Ross & Helen, Paddlecraft owners, have skipped down to the South Coast for a get away with the kids. Due to an unforseen staffing problems, we may be unopen on THURSDAY & FRIDAY, 5th & 6th January. Please call ahead and check to see if we have manage a last minute solution. We will be open on the weekend, but close on our usual Monday. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to call Ross at 0432 543 375. Happy New Year to all and looking forward to a great 2012 paddling year!!!

Massive Holiday Sale on at Paddlecraft Kayaks!! Starting on Boxing Day, Paddlcraft is happy to offer reduced prices on stocked single recreational sit on top kayaks from our top manufacturers. These great kayaks are stable, easy to use and fun to paddle. Suitable for children and adults, these lightweight craft are easily transported on a standard roof rack or stowed away on a boat.

Starting at $519 and including a padle and a seat band, the Perception Rambler weighs only 19 kg and is currently stocked in all colours.

With just a few left, the Mission Kayaking Flow is now available at $649 including a paddle.

All of our kayak accessories stock are also offered at a 20% discount and feature well know brands such as Solution Gear, Ultra Personal Flotation Devices, Bending Branches Paddles amd much more. Special savings are available on our Icebreaker apparel, with an outstanding 40% discount available on all stocked products!

Paddlecraft Kayaks Holiday Schedule has us closed on Christmas Day but reopening on Boxing Day! We will continue to be closed on Mondays but open on all public holidays including New Year’s Day and Anzac Day! Bookings are recommended because when the sun is shining, everyone wants to get out on the water!!

Launching from our Bayview marina location, we have (2) scheduled half day guided Pittwater Discovery Tour paddle on 27th December and on 21st January. Beginning with a 9:00 orientation for a 9:30 start, we have a wide range of single and double kayaks available for the kayak tour and all levels of paddlers are welcomed! Bookings are essential – group minimums apply. Our Kayak tour destinations vary and will also depend on weather conditions and tidal schedules. Other dates are available, if you want to book for your own group, but minimums apply. The $75 cost per person includes the kayak hire, personal flotation devices, and morning tea on a lovely Pittwater Beach and paddling guidance for all paddlers.

Calling all social group paddlers – we have scheduled our second Bayview Blizzards paddling excursion away from our beloved Pittwater on 29th January! We will be launching from Akuna Bay and exploring another part of the Kur-ring-gai Chase National Park including Cottage Point and Smith’s Creek. The trip will take approximately 3 hours and bookings are essential. The cost is $75 or $40 BYOK -Bring your own kayak! Bring a picnic lunch for a refreshing wind down after the paddle.

Stay tuned for our next blog with sale details of our Boxing Day Sale!

October’s activities for Sydney’s paddlers offers a huge range of paddling opportunities for everyone, starting with the iconic Lion Island Challenge, our inaugural Bayview Blizzards’ paddling excursion for our social group paddlers, our third annual fundraising paddle for breast cancer and our very popular Pittwater Discovery Tour. Springtime paddling has never been so busy at Paddlecraft Kayaks!

Proudly supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, we are hosting our annual fundraising paddle on October 29th, in sponsorship of October Breast Cancer Month. Starting at 7:30am, this all weather Pittwater paddling event is open to all paddlers on either their own craft or Paddlecraft will provide a hire kayak free of charge! Starting from our beachside launch area, the paddle will include a 6km paddle around Scotland Island. Paddlers are encouraged to raise money by collecting sponsorship donations for their paddle – sponsorship forms available at Paddlecraft’s Bayview Marina shop or email us at info@paddlecraft.com.au Participating paddlers needing a hire kayak will be required to book ahead and to submit sponsorship funds prior to the event start.

Calling all social group paddlers – we have scheduled our first ever Bayview Blizzards paddling excursion away from our beloved Pittwater on 9th October! We will be launching from under the Roseville Bridge and exploring some beautiful areas of Middle Harbour, including Scott’s Creek and Bantry Bay. The trip will take approximately 3 hours and bookings are essential. The cost is $75 or $40 BYOK -Bring your own kayak! Bring a picnic lunch for a refreshing wind down after the paddle.

