Paddling for Smiles: Milnerton to Granger Bay Paddle – Sat 17th Nov 2012

Warren – Jade – Richard. Jade can smile now.

More than 20 paddlers from around Cape Town joined Richard Kholer as he paddled in to Cape Town.  Amongst them was Jade Carstens.  Jade was born with a cleft palate which was corrected after seven years, “He (Richard) has no idea how great it is, what he is doing, I never thought people knew or cared about this,” said Jade.

With Richard within striking distance of Cape Town, tourismZA, decided to step up the exposure for the expedition.  Try as we may, we could NOT get the green light for a single, lone paddler to paddle into Cape Town harbour. It seems that the logistics of getting a single paddler into Cape Town harbour with only one week’s notice is an insurmountable logistical task for Cape Town port control. Fortunately, Oceana Power Boat Club at Granger Bay came to the rescue and invited Richard and everybody who paddled the 6.5km with him from Milnerton to Granger Bay. The idea was to step up the exposure for the Paddling for Smiles expedition and use the reception as a platform to draw media attention to a lone paddler, who, against all odds is persevering through an endeavour that is nothing short of a herculean undertaking.

The event was to draw attention to the plight of children born with cleft lips and palates and raise funds to perform corrective surgery on them.

For every R5,500.00 donated to Operation Smile South Africa we can facilitate corrective facial surgery on a child and give them their God-given right to a smile.

Thanks to the efforts of tourismZA and Richard Kohler, we were able to raise over R10 000.00 towards the Paddling for Smiles Expedition. A complete list of all who contributed is available here.  This list is updated weekly.

tourismaZA would like thank all the fantastic people of the West Coast for assisting and providing accommodation for Richard and the Paddling for Smiles Expedition as he made his way to Cape Town.

We are still very far from the target of R1 000 000.00, which is going to take a huge effort on the part of everybody involved to make this a reality. We look now to the East Coast of South Africa and the next part of this epic journey.

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Warren – Jade – Richard. Jade can smile now.

Thank you to everyone who came out to paddle with and support Richard and the Paddling for Smiles initiative!

Thank you again to all sponsoring Paddling for Smile kilometres!

1	Natalie Wood (Maplanga Africa)	$15.00
2	Anton Truter	$15.00
3	Nicholas Pickard	$15.00
4	Anthony Pollard	$15.00
5	Gillian Osmond	$30.00
6	Kevin Osmond	$30.00
7	Wayne Marais	$15.00
8	Jim Kohler	$15.00
9	Pierre-André Rabie	$15.00
10	Stuart Beaumont	$15.00
11	Stuart Birch	$120.00
12	Gary Kroukamp	$30.00
13	Anton Holtzhausen	$15.00
14	Colin Mc Clement	$15.00
15	Daan du Toit (Mark 1 Media)	$45.00
16	Gregg Smith	$15.00
17	Jurie Wessels	$10.00
18	Tom Hickman	$75.00
19	Tanya Pitcher	$15.00
20	Audrey Rabie	R 650.00
21	Pravin Batohi	$30.00
22	Andrew Morris	$60.00
23	Lloyd Ferreira	$30.00
24	Heloise Bottomley	$30.00
25	Heloise Bottomley	$165.00
26	Cathryn Treasure	$15.00
27	Bryan Allott	$45.00
28	Kevin Goodspeed (Atlantic Boatworks)	$90.00
29	Jade Carstens	$15.00
30	Sean Hooper	$30.00
31	Murray Walters	$30.00
32	Craig Mockford	$30.00
33	Mark Teulings	R 150.00
34	Michael Schuwan	R 200.00
35	Andrew Glaum	R 140.00
36	Ryno Lamont	R 150.00
37	Boris Hales	R 300.00
38	Claire Griffiths	$30.00
39	Jo-Anne Hay	$30.00

Paddling Update 5 – 11 Nov 2012

Mon 5 November 2012:

Today was anther early start. Up at 04h30 and on the water by 05h15. It was fantastic to be under way so early before the local winds have had a chance to develop. It still takes almost ½ an hour to warm up the stiff muscles and get into a good rhythm.

The plan was to hug the coast just behind the surf line to see if there was going to be any assistance from the bounce back wash. The surf was very small so there was no help in the end.

