JBK's New Website and New Blog

The Team at Jervis Bay Kayak and Paddlesports Co are proud to introduce our New Website and New Blog System that will take us into the future.

Please follow this link to our Previous BLOG which outlines all of our past activity and news and provides a historical timeline and archive into JBK throughout the years. 

The New Jervis Bay Kayak Co BLOG

JBK Travel - Ningaloo 2013 Sea Kayaking Adventure

In May 2012 JBK's Ross and Matt had an unbelievable week exploring WA's Ningaloo Reef. We enjoyed it so much that there was no question that again this year a group of intrepid paddlers from the East would make the journey to sample some of the delights that Ningaloo has to offer.

Unfortunately for all, Ross was unable to attend this year's trip (something about going to Canada, Vancouver Island, orcas, bears, blah blah), so it was left to Matt to gather the team, cross the continent and meet up with WA Guide Neri once again.

Matty Goodwin with the JBK Paddlers group at Bungelup Cape Range

Monday is a day of surprises as we enter the Cape Range National Park for the first time. The desert scenery butting hard up against the clear bright blue ocean is foreign to most, as is the comfort and convenience of the base camp set at Bungelup, an exclusive campsite hidden in the sand dunes behind the ocean.

 

The Beautiful Sheltered Waters of Ningaloo Reef are an explorer's paradise.

Every day in the kayaks saw multiple unique experiences, from jumping overboard to snorkel on coral gardens teeming with life, to witnessing IndoPacific Humpback dolphins feeding in the shallows, to gliding over the top of enormous guitarfish and stingrays.  It's safe to say that every day is different kayaking on Ningaloo Reef, and as much as we all like to paddle with windless sunny skies, an almost unheard of day of winter rain only gave us something more to talk about.
After 5 days of paddling, Saturday was a change of tack as we boarded Three Islands Marine's 17m boat Nedo K for a day's whalesharking.

  

JBK paddler - Mary Furness at the Helm of the Nedo K - Ningaloo Reef WA

Whalesharks are the world's biggest fish, the world's biggest shark, and Whalesharking is the world's best reason to jump off the back of a boat when you are 2km offshore. The use of a spotter plane to find the sharks almost guarantees an amazing encounter, and sure enough our group got up very close to the biggest shark of the season so far. It's just lucky they can't swallow a person or we might have come home with 2 less paddlers.

Up close and personal - Matt Goodwin and a Magnificent Whale Shark 2014.

It was a fitting last day for what was an unforgettable trip. Matt would love thank all those who attended; Mary, Di, Jonathan, Linda, Mark and Di. It was a pleasure getting to know you all and being able to share what we consider to be one of the great kayaking experiences Australia has to offer. JBK also would again like to thank Neri our Western Australian whose skills and knowledge as a guide on Ningaloo Reef  are unsurpassed.
Bookings are now being taken for the 2014 Safari on beginning on the 14 June 2014. Places will be in high demand so don't miss out on this kayaking trip of a lifetime.

Matt Goodwin
JBK Sea Instructor, Professional Whale Shark Watcher.

JBK'S Tracy Gibson - New World Surf Kayak Champion

Jervis Bay local Professional Kayaker Tracy Gibson has taken out the World Women's High Performance Surf Kayak Title at the World Surf Kayak Championships in Queensland this month. Tracy has been a brilliant ambassador for the sport of Surf Kayaking and has dedicated much of the last 8 years surf kayaking to the result that has elevated her to to the pinnacle of the sport. Tracy, We congratulate you Tracy and Mega Surf Kayaks Australia and Jervis Bay Kayak Co are delighted to have been able to provide our support for your achievement. 

Tracy surfs and paddles a full Carbon Mega Boost High Performance Surf Kayak made right here in Jervis Bay Australia. For full specs and details on option please contact us here at Mega Surf Kayaks Australia to discuss how we can assist you. 

Well Done Tracy. 

Check out this great article from the Sth Coast Register about Tracy Achievements.

http://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/1671781/gibson-rides-a-wave-of-success/?cs=204

Ross & Janet Boardman and the Team at JBK

Directors Jervis Bay Kayak Co / Mega Surf Kayaks Australia / Seaward Kayaks Australia 

JBK Solomon Islands Trip Report - Tracy Gibson

JBK Solomon Island’s Blog Write Up

By Tracy Gibson

Photos by Terry Davies, Karen Baker and Tracy Gibson

The JBK Solomon Islands adventure is always one of pure discovery. From the moment we meet at the airport we are embarking on an experience that is so unique and so special that you never want it to end.