Launching from our Bayview marina location on the 22nd October, our half day guided Pittwater Discovery Tour paddle begins with a 9:00 orientation for a 9:30 start. A wide range of single and double kayaks are available for the kayak tour and all levels of paddlers are welcomed! Bookings are essential – group minimums apply. Our Kayak tour destinations vary and will also depend on weather conditions and tidal schedules. Other dates are available, if you want to book for your own group, but minimums apply. The $75 cost per person includes the kayak hire, personal flotation devices, and morning tea on a lovely Pittwater Beach and paddling guidance for all paddlers.

A major paddling event and part of the Ocean Series races, the Lion Island Challenge gets underway on 8th October from Station Beach, Palm Beach. With categories ranging from ocean racing skis to stand up paddle boards, this very popular race attracts paddlers from all over Sydney with a challenging course and world class competitors. Registration is open and for more information, please visit http://www.avalonbeachslsc.com.au

I have been paddling a surf ski for just over 2 years now, and I am well and truly hooked. For most of that time, I have been paddling a Fenn XT, and in my opinion, it is the fastest and most stable of all the “beginners” skis, and by far the best place to start your journey.

I love my XT, but I felt that it was time for me to move on. About 6 months ago, I tried the Fenn Elite and paddled it about a 2 dozen times on the flat of Pittwater before deciding that I was spending far too much time in the water, so I simply gave up and went back to my trusty XT. Some may call me a quitter, and you might be right, but I enjoy this sport far too much to have any trepidation about my ski when I go for a paddle.

I was very excited when I heard that Fenn were bringing out a new intermediate ski, the Swordfish. I got mine about 4 weeks ago and I am absolutely thrilled. Firstly, it is not as stable as the XT but it is very close, and whilst I haven’t had it in anything really narley, I have been in a few blows and I haven’t taken a dip yet.

The swordfish is fast, and in a down wind, I find that it picks up everything. I like that the bump at the knees is lower than the Elite, so for someone my size (173cm / 5’ 9”) the ski feels very comfortable, and the pedals are very easily adjusted so bigger or smaller paddlers will have no problems. Also, they have put a curved cutaway in at the paddle entry point which helps with those annoying bangs on the side of your ski when you are not concentrating. The ski is light (13.5KG) and longer than the XT by about half a meter (6.1 meters), the width is 45cm.

All in all, I am really loving this ski and I am looking forward to quite a few years with it!

With the warmer weather putting in a cameo appearance, it’s hard not to get too excited about pulling out the kayaks and skis and getting on the water again! There is some great paddling events coming up that should be noted for the upcoming weeks.

The Reef to Reef Fundraiser this Sunday, 7th August starts at Long Reef and finishes at Newport Beach and is raising money to support a local Northern Beaches paddler selected to participate in the Olympic Hopefuls Regatta in Poland representing Australia. Great prizes are on hand with a post event BBQ & raffle. Course may reverse depending on wind conditions.

The 3rd Event of the Iceberg Harbour Racing Series sponsored by PaddleNSW, is on 14th August and is held on Lake Macquarie near Toronto. The Harbour Racing Series is in its 2nd season and is proving wildly popular for the beginner and intermediate paddlers not yet experienced enough to tackle the longer running Ocean Series races. Both 10km and 20km races are scheduled and all types of crafts are welcome.

The Go Natural Multi Sport Race held in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park features a 32km road cycle, 12km flatwater paddle and a 12km trail run on 20th August. It’s a great challenge and can be dome solo or with a team. Unfortunately, the race may be booked out, but there is always a chance of some last minute cancellations.

Still keeping our popular social kayak groups, our Winter hours have started and we are now closed on Mondays & Tuesdays. We will also be closed the week of 16Th May – 20th May to fit in a quick trip to the states and paddling in La Jolla California!

