SEAWARD KAYAKS AUSTRALIA

Seaward Kayaks - Now based and in production in Huskisson

In a unique partnership beetwen Seaward Kayaks Canada and the newly formed Seaward Kayaks Australia, the brilliant range of Sea and Recreational Kayaks will now be in production in Huskisson Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW.

SEAWARD KAYAKS AUSTRALIA DIRECTOR ROSS BOARDMAN -AT THE NEW SEAWARD KAYAK FACILITY IN HUSKISSON JERVIS BAY.

JBK Directors, Ross and Janet Boardman has established a new facility for the assembly and completion of the Seaward TX Thermoformed Sea Kayak Range. The Import and Australia Wide distribution of Seaward Kayaks is now a reality after undergoing extensive research over several years ,and an essentail visit to the Seaward Kayak Facility on Vancouver Island in BC Canada.

In an agreement between Seaward Kayak Director Steve Ree and Seaward Australia's Ross Boardman, Tyson Desmarais ( Seaward Mfg Foreman) flew to Australia to assist in the set up and initial assembly of the first shipment , highlighting the need for quality control and techniques used in manufacture that has set the Seaward Kayak Range aside from other brands.

SEAWARD CANADA'S TYSON DESMARAIS WATERTESTS THE SEAWARD INFINITI 175.

"It seemed an obvious choice to Janet and Myself to partner with Seaward Kayaks in Canada", said Ross Boardman " as they are the industry leader in terms of design ad technology, and it was in fact this technology and the advancements that Steve Ree and the Seaward Team have made in thermoform technology that attracted us to the range".

There are a number of reasons why we have undertaken the assembly and completion in Jervis Bay as the Carbon emmissions from shipping have been reduced by almost 80% as we have been able to ship larger qtys combined with the Recyclable Nature of the new ABS Substrate, we have reduced our impact on our environment significantly.

Complete assembly ,testing and distribution is now undertaken in our Factory in Huskisson using new state of the art pneumatic applicators and proprietary adhesives that become part of the ABS Substrate thereby bonding the parts as one. All accessories are genuine Seaward and Kajak Sport Parts essentially providing a Canadian Designed work of art with an unparalleled finish and quality here in Jervis Bay.

Seaward Kayaks also manufacture the highest quality Composite Sea Kayaks and the Legedary Nigel Foster Kayaks, giving us a range of Sea Kayaks unsurpassed in the industry today.

Keep an eye out for the Seaward Kayak Range in a Professional Kayak Store in your region as we have identified a number of exclusive dealers to service your "Need to go Seaward".

" Escape Life on Land - Go Seaward "

www.seawardkayaks.com.au

Arrange a Test Paddle of one of the Seaward Thermoform Sea Kayak Range.

PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS

BANKCARD, MASTERCARD, & VISA CARDS ACCEPTED IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AVAILABLE AUSTRALIA WIDE.

Phone 02.4441.7157

Hawkesbury Classic Entrant & Seaward Kayaks

Frank arriving after 110km / 14hrs and 23minutes

The team at JBK would like to congratulate Frank Busch , our regular visitor from Germany on his completion of the Hawkesbury Classic Marathon. Frank and Annette makes the yearly pilgrimage to Australia to participate and catch up on some Sea Kayaking in the Jervis Bay Region.

Frank and Annette Busch making final preparations

JBK offered Frank our brand new Seaward Ascente Sea Kayak for the race and he achieved a personal best time of 14hours and 23minutes. Fantastic effort Frank. JBK Team members Jhn and Tracy Gibson assisted with road crew support and provided moral support and no doubt a great deal of humour to keep Fran buoyed throughout the night.

Frank in the Seaward Ascente - Windsor NSW 24TH oCT 2009

The Seaward range of kayaks offer excpetional quality and build construcution and atention to detail. To veiew the newest Sea Kayaks to hit Australia's shores drop in to our store in Huskisson or view the kayaks a www.seawardkayak.com.au for more details.

Call our store on 02-4441-7157 for more details on the Seaward Kayak Range.

Cheers

JBK Paddlers Club Paddle

After a week of high wind and big swell, it was a relief to be able to get out on the water for the official first paddle of the JBK Paddlers Club. The forecast of southerly winds encouraged us to head down into Booderee National Park for a launch at Iluka, with the intention of heading out towards Bowen Island, with a morning tea break on Murrays Beach before heading back.

