Kayaking by Moonlight?

On Saturday night, nine of us had the opportunity to kayak down the Waikato River with Scott. Most of us had never been kayaking before and certainly never by night. We were a mixed bunch of Kiwis and International visitors.

We took the kayaks down to the river’s edge and were shown the technique of kayaking. We took to the water like ducks to a pond amidst lots of laughter, as the kayaks didn’t always go the way we were expecting.

The evening was superb and although during the day the weather had been cold and blustery, Scott had checked the weather forecast and the night was clear and calm, the water as smooth as glass.

After about 1/3 of the way down the river, the moon came up behind us and it is truly something that words cannot describe! Whoever said one can’t see at night was wrong – the moonlight was fabulous.

As the clouds were rather jealous of the fun and laughter the moon was providing, they rolled on in, but they did nothing to stop the fun and amusement. And believe me, you CAN see in the dark/night.

We kayaked down the river, through the main city centre of Hamilton, without hearing a single sound of nightclub ruckus (despite it being Saturday night) - only the serenity of the lapping water and the peaceful sounds of oars in the water!

We saw the bridges all beautifully lit up and met the Waipa Delta going up-river – with some passengers wondering what madness had possessed us to be on the water that late. Little did they know we were enjoying the same River experience as them, just from a different viewpoint! It certainly is a unique way to “see” Hamilton and experience the River!

All nine of us had a wonderful time…. So much so, that we asked to do it again with the kids on the Sunday evening. This time there were four of us - others had commitments - two adults and two kids (aged 4 ½ and 9). Kevin, another instructor, joined us and together with Scott, they took the two kids. This meant we had the “boys kayak”, the “mums kayak” and the “little girl’s” kayak.

Scott and Sammy Brown kayaking

Although the age and mix were completely different to the night before, Scott and Kevin worked their wonder with the kids, who had an absolute ball. With lots a splashing about (which was what the kids wanted) and laughter, they raced their boats up and down the river. Scott and Kevin made sure the adventure was enjoyed by all, duly respecting the skills required by the difference in ages of the children.

The evening was rounded off – again - with a lovely picnic by the river. What a wonderful way to enjoy the weekend and finish off the school holidays!

Mum, when can we go kayaking again?

Dee & Sammy Brown
October 2006

Kevin and Yaniv kayaking

Dee came on quite a few tours, eventually I felt guilty charging her, she is now my wife...

We met while kayaking and got engaged while kayaking and on March 14th 2009, we got married kayaking too!

Scott Devine