Sale to Sea Challenge 2013

Photo courtesy of Rohan at East Coast Kayaking

In a few short days I and many others will embark on a marvellous challenge, to kayak 120 kilometres from the Port of Sale to Lakes Entrance in Victoria across 4 days.

The event is called Sale to Sea and is a kayak challenge for people of all abilities.The event also raises money for Limbs4life, and for those living with disabilities, some who want to attend the next Paralympic Games.

I came to know about the challenge as a school friend, Mary spoke about the event and her wishing to participate in celebration of her beautiful daughter. Was there someone out there who wanted to come?

Hell yeah, that was all the encouragement I needed. Who would not want to paddle with a group of people, all wanting to enjoy the beauty of the Gippsland Lakes? I should explain that not having been in a sea kayak or having any concept of the skill involved was no barrier, I just said yes, the detail I would work out later I reasoned. Sometimes you just have to jump......

For all particpants the challenge will be exactly that- a personal challenge. I know that I will struggle with the distance having tested my endurance only to 20 kilometres and being at novice level. I am hopeful my enthusiasm will compensate for a lack of technique. But for me this is more about hanging out with like minded people who appreciate the value of life and feel a tremendous sense of wonder when in the natural world. All this in an organised event run by Andrew Bedggood and Sale to Sea leaders who understand safety and have every contigency in place.

So I signed up for a Sea Starter course with East Coast Kayaking. Simon and Peter my instructors were fabulous and even in the first couple of hours I was racking up mental tips to help me sort out the bad habits I had so quickly developed. Then I jumped into Beyond Basics with East Coast a week later and a trip with instructors Rohan and Raia from Mushroom Reef to Gunnamatta Beach. And it was on this trip that I realised the distance I was about to attempt. Insert healthy dose of respect!

So while I passionately hope that I make the distance and can motivate others to, for me the real goal is to breathe, and immerse myself in this amazing treasure in our backyard. I want to re-connect and hopefully life will slow down and simplify for four blissful days and I will find myself smiling and surprised by what I can achieve.

I will keep you posted!


"The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears or the sea." Isak Dinesan