Paddlers' Stories

 
Want to share your story?  Email it to : rokhor@iinet.net.au   

Title Author  In brief . . .
Anatomy of an Avon Descent, 2008 Amy Gluyas A mixed double in a plastic who have prepared well come first and set a course record for their category.
Finntastic: Avon Descent '08  Ian Finnie Ian had a long break from paddling and here returns with a vengeance and a very good run in the flood conditions. 
For Those Who Want a Laugh - Novice Avon Story, '08.  Karen Staudte  This novice has a sense of humour and in true Aussie style likes a good laugh at herself! Much drama due to the high water level.
Tales from the Kayak Graveyard: Avon Descent, 2008  Erin Hobbs  Here's another novice tale: it's a team effort and the water level is the highest for ten years. 
Avon Descent , 2007 Paul Tuckwell  A long story from the eyes of a novice. Good for first time Avon Descenters to know all about it.
Pacific Journey Ed Gillet Here's an amazing tale of endurance by a sea kayaker who paddles from California to Hawaii - a must read.
Letter from Robin Bell, Australian C1 Slalom June, 2006  Robin Bell  Robin is an Australian representative for C1 Slalom, participating in World Cup races in Europe 
Severn Bore - four star - 1.6km surf - AWESOME, 2006  Ewen MacGregor  Another short but lively account of surfing the tidal bore, with pics
Keep Left at the Main Drop John Mulcahy State Pres of the canoeing association writes from Canada, Febraury, 2006 and sends pics. 
Plans of Mice and Men Peter Fitzgerald  Short story on the 2006 Rottnest Channel Swim event - very hard for swimmers, paddlers and skippers. 
Surfing the Severn Bore, UK, 2006  Ewen MacGregor  Brief account of catching a ride on this tidal bore wave, an infrequent event 
Murray River Marathon, 2006  Antony Mee This is what you have to do to complete this gruelling marathon in Victoria, often with a surprise or two thrown in! Pics included.
Descending the Collie, 2005  Mike Edmondson Father and son have big adventures on a big water level in this 27km race on the upper reaches of the Collie River, above Wellington Dam.
Letter to Avon Paddlers George Scorbie  Letter by concerned paddler re safety issues and choice of craft for Avon Descent paddling 
Lost: Freestyle Paddle  Chirs Lockwood Travelling freestyler loses his best paddle on the Lower Murray - one he had lost in a waterfall in New Zealnad. 2005
The Ideal Craft Lyn Hancock Ex-patriot Perth writer now resident in Canada enthuses about exploring by sea kayak nature's watery paradise which she has at her backdoorstep on Vancouver Island. 
Down River Paddling in Europe,
letter 1  letter 2  letter 3 letter 4 
Ben Mercer  Ben Mercer's letters home - WA rep. on Australian Down River Team touring Europe, 2004 
Melbourne 2 Hobart:
The Fat Lady Has Sung: arriving in Hobart		 Huw Kingston  Fundraising marathoner, cycling, paddling & walking Melbourne to Hobart, arrives in Hobart after paddling the Franklin & Gordon rivers, Tasmania, and crossing the dangerous waters of Bass Strait, 2004
Melbourne 2 Hobart:
Franklin & Gordon rivers
Crossing Bass Strait		 Huw Kingston  Same guy as above paddles en route Melbourne to Hobart, 2004.
Shark Spotting Mike Edmondson Long time ocean paddler comes close up to a great white pointer cruising along Perth city beaches. January 2004.
Past the Pick-Up Point  Tony Henshaw  Amusing account of white water trip on Warren River, Western Australia, 1998
Swearing at the Wind . . . Again!  Les Allen Sea kayaking at the remote Monte Bellos Islands, Western Australia - much adventure with sea snakes, huge tides and an approaching cyclone. 2001
Esperance to Perth, South Western Australia  Les Allen  Sea kayaking epic journey, 1200 km, mostly rugged coastline. 2000
Perth to Darwin: Paddling, Cycling, Walking  Huw Kingston  Eastern Stater attempts fund raising marathon journey mostly through isolated & outback Western Australia.
Distant Horizon Expedition: Sea Kayak across the Torres Strait  Andrew Linton  Paddlers island hop across Torres Strait in folding kayak. 
The Shark Bay Kayak Trip, Easter 2002 Sue Swain New paddler's account of the crossing of this World Heritage Area marine wilderness
Shark Bay without the Sharks Robyn Khorshid  Perth paddlers join Carnarvon paddlers on a first crossing of Shark Bay, from Gladstone to Monkey Mia. Same trip as above.
Cottesloe to Rottnest 2002  Roxanne Knott First time paddler's account of accompanying swim team in the world's longest swimming race.
Caught Short without a Skirt  Peter Fitzgerald  Brief but lively account of hair-raising paddle after returning from injury 
Steep Creekin' - Far North Queensland Style Giles Thomas Humorous observations of the lunatic fringe of paddlers attempting a 'steep creek' in Far North Queensland. 
Freestyle Champs & Slalom World Cup Races, 2001  Robin Bell World Cup & Freestyle silver medallist describes his medal winning tour. 
Lots of Avon Descent Stories Various authors Top international paddlers, novices and many more tell their tales of this unique event, from 1995.
 Syd's Rapid  Peter Dear The story behind the naming of this infamous rapid. 
 Letter Home Elaine Lennox Some scary experiences for paddlers on the Upper Collie, WA. 
Crossing River Attempt Andrew Linton Tasmanian wilderness paddle aborted due to tough conditions.
 Dolphin Antics Laurie Collett Dolphins play games with paddler.
Bass Strait Crossing Andrew Linton Well known WA sea kayaker joins a group to cross the treacherous waters of Bass Strait, 1998.
Hawkesbury Canoe Classic Dave Boldy WA paddler attempts NSW night marathon race. 
Moonlight Madness  (Hawkesbury Canoe Classic) Alwyn Duke Local canoeing entrepreneur paddles one of his boat designs in this fund raising marathon.
An Amble Down the Murray  (Victoria) Sandra Fraser Hundreds of paddlers have fun as well as survive this endurance paddle.
 Schools, Nationals & Youth Olympics, 2001 Sandy Maley Mother of canoeists describes the trials and rewards of accompanying young slalom paddlers whilst competing interstate.
 The Mighty Murchison Giles Thomas Exciting white water paddling on mega-flooded river through scenic WA gorge.
 Sea Kayaking to Cape Peron Barry Moore Sealife abounds on this trip in heritage listed wilderness area of Shark Bay.
Cottesloe to Rottnest Swim  Peter Fitzgerald Paddler supports team of swimmers in marathon ocean swim. 

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