Canoeing Down Under

Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-04-02T02:08:52-04:00

2nd April 2026 CDU Newsletter 928

Terry 0417977330
terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au (email)
https://terrybolland.wordpress.com/ (trips & achievements)
https://canoeingdownunder.wordpress.com (website)
https://www.facebook.com/terry.bolland.1

Although the cyclone made us cancel the WA Canoe Marathon Saturday race, we were still able to paddle the kayak & SUP races on Sunday. It turned out being a great day. However the double races had to be cancelled for another time.

In my K1 race Robin Jacob was on fire again leading most of the way, however I managed to get the upper hand on the last 2 kilometres to beat him by the smallest of margins. The fight for the line was just amazingly brutal. I don’t think we could have gone any faster.

I was in the 75+ category and Robin was in the 70+ category so we both managed to win gold medals in our categories. I also won a silver medal in the SUP race which took place straight after the kayak race. It was great fun.

There won't be a newsletter next week as I will be competing at the Australian Canoe & SUP Marathon Championships in Canberra. I have 7 races in kayak and SUP and unfortunately the main long course SUP race is held at the same time as my long course kayak race. Even I can't paddle two boats at the same time.

My Avon Descent training course is still going really well and all participants are excelling.

29 athletes heading over to participate in the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe & SUP Marathon Championships.

Sprint Paddlers Fund Raiser

at the Oarhouse Coffee Shop

Get down to @the_oarhouse at Bayswater this Good Friday & Easter Saturday and help support our athletes from Bayswater Paddlesports Club
These legends are heading to New Zealand and Canada to represent Australia and we need your support to help get them there!
Coffee from 6–11am
Raffle tickets + awesome prizes
Good vibes for a great cause
Massive thanks to Rob and The Oarhouse crew for getting behind our athletes and making this happen
Bring your crew, grab a coffee and be part of the journey.

Australian Canoe Marathon Championships

10-13 April

in Canberra.

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=413527...

******************

John Sims Race

19th April 2026

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

Results 2026 PWA Canoe Marathon Championships

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=426144

SUP Results

https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=426168&did=580971

I was mixing with some of the best paddlers just before the start.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Open winner Josh Kippin and second place Harry Hewitt.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Brett McDonald & Kelby Murray

Brett won, beating Kelby by 3 seconds.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Ron Clarke, Robin Jacob and I on the first lap.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Agnes Pajor and Nicky Taylor.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Ross Burdett asks Izzy if she wants to have a snack.

Izzy & Tink Measey paddle K1 and SUP.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Guppy paddler Evan MacRae looking happy.

He won his u10 class.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Robin paddling strong. We have Murray Cox and Stuart Tennant on our tail.

Photo Gordon Innes.

I move to the left side of Robin to get into the best position for the last three turns.

I was lucky to beat Robin by the smallest of margins.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1988

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #5

After retracing one of Bertram & Klausmann inland walks and finding the famous cave and part of the plane's float we trekked back to the King George Falls put the float's bulkhead into the Toyota and Duncan left for Wyndham, leaving Dennis, Ewen and I to trek another 220kms across a vast Kimberley wilderness towards Forrest River Aboriginal community (now called Oombulgurri). What ever happened now, our nearest remote outstation was 200 kilometres away. No quick rescues would be had.

Near the cave where the aviators waited to be rescued.

Ewen at the site wher we found the the bulkhead cut off from the plane's float.

We had trekked 40 kms there and back from King George Falls to find the cave.

Now we are going to walk overland 220 kilometres across a remote wilderness.

Our second big walk over 220 kms on half rations.
Retracing Bertram & Klausmann's survival epic and then continuing our backpacking journey towards the Forest River.

Our journey towards the Forrest River community continued by detouring to Emergency Bay, where the Atlantis float plane finally landed and the nightmare began. The walk took us through tick infested scrub and dry creek beds which turned into a hellish trip. Tormented by the heat, the flies and heavy backpacks, which included 7 litres of fresh water, there seemed little hope in finding fresh water on our way. By days end though, relief was in sight, when we found a pool of water but our hopes were dashed when it had been fouled by cattle dung and urine.

We camped beside the pool and as we didn’t know where the next water hole would be we filtered the putrid water through Dennis’ hat (which never smelled the same again), before boiling it. The water tasted awful and although we mixed a little with our cooking we were hoping that we wouldn’t have to drink it before finding purer water.

As we set off the following day our water concern was highlighted as we crossed more dry creek beds and parched landscape. Then our sombre mood suddenly changed to sheer joy when we entered a lush valley with pandanas palms, green creepers and tall grasses bordering a beautiful sweet running stream. It was like leaving hell and entering paradise, where birds probed the flowers of silky grevilleas, where sweet running water cascaded over shiny rocks and into small clear pools. Downstream closer to the ocean rugged cliffs grew higher and higher.

We followed the cliff line before descending into Emergency where Bertram & Klausmann landed.

Our polluted water supply was tipped from our bottles and replaced with the clean pure water. Our joy of finding such a place, when you have thoughts of drinking cattle urine for several days was a feeling that you could never forget.

We followed the high ridges of the cliffs that extended 3 kilometres inland, giving way to a small beach and forest of thick mangroves at Emergency Bay. We descended the slippery shaly cliff face to the thick impenetrable mangroves that barred our access to the stream. As we stalked through the mangroves, Dennis, wary of crocodiles, held the rifle poised for the slightest movement. Like suction pads our boots grew heavy crossing the repulsive mud that supported popping crustaceans and fleeing mud skippers. With packs catching on branches and feet like lead, our chances of out-running a croc were slim.

While searching among the mangroves and rocky water course, our sweet running stream we had seen earlier had soaked underground, and like many other streams in the Kimberley it was dry where it met the ocean. We now could understand why the German aviators thought that there was no water in the area when the landed here, but if they had only done a short walk upstream they would have found a rock pool that would have given them all the water they needed.

Looking down at Emergency Bay.

An investigation of the small beach in Emergency Bay where the float plane landed uncovered fragments of decaying metal and the landscape duplicated old photographs from the books we had brought with us. Having explored Emergency Bay we retraced the aviators first inland walk along the coast to Crocodile Creek 16 kilometres east. It was here that Bertram wrote in his book: Crocodile! Two-three, swimming towards us. For a second I am paralysed. Then …. I shout to Klausmann. Our clothes and shoes sink out of sight. In mortal terror we begin to swim as fast as we can….

Safe from the crocs, but back on the wrong side of the creek to reach the place where they first met the Aborigine; they decided not to go on, but instead they struggled for four days back to the plane, naked, barefoot and with no food or water. By the time they arrive back at the plane they have been without water for seven days.

It was very interesting trying to piece together Bertram and Klausmann's footsteps. We’d found the cave, the life saving waterhole and the bulkhead from the damaged float. We’d retraced their inland walk towards King George River, found Emergency Bay their second landing spot and where they started their first walk and sea going journey in the planes float.

Now we had followed their walk to Crocodile Creek and tried to imagine what they would have been through and which part of the creek they attempted their swim.

Reading Bertram’s book over and over again fascinated me, I could imagine them swimming and then panic as the crocs gave chased.

In their book they don’t mention the fresh water that flowed from the lush creek, one kilometre upstream of the ocean in Emergency Bay. Their quick and rash decisions had hurried them along so they failed to find the four water spots that we had found just in from the coast along their 16 kilometre trek. Coming from Europe however, they would have been expecting the river to flow out to sea and not to seep under the ground for the last few hundred metres.

We check out Crocodile Creek.

Our last objective was to walk 6 kilometres further south of Cape Whisky and view their original landing spot, but we got our own surprise crossing the first small creek, after a croc leaped into the water giving us one hell of a fright. After seeing the area of the first landing site and the beautiful gorge nearby, I could understand why the Aboriginals lived there. It was a perfect fishing spot, plenty of fresh water, numerous ledges, overhangs and rock platforms. It would have been a paradise for the Aboriginals.

We had now successfully retraced their entire journey from where they first landed to the cave where they had given up all hope and had taken refuge; something no one we are aware of had done.

It was now time to start our big 200 km trek across a vast wilderness rarely visited towards Forest River. We started walking south skirting north of the 221 metre Mount Casuarina and followed the spectacular Berkley River much of the way. Carrying the extra weight of the radio and battery we had decided to go on half rations on both walks and supplement our diet with fish. With water sources scarce, so were the fish.

Each nut and grain was chewed slowly to capture the flavour. Not a grain was wasted. Our high level of fitness was sustained despite our whippet lean bodies, spartan rations and extreme physical exercise.

I’ll never forget the morning we had breakfast looking south east towards Mt Casuarina. Dennis was starting to feel the effects of hunger as we had been walking for a week on half rations and had yet to find a pool big enough to catch any fish. He took his breakfast and lunch from his pack and placed them both in his mug. “Look at that,” he said. “my old man would never believe me if I told him I could fit two meals into a small mug”. “Back home, I used to eat at least three bowls of cornflakes every morning”. I must be crazy being on half rations.

We usually had two breakfasts, a few grains of muesli at 5.00am and the rest at 9.00am. It was now 9.00am, not 2 minutes past 9, exactly 9.00am. When food is involved, stopping dead on time was very important especially when the portions were small.

Ewen started talking about puddings and beautiful food in general. Dennis joined in, telling us what he would be eating back home. Then he took his wallet out and showed us pictures of his family. The isolation and the lack of food was making him dream of the good times. Only 3 weeks earlier, when the expedition had started he had no idea he would be trekking across the Kimberley wilderness and be 200 kilometres from the nearest civilisation, but he loved it. He was a great person to have by your side; his enthusiasm to explore and take interest in the country around us was overwhelming.

We meet up with the Berkeley River and what a sight it was. It was pretty hard walking along the cliff tops.
I had paddled down part of the river in 1983 on another trip.

We followed the Berkley River as far as we could before we had to change direction and head over land towards the Forest River. We followed the Forest River before skirting across to a track where we met Duncan.
Our hearts lifted when we met up with Duncan. Duncan who had been working as a fruit picker in Kununurra, waited with freshly baked bread and cakes which he had cooked in the camp oven. It was great eating fresh fruit and vegetables after living off dried rations for 2 ½ months.

It had been a demanding walk on half rations but we had seen so much beauty, now it was time to get on our mountain bikes.

Looking downstream of the Berkeley River.

We met up with our support team member Duncan who brought a lot of fresh foods for us to eat.

Perth to Kalbarri

Luke Dooley

The next morning it was Thursday and although I could now reach Kalbarri in two short 40km days, I wasn’t due in until Saturday. I contemplated paddling to Port Gregory to make the paddle into my final camp at Lucky Bay easier on Friday but decided instead that the conditions looked great on Friday so I stayed two nights at Little Bay. I took advantage of some good phone signal to spend the day catching up on a few things before heading up the steep but spectacular cliffs for a great sunset view that evening.

On Friday morning I headed towards Lucky Bay and after a nice send off from the Little Bay caretaker I was pleased to find that the forecast for great conditions held up and I made cracking progress averaging over 11 kilometres per hour. Shortly after passing Port Gregory I caught a wind wave so steep that the nose of my kayak picked up speed and punched through the back of the one in front, sending a temporary wall of water over my bow. I then looked down and was shocked to find that my $1200 GPS watch that tells me my speed, time and distance was missing! I immediately stopped, turned to face the wind and was extremely relieved to find my watch floating on its suction holder a few dozen metres back. After all I’d been through; to lose my beloved watch on the second last day would have been a disaster. I paddled on and after 46 kilometres I began to worry that I couldn’t see Lucky Bay. I figured I should easily be able to see it by now and pulled out my phone to check my location. To my horror I had not recognised it from the sea and paddled straight past the entrance to the bay and was now two kilometres alongside Wagoe Beach. This was a big problem as the next spot I could pull into shore was Kalbarri itself. The wind was cranking and I knew I could easily make it to Kalbarri that afternoon but I knew if I continued on that all the waiting around for Clare to be at my finish line would have been for nothing. I faced a choice of back tracking another three kilometres and half an hour into the wind or just continue on another 33 kilometres and get it over and done with. After a lot of agonising I decided that, although it was still only early in the afternoon, I did want to have Clare come to the finish line and she was looking forward to it also. After backtracking and finding a campsite I had a pleasant afternoon until the Australia Day weekend campers began arriving for the long weekend. All evening there were constant two wheel drive motorbikes and four wheel drives hooning at dangerous speeds around blind corners disturbing the peace of what, in the days before it became a motorbike hotspot, was a very tranquil campsite. Thankfully they quietened down as the sunlight faded and I was left with a beautiful starry sky for my final night camping in the dunes.

Last camp at Lucky Bay

The next morning I was raring to go but I had to wait for Clare to at least be passed Eneabba on her drive up from Perth or I’d beat her to Kalbarri. I had 37 kilometres to the Murchison River Mouth and under similar conditions to the previous day it was not looking like it’d take me very long at all to get there. I finally left about 9 am and soon found the conditions were very similar to yesterday. I was averaging nearly twelve kilometres an hour which for a loaded sea kayak is phenomenal. Soon I found myself along the coastal cliffs and I began to recognise my usual paddling runs and fishing spots. Clare finally caught me up as I rounded Red Bluff and with only six kilometres to go I sponged out my cockpit for the last time. There was a reasonable swell running through the river mouth but I have paddled through it nearly every day of my summer holidays so I wasn’t fussed; especially after what I’d already been through on Tuesday. As I arrived into the river I could see Clare, Teddy and my grandparents on the shore who, along with a dozen other beach goers from out of town, were eager to cheer me in which was nice. I was also graced with a special visit from the sea search and rescue radio operator on duty Felicity who was also filled with congratulations and eager to hear about my journey. I got packed up and walked my kayak across the road to my grandparent’s house where we’d spend the long weekend and after a much needed shower and shave I was able to reflect on another epic trip. It was certainly a more difficult trip than I had anticipated but I was pleased this was the case and glad that I was able to come through and finish learning a lot of lessons along the way. I was privileged to see a lot of coastline that may people don’t ever get the chance to and thankful to all those who helped along the way to make it happen. The next morning as we were walking the dogs I stopped in at Kenny Wilson’s place who had played host to many kayakers on similar journeys, some of which had circumnavigated Australia. This included Terry on his trip who had stood in the very same location with the same kayak 24 years earlier and was immortalised on Kenny’s “Kayaker’s Rest” plaque. It was great to share the achievements of the other paddlers passing by this way and be able to look on a map and know that I’d been able to complete such a great journey.

Birds Along The Way

Australian Hobby.

Having a laugh.

The dolphins are still coming up river.

Rianbow Lorikeets.

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-03-26T23:05:54-04:00

27th March 2026 CDU Newletter 927

My Avon Descent course is going extremely well with some very keen paddlers wanting to make sure they have the advanced flatwater skills before heading into white water. And it appears with the cyclone coming down the coast the white water won't be far away.

11 of the 18 paddlers who are doing my Avon Descent training course.

Coming Events

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

Due to the cyclone racing on Saturday has been cancelled.

Singles are Now on Sunday 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

******************

Easter

3rd - 6th April

******************

Australian Canoe Marathon Championships

10-13 April

in Canberra.

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=413527...

******************

John Sims Race

19th April 2026

Sprint Paddlers Fund Raiser

Get down to @the_oarhouse at Bayswater this Good Friday & Easter Saturday and help support our athletes from Bayswater Paddlesports Club
These legends are heading to New Zealand and Canada to represent Australia and we need your support to help get them there!
Coffee from 6–11am
Raffle tickets + awesome prizes
Good vibes for a great cause
Massive thanks to Rob and The Oarhouse crew for getting behind our athletes and making this happen
Bring your crew, grab a coffee and be part of the journey.

Rod Fry Race

Warming up.

It was a near perfect day. I have raced the Rod Fry Race in a C1, an open double canoe, a double Epic ski and today I was using my Epic V10.

Robin Jacob and Doug Hodson were my main opposition. Ron Clarke would be as well as he is my age but I have never beaten him on a ski before and although he has had a few injuries that might slow him down, he is still really fast and I don’t expect he will wait for me.

The doubles took off first then it was my group, all the male skis. Murray Latham who is 73 sat to my left with Ron 75 to my right. The start line was a bit of a squeeze but we managed to take off without incident because Murray and Ron shot out of the blocks like superman and left me behind with a lot of space! Robin was well over to my left and Doug was well over to my right. Both were slightly ahead. By the time I paddled 50 metres I could see I was the last one in my group. I even saw Murray Cox in a heavy plastic Spirit PRS ahead of me and Murray hadn’t been paddling long.

The race gets underway.

Photo Gordon Innes

My group taking off.

John Hilton, Warren Southwell and Ron Clarke.

Photo Gordon Innes

A few hundred metres before Chidley Point, which was quite crowded with race spotters, people and the odd fisherman I converged with Robin. Being up with Robin gave me some hope of keeping up even if I was on his tail, but Doug and Murray were further ahead and Ron and Murray were well gone, never to be seen again.

Even before we got to Point Roe, the next right turn and shallow spot in the river Natasha Leaversuch who left about 2 minutes behind said, hi Terry as she flew by like a Concorde passing a Cessna aircraft. My concentration was squarely on Robin though and not letting him get away and hoping he would be trying to catch Doug and taking me with him. A little happiness came to me when we passed Murray as we crossed Point Roe shallows. Apparently he got slowed when he hit a rock with his rudder.

At Point Preston, just after the Swan Yacht Club the incoming tide got stronger and a couple of big boats came through leaving some big waves which slowed Robin down and gave me an opportunity to pass him. I don’t think Robin enjoyed me being in the lead so it didn’t take him long to come up beside me once the waves had gone.

Doug Hodson ahead of me.

Photo Gordon Innes

Murray Cox in a Spirit PRS was also in front of me.

In fact I think everyone in my grid was in front of me!

Photo Gordon Innes

As we closed in to Chidley Point corner I managed to converge with Robin and get on his tail.

Photo Gordon Innes

I couldn't let Robin get away.

Photo Gordon Innes

Natasha Leaversuch passed me like I was standing still.
She ended up being the 7th single over the line.

Photo Gordon Innes

Nearing the turn point at Fremantle Bridge the water shallowed and as we turned the tide was in our favour. However instead of going out into the middle of the river to take advantage of the faster water Robin kept closer in. I then had a choice to dare and leave him by heading into the centre of the river to take advantage of the current or keep tailing him. I decided to keep with him.

Robin was still aware that he hadn’t shaken me and kept doing sprints when I was in la-la land thinking about other things. Although he kept leaving me behind I always caught up when I sprinted after him. He sprinted several times and at one point I thought of letting him go and take an easier paddle back but I just couldn’t.

Nearing Point Roe on the way back we were getting closer to Doug. I let Robin go when he started to paddle closer to shore. A few minutes later he changed tack, crossed my path and headed out into deeper, faster water where Doug was paddling. I took the risk and took a shorter path across shallows at the point and in doing so I managed to get in front of Robin and Doug. Although I was happy to be ahead, I knew they wouldn’t let me get too far away.

Soon after Anne Harris and Aurora Leaversuch started to pass, Anne on my left and Aurora on my right with Robin on Aurora's wash so the race was back on. Anne and Aurora then put the pressure on forcing Robin to drop back a little but I managed to keep on their second wave and lose sight of Robin. I didn't know how far back he was though.

The leaders, Harry Hewitt 1st, Travis England 3rd, & Charlie Hewitt 2nd.

Photo Gordon Innes

Anne & Aurora pass Robin, Doug and I.