The distance covered today was 56km. I had a quick stop at 26km to have a stretch and chat to Paul who was on the beach. The wind had built from the SW and it was getting chilly with heavy mist so I stopped at 46km at Dwarsekersbos and Paul had a hot cuppa java waiting for me.The last 11km took me to Laaiplek and I finally got out at the mouth of the Berg River and was whisked off to the Laaiplek Hotel, just around the corner. They have been very kind and give us a comfy room for the night.A little braai in the courtyard for dinner and its time for shut eye.Tomorrows plan is to get to Paternoster.

Tues 6 November 2012 -Paddle Day 14:

Laaiplek to Paternoster 36km / 3hr45min

This morning was again an early start and on the water at 05h15. I decided to put in in front of the Laaiplek Hotel on the Berg river to paddle out of the mouth which I have never done before. It was somewhat of a nostalgic feeling after doing the Non Stop Berg and now finally paddling out into the sea at the mouth.I cut a little bit across St Helena Bay towards the harbour and then to Shelly Point Lighthouse. The wind had started to puff a little from the SW but was side on so not much help. My heading just before the point was actually North. Hey I need to go South!!!

Heading past Shelly Bay I met up with Langebaan locals Rob Meintjes and Craig Maltby in their double Surf Ski. They had paddled from Paternoster to join me for the trip back. Slowly the SW wind started to build but it never got too out of hand but enough to slow me down by 1 to 1.5km/hr.

At Steenbrasbaai I decided to head between the rocks to make the paddle a bit more interesting. Rob said “don’t blame the local if something happens here” as they followed me in. In the end the locals had to stop to straighten their rudder after bumping a shallow reef.

Tee Pee at Farr Out Guest House

After that it was straight across the bay into the teeth of the wind. Having Rob and Craig paddling with me was lekker and we chatted the whole way which certainly made the time go by a lot quicker. Thanks guys!

The wind forecast for tomorrow is not looking flash so I am going to take a days rest and plan to do the leg through to Langebaan on Thursday.

Wed 7 November 2012:

Today was a forced rest day thanks to our wonderful Cape Doctor. Yes the South East wind has been thumping all today.

We are currently been spoilt in Paternoster by Marion and Dion at their 4 star guest house, Farr Out www.farrout.co.za. What a wonderful spot. A wood-fired outdoor hot tub and the honeymoon suit (which Paul and I don’t qualify for ;-)) which is actually a Tee Pee tent.

Dion & Marion from Farr Out Guest House

Paul was treated to a nice surprise by his wife, Nicky, who skipped work today and drove up to have lunch with us at a little restaurant on the beach front.Tomorrows game plan sees a small window of lighter winds around mid-morning so we will be on the beach around 8am to see how things play out for the paddle to Danger Bay (North Side of the Saldanha Bay entrance).

Thurs 8 November 2012 – Paddle Day 15:

This morning I heard that our dear friend Georges Willis had passed away so it was with pride that I wore this top today. RIP my friend.

Paternoster to Danger Bay/Saldanha – 3hrs 15min 30km

It was a late start at 08h00 to make the most of the weather window that was forecast which was fairly accurate. Going around Cape Columbine was a very lumpy and bumpy sea but nothing too risky. From then the wind started to increase to about 15knots and I started to think this was going to end in a hard slog to get the days distance in but once we got to Jacobs Baai it started to fade away.

When I say “we”I am referring to the doubles crew of Rob and Craig who join me for today’s section. Again it was a pleasure to have some company which helps taking my mind off things.We had a very short visit by two whales which once realised we were near disappeared never to be seen again.Coming into Danger Bay beach was relatively straight forward and was a welcome site after a paddle that took a lot of core strength in the lumpy conditions.

Fri 9 November 2012:

Another weather rest day today!
Some statistics so far: –
Days = 21
Paddle Days = 14
Total Distance = 604 km
Ave Distance = 43 km
Weight Loss = 4 kg
Land Rover = 3400 km
Camping = 7
Guest House = 12
Friends House = 2

Sat 10 November 2012 – Paddle Day 16:

Danger Bay to Tsaarsbank 20km

Today was a lekker short day but full of action. I was joined by Rob Meintjes and Mark Dykes both in singles.

