Alrighty then! I have to rush out the door this morning to address what can only be called the business end of kayaking. So much so that I can’t wear black!! Man! LOL! Oh well, the important thing is being on the water. . or in the water . . . or under the water. . .

New Zealand is another one of those legendary sea kayaking destinations. The South Island specifically. Of course it is, big seas, tall mountains, deep sounds. (I’m not suggesting of course that everyone on the South Island is a baritone!) Most of you who’ve followed the sport have read Chris Duff’s “Southern Exposure” and saw that wonderful picture of his busted up kayak and read of way too many upside-down surf landings! The first person to circumnavigate the South Island was of course Paul Caffyn who did it in 1978.

So it looks like we are going to be paying a lot of attention to New Zealand again as a few well known expedition paddlers have set their sites. For the moment I can share of course that Freya Hoffmeister will be making a solo attempt very soon. (slated for October) Freya has moved on amazingly from her start as a traditional roller. But we know Freya, if it’s a challenge she’s there! In addition to Freya there is another attempt coming not long after hers. One I don’t think I can mention yet. Opps, just did.. . Damn! I even heard rumor of a third attempt, but that one I can’t confirm yet. So. . sound your Puukaaea, we’re heading south!

Yikes, I gotta run!!