Sea Kayaking
Explore the unique range of coastal kayaking options on our doorstep. From the Marlborough Sounds in the east to Wanganui Inlet in the West and Nelson Lakes in the south, there is plenty of relatively sheltered coastline to keep a keen paddler busy and interested for years. Make use of quieter times on such hot spots as Abel Tasman. Introductory trips such as around Pepin Island (just north of Nelson) to more-committing ventures around D'Urville Island.
Safety: The weather is the main risk with sea kayaking; be sure to get a good up-to-date forecast for the area that you are paddling in (eg Sea Area Abel). Learn from an experienced person the weather signs from reading the clouds. If you are a total beginner consider teaming up with a more experienced person in one of the club's double sea-kayaks. In this way they are more stable and faster than most singles. It is important to know the tide timetable any situations.
There are many devices on the market that help keep you safe but some are more effective than others. Independent tests have been recently carried out on such safety devices (click here to download).
Winter Trips 2010
For details of the following trips please refer to the Events page
26-27 June - Matai Bay, Tennyson Inlet
3 July - Lake Rotoroa followed by mid-winter social at Owen River
24-25 July - Okiwi Bay, Croiselles Harbour
11-12 September - Totaranui, ATNP
For further information email seakayaking@nelsonkayakers.co.nz
Seakayaking in the Able Tasman National Park - DoC notes on visiting the islands.