This book is dedicated to my family and friends who have joined me on many enjoyable paddles throughout northern Queeensland – Mary Frances, Connor, Malindi, Peter, Greg, Kevin, Dee, Sue and Bob. 

 

The path towards this book began 40 years ago with a trip to the Whitsundays in 14-foot Caper Cats with brothers Robert and Michael Russell. Times were different then and they were true adventures – no communication devices, basic food and great companionship. Thanks Robert and Michael for your truly adventurous spirit and poor jokes. 

 

My first experience in a sea kayak was in a Nordkapp while at Loch Eil Outward Bound School in Scotland where my wife, Mary Frances and I, were working. It was love at first paddle. Remote beaches, treasures in small coves, wild tidal races and the start of an obsession with wind and weather. I thank the British outdoor community for their inspiration. 

 

Thank you to my wife Mary Frances and my two children, Connor and Malindi, for sharing the joy of sea kayaking. Mary Frances for countless nights spent together on remote beaches, Malindi for holding her bladder on the long Whitsunday channel crossing as a six year old, and Connor for agreeing to paddle from Shute Harbour to Bowen for his schoolies week during a strong wind warning. Also thanks to Connor for flying me back to some of these places for aerial photos that appear in this book. It has been an absolute joy to share the sea-kayaking journey with you all.

 

I owe a huge debt to Angus McColl for his friendship, measured advice and skills with desktop publishing, layout and proofing of this book. It could not have been done without him. Thank you Angus for all the coffees and shared enthusiasm for northern Queensland.