Tony's Kayaking Pages

Tony’s Kayaking Pages

My Introduction Kayaks Clubs Favourite Kayaking Places

My Introduction

I was introduced to kayaking during the two summer periods of 1973 and 1974 through the Totara Springs Canoe Camps held in the Rotorua Lakes. The Kayaks used were home made wood frame and canvas covering.

After having the ability to hunt and tramp removed by unnecessary surgery, In 2005, I re-introduced myself to kayaking as a way of getting into the outdoors again.

My Kayaks

I own two Kayaks.

Cobra Fish and Dive: The Fish and Dive is a Recreational Kayak purposely designed to carry a heavy load. It is a very stable “sit on top” kayak. Because of its shape it is not a fast kayak and it will not keep up with a sea kayak on a trip.

My Fish and Dive pictured (left) on the “beach” at Lake Rerewhakaaitu (South of Rotorua) during November 2008. The three hatches are for storing gear inside the kayak during a trip.

Perception (now Mission) Contour 480: The Contour 480 is a reasonably stable “sit in” Sea Kayak. It is 4.8 Metres long and has two waterproof compartments for storing gear (in Dry Bags) for camping trips.

The 480 is a lot faster than the Fish and Dive, but not as fast as other Sea Kayaks on the market. It is more stable than others in rougher conditions.

There is a smaller version in the Contour 450 (4.5M long).

This photo was taken at home.

Clubs

I am a member of the Hamilton Yakity Yak Kayak Club. I am also a member of the Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers (KASK).

Favourite Kayaking Places

Pokaiwhenua Glow-worms: The Pokaiwhenua Stream enters the Waikato River about 500 Metres north of Finlay Park and Epworth Camp on Lake Karapiro. We generally paddle up there during late daylight and wait until it is completely dark and drift down the stream through about 1 kilometre of high vertical canyon. There are thousands of thousands of glow-worms living on the canyon wall. The stream is a lot colder than the river.

Lake McLaren: Lake McLaren is on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Ranges; about half way between the top of the range and Tauranga (State Highway 29).

Lake McLaren is situated behind McLaren Falls.

The Picture on the left shows McLaren Falls after the water has been released from the lake to allow for White Water Rafting and Kayaking downstream from the falls.

Lake McLaren is a man made lake. It is a peaceful lake and is the home to swans and ducks galore. There is a camping ground at the lake. The park is under the control of the Tauranga City Council.