This weekend we attended a paddling "KLANOCOPIA", with the Hunter Kayak Klan - they are a group of conscientious paddlers from the Hunter and Central Coast of NSW.
We joined them, Expedition Kayaks and friends at Umina on the Central Coast, some folk camped and some stayed in cabins (us), at the camping ground there right on the beach front.
We joined them, Expedition Kayaks and friends at Umina on the Central Coast, some folk camped and some stayed in cabins (us), at the camping ground there right on the beach front.
We drove down Friday afternoon, along the coastal road and checked into our little cabin, right in the corner of the park - nice and quiet. Went for an exploratory walk down the beach and back the road 2 hours later. After dinner - an early night was in order - as we had no idea what was install for us the next morning. Next morning bright eyed and bushy tailed!!!!
9am at the beach, weather forecast of 25-28C and little wind, our kayaks, full safety kit, lunch and snacks ready for almost anything - Bert and I were allocated to different groups.
Bert's group were intermediate to advanced and they headed off in one direction - I found out later what they got up to.
My group headed out to do some skills practice then around the headlands to the south to Pearl Beach - picture perfect beach and shops. Did some more training before lunch on the beach, and a coffee. We tried to get some coffees at the posh coffee shop but she sent us around the corner 'for takeaway'. I think we were too sandy and salty in our paddling gear to be seen there.
More skills, rescues and hard work and back to the Umina beach - absolutely knackered.
Bert's group went to Pearl Beach and did their complicated skills training and after lunch, with helmets on, they were off to the other side of the bay to go surfing. He won some and lost a few... He said it was great fun and difficult to stay on the waves, back on the beach - we were all sunburnt and tired. Day was not done yet though.
9am at the beach, weather forecast of 25-28C and little wind, our kayaks, full safety kit, lunch and snacks ready for almost anything - Bert and I were allocated to different groups.
Bert's group were intermediate to advanced and they headed off in one direction - I found out later what they got up to.
My group headed out to do some skills practice then around the headlands to the south to Pearl Beach - picture perfect beach and shops. Did some more training before lunch on the beach, and a coffee. We tried to get some coffees at the posh coffee shop but she sent us around the corner 'for takeaway'. I think we were too sandy and salty in our paddling gear to be seen there.
More skills, rescues and hard work and back to the Umina beach - absolutely knackered.
Bert's group went to Pearl Beach and did their complicated skills training and after lunch, with helmets on, they were off to the other side of the bay to go surfing. He won some and lost a few... He said it was great fun and difficult to stay on the waves, back on the beach - we were all sunburnt and tired. Day was not done yet though.
Saturday evening we had communal pizza and some very interesting presentations by Shaan Gresser, first female solo paddler of the Bass Strait: Sharon Betteridge - Ladies Expeditions, and Rob, Mark and Chris who only a few months back were the first to paddle from Fraser Island to North Reef. What achievements these folk have done- they were an inspiration but not sure if I will ever get good enough to do these sorts of trips.
Up next day after a good nights sleep and off to Pearl Beach, see if I can get a coffee in the nice cafe if I am neat and tidy instead AND yes I can - really nice one too.
Over to Patonga Beach to meet up with everyone again, some folks tried different boats and looked at the what toys were available. Home bound, tired and revitalized at the same time, the 30c weather and sunshine certainly helps.
A good weekend had by us both!!!
Thanks to the expert organization and highly qualified instructors.....
Up next day after a good nights sleep and off to Pearl Beach, see if I can get a coffee in the nice cafe if I am neat and tidy instead AND yes I can - really nice one too.
Over to Patonga Beach to meet up with everyone again, some folks tried different boats and looked at the what toys were available. Home bound, tired and revitalized at the same time, the 30c weather and sunshine certainly helps.
A good weekend had by us both!!!
Thanks to the expert organization and highly qualified instructors.....
