Welcome to our new staff

We’re excited to welcome and introduce 5 new local Tasmanians to our growing team this season!

Thomas - white water kayaker extraordinaire who has seen the light and moved to sea kayaking. Thomas has a rather large sweet tooth - so watch the sweets if you are on a trip with him!
Will - previously worked as a cycle and bushwalking guide and is looking foward to making the transition to sea kayaking. Will has just returned from a cross Canada cycling expedition.
Mischa - newly qualified outdoor and kayak guide Mischa is looking forward to his first season of guiding. Mischa has previously spent time studying and living in China so feel free to practise your Mandarin with him.
Hannah - an experienced walking and sea kayak guide returning to Tassie after time abroad. Over winter she circumnavigated Corsica and explored the western and northern isles of Scotland in a sea kayak and traversed the Corsican 180km GR20 mountain trail.
Abbie - our new Operations Assistant, Abbie is a keen kayaker, sailor and bushwalker and has represented Australia in athletics and Tasmania in badminton.

Dressing for kayaking in Southwest Tasmanian weather conditions

The magnificent waters of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour lie at 43 degrees south, in the direct path of the winds that sailors call the Roaring 40s (yep – hence our name!). Whilst most of the bad weather predictably arrives in the winter months and during the summer there are long spells of sunny, mild (and sometimes hot) days, the conditions are changeable all year round. It’s a big part of the area’s special appeal and just means you have to be prepared for all kinds of weather, all year round.

So what to wear? Read our new blog post for our recommendations to keep you as happy as Reg and Tory in the pic above!

Hobart's diverse markets

This city has a lively vibe year round with all manner of activities to enjoy when you’re not on the water.

Our favourite markets are Hobart Twilight Market, Farmgate Market, Street Eats @ Franko and of course the Saturday institution of Salamanca Market.

We think these four markets offer diverse experiences for visitors and locals alike. Find out more about each of these markets here.

1. Tory
I have taken it a bit easy this winter, but I kept up the kayaking - instructing a new group of kayaking guides for TasTAFE as well as kayaking with some schools. Currently I am holidaying in Hong Kong - still trying to adjust 35+ degrees and humidity, but having a ball checking out the markets, back streets and the groovy bars.

2. Tom
Nothing too extreme this year! My partner Sal and I had a "Jucy" little adventure to NZ and snow-plowed the place to pieces. Otherwise I've been in the state, working for TasTAFE and on a few school programs, riding my bike and pottering in the garden of our new house.

3. Sue
Sue, with her husband Owen, had an amazing winter cycling from Glasgow, Scotland to Athens, Greece! Her favourite experience was rendezvousing with the Tour de France and the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. Check out all Sue's highlights here.

4. Pip
Has been soaking up the culture and devouring good food in Europe, including exploring England and Scotland. Her highlight was the Croatian islands - sailing, cycling and swimming in the turquoise waters.

5. Damian (better known as Damo!)
I have been busy working in outdoor education with a bunch of local schools. A few of these fun programs included:
* White water rafting on the Herbert River in tropical Nth Qld.
* An educational and cultural trip to the Solomon Islands.
* Exploring Borneo, working with World Challenge.
* Sea kayaking expeditions in challenging Tassie winter conditions.
* Teaching the mountain bike guiding course at TasTAFE.
In my spare time I have been digging up my backyard and creating a pumptrack to ride my bike around!