The Pittwater Classic on 14th May, which is the last race and the final presentation for the HARBOUR SERIES, kicks off at 8:30 am at Bayview Park, just a short skip and a hop down the road from us. Both a Long Course, at approximately 14 Km and a Short Course at approximately 9Km is planned and registration is open now. For more detail, visit Harbour Racing’s website at http://www.harbourracing.org.au/events.asp. Surf skis, Sea Kayaks, Outrigger Canoes, Stand-up Paddle Boards, Plastic Sit-on tops and K4’s can be paddled and you can hire kayaks from Paddlecraft through advance booking and get in to the race. Enjoy the best of the autumn season paddling weather at this classic event!

We still have a few hire fleet kayaks, as well as, some price reductions on overstocked summer models. We are also happy to consider trade ins of Feel free, Wilderness & Perception kayak models against the purchase of a new kayak, so give us a ring or send us some photos of your current craft and let’s get you paddling in the next kayak of your dreams!

Don’t miss our End of Summer Sale, at Sydney’s Paddlecraft kayak Hire & sales! We are reducing stock and making space for new 2011 kayak models, both in the showroom and in our hire fleet. Discounts are offered over the entire range of kayak stock models as well as our full range of life jackets, from MTI Adventure and Ultra, available at special prices. Overstocked kayak models, from recreational sit on top kayaks to touring sea kayaks are on sale with up to 20% off the recommended retail prices – limited stock models only! Standard models are offered at 10% off recommended retail prices. All accessories purchased with a kayak, including paddles, personal flotation devices and trolleys, are offered at 20% off their regular prices. With 10% discount on all roof racks and kayak carriers with your kayak purchase, we can also outfit your car on the spot. Check out sale prices on our website for each model.

Whether fitness, fishing or just paddling for fun, we can help you get out on the water. Don’t forget to dress for paddling and feel free to trial our kayaks!! Also, available are amenities such as an outdoor café, picnic tables and change facilities at our marina location on Pittwater.

Perfect paddling weather in March means more kayak events are scheduled like our Pittwater Discovery Tour, Kayak for Kids fundraiser on Sydney Harbour and starting this month, a Pittwater Blast is being added to the popular Blast series races for surf ski and kayak paddlers!

Join our Pittwater Discovery Paddle on 13th March for an autumn kayaking activity. Explore the scenic waterways of Pittwater including McCarrs Creek, Lovett Bay, Clareville Beach, Scotland Island and other lovely destinations with your friends and family, led by our expert kayak guides. This half day morning paddle begins with a 9:00 orientation for a 9:30 start. The $75 cost per person includes the kayak hire, personal flotation devices, and morning tea on a lovely Pittwater Beach and paddling guidance for all paddlers. But hurry, bookings essential and group minimums applies.

A new Blast, a popular Sydney paddling race, has now added Pittwater as a new still water racing event for all levels of experience. The Blast time trials each week get between 20 to 30 local padders at each group, all racing the clock and each other at least once a month, or fortnightly or even weekly. All paddlers are welcome, Surf Skis, Kayaks, Outriggers, Plastics, Stand Up Surfboards etc. Come give it a go on 12th March, launching at 7:00AM. More details to be posted.

Why not try something different! Lifestart Kayak for Kids is Lifestart’s major annual fundraising event and is the perfect vehicle for family, friends or business colleagues to enjoy the harbour in a teambuilding activity together. The 17.5km course running from Blues Point to Clontarf is divided into four stages of approximately 4.5km, with team transition areas between each stage. The teams relay challenge is for four to twelve person teams and the water craft are safe for even inexperienced paddlers. Each team member paddles a minimum of one stage with paddlers changing at the transition areas. Hire of a three-seater kayak and equipment is included in the entry fee. To register go to www.kayakforkids.com.au

Back to School means getting back on the water with the start up of our kayak social groups, as well as, our popular February Pittwater Discovery Tour on 12th February. Sydney shoppers interested in February’s Kayak Sales will find sale prices reduced on many stocked kayak models and accessories.

