Sunshine Reef Splitters, 08Aug12

Trip Report by Turtleboy
Wind: Westerly, 5 to 10 knots
Swell: Small from the SE
Water conditions: Clear
Launch point: Sunshine Dog Beach
Participants: Jaro, Jimbo, Wendy and Pete, Turtleboy

The group was split for today's paddle. Richmond, Solmon and Yakfinn launched from MG bound for Halls Reef, whilst Jaro, Jimbo and I left from Sunshine Dog Beach. Wendy and Pete did the daily double, launching from MG and paddling around to Sunshine Reef in a tandem.



Wendy and Pete in their tandem at Sunshine Reef.

Jim and Jaro had already made it to their marks, by the time I launched at Sunshine. We were all assisted by quite a strong cool and offshore predominantly westerly. Even cooler if you had to take a wave over the bow as I did getting out through the surf zone. Later, I heard that Jim took the award from the dry bum launch of the day and Jaro suffered the same fate as me.

Jaro picked up a MacTuna trawling on the way out with his sail set and going no doubt quicker than the 2.8 kph natural unassisted drift. He focused primarily on locations approximately 1 to 1.5 klms directly off our launch point and a little north.

Jim and I ventured further north off A Bay. In close it was a lot warmer whilst protected from the wind. During the morning we thought we heard a transmission announcing that Richmond had hooked up on a large fish. After a while I paddled to Hells Gate so as to get a clear line of sight to Halls Reef and was able to connect with Jeff and confirm that he had in fact boated a nice Longtail Tuna. See separate report. Well done Richmond.

Towards the end of the trip Jim, Jaro and I were joined by Wendy and Pete at a point known as A503. We were getting small bite-offs and eventually I caught a trigger fish. He was one of the culprits responsible for my growing collection of SP stumpys.

Meanwhile back on the beach at around 10.30, Sunshiner had arrived and small crowd started to gather. Wendy and Pedro decided to wait around and witness the surf skills, and or, carnage. Jim in ok, my timing ok but unfortunately Jaro was not able to repeat his famous Epic ride and took a little swim to cool off. Whooo went the crowd.

So at the end of the day the Sunshine Beach Olympics standings are as follows

Jimbo - Gold
Turtleboy - Silver
Jaro - Bronze

Video of the beach landings, courtesy of Sunshiner productions.



After washing down and reloading the kayaks on the roof racks we all agreed it was at least a good upper body work out.

Thanks for the paddle guys and thanks to Wendy and Pete for coming over. The duo last seen with Pete in the back with his feet up and hands behind his head enjoying the sunshine. Wendy up front paddling like crazy back to MG!

Regards,

TurtleBoy