Going passed the North Head and the South Head Saldanha Bay was max bumpy but fun. The wind had stayed away as forecast and soon after the start we all had a “phew wee what’s that smell?” moment. There was no land mass to windward of us so it was not have been the smell of guano???

It turned out to be whale’s breath. Yip whale’s breath sure stinks! As we continued across the mouth of the lagoon we found ourselves surrounded by at least a dozen whales. Every now and then we had to change direction to stay out of their path. Some were breaching and other slapping their fins on the surface. It was quite a special crossing.Coming into Tsaarsbank we sneaked ashore during a long lull between sets and managed to dodge a few rocks as well. Standing around the Land Rover and getting changed we were gob smacked to see the size of the sets that suddenly started to roll in.Its going to be interesting getting out here when I head off to Yzerfontein!

Sun 11 November 2012 – Paddle Day 17:

Tzaarsbank to Yzerfontein 2.5hrs 27km

I was again spoilt by having Rob and Craig join me in their double surf ski for today’s leg. I had altered my plans a bit due to the weather forecast that had changed quite a bit. The sea swell is forecast to get up to 3.5m and the beach landing at places like Silverstroom are particularly nasty in big swell. This unfortunately left me with out a seconder/driver for the day but my best mate Mark Dykes once again jumped in to help. He took the day off from work and was on the road early to get me back on the water.

Tsaarsbank

I could not start too early as the West Coast National Park gate only opens at 7am and then a further 20km drive in the park to get to the put in spot. On arrival and at first glance, the surf look small but by the time I had changed into my paddling gear there were some good sized sets thumping the beach on the South side of the bay. It was decided that a walk to the North side would be good for the legs and it turned out to be good in all ways as I did wet going out.

Much of the paddle to Yzerfontein can be categorised as big rolling swells in the fog with whales, dolphins and seals enjoying the ocean. My pace was a little faster than normal as it was a “short”27km paddle but I did start to feel it and slow down towards the end.

After arriving at the harbour it was coffee time on the tail gate of the Land Rover and the usual debrief of the paddle as only paddlers can do!

Tomorrows plan Yserfontein to Ganzekraal!

Paddling Update Tues 30 Oct – Sun 4 Nov

Tues 30 October 2012:

Rocky landing spot at Island point

Today is on hold. S wind and whitecaps on the water. Heading to Garies for more fuel and will assess the conditions again at 11am. Would like to get to the next stop as the forecast for tomorrow is not too flash.

Wed 31 October 2012:

No paddling today- the wind is hectic. Thursday afternoon is the next possible option. Camping in these conditions is challenging. Already a tent has blown away and damaged- Rich

Thurs 1 November 2012:

Managed to get 10km paddle in yesterday but had to turn around and run for cover behind island point when wind switched galeforce S. Still waiting 4 it to change.

Got some distance [30km] in today to Sewejaarskop se Mond. Next stop Brand se Baai. Spirits good here bar the non stop winds. Update thanks 2 ZIPPISAT sat phone  -Rich

Fri 2 November 2012:

Camp site Sewejaar se Mond

OK Sports Fans – I got on the water today after a good nights camping at Sewejaars se Mond. 6am and a little tail wind was starting to blow 🙂 Makes a big difference. The aim for the day was to get to Brand se Baai

but as the conditions were in our favour so I decided to push past and head for the next overnight stop, Sand Baai, which is a small sandy bay(funny that!) half way to Strandfontein.

In total it was a happy but very cold 50km day.Paul was his usual first class seconder having the kettle boiled and a cup of coffee in hand within half an hour of my landing. Google “Storm Kettle”or Ghillie Kettle” to see our amazing kettle. A few twigs and 7 minutes later a litre of water is boiling. Beats trying to use gas in the wind.

Posting this at the ENGEN, on the go shop, in a little town inland called Lutzville. Phew! Not used to so many people after the last few days living on the seashore.

Tomorrows plan: 05h30 on the water and use the morning calm to get down the coast to Strandfontein.

Sat 3 November 2012:

In Lamberts Bay. Did 74km today while the weather was favorable. Body is a little tired and had to do a lot of talking to my mind towards the end. Had a short stop at Doring Bay to replace the battery of my MP3 player that I tried for the first time today. The battery died after onlyt 10min. Very frustrating so will have to go to the SPAR and see if the have new rechargeable batteries.

We are camping at the local camp site. Was nice to have a hot shower for the first time in 4 days.