Photo Gordon Innes

I managed to keep close for a while.

Photo Gordon Innes

I managed to stay a couple of boat lengths behind Anne and Aurora for a while but soon started to lose them but at Chidley Point they took the safer deep water turn and I cut the corner in the shallows and caught back up to them. I managed to stay with them for a few hundred metres, but eventually they lost me.

At this point I just had a kilometre to go to the finish line and after a sneaky look over my shoulder I saw that Robin and Doug were further back than I had imagined so I just had to keep up a good pace to beat them. I knew they wouldn’t give up though so I couldn’t really relax, but lucky for me I crossed the finish line before them a happy chappy. I was 15 seconds ahead of Doug and 17 seconds ahead of Robin.

The hardest part of the race was carrying my ski back up the hill but I was rewarded at prize giving with some of the best home made food you will ever taste. Swan Canoe Club know how to put on a great spread.

Results here:-

🏆 Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026 🏆 | Race results | Webscorer

Australian Sprint Championships, Perth

Boat holders lie down and adjust the kayak so all paddlers are in a straight line.

This can be difficult when there is a strong side wind, which there was.

Local WA Canoe paddler Gen Stanley at the championships.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1988

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #5

Run, Kayak, Backpack, Mountain Bike, Backpack, (Retrace Bertram & Klausmann), Backpack, Mountain Bike, Run, Cycle and Run.

I just had to climb up for a photo.

With our arduous thirteen day walk finished Ewen and I jumped on our mountain bikes and cycled 450kms over deteriorated tracks towards the King George Falls, detouring 50 kilometres to buy an ice cream at Kalumburu Mission. The track leading into King George Falls is rarely used so for 200 kilometres we bounced over boulders, dodged rocks and sank pedal deep into soft sand. Small trees growing in the middle of the track were fortresses for green ants. To disturb them was fatal as their nippers sank deeply into our flesh. Sweet revenge was to brush them off further along the track and give them a long walk home.

We detoured 50 kilometres to Kalumburu for an ice cream.

I had paddled into Kalumburu on my 1983 trip.

With Ewen nursing a buckled wheel due to a branch getting in his spokes, we arrived at King George Falls. The dry season denied us the beauty of a huge amount of water from tumbling majestically into the glistening saltwater river below but we were treated to massive 80 metre vertical sandstone cliffs that extended 12 kilometres to the Timor Sea. In the distance a few wisps of smoke from a recent bushfire hovered in the cloudless sky. It was a stunning scene.

It was just amazing to have cycled into King George Falls.

Our objective now was to retrace the steps of one of the great survival epics of Australian history. In 1932, two German aviators, Hans Bertram and mechanic Adolf Klausmann, force landed their seaplane, Atlantis, on a remote part of the Kimberley coast. They were attempting to circumnavigate the world in a Junkers W 33 seaplane.

Due to being blown off course and with litle fuel to go on, the two men were at the beginning of what was to become a remarkable fifty-three day struggle to survive in a hostile environment, a struggle which was to bring them to the brink of madness and near death.

They first landed in a bay east of King George Falls. Here an Aboriginal man visited them. After some discussion they decided not to stay there but use the rest of their fuel to head further west. Unfortunately they only managed to fly a few miles so they landed in another bay. With no food and water they were still very isolated so they decided the only hope of survival was to walk back to where they had met the Aborigine.

Leaving the plane on a beach they started their walk back to the first bay. However after stripping off their clothes to cross a creek they lost their clothes after a crocodile chased them. They then decided to give up that plan and return to the plane and take off a float to use as a canoe and try and paddle to civilisation. Making little progress in the ocean they eventually had to come ashore and attempted to walk overland which was also unsuccessful. Eventually they decided to give up all hope of trying to leave the place so they found a cave to camp in and waited. Luckily they were eventually found by an Aboriginal search party.

Armed with a copy of Bertram’s book, ‘Flight into Hell’ we walked overland from King George Falls to find the cave at Cape Bernier. The cave is where the aviators spent their final days before being rescued by an Aboriginal search party.

It was on July 19th, 1988 when we found the cave, well it was more of a big rock overhang. We were quite proud to be sitting in the same cave that Bertram and Klausmann had spent starved and waiting to be rescued all those years before.

Our next objective was to find the place where they had come ashore in the float that they used as a canoe so we continued walking west along the coast for about 2 ½ kms. Our perseverance paid off, Ewen noticed a tint of aluminium smothered by sand close to a bush. Incredibly it turned out to be part of the bulkhead from the damaged float in their attempt to paddle to civilisation. (The float was left on a beach when they decided to walk overland to find help. When they realised they weren't where they thought they were on Melville Island they returned to the float which had now been damage by waves pushing it up the rocks.)

We were ecstatic with the find. The chances of finding something after 56 years seemed impossible. The area where we found the bulkhead matched the description in Bertram’s book, including the lifesaving waterhole beyond the adjacent ridge. A small cairn had been built higher up the beach and we wondered if Bertram had built it?

We found the cave that Bertram & Klausmann had been using as shelter and waiting for some hope of rescue.

We found part of the float that had been cut off due to the float being damaged and sustained a hole or two.

After retracing one of their inland walks back to the King George Falls we loaded the bulkhead in the Toyota and Duncan left for Wyndham, leaving Dennis, Ewen and I to trek 240kms across a vast Kimberley wilderness heading towards Wyndham the hard way. Whatever happened now, our nearest remote outstation was 200 kilometres away.

A team from the WA Maritime Museum found the damaged float 46 years after the saga, in October 1979.

At midnight on 14/15 May 1932, German aviators Hans Bertram and Adolph Klausmann set of from Timor in an open cockpit Junkers seaplane (model Junkers W-33), named Atlantis, in order to make the first night flight to Australia.

Darwin was an estimated 250 miles and seven hours flying time away and in their estimate, the fuel supply would be more than sufficient.
Counting on breakfast at Darwin, they carried no food or water. They became disoriented during a violent storm over the Timor Sea and force-landed
out of fuel on the desolate Kimberley coast the next day.
During ten days of intensive searching rescue parties concentrating in the Darwin area failed to locate any trace of the missing aircraft and the official searches were reluctantly called off.

From the book Flight Into Hell. A great read.

They took the float off the plane to use as a canoe.

Hundreds of miles to the west of Darwin and totally lost, the German aviators, became desperate due to the lack of food and water, so they removed a float from their seaplane and attempted to paddle - sail to safety. The improvised sail and rudder proved un-manageable in high winds and strong offshore current so after five gruelling days paddling the Bertram & Klausmann headed to shore.

An attempt was made to walk out overland, but found no human habitation in what seemed a limitless expanse of inhospitable bushland. They then made a final effort to save themselves by using the stern half of the float (which had been damaged) but it proved to be of no use on the open ocean so they came ashore again and found a cave to take shelter.

They were luckily rescued by Aborigines some 53 days after the start of the ordeal.

We took the bulkhead to the museum in Fremantle.

Perth to Kalbarri

Luke Dooley

Tuesday morning was the day of the big swell. I woke up and agonised over what I should do for another half an hour before concluding that I should at least try to make some progress. I knew that I would be able to get out to sea where I was safe because I was camped in a spot with an outer reef which stopped most of the shore break from preventing my departure. I gave myself a comparatively easy target of 45 kilometres for the day which would see me arrive at Greenough River Mouth around one o’clock. As I waited at the gap in the reef for a break in the sets I was shocked to see a larger wave heading straight for me. I figured I was in deep water where the sets weren’t breaking but I was soon proved wrong as a wave broke just in front of me and the whitewash picked up my kayak and flipped me over. I was forced to bail out, flip the kayak over and hurriedly remount before another wave pushed me to shore. Thankfully I was able to get back in and paddle like crazy to get the nose pointed perpendicular to the waves and punch through the last wave of the set. I was then left with a cockpit full of water and no spray deck on but I knew that I was still in the break zone and trying to bail out before the next set came through was not an option. I therefore pointed to nose straight out to sea and paddled with water sloshing all through the cockpit as hard as I possibly could to get behind the breaking surf. After a tense minute which felt like hours I found myself out in the safety of deeper water and began bailing out with my hand bilge pump and sponge. Thankfully I had not lost or damaged anything in the capsize and I set off for Greenough River Mouth with a roaring easterly wondering if I’d made the right decision to paddle today.

After several hours and many mountainous wave troughs that temporarily blocked my sight of the coast I made it to the point I’d been dreading; the Greenough shore break. I checked the maps as I approached and figured I’d stay in deep water and analyse the waves before finding a route in. After another kilometre I figured I was past the mouth and stopped to check the map. I realised that I had indeed paddle a few hundred metres past the mouth and that I was unable to even gain a visual line of sight to the beach because the waves were so big they were completely blocking my view. I tried paddling closer to get a look and as I edged forward, still 700m offshore, I heard the flutter of a wave crest behind me. I looked over my shoulder and was horrified to see a tower of water over my head with a fluttering band of white on top. Somehow the waves were breaking even beyond where the charts said they were supposed to and I was right in the path of a monster. In a panic I paddled as hard as I possibly could in reverse, straightened up and felt my tail go in the air then crash back down sending my bow sky high as the wave roared through and broke just in front of me. I looked back again and realised I would have to keep going as a set of three more waves did the same thing before I was able to get clear, paddle far away from any break zone and reassess. A bit shaken, I looked at the map and realised I was not going to be able to get into shore until I reached Geraldton Marina which was another 15 kilometres away. I knew I wouldn’t be able to make camp there and it would be too late in the day to continue further so I made a phone call to my Aunty Kim who lives in Geraldton and asked I could stay with her for the night on short notice. Thankfully she was happy to help and I paddled inside the safety of Southgate Reef where I was protected from the worst of the monster swell. I then realised the shore break inside Southgate was a lot more welcoming but I decided that I had plenty of energy left, despite being confined to the cockpit and not being able to get to my lunch and so I would continue with plan B to Geraldton Marina.

Point Moore Geraldton.

I rounded Point Moore and after marvelling at the lighthouse I made my way into the boat ramp with the southerly wind now pumping. Despite the wind change the temperature hadn’t backed down from 46 and as I finally got out of my kayak at 3:30 in the afternoon having paddled for 60 kilometres non-stop, I took a moment to have a good stretch out. I rang my Aunty and she said she wouldn’t be finished work for another hour so I took the opportunity to run a few hundred metres to the shops and managed to finally replace my missing camping stove; no more cold half rations! I got back to my kayak and realised that the wind was blowing a perfect direction for me to scoot another 10 kilometres across the bay to Glenfield beach which was just a few hundred metres from my Aunt’s place. I was finally able to finish what was supposed to be an easy 40km day with a short walk up the hill to Aunty Kim’s place. I had paddled 69 kilometres in a 3.5m swell and 46 degree heat with only the snacks in my day hatch to keep me going. I slept well that night.

Little Bay Horrocks campsite for two night.

The next morning after my final water refill I carried the kayak back down to the beach for the 40km paddle to Horrocks. It was Kim and Brett who were there to send me off today and it was looking like another challenging one. The forecast was for 47 degrees and although the swell was a much more manageable 2.2m, the morning easterly was roaring. I got underway and my speed was the slowest it had been all trip. I usually managed 8.5 to 9.5 kilometres per hour on a good day but today I was barely managing seven. The easterly wind was pushing me out to sea and as I lurched along, the waves continually lapping sideways over my deck became a real nuisance. Every half hour I had to sponge out my cockpit because my spray deck, which was not in any way new when I had begun the trip, had developed a bigger hole at the back which water was able to seep through. To add to my frustration I had to turn my bow westward to be parallel with the waves because if I took my spray deck off while sideways to the waves they would spill over the sides and fill me up just as quickly as I could sponge out. This made progress extremely slow. I was continually being pushed slowly out to sea by the wind as the hours went by but this didn’t faze me as I knew it was forecast to swing WSW later on in the day and a little distance from the shore would prove advantageous. Sometime in the morning as the easterly was raging I was passed by a couple of cray boats pulling their pots in the dirty green water. One came closer to take a look at me in my kayak but continued on when they saw I seemed to be in control. They must have wondered what on earth I was doing this far up the coast in a kayak. As the day wore on the easterly dropped out and the heat of the day really kicked in. I was eagerly anticipating the wind changing and pushing me the last ten kilometres. As I passed Bowes River Mouth in the distance I became increasingly hot and bothered about the lack of distance I was covering. The forecast sea breeze never really came in and what would have been a perfect day out fishing in a powerboat was a bit of a slog for me. Finally I came alongside the picturesque town of Horrocks and with only five kilometres to Little Bay Campsite I thought the going would become easier. Unfortunately progress was still slow and I was probably a little fatigued from the difficult morning and the enormous day before so when I arrived at Little Bay I decided to take a short cut straight over the reef rather than paddle another 500m around the point. Thankfully I had assessed the conditions correctly today and I rode into my home for the next two nights ahead of schedule on the last wave of a gentle set.

Sprint Paddlers Fund Raiser

Get down to @the_oarhouse this Good Friday & Easter Saturday and help support our athletes from Bayswater Paddlesports Club
These legends are heading to New Zealand and Canada to represent Australia and we need your support to help get them there!
Coffee from 6–11am
Raffle tickets + awesome prizes
Good vibes for a great cause
Massive thanks to Rob and The Oarhouse crew for getting behind our athletes and making this happen
Bring your crew, grab a coffee and be part of the journey.

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-03-19T21:02:35-04:00

20th March 2026 CDU Newsletter 926

The Australian Canoe Sprint Championships were last week. The crosswind was dreadful virtually every day. I volunteered on Friday to hold paddlers who were racing the 1000 metres. Paddlers back up to a pontoon and every lane needs a person to hold their kayaks. Many paddlers had no idea how to do a draw stroke to keep themselves straight. With the crosswind being so strong it wasn't just a strain for the paddlers but also for the holders who tried to keep their bow facing forward by adjusting their kayak.

I want to thank Connor Jacob who made it easier for me to hold his kayak because he knew how to do a draw stroke and keep his kayak straight, however I wasn’t so keen to receive such a large drenching and cold water shock from the water spilling off his paddle blade when he took off from the pontoon. 😂😂

Luke Egger taking off using the gates.

If the start was on the pontoon the holder would be a little wet!

Photo Lawrence Greed.

Saturday was sprint race day. I had three C1 races and one K1 race. The wind was still howling, nevertheless I manage to get down the course in my C1 without getting wet. I ended up getting 3 gold medals in the C1 75+ (as I was the only old person paddling) and a silver medal in the 1000 metres K1 in the 65+.

Sunday it was the K1 200 and 500 metre races. With the 200 and 500 metre races paddlers put their nose (bow) inside a gate on the start line rather than be held from a pontoon. The gates work easier if you have good boat control as you paddle into them forward rather than having to reverse up to the pontoon. However the crosswind can still make things difficult.
I was 3^rd in the 65+ 500 metres K1 and 1^st in the 75+ 200 metres K1.

Our first Avon Descent training session was on Friday evening. Fourteen paddlers took part with three others eager but couldn’t make it on the night. We had a great session with paddlers keen to improve their flat water skills.

If you know a new member who is thinking of doing the Avon and needs experience, tell them about the course.

On Thursday evening I met Steve Angle out on the water opposite home. It was a beautiful evening and we were wondering where all the paddlers were.

My Garmin had just decided to die which is a real disaster. Now I have to source a new one pretty quick or I won't be able to record my SUP kilometres. Any suggestions to which one to buy? Doesn't have to be too fancy.

Australian Sprint Championships

Champion Lakes, Perth

Find all event results here: https://brnw.ch/21x0r2t

Paddlers milling around an warming up before they come to the 1000 metre pontoon to be held.

The pontoon at the start of the 1000 metre race. 8 volunteer holders lie down on the pontoon and hold the stern of the kayaks to keep them in a perfect line.

The side wind, pushing the bow of the kayaks off centre made it hard on the paddlers and the holders.

It was quite windy on Saturday for my 3 C1 races and my 1000 metre K1 race.

It's much easier in a K1.

The start of the 500 metre race.

The plop of water at the bow of the kayak is the gate going down as the race is started.

Photo Lawrence Greed.

Agnes Pajor, Amanda Simper & Nicky Taylor.

Photo Lawrence Greed.

Women's race.

Photo Lawrence Greed.

Josh Kippin (left) at the start of the 200 metre race.

Josh was 4th in the 1000 metre final.

Orlando Fonseca continues to win many medals in the u16 years.

His sister Talisa is also winning medals.

A legends race.

Phil, Dave & I. 65+ K1.

I won 3 gold in the 75+ C1. (I was the only master).

1 gold in the 200 m 75+ K1, a silver in the 1000 m 65+ K1 and a bronze in the 65+ 500 m K1.

Photo Ron Clarke.

The first five clubs with the most medals

Gold Silver Bronze Total

1	Bayswater	WA	23.75	15.75	20	59.5
2	West Lakes	SA	19.75	11.75	11.25	42.75
3	Ascot	WA	17.75	6	5.75	29.5
4	Fairfield	VIC	15.75	13.75	8.5	38
5	Swan	WA	11.5	9.5	8.25	29.25

RACES COMING UP

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Registrations close 11.59pm Friday March 20 2026.

TO REGISTER:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421720

******************

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

TO REGISTER:

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

******************

Easter

3rd - 6th April

******************

Australian Canoe Marathon Championships

10-13 April

in Canberra.

Save money as the --

Early bird entrie close 9th March

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=413527...

******************

John Sims Race

19th April 2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1988

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #5

On June 27th 1988 we cruised into Crystal Creek in Admiralty Gulf to find the falling tide had left our only access, a narrow channel which cut through a mangrove swamp, and the home we had been told of two saltwater crocs, a muddy, slippery mass of oyster laden rocks and steep muddy banks. It looked an evil place and as our memories lingered back to croc attack nearly 3 weeks previously, we shunted nervously towards a barrage of muddy boulders ladened with razor sharp oysters. Stranded by the low tide, we faced a three hour struggle to hoist our gear to the top of the cliff, to where eventually Dennis and Duncan greeted us with champagne to celebrate our safe arrival.

Our celebrations were short however, for the following day all the canoeing equipment had to be cleaned and packed away and our walking gear and rations prepared. The Wilderness couple Mike and Susan Cusak kept in regular contact on the Flying Doctor radio and that evening we talked to Dick Smith who had helped us with $500.00 sponsorship. Dick had been to Mitchell Falls by helicopter the previous day.

The end of our kayaking journey at Crystal Creek on the Mitchell Plateau.

The tide left us high and dry. The slippery oyster laden rocks made it very difficult for us to unload.

Duncan and Dennis had been living it up in Broome while we were paddling and they had won $100.00 worth of booze which they had used to entertain the ladies. They had driven north through rough terrain of the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads, to meet us at Crystal Creek on the Mitchell Plateau. They would then share the stresses and strains of our first walk once we got to Mitchell Falls which was 65km from Crystal Creek. As I was doing the Kimberley Circuit under my own steam I cycled to Mitchell Falls through at times 8 foot high grass, gulley crossings, steep jump ups and boulder strewn tracks.

When we arrived at the falls water was cascading over its four drops into deep pools. I had been to the falls 3 times before. The beauty never fails to impress me. Along the gorge the orange sandstone cliffs tower towards the sky, their rugged walls reflecting in the large pools below.

Shaded by paperbark trees, the pools had banks laden with wild passionfruit and were home to many Johnson crocodiles and water monitors. From the top of Merton Falls, 200 metres north, we gazed at two freshwater crocs basking under a rainbow thrown by the cascade.

