As Robert has decided to go on holidays, Colin Dennis provides us with this trip report.

A group of OP Club Paddlers got together for an paddle from Ettalong to the Spit in Mosamn at Sydney. The intrepid groups of paddlerrs started out at 0700 hours for an excellent mid winter day out.

Read on about a great trip out:

Tuesday, 24th June 2003 0700hrs

Weather conditions were ideal. A large high-pressure system stalled over the immediate area providing an excellent window of opportunity to venture out to the open sea and paddle our way from Ettalong, on the Central Coast, to Middle Harbour, Sydney.

The concept of this adventure was contrived some months ago, to commemorate and formally acknowledge the opening of a new Ocean Planet, (Kayak Distribution Dealership office), in Sydney with the established outlet at Ettalong. Estimated distance 37 Klm’s. (Rhumb Line measurement).

Six paddlers summoned sufficient courage, accepting the early morning cold snap as a minor obstacle in relation to whatever nature held in reserve further out at sea. John Greenway, Bill Heber and Robert McClure, three very experienced paddlers accompanied novices Wally Mapplebeck, Matthew Fallow and Col Dennis on an adventure that may be accepted as the inaugural Op to Op run.

Just a hint of daylight began to appear over our left shoulder as we crossed Half Tide Rock breakwater on an outgoing tide and entered a lumpy surf zone off Lobster Beach. Matthew‘s kayak, slightly smaller in length, bobbed almost uncontrollably in the converging outgoing current and a slight but noticeable southerly ocean swell.

These conditions continued across Broken Bay to Barrengoey
Head before this intrepid half dozen settled into a steady rhythm. Any reservations we may have had disappeared quickly with the steady rise and fall of a one metre swell and the sights of a rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, marred only by civilisation bent on the idea of erecting multi coloured buildings as close to the ocean as modern engineering would allow.

Sea birds entertained us with their kamikaze dives directly in search of food, accompanied by an occasional chortle of the ever-present fairy penguin, in sight but just out of reach.
Temperature remained low on our paddle to Bangelley Head.

Fingertips seemed to suffer the most, but an occasional dip in the water appeared to be a remedy. Water temperature would have been rated at about 18 to 19 degrees. Whereas the air temperature, aided by a slight southwester, was estimated 15 to 16 degrees.

Our plan of action was to steer reasonably close to the shoreline in search of a safe landing point for morning tea. Fuel for the engines is a priority when kayaking. Anyway, with this in mind we rounded the steep bulbous rock face of Bangelley Head experiencing a slight surging backwash from the shoreline.

The view to Long Reef appeared unrestricted, some tall buildings were noticeable off in the distance. To the right, the beaches of Avalon, Bilgola and Newport to Bungan Headland. On the left, nothing but water, whilst in the far distance a grey smudge drifted just above the waterline. Yes, you guessed it, Sydney. Experienced paddlers ventured closer around Bungan Head. With learners, not far behind but just out of reach of an obvious breaking surf line.

Mona Vale was selected as the landing site facing north, offering a little protection behind a rock outcrop. One by one paddlers disappeared into the surf zone timing it so that you ride in on the back of the smaller waves until adjacent to the protecting rock outcrop, then quickly left turn and paddle like buggery until your under it’s shoulder. Whew!

Refreshed, we continued our journey southwards. Adjacent to Narrabeen Head, Robert, slightly ahead of me called out “Whale” - whilst pointing out to sea. I turned just in time to see a whale breaching. I attempted to relay the message, without much success. Our excited calls, although acknowledged were accepted with a certain amount of reservation. “ Yeah Col, sure where is it now!” Well, Rob and I saw it and it made our day

On toward Collaroy, we noticed two large cavernous openings in the rock face. This was worthy of inspection. Again, novices kept their distance, or at least some of us did. Matthew insisted on having his photo taken whilst he positioned his kayak in the entrance. This was no mean feat. The opening was only metres wide and sea surge kept him busy maintaining stability whilst photographer Robert selected the right aperture.

Rounding Long Reef was a little exhilarating, again the backwash and surge from ocean swell combined to give a roller coaster ride. Manly of in the distance, identified by the Norfolk Pines just visible along the shoreline. Communication between paddlers gradually diminished to the occasional comment. Perhaps tiredness was gradually setting in. Our focus now, was on our destination and how long was it going to take us?

Two kilometres off Manly, the strong aroma of restaurant food was obvious. This again triggered our desire for more fuel. Cabbage Tree Bay or Fairy Bower, (whatever), was the obvious choice for lunch. No restaurant food for us, cast the white tablecloth aside, break out the thermos and peanut butter sandwiches.

Re-entry into the kayak, at this stage was like jumping into something warm and familiar. We felt confident that the finish line was just a stones throw away. Talk of walking our kayaks across the Manly peninsula and re-entering at Manly wharf, were quickly pushed aside. What’s the matter with you, let’s go!
Talk about lumpy! From Fairy Bower around past Sydney’s biggest toilet block, the sewerage outlet, really tossed us about. It was hard going , the distance had started to take it’s toll. Arms and shoulders started to ache. Holes seemed to appear and the kayak would just fall into it with nothing in sight but water all around you. Then you rise up out of the hole, look around and see someone else disappearing. So, it went on for about a kilometre. On the occasional glance up the ever-present cliff face, we could make out the scenic viewing platforms, with tourists looking down on us. I wonder what they were saying about us?

Regular Club Paddling Calendar
Don't forget the normal club calendar paddles. - heaps of chances to get out on the water for a great pre summer and summer paddles.

Feel free to check out our own club web page which is accessed via the Ocean Planet site at www.oceanplanet.com.au. Have a look around and then hit the OP Kayak Club button on the left hand tool bar. We are always looking for more trips and photos for posting, so just send us your story and if it is of interest to all, we will post it.

A bit of a funny tip - move your mouse over Robert's elbow and his head (he's the cute bloke with the sunnies in the image to the right of the really young lad in the kayak) and see what happens

And these paddles are happening all the time from our members outside of the club with fellow paddlers they have met within the OPkayakCLUB.

To find out more about the OP Club go to the Ocean Planet website and click on the OP Club button