Coral Sea Kayaking Adventure
“All agreed that the ‘time out’ and so much more…was just what we needed!”
by Alison M.
The Mission: Pairing up in sea kayaks to paddle across from the mainland to some remote islands in the Coral Sea. Loaded up with everything we needed to camp for 2 nights and paddle for 3 days.
The Launch: It took 10 people to carry each of the 7 fully packed kayaks down to the launching pontoon. We kept well away from the water’s edge, as crocs were known to lurk around for fish scraps here and we didn’t want to become lunch. Intermission and entertainment provided by Sharon in an assisted boat rescue helping and saving the day for some of the locals.
The Crossing: Paddling across the open water for 19km, we kept our eye out for sharks, crocs, turtles and dugongs. Our first campsite had a No Swimming due to Crocodiles sign, so I think there weren’t too many trips from tents to the toilet that night.
The Leadership: All I can say is Michelle and Paul were exceptional leaders with vast experience in kayaking, weather conditions, navigation, timing etc. We felt completely safe and trusting in their judgement. It also helped that they were lovely people to hang out with.
The Bush Tucker: Hardly! The meals were restaurant quality, fresh and delicious and there was always plenty for seconds (thirds) which I always took advantage of.
Animal and Marine Sightings: Dugongs, Sea eagles and green ants
What potentially lurked beneath: Crocs, sharks, green sea turtles
Island entertainment and activities: Rock scrambling, the building of shells and coral masterpieces. Impromptu beach yoga, swimming, floating, laughter and chatting. Games under the tarp whilst dinner was being prepared for us.
My own special moments: jumping off the rocks for a swim in the ocean. Solo bush bash which cost me a razor leaf finger injury and getting punished, when using the same finger to pop the bubble of a green ant. Found out the hard way that this bubble contains ascorbic acid which made me say some very bad words. My magic moment would be, paddling hard to catch waves in the 2-metre swell.
Beach Landing: One kayak at a time, we approached the beach, going hard, using the power of our paddling and newfound skills to keep the rudder straight as we pushed through the waves straight up onto the beach with none of the fleet capsizing.
Debrief: Over 50km of paddling in 3 days. New skills learnt and shared in camp life and ocean crossings in, at times, precarious conditions of chop, swell and wind. All agreed that the “time out” was just what we needed. New Friendships were made and old catch-ups continued. Challenges were had and new feats achieved.
Beer finale: After unpacking, carrying and loading the kayaks back onto the trailer at the end of the expedition, Pauly announces, “Wouldn’t it be great now for a nice cold beverage after such an awesome trip”. He pauses and then out comes a surprise esky full of icy cold beers, and the excitement, cheers and smiles said it all. Even the non-beer drinkers amongst us were delighted.
Playing Hipster: Final night was celebrated at Mission beach’s micro-brewery. It was here, where we got to hang out with some of the locals and again with our trusty guides. We were able to share our gratitude, say our final thank you and express what a memorable, fun and exciting experience we all had kayaking in the Coral Sea.