Mitchell Falls. Dennis, Me, Duncan & Ewen.

At the falls car park Ewen, Duncan, Dennis and I prepared for a 20 day walk across to Hunter and Roe Rivers. Although we were going for 20 days we carried only 12 food packs as we would go on half rations to keep our pack weight down.

As we headed towards an unnamed waterfall on the Hunter River we were forced to criss-cross many ravines, climb sandstone outcrops and fight our way through stabbing chest deep spinifex that oozed sticky resin on our clothes. It was a back packers nightmare and as the shadows grew longer, Dennis and Duncan descended a rock face into a carpet of spinifex below. Ewen, exhausted and still recovering from an oyster slash on his toe, tripped on a vine and fell head first down a two metre drop. Pinned under his pack we feared the worst. Luckily for Ewen his fairy Godmother watched over him, he stumbled off into the sunset with a cut thick lip and a bruised hand!

It was extremely hot, extremely hard pushing through high spinifex, and scrambling over large boulders.

Ewen was often shattered at the end of the day.

As we only took 12 days of food for a 20 day walk it was good to catch fish in some of the pools.

The walking was difficult much of the time. Ewen & Dennis.

Reaching the base of the 415 metre Donkers Hill the sweat poured off our bodies like tiny waterfalls. As an array of coloured butterflies and swallows criss-crossed the sky above the conical summit, we enjoyed a well-earned rest and looked out towards the 484 metre Mount Anderdon and the distant waters of Prince Frederick Harbour.

To the south and our route to the Roe River, a raging bushfire loomed on the horizon. Descending Donkers Hill to the cliffs flanking Hunter River we discovered a small pool. Within minutes Dennis had thrown a line into the water and hooked a fish with a raison and then hooked another one with no bait at all. We had a good feed that night. The area was rich in birdlife including the black grass wren, the shining flycatcher and the rare white-breasted robin. That night like several other nights a quoll (native cat) shared our campsite and fish leftovers.

The upstream end of Hunter River.

We needed to be rock climbers at times. Not easy with heavy packs.

Nearly at the top of Donkins Hill with a glimpse the Hunter River in the distance.

Hunter River snakes around.

At the top of Donkins Hill.

Duncan and Ewen on Donkins Hill.

It makes you wonder when and how that was formed.

As we trekked towards Roe River the orange glow of the bush fire lit up the night sky. The fire was split into several pockets and as walked through the charred areas it felt like a war had taken place, as no blade of grass or tree escaped the scorching inferno. As many tree stumps continued to blaze, several trees crashed to the ground and in areas not yet burnt, flames leapt 20 metres into the air.

At times we could only achieve 1km an hour while walking. It was really tough going where the land hadn't been scorched, but we eventually reached the Roe River gorge and our furthest goal.

Leaving the impressive Hunter and Roe River gorges behind, we returned to the Mitchell Falls to a feast after enduring half rations for 20 days.

Our new friends Mike and Susan Cusack, the Wilderness Couple were there waiting for us and ready to lend Ewen a mountain bike to use for the rest of the trip as he didn’t have a mountain bike.

Ewen jumping over a stream.

Perth to Kalbarri

On the morning of Sunday the 18^th I left Clare and our dog Teddy waving goodbye to me from the beach at Jurien Bay and was filled with a great sense of determination that I would keep myself safe for the remainder of the trip and successfully meet her in Kalbarri the following Saturday. After having an early lunch at Point Louise surrounded by idyllic turquoise waters and clear skies I jumped back in my kayak and was delighted to find that the wind was finally offering some help to push me along as I was heading more northerly and the wind had straightened, coming more out of the south now. I made excellent progress and arrived at my campsite early in the afternoon having paddled a few kilometres further than my scheduled 60 kilometres per day. I was heading along what the tourist board calls the Turquoise Coast which is a 250km stretch of shallow coastline running from Leeman to Dongara protected from large offshore swells by a scenic chain of shallow reef and islands about five miles offshore. These protected waters and especially the conveniently placed islands made for some great lunch stops and allowed me to avoid punching in and out of dangerous shore breaks every time I made land. Progress was finally coming easier as I enjoyed favourable conditions and stunning scenery and even got a glimpse of what I thought was a manta ray under my hull before it realised I was directly above it and shot off into the blue yonder.

Island near Lancelin lunch stop.

Over the next few days however, all that would change as I left the protected waters of the Turquoise Coast and ventured into more open ocean with a less than favourable weather forecast. That night as I went to cook my pasta and tinned soup I was given a very rude shock. I gathered my food, my gas, my pot and water before going in search of my little fold up hiking stove. My face went white and I was filled with a great sense of dread as I came to the realisation that I had left my stove behind in Jurien Bay and would have nothing to cook my food with! Throughout the journey I had contemplated what it must have been like for Terry back in the eighties as he paddled and hiked through the Kimberley’s stretching his rations as far as his hunger would allow. Little did I know, I was about to experience the same thing myself over the next few days before I would be able to replace my stove in Geraldton. Thankfully I had some tinned food which would keep me going but I wasn’t able to combine it with cooked rice or pasta as planned so the next few days would be a challenge for me.

Running down a wave south of Leeman.

I spent Monday’s paddle from Leeman to Dongara dwelling on the next few days which would be the most pivotal of my trip. So far I hadn’t had weather that was any worse than a nuisance and certainly nothing I considered dangerous. The forecast for Tuesday however was for 3.5 metre swells which would cause me big problems as I had to plan where I was going to make land through the shore break very carefully and avoid capsizing and crashing my borrowed kayak onto the rocks. Adding to the swell was the temperature and wind forecast which said the next three days would be around 46 degrees with morning easterlies gusting to over 25 knots. I knew that if I kept to my planned schedule and paddled around 60km per day, I would have an extra day up my sleeve as I wanted to wait until Saturday to arrive in Kalbarri so Clare could make the journey from Perth to be there as I finished. Once I got to Horrocks I knew I would be ok but between myself and there lay 120 kilometres of unfavourable conditions. I figured I could sit Tuesday out but then have to paddle 60 kilometres on Wednesday and Thursday in a horrible side wind and scorching heat. Alternatively I could paddle three 40 kilometre days but risk extremely dangerous shore breaks on Tuesday and possibly get stuck at Greenough for a few days not being able to get back out to sea waiting for the swell to die down. I decided to wait until morning and assess the conditions then.

Lunch stop south of Dongara.

That hot night as I lay in my tent on a sandy 4wd track which didn’t look to have been used for years I was abruptly awoken into a panic around midnight. I shot bolt upright in my tent and threw my clothes on as quickly as possible before scrambling for my torch. I could hear a screaming engine on the rev limiter and saw headlights bouncing around the dunes seemingly heading straight for me at tremendous speed. About 500 metres away there was a gravel carpark which came straight off the highway and a hoon who had his car right on the rev limiter would have had no idea that I was camped in a little green two man hiking tent just off into the darkness. I rushed for the door in the hope I could jump out of the way in time because I knew at the speed he sounded like he was going that he wouldn’t be able to stop before ploughing straight through me. Just as I made it out I looked into the distance and was relieved to find that the car was not likely a 4wd and was just doing burnouts in the gravel carpark rather than tearing along the track I was camped on. After I caught my breath I kept a watchful eye on the hoon and hoped that he hadn’t seem me camped along the beach which I figured was unlikely. Then I had a tense ten minutes or so as the night fell silent and the hoon sat in his car with the engine off before finally starting it up again. This time he gave it a few more revs in the carpark before I heard him tear off back along the road towards the highway and thankfully disappeared into the night. I was very relieved when he left and thought that it would be such an unlucky way to go to be cleaned up in my tent asleep after all the hundreds of kilometres of ocean I had paddled!

Birds Along The Way

Osprey

A Great Egret

I want to know who eats the GUTS of mussels and crab?

Are You Interested
in
Up Skilling - Refining - Improving

Your Basic Paddle Strokes & Skills?

If so why not join this course.
Suitable for paddlers who have some knowledge of the basic strokes.
(Using 3 – 4 metre white water kayaks.)
This course will run for 5 – 6 sessions depending on paddler’s skill level.
The idea is improve people’s paddle strokes & skills to an advanced level or to a Basic Skills Instructor level & beyond.

Paddlers must be in a Club or belong to Paddle WA

Contact Terry 0417977330 or terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Registrations close 11.59pm Friday March 20 2026.

All paddlers in team craft must enter individually.

THE RACE Where: Swan Canoe Club, Johnson Parade, Mosman Park Check-in: 7:00 – 7:45am Race / Safety Briefing: 8:00am Start (1st Wave): 8:30am

PRIZES Cash prizes for fastest male and female single paddlers (12km course):

1st: $150. 2nd: $100. 3rd: $50. Plus random draw for other prizes. Presentations after the race.

FEES Adults: $35 Juniors (U18): $20 Morning tea and refreshments are included in the race entry fee – available at the club after the race. $20 for insurance will be added for non-affiliated paddlers

ENQUIRIES: admin@swancanoeclub.org.au

TO REGISTER: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421720

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

Great course, great portage, great eats & great coffee !!

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-03-12T19:53:57-04:00

Friday 13th March CDU Newsletter 925

Are You Interested
in
Up Skilling - Refining - Improving

Your Basic Paddle Strokes & Skills?

Paddlers must be in a Club or belong to Paddle WA

Contact Terry 0417977330 or terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au

Sculling for Support

The Avon Descent Training Course

Starts this evening (Friday 13th March)

Flat water first....

With superior flat water strokes & skills - the easier it is to master the white water.

RACES COMING UP

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Registrations close 11.59pm Friday March 20 2026.

TO REGISTER:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421720

******************

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

TO REGISTER:

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

******************

Easter

3rd - 6th April

******************

Australian Canoe Marathon Championships

10-13 April

in Canberra.

Save money as the --

Early bird entrie close 9th March

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=413527...

******************

John Sims Race

19th April 2026

Australia Sprint Championships

taking place at Champion Lakes again today and run

until Sunday lunchtime.

Masters join in on Saturday & Sunday

Tuesday evening Progressive Racing Group time trial at Ascot.

Slalom paddlers Kai & Rhys lead Kate & Nigel

Ascot Kayak Club

City Lights Race

The long and the short of it.

Selena had no problem seeing over me.

Photo Babett Fekete.

Results here:- City Lights 2026 | Race results | Webscorer

The City Lights Race is a race that my wife Jenny doesn’t particularly like. It’s not the race itself, it’s the fact that she is asked to drive my big landcruiser back from the start of the race which has gears that she is not used to. For 364 days of the year she drives a nice easy to drive Toyota automatic Rav 4. As I usually paddle my long Epic double it really needs a long car body to carry it. Even then it hangs more than it should over the back of the vehicle.

This year I was paddling with Selena Lloyd. She hadn’t paddled 29 kms before so it could be a tough race for her.

On our start line we had Paul & Tink Measey, Ash Townsend & Izzy Maddison and Warren Southwell and Anne Harris. On paper, three of the teams I thought were equally matched, but Paul & Tink were the dark horses.

When Danny started the race Paul & Tink sped ahead like two people possessed. But Ash & Izzy were equally as mad as they crazily took off after them. Selena & I managed to have our moment of madness and got behind Ash & Izzy for a short time, but after a few hundred metres we realised that we couldn’t keep it up. By now Warren & Anne had come across and they were sitting beside us and as we turned and approached the pipeline a big fish jumped out of the water and hit the bow of Warren & Anne’s ski.

Our grid were off.

Photo Babett Fekete.

As we crossed the shallows after the pipeline Paul & Tink and Ash & Izzy were several metres ahead and by their speed it looked as if we wouldn’t see them ever again. So that just left me & Selena and Warren & Anne to fight it out. However by the time we got to the Shelley Sailing Club we were catching up with Ash & Izzy as they had lost Paul & Tink. They paddled to the left of the convict poles and we followed, but Warren & Anne kept to the right of the poles. For some reason Ash & Izzy then decided to move over to the right of the poles which I thought was a bit risky as they would be crossing submerged poles they couldn’t see. Nevertheless they started to cross over so not wanting to lose them I took the same path hoping that they would hit the post first and we could deviate.

As luck should have it we both crossed over without hitting anything. Warren & Anne soon caught up so we were three heading to Salter Point sandbar. It looked deep enough to cut the corner across the sandbar, however we were pressured by the other two boats to the left of it and towards the spit post.

I could sense that Warren was shepherding us towards the post so he could then do a quick short cut sprint across the sandbar to lose us, which he did. However I was ready for his move and we managed to speed up in the deeper water and get in front of them.

So now we were split, Warren & Anne and Ash & Izzy were over on our right but we were travelling on a more direct line and leading. They eventually caught up in the shallows under Mount Henry Bridge where we were met some kamikaze jet skis and a few boats that gave out some good solid waves.

Paul & Tink Measey shooting off and never to be seen again.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Some faster paddlers on the next grid after us taking off.
Only one pair, Garth & Jade, caught Selena and I before the finish.

Photo Babett Fekete.

As we headed under Canning Bridge next to Warren & Anne a jet ski was heading towards us. Luckily it was under better control than the others we saw.

As we moved along the freeway after Canning Bridge we kept in pace with Warren & Anne. It was much calmer than other years but there were moments when the waves came from the side and made it just a little more challenging. I wasn’t sure where Ash & Izzy were, but at least they were behind us. On the last kilometre coming up to the narrows bridge, where the waves did give some concern we split up and we managed to get slightly ahead, but we could still hear Warren’s voice so we knew they weren’t far behind.

We moved under the Narrows Bridge and out into Perth Water where it was nearly dark and it wasn’t long before Warren & Anne caught up and paddled beside them to the new portage at Coode Street.

As we were getting out I quickly released my leg strap, picked up the bow as Selena lifted the stern and we started trotting around the jetty. I think Selena was a little surprised that we trotted as she said later she doesn’t jog much.

Warren & I catching Selena & I as we cross Perth Water towards the new portage area.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Ash & Izzy on a mission to catch us up.

Garth & Jade.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Arriving at Coode Street portage with Warren & Anne and Ash & Izzy.

We jumped back onto the Epic double ski and headed to the left of Heirrisson Island and towards the lights of the WACA. At that point I didn’t know if we had left the others a long way behind at the portage as it was dark and hard to turn around to see. I asked Selena if she could see anyone behind, but as she hadn’t have time to take her sun glasses off at the portage, she said everything was so black she couldn't see. At least I couldn’t hear any talking behind us. But if I was creeping up on someone I would be keeping as quiet as possible.

We kept up a good solid pace and were soon passing under the new brightly lit up Boorloo cycle bridge, then the Causeway where there was a checkpoint, and across to the Matagarup Bridge hoping not to get stuck in the shallows just before it.

I was feeling confident and strong as we past the stadium. I told Selena it was about 11 kms to go. I think she was hoping it was closer, nevertheless I felt this powerhouse in the back was still paddling hard. We started passing a few slower paddlers and at that point we hadn’t had any of the faster teams who started behind us pass us. Then out of the darkness, a few hundred metres beyond the Maylands boat ramp a fast male/female team came cruising by.

It was hard to know who they were as they said little, but at that point it didn’t matter, my objective was to try to wash ride them as far as we could. We sped up and managed to get on their side wash. I was surprised that we were able to keep on the side wash for over 800 metres before we had to drop back, but we weren’t finished. I steered us onto their tail and kept up with them another 500 metres to the bridge checkpoint at Ascot Waters where it shallowed further. (We found out later it it was Garth and Jade.)

Despite over extending ourselves by keeping up with Garth and Jade we still had fire in our bellies and we didn’t want them to get too far ahead. Once out of Ascot Waters I was feeling more confident that we were going to beat Warren & Anne and Ash & Izzy. However you can never be too confident especially in a night race when you have no idea where your opposition are. They could be silent lambs directly behind us waiting to pounce, but I was hoping they were a long way back.

Our aim was to keep the pressure on all the way to the end and that’s what we did and amazingly we crossed the line being as fresh as daisies and extremely happy that we had beat our competition by 2 minutes.

It was another enjoyable race and thanks to the organisers and volunteers.

Full course winners Brett McDonald & Dave Berglund.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Overall | City Lights 2026 | Resources.ws.RaceResults | Webscorer

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1988

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #5

The short stay at Kuri Bay gave us the opportunity to wash our clothes, repair our gear and collect rations for the final stage of our sea journey. The hospitality and co-operation of Bob Haddock and the Kuri Bay people was over-whelming, as always.

We moved on 25 kilometres towards the site of the old Kunmunya Mission where Michael and Susan Cusack, who were sponsored by Australian Geographic were living in the wilderness for a year.

Ewen & I camped next to Kunmunya Hill.

Michael and Susan only had two weeks of their year long stay to go when we reached their makeshift home a few kilometres inland. We left our kayaks at the Gutter and walked along a creek bed towards their camp. I had been to Kunmunya, a deserted Aboriginal Mission in 1982 on my first Kimberley trip. When we reached their camp the area was plagued by flies, most likely because of the many wild mules and cattle that roamed the region.

It was great to meet Mike and Sue and hear all their stories of their year in the wilderness. They were equally as impressed with what I had done over the years. We had so much in common and our short stay was exciting.

Before leaving Mick and Sue and a few million pet flies, we loaded our kayaks with one hundred litres of freshwater so we were really loaded down. Mitchell Plateau was 317 kms away, a minimum of ten days paddling and with no reliable water supplies en route we needed to carry sufficient for entire journey.

Getting out at the Gutter.

Michael & Sue at their bush house they built.

The flies tormented them more tha anything.

An elder lady who used to once live at the Mission dropped in to see what the place was like now whilst we were there.

When we stayed at Mike & Sue's Ewen had placed his food in the same compartment that he had his repair resin in and that was enough to taint all the cereal and some of the other foods. So when we came to eat it it tasted like resin and made us burp. Although we had to eat most of it we chose to eat my rations first.

At Careening Bay, just beyond the Prince Regent River we stopped at a large boab tree in which Captain King’s crew had carved the ships name, ‘Mermaid 1820’. When we landed Ewen didn’t pull his kayak far enough up the beach and as the tide rose it started drifting away with the wind. He did a quick dash into the water and caught it before it went sailing away. A bush fire was creating a smoke haze over the bay and when the sun went down there was an amazing glow in the sky. In 1982 I had also visited the tree.

We weren’t to know that gale warnings had been issued for this part of the coast as we paddled for up to 11 hours a day, battling our way towards Mitchell Plateau. The howling wind and constant saturation from the waves caused a massive heat loss from our bodies and we were often cold which was hard to believe in such a hot environment. Only days before, the stifling heat had been unbearable.

We had to be careful not to drink too much water in the morning, because it was a difficult task trying to urinate in a container in the kayak in the rough seas. The further north we paddled the harsher and hostile the environment became. The coastal ranges were barren, the sea was rough, the tides were swift and crocodiles, sharks and sea snakes were our constant companions. And if anything serious did happen the nearest civilisation was hundreds of kilometres away.

Kings boab tree with the carving Mermaid 1820.

A bush ire had created an amazing red sky.

A sunrise.

Arriving at Crystal Creek where we were going to meet our support team.

Although Dennis and Duncan had left our banner on the cliff top they weren't there to greet us until later.

It took us a long time to unload our kayaks on the slippery oyster laden boulders and carry all our gear to the top of the cliff.

