Paddle Report

Dolphins Ahead - 23 March 2003

As I lifted my sea kayak off the trailer at Pickering Park boat ramp I noticed dolphins swimming by. It wasn't a big deal, to see dolphins in Perth is very common, but to see them in the upper reaches of the Swan some 35 kms from the ocean makes it just that little more special.

I paddled upstream with the hope of catching them up. Although I have seen them on several occasions just lately, there is nothing like paddling along side them. It gives me a sense of exclusivity. I mean how many people, considering how many people in the world actually get the chance to paddle with dolphins.

About 300 metres from Point Reserve jetties I could see the dolphins arch out of the water, blow water and dive again. I felt excited, I was getting close. Suddenly one of the dolphins accelerated towards the beach between the jetties in a flurry. The water boiled for a few moments as it chased fish, but soon calmed as the dolphin swam on. This is where Rolf Harris used to swim, I wonder if dolphins were around back then.

Just ahead a young lad in a single scull sat quietly. Across from him a rowing 8 was also still. The long boat had a mixed group of people inside it. Half female, half males and a female coxon. As they sat there doing nothing like rowing crews do, suddenly a couple of them noticed the dolphins. I could see the joy in their faces as the dolphins surrounded them.

A little further beyond Guildford Bridge two walkers stopped and gazed. They shouted over to me, we saw dolphins here 3 years ago. I refrained from telling them that they are around virtually every morning in March. On the west side of the river, below Success Hill, a man was on the sand watching his dog wade in the water. The dolphins surfaced several times near by, but he wasn't aware of them. Suddenly one took off in his direction chasing fish. The man suddenly looked up. I will never forget startled look on his face, which soon changed to joy as he realised it was only a dolphin. His golden retriever dog was equally surprised. His eyes searched, his head jolted and his stance was frozen. It was baffled with the splashing in the water and stirring in the water.

I caught up with the rowers again next to the beach at Fish Market Reserve. We had words as I passed. One or two knew me but I had no idea who they were. "Where's your next trip Terry", one said. The rowers fled leaving me alone with the dolphins.

The dolphins fanned out opposite Bennett Brook. Two of them always surfaced together, which suggested mum and child. They dived for several moments at a time leaving me to wonder where they would come up. I paddled on and glided. I eagerly scanned the water waiting for them to rise. I looked behind and mother and child surface at my stern and dived again one on each side. They disappeared and I waited again. This time all 4 dolphins surfaced together ahead of me.

I kept having thoughts of turning back, it was Sunday, I had to open the shop at 10.00am, but every time I decided to, the dolphins inspired me on. We were now in the countryside. Horses were gazing in paddocks and the odd fisherman was hidden in the long grass.

When the dolphins surfaced I could see marks on their sleek shiny bodies. Like a brand new boat with its first scratch. One had a deep scar, which looked sore and made quite recent.

About 200 hundred metres before Barkers Bridge amongst a flurry of swirling water a fish was tossed in the air by one of the dolphins. It somersaulted through the air before dropping back into the water. I couldn't believe my luck, the antics of the dolphins were captivating, however when I reached Barkers Bridge I had no chose to turn and let them continue their journey upstream.

By Terry Bolland