U3A Tauranga Inc.

Three U3A members and three others joined Tim Taylor, a well known local kayaker, for a morning kayak around the Mount.

The morning started with an informative safety briefing and Tim made sure everyone was comfortable and individually adjusted each persons kayak. He individually supported each of us to ensure we were through a small surf break at the waters edge.

Then, in the lee of Leisure Island, we had time to get familiar with the kayak and Tim gave advice as needed. All found the gentle motion of the kayak to be natural and experienced the freedom of the natural water environment.

A steady paddle took us off the Mount where we all rafted together for a photo, then into the still water some know as shark alley. We did not worry the resident seals and they continued their frollicking a few meters away while Tim told us about the history of the area.

There was some brisk paddling into the chop of the tide running in the harbour entrance, however the supplied kayaks were stable.

By keeping close to the Mount shore, waving to the walkers going around the Mount, the tide carried us around to Pilot Bay. After sitting for almost 2 hours standing up on a sloping beach in soft sand was a challenge.

Thank you Tim for your professionalism and attention to your customers which made the experience so enjoyable for us all.

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