Steffan Rolfe Adventure Challenge: Sea Kayak

2022 Sea Kayak Log

Sea Kayak Personal:

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20/08/2022.

Otago Canoe and Kayak Club – Sea Kayak.

Otago Harbour – Port Chalmers to Portobello Bay, and Quarantine Island.

Steffan Rolfe, Scott Dunavan, Roger, Johnathan, Felicity.

Fine.

Sea Kayak Trip with the OCKC on the Otago Harbour. (4 hours).

I went for a paddle on the Otago Harbour with a group of Sea Kayakers from the Otago Canoe and Kayak Club. We paddled from Back Beach over to Portobello Bay, explored there for a little while before paddling back to Quarantine Island. We paddled around Quarantine Island before heading to a beach on the Northern side of the Island for lunch. After that we paddled back to Back Beach, Port Chalmers.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers to
Quarantine Island - 20th of August 2022.
Starting out from Back Beach Port Chalmers.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers to
Quarantine Island - 20th of August 2022.
Portobello Bay with Harbour Cone.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers to
Quarantine Island - 20th of August 2022.
Looking into the Sea Cave on the Peninsula.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers to
Quarantine Island - 20th of August 2022.
Paddling around Quarantine Island.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers to
Quarantine Island - 20th of August 2022.
Lunch on Quarantine Island.

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06/08/2023.

Otago Canoe and Kayak Club – Sea Kayak.

Otago Harbour – Dunedin – Port Chalmers to Aramoana.

Steffan Rolfe, Scott Dunavan, Paul, and 5 others.

Overcast.

Sea Kayak Trip with the OCKC on the Otago Harbour. (4 hours).

I went for a paddle on the Otago Harbour with a group of Sea Kayakers from the Otago Canoe and Kayak Club. I borrowed a kayak from Scott. It took a little bit of adjustment to fit well. We paddled from Back Beach to Harwood, and then down to Taiaroa Head. We then headed to the entrance of the harbour, where I felt a bit unnerved by the big swell coming in at the channel. We then headed back to Aramoana and landed at Spit Beach. We had lunch there before loading up and heading off.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers
to Aramoana.
6th of August 2023.
Synchronised Paddling across the Harbour.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers
to Aramoana.
6th of August 2023.
Paddling past the second ship entering
the Harbour.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers
to Aramoana.
6th of August 2023.
Paddling toward Taiaroa Head.

OCKC Sea Kayak Port Chalmers
to Aramoana.
6th of August 2023.
OCKC Crew at the Landing at Spit
Beach Aramoana.

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28/05/2023.

Otago Canoe and Kayak Club – Sea Kayak.

Otago Harbour – Dunedin – St. Leonards to Quarantine Island and Return.

Steffan Rolfe, and Scott Dunavan.

Sea Kayaking Trip with the OCKC on the Otago Harbour. (3 hours).

I went for a paddle on the Otago Harbour with the OCKC Sea Kayak Convenor – Scott. He lent me a Dagger Sea Kayak and safety kit. We paddled from the St. Leonards Boat Ramp, down the side of the channel out to Quarantine Island. We paddled around the back of the Island, before heading back to St. Leonards. The harbour was mirror like, no wind, and mostly fine.

OCKC Sea Kayak Quarantine Island.
28th of May 2022.
Scott paddling alongside the Harbour Channel.

OCKC Sea Kayak Quarantine Island.
28th of May 2022.
Scott paddling around Quarantine Island.

OCKC Sea Kayak Quarantine Island.
28th of May 2022.
The Monarch on the Harbour.

2020 Sea Kayak Log

Sea Kayak Personal:

12/01/2020.

Rippled Earth Kayaking.

Moke Lake – Queenstown.

Sam plus one other guide, Fiona, Steffan, Lucy, Trevor, Richard, Kirsty, Bradley, Monique, Norbert, Martina, Margaret, Richard, Lynette, David, Susan and Mark.

Sea Kayaking Tour with Rippled Earth Kayaking on Moke Lake (2 hours).

We picked up our 15 guests from the Hearthland Hotel in Queenstown, and then drove out to Moke Lake to meet Sam from Rippled Earth. We then paddled around Moke Lake for a couple of hours.

Adventure South Milford Multi - January 2020.
Paddling on Moke Lake.

Adventure South Milford Multi - January 2020.
Paddling around Moke Lake.

2019 Sea Kayak Log

Sea Kayak Personal:

28/12/19.

Paddle Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka – Beacon Point to Stevenson Arm and Stevensons Island.

Chris, Steffan, Max, Karl, Julie, Kirk, Alec, Donna, Nicholas, Richard, Jeff, Tricia, Rhody, Jennifer, John and Simone.

Sea Kayaking Tour with Paddle Wanaka from the Beacon Point to Stevenson Arm and Stevensons Island. (4 hours).