Iluka Perfection - JBK Paddlers Club Paddle

Bill, Sandra, Wayne and Mel were all super keen as we packed our boats on the beach, especially as the wind was calm and Jervis Bay was looking its exceptional best, with only a small wave breaking along the shoreline.Sandra & Bill - Open Water

A very gentle following sea allowed us to make fast progress as we made a beeline towards the northern tip of Bowen Island, all eyes peeled for the resident dolphins or perhaps even a seal or a migrating humpback whale. As we approached the island a rolling swell coming through the heads made life a bit more interesting, but it had died off enough that we all felt safe as we passed the tip of the island and headed towards Point Perpendicular for a few hundred meters.
No doubt we all would have enjoyed the open water crossing of the heads, but everyone was keen for a cuppa and some of the famous JBK carrot cake so we turned around and made our way back towards Murrays Beach, taking advantage of the crystal clear water on the inside coast of the island to spot hundreds of fish and even a couple of rays. As usual Bowen Island was full of its resident bird life, with a couple of lazy Pelicans watching us cruise past.

A relaxing rest on the beach left the group recharged and ready for the return leg, where we planned to hug the coastline, again to make the most of some of the clearest water imaginable. Coming past Murrays Beach boat ramp, sure enough a pod of our freindly dolphins made an appearance, coming quite close to our kayaks, but not staying still for a photo. Yet more dolphins were spotted by Bill and Sandra off Hole in the Wall.

Melisa Hanley - Off Bowen Island

The pace slowed noticably along past Scottish Rocks and Bristol Point as everyone took in the beautiful scenery of the northern shore of Booderee National Park until a nice gentle landing back at Iluka meant the end of the trip and an analysis of the stats thanks to Wayne's GPS (13.6klm, average speed 5kph including stops, good performance team!).

Hopefully this will be the start of heaps of great adventures for the JBK Paddlers Club, and thanks to our very first club paddlers for a great morning on Jervis Bay.

Matt Goodwin .

JBK - AUSTRALIAN WOMENS SURF KAYAK TEAM

In a qaurter final heat BonnieTregenza has finished third ending her campaign for the Womans High Performance Surf Kayak Class. Well done Bonnie it was great to see you get through to the Qtrs and fly the Flag for Oz.

Results here : http://www.kayaksurf.net/news.html

Rossco

JBK TEAM - Australian Womens Surf Kayak Team

Bonnie Tregenza has completed her first heat in Portugal and placed first in fine style. Bonnie took on some seasoned competitors and scored the following in her heat. Well Done Bonnie we are all bidding for you an a proud of you efforts in this sport we love so dearly.

1st : Bonnie Tregenza Aus 26points
2nd : Chrstine Bryce Canada 23points
3rd :Robyn Pearcy UK 10points
4th Ainhoa Rementeria Basque Country Spain 7 points.

Conrats Bonie keep u the awesome work.

Scoresheets here : http://www.kayaksurf.net/news.html

Tracy Gibson has arrived back in Oz after tearing the left clavicle joint in an accident in the surf, and is preparing for surgery to repair the injury. A sad ending to Tracy's campaign but I imagine that it wont stop her for long , will it Tracy? We are very proud and wish you the best in your recovery.

Rossco ( from Vancouver Island )Amazing sea kayaking today b the way, Seals, Otters,Birdlife beyond belief and 37degree heat on the west coast near Port Renfrey.

JBK TEAM - Australian Womens Surf Kayak Team

In what can only be described as a devastating blow to Tracy and Bonnie, Tracy has been injured in a pre comp warm up and will be returning home from portugal early. A collision with another paddler has resulted in a serious shoulder injury that will require immediate attention on her return and end her campaign for 2009. Our hearts are with you Tracy and we wish you a safe return and very speedy recovery as it wont be the same in the surf without you.

All our best wishes and a get well soon.
Janet and Ross and all of our Team, family and friends.