Sun 4 November 2012:

Today was a short 2hr 45min to Elands Bay. No wind to speak of so a pleasant paddle to the crayfish factory and slipway at the south of the bay. Chatted to a few locals smokkling a few crayfish just off the slipway. They were not sure what to make of the “Oke” paddling this white toothpick type kayak all the way from Lamberts Bay. Their expression way priceless when I told them I had started in Alexander Bay!!

All in all I am using to day as a rest day. Sorting out some admin. My VHF has gone of the blink so doing the only thing we know. Take it a part and put it back together then it will work! Well so far plan “A” has failed! Next!I had a pleasant surprised from my in-laws who drove up from Langebaan. We had lunch, wine and lekker geselskap at the Hotel, were we are staying. Thanks.

Our Guests house (Ebay Apartments www.elandsbay.co.za ) that was going to look after us while we were here was all booked for the weekend as we had arrived a day sooner than anticipated. So an amazing lady, Matty, then booked and paid for a room at the Hotel.

Tomorrow is a going to be a long 57km slog into a light but building head wind to Laaiplek. This whole section of the coast is just a long white beach. I remember in the old days when driving on the beach was allowed and going from Dwaskersbos to Elands for crayfish and a quick surf. I think I will be just behind the back line trying to make use of the wash from the surf.

Think it is now time for a nap!

SBD Voyager Micro Trackers

LIVE TRACKING: Now you can view Rich K’s daily progress right here.

http://track.satphone.com/index2.php
username: sbd.voyager
password: 1234

Camp site at Sand Baai

Checking messages in ENGEN shop in Lutzville

Paddle Day 7 …

Paddle Day 7

So far it was my earliest on the water and got my booties wet at 05h30. I could just make out the white water of the breaking waves so it was not at all difficult to get out of Hoderklipbaai.
The forecast was meant to be a southerly wind and increasing. Who would have guessed! Thankfully this did not materialise but what came in its place presented its own challenges.

Thick fog!

So thick

 that for most of the time I did not see the land. I just made sure that I could hear the surf breaking in my left ear all the time. There was a time that I found myself wandering and when checking on the GPS it was indicating I was heading out to sea!! It a funny thing but I would never go and paddle out into the fog but the fog came in while I was out paddling and you have to adapt.There was one reef that I sneaked on inside and that was weird as I now had the breaking surf sounds in both ears which was a little unnerving. Also not being able to see exactly where the waves are breaking makes for some frayed nerves.Without the head wind and for some reason very little adverse current I enjoyed seeing relatively good speed and even managed to catch a lump or two.The take out place, Platbaai, is a tiny rocky beach with a 3m sand patch on the south end of a long white beach where the Bitter river mouth is. I only spotted Paul and the Land Rover when I was about 100m from the shore. The surf in the bay was small and I made an easy landing. Having done the 37 km in around 4 and a bit hours we had the whole of the day ahead. I did not want to try and do more distance as we had not done all our homework on the next stretch and the fog was still so thick that you could not see the back line!

Johan Toerin at Eagles Nest Guesthouse and his collection of Jack Daniel

We decided drove 30km inland to Eagles Nest Guest house owned and run by Johan and Anna-Marie Toerein. What a lovely welcoming place, literally in the middle of nowhere! There are all sorts of animals cruising around including three Emews(?) The farm is totally off the grid and no cell reception. Besides the lovely guest house, Johan had the biggest Jack Daniels collection in South Africa. In fact he is on of the top 100 or so collectors in the world. The distillery have even granted him a portion of land in the USA. This man cave is more like a museum. What a fantastic time we had being show and best of all given the story behind each item. Let me tell you we could stay a few days here and still not even scratched the surface.

The only draw back of being here is the 45 min drive back to the beach tomorrow. Anyway the plan is to be on the beach at 05h45 to paddle to Groenrivier.

Oh, another thing is my Afrikaans must be improving. Paul and I even catch ourselves natter away in Afrikaans.

