News
Inflatable Boat/Cloak
An interesting history article appeared in a recent issue of New Scientist, on a 1844 invention of a waterproof cloak doubling as a paddle craft. Here is a link to the New Scientist website page.
For Sale
Arctic Raider Sea Kayak and extras.
Purchased new 2002 hardly used.
Excellent condition.
Also included is split paddle, skirt, paddle float, brand new trolley still
in original packaging and pump.
The lot $2100.
Contact Oliver Laing on 0404 081 711 or olaing@bigpond.com.
Wanted to Buy
Mirage 530, preferably Kevlar construction.
Good to excellent condition.
Please phone Rod Coogan
(H) 9535 4515 or email: treasurer@seakayakwa.org.au.
Trip Reports
Bart Huntley has written a trip report on his recent paddling venture on the east coast of Tasmania. Click here to see it. Rod Coogan has written an interesting account of a training exercise at Garden Island that did not go to plan. And Di Bramley has written a report of the Walpole Easter trip. There has also been a recent addendum (or debriefing) to Rod Coogan's Cape-to-Cape 2008 report, with lots of good ideas for anybody wishing to try that trip on. See the Trip Reports page for more.

Image by Jason Gibbs
Extraction Line
Rod Coogan has a description of an extraction line for kayaking. He wouldn't paddle without one. Click here for details.
Solo Around Australia
Freya Hoffmeister, having circumnavigated Iceland and the South Island of New Zealand, is taking a crack at Australia. She started at Queenscliff, south of Melbourne in January, and is paddling solo. She made a 600km open water crossing of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and is already close to Broome, Western Australia. To see the latest about her expedition, there is a link to her website from our Links page. The Victorian Seakayak Club also has excellent coverage of her expedition.
The Updated AC Award Scheme
The latest review of the Australian Canoeing Award Scheme is live for all. The new assessment requirements for the Sea Skills Award can be found on the Australian Canoeing website here.
Automatic Bilge Pump
Malcolm Blanch has designed a nifty automatic bilge pump system for a kayak, and has provided full instructions on how you can make one too.
The Sea Kayak Forum
Tim Robinson has set up a Forum for Sea Kayakers in Australia. It is run independently of a club or business with the idea that it would be of benefit to clubs and businesses and would be available to kayakers world wide. There are posts on general kayak talk, techniques, equipment etc., and if you register you can post information yourself. See http://www.seakayakforum.com/.
...More news
Current program
July paddles below are still tentative:
Saturday 4 July
Beach Street Groyne, Cottesloe to South Beach, return (all paddlers).
Sunday 12 July
Mandurah Island circumnavigation from Old Mandurah bridge (all paddlers).
Sunday 19 July
Sandy Beach Bassendean to Caversham return (all paddlers).
Sunday 26 July
South Beach Fremantle peer paddle (all paddlers).
...Details and more planned trips

Jim Bramley scouting for the next big one.
- photo Rod Coogan
... See Rod Coogan's Trip Report on last year's Cape to Cape.