For regular updates on the comp see the Blog : http://portugalks.blogspot.com/

JBK TEAM - U.S Outdoor Trade Show

Keeping up with the latest in product design and development s critical in the Outdoor Industry and the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City is the largest of its kind in the world. Janet and I are currently visiting the manufacturer's exhibit discussing innovations and new directions in the industry.It is an incredible event with 23000 visitors and thousands of exhibitors, and after two days we are mind blown by the scope and range of not only what is available now, but what is to come in the next few years.

Janet on the ultimate shopping experience at OR Show Salt Lake City

It is amazing to see the direction of the Paddlesports and Outdoor Industry over here as it follows that the Australian Market will follow closely in its footsteps in the coming years and all indictions are for a huge increase in outdoor activity.

Paddle Pro Director Damien Lindau Janet and I with a well earned Utah Beer 220709

Our next leg will be to Vancouver for a few days working, then some Sea Kayaking in Johnstone Strait in British Columbia.

Cheers Rossco.

JBK TEAM - Australian Womens Surf Kayak Team

Tracy Gibson and Bonnie Tregenza from Jervis Bay NSW fly out this sunday to represent Australia in the World Surf Kayak Championships at Santa Cruz Portugal from the 23rd July till the 1st August. The event will see Tracy and Bonnnie compete in the Womens High Performance Class and after several years of solid training and a previous World Championships behind Tracy and almost 2 years of training and experience from Bonnie they are now perefctly positioned to perform in this field.
From the Team at Mega Australia and Jervis Bay Kayak Co, and from our many clients we would like to wish them the best of luck in the competition as we know that they will shine in this event and fly the flag high for Australia and the sport of Surf Kayaking .

Have a wonderful and successful trip in Europe and we'll see you in the customs hall at Sydney Airport on the 6th August for a beer or two.

For updates on their progress keep an eye on this Blog as I will attempt to keep the results up to date as they come to hand.

Regards

Ross Boardman
Director - Mega Surf Kayaks Australia / Jervis Bay Kayak Co
1/13 Hawke Street
Huskisson NSW 2540
02.4441.7157

JBK - SURF KAYAK PRIZE WINNER

Mega Surf Kayaks Australia in association with Cumec Magazine is proud to announce that Michael Williamson of Alexandra, New Zealand was the winner of a brand new Mega Maverick Surf Kayak. Michael correctly answered the question 'Where in Australia are Mega Surf Kayaks produced?' the competition was run over two issues of Cumec Magazine and received numerous entries from throughout both New Zealand and Australia.

When first contacted about his prize Michael's excitement was inspiring, and he is looking forward to taking the new boat out in the Surf at his family's holiday home in Waikouiati near Dunedin. Michael is a member of the Central Otago Whitewater Club and has been an enthusiastic paddler since 'a long time ago'. The Mega Maverick will now take precedence over his classic surf shoe which has seen 'better days'.

Mega Surf Kayaks are manufactured by Ross Boardman of the Jervis Bay Kayak Company in Huskisson, NSW. To view their full range of surf specific designs visit their website www.surfkayaks.com.au or www.surfkayaks.co.nz

Cumec Magazine is Australia & New Zealand's top kayaking magazine, focusing on White-water, Surf & Sea kayaking. Their website is www.cumecmagazine.com and the next issue will be released in early July.

Mega Surf Kayaks Australia / Jervis Bay Kayak Co
Shop 1/13 Hawke Street
Huskisson Jervis Bay N.S.W.2540
Australia

Phone : 61 2 4441 7157
Fax : 61 2 4441 7156
Mob : 0418 649 082
E : info@surfkayaks.com.au
W : www.surfkayaks.com.au

JBK Team - Mega Road Trip

The Weekend of the 9th and 10th of May saw a cast of about 20 Surf Kayakers from varying disciplines travel to the Sunshine Coast of QLD from as far away as Sth'n NSW and Mid north Queensland. Surf Kayak Competition Cotton Tree Beach QLD

The social comp was held at Cotton Tree Beach at Maroochydore and set a good standard for the future of things to come for Surf Kayaking in Australia. Heats were held from 7.30am on Saturday the 9th of May culminating with a Woman's final and and Open Final.

