They arrived, 10 people from North Rocks deaf and blind school, 5 teacher’s and five very keen and aware paddlers.

The 5 and some of the teachers had never been in a kayak before, the smiles and anticipation of just what lay ahead on Patonga Creek.

Some time back in December I had been asked by Ocean Planet to be the guide for this all day paddle in which was very keen to do, but as you have it, owing to Bush Fires the Brisbane Water National Park was closed, and with so much smoke around the trip was re scheduled to February.

The new date came around fast, no bush fires but rain finally falling, I received an email from Ocean Planet and was glad to hear that they were still going ahead, rain and pestilence not withstanding. (Lighting storms were the only issue; after all we are on the water).

From the wharf at Patonga we drove to our launch place, out of the mini bus hopped the eager paddlers. One of the double Kayaks was unloaded and placed on the ground. If you lacked sight, what is a kayak, what is a paddle, what is a PFD (personal flotation device)?

The paddlers hade some verbal information on what is what but I felt the best way to approach this was a hands on approach, with some help, the first of the wonderful teens felt his way from the stern to the bow of the kayak with the others following close behind with their respective teachers, a picture was in place.

With all helping, as we wanted to get onto the water and see/ feel just what this kayaking was all about, all the kayaks and equipment arrived at the waters edge. I was taken aback, these teens, both boys and girls with their teachers made short work of the task.

Well there is PFD's to be fitted, paddles to be handled, food and other gear to be placed in the kayak water proof hatch’s, and of course the briefings.

First kayak away, one the teens steering and the teacher in the front cockpit, now from time to time even I have a little trouble of getting the rudder to work?

All the kayaks are on the water, and we head up the creek, the tide is still running in with around 3 hours before top tide at our lunch spot.

There is some zig zaging and a few collisions, not to mention some completely new paddle strokes, who needs tuition, as in a lot of cases was it the blind was leading the blind?

I was wondering just how far we would progress before a lunch stop was called; I just let things happen, the smiles were appearing and with a little help, some of the paddlers started to show some promise - maybe future Olympians!

Before long we were approaching the far end oyster leases, the cries from one or two of the teens was heard above the other wildlife, FOOD FOOD FOOD, well I guessed lunch time was upon us!

We entered the small side creek, I normally only get this far with other day trips, but this trip was starting to be some thing else.

I landed first so to help out our interpreted explorers, the first kayak on land, the second and so on. Again I would have figured that there was going to be some stiff legs, but surprise, surprise!

All hands on deck, out came the lunch bags, the tablecloths were placed in a nice spot on the ground under a wonderful mangrove tree, not far from a log that would act as ideal seat.

Where is the rain, still over cast next to no wind water like glass, on or next to no other people, the tide just right, in a just fabulous? National park, wonderful bush land around, this is turning out to be a perfect day on Patonga creek.

The lunch was set out, lots of talking a few photos, and yes the paddling did the trick, the table became very empty, though more than enough for everybody.

Soon it was it time to go already so the kayak re packing, gee! How things fit back in the hatches after lunch so much easier.

With some more paddlers now wanting to work the rudder, there was some quick adjustments, the first kayak in the water, with the others following close behind.

We aimed to be back to our start place by a certain time, as I said this was down hill due to the tide running with us, so we hade some time to smell the roses, or so I thought.

Just after the oyster leases it started, not smelling the roses, but splashing, so much for smelling the roses.

It is just amazing just how these teens can catch on to swinging that paddle, hitting the water and splashing in the right direction.

There was ganging up on other boats, some minor ramming, and we all did not escape some what of a drenching, I was even picked upon, but then as they started it I was not going to let any one off.

One of the teachers somehow managed to stay somewhat dry, now how did this happen?

Arriving back at the start place the kayaks were beached, all the gear unloaded, the debriefing was held and all said what a first class day. One of the teens developed almost an advanced paddle stroke he could push the double kayak along at more than a reasonable rate, I had to paddle to keep up? And this was by himself.

So the kayaks were moved up and placed upon the trailer, after all many hands make light work of things.

This was with some guidance; well after all, this is a part of their kayaking experience.

To sum up if you loose one or more of you’re senses it does not mean you cannot enjoy some of the things that this world has to offer, we all should give it a go!

After all what have we got to loose, we may need some help, but look at these teens, completed their HSC, a kayaking adventure, and I would say this was the most rewarding trip that I have taken out so far.

WELL DONE and thank you for the wonderful experience.

Robert McClure
Kayak Guide - Ocean Planet