn bad habits.’ Our tutor glided past and commented ‘Any T-rescue is always good practice’ – fair enough I thought, let’s bin the ‘don’t want to learn bad habits’ argument (aren’t my habits ‘bad’ anyway if I can’t roll yet!?!) and just give it a go. I rolled. I’ve done a lot of things in my lifetime and that has got to be the one that a) surprised me the most and b) filled me right up. That is right up there with making my first world championship for weightlifting. Right now it feels like it might even rival my wedding day...my first child... (ok, now I’m going overboard). My kayak teammates were absolutely magic, they celebrated with me and were on a four-point t-rescue standby operation for subsequent rolls, near rolls and epic failure rolls. I then paddled the Arnold and proceeded to roll in the current five times. Yeah! To aptly summarize the change in mindset I have had – last week I thought kayaking should be made illegal. This week I think it is a sport that is expansive, adventurous and even something I may come to enjoy/love.
16th: Greymouth Pool/Arnold River I was definitely on some kind of high yesterday, more paddling, more rolling... am definitely feeling more confident in the water but recognise how ‘unfit’ I am for kayaking – exhausted already and we’re not even halfway through the week! Learnt deep water rescue skills in the pool which was awesome - next step...the river!
17th: Arnold River Today was a good mix day – kayaking and river rescue drills. I can unquestionably see how much more comfortable I feel in the white water now. Last week during the river crossing day I was way out of my comfort zone and not feeling relaxed at all. Today, swimming across rapids I felt like a different person – more willing to trust that no matter what happened I could get myself though the situation and somewhere safe.
18th: Arahura River This next bit should highlight the change in my mindset from the beginning of week 1 on the Grey River, to the end of week 2.... We got to the second rapid on the Arahura river, a rock garden type thing. It was a longish rapid (for me!) and although it was probably the biggest thing I’ve ever attempted, I was willing to give it a good go.
Unfortunately I didn’t even get close to the rapid. I messed up my eddy turn (not enough speed, angle or edge!) and promptly capsized. Last week in the Grey, my thought process upon capsizing was ‘I’m going to die! I’m going to die! Get OUT!!! GET OUT!!!’ where I did just that.
This week I had quite a monologue in my head. It went something like this... ‘Oh boy, going upside down heading into a rapid is not good news. If I get this roll – this will be an epic moment in time.’ Roll attempt. Roll attempt fail. T-rescue signal.
Ok, so that was definitely not an epic moment. I wonder if I can actually get rescued in a rapid – can people even get to me? I doubt it. I don’t think I could get to me, if I tried to get to me I’d probably capsize too then there would be two of me upside down. Ok, that’s silly. I don’t think I’m going to get rescued anytime soon. I think it would be a very bad thing to be going down a rapid upside down. I could bash my head and die. I can’t remember what I learned about capsizing in a rapid with rocks everywhere – did they say get out and swim...for my protection - or stay in my boat...for protection? I capsized before the rapid anyway so God knows where I am. What if there was some offshoot I didn’t know about and I’ve headed down some crazy side channel? What if I’ve already gone over the 1st rapid and I’m heading towards a second – even bigger one? What if I get pinned against a rock? Ok, I’m running out of air. I’m getting out of here!’
Wet exit. See Rata’s boat an arm’s reach from mine... See that I’m halfway down the rapid... see that there are no offshoots or side channels. Feel embarrassed. Cold. Wet.
Although the end result wasn’t entirely desirable, when I reflect back – there is a distinct difference between the two capsizing episodes. At least I’m thinking, even if it isn’t entirely logical or smart – I’m thinking. I put that down as a definite improvement. Yay for me!
1st week of Kayak - lost data
Location: Arnold River, West Coast New Zealand
Run: Arnold River
Days: Lots.
Hours: More than lots.
No. of People: Variable, 2-6
Grade: 2+
Flow: Variable, low to high
Weather Conditions: Variable, sunny to rain
Incidents: More swims than i care to remember while learning to paddle
Key Learnings: Stick with it, it gets better eventually
Extra Comments:
23.10.11 - Final paddle down the Arnold for the year. Said goodbye to the hole that keeps trying to eat me, farewelled the buffer that still challenges my edging technique and laughed about how Pyramid rapid used to terrify us all.
11.10.11 - Kayak Assessment: A momentous day today... I surprised myself by snapping out 3 left hand rolls. My left rolls are more dynamic than my right...who would have guessed! I then surpised myself further by giving hand rolling a try and on my first go I did possibly the best hand roll I may well ever do. I shot up so quickly i wasn't sure I had gone under water at all. I don't think I even got wet. Just to test it wasn't a fluke I tried it again and managed a second.