We met the guides from Paddle Wanaka at the I-Site. We then drove to Beacon Point, and after getting kitted out, and safety briefings we started sea kayaking on Lake Wanaka. We headed into the Stevenson Arm of Lake Wanaka, and then paddled through the arm to Stevenson’s Island..After a snack on Stevenson’s Island we walked up to the Lookout and then got the water taxi to Eely Point where the vehicle had been relocated to.

REI Hike & Kayak - December 2019.
Paddling toward Stevenson's Inlet.

REI Hike & Kayak - December 2019.
Paddling into the beach on Stevenson's Inlet.

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26/12/19.

Okarito Kayaks.

Okarito Lagoon.

Chris, Steffan, Max, Karl, Julie, Kirk, Alec, Donna, Nicholas, Richard, Jeff, Tricia, Rhody, Jennifer, John and Simone.

Self-Guided Kayaking Tour with Okarito Kayaks on Okarito Lagoon. (4 hours).

We met Baz and got kitted out for a self-guided trip sea-kayaking around Okarito Lagoon. The tide was with us heading up to the Kahikatea Channel, and then we got into the river into the forest. We saw a lot of Herons on the way to the Kahikatea Channel. On the way back the tide was against us. I took several guests up the yellow channel to the tunnel under the road, while the rest of the group headed back to the Jetty with Chris. I then took everybody back to the Jetty.

REI Hike & Kayak - December 2019.
Jeff & Tricia on the still waters of Okarito.

REI Hike & Kayak - December 2019.
Jeff and Tricia paddling the Kahikatea Channel.

02/11/19.

Okarito Kayaks.

Okarito Lagoon.

Shaun, Steffan, Rebecca, Alan, Kirsten, Kurt and Partner, Jeff and Partner, Kathy, Randy, Lisa, and Jan.

Self-Guided Kayaking Tour with Okarito Kayaks on Okarito Lagoon. (3 hours).

We met Baz and got kitted out for a self-guided trip sea-kayaking around Okarito Lagoon. The tide was against us heading up to the far end of the main channel, and then we got into the river into the forest. On the way back the current assisted us. At the start of the trip I had to arrange another kayak for two of the ladies on our trip, because the rudder appeared to be sticking. I started at the back of the group in a single kayak, and then at the turn-around point I headed to the front of the group.

REI Hike & Kayak - November 2019.
Paddling up the Lagoon.

REI Hike & Kayak - November 2019.
White Heron.

_

04/11/19.

Paddle Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka – Lakefront to Ruby Island.

Shaun, Steffan, Rebecca, Alan, Kirsten, Kurt and Partner, Jeff and Partner, Kathy, Randy, Lisa, and Jan.

Sea Kayaking Tour with Paddle Wanaka from the Lakefront to Eely Point and across to Ruby Island. (3hours).

We met the guides from Paddle Wanaka at the I-Site. After getting kitted out, and safety briefings we started sea kayaking on Lake Wanaka. We headed to the Marina, and checked out the floating nesting sites for the crested grebes, then paddled up to Eely Point. We then paddled across the lake to Ruby Island with a bit of wind and swell to keep things interesting. After a snack on Ruby Island we walked around the loop track and then got the water taxi back to the Marina.

REI Hike & Kayak - November 2019.
Paddling toward Eely Point.

REI Hike & Kayak - November 2019.
Kayak at Ruby Island in Lake Wanaka.

06/03/19.

The Sea Kayak Company.

Abel Tasman National Park – Awaroa Bay to Onetahuti Beach.

Steve, Gabby, Marios, Steffan Rolfe, Julie, Larry, Karen, June, Thomas, Amy, Robert, June, Diane, Thomas, Steven, Linda, Joe, and Donna.

Sea Kayaking Tour with The Sea Kayak Company from Awaroa Bay to Onetahuti Beach. (3 hours).

I did a Sea Kayak Tour with the Sea Kayak Company as part of a National Geographic Tour that I was co-guiding on. We started the day with a Sea Kayaking Trip with the Sea Kayak Company from Awaroa Bay around the headland back to Onetahuti Beach. Approximately 10km of paddling. Perfect weather, with no wind at all, lots of seals and shags. We also paddled into Shag Harbour and saw an Eagle Ray in there. Once at Onetahuti the guides provided us with a pretty good lunch.

Nat Geo Adventures - 6th of March 2019.
Karen paddling around Awaroa Head.

Nat Geo Adventures - 6th of March 2019.
Paddling up to the Pinnacle.

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13/03/19.

Real Journeys Milford Mariner Overnight – Sea Kayak Activity.

Fiordland National Park – Harrison Cove, Milford Sound.

Olivia, Larry, Thomas, Steffan and 17 other Guests from the Mariner.

Sea Kayak trip around Harrison Cove, in Milford Sound. (1 hour).