The group excitement was high as we touched down at the small remote airport of Seghe on New Georgia Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

 

 Seghe Airport Morovo Lagoon - Solomon Islands

Having already traveled via several modes of transport that day we boarded a boat to take us across to the Uepi Island Resort to kick back and relax under the Palm trees with a well-earned cold drink. Uepi Island is part of a chain of coral islands (Toba) that lies right on the edge of the Morovo Lagoon which is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world. Surrounded by stunning coral and deep water the fish life for diving and snorkeling truly blows your mind and its protected waters are the perfect playground for kayakers.

After a few days relaxing to get into the groove of island life, we packed up the kayaks and headed out for our 6 Day paddling adventure. Our first day saw heavy rains give us a real taste of the intensity of the tropics, but in overcast conditions protecting us from the island heat we made good progress as we used the coral islands as protection, weaving in and out we reached our camp site on Sambulo Island at around 1pm. The skies cleared as we landed after covering our 15klms easily. After a great lunch we split up with some people going fishing, some reading in the shade and snoozing and some diving in for more snorkeling  We felt really spoilt as the staff from Uepi looked after us setting up camp and cooking wonderful meals. They even had our drinks cooling in an esky. That night was hot in the tents but we were dry under our huge tarp as we heard more heavy rain during the night.

Sunny skies greeted us the next day and after breakfast and another quick snorkel we took off under light winds. Paddling more open crossings today we again covered our 15klm at a leisurely pace stopping often to take photos and absorb the wonderful vista’s all around.  Pictures don’t do justice to the incredible unspoilt beauty of this place. As we cruised along the Toba it was like paddling back in time.

  

The JBK Paddlers Team Solomon Islands 2013

Our next campsite on Njapanjomo Island got even more spectacular. Again all set up for our arrival we positioned ourselves on a pristine white sand beach as the wind increased on the water we had timed our paddle over to perfection missing the choppy conditions. After lunch there was more snorkeling to do as we were right on the edge of a deep drop with bight coloured coral walls and abundant fish life. Terry took to the kayak and pulled in a beautiful Coral Trout for dinner. After another fantastic meal over an open fire we kicked back to enjoy the night sky and watch the distant lightning storm. We awoke to a magical sunrise and after two days camping we were moving across the lagoon to stay at Chubikobi village lodge on Vangunu Island. On the way we visited several villages and talked with the local people. Local carvers had brought their wares to display and a couple of us bought some beautiful wooden pieces to take home.

Tracy , Terry and Aerem - The Three Amigos ( HUH )

 A subsistence living people the villages exist with what they grow in their gardens or catch from the sea and carvings in wood and stone are another source of income for the local people. Visiting and staying in the villages is really what sets this trip apart from your average holiday. Talking first hand to people who have fought to save their communities and land from international logging operations, how they work to educate their children and how they keep their traditional history alive puts into perspective how special this place is and how easily it could be destroyed. It was a common sight to see children and families going to school or church in dugout canoes and people going from village to village for trade or to visit neighbors.

Traditional Duout Canoe

 These dugout canoes were used hundreds of years ago and not much has changed in the way they are made and what they are used for. We were a curious sight I’m sure in our bright coloured plastic kayaks with rudders???

                Blessed with light following winds again all day we made it to Chubikobi in the mid afternoon. Time to freshen up with a shower and have a relaxing evening on the deck overlooking the water, listening to the children practicing their singing in the church on the hillside.  The next morning we toured the village seeing the schools and church up close. The teacher invited us in so we could talk with the children and they decided to sing us a few songs. Who knew such strong voices could come out of such small children as they nearly lifted the roof of the place with their enthusiasm. As a large group we are granted privileges most people don’t get to experience in the Solomon’s. By getting out away from the resorts our Solomon’s journey becomes a very personal one. Today we only had a short 10klm to paddle through the mangrove fringes of the island as a boast was to collect us and all our gear and transfer us to the other side of the lagoon for the last three days. Called Nono Lagoon this area is part of the Hele reef system. Our base for the last three nights of the trip was Matikuri Island. A small eco lodge built their by Ben and his wife Jillian, this islands sits on the edge of a more open area of the lagoon. The sago palm huts and communal buildings provide a really relaxed environment combined with the fact that it only accommodates really small groups makes you feel very at home here.

