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

JBK - Women In Kayaking Weekend.

Well it was a beautiful sunny, hot weekend for our Women in Kayaking, (WIKS) program held on the 7th/8th February 2009. With the forecast for 30+ degrees and strong winds we held the skills day at Palm Beach at Sanctuary Point. Totally protected from the Northeaster the ladies started the day with the basics on equipment orientation and handling.

Bonnie Tregenza demonstating correct technique for lifting and carying a sea kayak .

We moved through stroke techniques on the water, and while there were some nervous starters everyone quickly picked up the skills and gained their confidence quickly. With the promise of extra Carrot Cake for the first to capsize there was great commitment shown in the Sweep stroke practice session with Cate getting the honors of first one to take a swim. The rescue techniques followed in groups with everyone learning to perform a Wet exit, Assisted Rescue and Paddle Float Self Rescue. The girls dealt well with their reservations about capsizing with big smiles and lots of laughs and encouragement.

After a great first outing everyone pulled up well for our Jervis Bay Explorer Paddle the next day. With the same weather forecast we filled our kayaks with delicious morning tea and headed out from Callala Bay for a fantastic paddle to Carama Inlet and Hare Bay. Crystal Clear water and a dolphin or two gave us a brilliant morning on the water as we chatted and paddled taking in the surrounds of the Marine Park. After a relaxing stop for coffee/cake and fruit on a deserted beach we had the wind behind us for a nice ride home surfing the waves. Thankyou to Maria for "volunteering" to demonstrate a capsize in "real terms" as a sneaky gust of wind played with us near shore.

Well done to all the ladies on our weekend ... Everyone paddle extremely well and Bonnie and I had a great time kayaking with you all. We look forward to seeing you on the Women in Kayaking Program Part 2 on the 4th/5th of April 2009.

Our Next Overnight Womens Kayak Camping Trip ( WIKS In the Sticks ) is also planned for the 16th - 17th May 2009.

Cheers - Tracy Gibson JBK Training Cordinator / Sea Instructor

JBK STAFF - Whitewater Christmas Party

It's that time of year again and before we get into the swing of summer operations, the decision was made to combine our Christmas Party with some serious fun. To do this Tracy's suggestion of a morning paddle in the Fun Yaks at Penrith Whitewater Stadium was a reality.



JBK Staff - Tracy Gibson,Bonnie Tregenza,Ross Boardman,Sam Boardman,`Mat Goodwin,Janet Boardman, Kim Hair, John Gibson ( (photographer)

The 8 of us in the Troop Carrier saw us heading to Penrith for a 1030 start.Geared up and ready to roll, the first rapid saw a 100% capsize rate, proving that we were no match for the power of the waterflow.Kim quickly swapped the Funyak for her carbon slalom kayak which made her feel right at home, whilst the rest of us made repeated attempts for clean runs with varying success. The waves got bigger and we swapped from singles to doubles


Mat & Sam Teamwork keeps the boat upright

Some combinations achieved success whilst others proved disastrous as seemingly experienced paddlers, got drilled ,drowned, slid,and swam ( oops did I say "SWIM" )Yes Tracy I did say SWIM, about time eh guys, it transpires that we all swam a lot and suffered some nasty bruises but what a sensational outing.


Ross and Janet going over the edge.


Tracy in her element in a boat, no matter what type.


Bonnie going for broke



Kim looking pretty flash in her slalom boat

JBK - Womens Kayak Camping Trip ( WIKS in the Sticks Weekend)

Often the idea of paddling off to a distant overnight beach campsite is what allures us to the lifestyle of Sea Kayaking.That image of the tents on the beach, the campfire,great company and the reflection of the moon on the sea is certainly high on the priority of all of the JBK Team.


Couple this with a group of 5 very competent Women and you the have the recipe for some good laughs and the enjoyment that can only be had when you get away from it all.



In late September Tracy lead four ultra keen paddlers to the upper reaches of Jervis Bay for a weekend of laughs, challenges and maybe some Bundy and Coke, and set up camp in a beautiful little campsite overlooking the bay.

JBK'S first WIKS( Women in Kayaking ) in the Sticks weekend had all of the elements of any great expedition. The Weather played it's part promising some strong winds and certainly delivered some,so it was decided that early starts were the go as the return home saw them testing their skills in some sea conditions designed to test their new found skills and equipment. Clear skies prevailed and the weekend was a success with only wet bums and an appetite for more, as we plan to hold more of these weekends, where the freedom of the kayak is the key to accessing some brilliant locations in our area.


A big thanks to Shannon,Karen, Rachel, and Kerri for making our first WIKS in the Sticks a HUGE success and we look forward to seeing you all on later activities.

JBK Team.

JBK - Manufacture Mega Neutron RV Surf Kayak

The MEGA "Neutron RV" Surf Kayak ( Made Huskisson by JBK ) is featured in this short video. Footage was shot at Crescent Head NSW Australia. The MEGA Neutron RV'S ability to carve sharp turns and maintain high speed whilst charging down the line is highlighted clearly.