Very chuffed with my magic day.
Oh, I passed Kayak :D
8.10.11 - Just a quick run down the Arnie...face still sore so not too much playing. Bring on next weekend!
1.10.11 - Play day on the Arnold, still attempting stern squirts and general play tricks. Ran shuttle, had a good day out.
25.9.11 - Play day on the Arnold, nearly got eaten by a hole, and definitely got eaten by the buffer. Surfed waves and practiced technical skills.
20.9.11 - Fast run down the Arnold - it was at a fantastic flow with all features cranking. Surfed the sticky hole on river right and got my heart rate cranking, practised a few whoopies and got thoroughly worked on the buffer wave.
11.9.11 - Momentous day today...I managed my first stern squirt against the buffer rock. Did flip. Did lose my paddle. More momentous - found my paddle. Combat rolled. New (secondhand) deck leaks so much i might have well as swum and not emptied my boat. Needs repairs!
14.8.11 - Started the day by being hailed on with pea sized hail balls! Put in at the water race for the first time – quite burly water which was awesome to play on. This trip was dedicated to technique...and playing. Hammered both buffer waves, surfed the holes and was witness to Mikey’s first ever whoopee against the buffer rock resulting in being carried down the eddy line vertically. Great trip, love the Arnold at low flow – there is so much more to play on.
13.8.11 - A day dedicated to technique... worked on my hanging stern draw over and over. Played in the water race for the first time, buffer wave is becoming my friend rather than my enemy... good day out!
29th May, July and August 2011 - Have spontaneously lost the past 3 months of my kayaking blog (thank you technology) so am attempting to summarize my weekend Arnold runs here. Lots of paddling, definitely practised my technical skills and played on the buffer wave lots. Have learnt to surf and have started doing whoopies and surfing holes.
28.5.11 - Absolute carnage on the Arnold today...it was absolutely pumping due to the heavy rains we have had which brought it to a 2+ river. Out of six of us, three ended up swimming simultaneously and a quick river rescue had to be carried out before we lost gear or people well past the take out. We managed with a few hundred metres to spare however it was a good lesson in planning our group dynamics a little better before we run a line.
16.5.11 - The Arnold was truly in high flow with wave trains everywhere... I had a blast and am discovering I really like 'big' water. Unfortunately most of the features on the Arnie were washed out so there wasn't much playing to be done but I got to practise my left side rolls (still working on it) but hopefully i'll be competent by the end of the week. Next goal...hand rolls.
13.4.11 - This trip was about practising as a team as we headed down the Arnold - this is in preparation for the Clarence during the holidays. Spent time playing on waves etc and also began practising my left hand roll. Haven't mastered it yet (feels so weird!) but am confident I will have it by the end of the holidays.
10.4.11 - A good SDL paddling day today. Two successful combat rolls (yeah!) and one swim (boo). I began learning how to surf waves and rode the buffer a few times. I feel much better about my hanging stern draws ... and my roll.
7th & 8th April, 2011 - Tech Assessment:
Day 1: Flatwater stroke assessment... sweep strokes, forward paddling, reverse sweep strokes, fig of 8 drills, rolling etc. Moved to the Arnold where we were assessed on eddy entry/exit, hanging stern draw, ferry/reverse ferry glides, s turns, hazard identification, excecuting a chosen paddling line, self rescue.
Day 2: Rescue day - deep water rescue, throwbagging, T-rescue, boat/paddle retrieval, stern deck carry etc.
5.4.11 - The Arnold was definitely cranking today! Even though it is fed from Lake Brunner, there are little creeks that feed into it everywhere. Pyramid rapid was HUGE - the water was over my head coming down it. I could hear the voice of Phil - who on my first run down the Arnold awarded me the prize for the least number of paddles he had ever seen down that rapid (none) - startled possum syndrome. This time all I could hear was 'paddle paddle paddle!' which kept me upright...and yes, I had fun!
19 & 20th March, 2011 -
19th: The beginning of the run was great! Got 5/5 rolls (flattish water) then missed 3 in a row (rapids) which knocked my confidence around a bit. Owen helped me a lot with my eddy turns both in and out and I now have a hanging stern draw to add to my repertoire of moves. Owen also took us for a plunge off the side – near the rope swing. I did a massive face plant but oddly enough I would rather jump off that five times in a row and face plant every time rather than surfing the buffer wave. Guess that means more buffer wave practice for me!
