Exploring Middle Harbour Creek at High Tide

Little moments of magic in the middle of the city

Little moments of magic in the middle of the city

One of the best things about paddling is that there’s so many different ways to do it. You can head out into the surf, bump and grind through rock gardens, ride a canoe down a river, play out in the ocean swell or go for a lake cruise with friends. You don’t need to stereotype yourself as any particular type of paddler – you’re totally free to enjoy the water any way you like.

Bunyip Cave, somewhere near East Killara

Bunyip Cave, somewhere near East Killara

On a grey rainy summer’s day recently I caught up with an old friend, a paddler who spends most of his time out at sea. I hadn’t seen him for a while and was open to whatever paddle he was up for. The tide that morning was particularly high and to my surprise he suggested a cruise up Middle Harbour to intercept the coffee boat.

Such serenity hidden away from the heavier boat traffic of the Harbour

Such serenity hidden away from the heavier boat traffic of the Harbour

We didn’t find it until we reached the Roseville Bridge, and after a relaxing coffee floating on the calm waters by the Roseville marina, we decided to head further up into Middle Harbour Creek. So far up in fact we passed the rocks of upper East Killara and only got stopped by the weir near St Ives!

Paddling amongst the mangroves at high tide

Paddling amongst the mangroves at high tide

Both he and I can usually be found looking for more exciting water, but on this day we just felt like a  different type of paddle.  This beautiful and peaceful part of the world gave two old mates a chance to catch up and chat whilst having a relaxing cruise. We ended up kayaking a touch over 25 kms over a very leisurely 6 hours – slow, relaxed, and a heap of fun.  And that’s just fine, because as a paddler you can paddle any way you want to. Cheers – FP

What can I say. Paddling is just awesome.

What can I say. Paddling is simply awesome.

The Fat Paddler by Sean Smith