Join our Pittwater Discovery Paddle on 12th February for an early Valentine’s Day activity or for just fun and fitness. Explore the scenic waterways of Pittwater including McCarrs Creek, Lovett Bay, Clareville Beach, Scotland Island and other lovely destinations with your friends and family, led by our expert kayak guides. This half day morning paddle begins with a 9:00 orientation for a 9:30 start. The $75 cost per person includes the kayak hire, personal flotation devices, and morning tea on a lovely Pittwater Beach and paddling guidance for all paddlers. But hurry, bookings essential and group minimums applies.

Our kayak social groups, and now offering stand up paddle board classes, have begun again for Summer 2011 – more great ways to get out on the water and enjoy Sydney’s Northern Beaches! An ideal spot for beginners, paddling on Pittwater has many secluded bays and still water areas. All classes include all equipment necessary with our instructors offering on the spot guidance. Call ahead for booking and check out our Group Activities page for listed times and days.

Paddlecraft stocks a wide range of kayaks, with singles and doubles kayaks in both sit on top models and sit in models, as well as, accessories like paddles, life jackets, roof rack and storage options. Our End of Summer sale includes reductions on stocked floor models, as well as, 20% discounts off all our paddling accessories. We carry well known Australian and international brands, like Wilderness Systems Kayaks, Perception Kayaks & Feelfree Kayaks, as well as, Sea to Summit, Solution, Burke & Ultra life jackets and water sports products.

Had enough of Sydney’s silly season of eating and drinking? Get out on Pittwater and enjoy the summer holidays with kayaking tours, kayak hire and stand up paddle board hire!! It is a great way to see more of the Northern Beaches and explore the lovely water ways of Pittwater.

Summer season paddling tours have returned and we are looking for interested paddlers! Our Pittwater Discovery Paddle is now scheduled for 8th January & 15th January. Explore the scenic waterways of Pittwater including McCarrs Creek, Lovett Bay, Clareville Beach, Scotland Island and other lovely destinations with your friends and family, led by our expert kayak guides. This half day morning paddle begins with a 9:00 orientation for a 9:30 start. The $75 cost per person includes the kayak hire, personal flotation devices, and morning tea on a lovely Pittwater Beach and paddling guidance for all paddlers. But hurry, bookings essential and group minimums applies.

Now offering stand up paddle boards for hire to our wide range of paddlecrafts, we have added another fun way to get out on the water and enjoy this summer in Sydney’s Northern Beaches! Pittwater is an ideal spot for this activity for beginners, with its many secluded bays and still water areas. Stocked now with 11’4” length boards and adjustable paddles, Paddlecraft has stand up paddle boards that are stable and will suit any size paddler. SUP Board rates include all equipment necessary and a 10 minute tutorial that will get you out on the water quickly.

With our wide range of hire kayaks, we offer singles and doubles kayaks in both sit on top models and sit in models. Sit on top models are stable, easy to get on and off and great fun for families with kids and beginner paddlers. Our sit in sea kayaks with rudders allow paddlers to store lunch and swim gear and set off for a great day of exploring the many secluded beaches and bays of Pittwater. Don’t forget to pack walking shoes and take advantage of the many bushwalking trails in the Kur-ing-gai Chase National Park. Visit our Eco Adventure pages and check out the trail details!

Now offering stand up paddle boards for hire, Paddlecraft has added another great way to get out on the water and enjoy this summer in Sydney’s Northern Beaches! An excellent way to get fit, stand up paddling is the newest water activity that can suit any age or level of experience. Originating in Hawaii in the early 1960’s, the stand up paddle (SUP) was simply devised as a way to provide a happy snap for tourists learning how to surf by the local Hawaiian beach boy, thus the phrase “Beach Boy Surfing” sprung up, another term for this modern sport of SUP.