-Rich

Camp site Groenrivier (national park)

Richard Kohler rides the waves again

In December last year, filled with enthusiasm and the joys of life in the great outdoors he launched from a beach in Mozambique. His goal was to be the first solo-surfski paddler to paddle the entire 3600km South African coastline between Mozambique and Namibia. His purpose was to raise enough money to finance the reconstructive surgery that would enable 200 children to smile for the first time. He didn’t make it! During the planning stages conversations about the Herculean challenge ahead of him always seemed to wind their way back to the worst case scenario of a shark attack. The shark attack happened on day three of his paddle! A little rattled and more than a little anxious he put out to sea again in a replacement kayak. Within a week of getting started the KwaZulu Natal coastline swallowed him up, worked him over and unceremoniously spat him out as a buckled man on a remote beach at the Amatikulu River mouth. Mentally shaken up by the shark attack and physically damaged by the KwaZulu Natal surf, he gingerly put out to sea again. Hopefully, with a little physio at the next few stop overs the pain would subside. Behind the scenes, with each passing day, word was spreading about Richard Kohler and his epic paddle for smiles. Despite the battering headwinds, the shark attack and the serious punishment his body was taking he soldiered on, and the growing support from you,   and thousands of others in South Africa and around the planet. Slowly, one kilometre at a time, with everybody’s support he was getting there. After three weeks he got as far as Winklespruit and then he suffered a knockout blow – the expedition was robbed. The low-lives that infest parts of this planet with their rot broke in and stole all the expedition equipment; safety gear, navigational equipment, radios, computers, cameras….everything – including irreplaceable photographs and video footage. For all intent and purpose, Richard and Riaan had given it their best shot – expedition over! …or not? Seconds out; round number 2. On 14th October 2012 (yes, that’s in 10 days time) Richard will launch from Alexander Bay, paddle up to the Orange River mouth which marks the border of South Africa and Namibia, he will do a ceremonious U-turn and begin his epic journey all over again. “I have no intention of giving up!” said Kohler in his quiet, resolute way, “With the support I have received from family, friends and people I have never met, I am more determined than ever to paddle the entire 3600km South African coast line. Together, where each of us do what we can to make this expedition work, we will give the gift of a smile to 200 children.” Say no more!

As soon as we have more information we’ll be sharing it on the Facebook page.    Online communication and emails for the Paddling for Smiles expedition and the Capri-X expedition are provided by tourismZA

Paddling for Smiles Update

Richard Kohler will be bombing down the Dusi (16 – 18 Feb 2012) with 16 year old Murray Walters from Bishops; tourismZA are taking Paddling for Smiles to the Cape Getaway Show (23 – 25 March 2012) and are planning a Cape Times supplement to promote Paddling for Smiles!

 

The Paddling for Smiles expedition is coming back hard!

A big chunk of our comeback plan has been finalised – Richard is as fit as ever – and I hope everybody is going to join us for the long haul!!! More to the point, we hope to personally meet you somewhere along the line.

We invite YOU to join us on a unique adventure.

tourismZA have structured the comeback campaign in a way that we hope will engage everybody in their own personal arenas of interest. The idea is to give each and every individual supporter, including sponsors and suppliers an active means of participating in and enjoying the expedition with the Paddling for Smiles team. More than that, we want this to be a two way street where instead of being asked to just keep giving and supporting, we are planning this with you and your participation as an integral part of this adventure – everybody gets something out!

Around every corner of this expedition we have planned something for everybody! When we go somewhere we have planned for you to go with us!

For starters:

tourismZA have just confirmed that the entire Paddling for Smiles expedition (Including sponsored equipment) is going to the Cape Getaway Show. Expedition supporters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to the Cape Getaway Show, shoot the breeze with Richard and a few celebrity adventurers (watch this space), attend powerful motivational presentations and participate in demonstrations showing how all the equipment works. A huge thanks to GETAWAY! For more info on the event click here

Entry: With our compliments 2 for the price of 1

We’re setting up a Paddling for Smiles EXPEDITION EXPO at the Cape Getaway Show brought to you by Mercedes-Benz Vans. If you are even remotely interested in the world of outdoor adventure this is an opportunity not to be missed. We’re lining up a schedule of interactive demonstrations / workshops where you can physically check out and learn how to use your adventure equipment properly. The workshops will be presented by experts in the field. The workshops range from the best way to use expedition equipment; from flares, to GPS’s, to hand held radios and driving your 4×4. And, of course your surfski! For more info on the event click here

Details will be emailed to you – as always, simply make sure that you are on the SUPPORTERS LIST

Read the full update here