Chasing Big Boats and Making a Splash

Making a splash amongst some Middle Harbour boat wake

Making a splash amongst some Middle Harbour boat wake

The Sydney weather had turned a bit sour and I found myself paddling alone on a grey ominous day with dark clouds and rain imminent. I decided to make it a quick paddle and headed up into the glassy waters of Middle Harbour.  Fairly quickly however I found myself looking for a little excitement, and it came via a slow-moving pleasure cruiser that steamed past me. On a whim, I turned and raced into the boat’s wake, jumping up the first wave and plunging my nose into the following wave, before throwing up sheets of water over myself – all whilst laughing like a maniac at the spontaneous fun of it.

Step One: Launch yourself off the first wave

Step One: Launch yourself off the first wave

Step Two: On landing, submarine that nose. Dive, Dive, Dive!!

Step Two: On landing, submarine that nose. Dive, Dive, Dive!!

Step Three: Get ready for the imminent soaking...

Step Three: Get ready for the imminent soaking...

Step Four: SPLOOSH!! Hold on, grin, and enjoy the wet!!

Step Four: SPLOOSH!! Hold on, grin, and enjoy the wet!!

For the rest of the morning I zig-zagged across the waterway chasing any passing boat so I could dance around in their wakes. Sometimes I’d surf them, sometimes I’d plunge into them, but all the while I was giggling like a school-kid at the silly fun of it all.

Launch as far off the first wave as possible and sink that nose!!

Launch as far off the first wave as possible and sink that nose.....

...and BOOYAH! Wet all over again!!!

...and BOOYAH! Wet all over again!!!

The traditionalists might say I’m being juvenile, but this paddling caper is supposed to be all about having fun, right?? Just get out there, get wet  and have a great time outdoors… I promise you’ll come home with a smile on your face. Cheers! – FP

The Fat Paddler by Sean Smith