A Paddle from Perth to Kalbarri

Luke Dooley

Massive swells breaking hundreds of metres from shore, hoons speeding towards me as I slept in my tent and gusting easterlies pushing me out to sea were some of the challenges I faced recently on my 10 day, 570 kilometre paddle from Perth to Kalbarri. I began my journey from my paddling mentor Terry’s place in Ashfield on the banks of the swan river a few hundred metres downstream of Ascot Kayak Club. This trip had been on my bucket list for a long time having grown up in Kalbarri and travelled to several races in Perth wondering if one day I’d be able to paddle the distance without resorting to using a car. As I had a break from work after Christmas I figured this would be my best chance for a while to find out and hopefully arrive in Kalbarri for Australia Day weekend. Having borrowed his sea kayak, I set off from Terry’s place on Friday the 9^th of Jan for what would be “day zero”, a 59km, 6 ½ hour paddle to Hillarys which would give me a chance to iron out the kinks and assess if I was prepared for the rest of the journey.

The trip to Hillarys started cloudy and windy. There was to be an incoming tide all day which would hinder my progress but to my amazement the current was still flowing out to sea as I paddled around Optus Stadium, past the city skyline and only met an incoming current as I was a few kilometres from Fremantle. Having had lunch just before the Stirling Hwy Bridge I paddled out of Fremantle Port, around the North Mole and pointed my nose north for the first time towards Hillarys and eventually Kalbarri.

I spent the next few days preparing my equipment, food and other supplies before departing Hillarys on Wednesday the 14^th fully laden with three days’ worth of water and food for ten. The first night’s stop was in the dunes just north of Moore River. Although progress was slow from lack of wind, I was kept entertained by watching the bustle of the city slowly fade into the distance behind me as I eagerly anticipated the sea breeze coming in and pushing me to my campsite. Unfortunately as I left Two Rocks after having lunch, my dreams of an easy run into camp were quickly dashed by the south westerly wind. Throughout the summer there are races called ‘down winders’ which involve paddlers waiting for the sea breeze to come in and then racing along the coast south to north riding the waves caused by the sea breeze. When the waves are right behind you, very good speeds can be achieved, especially by top paddlers who are able to link wave after wave. Sadly for me, this tail wind which I was relying upon to push me to Kalbarri was more of a side wind and a hindrance to my speed. Because of the shape of the coastline along this stretch which ran SE to NW, the south westerly wind was coming at me side on which meant I was not able to ride the waves and my speed dropped further as the day went on. This turned what I had anticipated to be a leisurely 15km cruise to camp to finish off my day into a three hour ordeal which resulted in me arriving in camp having paddled 63kms for the day pretty exhausted.

A quick look at the shape of the coast on a map and a check of the south westerly wind forecast caused me to suspect that the next few days to Jurien Bay were going to be much the same as Day 1; a lot harder that I had expected. As the days unfolded and kilometres slowly ticked by, my suspicions were proved correct and after a few days of slogging it out amongst some stunning sunsets, several thousand ticks crawling around my tent and a particularly spectacular campsite at Wedge, I arrived in Jurien Bay. I landed mid Friday afternoon and was later met by my fiancé Clare at her parent’s holiday house which was conveniently located a few hundred metres in from the beach. We spent two nights in Jurien Bay together while I topped up some of my supplies and made some repairs to my 20+ year old kayak which had been paddled from Perth to Shark Bay via Kalbarri by Terry back in 2002.

Report to be continued.............................

Photo taken with an Iphone.

Photo taken with my camera.

Christmas is coming. Don't forget to purchase a book.

For paddlers a special price of $35.00

Werner Corryvrecken

2 piece Prem touring paddle

2 piece

210 cm long

Normal price above $500.00

SPECIAL PRICE $350.00

Only one left

Terry 0417977330

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Registrations close 11.59pm Friday March 20 2026.

All paddlers in team craft must enter individually.

THE RACE Where: Swan Canoe Club, Johnson Parade, Mosman Park Check-in: 7:00 – 7:45am Race / Safety Briefing: 8:00am Start (1st Wave): 8:30am

SAFETY We share the Swan River with other traffic and the 12km course requires paddlers to cross the main channel. Paddlers must obey water rules and be confident in their own competency and fitness. Remember hydration, sun protection. PFD for under 16 not compulsory with parent permission. All participants must attend the Race/Safety Briefing at 8am.

COURSES [Link to race map] Start/Finish at Swan Canoe Club jetty. 12km (turn at Stirling Bridge, North Freo) 6km (turn at Point Roe red marker) 3km (turn at Chidley Point red marker) All turns are anticlockwise. Wave starts from 8:30am. Waves/Classes to be confirmed on race day. Race Director has discretion. Dragon Boats: 6km only

PRIZES Cash prizes for fastest male and female single paddlers (12km course):

1st: $150. 2nd: $100. 3rd: $50. Plus random draw for other prizes. Presentations after the race.

ENQUIRIES: admin@swancanoeclub.org.au

TO REGISTER: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421720

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

Great course, great portage, great eats & great coffee !!

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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2026-03-06T00:08:56-05:00

6th March 2026 CDU Newsletter 924

With 662 kilometres paddled on a SUP last month (February) I managed to keep at the top of the SUP world leader board again. For the last 16 months I have been at the top 14 times.

However, I expect things to change this next few months as not only will I be running an Avon Descent Training Course, the Progressive Racing Group Sessions, I will also need to do more kayak training due to all the races and championships coming up.

This weekend we have the 29 km City Lights Race, followed by the Australian Sprint Championships, then the Rod Fry Race, the WA Marathon & SUP Championships and after that it’s off to Canberra for the Australian Canoe and SUP Marathon Championships in early April. And it doesn't end there. So we are in for a busy few months.

And after Chad Sorensen and Robin Jacob beat me in last weeks 10 km kayak race, it appears I have to pull my socks up and train much harder in my kayak to make sure they don't beat me again.

(In the sprint championships it looks as if my sprint C1 races are on at the same time as my kayak races. Someone must think I have some hidden powers!)

ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Ascot Kayak Club

Avon Descent Training Course

Starting Friday 13th March

Bryony McCrudden taking on Bells Drop in her earlier white water career.

Basic flat water strokes

Advanced flat water strokes & skills

Skills for preparing for white water

Fitness sessions

Rolling for kayak paddlers

Lectures & Lots of Advice - Equipment

Intro to moving water & white water skills

More advanced white water skills on grade 2 water

Avon Descent Safety and Competency Assessment

& more

Contact Terry Bolland

0417977330

Email: terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au

Penny Bates tackling the Devil's Slide, on Bell's Rapid.

Australian Canoe Sprint Championships

Most of next week

with the master events mainly at the weekend.

at Champion

Schedule:-

https://regattas.paddle.org.au/regattas/1215/file/1234

******************

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Registrations close 11.59pm Friday March 20 2026.

TO REGISTER:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421720

******************

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

TO REGISTER:

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

******************

Australian Canoe Marathon Championships

10-13 April

in Canberra.

Save money as the --

Early bird entrie close 9th March

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=413527...

******************

City Lights Race

This Saturday evening.

FINAL CALL -

Weather looks amazing this year, so don't miss out.

Remember if you are unable to make the start line for racing, Ascot kayak club are providing a night of live music and friendly surroundings in the warm night air - so head down!

Its also not too late to request food from the cafe - just use the method in the webscorer link below:

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420476

Slalom in Tasmania

On the Forth River in Tasmania the water can just be turned on giving the juniors some white water to play in.

Paddling flows confirmed Thursday 5-7pm. Join in the fun. BYO BBQ after.

Thanks to the Hydro Tasmania Recreation Water Releases.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1988

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #5

On June 8th, with 200kms of our 700km paddle behind us, Ewen and I toiled against large relentless waves, south-east of Koolan Island. It was a pleasure to be close to an island after being rammed by a shark and battling the elements for 3 ½ hours. Exhausted, we paddled in silence along the rocky shoreline slowly creeping towards a semi-circular pebbly beach both eager to step ashore to have lunch and rest.

Suddenly with no warning there was an enormous splash close to Ewen’s kayak. I glanced over and was confronted by the most chilling sight. The open jaws of a crocodile were gripping the stern of his kayak. “Croc paddle fast”, I bellowed. Ewen let out a shout of terror and accelerated.

A few moments later the croc released its grip but the respite was short lived, a few seconds later it exploded from the water and struck again, its open jaws bent on crushing the kayak. My rifle was strapped on the back deck in a watertight case so it was of no use and if I turned around in the cockpit, my unstable craft would capsize, then I would be in deep trouble.

It was terrifying and I was helpless to assist my friend. The predator’s jaws were locked around his kayak’s stern. Then it lifted its head high out of the water and, with a tilt, tried desperately to put the kayak into a death roll. A chill went through my body, my heart raced and my mind tried to refute what my eyes were seeing, but this was no Jaws movie or Crocodile Dundee, it was real.

Part of the coast heading towards Walcott Inlet.

The Kimberley is an amazing part of the world but you never know what's in store from one day to another.

The site of the crocodile attack.

Ewen never looked back to glimpse his predator but he felt its strength. His arms pumped like windmills and his kayak, although heavily laden, ran swiftly through the water. The croc lost its grip again and disappeared under the murky water. Several frightening seconds ticked by. When or where would it attack next?

I had to pass the area where the croc had submerged so I was now concerned for my safety and in my mind urged Ewen to come back as it was his croc.

By now Ewen was several metres in front of me and as I sliced past the crocs foaming waters, I paddled hard to reach the waves breaking over the sandbar ahead. I continually scanned the water behind expecting the croc to attack again. Minutes seemed like hours. I still had the thoughts, would the croc attack me next?

After paddling 2 kilometres out into the open sea, Ewen finally allowed me to catch up with him. He was badly shaken so I tried to turn our frightening experience into a light hearted joke as we still had 3 weeks and 500 kilometres to paddle and we had no option but to keep going!

I have spent over 200 days canoeing in these dangerous waters and I have been chased by crocs on several occasions, but this was the first time that one had actually attacked. It was only last year in 1987 that Ken Cornish and I had been at the head of the Prince Regent River when a tourist, Ginger Meadows, who was standing on a ledge of a waterfall tried swimming to a tourist boat and was taken by a croc. This year it was nearly our turn!

In the far distance our destination shimmered in the heat haze. Walcot Inlet, the home of the giant whirlpools was four hours away and with the previous stresses of the day it was going to be a hard paddle.

As we approached the inlet we encountered driftwood, carried by the rising tide, which was hard to distinguish from crocodiles. Our campsite lay ahead. I pointed towards a boulder strewn beach partially hidden from view by extensive mangroves. Then we suddenly focused on a mangrove bough that jerked into the water ahead of us. “Oh no, we’re not going to camp here”, Ewen shouted. It looks too much like croc country. Looking west towards the sun disappearing behind Fletcher Island, I said, “it’s too late, there is no other campsite nearby”.

With 150 metres to go, we raced through the gap in the mangroves and struck the boulders and quickly jumped out. Convinced a big saltie was in the area, I gingerly waded into the murky water, unstrapped my rifle and we took it in turns standing shotgun as we unloaded the kayaks.

Walcott Inlet camp.

That night after the attack, at our campsite at Walcott Inlet, I told Ewen a story about a kayak trip down the river Nile that I had read about.

….One night a croc was attracted by some meat being stowed in the kayak and tried desperately to get it out. Unsuccessful , it returned to the water, but had left a musky scent on the boat. The following day, the kayak was attacked several times. It is believed that both sexes use the musky secretions to locate and attract each other….

After telling Ewen the story, he scrubbed around the scratches made by the crocs teeth, very thoroughly! No amorous crocodile was going to mistake his boat for a possible mate!

A huge tree trunk that was bumping the cliffs and water lapping into rock crevices, echoed around the cove throughout the night. Having no time for breakfast we left the quivering mangroves and high-tailed it further north along the mangrove lined shores first trying to avoid the worst of the currents heading into Walcott Inlet.

Bleary eyed from the glare, trickling sweat and stinging salt, we paddled hour after hour trying to overcome our trance like state. In a flurry of confusion Ewen yelled out and took off like a man possessed, as a shark suddenly hit his rudder. Minutes later and still shaken from the shark hit, he shouted out with fear in his voice, “I can’t take much more of this”, as he saw another shark rapidly approach, veering off only a metre from his hands.

It was going to be one of those days! So to restore our energy and enthusiasm we rafted up and ate some dried fruits and headed for Raft Point. Our camp at Raft Point was just as stunning as the other 3 times I had camped there. A walk along the cliffs with the ocean on one side and the bay with mangroves and vertical cliffy islands on the other was a sight to die for.

The current heading into Walcott Inlet.

We walked around the area to find fresh water at a place I had gathered it before. Unfortunately the stream was dry.

Raft Point with Steep Island in the background.

Raft Point and Steep Island.

As we left Raft Point, with the tidal stream in our favour for once, we cruised at 10kph at times. After failing to find freshwater in the coastal creeks and around Walcott Inlet where I have found water before our luck changed at Freshwater Cove. Here, freshwater cascaded from the clustered tentacle root system of mangroves into a 20 metre pool, which blocked our progress. To be safe, we skirted the pool and climbed through the sprawling roots to the trickling stream.

It was thank our lucky stars we didn't chose the pool to get the water as camouflaged in the pool below us, a saltwater crocodile laid perfectly still. You can imagine how pleased we were that we hadn’t waded into the pool.

A fresh water stream spilling through the mangroves at Freshwater Cove.

A crocodile was lying under the water hardly noticeable. It was a good thing we got water from the top rather from in the pool.

We slept on the beaches, but we were wary of crocodiles so we usually placed our kayaks in front of the tent.

And I sneakily let Ewen sleep closer to the water!

The pearling settlement of Kuri Bay was nestled at the bottom of a cove surrounded by spectacular cliffs. Boats and pearling pontoons were scattered around the cove and sleepy settlement, fronted by a thin line of mangroves, looked abandoned as we paddled across the glassy turquoise water towards it. Eagles soared on silent wings and it was only the crows raiding the rubbish tip that disturbed the tranquil setting.

Kuri Bay gave us the opportunity to wash our clothes, repair our gear and collect rations for the final stage of our sea journey. I had visited it several times so I was well known and the hospitality and co-operation of Bob Haddock and the Kuri Bay people was over-whelming, as always.

We rested a day ready to head further north.

Passing a Kuri Bay boat.

Jill Roberts goes

Paddling, Biking & Hiking

in the Walpole Wilderness

Jill was on a tour run by WOW wilderness Eco Adventures in Walpole. The guides name was Emma and Jill said she was amazing. So knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the different fauna and flora. It was an overnight camp trip with biking and pack rafting on the 1st day then a hike out on the 2nd. Highly recommend the experience and was also great value for money as Emma supplied all equipment and majority of the food.

I love the Kimberley, but the scenery down at Walpole is also mighty special.

The dolphins are truely back. They are spotted most days.

Braden and Michael sit and watch the dolphins swim by.

Braden is joining my Avon Course and is expected to have fun this Avon Descent.

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

Great course, great portage, great eats & great coffee !!

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Registrations close 11.59pm Friday March 20 2026.

All paddlers in team craft must enter individually.

THE RACE Where: Swan Canoe Club, Johnson Parade, Mosman Park Check-in: 7:00 – 7:45am Race / Safety Briefing: 8:00am Start (1st Wave): 8:30am

PRIZES Cash prizes for fastest male and female single paddlers (12km course):

1st: $150. 2nd: $100. 3rd: $50. Plus random draw for other prizes. Presentations after the race.

ENQUIRIES: admin@swancanoeclub.org.au

TO REGISTER: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421720

Race History

Rod Fry (1964 – 1993) was a dominant force in C1 and C2 paddling in WA for more than a decade.

His competitive achievements are numerous.

Perhaps those most well known are his three wins in C1 and five in C2 classes (with Lydia Formentin, Geoff Chambers and Ray Hall) in the Avon Descent. Rod’s records for the Mixed C2 and Men’s C2 in the Avon Descent still stand with Lydia and Ray.

In State and Wild Water championships he consistently came first and second.

At the National level, Rod was known for his successful partnerships with Lydia Formentin, winning both the Wild Water Open Mixed C2 and the Slalom Mixed C2 classes in 1983 and almost duplicating the feat in 1984. He had further successes in both Slalom and Wild Water events over the years, most recently in 1993, just two weeks before his tragic road accident.

Internationally, he competed in the World Marathon Championships in 1985 and in the World Wild Water Championships in 1989 and in 1991 when he came 27th in the C1 class.

Rod was a valued member of Swan Canoe Club for many years. He was a quiet achiever who will be remembered for his enthusiasm and encouragement of others, and his skill and dedication to C1 and C2 paddling.

Rod (second from left) was only about 16 when he entered the Australian Slalom championships at Nymboida, NSWs. He was in my team event (3 paddlers) and even though he had only been paddling a short time, I believe he got less penalty points than me.

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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2026-02-27T00:29:15-05:00

27th February 2026 CDU Newsletter 923

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

The 1980s

Although I started paddling in the 1970s and had paddled in lots of different places around Australia, joined the Ascot Kayak Club, become an Australian Canoe - Kayak Instructor, held a World 24 hour distance record, competed in two Avon Descents, became a competent slalom and wild water paddler, took part in the Wildwater and Polo Championships in Tasmania, I was just as active in the 1980s.

So in the 1980s I continued being an Ascot Kayak Club committee member as well as being President for 4 years. (Became an AKC Life Member in 1989).

I came third in the 1980 Avon Descent with Steve Pilton (we were second in 1979). and in 1983 I won the ‘OLEGAS TRUCHANAS’ Paddle Australia Canoeing Award.

In 1981 after competing at the Nymboida (NSW) Wildwater & Slalom Championships I went to Europe to watch the World Slalom and Wildwater Championships in Wales, paddled in the Commonwealth Slalom Championships in Scotland, drove around Europe and paddled at the Augsburg Olympic Slalom Course, as well as sea kayaking in the English tidal waters to practise for the Kimberley expedition that I had in my sights. Back home I was solo sea kayaking around the south west to get used to being alone and the stresses it causes when under pressure.

In 1982 I was well into sea kayak training, white water training at Harvey and preparing and organising an expedition to the Kimberley. There was hope of being joined by a paddling friend who was in the army, but the army said it was too dangerous for him to go, so I went alone.

So my first solo expedition to the Kimberley in 1982 started at Broome and finished at Mitchell Plateau, a 100 day journey. At the end I dug a hole and left my kayak up at Mitchell Plateau as I couldn’t bring it home. A park ranger dug it up 6 months later and I used it on two other expeditions to the Kimberley.

Then in 1983 after paddling at the Australian Slalom & Wildwater Championships at Harvey I sea kayaked from Lake Argyle, Wyndham to Mitchell Plateau. In 1985 I with Tarquin Bowers and Joh Mustard paddled the Drysdale River in the Kimberley. In 1987 I paddled with Ken Cornish from Derby to the Prince Regent River to retrace George Greys overland expedition and paddled back to Broome as you would have read in the last few newsletters.

In between all these trips I was competing in the Avon Descent in K1 and C1, teaching people to paddle and doing lots of other paddling adventures as well as volunteering and being the president at the Ascot Kayak Club.

This brought me to 1988. Whilst Australia was celebrating its Bicentenary, Ewen Macgregor and I ran, kayaked, backpacked and cycled 3500 kms around the most beautiful parts of the Kimberley which you will read further down.

So the 1980s for me were just amazing.

Check out:-

Through the Years…. – Canoeing, Kayaking & Other Adventures

The Ascot Kayak Club

Avon Descent

training program will be starting soon.

If you are interested put your name forward so you don't miss out.

