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Rob Mercer Sea Kayaking

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25.01.2022 Its amazing what you find hanging from your hallway ceiling when the house needs a lick of paint! 20 years ago Sharon built this plywood boat from plans we purchased from Eric Schade at Shearwater Boats in the US. The design was inspired by the lines and proportions of the traditional Aleutian hunting boats. This craft was scaled down to suit Sharon's light frame and was probably one of the first true low volume touring sea kayaks in Australia measuring 48cm maximum beam, 5...m long and weighing under 18kgs fully fitted out. We learnt a lot about design and boat building from this project and the result was a success taking Sharon safely and comfortably on many coastal adventures, sometimes in calms and other times in heavy weather. Although fitted with neither retractable skeg or rudder, the boat possessed good sea manners and was capable of catching 'runners' better than many modern designs at the time. It is interesting to see how much less peculiar the lines of this kayak look to me than they did twenty years ago. So many fast kayaks since then have employed the long waterline, swede hull form, short overhangs and multi chine or round bilges that we see here. It suggests to me that the Aluetian craft that inspired this recreational kayak must have been the original "fast tourers" designed out of the harsh necessities of plying the big water and extreme winds of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Special thanks to my good mate Andrew Eddy who also built one of these "Baidarkas" and encouraged us to look at kayaks in a different way. See more

25.01.2022 From lively conditions off the cliffs to the eerie quiet of an empty Harbour. A recent two hour paddle of many moods...

25.01.2022 Sharons regular Saturday paddles; expect the unexpected! Landings are not always to plan, special guest appearance by a giant Petrel visiting from the icy Southern Ocean, lunch at Marley beach, a little more wave action than expected off Jibbon and a long misty paddle off Cape Bailey

24.01.2022 From the vault - a few Go Pro screen shots .

24.01.2022 Thanks to Stephen for sharing this image of he and Bill at Sir John Falls on recent paddle up the Gordon River from Macquarie Harbour, West Coast Tasmania.

24.01.2022 Twilight shots from the last days of Autumn....

24.01.2022 Short days and cool evenings mean more paddling at first and last light. As restrictions are lifted and more of us can paddle together, we will once again face the time old challenges of keeping a bigger and more diverse group together in the dark but for now earlier starts and smaller informal groups are making for some very relaxed sessions.

23.01.2022 Pics of the entrance to Port Hacking over the weekend with usually calm in places in Jibbon lighting up and the whole of Bate Bay churning and chaotic.

23.01.2022 A few pics from Sharon's regular club paddle on Saturday. For those who are interested, she can be seen paddling the new EK low volume model that is, as yet nameless. The Saturday trip covered everything from turbulent waters around South Head all the way back into the main Harbour where this series of shots was taken in amongst becalmed yachts that gave the impression of being moored rather than competing in their regular weekend regatta. Sharon is the lightest paddler yet to test the kayak and reported a very stable and well mannered ride. Watching Matt and Sharon in this boat I have been impressed with just how well it trims right through their weight range. It is very exciting to bring a project like this one through the development stage and to add such a capable little touring boat to our range.

23.01.2022 Between deep lows bringing gales, heavy swells and driving rain we have had lulls with light and variable winds and cool days. The"wobbly" residual sea and decaying swells can be a surprise to those who just read the wind speed numbers and wave data and expect equally calm conditions. In the bays things settle fast as local conditions ease but out on the open water the waves keep going after the wind stops blowing....

22.01.2022 Show your support for this beautiful part of the world in difficult times and give this iconic race a go..

22.01.2022 Dave takes the tight line into Little Bay...

21.01.2022 As we put our group paddling plans on hold for now it is a good time to look back on some recent paddles. I consider myself privileged to be part of three regular paddling groups: Sharons Saturday team, The Dolls Point Paddlers and My Tuesday Crew. I miss the company and banter of these communities as much as the time on the water and although no image is a substitute for the shared experience it sometimes gives just a hint of how good it can be out among the waves in our little boats. Todays pics are from one of the Makai Training sessions, brisk NE winds and a solid quartering/following sea from South Head to Malabar, more images tomorrow.

20.01.2022 Tuesday afternoon saw the strong winds and heavy swells move out of our weather window but there were still a few steep waves to keep us honest.