Results as follows :

Womens Final :
1st : Tracy Gibson (NSW )
2nd : Bonnie Tregenza (VIC)
3rd : Libby Anderson (QLD )

Open Final :
1st : Damien Vickery (QLD)
2nd : Steve Farthing (QLD)
3rd : Darren Bason )(QLD)
4th : Tracy Gibson (NSW)

Although the event was held in a informal manner, the participants were introduced to judging advice from Waveski and Surf Kayak judges forming the basis of a future competition programs in Australia.

Pre Comp Briefing 7am

This was only the second Surf Kayak Comp of its type to be held in Eastern Australia, the first of which was held a year ago in ( NSW ), and with the interest shown from Waveski, Surf and Sea Kayakers, there is plenty of potential for many more into the future.

Some great action was seen throughout the day.

The Team from Jervis Bay Kayak Co and Mega Surf Kayaks Australia made the 18hour drive through the night to attend the weekend and we all learnt heaps, met some great people from Qld and beyond and got into some decent surf conditions. We look forward to catching up with them again in the near future.

Tracy Garner - Takes Aim on the Lip - Mega Neutron RV

Tracy Gibson and Bonnie Tregenza used the weekend as a build up for their preparations for WSKA World Surf Kayak Championships in Portugal in July this year.

Bonnie Tregenza - Going for it in the final -Mega Prowler

Damien Vickery - Brisbane QLD Waveski

Darren Bason - Mega Bullit

Mark Priestly QLD Canoeing & Libby Anderson - Mega NeutronRV

Aussie and JBK Team Paddlers - Bonnie Tregenza and Tracy Gibson

John Mcgreath - Made the Drive from Yepoon in Mid North Qld

Thanks to Darren Bason for hosting the day and a big thanks for the big effort form all of the competitors who made it such a great day.

Ross Boardman - Mega Surf Kayaks Australia

JBK - Surf Kayaking Demo Day QLD

Mega Surf Kayaks Austalia will be heading off on a road trip to Mooloolabah on the Sunshine Coast of Qld next weekend to catch up with Darren Bason. A social day will be held there on Saturday the 9th May and we thought we'd bring up some demo kayaks and a few new stock boats so you can come and check out the range and maybe take a few for a paddle.

Mega Surf Kayaks Australia - Loaded for the 18 hour drive to Queensland

In conjunction with Queensland Canoeing, Darren will be taking registration so you must give him a call if you would like to come along and paddle. A small $10 entry fee will cover the Qld Canoeing Costs for the day and we look forward to seing you there.

Ross Boardman from Mega Australia will be there to run you through the current line-up, and Tracy Gibson & Bonnie Tegenza who will representing Australia in the World Surf Kayak Championships in Portugal this July, will be there to have a bash also.

Tracy Gibson - Charging at Manyana Sth Coast NSW
John Gibson who always gets the shots will also be on had to capture the scene, so keep posted for some photos .
Ross Boardman & Tracy Gibson - Mega Road Trip

We hope to see you there but dont forget to register with Darren Bason on 0406.914751 or call Ross Boardman on 0418-649082 to discuss the Mega Surf Kayak Range.

Regards

Ross Boardman
Mega Surf Kayaks Australia / Jervis Bay Kayak Co
Shop 1/13 Hawke Street '
Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW 2540
Phone : 02.4441.7157
Fax : 02.4441.7156
Mob : 0418.649.082
email : info@surfkayaks.com.au

JBK - Thankyou Mr East Coast Low

I hope everyone got out to find a few waves over the ANZAC day weekend. As the swell hit here on the south coast, Bonnie and I had a great couple of days training.

With a forecast for solid easterly swell and westerly winds we headed out for the dawn surf down Bendalong way. The waves were on and we got some great rides as John captured the moment with his camera.

Tracy Gibson - Mega Neutron RV

Bonnie Tregenza - Mega Prowler

I would have to say these were some of the best waves I have had all year. The swell couldn't have come at a better time as we prepare to head to Noosa for some competition practice and some variety in our training.

Stay tuned for the Mega Surf Kayak team road trip!!

JBK - Manufacture Dusky Bay Dbl Sea Kayak

Jervis Bay Kayak Co - Now Manufacturing the Dusky Bay Double Expedition Sea Kayak.