I did the optional sea kayak trip around Harrison Cove with Real Journeys on the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise. This was part of a National Geographic Tour that I was co-guiding on through NZ Adventure Travel Guides. We paddled from the boat across to the shoreline, followed it around to the Harrison River mouth, and then started heading back to the boat.

Nat Geo Adventures - 13th of March 2019.
Tom Paddling in Harrison Cove.

Nat Geo Adventures - 13th of March 2019.
Mt Pembroke from Harrison Cove.

2018 Sea Kayak Log

Sea Kayak Personal:

22/11/18.

Rippled Earth Kayaking.

Lake Wakatipu and the Wakatipu Islands.

Steffan Rolfe, Mike, Hannah, Liz, Bridget, Sam, and two Australian couples.

Fine.

Sea Kayaking Tour with Rippled Earth Kayaking from the Wakatipu Lakeshore to Pigeon Island. (4 hours).

I did a Sea Kayaking Trip with Rippled Earth Kayaking to Pigeon Island in Lake Wakatipu. We started on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, then paddling to the northern point of the island down to the beach track. From there we hiked to the high point of the Island, before we paddled back to the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Rippled Earth Kayaking Tour
22nd of November 2018
Bridget looking across to Pigeon Island.

Rippled Earth Kayaking Tour
22nd of November 2018
Kayaks beached on Pigeon Island

Rippled Earth Kayaking Tour
22nd of November 2018
QLDC Island Track Sign

Rippled Earth Kayaking Tour
22nd of November 2018
Pig Island

Rippled Earth Kayaking Tour
22nd of November 2018
Head of the Lake

Sea Kayak Training (Wild Earth Adventures):

26/09/18.
Wild Earth Adventures.
Otago Peninsula – Taiaroa Head.
Steve Wood, Emma, Tim, Tom, Leigh, Georgia, 7 international students from St Hildas and their teacher.
Fine.
Sea Kayaking Training with Wild Earth Adventures from Te Rauone Beach to Taiaroa Head. (9 hours).
I did a day Sea Kayak training with Wild Earth Adventures in the Otago Harbour from Te Rauone Beach to Taiaroa Head. Emma ran us through loading up the Sea Kayak Trailer, and then we headed out to the Peninsula. The first trip was with a group of 7 international students from St Hilda’s High School and their teacher. We had three guides, with Emma in the lead, Tim at the back and me floating through the middle. The second trip involved three WEA trainees, Steve, Emma, Tim and myself. We paddled out toward Taiaroa Head and then did some rescue training. We did a quick roll, and then did a paddle float self-rescue. Then we practiced a double kayak rescue. Then we swapped the single kayaks over to the trainees and paddled the doubles back to Te Rauone Beach.

Otago Peninsula - September 2018.
Boat Houses at Harrington Point.

Otago Peninsula - September 2018.
Taiaroa Head from the Water.

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2015 Sea Kayak Log

Sea Kayak Personal:

04/08/15.

Lake Brunner – Moana to Iveagh Bay.

Steffan Rolfe, Eigill Wahlberg, Arianna Andrews.

Patchy cloud, with approximately 6 knots blowing across the lake.

Did a sea kayak trip from Moana to Iveagh Bay. (4 hours).

We did a Sea Kayaking trip with three people. We started at the Boat Ramp at Moana and paddled along the Eastern shore of Lake Brunner to Iveagh Bay. There was a breeze across the Lake which created a small swell – approximately 6 knots in places.

Lake Brunner - September 2015
Arianna & Eigill coming into the Boat Harbour

Lake Brunner - September 2015
Eigill and the Geese

Lake Brunner - September 2015
Eigill and Arianna in Molloy Bay

Lake Brunner - September 2015
Eigill paddling toward Howitt Point

Lake Brunner - September 2015
Paddling toward Refuge Island

Lake Brunner - September 2015
Reeds in Iveagh Bay

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30/08/15.

Mahinapua Creek – Hokitika, West Coast.

Steffan Rolfe, Thomas Campbell.

Fine.

Did a sea kayak trip down Mahinapua Creek. (3 hours).

We did a sea kayaking trip down Mahinapua Creek, starting at Shanghai Bay on Lake Mahinapua, down Mahinapua Creek to the Road Bridge at Takutai. From there I biked back to Lake Mahinapua to pick up my car, and brought it back to the bridge to the load the kayaks up.

Mahinapua Creek - August 2015
Tom setting out from Shanghai Bay

Mahinapua Creek - August 2015
Tom paddling down Mahinapua Creek

Mahinapua Creek - August 2015
Heading around the Corner

Mahinapua Creek - August 2015
The Rail and Road Bridges over the Creek

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15/08/15.

Lake Mahinapua – Hokitika, West Coast.

Steffan Rolfe, Jess Bailey.

Fine.

Did a sea kayak trip around Lake Mahinapua. (4 hours).

