A training run in the Illawarra

Day 1 : Bulli to Kiama

Distance : 48km

The first big training day kicked off with an early start. The boats were packed and loaded as the sun came up over Bulli beach as we trepidatiously waited for enough light to launch the boats. Reece and Joel left the beach with apparent ease, however Davin found it necessary to recieve a face wash on the way out copping a wave in the face and loosing his hat. With the hat found the three boys were on their way and enjoying the comfort of the Nadgee kayaks as they cruised towards Wollongong. 

After a quick stop to stretch the legs we were back on our way,  the wind had whipped up to 15knots which made for some fun wave surfing all the way into Kiama. At Kiama we had another quick stop, this time to fill up on a delicious milkshake (I wonder we will get these in the Bass strait), then it was back in the boats, this time heading North, back to where we had come from. We hoped to camp at a beach called the Farm but this required an hour struggle into 15knot headwinds. After 40km of paddling, this was tough!!! However, all was rewarded when we landed on a beautiful beach, protected from the North-easter. We set up camp for the night and bunkered down for an amazing lighting show.

The next morning we left at the break of dawn. The weather was predicted to turn so we needed to maximise the slight winds. The trip back to Bulli was one of the best paddles we have enjoyed. The weather was calm, the sea was flat and the sealife was out in force. We saw sharks, seals, and dolphins on our way along the beautiful coastline. All in all, it was a fantastic trip and reminded us all why we want to see Australia's beautiful coastline by kayak.