Sea Kayaks on the deck at Matikuri overlooking the Morovo Lagoon

Great snorkelling is right on your doorstep as you drop in off the deck into crystal clear waters. This place provided us with great options to explore for our remaining paddling days. The weather was perfect for a trip to Babata Passage with following SE trade winds and a swell pushing us in the right direction. Bapata is an area surrounded by mangroves with a narrow pass, half natural and half man made by the Australian Army during WWII, you weave your way through with overhanging trees to an open small lagoon with tall limestone cliffs and an area of reef protecting it from open sea. Here the sea level is higher than the lagoon so the waves create small waterfalls across the reef. We pulled up in an idyllic location overlooking the cliffs were the locals were collecting a seaweed delicacy that tasted like salty popcorn. The snorkeling was again overwhelming with turtles, sharks and different species of clown fish. We arranged for a boat pick up so we didn't have to paddle the extra 10km on the open return journey.

Village Visit at Chubikobi

Our last day we adjusted our plans as the swell and wind were still strong to take in the islands surrounding Matikuri. Home for lunch, we snorkeled and played in the kayaks all afternoon. As the sun set we rested on the deck over hanging the water with a few Solbrew’s, the Solomon Islands only beer. We chatted and joked about all the experiences we had shared during the week (Including picking up a Coconut, drawing a face on it, calling it Wilson and making it a shared 12th member of our group) and after dinner we danced the night away to the sounds of a traditional pipe band playing for us on the deck well into the evening.

It was hard to single out something as a favourite on this trip. We had seen so much and been touched by so many. On the flight home I sat quietly and reflected on what an incredibly diverse and beautiful  place the Morovo and Nono lagoon is. This is a once in a lifetime experience and you need to see it now in all its unspoilt and unchanged natural wonder.

Let Jervis Bay Kayak Company take you on your Solomon Islands adventure of discovery.

Be sure not to miss your place in 2014!!!!

JBK at the Outdoor Trade Show - Canberra 2013

The JBK Team made our yearly pilgrimage to the SOTA Outdoor Trade Show in Canberra this week to check out the Next Season's New Gear and discuss the upcoming trends and Technologies in the Outdoor Industry.

 Matty Goodwin with Casey at Pyrnanha & P& H. - Cool White Water Gear

 Mark Wells from Paddle Pro with Matt with the NEW Core-Four SUP Range Coming Soon to JBK

Of particular Note was the ever changing technologies in Layered Clothing and Outer Wear and the new ranges and accessories in the Kayak Fishing Market.

Wilderness Systems are the clear leaders in the lightweight Sit On Top Kayak Market with the Tarpon Series

The JBK Team has focused it's energy on ensuring that we have access to the newest gear and in the coming months as we head into Spring some amazing new ranges of Stand Up Paddle Boards , Apparel, and Accessories will be arriving in store.

 

Ross Boardman @ 115kg proving the strength and rigidity of the Inflatable C4 iSUP - Incredibly compact when packed up and a full size full featured board at 20psi. Great for Caravaners / Travellers / Grey Nomads.

Werner Paddles - New Nitro and Carve SUP Paddle - Very Nice

Give us a call or drop into the Store and we can update you on what we liked at the show and make recommendations on the  best way to get the most out of your investment in your Outdoor Equipment.

All the Best

Rossco.

JBK Staff Christmas Party

A great night out out at the Dunn Lewis Ctr in Ulladulla Ten Pin Bowling was had by the JBK Team and Families last Tuesday Night. It was brilliant to relax and have some serious competition with the Team and see who could take out the Title. The overall Winner was Sam Boardman with the Barnestorming speed and Brute force but the real winners were the Goodwin Girls having a Smile from Ear to Ear all night. 

 Matt and the girls checking out the action

JBK Team at the Dunn Lewis Ten Pin Ctr

 JBK's Janet Boardman sizing up her weapon of choice

Sam Boardman at the food.

Dinner at the Italian Pizza Restaurant in Ulladulla topped the night off. What a great night and really great to see the kids having a ball.

