North Shore

	John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge around sea kayaking and kayak fishing, and generally messing around in boats. He has had a Boatmaster Certificate since 1972 The kayaking side started around 1965, when at 15, John and members of the family built a 14’ 6”” x 24” canvas on frame canoe from plans in a magazine. With this kayak and a mates’ small flat bottom scow, many adventures on the Waikato and Waipa Rivers were had, paddling and camping overnight on the river banks. The highlight of this era was a trip from Hamilton down to the Waikato Heads in 1966… where John and his mate “phoned home” and got their School Certificate results. Boats, big and small, along with the odd kayak filled in the “busy years” but it was while paddling around towing a spinner while his son sailed in regattas that re-kindled the fascination with kayaking and particularly kayak fishing. With fish coming on board, a proper fishing kayak was purchased and the idea of starting the North Shore Kayak Fishing Club was born. In 2012, John became the founding Chairman of the club. John shares his spare time between sea kayaking and kayak fishing with the occasional dabble in sailing where he was an official at the recent World Masters Games Sailing regatta. He is a life member of Torbay Sailing Club. John currently manages Canoe & Kayak North Shore, is Club Captain of the North Shore Yakity Yak Kayak Club and is an active member of the North Shore Kayak Fishing Club.