Since then, however, the passion has spread world wide, both with surfers and paddlers alike. The sport benefits paddlers with a strong core work out and is a great cross training activity as it brings together legs, back, feet, arms, neck and stomach muscles lending itself well for those who want both a cardio, balance and strength workout. Yoga on the water!!

Pittwater is an ideal spot for this activity for beginners, with its many secluded bays and still water areas. Stocked now with 11’4” length boards and adjustable paddles, Paddlecraft has stand up paddle boards that are stable and will suit any size paddler. SUP Board rates include all equipment necessary and a 10 minute tutorial that will get you out on the water quickly, however lessons can be provided with advanced notice and with a minimum group booking of 3 persons.

Our October kayaking activities for Sydney’s paddling community includes one day sales for kayaks at our kayak demonstration day, our annual fundraising paddle for breast cancer with free kayak hire and our very popular Pittwater Discovery Tour. Springtime paddling has never been so busy at Paddlecraft Kayaks!

All our customers are invited to our Kayak Demonstration Day on Saturday, 30th October, featuring one day sale specials on our very popular sit on top Perception Tribe models. The Tribe 9.5 single kayak package, including paddle and seat, a RRP of $799, will be available for a Promotional price of just $699. The Tribe 11.5 single kayak package, including paddle and seat, a RRP of $999, will be available for a Promotional price of just $899. The Tribe 13.5 double kayak package, including paddles and seats, a RRP of $1,199 will be available for a Promotional price of just $1,099. ALSO, on our Special Demo Day – Buy any two Tribes and take another $100 off each boat package, for a total savings of $200. All models will be available for free trial paddles and Perception manufacturer representatives will be on hand to answer all your technical questions.

Proudly supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, we are hosting our annual fundraising paddle on October 23rd, in sponsorship of October Breast Cancer Month. Starting at 7:30am, this all weather Pittwater paddling event is open to all paddlers on either their own craft or Paddlecraft will provide a hire kayak free of charge! Starting from our beachside launch area, the paddle will include a 6km paddle around Scotland Island. Paddlers are encouraged to raise money by collecting sponsorship donations for their paddle – sponsorship forms available at Paddlecraft’s Bayview Marina shop or email us at info@paddlecraft.com.au Participating paddlers needing a hire kayak will be required to book ahead and to submit sponsorship funds prior to the event start.

Launching from our marina location on the 16th October, our half day Pittwater Discovery Tours, a guided morning paddle, begins with a 9:00 orientation for a 9:30 start. A wide range of single and double kayaks are available for the kayak tour and all levels of paddlers are welcomed! Bookings are essential – group minimums apply. Our Kayak tour destinations vary and will also depend on weather conditions and tidal schedules. Other dates are available, if you want to book for your own group, but minimums apply. The $75 cost per person includes the kayak hire, personal flotation devices, and morning tea on a lovely Pittwater Beach and paddling guidance for all paddlers.

Being constantly in the water or at the water’s edge, it had to happen! I dropped my mobile in the water and lost all my contacts. With each new technology failure I learn new lessons and this one taught me to save my contacts not to my phone but to my SIM card! I just didn’t know! So, I am asking for all my lost paddlers to come back kayaking with us at Paddlecraft in our social groups.

For all paddlers that have stopped by the shop, emailed me or otherwise given me your contact information, please give me a call at 9997 8015 or text me at 0427 771 570 and tell me which group invites you would like to be receive and your contact phone number…aagain! Generally, we send our text invites the day before the scheduled paddle, so we can confirm booking numbers.

For new paddlers, please look under group activities in our Kayak Hire section where we have listed more information about the social groups, the current times and other information. The weather has been a bit variable with this spring start but we have great paddling weather coming very soon. So please give me a ring again if you haven’t heard from me in a while!

As of 1st November 2010, kayaking or paddling any craft such as a kayak, canoe or surf ski more than 100 meters off shore, the paddler must be wearing a personal flotation device or PFD. (The term “life jacket” is no longer used with the new term, PFD, more accurately describing assistance to the wearer in varying water conditions.) Currently, the NSW regulations allow paddlers up to 400 meters offshore before requiring a PFD to be worn. In addition, the names of the different types of PFDs – PFD Type 1, Type 2 & Type 3 will also be altered and a 4th category created.