The "Mega Neutron" has a proven track record in Competitions Worldwide and the RV Model has a slightly higher volume in the rear than the earlier Neutron, the rails continue into the stern of this kayak improving it's carving ability. Release from the white water also cleaner allowing for better positioning when regaining the pocket.

In shooting this video we tried to concentrate on demonstrating the Neutron RV's unbelievable maneuverability and speed, all attributes required to gain the edge over the larger wave types and of course the competition.

Contact us for sales, courses and demos of the brilliant MEGA Surf Kayak Range.

Details :
Surfer - Tracy Gibson ( Jervis Bay Australia )
Footage - John Gibson,Sam James, Ross Boardman
Editing - Tracy Gibson

Regards

Ross Boardman
Mega Surf Kayaks Australia
Director Jervis Bay Kayak Co

JBK TEAM - Staff Training Day

Regular updates on Techniques, Safety and Operational Procedures are a regular facet of any business. The Team at JBK, are Outdoor Industry Professionals and take on such training with enthusiasm and even the Winter Water Temps don't stop our guys from throwing themselves in for some some serious and not so serious rescue and mishap management exercises. The event took place last Saturday and saw a mix of Theory, Presentations,and practical exercises that ensures the most up to date and current information is delivered to our customers at each level of activity.

Janet and I are proud to have a Staff of dedicated professionals ready to provide the highest level of care and detail to each and every activity and program JBK has on offer. Come on in and get to know our Team, we are sure you will agree that there is something unique about them.

Unlike other so called Kayak Stores, we are all avid and passionate kayakers guaranteeing the advice you receive on any given day, was implemented at some time whilst we were actually out running a course, guiding a trip, or social paddling. We don't feel the need to fabricate experience as we have been running this business for near on 15 years full time, running up thousands of hours of time on the water and more time dealing with maintenance,transport and the manufacture of kayaks.

The Fact is , we love it , we live for it.

Looking forward To meeting up with you at JBK.

Cheers

Ross Boardman
Sea Instructor L2 / Assessor Australian Canoeing.JBK Director
Manufacturer MEGA Surf Kayaks Australia

JBK - Mis-Adventure

This great bit of action shot at Crescent Head whilst on our annual Surf Kayaking Safari. The Combi may be familiar to some as it has appeared in some popular surf mags and websites. Tow in Surfers were visiting the area and decided to attempt the long drive north along Crescent Head Beach to Hat Head when disaster struck. Nicknamed the the "Pasha Volksa Stoka" , the sister ship of the now infamous bulk carrier the "Pasha Bulka" was relieved of its beaching on NSW's very own Nobby's Beach in Newcastle only the day before this disaster.Did the "Pasha Volksa Stoka" survive the ordeal, luckily the quick actions of the local cafe owner saved the day and after a serious flushing the old Volksy started first time.
Cheers Ross Boardman
Footage By Ross Boardman
Editing by Tracy Garner

JBK - Surf Kayaking

JBK - Factory & Warehouse

Based on a need for efficient working space for Manufacture of Mega Surf Kayaks and the recently acquired Dusky Bay Double Sea Kayak Patterns and Mould, coupled with our ever increasing need for secure storage, JBK has moved its warehouse into its new factory unit. 7 Mtr high storage and loads of floor space for laminating and fit out and repairs of kayaks, this new facility is two minutes from our store.

With our ability to stock and store a larger range of equipment and more space for more efficient manufacture, we will continue to strive for the best service to our clients and agents across the country.

We believe that JBK is perfectly positioned as one of the leaders to provide all facets of the kayak sports industry. Located 2.5 hours from Sydney and a similar distance from Canberra, opposite the shores of Jervis Bay, the JBK Team look forward to assisting you with all of your paddlesport needs.

Regards

Ross Boardman

JBK - Team Annual Staff Expedition

Each winter the Team at JBK Set aside some time to take on an adventurous challenge to push the limits of our paddling skills and trip planning. Last year we circumnavigated the Beecroft Peninsula. A 35km paddle that takes in the massive cliffs from Pt Perpendicular to Currarong and half of the coastline of Jervis Bay.
This year the scene was set to round the Berwherre Peninsula on the southern side of the bay.

This Sea Kayaking Trip is approx 28km in length and passes some of the tallest cliffs on Mainland Australia and is home to the resident Seal Colony and Little Penguins of Bowen Island. Little did we expect ( absolutely )to see some Humpbacks along the way and we were treated with no less than 16 migrating whales, sometimes too close for comfort. What a cracker this trip was.

I have done some amazing paddles in my life but this one is one of the most memorable ever.Thanks to Janet, Bonnie, Tracy and Matthew for a great day.

Rossco - JBK Director

JBK - New On Line Catalogue Posted

Its been a year in the making and we have finally released our Brand New On Line Catalogue.
Designed to operate as a fully functioning Web Store Stage 1 ( Almost Complete )boasts a fully featured web info service full of products that are in stock all year round. Take a few moments or a couple of days and peruse the massive product line up, and we are sure something will spark your interest in this amazing activity of ours. Stage II which will incorporate an on line purchasing system and will be released later in the year.


If you are still investigating the idea of getting into kayaking, check out our Hire, Course and Experience Package options. If you've already experienced our service, drop by and keep in touch, we value your comments and patronage.