At the end of a Avon Valley paddle.

Canoeing Down Under used to train up to 100 paddlers in a year to compete in the Avon Descent.

I wonder where they are now?

2026 Paddle Australia -

Canoe Sprint National Championships

March 11th - 15th

Entries Close:

Sun 1/3/2026 @ 24:00 AEDT (Local Time Zones)

All information and entries can be found at https://regattas.paddle.org.au/

Musk Duck

Please note these are real people and not generated by AI!

Some of the Ascot Progressive Racing Group having a social gathering after training.

Happy 90th Birthday Wolfgang

On a paddle on Tuesday I saw a group of paddlers in the distance. One kayak was towing something so I was keen to catch up to see what it was. On closer inspection I saw it was Wolfgang and he was towing a birthday balloon with the letters 90 on it.

I called out to Wolfgang wishing him a happy 90th birthday. He was surprised that I knew as he hadn't realised that his mates had tied the ballon on his kayak without him realising.

Wolfgang burst into laughter when he looked back and saw the balloon.

He said he wondered why it felt harder paddling than usual.

His mate later took it off and Wolfgang's speed increased considerably.

I just hope I'm as fit as he is if I manage to live till 90.

2026 Australian Open Slalom Championships

Congratulations!

WAs Ben Pope K1 - Gold

Noemie Fox K1 - Gold

Ben Pope giving it his all.

Canning River Canoe Club

Canning Classic Race

Results here:-

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=422565

2026 Canning Classic Results.xlsx

https://canningriver.paddle.org.au/.../20260222-Canning...

Paddlers started a 500 hundred metres downstream of the weir where the river was a little wider.

They are off.

Declan and I after rounding the bridge pylons.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Shelley Bridge turn. A quarter of the race done.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Being chased by a load of paddlers as we head back under Riverton Bridge.

Photo Gordon Innes.

Approaching the weir and just under the halfway mark.

I somehow managed to keep in front and beat Declan.

Coran Longwood and Harry Langley at the finish line.

Coran beat Harry by 2 seconds and won the race.

Photo Michelle Lloyd.

Grant Pepper and Dave Berglund approaching the finish line.

Photo Michelle Lloyd.

Jade Lane and Will Lane.

Photo Michelle Lloyd.

Results and prizes at the new Canning River Canoe Club - Club storage shed.

Wild Water Summer Series

We had our last race in the summer series Monday evening.

Results here:-

Overall | 2026 WildWater WA Summer Race #2 | Series results | Webscorer

The next buoys race will be in May and the start of the winter white water series.

Harry Langley who is off to the World Wild Water Championships this winter won all the summer series races he entered.

Marie Andersson female winner of Monday evenings race and several other races.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1988

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #5

After four expeditions in the Kimberley I was determined to plan another, bigger, better and harder expedition. My plan was to go around the Kimberley, starting and finishing at Broome, keeping to the most isolated regions and using four different disciplines:

Run 445km
Kayak 700kms
Backpack 420kms
Mountain Bike 1930kms

The most important objectives of the expedition were firstly to explore the areas around the Mitchell, Hunter and Roe Rivers and secondly to retrace the movements and find material evidence of the two German aviators, Bertram and Klausmann, who became stranded along the Kimberley coast in 1932.

We aimed to push ourselves to the limit, to have minimum rest days and achieve high milage over a three month period. Dreaming up such an expedition was easy. Finding the money and companions willing to put themselves under severe pressure for three months was much harder.

Eventually I convinced an experienced white water kayaker Ewen MacGregor, who had recently migrated from the UK that it would be a trip of a lifetime! Two of Ewen’s friends, Duncan Hepburn and Dennis Sproul, also from the UK agreed to be our support team. Ewen, Duncan and Dennis had no idea where the Kimberley was and what to expect. For my part, being an Adventure Pursuits Instructor and having already completed four previous Kimberley expeditions, I was the only one who had some insight into what lay ahead of us.

To start the Kimberley, run, kayak, backpack and cyle I ran 225 kms from Broome to Cape Leveque on dirt road. Ewen and Dennis joined me in stages.

At 7.30am on 25th May 1988 in Broome, Ewen and I warmed up for a 225 kilometre run to Cape Leveque and the beginning of a gruelling 3500km challenge across rugged and unrelenting, yet magnificent, Kimberley terrain. Broome was still quiet. There was no fanfare for our departure, only Duncan and Dennis witnessed the start of our daunting marathon.

By 1.30pm and in 36 degree heat, Ewen and I had run 35 kilometres along a dusty corrugated track. At our refreshment stop we were hot, exhausted and we both sat in silence. Ewen’s pace had slowed to a stagger and by the look on his face he could collapse at any time.

I broke the silence. How do you feel, I asked.

I’m feeling dizzy and just feel like dying, he muttered.

This was the first day of our gruelling journey. As Ewen fell victim to the extreme heat and conditions, Dennis kept me company, running the next 40 kilometres. When it became dark it was extremely hard to run on the ruts, the corrugations and the sand patches, so we walked. The moon helped enormously as it gave us just enough light to see our feet and get our fatigued muscles to our first nights camp. The highlight of the day was when a lady Moya Smith stopped to talk to us. I had met Moya in 1982 on my first trip. At the time Moya was learning the old traditional ways of hunting and fishing from the Aboriginals and I stayed with them for 10 days trying to learn as much as I could. The elder Aboriginals Sandy and his wife who taught Moya and myself the traditional ways were in the car with her.

A thick mist in the night had dampened all our gear and when we took to the road it was like running through a tunnel of mist. When the mist disappeared with the sun the mysterious morning vanished and the birds started singing. At the 40km mark Ewen felt the full force of the scorching sun and decided to retire again. When we got close to Beagle Bay the boys drove into the community to have a look at the church with a pearl shell alter whilst I ran on. Soon after the turn off the road deteriorated even more making the running even tougher than it was. To make matters worse we didn’t have ice or cold water so it was harder to quench my first. It had been another really hot, tough day and by 8.00pm, when it was cooler and dark I had run 80kms.

My third day on the track I only had to run 65kms but I knew it was still going to be a tough day. With the birds singing and some cattle roaming we slowly entered the heat zone and by the end of the day when the sun was setting over the quivering blue Indian ocean we arrived at the Cape Leveque lighthouse. With 225 kilometres behind us, our dream of resting under the palm trees of Cape Leveque was very welcome.

Run, kayak, backpack, mountain bike, backpack, cycle and run.

No time was lost before Ewen and I commenced our 700 kilometre ocean paddle along one of the worlds most treacherous coastlines. Tides in the King Sound are among the highest in the world, exceeding 10 metres with two high and low tides per day. Swift currents reach speeds of 12 knots in many places. The coastline is isolated and crawling with sharks and crocodiles. It was truly a wild, wondrous coastline.

To reach East Sunday Island, our first camp site, we had to paddle across several swift currents between the islands. It was a good introduction to the Kimberley but being experienced white water paddlers we took the strong currents in our stride but admittedly the crossing that we had to ferry glide across were must bigger than river ferry glides. We settled in at our campsite and planned the following days paddle. The tides were on springs which meant they were at the highest and fastest of the month so the 15km crossing was going to be a challenge.

I awoke to a howling wind from the north-east and drifted in and out of slumber for the next few hours. Signs were not favourable – giant tides, fast currents and now a gale. As we rose a red glow emerged behind Mermaid Island and finally the sun appeared to reveal massive white caps that dominated the huge expanse of water of King Sound. Swift tidal currents forged past our reef and the rocky island beyond.

Conditions were far from ideal for such a treacherous crossing. For the next hour we carried our gear down the beach in silence, lost in our own thoughts. The tedious job of loading the kayaks was completed some distance from the water’s edge as the tide was rising at an alarming rate.

Every piece of equipment had its place and failure to load it correctly would mean unloading and starting again and we had little time today to do that. The silence between us continued until we were both satisfied with our preparation and ready to leave the safety of the shoreline.

The kayaks sat deep in the water, fully loaded with 140 kilograms of camping gear, food packs, fresh water, radio, battery and solar panel. We wore buoyancy aids and survival jackets jammed with emergency equipment, including a distress beacon, flares, mask and snorkel, signalling mirror, fishing, fishing line, matches, compass, spare food and 700mls of water. Separated from our kayaks we hoped to be self-sufficient for a few days, although water would be our biggest concern.

We were loaded down to the hilt.

As we rounded the lee of the island, the wind and currents created a mass of towering waves which pounded us from all directions. The ride was wild and far more difficult than handling river rapids with its safe banks on either side. A big wave hit our boats and Ewen said that he nearly went over. The further we moved from the island the calmer the ocean became, although it still wasn’t an easy ride. We could have waited a week for the neap tide, when they create less current but it was much more exciting to cross the sound on spring tides and a much faster currents.

Mermaid Island, our destination 15kms away was lost in the haze, but as we closed on the beckoning golden beach, the swift currents swept us south-ward deeper into the open waters of the King Sound. Realising that it was an impossible task to reach Mermaid Island, we focussed our effort on Long Island which was several kilometres to the south. Failure to reach there would mean spending the night out in the open ocean drifting with the currents towards Derby, so after a short water stop we paddled as strong as we could and our efforts were eventually rewarded, although we missed Long Island and landed on Fairway Island just west of Long. This was the last small island that we could land on before being swept into the massive open ocean of the King Sound so it was a relief to have landed. We climbed the highest hill to check out the tide and saw the swift currents fly by the island at a rapid pace. It was a sight to see. When the currents eased we jumped back in our kayaks and paddled across to Long Island to camp.

As the days passed we appreciated the beauty of the magnificent coastline which was indented with hundreds of bays and islands. The high cliffs, rich in colours and a variety of peculiar patterns dominated the unpredictable ocean, riddled with treacherous reefs where fish leaped in silver cascades and turtles floated peacefully in the habitat of the lurking salt water crocodiles. The grandeur of the surroundings certainly eclipsed the pain of paddling and the anxiety caused by the sharks hits, crocodiles and the foaming rapids we had to negotiate.

Hells Gate currents.

On June the 3rd intensely folded rock formations dominated our camp site and my birthday beach. I was 37 years old. Ewen a chef by trade, fished under a spectacular red patchy sky oblivious to the lurking crocs that could be watching him. In the dying light he hooked a small shark, which he cooked in garlic. Plum pudding in a rich sauce with glowing candles followed, providing a wilderness birthday meal I will never forget.

Ewen at the water's edge trying to catch a fish for my birthday meal. He caught a small shark instead.

A beach between Cockatoo and Koolan Islands.

Ewen had carried a plum pudding in a rich sauce for my birthday cake.

I was 37 years old.

At Koolan Island we visited our friends Lee Vernon and Norm Lindus who were holding our food packs. I first met Norm in 1983 at King George River on my second Kimberley trip. He was helping an old friend of mine Mike and his family to sail a yacht to Darwin. Then on my 1987 after stopping on Koolan Island, Lee who was a keen naturalist, invited Ken and I to drop in for dinner. When we arrived, Norm who I only met briefly 4 years earlier, greeted me at the door with a python wrapped around his neck. We were both surprised, when in conversation we realised we had met before. Since then we had kept in contact.

Their home, overlooking the ocean was a haven for injured birds and animals. Two yellow throated minor birds and Dave the dove were three of their regular visitors which flew into their home through open shutters. They were also educating the community about snakes. Preserving the animals and environment was an important part of their lives. The morning we left an olive python had made his home in one of the bird baths.

A small olive python.

As we said goodbye to lee and Norm with kayaks jammed packed with gear, they insisted we took a freshly baked fruit cake, which Ewen fitted between his legs because we had no other place to put it.

We pushed on, leaving a large colony of white bellied sea eagles hovering and made camp further along the coast opposite the Traverse Islands. Ewen hadn’t taken the opportunity of washing in the light, and mosquitoes savaged him as he walked around in his shorts. After dark he strolled down to the beach to wash. The water was lapping gently into our cove. Nothing could be seen in the dark shadows of the ocean, so it was out of sight out of mind.

When he returned to camp I politely warned him again about the dangers and crocs and to always wash away from the water, especially at night. We had only been canoeing for about ten days and it was Ewen’s first trip to the Kimberley. So far he hadn’t taken my warnings about the hostile environment too seriously, despite his kayak being hit by sharks twice already. Maybe the beautiful scenery and excitement of the trip was leading him into a false sense of security.

Small things, like infected sandfly or mosquito bites can turn into a major problem. I emphasised, taking precautions, just being in a kayak in the daylight is a risk, washing at night is suicide.

As Ewen listened to the old man giving him advice, a rocket flare near Koolan Island lit up the sky. Somebody must be in trouble but what can we do in kayaks at night. I tried my radio but couldn’t make contact, so we had to wait for the following morning to inform the authorities about somebody possibly dying out there. Our concern was not needed as there had been a flare demonstration on Koolan Island.

My words of wisdom hit home the following morning as we passed Helipad Islands on our way to Walcott Inlet. It was here a crocodile attacked Ewen’s kayak!

The coast heading towards Walcott Inlet.

Loaded to the hilt.

Birds Along The Way

Musk Duck

The male Musk Duck is the largest of Australia's ducks and has a powerful build. Musk Ducks get their name from the strong musk odour produced from a gland on the rump. The female is smaller than the male.

The male is decorated with a large bulbous lobe of skin hanging under his bill. This sac increases in size at the start of the breeding season. The female also has a much-reduced lobe on the underside of its bill, only visible at a short distance. The bill is dark grey in both sexes and the eye dark brown. The tail is a collection of long, stiff feathers, which can be held in a fan-shape.

Musk Ducks are excellent divers, and search underwater for the majority of their food. They mainly feed on animals, including aquatic insects, crustaceans, snails, shellfish, fish, frogs and ducklings, but some seeds of aquatic plants are also eaten on occasion.

The male Musk Duck has an energetic courtship display. He raises and fans the tail over the back, inflates the lobe on the throat, splashes water with vigorous kicks of his feet and throws his head back while uttering a loud whistle.

3 - 5 dolphins are still coming up river.

Little Black Cormorants, White Faced Heron and an Egret.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Ascot Kayak Club

Avon Descent Training Course

Basic flat water strokes

Advanced flat water strokes & skills

Skills for preparing for white water

Fitness sessions

Rolling for kayak paddlers

Lectures & Lots of Advice
Equipment
Intro to moving water & white water skills

More advanced white water skills on grade 2 water

Avon Descent Safety and Competency Assessment

& more

Contact Terry Bolland

0417977330

Email: terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au

CITY LIGHTS 2026
Registrations are OPEN!

Race day March 7th

We have 3 amazing race options for you this year, and even more categories to give more paddlers the chance to grab some glory!

Dont leave it too late to enter - there is a LOT to organise so the sooner we get entries rolling in the better!

Any Ski paddlers who find flat water a bit dull, we have the new Rough Rider (CITY FRITE) race covering the usually rough first 12km of the course - come get some!

AND, finally, note that the full course portage has been moved! I know some of you love to get smashed by wind and waves to run 5 steps at Point Belches, but most (including our volunteers) dont enjoy the experience - so - this year you will be running around Coode St Jetty - you may even see some snack choices there as you jog past - and SMILE for a photo with the City in the background!

"Its not about going the furthest or fastest, its pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and feeling you are living life to the fullest"

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420476)

2026 Paddle Australia -

Canoe Sprint National Championships

March 11th - 15th

Entries Close:

Sun 1/3/2026 @ 24:00 AEDT (Local Time Zones)

We wrap the season with Nationals in the West - high stakes, high energy, and the crowning event of the sprint calendar.

We invite all paddlers - from juniors to elites, from Masters to first-timers - across every discipline to come together as one community. Whether you’re chasing National Titles, looking to challenge yourself, or racing for the sheer love of it, you’ll be welcomed and celebrated.

All information and entries can be found at https://regattas.paddle.org.au/

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=421251

Great course, great portage, great eats & great coffee !!

Jaime Roberts and Selma Alibegovic training on Thursday evening.

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-02-20T00:23:42-05:00

20th February 2026 CDU Newsletter 922

With the WA WIldwater Summer Races all but over and with the Avon Descent fast approaching I am running an Avon Descent training course for Ascot Kayak Club members.

So if you are interested in taking part please let me know.

A few details are at the bottom of this newsletter.

Paddling the Avon Valley.

Selena Lloyd and I at the Ascot Club race Wednesday evening.

We are entering the City Lights Race together.

Photo Izzy Maddison

If you have forgotten about the Canning Canoe Club's, Canning River Race it is on this Sunday. See details below.

WA WildWater Summer Race

The last Wildwater Summer Race

will be held at Ascot Kayak Club this

Monday 23rd February at 5.15 - 5.30pm time.

Come along and give it a go.

Suitable for beginners who can paddle a kayak without a rudder.

Selena Lloyd at the Wildwater buoys training.

School students having fun.

Australia's Kaylen Bassett

4th place at 2026 Penrith Open

Have a look at the first moments of Kaylen's video. And how quick he changes his paddle from his left side to his right side as he crosses the wave.

I was impressed.

Check out the video here:-

https://www.facebook.com/reel/882693897977812

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1987

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #4 cont.....

At the 26th March Cave that Grey found.

We did the walk on half rations as we couldn't carry all the gear and water we had.

We started our journey at Derby and paddled north to the Prince Regent River, retraced George Grey's overland journey and the paddled back to Broome.

In the early morning darkness, toilet duties took me along the beach, while Ken busily hauled his gear off a rock ledge. There was a slight chill in the air and the dew had dampened the sand and grasses around me. I dug a hole in the sand and squatted and as I looked out towards the calm ocean and silhouetted cliffs, I day dreamed. A tinge of sadness streamed through my veins at the thought of leaving these unique surroundings. It seemed hard to believe that we were the first to retrace George Grey’s 1838 inland expedition and we were at the same place as Grey was exactly 149 years to the day. Now after weeks of exhausting paddling and backpacking we only had 24 more days of paddling back to our finish destination, Broome. As I quietly gazed out over Hanover Bay, studying the stars and the faint shadows of the cliffs, my tranquillity was suddenly shattered by a loud cry from Ken.

Terry a snake has slithered up my leg, he yelled.

Expecting the worst, I rushed over to Ken immediately. As I went through the snake bite procedure in my mind, I wondered if Ken had been bitten by a deadly King Brown snake common to the area. If he had, how long did he have to live? I was hoping he was just joking, but it was no joke, I could see a huge snake coiled in a cavity below the rock ledge he was sleeping on.

Ken was calm and he felt no pain or discomfort which was promising, but not knowing how long the venom takes to react did cause for concern. With my torch beam I scanned his leg. It was riddled with scars from infected mosquito bites but I couldn’t find any snake puncture marks hidden among them.

I shone my torchlight into the cavity to see a giant of a snake that looked like a non-venomous python. That was good news. Occasionally it would flicker its tongue, look me straight in my eye and probably wonder what all the fuss was about. His bulging head gave way to a slender neck and then its body increased in size and again started decreasing nearer its tail. Its eyes looked friendly and its small but dark nostrils a few centimetres from its mouth were lightly pulsating. It looked light brown in my torchlight.

The snake that slithered up Ken's leg came out from under the ledge.

Days earlier Ginger Meadows had been taken by a crocodile.

As Ken was feeling no ill effects and we couldn’t find a puncture wound, he sighed with relief. He must only have brushed against it. How lucky were we. We were way in the wilderness hundreds of kilometres from the nearest hospital and if Ken had been bitten by a poisonous snake his chances of living would have been pretty slim.

