Kayaking

Around about this time last year, I paddled from Cornwallis wharf to Karaka Point and back with a GPS unit logging my path. Back at home, I uploaded the track log from the GPS to a program which shows the route on a map or chart. I was really impressed to see how the currents affected my paddling, especially across the Hikihiki Bank and the across the bank just off Cornwallis.

I left Karaka Point due West heading straight into the 15-20kn wind with the idea of getting shelter from South Head and assistance from the Waiuku Channel current (they were forecasting 25 gusting 35 by evening - I didn't really want to be in a wind against tide situation in the main channel). Progress was very slow across Hikihiki Bank and tiring. I struck a relatively calm patch and guessed that I was in a channel so thought 'stuff this!' and headed up to the main channel. The track shows I turned at the right point. I was pleased to see my speed increase even though the wind was slightly beam-on, because I was getting pretty tired.