20.01.2022 We launched in the Harbour with hazy blue skies and a strong NE wind whipping up some steep waves to chase along the cliffs. Just south of Ben Buckler the natural sandstone barrier gave way to the eastern suburbs beaches and the south western skyline opened up to reveal our first clear view of a heavy and rapidly building cloud bank. As the storm front approached, the NE wind lulled, only to be replaced by violent gusts of WSW and shortly afterwards, the last of the blue sky ...was devoured by the clouds. We headed for the relative shelter of Coogee Bay with the first crackle and flash of forked lighting and we landed in an eerie twilight with the first sheets of rain. Our hasty change of plans went pretty smoothly, with the less experienced being encouraged and supported all the way to the beach by a group I would rate to include some of the most capable sea kayakers in the country. Thanks Paul, Darren, Megan, Tim, John, Nick and Davlin for looking out for one another and doing so well in a difficult situation. Also my wonderful wife Sharon who was quickly to the rescue with clean towels and a car shuffle to Malabar for the drivers.

19.01.2022 Yesterdays twilight adventure. Out through Sydney Heads and then North along the cliffs with almost no wind but some fizzing rebound and a long swell....

19.01.2022 Looking forward to a few laughs out on the Bay this weekend and even more important; proceeds this year will go to fire affected communities on the South Coast.

19.01.2022 Over the years I have been to Broughton Island more than a couple of dozen times and it is always worth the effort and always different. This time it was with Tim, Mark and Bob and although they have all been before it was their first visit gentle weather allowing us some relaxed exploration of the stunning clefts, arches and gullys that appear at regular intervals along the jagged and convoluted coastline. Day two was a perfect day for fishing, walking and just taking it easy while the cool SW wind eased all day ensuring an easy return the following morning. Whatever the weather I can't wait to go back. Thanks to the crew for great company and Tim for excellent planning.

18.01.2022 The weekly sunrise ski paddle makes a perfect bookend to the weekly sunset sea kayak paddle. Different water, different crew but the same adventurous spirit and passion for paddling. Nothing beats the ski for glide and simplicity.

18.01.2022 Ahead of yesterday's southerly change we received our final weather warning in the form of massive roll cloud. Even the dolphins seemed to be seeking a sheltered bay...

18.01.2022 Yesterdays Tuesday Paddle marked the end of the twentieth year of this regular weekly activity. It has been customary for the past seven of those twenty years to put aside some time to reflect on the contribution of our great mate Chris to the adventurous spirit of our paddles. It was a beautiful evening on the harbour and good to share a sunset picnic with such a great bunch of kayaking companions old and new. So satisfying to look back at all the adventures, the raw beauty of the seascape in its many moods and the challenges we have shared on our weekly adventures. (Thanks to Sundo, Don and Shaan for the pics)

17.01.2022 Last light yesterday.

17.01.2022 I have shared so many exhilarating paddles along the coast just to the north or south of the Sydney Heads. To me, the confluence of wind, tide, swell and current makes a perfect counterpoint to the easy waters and cityscapes of the harbour just west of the cliffs. The threshold between the ocean and harbour usually marks a sudden change with the wave action, quickly giving way to calms or low seas, but other times when the tide is ebbing and a long swell sneaks around the corner of South Head, the transition zone can offer one last chance for a bumpy ride.

16.01.2022 Yesterday, just north-east of Marley Head while watching whales in the distance, we were treated to a surprisingly close visit from a calf and mother whale heading south. As with many whale sightings they emerged from the depths checked us out and swam away slowly without a second look. I always wonder what they make of us floating around in our kayaks?

15.01.2022 A new pulse of southerly swell had just arrived, the westerly wind was brisk and cool and an Albatross skimmed the wave crests as we paralleled the coast off Malabar heading towards Cape Banks. Well worth the effort.

14.01.2022 2020 has come around fast and my break from Facebook is over. While I am sorting through recent pics from training and guiding sessions I thought I would post a just a small selection of my favourites from 2019 and actually caption them this time around! Just looking through them makes me grateful to be able to cover so much ground as a touring kayaker and sea kayak Instructor. Last year paddling in one way or another saw me as far south as Barwon Heads and as far north as Bowen.

14.01.2022 Capes, headlands and points have a magnetic attraction to sea kayakers drawn by the way they focus wave energy even in light conditions. Heres a few pics from Bluefish Point off Manly on a recent sunset paddle,

13.01.2022 Today 5 years ago....

12.01.2022 Some recent "inaction" shots. When the sea miles have been covered and the workout is done, those few minutes spent just floating around have never been sweeter..

12.01.2022 Great advice from Sundo as we face the challenge of paddling with larger groups in these strange days...

12.01.2022 Not always gnarly, windy, choppy, swelly or messy but still worth heading out for a paddle....

11.01.2022 After a great morning working with Peter on his sea kayaking skills I bumped into Mark and his young son Marley heading out to crack a few waves on the Bundeena Bar. The rain scared most of the earlier crowd away giving us plenty of waves without much waiting around. Marley was tackling the bay surf in great style, matching his dad with the paddle and with the big smiles as well. A treat see them having such a great time out in the waves.