As a little light started to bring life to the morning the snake started to uncoil and uncoil and then it started to slither from out of the rock cavity. Its head looked huge but its body started to stretch out and stretch out and when its whole body left the cavity it was at least 3 metres long.

Time passed by and Ken suffered no ill health so within the hour we were ready to leave the shores of this unique and beautiful country and head south with fond memories of Grey’s and also our own epic overland trekking expedition in mind.

Grey left this beach 149 years ago.

We left the same beach on the same date April 15th, but 149 years later that Grey finished his expedition. As we started our three week canoe journey south we followed the cliffs to High Bluff pushing against a strong tide. Behind us was the entrance of Prince Regent River where Ginger Meadows was taken by the crocodile. Once around High Bluff we stopped on the sandy beach which was the first beach that Grey landed on in this area, so we have been everywhere man!

We head for Kuri Bay and then towards Koolan Island.

The following day as we moved passed Becknock Island a charter boat carrying a few tourists on their way to fish up the Prince Regent River stopped and offered us a couple of beers and some nuts. One of the group said don’t I know you and when I looked carefully it was John McPhee who I had met with his wife on the Eastern Queen coming over from Singapore about 14 years ago. Ken couldn’t believe it, he said where ever you go you seem to bump into someone you know.

We arrived at Kuri Bay at lunch time so we was treated to a curried rice meal and then washed our clothes, had a shower, trimmed my beard and noticed how thin my face and body was. Luckily it was then dinner time and we were treated to a fantastic salad and an omelette. To finish off we had some toast . Later on, back at our quarters Ken was still hungry so he made damper so we had damper and jam for supper.

It was Easter Saturday and we had 2 eggs, bacon and six slices of toast. When you haven’t eaten bread for so long you just want to keep eating it. We stayed another day to check over our boats, do more cleaning and pack all our food packs. When you have been on half rations for 22 days you just want to eat. It was Easter Saturday when we left the comforts of Kuri Bay. We had been treated like kings and we were so grateful now we had to go back to dry foods and a lot of hard paddling. So thank you the management of Kuri Bay, Bob Haddock and the hospitable people of workers.

The Kimberley Coast is just full of spectacular scenery.

Just before Battery Point a crocodile started chasing us from its territory. We could do nothing but to paddle as fast as we could and although it kept up, it didn’t try to attack. Then as we were paddling to Hall Point Ken was hit by a shark so it was a good time to camp.

Ken was tired when we landed and seemed to be a little moody so I kept my distance. He had been suffering from a bad back most of the trip so I don’t know if it was reoccurring. I gave him a massage or two on the way to the walk area to try to ease the pain but he wasn't keen to continue with them, even if it helped. Ken hadn't paddled every day in his training so he wasn't used to it and his back suffered. Since the walk our ankles have been swollen, but they were slowly going down now.

We landed and had nuts and raisins and later had a 4 course meal, rice, rice pudding, instant pudding and biscuits. Ken was soon snoring and what a racket. I laid back and watched the stars and a satellite whizzing across the sky. Laying there couldn’t have been better.

Scrubbing our pots the following morning the vibrations attracted a crocodile which suddenly came close to our beach. I immediately moved away from the water’s edge. It perched itself in a foot of water for 40 minutes before disappearing. We took off keeping a close eye out but it wasn’t the croc that was going to test us, the tide was streaming into Doubtful Bay when we were crossing it to get to Raft Point. The current was going faster than we could paddle so we had to do a big ferry glide. We eventually got close to the point put we were still being pushed over a kilometre into the bay. Luckily we paddled into a bit eddy and was able to slowly crawl back to the beach at the point.

I was having stabbing pains in my side and Ken had hurting legs, bum and back pain so we were both having fun. A few days later we arrived at Koolan Island and bought marmalade, cheese, chutney, fruit, chocolate biscuits some cruskets, as they didn’t have bread. We stayed at Bob’s place and the following morning Bob’s wife cooked us breakfast, bacon, eggs and toast. Then we had 3 bowls of cornflakes and to finish off with our coffee we had six biscuits each.

Ken had decided to fly home when he reached Koolan Island because of his sore back and put the kayak on a State Ship back to Perth.

Ken made the decision to return to Perth because his back was giving him hell and he had achieved his main objective, so he felt to punish his body further was unnecessary. He put his kayak on a State ship leaving Koolan Island and flew to Derby and then to Perth.
It was a bit of a blow, however I was used to paddling alone so I wasn't fazed. By 9.20am Sunday 26th April, I left Koolan Island for a 10 day solo paddle across King Sound on a 10 metre spring tide. On an overnight visit to Cockatoo Island I met with Vic Cox. Vic had lived in the Kimberley for years and had once been a crocodile shooter. He also had a big pet crocodile (if you could call it a pet) living in his back garden behind a fenced enclosure that was. Vic was the person who had found the American Ginger Meadows, after a crocodile attack. The police tried to find her body but failed so they called Vic to help. Vic found the body up a nearby creek under some mangroves with two arms missing.

After an interesting time with Vic I crossed the dangerous currents of King sound, negotiating wild waters that are only believed if seen or experienced. (I would need to write several more pages to relay the excitement of my incredible crossing on the biggest of tides, but unlike many other parts of the trip, unless I write a book I can only gloss over most of the experiences.)

Wednesday 29th April. After looking at the currents I had something to think about. I knew it wasn't going to be easy crossing the King Sound on the highest of spring tides. It could even be a do or die situation or a do or get washed out to sea situation, well maybe not but I would have to keep my wits about me. It was 13 kms direct from High Island and my camp to East Roe Island. I got there, but a lot happened along the way.

The tides were that high many of the beaches were under water.

A perfect campsite with stunning views.

A solar panel charges my Flying Doctor Radio.

When you are tackling currents that are travelling at 3-4 times faster than you can paddle you have to be pretty confident and have good white water skills.

To get to an island on the other side of King Sound is 12 kilometres.

With the fast currents it's impossible to go in a direct line.

Leaving the King Sound area, with all its bays, islands and currents it was like entering a new world as I now could follow a long coastline to Broome without the threat of being washed away.

At Cape Leveque I stopped to replenish my water supply for the last time, and was invited out for a meal that included dugong and turtle steak that had been captured by the local Aboriginals.

My last 225 kilometres to Broome against a persisting current was one hell of a hard slog. Jay, the flying doctor radio operator at Derby, was still my life line to the outside world and on the last night of my 9 week expedition I invited her to a party on a remote beach north of Broome. Unfortunately to my disappointment, she was unable to attend, so I sat there alone, looking out to sea, reflecting on yet another priceless expedition to my favourite part of the world.

The next day, as the sun beat down on the lazy tourists of cable Beach, I arrived in Broome to a solitary welcome. Another expedition finished without any fanfare.

On this trip I carried a Flying Doctor Radio and made radio schedules to the base informing them of our position. It was a big item that I had to carry inside the cockpit between my knees.
A Nordkapp kayak has a very small cockpit so it was a squeeze and it wasn't easy to get in and out.

Being alone in a special place is pure magic.

Seeing the Kimberley by kayak is such an amazing experience.

I have paddled around the Kimberley coast 5 times as well as the Drysdale River.
And walked many kilometres inland.

Ginger Meadows

The Deadly Crocodile Attack

On 29th March 1987, she and her friend Jane Burchett set off to visit King's Cascade aboard a luxury boat, Lady G.

The 24-year-old was from Snowmass Village in Colorado, a famous ski resort town. After their Australian adventure, they planned to continue to Papua New Guinea. The boat was operated by skipper Bruce Fitzpatrick and a small crew when it reached the stunning yet crocodile-infested waterfall.

Despite warnings against entering the water due to its dangerous inhabitants, Ginger and Jane chose to take a risk and go for a quick dip.

The captain soon spotted what appeared to be a four-metre saltwater crocodile stealthily approaching the two oblivious women.

Before they could comprehend the situation, they found themselves trapped waist-deep against the waterfall's wall. Jane later recounted the terrifying events that unfolded next for Ginger, reports

"It swam right up to us and had its mouth open. Then I took my shoe off and threw it at it and hit it on the top of its head and it closed its mouth. Because the crocodile was in front of us maybe Ginger thought she could swim to the shoreline and get away," she said.

However, Ginger was no match for the speed of the colossal creature and quickly found herself in a dire predicament.

Jane added: "She let go of my arm, jumped off the ledge, took two strokes and it grabbed her around the waist and pulled her right under the water. Then he pulled her up out of the water right in front of me - I looked her right in the face, she had her arms in the air and she was looking right at me. Then it pulled her back under the water." And it was gone.

Her body was discovered the next day, which would have been her 25th birthday. Chief Inspector Arnold Davies of the regional police station in the Port of Broome stated that her remains were placed inside a body bag, which was positioned at the front of a 23-foot rescue boat.

"After travelling 15 kilometers (9 miles) up to the mouth of the river, a large crocodile leapt out of the water about four feet and snapped the end of the body bag, trying to tear it," he reported. The boat's crew anticipated another attack by the crocodile after it vanished beneath the water, but nothing further transpired.

Penrith Whitewater Stadium

February 13–15

The 2026 Penrith Open once again delivered world‑class racing, attracting a deep field of international competitors alongside Australia’s top paddlers. Despite the fierce competition and challenging conditions, our WA athletes produced outstanding performances across Slalom C1, K1 and Kayak Cross, showcasing skill, resilience, and exciting potential for the season ahead.

Kai Stafford

Kai: 13th Australian U18 K1 - 8th Australian U18 C1

Photo Cheryl Mackie

Rhys Macrea

Rhys: 5th Australian U18 K1 - 11th Australian U18 C1

Photo Cheryl Mackie

Izzy Florisson

2nd‑placed Australian U18 C1 - 1st Australian U18 K1.

Photo Cheryl Mackie

Hunter Florisson

Ranked 6th Australian U23 C1, - 7th‑ranked Australian U23 K1,

Photo Cheryl Mackie

Ben Pope

Ranked 5th Australian K1 open.

Photo Cheryl Mackie

Against a fiercely talented international field, Western Australia’s athletes delivered standout performances, personal bests, and podium finishes across events. From Izzy’s dual U18 successes to Rhys’s Kayak Cross victory and Ben’s top‑ten K1 result, the 2026 Penrith Open was a powerful testament to WA’s growing depth and high‑performance potential.

Source Paddle WA.

Jaime Roberts

Tokyo Olympian

In 2012, Jaime Roberts was crowned WA state ski champion in surf lifesaving and switched to flat-water paddling the following year. She was inspired to aim for the Olympics after listening to the radio call of the Australian men’s K4 1000 gold medal-winning race at London 2012. “I was driving a truck on a mine site up in the Pilbara… it was such an exciting few minutes that finished with the men crossing the line first. From that moment onwards, I decided to give kayaking a crack and see if I could make it to the Olympic Games,” Jaime said.

Jaime was noticed by the Western Australian Institute of Sport Head Coach at the 2013 WA State Kayaking Championships, and this put her on a path to success.

In 2014 she represented Australia at the elite level for the first time, competing at the World Cup and World Championships.

An Australian Surf Life Saving Championships finalist in ski events, Jaime represents the Mullaloo SLSC and has also represented Australia at the Lifesaving World Championships.

Between 2017-2019 she was named on the Australian Canoe Sprint Team racing in both the K2 and K4 events.

The smile of a champion.

At the 2019 World Championships, Jaime joined forces with Olympians Aly Bull, Alyce Wood (nee Burnett) and Jo Brigden-Jones to secure Australia four quota positions for the Tokyo Olympics after qualifying the K4 with a seventh place in the final.

Jaime realised her Olympic dream after she won K2 500 silver (with Brigden-Jones) and finished sixth in the K1 500 at the 2020 Australian Canoe Sprint Championships.

Jaime graduated University with a degree in mining engineering, has a graduate diploma in education and a certificate 3 & 4 in fitness teacher. When she isn’t paddling, Jaime is a casual high school teacher.

Jamie made her Olympic debut at the delayed Tokyo 2020 games, in the Women's K-4 500m and K-2 500m disciplines.

Paddling alongside her in the K-4 event were fellow Australians; Cat McArthur, Jo Brigden-Jones and Shannon Reynolds.

The squad would remain competitive in the first two stages of the event, with advancements to the quarter and then semi-finals, with a best time of 1:36.407. In their semi-final race, they would edge off France to keep their medal hopes alive and advance to the A Finals. There they would achieve a time of 1:39.797, and an overall 7th placing at the event.

Nowadays you can still catch Jaime, who is always chatty and has a big smile on her face as she paddles by on a kayak or a ski.

Birds Along The Way

Rainbow Bee-eaters

******************************

Rainbow Bee-eaters

Osprey with fish.

The dolphins are still up-river this week.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Ascot Kayak Club

Avon Descent Training Course

Basic flat water strokes

Advanced flat water strokes & skills

Skills for preparing for white water

Fitness sessions

Rolling for kayak paddlers

Lectures & Lots of Advice
Equipment
Intro to moving water & white water skills

More advanced white water skills on grade 2 water

Avon Descent Safety and Competency Assessment

& more

Contact Terry Bolland

0417977330

Email: terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au

Register Canning Classic 22nd Feb

Great stretch of water ! Portage half way ! Upstream leg fresh water & pristine ! See our new Club House ! Burgers in on the rego !

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420072

CITY LIGHTS 2026
Registrations are OPEN!

Race day March 7th

We have 3 amazing race options for you this year, and even more categories to give more paddlers the chance to grab some glory!

Dont leave it too late to enter - there is a LOT to organise so the sooner we get entries rolling in the better!

Any Ski paddlers who find flat water a bit dull, we have the new Rough Rider (CITY FRITE) race covering the usually rough first 12km of the course - come get some!

"Its not about going the furthest or fastest, its pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and feeling you are living life to the fullest"

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420476)

WA Canoe Marathon Championships

28th 29th March 2026

Sandy Beach, Bassendean.

The 2026

Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Championships

will be held from

Friday, 10 April to Monday, 13 April 2026.
The event will take place at Molonglo Reach in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), hosted in conjunction with the Burley Griffin Canoe Club.

The 2026

Paddle Australia SUP National Championships

will be held from

9–11 April 2026 at the Burley Griffin Canoe Club in Canberra, ACT. This event includes sprint, technical, and distance SUP racing. Note that the related Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon Championships occur from 10–13 April 2026 at the same venue.

Key details:

Location: Molonglo River, Canberra.
Dates: 9-11 April 2026.

Training open on the 8th.

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-02-13T00:20:11-05:00

13th February 2026 CDU Newsletter 921

Check this article in the Have Ago News about me:-

Have-A-Go-News - Page 5 - go here:-

407digital.pdf

If you want to read more of my stories - go here:-

Canoeing, Kayaking & Other Adventures – kayaking

If you know someone who would like to join this Newsletter

go here:-

https://forms.aweber.com/form/69/953459969.htm

Paddle Australia Unveils the

2026 Australian Wildwater Team

WAs Hunter Florisson

Paddle Australia is proud to announce the four athletes set to don the green and gold at the 2026 ICF Wildwater Canoeing World Championships in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina from 21-24 May 2026.

Following outstanding performances at the 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Wildwater Champions, Matt Dalziel, Hunter Florisson and Harry Langley have earned selection for the men’s K1 event. Robert Janiszewski will also compete for Australia in the men’s C1 competition.

Young gun Florisson is set to compete at his first World Championships for the wildwater discipline, which he said is an incredible opportunity.

“This will be my first time competing in the senior team for Wildwater. I’m really looking forward to racing alongside and learning from more experienced paddlers and the best in the world.”

Florisson said the selection into the team is a nice reminder that his training and commitment is paying off.

“It gives me a lot of confidence heading into this year. I’m excited to take this opportunity and perform at the highest level in Banja Luka,” he said.

The team has doubled in size from last year’s representation at the ICF Wildwater Canoeing World Championships with Janiszewski keeping his spot in the team from last year.

Paddle Australia.

2026 Australian Canoe Wildwater Team

Men’s K1

Matt Dalziel – Derwent Canoe Club, TAS

Hunter Florisson – Ascot Kayak Club, WA

Harry Langley – Ascot Kayak Club, WA

Men’s C1

Robert Janiszewski – INCC Yarra Paddlers, VIC

WA WildWater Summer Races

Race results are in for the first of two FREE WildWater WA Summer Races. Held at Sandy Beach Reserve on Monday evening, it was the perfect conditions on the water with little breeze to contend with.

Results - https://www.webscorer.com/seriesresult?seriesid=418086&gender=O
The final race is on Monday 23 February at Ascot kayak Club, 5.15pm-5.30pm. Don't miss out on all the fun. See you there.

Simon Thorpe winner of the Monday evening race.

Chris Hollier winner of the Wavehopper Monday evening race.

Marie Andersson first female at the Monday evening race.

Mandurah Canals Race

Doug was taking a break and watching the rugby at Optus Stadium so he asked me to fill his spot at the race. He had organised everything so all I had to do was to turn up with all the gear and be the compare for the day. To make sure I got a good parking spot I was up at 5.00am for the trip to Mandurah.

With all the volunteers knowing what to do the race was away on time starting with the early SUP division going well ahead of the rest.

The SUPs take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

Results Here:-

2026 Mandurah Canals | Race results | Webscorer

Div 4 take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

This year I was racing a ski instead of a SUP. Robin Jacob wanted to beat me so I had to allow that to happen. We have been trying to beat each other for a few years with me usually coming off the best, but early this year he beat me in a 8 km race so I felt the tide was turning. A following 10 km race luck was on my side and I beat him, so today was the decider.

So as we waited on the start line I could see that most of my group were faster than me, but would Robin be? Within 20 metres of leaving the start line I was trailing behind, but Robin was up with the faster crowd. My heart sank as Chris Watson who was just in front of me took off with no regard for my well being.

I was now in a fragile state, it was just me and only me at the back as we headed towards the river channel. Then a few dolphins made an appearance which cheered me up a little and as someone shouted my name from the bank one dolphin dived straight under my ski. I thought that must have been a reward for coming last!

As we moved across the channel my group of paddlers started to break up and I could see Robin was now off the lead pack. It made me happier but it didn’t help me that much because he was so far in front I would never catch him unless something drastic happened.

Div 3 take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

Wait for me guys.

Photo Peter Martin.

It wasn’t long before paddlers in the other divisions behind started passing me but they didn’t help me go any faster because they were all too fast for me to washride them. Robin, who was at least 200 metres ahead was slowly extending his lead. I did however think I was catching him at one stage, but I must have been dreaming as when I left the canals and entered the estuary channel I could see he was a long way ahead. What was I going to say at the end of the race - It looked as if I needed to make up a good excuse for being so far behind.

About six Mandurah paddlers were postioned at important detours along the route to make sure we didn't get lost, but it didn’t stop 2 paddlers in my division take a wrong turn and past me a little later. They still managed to get 1st and 3rd places in div 3, so I think they were really needed to be in div 2.

Doubles take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

Div 1 take off.

Photo Peter Martin.

As we headed towards a turn buoy at the bottom of a canal which indicated that we were headed home, I met Robin who appeared to have extended his lead. I could imagine him thinking there is no way that Bolland was going to catch up now, because that’s what I would be thinking.

When I turned around the buoy Zac Bailey past me and although I didn’t have the speed to washride him I certainly put some extra pressure on to try and keep him close.

As I came to the estuary again I could see Robin in the distance having a little trouble with some waves that were created by a power boat. It was just the boost I needed to lift my game and try to get across the estuary as quick as possible. By the time I got to the canal again I was a little closer to him. I thought yippee I’m catching, but he was still a long way ahead.