However, selecting a PFD doesn’t have to be that daunting, because within each water sport, there are specially constructed PFDs for the type of water the activity takes place, as well as the range of comfort and amenities desired. At Paddlecraft, we stock personal flotation devices that suit kayaking and paddle craft, as well as, fishing, sailing and boating pursuits for men, women and children and can advise the best fit and usage for the type of activity. We are now offering a 20% discount off all our online PFD purchases to help the customer get the safest and best package possible. (Just mention this blog!)

So starting from the top, a PFD Type 1 provides the highest level of buoyancy, keeping the wearer’s head above and out of water while unconscious. They are required to be used in open waters for all craft, both for children and adults. They are made of highly visible colors, yellow and red, with reflective patches. The design tends to be boxier and includes a neck roll or collar to support the back of the head.

PFD Type 2 are best described as buoyancy vests made of high visibility colors and designed to promote a greater range of movement and comfort. For paddlers, they are required to be worn between sunrise and sunset, operating in sheltered, enclosed or inland waters; or if the craft is not constructed to remain afloat if capsized, and of course by 1st November, being further than 100 meters offshore. PFD Type 2 vests are also suitable for sailing, water skiing and kite surfing.

A close sibling, the PFD Type 3 is generally a Type 2 vest in more subdued colors, which reduce visual contrast against the water. Often in vests designed for paddling, these PFDs are constructed of exactly the same material but in more appealing colors to customers.

Specially designed PFDs are available for all types of activities and participants while retaining their safety guidelines. Vests for women provide a welcomed design with less constriction at the chest. Anglers have PFD’s with plenty of pockets and gear stowage. Children up to the age of 12 years are required to wear PFDs and a wider range of styles promoting activity, as well as, suiting different ages and weights are now available.

Regarding the change in classifications, the terms of the PFDs types currently being used will still be stocked and sold for the next several months, however manufacturers are required to adopt the new terms and design requirements for all fabrication of new PFDs for 2011. The new labels will not require any substantial design changes, and for purchases made now and existing PFDs already owned, all will still be acceptable. A PFD Type 1 will become a Level 100, a PFD Type 2 is a Level 50 and a PFD Type 3 becomes a Level 50S. A new category, Level 150 has been created to reflect inflatable PFDs used in offshore activities requiring greater buoyancy.

How to choose a kayak is probably one of the most frequent questions asked at Paddlecraft Kayaks. The answer is always different, but the kayak selection process always starts at the same place – with the customer! The critical steps in a buying a kayak is to know what is the most important factor to you.

Single or Double Kayak? Clearly an important decision in selecting a kayak is to know if you want to paddle solo or if a tandem kayak is preferred. Sometimes, a tandem is double the fun, but there are those who believe they can become divorce courts! In general, tandem kayaks are heavier than single kayaks and are certainly less expensive than purchasing 2 single kayaks. Most doubles are easily lifted onto car roof racks by 2 people and paddling as a team is far easier than paddling alone. So overall the work is halved, but you are certainly are dependent on a partner. Quite a few doubles come with seats that adjust to the center to allow for one paddler, but as a single paddler, the paddling experience will be less rewarding than being on a kayak built for one.

For a family, double kayaks are a really great choice for family paddling. Most double kayaks have a high maximum weight capacity, and depending on the cockpit or seating layout, can accommodate 2 adults, 1 adult and 2 children, or even a party of 4 paddlers! Stability also becomes an important factor in this situation and the next decision emerges – Sit on top or Sit in Kayak?