Cheers

Rossco

KAYAKTOPIA 2012 - OCT 27TH & 28TH

Only 1 day till Kayaktopia 2012 on the magnificent shores of Jervis Bay. Come on down and test paddle, touch and feel the best the Paddlesports Industry has to offer both here in Australia and around the World. We have a fantastic roll up of manufacturers and new products to view and discuss your next Sea Kayaking Adventure with the Professional Staff here at JBK.

Don't miss Kayaktopia 2012 , door prizes foe registered attendees and for every $100 spent you will receive an entry into the brand new Pura SR120 from Seaward Kayaks Australia.

Register Now Here

Kokatat Paddling Jackets now in store.

JBK's Tracy Gibson with our new stock of Kokatat Paddling Jackets.

 

 Synonymous with quality and protection the Kokatat Range are designed to provide maximum comfort and superb fit and function. Kokatat Outer Wear and PFDs are the choice of our Team and we invite you to drop and try them on for yourselves.

 

Putting the Pac-Lite Goretx Paddling Jacket to the test in the Queen Charlotte Strait BC Canada 2011

Jervis Bay Perfection

The closing stages of winter ( or what I call Sprinter )has put on a show of amazing warm conditions and beautiful calm seas and as our last weeks of Monday Closing draw to an end the Staff at JBK are making the most of their days of the water. 

Janet and Myself spent three hours yesterday lolling around on Hire SUPs in the Husky area and took in the warmth.Light Breezes make for some interesting technique changes as we regained our winter balance, and the "occasional "swim. Looking forward to a long hot summer with plenty more of this, so Book into a Hire Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard and experience the change of Winter into Spring on Jervis Bay Today.

Contact Us Today to arrange a hire or book into a course to refresh your skills for the season ahead.

All the Best

Ross Boardman 

JBK Teram

New Arrivals - Walden & McTavish Stand Up Paddleboards in Store NOW

JBK Instructor Matt Goodwin taking delivery of our new stock of Walden "Magic" Stand Up Paddle Boards ... 

Come in NOW to Jervis Bay Kayak Co and check out the new range of Walden Step Deck SUPs and the superb McTavish Double Flyer Tail SUP 9'6. Check out the full range of Trident Carbon and Hybrid SUP Paddles and accessories on our On-Line Paddlesports Superstore.

See our range of Boards, Bags and Paddles in store today or organize your first lesson this Spring!

Epic Lunch Breaks

So it's Lunch time, the sun is shining and the wind is blowing off shore. What better way to spend the break from the office than to change into my paddling gear and get out for a quick dash on our Demo V8 EPIC ski.

This is a fast yet stable machine, very light and responsive. With an EPIC Mid Wing Blade in your hands it is a brilliant way to get your heart rate up and get your daily exercise in while enjoying being out there on the water.
Available for daily Demo Paddles from our Store in Huskisson, call us to arrange your test paddle today.

Best Regards
                                                                                                               
Tracy Gibson - Jervis Bay Kayak Co 

Sea Kayaking Trips to the Solomon Islands 2013

Our new Sea Kayaking in the Solomon Islands Video is finished and a big thanks to Tracy for editing and putting together this sensational Sea Kayaking Trip Video. The Solomon Islands is one of the most beautiful regions in the world and is perfectly suited to Multi-day Sea Kayaking Trip where we stay in the local Morovo Eco Lodges and have plenty of time to meet the villagers and experience Village and Subsistence life with these beautiful people.

Join us in 2013 on one of our custom Solomon Islands Sea Kayaking Adventures and experience a True Adventure holiday with JBK Travel. 

JBK Humpbacks spotted today in Jervis Bay

Ross and I decided to spend our first closed winter Monday on the water to see if we could spot some Whales. The sun was shining, the water was warm and a light Westerly wind was blowing so anything else was going to be a bonus. After an hour on the water we were rewarded with  6 Humpback whales cruising past, one of which was white!! Affectionately known as Migaloo. We saw it come to the surface a couple of times so we are both certain of it. We almost forgot to record anything as we were enjoying the sight so much but if you look closely we just managed to take a photo of one of the Humpbacks in the distance, unfortunately not the white one.

Humpback Whale off the bow

After a coffee and relax on the beach enjoying the warm winter sun we headed home - no more whale sightings but we were visited on one or two occasions by a seal and a turtle.