As I past John Breed at the beginning of the canal, the double of Sharon and Kate slipped by. I couldn’t believe my luck as I was able to get on their wash and keep up quite comfortably. Robin started to get closer and closer and eventually about 500-600 metres from the last estuary crossing we caught up with him. To be fair I couldn’t continue to washride the double from here so I dropped off it and paddled beside Robin.

When we were paddling alongside each other I felt that I could go faster so I decided to take off and tried to catch Sharon and Kate again. I caught them, but we came to the estuary crossing and split up. By now I was several metres ahead of Robin and I just couldn’t believe my luck. How did I manage to catch him!! As long I didn’t falter on the crossing, which had several power boats churning up the water, I had a good chance of beating him.

When I entered the canals again with 1.2 kms to go to the finish line I was a happy chappy as after a glimpse or two over my shoulder I couldn’t see Robin directly behind me, but there was no way I was going to slow down and I didn’t so I managed to beat him by 48 seconds.

The winner - Josh Kippin.

Photo Peter Martin.

Some of the volunteers.

Photo Peter Martin.

Jaime Roberts, Selma Alibegovic & Michael Liddle.

As I was timing the PRG group race on Tuesday I think Jamie shouted out that if I put photos of them in my newsletter she would buy me a coffee and cake.

Jaime Roberts, Selma Alibegovic, Michael Liddle & Sam Lourey.

Samantha raced at the 2022 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships.

7th | WK1 1000m A Final

9th | WK4 500m A Final

Samantha was Paddle WA 2022 Youth Paddler of the Year.
Samantha has had an impressive year, collecting the following at the National Sprint Canoe Competition hosted in Adelaide:
Gold:
U/18 WK2 500m
U/18 WK2 200m
U/18 WK1 1000m
Silver:
U/18 WK4 500m
U/18 WK4 500m State Vs. State
Bronze:
U/18 WK1 500m

I hope to get more recent results for next week.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1987

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #4 cont.....

For the next 2 days we followed Grey’s route from the river and arrived at the 26th March Cave, the first important cave that Grey had found.

Grey described the cave……..

There appeared to be a natural hollow in the sandstone rocks; its floor elevated about five feet from the ground and numerous flat broken pieces of the same rock, which were scattered about, looked at a distance like steps leading up to the cave, which was thirty five feet wide at the entrance and sixteen feet deep; but beyond this several small branches ran further back. Its height in front was rather more than eight feet, the roof being formed by a solid slab of sandstone about nine feet thick.

Grey had discovered Aboriginal art never before seen by white man. Inside the cave Wandjina figures dominated the ceiling with other paintings, including a native carrying a kangaroo, further inside. We believe that we were probably only the third party to see the paintings.

We found the 26th March cave that Grey first decovered.

Wandjina figures dominated the ceiling.

Resting in the cave.

Leaving the tick infested cave we forged on for 2 more days to reach our ultimate goal the 29th March Cave. Along our route a gorge with pools, small cascades and a four metre waterfall, flanked on the left side by a vertical cliff that stood in our path. With ribs protruding, I posed for a photo in front of the picturesque falls. The days on half rations and hard physical exercise had eaten away the little fat I once had. Our shirts were wet with sweat so we took them off to dry them on the hot rocks.

A food pack was broken open and our rations of nuts and dried fruit were placed on our stone table. We counted them to make sure our measly lunch was equal. The one muesli bar was broken in half and measured. We sat on the rock admiring the scenery, eating each nut and dried fruit individually, savouring their excellent taste.

We forged on criss crossing the now flatter plateau and descending into another small stream where two dingoes played close to the creek. We crept up and watched.

Later we moved on and crossed the headwaters of the Glenelg River to find Greys 29th March Cave which contained a controversial mysterious figure. This sight had only been visited by 3 other groups.

From Greys Diary…..

The principle painting is a figure of a man, ten feet six inches in length, clothed from the chin downwards in a red garnet which reached to the wrists and ankles; beyond this red dress the feet and hands protruded, were badly executed……….

The face and head of the figure were enveloped in a succession of circular bandages or rollers, or what appeared to be painted to represent such…

Only a few kilometres south of the cave Grey was forced to retrace his steps. The Elizabeth Range became so rugged and precipitous that Grey could no longer move forward and with food running low he decided to return to Hanover Bay.

When we reached Greys turning point on the 10th April 1987 we celebrated Kens 41st birthday with some staminade and dried fruits. With lighter packs and extra enthusiasm our daily walking mileage increased. Greys meandering return journey took us through fertile country of the Glenelg River and close to the large expanse of mangroves and inlets of the Prince Regent River and then south west again to Mount Lyell. Our march continued north-westerly passing Mt Stewart, Mt Trevor and we walked parallel with the McDonald Range until our route turned north and back over the sandstone ranges towards Lushington Valley.

As a cyclone moved along the coast rain developed adding more frustration to our demanding walk. As the rain fell in bucket loads our once overheated bodies were now cold and shivering and longing for the hot days to return. Dry gullies suddenly turned into rivers. It was hard to believe the change. We had to be careful when crossing creeks.

Not far from Lushington Valley we moved through extremely difficult terrain and entered a chilly gully. Just before dark we reached a junction of 2 streams but the ground wasn’t suitable to afford a campsite. We were soaking, our boots were waterlogged and my trousers were chaffing around the belt. At last as the light faded, a small flat spot was found and boulders and spinifex removed to form our bed. As we feasted on normal rations for the first time in 18 days, the moon reflected on the rim of the gorge and its steep sides. How did Grey get his ponies through this country?

In the morning our clothes were still wet, our boots still sopping and our trousers soaked up the wet vegetation. It was early so the sun hadn’t penetrated the depths of the gully. Pandanas palms and other vegetation blocked our way. Vines caught on our packs leaving us in a tangled mess. Our hands and clothes were lacerated by the spiky palms. It wasn't fun.

Our furthest point of our walk.

Difficult walking terrain.

After collecting the food packs that we had left behind we struggled through the undergrowth of the upper reaches of Walkers Valley and reached Greys first campsite making us the first people to retrace Greys 1838 expedition. (I decided to retrace Grey's journey 149 years after his journey as I knew someone would do it on the 150th and they did, but that party didn't retrace the entire journey like we did.)

We felt great but there was no time for rejoicing, we had to get moving as the tide was receding leaving rocks wet and slippery. Ken, who had been the target of more green ants earlier in the day, slipped and lacerated his knee on the razor sharp oysters. As the tide streamed out, our kayaks were continually left high and dry, we dragged them with vigour and after winning the race against the falling tide we paddled along a thirty metre pool that became blocked by sandstone boulders. We hadn’t beaten the tide as beyond the boulders the water was 300 metres away, leaving us with the formidable task of dragging our kayaks further over the mud and oyster laden boulders that were once covered by the water.

With the tide out we had a lot of portaging to do to get to open water.

Nothing seemed to be in our favour, the hours of portaging over the trying conditions left us face to face with a crocodile that blocked our route. In no mood to be intimidated we paddled straight over it and headed towards a beach north east of Walkers Valley entrance. It was the same beach and the same date, but 149 years later that Grey finished his expedition on April 15th and with an excess of food we celebrated our success with triple rations.

From Grey’s Diary, April 15th 1838..

…On emerging from the mangroves upon the beach, we saw painted upon the sandstone cliffs, in very large letters – “Beagle Observatory, letters S.E. 52 paces.”

No one who has not been similarly situated can at all compare the thrill which went through me when these letters first met when my eye; even had any thing happened to the schooner, friends were upon the coast, and I knew that Captain Wickham, who has passed a great portion of his life in adventures of this kind, would leave nothing undone which was in his power to ensure our safety.

We now hurried across the beach, an on gaining the highest part of it, saw the little schooner riding safely at anchor….

… On reaching the vessel, we learnt that the mate was gone to the Beagle, now lying in Port George IV, but expected to sail this very day.

It was at 4.00am the following day Ken had an 8 foot snake slither up his leg. When we were able to identify it as a giant non-venomous python, Ken could sigh with relief and leave the shores with fond memories of Grey’s and our epic overland expedition.

If you want to read more about Grey you can go here:-
The photos in the article below are not of the same area.

Kimberley and George Grey | Article for seniors - Odyssey Traveller

We were on the same beach, on the same date, that Grey finished his expedition, but it was 149 years later.

Nothing would have changed.

At 4.00am Ken stepped down from a flat rock ledge that he had camped on and a 8 foot snake slither up his leg.

When it came out of hiding from under the ledge at first light we were able to identify it as a giant non-venomous python.

Birds Along The Way

The dolphins were back at Ascot again this week.

3 dolphins head towards the city.

Musk Duck.

White Faced Heron with an unusual catch.

Osprey

Common Sandpiper

NEW SOUTH WALES SEA KAYAK CLUB

ROCK ‘n Roll

WEEKEND ’26

13, 14, 15 March 2026

We in the NSW Sea Kayak Club are pleased to bringing our annual Rock ‘n Roll Weekend for 2026 to the Sapphire Coast of NSW (Eden) on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th March! This is our 34^th annual event AND the first time we’ve held our RnR event on the Sapphire Coast! The event was started solely to teach Eskimo rolling (hence the name!), an important self rescue skill in sea kayaking! It long ago morphed into our premier annual event!

The event moves around the NSW coast each year. This extended weekend attracts sea kayakers from all over Australia and New Zealand to participate in a full program of day trip, training, presentations and social activities. We expect around 120 paddlers plus partners to attend this year.

Our after dinner guest speaker this year is New Zealander Paul Caffyn, the first person to kayak around the Australian mainland. Paul is a giant among sea kayakers, having circumnavigated all the islands of New Zealand, Japan, UK and the entire coast of Alaska! We are also pleased to announce that WA paddler Sandy Robson will be attending. About 10 years ago, Sandy retraced Oscar Speck’s 2^nd World War journey, paddling her kayak solo from Germany to Australia!

What you can do in a “well found” sea kayak is just amazing!

Our base for the weekend will be a large marquee at the Eden Discovery Park at Boydtown which will give us easy access onto the bay and the ocean! Most on- water activities will take place in the mornings and early afternoons. Afternoons and evenings are taken up with marquee presentations, skills sessions and socializing.

All sea kayakers are welcome if they have registered with NSWSKC. People interested in sea kayaking are most welcome to come along for a chat, Saturday and Sunday afternoons probably being the best time.

David Winkworth

RnR Co-ordinator

NSW Sea Kayak Club

Dave giving a lecture.

What a crowd.

Register Canning Classic 22nd Feb

Great stretch of water ! Portage half way ! Upstream leg fresh water & pristine ! See our new Club House ! Burgers in on the rego !

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420072

CITY LIGHTS 2026 -
Registrations are OPEN!

Race day March 7th

We have 3 amazing race options for you this year, and even more categories to give more paddlers the chance to grab some glory!

Dont leave it too late to enter - there is a LOT to organise so the sooner we get entries rolling in the better!

Any Ski paddlers who find flat water a bit dull, we have the new Rough Rider (CITY FRITE) race covering the usually rough first 12km of the course - come get some!

"Its not about going the furthest or fastest, its pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and feeling you are living life to the fullest"

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=420476

ASCOT PADDLE PASSPORT

Term 1 - Register Now!

Delayed Starting now 21st Feb - still a couple of spaces available!

Our popular beginner‑friendly junior kayaking program is returning this Term 1, and we’re excited to invite families to join the official waitlist while we finalise instructor availability.

If your young adventurer (ages 8–16) enjoys the outdoors, wants to build water confidence, or is keen to try something new, the Ascot Paddle Passport is the perfect introduction to kayaking.
No prior experience is needed — we provide all equipment and a fun, safe and supportive environment.

Program Snapshot

4‑week program — $60 (GST incl.)
Dates: 21 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 March, 14 March
Time: 8:30–9:30am (please arrive 15 minutes early)
Location: Ascot Kayak Club, Garvey Park

Throughout the program, kids will learn basic paddling skills through games, exploration and movement — the ideal mix of fun, learning, and adventure on the water.

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-02-06T00:17:32-05:00

6th February 2026 CDU Newsletter 920

Despite being back in my kayak and canoe I still managed to be on the top of the SUP leader board in January having paddled 500kms.

Although my kayak paddling speed has deteriorated a little, possibly due to too much SUP paddling or more likely I’m just getting too old, it’s good to be racing even if I don't beat the paddlers I used to beat.

I even spent the weekend paddling canoe & kayak at the WA Sprint Championships which was very much wind effected with the 1000 metres being cancelled on Sunday. I was the oldest there (now in the 75 plus age group) so I came home with a few medals.

The Rainbow Bee-eaters were in a bit of a frenzy this morning.

Just watch guys - this is how you catch a bee!

A power boat races passed Karen Hemsley on Tuesday evening at the Progressive Racing Groups time trial.

So much for a 5 knot speed limit.

WA Sprint Championships

It was certainly a testing time for some paddlers as the wind especially on Sunday was raging that hard it was virtually impossible to carry a kayak, let alone paddle one.

The 1000 metre races were cancelled because of the strong wind and safety concerns.

I was paddling my K1 as well as my C1 and as I have only paddled the C1 less than 3 kms in the last year the conditions were pretty testing, but thankfully I kept dry.

For results go to WA Sprint Kayaking facebook page.

The juniors did well to paddle against the strong wind.

It was so windy I couldn't wear my cap.

*******************

The open paddlers.

Luke Egger - winner.

Off to paddle my first C1 race for a year.

1000m, 500 metres and 3 x 200 metre races. I didn't win.

The ladies are off.

Mixed K2. I was paddling with Isable Maddison.

A couple of Olympians Steve Bird and Jesse Phillips in the K4 with Mitchell Tamblin and Luke Egger.

Camilla Barbi, pictured and Gen Stanley beat me in my C1.

I won the kayak races as I was the only one there in the 75 category.

Summer Series Wild Water Training

This morning we had the last Summer Series Wild Water Training around the buoys.

We have two evening races coming up.

First one is this Monday evening the 9th of February at Sandy Beach

and

Monday 23rd February at Ascot Kayak Club.

Time 5.15pm-5.30pm start.

There will be a practice run and two timed runs.

All welcome

Waiting to hear the times.

This mornings results here:-

Overall | 2026 WildWater WA Summer Training #5 | Series results | Webscorer

Debbie Robinson and Kate Crossing doing a timed run.

After 45 minutes practice we have two timed runs.

Back in 2002 there were 54 individual paddlers who entered the

WA Wild Water Championships at Bridgetown.

Why don't you give it a shot.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1987

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #4 cont.....

From Kuri Bay we only had a couple of days of paddling before reaching Walker’s Valley, near Prince Regent River and the main focus of our trip, to retrace the footsteps of George Grey’s 1838 journey. We had faced crocodiles, been hit by sharks and pushed around by tides and tidal rapids, but it was all worth it when we rounded High Bluff and recognised the land features that Grey described in his diary.

Kuri Bay where we picked up supplies that we sent there.

Waiting for the tide to come a little closer. It didn't usually take too long.

Paddling into Walkers Valley, and within 30 minutes of our destination we passed a small pocket of tropical rainforest that was being fed by a cascading stream of water from the cliff top. It was quite a beautiful surprise.

Huge cliffs narrowed our passage where a welcoming crocodile leapt off a nearby ledge. To escape the narrow channel it swam under our kayaks to a forest of mangroves that we had just passed further downstream. The water then became wildly alive with dozens of large mullet milling around the shallows not far from where we were getting out in Walkers Valley. Within minutes of landing the tide had receded, leaving our landing spot devoid of water, for another 6 hours at least.

Landing at Walker's Valley.

The start of retracing George Greys 1838 overland expedition.

A school of mullet fish.

The light soon faded, and as we prepared dinner a thunderstorm struck, sending us scurrying for cover. I threw my tent fly over our gear and squatted in a small cavity of the cliff as streams of water drenched me as it ran down the rock face. It was pitch black, except when spectacular streaks of lightning exploded above the gully. My left leg became entangled in a thick spider’s web as I tried to squeeze further into the crevice. Luckily I wasn’t afraid of spiders but I soon became very cold which encouraged me to retreat under my tent fly for extra warmth.

Ken was nowhere to be seen. He had disappeared along the valley when the storm started. In between the noise of thunder, the spectacular streaks of lightening, a weird and mysterious howling cry echoed from the cliff top which carried on most of the night. When the rain stopped Ken appeared and we settled in for the night.

By the time we were fully packed for the overland trek the morning sun was beating down and the fresh smell of the evening storm had faded with the heat. Our packs were heavy. As well as having backpacks we also had heavy day packs strapped to our front, which made seeing very difficult. We calculated them weighing around 40 kilograms and I only weighed 60 kilograms. Leaving the mullet to advance with the rising tide we stumbled away from camp and along the valley of huge paperbarks trees, lush vegetation, big boulders, and vines and spinifex hiding potholes full of water that we trampled in.

On reaching Grey’s main camp site we found the landscape being exactly as he described it in his diary, except the vegetation was really overgrown and we had little hope of finding any discarded equipment so we moved on.

Grey’s Diary

On the 29th January we began in the afternoon to load our horses. Mr Walker’s pathway was completed by means of a number of circuitous and sharp turnings; it led directly up the face of the cliffs which were almost precipitous and 180 feet in height.

To commemorate the completion of this really laborious undertaking I named the valley “Walkers Valley”

Already weary from our ¾ kilometre trek, we were faced with the difficult task of spiralling our way up the rocky slopes of the cliff. Rests were frequent. On top of the ridge Ken wheeled his machete around, trying to slash the tangling vines, but with little effect. We had achieved little by nightfall, the terrain, heavy packs and the heat made us stop regularly.

We rose early in the morning but the terrain still forced us to stop every 200 metres. Ken had his first brush with green ants which gave him an insight to what was to come. Their attack was deadly, as their nippers pieced into his skin, causing severe jabs of pain. He angrily threw his pack to the ground and we rested again, our packs were just too heavy.

We turned on the Flying Doctor Radio for the morning schedule to hear some distressing news. An American women, Ginger Meadows had been taken by a crocodile only a few kilometres away from us in the Prince Regent River. A search was on to find her body, but no other details were released. We wondered how the news would affect our wives. The police wanted us to return as they said it was too dangerous for us to be out there. I don’t know if they realised how far we were away from civilisation.

Ken looking down into Walker's Valley.

After struggling a few more kilometres we decided that something drastic had to be done with our heavy packs. The radio, battery, solar panel and safety gear had to stay. So we decided to half our 22 days of food to lighten our packs and to help us keep on schedule. We each hid 11kgs of rations under a big boulder hoping it would still be there and not taken by animals when we returned.

Losing so much weight helped us to walk faster. By 2.15pm we were in the Lushington Valley at a spot where three small streams merged. Beneath my shadow I noticed a rusty, worn axe head blending in with the coppery coloured rock. It was difficult to believe that we could find a piece of civilisation in this vast wilderness where very few people have ever trod. Did it belong to Grey’s expedition or was it used by Aboriginals that could have once been in this area? It was a mystery.

Following Grey’s route we ascended out of Lushington Valley moving through some large sandstone pillars and Liverstonia palms. The top of the pillars gave us a magnificent view of the Prince Regent River, Mount Trafalgar and Mount Waterloo. By the time we had reached another gully we were totally exhausted, so we camped close to a small cascade. In 8 ½ hours we had only walked 8 kilometres. We were getting to know what problems Grey had experienced and he had unbroken ponies with him to attend to.

