Lavender Bay, looking out to the Harbour Bridge

What a night. Three big international rugby games (France vs New Zealand, Wallabies v Italy, Lions v Sth Africa), a lamb roast, an old friend and several hundred rums. After pulling up at 4am the night before, getting out for a paddle on Sunday was always going to be a struggle.

Somehow I managed to convince myself to get the kayak out on the water, but in the interests of saving time and paddling something a little new, I opted for Lavender Bay to Neutral Bay as the paddle route.

Sailboats on the Harbour, with Garden Island Navy Base in background

Of course on a Sunday afternoon the traffic is substantial. Ferries are in full flight, jetboat pleasure craft are thrilling tourists and day tour cruisers are numerous. For the paddler, this means a cacophany of criss-crossing wake, chop and waves coming from any and every direction, testing paddle balance and ensuring an intense workout.  Not exactly what I had in mind for my hungover paddle!

Royal Yacht Club in Kiribilli

Fortunately Neutral Bay itself is protected from the wash and I did get some time paddling on glassy conditions before turning and heading for home. Of course the return leg was as exhausting as the first and I felt lucky to finish the paddle still in my kayak.  That’ll teach me to have a few drinks the night before, wont it!  😉

Sydney Ferry at Luna Park, Lavender Bay