Sit on Top Kayaks are very stable, even allowing paddlers to jump on and off without capsizing or even being able to sit on the side of them with your feet dangling in the water. The kayak hull features a wide flat bottom with ridges or “chines”, edges that break the water tension promoting a more stable ride. The sit on top kayak also has water holes, allowing the water to flow in and drain out again, making them suitable for the surf and still water. These kayaks are great for kids and also serve as a dive platform for people interested in snorkeling or scuba diving. Fisherman have also discovered sit on top kayaks because it allows for a wide range of movement, easily accommodate storage and can be paddled many different places.

Sit In Kayaks offer a different paddling experience and suits a paddler with a bit more experience and fitness! The sit in kayaks feature a cockpit that requires some flexibility in the entry of the kayak as well as some covered storage within the kayak hull. The seat generally provides better support, is overall a dryer paddle without water holes and the smooth bottomed hull provides more speed but less stability. Sit in Kayaks vary greatly in length and storage capacity and can be fitted with or without a rudder. Recreational kayaks range from about 3m to 4 meters length and are suited for day trips and still water areas. Touring and sea kayaks boast greater lengths and storage capacity and feature hull designs and other accessories that support ocean going adventures and several day camping trips.

Single or Double, Sit in or Sit On Kayaks – these basic decisions are the first steps in choosing the right kayak for you. Of course, many other factors, like price, manufacturer, transport and weight of the kayak and material of the kayak, will provide further information to finalise your selection and is certainly deserving of much consideration. But one of the best ways to choose your kayak is to have a paddle in various models, after all people come in as many shapes and sizes as there are kayaks! Most kayak hire shops will provide basic sit on and sit in models, which will help greatly in making your decision, and at Paddlecraft, we will also allow you to test paddle the model of choice when you are ready to make a final purchase. Choosing the right kayak can be a rewarding experience with the right advice and match of craft to paddler. So, get out there on the water, do some research and start paddling!

With less people in the shop, (and out on the water), I have been using some of the quiet time to cast about for some more clarity in our reason for being here and have had a few things surface for me. One of the best things about being part of Paddlecraft, is that I still get a big thrill out of customers who start off paddling with us and begin to discover something new about themselves.
I realize that everyone values connection, such as connection with people that like the same things we do and do the same things we like doing, so we seek to nourish those bonds. We have a lot of customers that come back to us to join our groups, or start out hiring the most stable kayak and then move on to buying their own kayaks. We rarely have anyone return from a paddle without a big smile on their face and it is a great feeling to be able to conjure up that magic in a person’s life. I respect those connections!

Getting out onto the water just feels good, and I just always focused on that when confronted with all the lifting of kayaks, unpredictable weather and wind or even fair weather paddlers dropping away, so I am on my own! Generally within a few minute’s strokes, the good feelings come rolling in and I am glad I am off paddling.

I made another connection recently, when I read about research being conducted in the UK studying the impact of water based activities on people’s mental and physical well being. The program is “Blue Gym Research” and has found growing medical evidence that access to the natural environment can prevent disease and help people recover from illness. The statistics of the average amount of time that people spend outdoors is really depressing and I am doubly thankful to be sitting here on the edge of paradise! I am hoping to be able to develop different paddling opportunities for people in need and would like to hear from anybody that knows a group or an organisation that would suit this endeavor.

Our journey from opening Paddlecraft in October 2006 with 6 kayaks and my kitchen table and cash register, till today, has seen us embarking on a path forward that has been completely new to us! We are Helen Morrow & Ross Crawshaw, owners of Paddlecraft Kayaks and we are so proud that our customers took the time to say thanks and got us to the finalists in the Northern Beaches Awards for specialised businesses, out of 92 other entrants.

As any new business does, we have struggled to define ourselves and try to find the right place for our product and service, so it can make a difference. Our message has taken time to come through, but I believe that because we were so new to paddling when we started, we still remember our uncertainty and can relate to customers still growing through the sport. And – we still have the freshness of a new found passion!