A reminder of how wonderful the paddling in Jervis Bay is in winter

Janet Boardman - JBK Team

JBK SOLOMON ISLANDS - MOVIE TRAILER HERE NOW

This movie straight from the cutting room floor from Tracy Gibson. Cannot wait to see the full version, very exciting.



Stay tuned here and on Facebook for the full Solomon Islands Adventure.

JBK Solomon Islands Expedition - Trip Report

Solomon Islands Expedition – Morovo Lagoon

4th – 12th June 2012

JBK Participants: Petra Booij, Liz Ferguson, Rachel Seath, Cath Naismith, Peter Jones, Terry Davies, Julie Lamont, Di Brack, Sue Feary. JBK Leader : Tracy Gibson

Day One (4th June)

            We started the trek to Sydney early and arrived at 4:30am to check in our bags and paddles.

            With the group assembled and excited about the adventure ahead we settled into our day of travel. Four modes of Transport later (Three Aircraft and a Boat transfer) we were welcomed with open arms (and a complimentary cocktail) by Grant Kelly from the Uepi Island Dive Resort, which would be our home for the next two days to prepare for the paddling trip.

The Magic Uepi Island Resort

            The following day was spent getting orientated with our equipment and packing dry bags as well as doing the most amazing snorkeling you could imagine. Uepi Island lies right on the outer Toba (Outer Coral Reef) which fringes and shelters the Morovo Lagoon. Hundreds of tropical fish varieties and stunning coral combined with 28degree water tempts had us snorkeling the edge of our Island paradise for literally hours. The resorts dinning and bar area look directly over the water so it was easy to settle into a few SolBrew beers at the end of the day and enjoy the wonderfully fresh banquet of food cooked by the local islanders.

 Group on the Water - Photo Tracy Gibson

            The trip got underway the next morning in beaming sunshine and hot conditions. Water clarity is incredible in the Lagoon and we were paddling over coral bombies and past lushly forested islands all the way cruising along the Toba to our lunch break.

A tropical storm blew in as we were getting ready to leave so we waited for the winds to ease a little before heading onto our proposed camp site on Sambolu Island. The rain and storm cell intensified with lightning and thunder becoming more regular as we neared our destination. Our Solomon Islander crew had set the camp already for the night but had not yet put our tents up giving us the option to stay and ride out the nights storm on the Island or be boated back to the Uepi Island Resort to get dry. While some were up for the adventure we elected as a group to take advantage of the spare rooms available at the resort as all flights in or out had been cancelled that afternoon.

  Morovo Village By Sea Kayak - Photo Tracy Gibson

The next morning, after an extra hardy cooked breakfast at Uepi, we were back on the boats and motoring back to our Kayaks and gear. The Uepi crew were preparing to move the camp to our next overnight stop on Njapchanjomo Island. The day started out wet and overcast but this actually made for comfortable paddling conditions out of the usual tropical heat. With regular stops for drinks and snacks we made the most of our tailwinds surfing the kayaks along. Our camp was set up as we pulled onto the beach. A small village was built at one end of the island and our camp set at the other which offered us stunning views of the sunset that evening. Some went exploring the Island on foot or Snorkelling as Terry and Aeram, our Solomon’s Guide, headed out fishing outside the Reef where it drops off the coral shelf. The boys came back with a huge Spanish Mackerel and another smaller fish. The crew cooked a wonderful BBQ that night that included Sausages, Marinated Chicken and fried rice and now some Spanish Mackerel!. Most of the fish Terry and Aeram then offered to the Solomon family living on the Island which they excitedly accepted.

 Morovo Lagoon Kids - Photo Terry Davies

This Solomon Island Expedition was always going to be as much about the Culture as it is about the Paddling and Snorkelling. We were excited then the next day as we left camp for a Local Lodge run by the Village church community at Chubakopi. We had sunny and glassy conditions all morning as we paddled from the outer reef area to the main Island of Vangunu. This Island and New Georgia Island are where most of the Villages are located and the majority of the population lives in the Morovo Lagoon.