JBK is proud to have in production this brilliant Double Sea Kayak in full composite construction. Our Factory in Huskisson is already Manufacturing the Sensational MEGA Surf Kayak Line Up and custom lay ups are our specialty. Available in Fibreglass and Carbon Kevlar Reinforced hull options.

The Dusky Bay Double is a tried and proven design and handles a huge range of conditions. In use, as our chosen Expedition Sea Kayak on our Guided Tips and Hire Operation, we firmly beleive this is by far the most versatile and reliable Double Sea Kayak on the market today.

Ross is personally making each double with custom gel coat finshes and has improved the lay up for more durability including bulkhead seat configuration to ensure the highest level of safety, Q-kayak Rudder system and a perimetre deck line and day hatch. Finished with a 25mm Kevlar Seam, and internal glass tape seam this kayak is built to last.

Arrange a Test Paddle from our waterfront Base at Erowal Bay. Call the Store for more Details.

PLEASE CALL FOR MORE DETAILS

BANKCARD, MASTERCARD, & VISA CARDS ACCEPTED
CUSTOM MADE TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS

DELIVERY AVAILABLE AUSTRALIA WIDE.
Phone 02.4441.7157

JBK - AUSTRALIAN SURF KAYAK TEAM

2009 sees the Australian Surf Kayak Team preparing again to compete at the World Surf Kayak Championships. This year it is to be held at Santa Cruz in Portugal from the 23rd July to the 2nd August. The team comprises of Paddlers Tracy Gibson and Bonnie Tregenza who will be competeing in the High Performance class.

Tracy Gibson & Bonnie Tregenza
Both girls are passionate paddlers and with training in full swing for the competition you will find them in the surf and at the gym several times a week and working hard fundraising for the trip.

At the 2007 World Championships at Mundaka Spain, Tracy was the first person to compete for Australia. After winning her way to a position in the semi final Tracy finished 5th overall. Her aim this year is for a place in the final to put herself in a position to win the event. Tracy works as a professional sea kayak instructor for the Jervis Bay Kayak Company. She has been kayaking for 8 years. More specifically, she has been surf kayaking for nearly 4 years. Tracy is enthusiatsic about sharing the sport with people at all levels and promoting surf kayaking in Australia. Tracy Gibson - Mega Neutron RV March 2009

Bonnie works as a professional outdoor activities instructor in several areas including sea kayaking (with Jervis Bay Kayak Company), canoeing, hiking and rock climbing. Bonnie has been surf kayaking for 1½ years. This will be her first time competing at an international level. She enjoys pushing her comfort zone and continually working to improve her surfing. She is excited to be surfing world class waves and meeting some of the world’s top paddlers.

Bonnie Tregenza - Mega Prowler March 2009

Both Tracy and Bonnie can't wait to be amoungst the excitment of the world surfing community in July. They are looking forward to representing their country at the competition and doing Australia proud.

The Team at JBK and Mega Surf Kayaks Australia would like to wish you both the best of luck in Portugal July 2009.

Ross Boardman

JBK - School Programs

The month of March sees the Team at JBK busy at work conducting various experience programs for schools from as far away as the Mid North Coast, the Blue Mountains and the ACT. The ability to tailor and cater for the Outdoor Education Experience needs of Schools and Universities is one of the reasons why JBK is the Leading National Training Provider for Australian Canoeing.
For fourteen years JBK has conducted Day and Expedition Programs in Expedition Sea Kayaks and shorter programs in Sit On Top Kayaks to the Public and Private School System.With Professional Sea Kayak Instructors and Assessors on Staff and the best equipment in the Business we provide the perfect introduction to Kayaking and continuing education programs for repeat visitors.
Last week we spent 3 Days on a self contained Sea Kayaking Expedition with Alfred Deakin High School from the ACT. This school has a fantastic Outdoor Education Program and the students are of the highest calibre. Prepared to paddle when necessary , laugh when require and even sing a little ( ok, a lot ), to make the trip all it can be.


Bushcamping is the brief we work to where the students are required to commune with nature and each other, with no outside influences. This trip was one of our best yet. Perfect weather, heaps of Sun,a little wind, a little rain, and a lot of fun, even Rick, Rob and Trent the residing teachers had a ball. Thanks guys for a great experience you really made it a cracker.