From the start, I listened to sales people that seemed to have the best products and were happy to explain “why” to me without condescension – and I told their stories to my customers. Ross and I also began paddling with Jackie Wilson, our trainer who loved paddling as her own personal passion and we caught the bug from her. We struggle to offer the best value and mix of products, but there were times when other places could just offer better deals and we would miss out on some of those customers. But what emerged for me was that we could offer our own best service and attention to every customer every day, in a place like Pittwater which embodies the perfect paddling lifestyle, just here at our front door. So we feel lucky and we thank you for recognising this in us!

Always a busy day for us – This year, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 9th, so why not treat your mum to a Free Paddle at Paddlecraft! Just mention this offer when you book ahead and we will offer (1) hour of free kayak hire per paddling party. Explore the scenic waterways of Pittwater including McCarrs Creek, Lovett Bay, Clareville Beach, Scotland Island and other lovely destinations with your friends and family. Bookings are required to redeem this offer and are always advisable on our busy weekends.

The Pittwater Classic on 8th May, which is the last race and the final presentation for the HARBOUR SERIES, kicks off at 8:30 am at Bayview Park, just a short skip and a hop down the road from us. Both a Long Course, at approximately 14 Km and a Short Course at approximately 9Km is planned and registration is open now. For more detail, visit Harbour Racing’s website at http://www.harbourracing.org.au/events.asp. Surf skis, Sea Kayaks, Outrigger Canoes, Stand-up Paddle Boards, Plastic Sit-on tops and K4’s can be paddled and you can hire kayaks from Paddlecraft through advance booking and get in to the race. Enjoy the best of the autumn season paddling weather at this classic event!

With the busy beginning of the May month, we have scheduled our May Pittwater Discovery Tour on May 15th for a 9:30 start. The tours have been increasing in popularity and we urge everyone to book in early, so we can accommodate bigger groups and families. BYO kayak and you can join the group at a reduced fee. For more details, check out the Pittwater Discovery Tour under Hire & Tours and get more information regarding time, pricing and what to wear.

We still have a few hire fleet kayaks and second hand kayaks for sale, as well as, some price reductions on overstocked summer models. We are also happy to consider trade ins of Feel free, Wilderness & Perception kayak models against the purchase of a new kayak, so give us a ring or send us some photos of your current craft and let’s get you paddling in the next kayak of your dreams!

Used Kayaks from our hire fleet and demonstration kayak models are for sale, featuring both singles and doubles models, as well as, sit in kayaks and sit on kayaks. The ex hire used kayaks and the second hand kayaks from previous customers represent a wide range of costs and condition and are listed in our for “Sales “ section under “Used Kayaks” and will be updated up through the Easter Holiday. The costs include the kayaks only and are on an “as is” basis. We are happy to provide free test paddles at our beach launch, so you can determine which kayak suits you best! So dress to paddle!

We are also offering a 10% discount off of our currently stocked Wilderness Tsunami & Zephyr ranges, premium touring and sea kayaks, perfect for the cooler paddling weather. Offers extended only on stocked models! And to complete the package, all paddles, personal flotation jackets and kayaking accessories are available with a 20% discount when purchased with a kayak. New featured stock at the store includes our new line of roof rack accessories, Malone Roof Racks and the new Burke EVO thermal wear paddling gear.

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With all this March Madness, don’t forget to sponsor Ross in his 17km paddle this Sunday at the Kayak for Kids Paddle. His sponsorship page is www.everydayhero.com.au/ross_crawshaw and it is not too late to pledge some money to help raises funds for Lifestart, an Early Childhood Intervention Service that helps kids with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays from birth to school age achieve the best possible start in life. It is a paddle challenge from Blues Point to Clontarf – a distance of 17.5 km and it is this Sunday, 28th March.

Despite the yearly sadness I always feel with the official end of summer upon us, the best paddling weather is really just ahead! With the waning heat from the sun, the still warm water temperature and the beautiful glassy waters, the paddling is divine and should be enjoyed before the wooly winter winds of winter roll in. With a few long weekends ahead, there is time to start planning how to manage more time on the water. See you out there soon!!