  Morovo Lagoons - Matikuri Lodge - Terry Davies

 Along the way we had a stop at the village of Cheke to see the eel fish people there treat as pets in the river and shopped at a small market set up with carvings, bags and baskets created by the local people. Here we started to see the result of what unregulated logging is doing in the area and it was a real eye opener for the potential it has to destroy this fragile environment. We moved onto lunch at the village of Karjoro where we were greeted by men in a traditional Solomon War Canoe.

 Solomon Islands - War Canoe in full dress - Photo Tracy Gibson

All dressed up and with one with spear and shield in hand, these men used to hunt the heads of white people or attack (or defend) from incursions from other villages. It was a mesmerising display and everyone had come out of their houses to watch and wave as we arrived. A special lunch was layed out for us of many traditional island delicased, my favourite was the fried sweet bananas and fresh coconut drunk and eaten straight from the source. Our overnight stay at Chubikopi village was short but gave us an interesting perspective on how a bigger village operates. We toured the new school and village before heading off again to snorkel at the site of a crashed P38 Bomber from the War on our way to the naturally rustic and picturesque Matikuri Eco Lodge.

 A very laid back and relaxed setting we got very comfortable with Island life here again as it was to be our home for the final three nights of the trip. With a fridge powered by generators to keep the SolBrew Beer and Coke cool Benjamin and his wife Jillian made us feel part of the family here and were fantastic hosts not to mention fabulous cooks!!. They even organized the local pipe band “Kavakoasa” to come to the island one evening for a night of Solomon music and dancing.

 Kavakoasa Pipe Band at Matikuri Eco Lodge

The following day saw sunny and glassy conditions again for our crossing to Bapata Passage. We followed narrow Mangrove Passages to a small reef fringed lagoon of beautiful Corals and fish life for snorkelling with the stunning backdrop of steep Limestone cliffs. This also allowed us to pop outside the lagoon to play in the open ocean swell as another afternoon rain storm hit. Gone as quickly as it came we turned around for the paddle back and a game of Kayak Frisbee on the way.



Our final days paddle was a shorter one which took us 7klm to Kuacha Is. To snorkel all day on the Reef. This particular place has a fantastic Ship wreck to see with coral and fish now making it their home. Your eyes widen and you hold your breath as you snorkel off the beach across the shallows to be greeted by this awesome structure standing silently in its watery home.

 Japanese Fishing Trawler - Perched on the reef in 4000feet of water - Photo Terry Davies

As we paddled back I took time to reflect on the huge variety of things we had seen in on 9 short days. This Solomon Islands trip is one of true adventure. Still remote and non-commercialised the stillness of the Lagoon is only broken by the sounds of children singing in Dug Out Canoes or the wind as a rain storm blows briefly in. A subsistence living people, the cultural and natural experience of this place makes our Solomon Islands trip Adventure one to remember for a lifetime.

 Morovo Sunset

JBK - Travel. Solomon Islands Expedition.2012

JBK Paddlers - have arrived back from their 9 days in the Solomon Islands. We will await a trip report from the guys and can't wait to hear the stories that come out of these amazing Sea Kayaking Trips.

Seaward Kayaks to be used in an Incredible Adventure.

 Check out the new Seaward Sponsorship of Wave Vidmar's attempt to paddle from San Francisco to Maui. This 3000 Nautical Mile Trip is anticipated to take well into 50 days of Sea Kayaking in a purpose built Seaward Passat G3 Sea Kayak. The last time this was attempted was 25 years ago.

JBK Paddlers Trip - Solomon Islands

Tracy Gibson and the JBK Paddlers departed on Monday this week for the Solomon Islands and the Morovo Lagoon. At last report they had settled in to some nice Kayaking and heading down the coast towards Sambulo and tomorrow to Njapchanjomo and Chubikopi Village on the Island of Vanagnu to stay in the Village Eco Lodge. They are reportedly loving the Isolation and Beauty of this incredible region. Check out Google Earth and see what an incredible place this really is.  

JBK - Ningaloo Reef Explorer Sea Kayaking Trip

Ningaloo Reef Trip 

 JBK's Matt and Ross and some of our JBK Paddlers Club Members are back from an unforgettable week paddling and snorkeling the Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth in northwest WA.

JBK Paddlers with Neridah from CSK WA

 

Syd balancing on the kayak after an offshore snorkel.Great Face.