10.01.2022 Nick ventured up to Sydney to collect his new Azure with the added incentive to catch up with some of the crew for a paddle out from Boinnie Vale and along the Royal National Park cliffs looking for whales He has recently managed to time visits from his tranquil south coast hideaway to coincide with some exciting paddling sessions so the superstitious amongst us were wondering if the flat calm and mild grey conditions as we left Bonnie Vale would actually prevail. From Jibbo...n Bombora and seaward the much anticipated whale sightings started but always just a little further out and then of course, when we were well offshore we realised that most of the real action was happening closer to the cliffs right behind us! By the time we turned around we had whales a distance in front of us along the cliffs, with another pod just as far to seaward. The only real close encounter was a breach directly behind our kayaks while we were peering into the mist at a distant blow in the opposite direction. With light fading and a good distance covered we turned back for Port Hacking with golden light under the heavy clouds that were moving in around us. Our paddle with Nick delivered some memorable moments albeit with less adrenaline than last time.

10.01.2022 These blue skies with afternoon sea breezes and long warm evenings can only mean summer is on the way.

09.01.2022 A little virtual escape to a place I would rather be right now.... Thanks Mark for the edit and posting on our EK page. If You havent already checked it out then its worth a look. By the way, its called Whitsundays Out Wide because the aim was to avoid the inshore islands and sheltered settlements by carrying all our food and water for the whole trip from Mackay. A lot heavier at the start but gave us the freedom to hop from one uninhabited offshore island to another. A chance encounter with Bruce and his crew, cold drinks with a group of yachties on Gloucester island and a fresh fish dinner caught off the beach were special treats we would have missed if we had opted for the more popular Airlie Beach round trip.

08.01.2022 More images from the same paddle as the previous post showing just how much variety there can be in a couple of hours sea kayaking. Some short trips can cover so many moods in so few kilometres...

07.01.2022 I know it is impossible to be objective when talking about loved ones so I wont even try. My wonderful wife Sharon has been leading a regular Saturday paddle for the NSWSKC for just over ten years. In this time hundreds of paddlers have enjoyed the safe supportive network she has created, drawing like minded kayakers from all over Australia, some times just visiting and other times becoming "rusted on" regulars. Her calm, humble and carefully considered approach to taking s...ea kayakers is backed by over thirty years sea kayaking, her deep understanding and respect for the sea has been honed by some real expeditions and hard days on the water as well as regular day trips and training. The way Sharon leads new paddlers into open water has drawn a strong following with many of those who have learnt through this paddle staying around to help ensuring that her group has become stronger and more able every year. I know she loves this weekly gathering as a community. They are more than just a bunch of kayakers and the depth of knowledge and wisdom that is shared at the morning coffee break can be truly inspiring. I hope Sharon will be delighted and guess maybe even a little embarrassed when she reads this post but like so many quiet achievers I am sure the recognition is appreciated and I just really couldnt let this milestone go without adding my own vote of appreciation for Sharons dedication to building this Sydney paddling institution. See more

07.01.2022 Marks excellent wrap up of the Makai 2020. Great to share this classic event with mates from the Tuesday Crew and Dolls Point Paddlers.

07.01.2022 Reflecting on Makai 2020. Heres my belated wrap of one of the most enjoyable weekends I have had for quite a while Obviously not for all sea kayakers but the spinoffs for fitness and skills shouldnt be ignored. Unless you can remember planning for a long or challenging expedition wishing you were slower or less fit you might want to think about setting some performance goals like the Makai Cup....Continue reading

07.01.2022 Daniel off Cape Banks last night....

06.01.2022 Some years Autumn in Sydney just gently fades into Winter with little or no obvious change of seasons but this year winter has arrived with cold winds from every direction. Even the few days of blue skies have had a sharp clarity that seems to only happen with winter westerlies. The more common aspect has been steely grey with layers of cloud high and wide from just above the horizon. On Tuesday I took a punt that the unseasonal northerly might just get up strong enough for a... cruisy one way paddle along the Sydney Sea Cliffs to Long Bay. A few last minute texts saw Paul, Dave and I rounding South Head to a playful tailwind and a low but lively sea. The usual winter swell had decayed and the wind had only sprung up an hour or two earlier so the waves were simple, short, steep and slow enough to catch with just a few quick strokes. The usual multi directional "dance" down the cliffs wasnt going to challenge us for a change. So despite the drizzle and low cloud we surfed along on a warm sea with a cool breeze making easy distance and after less than two hours we were standing the beach at Malabar cold and wet and wondering how we were going to back up for the official evening paddle with a crew of fresh, well rested paddlers keen to crunch out some sea miles. As we headed back out into the headwind with the sun setting fast and dull, the whales that had laid low for our earlier run started breaching, tail slapping and blowing in the gloom. It was too dark for photos but at least the distraction slowed the group down enough so I could manage some kind of recovery before we turned back for Long Bay with the shadows of the cliffs and the blaze of lights to guide us home. See more

