Paddle Report

Wow what a morning! The weather report was for strong easterly winds, however when we all arrived in Rockingham it was relatively calm. How could the conditions be so perfect? The water was flat, calm and the tide was at the lowest I had seen for ages. The sand bar that stretched across to Penguin Island was virtually exposed all the way, an easy walk for visitors going over and a saving of a ferry fare.

It was the second day of the Sea Kayaking course. On the beach I briefed Tony, Brad, Steve, Robin, Charlie and Ron before we departed. I was surprised to hear that most hadn't visited Penguin Island for years or never before. We skimmed across a gap in the sandbar on the eastern side, not far from Mersey Point where it looked deeper. The sand soon changed to sea grass, stayed shallow, slowed our boats and tangled our paddles. It now looked dark and uninviting beneath the water but the sea grass plays an important role, stabilising the sea floor and providing the habitat for hundreds of sea creatures.

We pointed our bows towards Second Rock, an island just south of Penguin Island. Here we would turn and head north passing Penguin Island on the westerly side and then further to Point Peron.

With the tide so low the reefs around Second Rock were exposed so we had to divert around them. A few reefs out to sea were breaking, but otherwise the sea was calm. I spotted a dolphin, but it was travelling in the opposite direction. Our team chatted and seemed pretty relaxed as we paddled north to the south end of Penguin Island where a flock of pelicans were gathered on the hill.

The reefs extending from the island were a fascinating sight. Water brushed up to the steep edges ruffling the weed and at times flowed onto it, filling the pools and spilling back off the reef again. Across on the island a beach was inviting us to land, but due to the scattered reef extending along it, it would be tricky. Steve wouldn't appreciate scratches on his beautiful fibreglass boat.

We paddled on a little further and sighted a place where we could land between some exposed reefs. As this was the group's first landing spot, I wondered how they were feeling. Would their hearts be pounding as they threaded their way through the reef dodging the rocky outcrops as the swell lifted and fell?

We landed on a weedy reef with the help of the rising swell and stretched our legs. An eel wriggled around in the weed then disappeared but showed itself again as we were about to move off.

I was impressed with the sight of the low tide and exposed reefs. It reminded me of the Kimberley Coast which rekindled some of the best memories of my life. Crabs scuttled around the rock pools and Tony, who got carried away, stepped into one thinking it was a spa bath!

We moved off and followed the reefs northwards. The swell had lifted and was wallowing up over the reefs and spilling off again. It was a beautiful sight. Up on a hill was another big flock of pelicans. They are a standard feature on Penguin Island. Unlike the Penguins, you can always guarantee seeing them here.

We left Penguin Island and rounded the eastern side of Shag Rock, between a small island and exposed reef and immediately sighted Sea Lions on Seal Island. We closed in on three of them basking and rolling in the shallow water. On shore there were another six lying on the sand, dead as door nails, whilst at the waters edge two large beasts were having a nasty fight. They were lurching, snarling and biting.

Back in the water however, three or four were in a playful mood. The clear water allowed us to see them swimming below. We watched on with great delight.

Then just as we thought the Sea lions were swimming away, they returned and were particularly playful. As we drifted, they circled, nosed the boats and rudders, peered at us and leaped out of the water like frolicking teenagers. We were experiencing nature at its best. To see them break water, sit up and look you in the eye, was just amazing. Their blunt, dog-like snout, beautiful eyes, long whiskers and small ear lobes were within centimetres of us. I'm sure if they had a ball, they would have been heading it to each other!

Some time before, Robyn had tied a tow line to my boat as he wanted to try it out. As it was draped 15 metres across the ocean it too became a play thing for the sea lions. They grabbed it in their mouths. I was just hoping that they weren't going to take off at full speed, as I was locked on to it.

Unfortunately we couldn't stay there all day and with regret we moved on. Our day had been made. What ever else we did that day, we just couldn't eclipse this wonderful experience. To allow me to lead this great trip in the wilderness, Alaine had sacrificed her own enjoyment by looking after the shop. What dedicated workers I have. I took photographs so when she sees them, she will be able to relive our experience in her mind.

Robin took up the slack in his tow line and we were away. The group was on the move and I didn't lift a paddle, Robin did all the work. For nearly 3 kilometres I sat back and relaxed and watched the world go by. Robin was insistent that he was going to take me all the way to the lunch spot on a beach opposite Bird Island.

Because of the low tide we could only get within a hundred metres of the beach, so we dragged our boats through the shallows. While most of us brought flasks, Robin had brought a new stove. Unfortunately with the increased wind, the flame constantly blew out. By the time we were about to leave, I think his kettle boiled. He said he just might invest in a wind shield before the next outing.

It was now time to paddle around Point Peron so we weaved our way through the reefs and around the point until we were out into the open. It was still early so we decided to paddle back via the Garden Island Bridge (which is part of the Causeway). It meant that we would go with the wind for 3 kilometres and then against it for 3 kilometres. The group was going well so the challenge was met. Brad who had only been in his boat a few times was now looking a lot more confident and enjoying it.

A kilometre from the end Ron did another capsize drill, with Tony, doing the honours and rescuing him. Ron loved the water so much at the end he started practising self rescue with my paddle float.

The paddle was about 15 kilometres, not a long paddle, but long enough to feel tired and wind and sun swept on the way home. It was another great day on the water. Just imagine, there are millions of people out there missing out on these great paddling experiences. Are you one!

By Terry Bolland