Jervis Bay Kayak Co is the complete kayaking destination offering Sales , Courses, Trips, Manufacturing, and hire of equipment all year round.

In the words of our founder :

We love it, we live for it!

Cheers JBK Team

JBK - Education Sea Guide Assessments

Last thursday Sea Guide Level 2 Candidates - Matthew Goodwin, Bonnie Tregenza, and Fiona Semmens attended the final assessment event held at Murrays Beach Jervis Bay in the Booderee National Park. Preparation for this day is one that can't be underestimated, as candidates are required to not only exhibit sound paddling skills, guiding and workplace knowledge, but to have a depth of understanding in the field of group management whilst taking into account environment, climate, weather, and local conditions. To ensure a breadth and depth of experience candidates are also required to provide documented evidence of experience in the above. Armed with this knowledge and experience an on water assessment was conducted in open water conditions to satisfy the requirements of the highly rated Australian Canoeing Award.
As the industry assessor for Australian Canoeing in this area, it was a pleasure to conduct the event and confirm the satisfactory result for each of the candidates. I would like to thank Bonnie , Fiona and Mat for their preparedness as it is blatentley obvious when candidates are ill prepared, but no such case on this day was eveident.
Congratulations to each of you. Ross Boardman - Australian Canoeing Sea Assessor JBK

JBK - New Women in Kayaking Level 2 program

Take a group of 7 enthusiastic women and add some more advanced Sea Kayaking Skills and you have the elements of a sensational weekend. Although predicted to be adverse weather conditions Jervis Bay turned on a cracker with light winds and perfect sea conditions for our "Women in Kayaking Level 2 Program. Instructor Tracy Gibson, spent the weekend outlining the finer points of paddling and some mishap management practice ensured a higher level of skill and confidence was gained by the group.

Plenty of time is taken throughout this program to take in the sights and as you can see by the photo, the scenery in Jervis Bay is second to none. Thanks to Shona for the photos. Check our website for this and our huge range of Sea Kayaking programs to update your skills and get ready for the upcoming season to get the most out of your Sea Kayaking Equipment.

JBK - Congratulations Tracy & John

All of the Team at JBK would like to congratulate Tracy and John Gibson on their wedding day last Friday. Tracy, JBK's Training Cordinator and Head Instructor, Tracy Garner and JBK's Sea Instructor John Gibson were married in true Jervis Bay Perfection on Greenfield's Beach ( NSW Jervis Bay National Park's showcase beach) at 1pm on Friday the 2nd May followed by a brilliant reception on the Dolphin Watch Cruises Tekin III.The after party at Erowal Bay was enjoyed by all. We had such a great time and thank John and Tracy and their parents for a superb afternoon.

JBK Team - From Left : Bonnie Tregenza, Mat Goodwin,Andrew Mackenzie, Tracy and John Gibson, Ross Boardman,Sam Boardman, Janet Boardman, Ellen Boardman. ( Not pictured ) : Kim Hair, Mick Greaves, Denae Durante.

JBK - Featured in NSW tourism Advert

JBK Staff and images from our amazing area have been featured in the current NSW Tourism Adverts. Images and footage will be used to form television, print and targeted global advertising to attract tourists to the Shoalhaven Region.

You can view the advertisement on the NSW Tourism Corporate Site under Sth Coast Television Advert or cut and paste the links into your browser.

http://corporate.tourism.nsw.gov.au/ShoalhavenTVC_p2802.aspx

http://corporate.tourism.nsw.gov.au/South_Coast_Brand_TVC
_08_p2805.aspx

Photo of us at Murrays Beach on the Main NSW Site below :

http://images.tourism.nsw.gov.au/

Cheers Rossco

JBK Surf Kayaking - Surf Kayak Competition Gerroa

This Saturday the Make for the "Break Surf Kayak Club" held it's surf kayak Comp and Social Day at the Magnificent 7 Mile Beach on the Sth Coast of NSW. With a line up of old and some new faces competitors battled it out in 19 minute heats to reach a final heat in the mid afternoon. This Open Class Competition saw a range of craft from IC to HP Kayaks displaying the varying capabilities in some keenly contested competition.

Final Results :

1st Place : Mick Greaves (NSW Sth Coast)

2nd : Leah (Hobart Tasmania)

3rd Place : Andy Halliday (NSW Sth Coast)

JBK - SURF KAYAKING

Tracy and Ross have completed the draw for tomorrow's Surf Comp Social Day. Using a Gath helmet as the "hat" , keeping it real we have come up with our schedule which has men and women battling it out at Gerroa on Saturday. Prizes donated by Gath Sports, Solution Paddling Gear and Jervis Bay Kayak Co will be on offer for the top three paddlers on the day. Visiting surf kayakers from Tassie, Victoria and NSW should see a fun day with the "Make for the Break Surf Kayak Club " and hopefully some onlookers should make for a great day. Good luck to all. Photos in a day or so.

Sponsored by Mega Kayaks Australia and Jervis Bay Kayak Co. Prizes by Gath, Solution and Jervis Bay Kayak Co.