The great thing about paddling the Shoalwater area is the variety of conditions and wildlife on o er depending on the time of year. On our recent paddle we were blessed with a light off-shore breeze, no swell and crystal clear skies and water.
Twelve of us headed o from beside the Bent Street jetty in Safety Bay and made our way across the pond which at low tide was almost totally enclosed so the option was either a short drag/portage over the beach or some ‘knuckle-work’ at the entrance.
Without any swell there was no opportunity for surfing on the bar so we paddled due west around the rocks to the south of Penguin Island, struggling to keep up with Sandra who took o like a rocket. Then headed north along the western side of Penguin Island where we were able to weave our way through the bombies in the incredibly calm conditions. Kate and
I were surprised by a dolphin that breached right alongside her at this spot and I could watch it swim past me upside down because of the amazingly clear conditions. Luckily I had decided against the tuna omelette for breakfast and was completely ignored.
After a delicious, high quality and incredibly nutritious snack provided by myself we headed further north and on to the eastern side of Seal Island. We joined several other kayakers and boats just outside the exclusion zone to watch the sea lions playing around on the shore and in the water among us. Continuing further north our next stop was Bird Rock to catch up with the resident osprey where Sandra also spied some osprey chicks. It was becoming more and more like a Discovery Channel event. From here we headed back along the inside of the islands to the starting point for a total distance of ~14km. Brian tested out my Greenland paddle on the return leg and I reacquainted myself with the alternative. It’s amazing how quickly your brain can switch between paddling styles. The trip had pretty much everything you could hope for. Great weather, clear water, abundant wildlife and the only thing missing according to Andrew was swell and surf. I’ll have to organise another trip so we can include those. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to Mark Stallbaum for the photos.
