Different strokes for different folks, but still all friends on the water

Last weekend in some pretty ugly conditions four of us got together for a paddle – three Team Fat Paddlers, and a new paddling friend we’d made from Facebook. We’d brought helmets and wetsuits ready for a surf and rock gardening session but one of the boys has a tippy composite boat that is far more suited to flat water, and after a discussion we decided that we’d head inland away from the lumps and go searching for waterfalls.

Swapping boats and playing in the rain on the flat waters of upper Middle Harbour

Just the week before we’d taken kayaks and canoes and done a paddling/camping trip deep into National Park territory. The week before that I got bashed senseless rock gardening in some lumps with friends. A few weeks before that some of us paddled out the Heads and down Sydney’s cliffs. Each week we work out something fun to do as a group, taking onboard the skills, boats and wants of the different people paddling when considering what our activity might be.

All paddlers are different, but shared experiences transcend differences

The end result is that Team Fat Paddler always have a brilliant time when we’re out on the water. There is always a mix of joking and serious discussion, the sharing of fun times on the water itself, and plenty of team help if a paddler falls out or runs into trouble. Many of our team are new-comers to the sport, but as a group we’re able to push limits and try different experiences. It’s a dynamic that keeps it fun and brings everyone a real sense of happiness.

One of the stunning Middle Harbour waterfalls we found that grey wet morning

To some, our attitude raises a few eyebrows. Are we sea kayakers? Are we flat water racers? Are we whitewater canoists? The answer is no, we’re none of these things, because we don’t choose to fit the moulds dictated to us. We’re just people enjoying the dynamic flow of coastal and inland waters, the sweet taste of the chilled air in our faces, and the happiness found in shared experiences with friends.

Happiness can be found in the strangest of places

The important thing to remember is that paddling is a personal thing. Do what you want to do and be who you want to be, and you’ll get infinite enjoyment from the sport. Don’t feel that you have to choose the pathways set before you, but explore the watery environs available to you and ride the waves of your own making.

Some people think the best part of paddling is what comes afterwards!

The crew of Team Fat Paddler will always be out there keeping it real, enjoying each other’s company and tasting new experiences. We love bringing new people into the fold and sharing the fun with them, and hopefully sparking the same joyous paddling addiction that each of us now have. If you see us on the water and want to join in, don’t be shy and come and introduce yourselves, I promise you we’ll welcome you to come along for the ride. Cheers – FP

Tags: happiness, paddling fun

Huge fun in a rare waterfall off the Roseville Bridge

It’s funny how some of the best paddling days start off with low expectations. With Sydney being deluged with water and hit by waves of big blowy storms, I really didn’t expect much from the day’s paddle other than a hard slog into chop and wind, but needed to get out and test the new “Rock Garden Series” by Adanac Paddles. Luckily on arrival at The Spit we were at least greeted with glassy conditions across the murky stirred-up water.

With half of Team Fat Paddler unable to make the day’s paddle, I hooked up with Alan Jones and Tim Kennings for a run up to the Roseville Bridge. But as we took off up into Middle Harbour, we were met with a floating raft of debris washed into the Harbour from the flooding rains, that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Debris packing the surface of Middle Harbour tangling our kayaks

Cutting through the debris proved annoying, although it did yield a treasure trove of tennis balls, which we promptly scooped up to throw at each as we made our way through the mess. Like ice-breakers in Antarctica, we smashed our way through, only needing to reverse back out of tangled timber on a few occassions.

Once in Bantry Bay we met the Coffee Boat for a quick coffee in the pouring rain, before making our way west to the Roseville Bridge. As we travelled, we started to discover waterfalls gushing through the hills and into the Harbour, which we promptly paddled over to for closer inspection. These falls were beautiful, slicing through the hills and amongst the trees, but I was bummed that I couldn’t get a decent shot from the kayaks. Still, we photographed a few as we went.

Rushing water and oyster beds

More rushing water

Waterfalls hidden in the green bushland, seen from the oyster beds

Once we turned the corner into the Roseville marina area, we could see the Roseville bridge a kilometre in the distance and could just make out a series of waterfalls cascading off the bridge, with one big central waterfall in the bridge’s centre. Alan immediately joked that he was going through it, despite our protests that the water would be dirty from the bridge above. We all paddled down to the Bridge to get a good position to see Alan go through, but seeing him laughing wildly as he ducked under the rushing water like the Solo Man, we all decided to get in on the fun.

Alan's first run through the waterfall

Timbo follows with a dash under the shower

Fat Paddler wants a turn with his new Adanac Paddles!

Alan runs through again, giving us his best "Solo Man" impression

This day of ordinary weather was turning into a heap of fun, as we mucked about in the waterfalls laughing and giggling like kids. Of course we needed to get Alan’s hire boat back to Sydney Harbour Kayaks before it got too late, so we turned around and made our way back through the debris to The Spit.

The Adanac paddles proved brilliant (full review coming soon) and the day proved that no matter how gray the weather may look, when you’re paddling with friends there’s always a heap of good times to be had. Get out there, get wet and have fun! Cheers – FP

More fun that Disneyland!

Tags: adanac paddles, kayaks, paddling fun, waterfalls