Went Sea Kayaking with one other person around Lake Kaniere near Hokitika on the West Coast. We started at Shanghai Bay, and paddled clockwise around the Lake, exploring the Creeks along the way.

Lake Mahinapua - August 2015
Mahinapua Pier

Lake Mahinapua - August 2015
Lake Views

Lake Mahinapua - August 2015
Jess carving through the foam

Lake Mahinapua - August 2015
Exploring Mirror Creek

Lake Mahinapua - August 2015
Reflections and Ripples

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12/08/15.

Lake Kaniere – Hokitika, West Coast.

Steffan Rolfe, Lachlan Brownlie.

Fine.

Did a sea kayak trip around Lake Kaniere. (5 hours).

Went Sea Kayaking with one other person around Lake Kaniere near Hokitika on the West Coast. We started at Sunny Bight, and paddled down to the Southern end of the lake. Then we paddled back to Hans Bay and Sunny Bight. At Sunny Bight we practiced some Sea Kayak rolling and T-Rescues.

Lake Kaniere - August 2015
Boat Ramp at Sunny Bight

Lake Kaniere - August 2015
Staircase Reflections on Lake Kaniere

Lake Kaniere - August 2015
Lochy paddling through the gap

Lake Kaniere - August 2015
Steffan in the Necky Elcho

Lake Kaniere - August 2015
Steffan in Canoe Cove

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28/02/15

Kaiteriteri.

Steffan Rolfe, Johanna Molitor.

Fine, light winds building during the day.

Did a sea kayaking tour with Wilson Abel Tasman Sea Kayak. (4 hours).

Did a Sea Kayak trip with Wilson Abel Tasman in a double kayak, from Kaiteriteri Beach to Split Apple and back. Session also covered safety equipment, boat control in a double kayak, sweep strokes in a double kayak, and surfing a wave.

Split Apple Trip - February 2015
Johanna

Split Apple Trip - February 2015
Johanna in front of Split Apple Beach

Split Apple Trip - February 2015
Ngaio Island

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06/02/15.

Lake Mapourika – Franz Josef.

Steffan Rolfe, Johanna Molitor.

Fine weather.

Did a Sea Kayak tour of Lake Mapourika with Glacier Country Kayaks. (4 hours).

Did a Sea Kayak tour of Lake Mapourika with Glacier Country Kayaks. We were in a double kayak with me in the back steering. We paddled from the jetty to Potters Creek and back. This also covered kayak setup, and safety equipment.

Lake Mapourika Kayaking - February 2015
Steffan and Johanna in Potters Creek

Lake Mapourika Kayaking - February 2015
Johanna paddling in Potters Creek.

Lake Mapourika Kayaking - February 2015
Paddling up Potters Creek

Lake Mapourika Kayaking - February 2015
Johanna & Steffan in the Double.

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Sea Kayak Training (TPP):

25/07/15 to 31/07/15.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic – Certificate in Outdoor Education.

Abel Tasman National Park.

Instructors: Zac Shaw, Rob De Loo.

Students: Mac, Sean, Ryan, Steffan, Sam, Demi, James, Eigil, Ariel, Zhane, Arianna, Alex, Wade, Katrina.

Light Rain on the 25^th, Rainy with strong winds on the 26^th, Raining with moderate wind on the 27^th, Fine on the 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th, and Fine but cold on the 31^st.

Marahau overnight theory session at Macdonald’s Farm; Kaiteriteri Beach – Kayak paddling skills and self-rescue and assisted rescue practise; Kaiteriteri Beach to Anchorage; Anchorage to Mutton Cove; Mutton Cove to Bark Bay; Bark Bay to Apple Tree Bay – Sea Kayak Practical Assessment; Apple Tree Bay to Kaiteriteri Beach. (6 days).

I attended the Sea Kayak module held in the Abel Tasman National Park as part of the TPP Certificate in Outdoor Education. We spent the first night at Macdonald’s Farm in Marahau. On the second day the weather was poor, so we spend the day at Kaiteriteri learning and practicing paddle strokes and self-rescues and assisted rescues. We then spent that night at Macdonald’s Farm again. On the third day we set out for a 5 day sea kayak trip up the coast of the Park starting at Kaiteriteri, paddling up the mad mile and overnighting at the Anchorage campsite. The following day we paddling from Anchorage up to Mutton Cove. After that we spent a half day at Mutton Cove, and then paddled down to Bark Bay in the afternoon. From Bark Bay we paddled down to Sandfly Bay and conducted part of our sea kayak assessment there, and then down to Te Pukatea Bay for the next part of our assessment. We then kayaked down past Adele Island and to Apple Tree Bay where we carried out our rescue assessment. I acted as the TL for the first half of the assessment day. On the last day we set out at 6am and paddled back to Kaiteriteri in the moonlight.