Wednesday, December 22, 2010

New sea kayak mission sponsored by Hydraulics

A few months ago I got an email from a couple of ambitious young guys wanting to paddle around Great Britain in their Sea Kayaks assisted with Kites. We decided that this was what we are all about and got on board! In early 2011 Open Horizons intend to circumnavigate Britain in a tandem sea Kayak, They will be relying only on natural elements to complete the challenge. Using the tides and currents as well as specially designed power kites to harness the winds power they estimate this adventure to take 90 days.
Here are a few shots of the guys training and I must say these guys are tough! Training in blizzard conditions while we sit here down in the NZ summer enjoying the sun!
Good luck guys!!
You can follow their mission HERE


-Dark and cold, breaking through the Ice - Photo via Aaron Price

- No more ice to break through - Photo via Aaron Price

-Coming into Harbor - Photo via Aaron Price

- Camp for the night in the snow!!! - Photo via Aaron Price

- Tough guys!!! - Photo Aaron Price


Tim about to leave the North Island!!!

Tim Taylor is getting it done. He has been on a water for a few weeks now and has knocked off the lower North Island on the East Coast already! Hes not sure where he will be for Christmas just yet due to weather but Im sure hes looking forward to it! Check out www.nzkayaker.com and you can track where he is and how far he has to go! Keep up the great work Tim!

"Today's goal isn't too far...Palliser Bay, about 40 to 50km away. As Tim set off, the wind was rising, and he was to experience one of the worst paddling experiences so far. By late morning he had reached White Rock & had to pull because the wind was so strong it was almost forcing the paddle out of his hands. This was where he met Mr Grumpy.....a local farmer who wasn't too keen on him being there, & encouraged him to move on to the next bay.

So...onwards into the wind & a final stop for the day at Kirikiri Bay, almost but not quite Cape Palliser. Here, Tim met with Shane Sutherland, a fellow kayaker who transported him around to Palliser Bay & a comfortable bed for the night. The tv news is full of stories about wild winds & trees breaking, so tomorrow looks like another rest day. It's anybody's bet if Tim will be in the North or South Island for Christmas day, so mum, dad & sister Steph are not sure what they will be up to at this stage.

Only 22km for the day, but Wellington is now within a day's paddle if the weather is kind."