The Hawkesbury River in NSW Australia winds down through the Blue Mountains for hundreds of kilometres, emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Sydney’s exclusive Pittwater & Palm Beach regions. This manificent river is a playground to both the rich and not so rich, with waterfront property shared between multi-million dollar private residences and caravan parks.
Recently I graced the river with my greenland paddle in hand, to the bemused expressions of many of the river inhabitants. “What the hell sort of paddle is THAT?” was commonly asked. “Does that paddle even work??” was another. And yet I was managing a nice 8km/hr cruise down the river with my stick as dozens of kilometres or beautiful Aussie countryside slipped by.
I am not surprised when non-paddling types ask about my greenland paddle, and they usually still appreciate it for its timber and workmanship. But I am surprised when other paddles don’t know what my stick is or what it’s origins are. And yet so many paddlers ask me on the water what it is.
Needless to say the quiet drift down the Hawkesbury with my near-silent paddle in hand was a pleasure I can recommend to anyone. If you ever get the chance, get out there and enjoy some pristine wilderness right on Sydney’s doorstep.