After a couple of comfortable flights from Sydney up to Exmouth, Monday saw us embark on our adventure into the Cape Range National Park to set up our 'home sweet home' base camp just 100m behind the sand dunes that protect the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef Lagoon. We were pleasantly surprised with some of the creature comforts on offer, especially a couple of Eskies full of ice to keep our drinks cool after a long day's paddling. There was no sitting around though once home base was organised, as it was straight into 5k warm up paddle and offshore snorkel to give us a taste of the week that was to come. It was certainly a new experience for Matt to anchor his kayak 2km offshore, tie a couple of others onto it, them jump out and swim away!

Taking a break at Sandy Bay

On Tuesday and Wednesday the group was treated to some of the finest paddling and snorkeling Australia has to offer as we made our way northwards along the fringing coral reefs that characterise this special part of the world. We put in around 15km each day, punctuated by great food at each break, beautiful beaches and fantastic snorkeling sites which kept getting better as the week progressed. 

 Ningaloo Sunset - Absolute Perfection

I think I can speak for everyone in saying Thursday was one of the highlights of the week (not just for the bacon and egg breakfast). It's not just about paddling in this part of the world, some of the walking tracks that take in the ancient gorges that slice through the Cape Range are more than worth seeing. After a spectacular 2hr trek through the Munda Munda Gorge it was back into the water for a quick snorkel, a well deserved icecream at the Milyering Visitors Centre, and a bit more paddling to my favourite spot of the week, the Lakeside Bomboras, where we had some close encounters with a couple of the friendliest turtles you could ever meet. 

Sunrise on Friday morning was a treat. As most of our intrepid group of 11 had opted to sleep under the stars in a swag, we were greeted with the sight of a purple then red then orange then yellow sky as the sun slowly rose over the range. We reluctantly packed up the campsite and paddled for the last time, ticking over our 50^th km of the week as we pulled into Mangrove Bay, a haven for stingrays, turtles and a diverse range of birdlife including Osprey and Sea Eagles. 

We were all a bit sad to come to the end of the paddling trip, however there was a sense of great anticipation as Saturday was the day of the Whale Shark snorkeling cruise with 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive. An experience snorkeling with Whale Sharks is on many travelers' 'bucket list', and despite the slightly stiff breeze on the day, there was no shortage of excitement as our lauch the Draw Card motored through the outer reef in search of the giants. As the spotter plane circled overhead, excitement reached a peak when an 8m male Whale Shark was spotted and our group slipped into the water in front of it for a sight we won't ever forget as the shark gracefully cruised past. 

We swam with two more sharks before the day was finished, another male which was nearly 9m long, and a very friendly girl shark which kindly circled our group allowing for everyone to get a fantastic view and some photos that will go straight to the pool room!

JBK Paddlers - Swimming with Whale Sharks 

It was a wonderful end to what had been a huge week for all of us. The Team at JBK would like to thank all of those on who accompanied us on the trip; Peter T, Karen, Bev, Peter H, Barry, Angela, Di and Sidney. Ross and I both had a great time and I'm sure everyone will agree we couldn't have asked for better traveling friends.

We would love to also thank Neridah, our guide from Capricorn Sea Kayaking whose expert knowledge of the Ningaloo Reef, chef quality cooking skills, eagle eyes and tireless attention to the smaller details made the trip so enjoyable. 

Best Regards 

Matt Goodwin - JBK Sea Kayaking Instructor / Guide 

Epic Kayaks NEW Authorised Dealer on the Sth Coast of NSW

Epic Kayaks have arrived in Jervis Bay. JBK are please to announce that we are now Shoalhaven & Sth Coast Region Region's Authorised Dealer for the amazing EPIC Kayak range.

This innovative world class Ultra Light range of Racing/ Fitness / and Touring Craft has been at the forefront of Composite Design the World Over for over 10 years and is the craft of choice of World Champion Racing Paddlers.

The unmistakable EPIC Logo, seen at every Paddlesport Race Event Worldwide

Drop in and check out the EPIC V8 & Epic V10 Racing Skis/ EPIC 18X Sport Sea Kayak / EPIC 16X Sport Sea Kayak / and the Ultra Light EPIC GPX Recreational Kayak all in store at JBK Hawke Street Huskisson Jervis Bay NSW .

JBK Sea Kayaking Guide Ash McDonald checks out the Epic Range In-store and On-Line Now at JBK.