20th: Today was my sixth straight day on the river and I can tell that my strokes and eddy turns are definitely on the improve. Rolls are mostly good (on flat water only...in a rapid I tend to lose it all over again) – I am beginning to be able to critique my own rolls which is a bonus. Am looking forward to paddling the Arahura next weekend. I can tell I have also made ‘headspace’ improvement. Last week I had nightmares of drowning and dying and woke up in a cold sweat. This week I had dreams about rolling in rapids and woke up to find myself in the roll position! This brings a new meaning to learning a back deck roll in my sleep... stay tuned.
15th - 18th March, 2011 -
15th: Lake Brunner/Arnold River This is truly a day worth recording in detail. The morning started very similar to the others – me being frustrated with my lack of rolling ability and resigning myself to the adage ‘it will come with time’. The golden breakthrough moment was when two of the boys urged me to roll unassisted in the lake and offered to t-rescue me if I failed the roll. My decline was for the same reason as the other times, ‘I haven’t been able to roll yet, it will likely be another T-rescue and besides, I don’t want to learn bad habits.’ Our tutor glided past and commented ‘Any T-rescue is always good practice’ – fair enough I thought, let’s bin the ‘don’t want to learn bad habits’ argument (aren’t my habits ‘bad’ anyway if I can’t roll yet!?!) and just give it a go. I rolled. I’ve done a lot of things in my lifetime and that has got to be the one that a) surprised me the most and b) filled me right up. That is right up there with making my first world championship for weightlifting. Right now it feels like it might even rival my wedding day...my first child... (ok, now I’m going overboard). My kayak teammates were absolutely magic, they celebrated with me and were on a four-point t-rescue standby operation for subsequent rolls, near rolls and epic failure rolls. I then paddled the Arnold and proceeded to roll in the current five times. Yeah! To aptly summarize the change in mindset I have had – last week I thought kayaking should be made illegal. This week I think it is a sport that is expansive, adventurous and even something I may come to enjoy/love.
16th: Greymouth Pool/Arnold River I was definitely on some kind of high yesterday, more paddling, more rolling... am definitely feeling more confident in the water but recognise how ‘unfit’ I am for kayaking – exhausted already and we’re not even halfway through the week! Learnt deep water rescue skills in the pool which was awesome - next step...the river!
17th: Arnold River Today was a good mix day – kayaking and river rescue drills. I can unquestionably see how much more comfortable I feel in the white water now. Last week during the river crossing day I was way out of my comfort zone and not feeling relaxed at all. Today, swimming across rapids I felt like a different person – more willing to trust that no matter what happened I could get myself though the situation and somewhere safe.
18th: Arahura River This next bit should highlight the change in my mindset from the beginning of week 1 on the Grey River, to the end of week 2.... We got to the second rapid on the Arahura river, a rock garden type thing. It was a longish rapid (for me!) and although it was probably the biggest thing I’ve ever attempted, I was willing to give it a good go.
Unfortunately I didn’t even get close to the rapid. I messed up my eddy turn (not enough speed, angle or edge!) and promptly capsized. Last week in the Grey, my thought process upon capsizing was ‘I’m going to die! I’m going to die! Get OUT!!! GET OUT!!!’ where I did just that.
This week I had quite a monologue in my head. It went something like this... ‘Oh boy, going upside down heading into a rapid is not good news. If I get this roll – this will be an epic moment in time.’ Roll attempt. Roll attempt fail. T-rescue signal.
Ok, so that was definitely not an epic moment. I wonder if I can actually get rescued in a rapid – can people even get to me? I doubt it. I don’t think I could get to me, if I tried to get to me I’d probably capsize too then there would be two of me upside down. Ok, that’s silly. I don’t think I’m going to get rescued anytime soon. I think it would be a very bad thing to be going down a rapid upside down. I could bash my head and die. I can’t remember what I learned about capsizing in a rapid with rocks everywhere – did they say get out and swim...for my protection - or stay in my boat...for protection? I capsized before the rapid anyway so God knows where I am. What if there was some offshoot I didn’t know about and I’ve headed down some crazy side channel? What if I’ve already gone over the 1st rapid and I’m heading towards a second – even bigger one? What if I get pinned against a rock? Ok, I’m running out of air. I’m getting out of here!’
Wet exit. See Rata’s boat an arm’s reach from mine... See that I’m halfway down the rapid... see that there are no offshoots or side channels. Feel embarrassed. Cold. Wet.
Although the end result wasn’t entirely desirable, when I reflect back – there is a distinct difference between the two capsizing episodes. At least I’m thinking, even if it isn’t entirely logical or smart – I’m thinking. I put that down as a definite improvement. Yay for me!
1st week of Kayak - lost data