Grey’s Diary

I have been severely wounded in the hip; another spear had just cut my right arm and a third had deeply indented my powder-flask, whilst lying in a haversack, immediately over my stomach. My wound began, by degrees, to get very stiff and painful and I was, moreover, excessively weak and faint from loss of blood; indeed, I grew so dizzy that I could scarcely see and neither of the others were capable of leading the party back to the tents. I still pushed on until we were within two miles of the tents, when as I tried to cross a stream, I strained my wounded hip severely, just reached the other shore and fell utterly unable to rise again….

As we headed towards the Glenelg River we descended the McDonald Ranges leaving the sandstone country for the plain below. With the plains came the long grass that towered over our heads, scrub cattle, donkeys and millions of flies that annoyed us every minute of the daylight hours. We couldn’t eat, write or relax unless we were locked inside our mosquito net.

I found a rusty, worn axe head in Lushington Valley.

At times large sandstone pillars and Liverstona palms clustered together stood in our way.

At last Grey’s first major discovery, the Glenelg River was reached. Climbing a hill gave us a terrific view of the extensive mangroves, sand flats and the wide Glenelg River that meandered its way to Doubtful Sound and the open ocean.

It was below our present position on the mudflats of the Glenelg River that Kingsford Smith had to make a forced landing in his Southern Cross aircraft. On March 31st, 1929 he and three other aviators were on their way to Wyndham and their ultimate goal England. Extremely bad weather and a misunderstanding forced them to fly miles in the wrong direction and finally run out of fuel. They landed on the mudflats below us. A search was mounted and on 12th April 1929 the Southern Cross was found by Les Holden in the plane Canberra.

Climbing a hill gave us a terrific view of the extensive mangroves, sand flats and the wide Glenelg River that meandered its way to Doubtful Sound and the open ocean.

Following donkey tracks we marched on to some tidal rapids 15-20 kilometres upstream of the Glenelg River. Below the cascades thick mud, steep banks and mangroves lined the river. Due to the low marshy country, Grey had to make a diversion to a hill named Mt Stewart, to prevent his ponies from bogging down.

As we ploughed past Mt Stewart through the long grass, with hidden boulders to trip us over, the heat was unbearable and I was beginning to feel sick and dizzy. The humid heat and with being couped up inside a kayak I had developed boils on my legs so I was taking antibiotics. My energy level eventually faded so I let Ken lead and push down the long grass and I followed him in a daze. I finally had to stop as the blistering heat was intense and I was feeling faint. A large boulder cast a short midday shadow. I tried to hide from the heat behind it without much success.

We had been on half rations for several days and although we had hunger pains we still felt healthy well up until now. I soon began to vomit, until my stomach was completely empty. Minutes later with slightly improved health we continued at a crawling pace through taller and thicker grass until we reached another boggy creek. My stomach wanted to explode so I sank to my knees. The tall grass towered over me and a stagnant pool of water lay beside. I vomited again. No breeze could get to me in the stockade of tall grass and the fiery sun only increased my discomfort. We were locked in, the heated grass prison barred all routes out except for the narrow path we had come. This route was retraced and a campsite found on an uneven rocky outcrop with Mt Lyell looking down on us.

The following morning I felt fit enough to make tracks towards the Glenelg River where giant paperbark trees grew prolifically on the southern side. The shallow water glistened as it flowed over the sandy river bed. Downstream a deep pool gave us our first opportunity to fish. Within minutes eleven black bream were being prepared for our evening meal. For 8 days we have been on half rations so this would be our first substantial meal in that time.

The Glenelg River.

Andrew McAuley's

fateful journey across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand

In January 2007, Vicki McAuley's beloved husband Andrew, set off on an adventure to become the first person to kayak from Tasmania to New Zealand, across the treacherous Tasman Sea.

He was making good progress and Vicki and their little son Finn were waiting at Milford Sound for Andrew to make landfall.

Then she got the devastating news that authorities had found Andrew's kayak in the ocean, but there was no sign of Andrew.

Click here to hear Vicki's story on the ABC's Conversations:-

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/vicki-mcauley-on-her-husbands-dream-to-solo-kayak-tasman-sea/106276602?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtcLJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeLXfxvokFr0SnXNHWPuMvhg5Dky3QBqVOpU6edR_nI4hEKA9ZScIAqGS_eA0_aem_dWek4oYCmcYyJDIGpcfNgg

Andrew McAuley heading to New Zealand.

This is said to be the last photo of Andrew before he went missing.

Birds Along The Way

It was good to see 4 dolphins up river this week.

It's been several months since I have seen them around Ascot.

The dolphins were on a mission travelling a little faster than they usually do.

Great Egret

Common Sandpiper

***********************

Black-winged Stilts

Great Egrets

**************************

Canning Classic is coming - Save the Date.
Sunday 22nd February Kent Street Weir Wilson
Lots of prizes
Race Distance
Long course 12 km - 6km downstream and back, portage around the weir, 6km upstream and back. 5 boat grid starts.
Short course ~6 km

City Lights

Its time to challenge yourself again with the annual CITY LIGHTS paddle race!

We will once again be running a long and short course, with the short course being moved to make conditions less challenging in the open Perth waters.

Entries will open soon - come join in as a competitor or just come to the finish line to enjoy the live band and great food!

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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Enjoy the CDU Newsletter

2026-01-30T00:25:05-05:00

30th January 2026 CDU Newsletter 919

2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Wildwater Championships

The 2026 Paddle Australia Canoe Wildwater Championships on the Mann River brought together Australia’s top wildwater paddlers for a weekend of impressive racing on the January long weekend.

Champions were crowned across multiple age categories, ranging from U16 to over 65, highlighting the depth and diversity of the wildwater community.

Jacqui Lachmann (NSW) had a championship to remember, claiming gold in the women’s category in both the Sprint and Classic events. Rising star Isabella Florrisson (WA) followed suit, taking out the women’s U16 events for both distances.

In the men’s competition, Harry Langley (WA) secured victory in the Sprint, winning both the men’s and Open categories, while Matt Dalziel (TAS) dominated the men’s Classic events in the same divisions. Consistency across the age groups was a feature of the event with multiple paddlers topping the podium in both Sprint and Classic races, including Joseph Menzies (NSW) for U16, Tobias Sexton (VIC) for U18, Warren Elms (VIC) for 55+ and Steven Muir (NSW) for 65+.

Hosted by the Big River Canoe Club (BRCC), the championships marked the largest domestic event on the Australian wildwater calendar and served as key selection event for the 2026 World Championships – set to be held at Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 21-24 May 2026.

Event organiser Peter Menzies said the event delivered both high-quality racing and a strong sense of community.

“It was great to see paddlers travel from across the country and compete at such a high level. The mix of experienced athletes and first-timers created an awesome atmosphere for the weekend,” he said.

With weeks of close weather monitoring leading into the event, river conditions aligned perfectly just days before racing began.

“We were very lucky to get the river into the ideal range. Water levels were perfect for technical racing on the Hanging Rock course, and racing on a free-flowing, unregulated river like this is becoming increasingly rare,” Menzies said.

With the championships being held over the long weekend, the event also drew strong interest from spectators and campers along the riverbank, offering a close-up look at the speed and excitement of wildwater racing.
Source Paddle Australia.

Results are here -

Sprint: 2026 PA Canoe WildWater Best SPRINT | Series results | Webscorer

Classic: https://www.webscorer.com/seriesresult?seriesid=418697

WAs Harry Langley winner of the Sprint Race.

Former WA paddler Matt Dalzeil winner of the Classic Race.

WAs Hunter Florisson U23 Winner and 2nd in the open Classic Race.

WAs Phil Langley 35+ Classic Winner with all borrowed gear.

WAs Isabel Florisson Under 16 winner in both Classic & Sprint.

Jacqui Lachmann Open female winner in Classic and Sprint races.

Summer Wild Water Training

Claughton Reserve, Bayswater, 6.00am Friday.

Only one more Friday morning left.

Then we have two Monday night races,

the first at Sandy Beach the second at Ascot Kayak Club.

Today's Results:-

2026 WildWater WA Summer Training #4 | Series results | Webscorer

Kris Smith back from being an official at the Wild Water Championships in NSWs.

Alila Thorpe getting a good boat tilt.

Debbie, Dave and Alila.

Chris Hollier on the left, said the course is either getting easier or my skils are getting better. He has been paddling several years so I would say his skills have improved.

Harry on the right has just returned from the Australian Wildwater Championships. He came first in the Sprint Race and will be off to Europe this winter.

He put on a good show today zooming around the course as fast as a Greyhound.

The Wild Donnelly River

Kate, Fayley and Sue’s Adventure

The Donnelly River

It was a kayak trip down the Donnelly River to wild camp at the river mouth. It rained wildly and heavily and we couldn't believe we would arrive at our destination so wet and cold. Who knew summer in Western Australia could lead to us almost getting hypothermia? After setting up camp and changing into warm, dry clothes, an exploratory beach walk was enjoyed.

The might of the waves crashing onto the beach was mesmerising to watch. The rain cleared, the sun came out, and we managed to get all our gear dried.

The next morning we walked out to the beach and was rewarded by seeing a kangaroo hopping along the sand before crossing through the water to the dunes. How cool.

The return paddle started in sunshine but the dark clouds were gathering behind us and before too long we were inundated by the worst squall that we had ever been caught in. It was very intense for a few minutes but we all survived and were very relieved when it finally passed over.

Of course the sun came out again in time for us to reach the boat ramp and the end of our paddle trip. Boats were loaded, wet clothes changed for dry ones, and we headed for home via Nannup for a hot meal and coffee. A most excellent adventure indeed.

Thanks Kate and Fayley for the great company

Fayley and Kate.

Photo Sue

As soon as we reached our destination very wet at the river mouth we changed into dry cold and erected our tents.

A kangaroo running across the sand.

Fayley and Kate.

A hot cup of tea always helps to warm us up.

Kate and Sue relaxing and getting warm.

The impressive coast line.

What a beautiful evening.

Celebrating 50 Years of Paddling

Year 1987

Kimberley Kayak Expedition #4

With replenished food supplies we paddled away from Koolan Island and further into the wilderness. The tide was advancing quickly into the surrounding bays requiring us to perform a 5 kilometre ferry glide across the swift currents.

We paddled into a small cove that was full of debris and logs of all sizes floating up and down with the tide. The heat was intense. We dragged our kayaks up the beach to start unloading. Ken entered the shallow water and crouched down to cool off. As he stared across the cove, a sudden movement in the debris caused him to leap to his feet. He saw a shape rise and move and he nervously shouted crocodile and immediately ran from the water.

I dropped my gear and turned. Ken was running for his life. I quickly extracted my rifle from its case and at that moment the leathery reptile disappeared beneath the surface. The rapid tide had reached our kayaks and waves started dumping into our open rear compartments. The crocodile lost important, swamped kayaks were now our immediate concern. I rushed over to Ken and held the rifle towards the lapping surf whilst he dragged the kayaks further up the beach.

The crocs absence posed a mystery, was it swimming closer to us and would it strike? We watched for ripples on the water and at last the croc rose, its whole body surfacing at once and revealing its 4 metre length. Its magnetic eerie stare chilled us. It soon sank out of sight.

At shower time we filled our pots and washed on the beach but one of us stood with the rifle just in case. We retreated to a rock ledge not far from the waters’ edge when we saw a shadow under the water heading straight towards us, it didn’t look as big as a croc and it turned out being a turtle. A small wallaby hopped around the rocks and straight past us. We both just about had heart attacks.

Sunset on the Kimberley Coast.

The walking to check out the country and to find water was pretty rugged.

We moved further down the coast occasionally being hit by sharks and although fearing crocodiles more than sharks we were forced to make a detour up a tidal creek to find water. After about 1 kilometre our route was barred by thick mangroves so we had no choice but to tie our kayaks to mangrove branches and walk the last 200 metres to a shallow pool in a rock hole which gave us all the water we needed.

On our return the tide had risen and stranded our kayaks 10 metres from the cliffy shore. I didn’t fancy swimming out to them but I had no choice, crocs or no crocs. I slipped carefully into the water and gingerly swam out to the kayaks trying to create little splash. The ropes fastening the kayaks to the mangroves were well underwater so I had no choice but to duck dive down a metre to untie the knots. My eyes stung as I fumbled with the ropes beneath the surface.

Through glassy eyes the drowned mangrove limbs waved with the currents and bubbles created by hidden crustaceans rose to the surface. It was a silent underwater world, a magic mystery that I would have cherished in safer waters. I eventually got them free and towed them to the shoreline and we quickly climbed out of the water.

Back in our kayaks we paddled out of the creek as threatening storm clouds eased their way to our evening camp site on Helipad Island. Thunder, lightening, strong winds and then a violent downpour bombarded us. We rigged our spare tent fly in a hollow and within minutes we had collected a heap of water. Now we had too much water and we couldn’t carry it all. What an amazing storm it was. Hot and humid, it was truely the wet season still.

The entrance to Secure Bay.
Fast tidal currents.

Two days later we camped in Secure Bay before moving on to Walcott Inlet where we checked out the huge whirlpools in the river entrance that I paddled through on my 1982 trip. That day I could have died. It was too dangerous to try it a second time.

We camped just south of the Walcott Inlet Entrance and walked across country and the surrounds to check out the inlet with the current rushing in. As always the walk was rugged but beautiful.

A walk from our ocean side camp to view Walcott Inlet.

We walked to the entrance of Walcott Inlet.

There was an extremely fast current running into Walcott Inlet.

A small whirlpool and boils at the entrance.

More rapids heading into Walcott Inlet.

Leaving the Walcott Inlet camp we needed a 4.00am start to catch the tide and avoid trudging across too much mud. The moon filtering through the clouds gave us enough light to move around.

Large channels, carved out by the water, zig-zagged the mud flats which was rapidly being exposed as the tide receded. To get our loaded kayaks to the mud and off the section of boulders we had them sitting on timbers so we could drag them down without damage. We slid them down the timbers and onto the mud where they slipped beautifully until a deep channel stopped our momentum. I managed to jump across it but while Ken was trying to push my kayak over the ditch he slipped into the mud and water up to his waist. Bloody fine state I’m in, he yelled, as he looked around anxiously for crocs.

Once out of the ditch, it wasn’t long before we reached the swift tidal stream rushing out of Walcott Inlet.

We entered the fast running current that was riddled with eddies, boils and whirlpools. The sun had just risen giving us glowing glimpses of the fiery rays trying to escape from behind the clouds. The red ochre cliffs lit up. We moved across the current carefully, with our rudders in full swing trying to control our craft. A large boil started to form. Its sides opened up like a developing earthquake. It became bigger and bigger and started to erupt. The boiling water lifted at least a metre above the rest of the sea and then changed and opened up and formed a whirlpool. I was struggling to prevent myself from being dragged into it, but it subsided in the nick of time.

Without warning another boil formed, first the outside crater and the hole and then the eruption. We seemed surrounded as one more formed on my right side. Ken was directly in its path. There would be no chance of him keeping upright in such a destructive force of water so he desperately back paddled to escape its violent eruptions. Relief was in sight as we crossed the entrance of the inlet and moved away from the powerful tidal effects.

Relieved but pretty excited with our dangerous crossing we paddled further north following the coastline to Raft Point passing High Bluff and Eagle Point a magnificent part of coast. High ochre cliffy islands, masses of mangroves and the huge expanse of water of Doubtful Bay was a stunning sight from the water but more so from the cliff tops. The wet season was hot and humid but it had its advantages as we found another freshwater creek. Days later we arrived at the pearling settlement of Kuri Bay. Nothing could please us more than to have a short rest, collect our food packs and receive the hospitality of the management.

We arrive at our campsite at Raft Point.

A view from a high point of Raft Point.

One of the water collection places along the way.

Ken unloading at Kuri Bay Pearl Farm.

Register 2026 Mandurah Canals Race

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=418348

Really interesting, enjoyable & challenging course followed by lunch at the harbour-side!

ASCOT PADDLE PASSPORT

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN!

Our popular beginner‑friendly junior kayaking course is back this Term 1, and we’re ready to hit the river!

Instructors are locked in and registrations are officially open.

If you’re looking for a safe, structured, and screen‑free activity that helps your child (ages 8–16) build confidence, coordination, and a love of the outdoors — this is it.

No experience needed

All equipment provided

Qualified instructors

Fun, safe & supportive environment

Course Snapshot:

• 4‑week program — $60 (GST incl.)

• Dates: 14 Feb, 21 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 March

• Time: 8:30–9:30am (please arrive 15 mins early)

• Location: Ascot Kayak Club, Garvey Park

Kids will learn the fundamentals of kayaking through games, play, exploration and movement — building skills, water confidence, and independence in a positive, encouraging setting.

For Parents:

Spaces are limited to keep sessions safe and engaging. If this sounds like the right fit for your child, we encourage you to secure their spot early.

Book now via the link in the comments

Let’s get kids outdoors, active, and discovering confidence on the water — one paddle stroke at a time.

Junior Paddling in Our Clubs

Currently, only 7% of our club members are junior paddlers - something we’d love to improve.

Many clubs already offer junior programs or junior paddling opportunities. As a starting point, it’s worth checking what’s available at your local club. You might have children, friends’ children, or grandchildren who would enjoy getting involved with a little encouragement.

To support our clubs, Paddle WA is investing in two junior programs:

Paddle Up
An introduction to paddling featuring fun activities, games, and challenges on sit-on-top kayaks.

Paddle Squad

Regular Friday afternoon sessions (4:30–6:00pm) focused on coaching and general paddling.

If you’re able to help us get started by encouraging some young paddlers to join one of the two Paddle Up courses we’ve planned, that would be fantastic.

Cost: $66 for 3 sessions (all equipment supplied)
Ages: 8–15 years

Session options:

Fridays: 6, 13, 20 March 2026 | 4:30pm–6:00pm Tickets for the Friday Sessions
Saturdays: 7, 14, 21 March 2026 | 8:30am–10:00am Tickets for the Saturday Sessions

Location:
Maylands Tennis Club Car Park
Corner of Clarkson Road and Hardey Road, Maylands

Click here for more Paddle Up information

If you would still like to know more please contact the Paddle WA Office - 08 9285 8501

Thank you

SLALOM KAYAK WANTED

Must be the new version - prefer no older than 5 years.

Call Glen Smith

044 880 55 33

A Big Thank You to the People below who donated to my SUP Challenge Fundraising

for the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Greg Pluim, John Grulich, Deborah Robinson, Sue And Andy Pankhurst, Glen Smith, Marie Andersson, Margaret Toohey, Jo Ward, Declan Hoare, Paul Andriessen, Joe Dowse, Hayley Williams, Jill Roberts, Michele Erica Joy Mcknight, Karen Hemsley, Bart Hollemans, Sally Wright, Jill Jarvis, Ryan Goodchild, Kirsten Campbell, Dave Smith, Kris Adrian, Graham Shield, Robin Jacob, Oliver, Gary and Andrea, Diana Lagrange, Patrick Irwin, Tashka, Brian Hunter, Justine Stewart, David Gardiner, Anonymous, Kieren Wilson, Patrick, and Tony Power.

The Winners of the Prize Draw below are:-

Marie Andersson, Patrick Irwin, Tony Power &

Deborah Robinson.

GT Aero

(Grafton Paddle Sports)

$1500.00

Great condition.

Contact Robyn Holmes on

0427383596

Link | Link | Link | Link

terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au

5a Ashfield Parade
Bassendean WA 6054
AUSTRALIA

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