This is a description and howto (and discoveries made along the way) of kayaking, while taking a spin around the State of Victoria in the South Eastern corner of Australia.

The discoveries have been entirely serendipitous. Serendipity, one of my favourite words, invented by the 4th Earl of Orford, Horatio Walpole. He coined the word after reading a translation of a fairy tale, written in Urdu, of the Three Princes of Serendip. Serendip is the Urdu word for Sri Lanka and the Three Princes were always making discoveries, by accident and sagacity, of things they were not looking for.

The description will include a gear list and rating, campsite locations and rating, nutrition and the gaining of expertise and mindfulness. At the time of writing this introduction I am at Cape Jaffa having just begun the ocean leg of my circumvolution. A front is just passing by and the wind has whipped around from the NW to the SW. Conditions should be milder tomorrow.I

 

 

NUTRITION

Low fat, high carbohydrate? Started to get really confusing, especially in processed foods where fat had been replaced with sucrose and fructose. Out of the frying pan and into.. Then I read The Big Fat Surprise by journalist Nina Technology. Some clarity at last.

So now I keep things simple. Food is fuel. Good whole food is really important for brain and athletic performance. But what you choose to eat is completely up to you. After all, you know your body better than anyone else in this world. You just need to be mindful and act on the feedback. Try something, if you feel sick, have an upset tummy or lack energy, try something different. There are no useful lists, pyramids or formulas. Your food needs to contain a combination of protein (for muscle repair), carbs and healthy fats. If you are on a long paddle you are unlikely to have access to refrigeration. Cheeses, sausages and most fermented foods were designed to meet this situation. They are good foods, good fuel. If the food has been processed – it’s sus. Consider the unprocessed alternative. Timing is important. You will not want to feel sluggish because you have had a massive breakfast before setting out. At the end of the day you will need to replace all the energy you have burnt, while also needing protein for muscle repair. Eat hearty.