Paddling Notes

[open roader]

It's the height of summer in the Antipodes and I finally went to the big smoke (Melbourne Australia) to collect our new kayaks in between Christmas and New Year when the city traffic is said to be 'less'.........

I've never car topped kayaks before so a pair of country bumpkins like us, driving our Subaru Outback through the metropolitan sprawl that is Melbourne with two 12' boats on the roof was a leap of faith of sorts.

No time wasted and we have had three decent paddle sessions in them already. Our previous paddling was all inflatable kayaks or borrowed kayaks whilst abroad but now we each have our own Boreal Design Pura 120 sea kayaks (Re-branded and sold by a 2nd Australian dealer as 'Surge' Kayaks. We had paddled Boreal Design boats before in BC so I was happy to purchase online sight unseen.

No retail remorse or retail regret etc. It's a revelation having light weight solid body kayaks to paddle - the improved handling has seen our range from launch improve by double and fun had by all the whole way.

Since a serious bout of illness aged 40 (I'm now 50) I've spent time and money recapturing some of the best things I did in my childhood so paddling, like riding bicycles is another extension of my attemp,t not to have a 2nd childhood but more so to re-kindle some of the joys of childhood.

So far, so good. I'm looking forward to taking 2 weeks off in late March / early April for my partner and I to have a paddling holiday away from home........... Covid permitting...........

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[j44ke]

Joy is not to be discounted as a health benefit.

[SlowPokePete]

Neither is the height of summer.

SPP

[open roader]

Road trip, Road Trip! End of March early April 2022 Autumn here in S.E. Australia.

Our very first long distance road trip car topping with a pair of 12' kayaks. 3 nights at Lake Tyers, 3 nights in Mallacoota Inlet and 3 nights back at Metung on the Gippsland Lakes.

Nine days avail to us with two days rained/wind out, yet five days of top notch paddling in all three beautiful waterways was had. Boats were a cinch to load/unload, fuel econ. was approx. 10-12% worse than regular driving.

After 3 months of no recreational exercise due to back/neck treatment I'm pleased to say I didn't over do it - no pain, no soreness and most importantly no migranes.

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[htwoopup]

Morning paddle around the lake before the first road spin of the year in the North country.

[caleb]

Almost June, but definitely still spring.

[bbillington]

Deleted.

[htwoopup]

Morning paddle exploring the far side of our lake with my wife before driving back to NYC…

[htwoopup]

Too hot to ride so played hometown tourist on the water.

[robin3mj]

Nice. Only been out once this summer.

[PaMtbRider]

Saw this guy paddling at our local pond in Pa. yesterday.

[open roader]

Recently traveled to Tasmania on the ferry - rooftopping kayaks on the car again.

A good holiday was had over 2 weeks despite only 1.5 days of sun at the start and 1.5 days of sun at the end and 10 consecutive days of rain and wind in the middle..............

Day 2 - the only paddling we got in was at Coles Bay on the World Heritage listed Freycinet Peninsula. 4.5 hours on the water on a sunny day with a cool 20km/hr breeze hence neoprene tops. First class paddling was had, stunning surrounds and nice calm waters despite the wind.

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[Bobonli]

Air temp 38, water 44 degrees. 17 mph wind. A little spicy at the beach yesterday.

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[vertical_doug]

Recently traveled to Tasmania on the ferry - rooftopping kayaks on the car again.

A good holiday was had over 2 weeks despite only 1.5 days of sun at the start and 1.5 days of sun at the end and 10 consecutive days of rain and wind in the middle..............

Day 2 - the only paddling we got in was at Coles Bay on the World Heritage listed Freycinet Peninsula. 4.5 hours on the water on a sunny day with a cool 20km/hr breeze hence neoprene tops. First class paddling was had, stunning surrounds and nice calm waters despite the wind.

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The word Tasmania out of the mouth of an Aussie is probably the most exotic travel destination around from the view up here from the northern hemisphere.

[steve garro]

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Got in 16 days kayaking in Baja from 3-14 miles a day

- Garro.

[caleb]

[Too Tall]

Oh my that is lovely.

Our new boat arrives in one (long) week.

[caleb]

@Too Tall Looking forward to reading about your paddling adventures!

[steve garro]

Oh my that is lovely.

Our new boat arrives in one (long) week.

Whatcha getting?
- Garro.

[Too Tall]

Whatcha getting?
- Garro.

Swift Prospector 16' Carbon/Kevlar fusion and it's GREEN!
This will be mostly flat water paddling. We are scouting for multi-day adventures and of course we will have to get Zac the new uber Standard Poodle comfortable before we go nuts. Also, just scored two cherry tripper paddles. Delivery is about one week away.
STOKED