I took out my race board today for the first time since our big quake in February. As it turned out it couldn't have been a better day. Clear frosty start (just 2 deg air temp) and glassy smooth across the whole harbour. It was the flattest water I have ever paddled! No one else about, just me and the birds for a leisurely 5km paddle.

And even better I wasn't at work!!


Parked up at Rapaki Bay



Not a breath of wind and no boats to disturb the peace or mess up the oily surface





My trusty Bark 12'6 fitted with a bottle cage (I hate wearing a backpack) and GPS