Regards
JBK Team

JBK - 5 Blokes and a River

Just for a laugh, it was decided that 5 Local JB guys would tackle the wilds of Clyde River, Yadboro to Shallow Crossing. Although the trip took about twelve hours and two days , it proved to be an incredibly picturesque adventure with long stretches of comfortable paddling. log jams and much dragging through the gravel races and small rapids.

Roger, Jason and Ross - Doing abit more dragging across a causeway.

Starting in theUpper runnable sections at Yadboro, the river quickly runs in to a remote wilderness that would be a difficult walk out if required providing great scenery and tall timbers and long shallow running pools of beautifully clear water.

Steve Canon going for broke (Grade 6? Rapids

Each section stepping down to the next with a small race or rapid, some runnable, most not, but the boys laughed and rammed into each other as we made our way to Shallow Crossing 25km away.

Jason Andre - as laid back as ever negotiating a log jam.

7 hours of pretty continous paddling saw us at the upside down bridge north of Brooman for our campsite and a great fire kept the light rain off us throughout the evening. Waking to more light rain we quicky packed up and hit the river at 8 am for another full day of quality scenery and intimate river environment to Brooman then a maze of 4 foot round logs and much portaging to the running section just south to last 8km of long uninterupted pools to Shallow Crossing.

Able Walsh / R2D2 (Barell ) / and the view downstream

This trip requires some good planning, as the car shuttle to the starting point is about 1.5 hours, and some food is always a good idea Able, although Maccas at Ulladulla saved you on day one.

After 26km of paddling and crashing - Shallow Crossing

The quality of the experience is sensational on this trip, great scenery, but there is lack of good campsites on the upper stretch, so be prepared to stop when you find one. We found the kayaks at around 3.7 mtrs were optimal as they could negotiate the rock gardens more easily than the longer type kayaks. Plastic is essential as the river is a graveyard for fibreglass canoes, they simply wont cut it, and be prepared to have some serious wear on your kayak or the one you borrow from an old friend.............................

Cheers
Rossco

JBK - Just a perfect day.

It dawned on me today whilst paddling my New Wilderness Tempest 170 Pro out past Bowen Island, that I had owned in the last twenty years of Sea Kayaking, ( 15yrs of which operating JBK ) personally, 11 Brand New Sea Kayaks , and literally hundreds of Sea Kayaks over the years in our hire and tour operation fleet.

New Composite Tempest 170 Pro

Such a realisation gets you wondering whether there is really many differences from model to model, or whether I had succumbed to the bright and colourful gel coat or the newest in comfort outfitting yet again. At JBK we are dealing with so many choices now on a daily basis with Specifications, layups, colour options , rudder fittings, varying price range, quality and usage options.

The fact is that, there are marked differences in each craft, some worth noting, some not so, but for just a few hours today,I found myself taking in the water movement around me, the clarity of the water, the temperature of the sea and air, and the sureal atmosphere of the bushfire smoke that moved in with the brisk southerly change cloaking JB and the 9 or so warships that cruised nearby.

Although I had done it thousands of times before, Janet and I simply went "Sea Kayaking". There was no talk of boat length, shape, or style, we just paddled and chatted about the Wallaby that joined us on the beach and took it all in. Coffee and Lunch on Murrays Beach and a couple of Eskimo Rolls on the way home.

Wallaby joined us on Murrays Beach for morning tea.

The day was perfect and I remembered today, after an extremely busy summer of facilitating kayaking at JBK for thousands kayakers, why I love this Sport. Kayaking is a lifestyle recreation and the gear just allows you to do it, not better, maybe a little more comfortably, maybe a little quicker than your last kayak, but don't get too tied up in the Specs of your kayak, enjoy it for what it is. There is far to much emphasis on boat specs and equally to many opinions as to what constitues a good sea kayak. Sure, good advice is always important but one should exercise caution as to where that advice is sought from.

On your next paddling adventure, take a good loook around you, soak it up, it is incredible where the kayak allows you access to. I am looking forward to the upcoming Autumn and Winter, as the seasons change, as the wildlife and sea conditions vary, and as the colour of the sky goes from bright blue to a more subtle aqua tone, remember how fortunate we are to be able to access and immerse ourselves in our waterways.

Regards
Ross Boardman / JBK