Whangamata weekend
A big thanks to Judy for allowing us to use her family bach again. This is a stunning spot with the bach right on the beach. We had 20 paddlers for our 5 new trip leaders to experiment on.
On Saturday morning we split into 2 pods - each with 2-3 new leaders and a couple of 'supervisors'. We were expecting a bit of a swell, but were surprised to find that the 'Donut' Island had quite a surge running through the tunnel making it inadvisable to go through into the hole in the middle which was a bit disappointing. We ambled up the coast with the swell crashing onto the rocks quite dramatically. Looking at the surf pounding onto the exposed beaches we thought it unlikely that we would be able to land for lunch but Denis found a short protected stretch of beach that was tucked in behind an island. It still managed to tip a couple of people out, but I am sure that was only because we haven't been practising much over winter.
We lounged around on the sunny deserted beach over lunch before heading a bit further along the coast. Several of the group went between the main land and a large rock which had plenty of space, but while Judy and Lynda were going through a particularly large swell caught them out and broke over them. We had an anxious few moments until we saw them pop out, still upright - well done ladies! Judy later commented that that was a bit too much fun!
The return trip was uneventful, and even though the surf was rolling in very nicely at Whangamata Beach, all managed to land with dignity. Several unloaded their gear, donned helmets, and went straight back out to play for another hour or two. The rest of us sat in the sun with beer and nibbles and watched, entertained by some of the very stylish surfing and dramatic capsizes.
It was a good day for wild-life as we saw a sting-ray, several penguins and even a couple of seals frolicking in the surf.
We had a yummy shared dinner on Saturday evening, followed by a spot of rugby.
Sunday morning brought quite a surprise when we found that someone had come along in the night and picked up some gear that had been hung up to dry overnight. We were shocked at the gear that had been stolen - they must have been very drunk. Who in their right mind would be interested in stealing Nick's well used paddle shorts, and Russell's smelly boots? Leaving behind some very choice BA's and paddles!
Unfortunately the weather packed in over-night so that was the end of the paddling, concluding another fabulous trip. Congratulations to our five new trip leaders who all did an excellent job - Shaun, Glenda, Laura, Cheryl and Anita.
Photos from Larraine...
Photos from Diana...
On Saturday morning we split into 2 pods - each with 2-3 new leaders and a couple of 'supervisors'. We were expecting a bit of a swell, but were surprised to find that the 'Donut' Island had quite a surge running through the tunnel making it inadvisable to go through into the hole in the middle which was a bit disappointing. We ambled up the coast with the swell crashing onto the rocks quite dramatically. Looking at the surf pounding onto the exposed beaches we thought it unlikely that we would be able to land for lunch but Denis found a short protected stretch of beach that was tucked in behind an island. It still managed to tip a couple of people out, but I am sure that was only because we haven't been practising much over winter.
We lounged around on the sunny deserted beach over lunch before heading a bit further along the coast. Several of the group went between the main land and a large rock which had plenty of space, but while Judy and Lynda were going through a particularly large swell caught them out and broke over them. We had an anxious few moments until we saw them pop out, still upright - well done ladies! Judy later commented that that was a bit too much fun!
The return trip was uneventful, and even though the surf was rolling in very nicely at Whangamata Beach, all managed to land with dignity. Several unloaded their gear, donned helmets, and went straight back out to play for another hour or two. The rest of us sat in the sun with beer and nibbles and watched, entertained by some of the very stylish surfing and dramatic capsizes.
It was a good day for wild-life as we saw a sting-ray, several penguins and even a couple of seals frolicking in the surf.
We had a yummy shared dinner on Saturday evening, followed by a spot of rugby.
Sunday morning brought quite a surprise when we found that someone had come along in the night and picked up some gear that had been hung up to dry overnight. We were shocked at the gear that had been stolen - they must have been very drunk. Who in their right mind would be interested in stealing Nick's well used paddle shorts, and Russell's smelly boots? Leaving behind some very choice BA's and paddles!
Unfortunately the weather packed in over-night so that was the end of the paddling, concluding another fabulous trip. Congratulations to our five new trip leaders who all did an excellent job - Shaun, Glenda, Laura, Cheryl and Anita.
Photos from Larraine...
Photos from Diana...