05.01.2022 For the first time since lockdowns and restrictions we were able to go paddling in a group, so seven of us headed out of Port Hacking with Sharon at the helm and headed along the golden sandstone cliffs for the beautiful beach at Wattamolla for lunch. A well paced paddle with lots of smiles, great company and enough wave action to know we werent still the bay.

05.01.2022 Tuesday was our first Tuesday group paddle since Covid restrictions were lifted. Everyone looked relieved to round the cliffs in the afternoon sun, turn their backs on the city for a while and once again share the last light paddling between sandstone and the open horizon.

05.01.2022 Mark and I have been planning to promote a personalised guiding service for adventurous people at all experience levels on both Skis and Kayaks for quite a while now so we recently listed a paddling experience on AirBnB. Mark took our first clients out a few days ago. It looks like they had some seriously good fun! Whether it is a short jaunt out towards the sea off Botany Bay or along the Sydney cliffs or a more ambitious multi day adventure, we can take you there and bring you home happy, safe and maybe just a little tired in that good way that only happens when you have been out on the water.

04.01.2022 With the strong winds easing and the swell decaying Matt, John and Paul decided to join me for a paddle out of Sydney Heads and down the coast to Diamond Bay. There was still enough energy in the water to make it engaging. Wonderful to be out in the wilderness at our doorstep.

02.01.2022 Special thanks to Sharon, Matt, Shaan, Nick, Adrian and Mark for the kind words and/or great pics. Hard to believe its been 20 years of weekly adventures with such a fascinating mix of stalwarts, special guests and occasional starters and its still going strong!

02.01.2022 Sea kayaking can be both a solitary and at the same time, social experience. We have space for our bodies to work and our minds to roam. Without the constraint of tracks to guide us or roads to follow, we can make our own way. We can be alone with our thoughts and actions but when we are paddling with others we are always on the one ocean under the same big sky and sharing the experience; sometimes talking, sometimes racing and sometimes, just enjoying the pulse of the waves. It is a privilege to be able to do this, never more apparent than at the present.

01.01.2022 Light breezes for a paddle out wide off Sydney looking for whales. Our best efforts yielded no whales so we had to console ourselves with this colourful sunset.

01.01.2022 Once again Broughton Island provided us with a superb venue for paddling, walking, photography and swimming, not to forget just kicking back with a cuppa and watching the Sea Eagles and Opsrey riding the thermals and surfing the winds over the cove. Even more important for me however, was the solitude, simplicity and natural beauty of the place along with the privilege of sharing all this with good company. The month of May doesn't always deliver the kindest conditions for ...open water kayaking on the NSW coast and we had some serious doubts about this most recent Broughton Island adventure in the weeks leading up to launch. Then our luck changed and fuelled by some wishful thinking we convinced ourselves that the impending cold front and accompanying southerly winds might just be light enough for us to venture out to our our Island refuge once again. On Friday morning we made one last weather check before handing over to trainee Sea Guide Dave Linco (aka Davlin) who ran through his strategy for the crossing from Shoal Bay in a pleasantly concise briefing. As expected the southerly wind kept building, pushing us along at a good clip with the misty rain and heavy cloud arriving just as our kayaks slid onto the sand in Esmerelda Cove. It had taken the large group less than three hours to reach the island and we looked back out beyond the bombie with some satisfaction towards the mass of whitecaps in the entrance. Each day on the water was different. After day one's 'magic carpet ride' the second day's circumnavigation gave us calms in the lee of the island but heavy rebound on the south facing points and our return on day three became a long slog into a persistent headwind. Through all these challenges Dave managed the group in good style and 'earned his keep' as trainee Guide. Those who have seen only the daredevil side of his paddling persona would be surprised to see his care and attention to detail when looking after other kayakers. Thanks to Anne for suggesting the trip and following up with the bookings, Sharon for organising the group and working with Dave on his trip planing and preparation, the group for their friendship and team spirit and of course the folks from the National Parks service who care for this wonderful place and protect it for us so we can visit on many future adventures.