It’s fair to say Mattie Gould is a bit of a biking wizard. So we took away his wheels and threw him in the deep end to see if he could still tread adventurous water without his trusty steed....
It’s fair to say Mattie Gould is a bit of a biking wizard. So we took away his wheels and threw him in the deep end to see if he could still tread adventurous water without his trusty steed.
We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Countries of the Dharawal and Yuin peoples who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
I bloody love riding bicycles. Any kind of bike, I’m not fussy. My wife knows when I haven’t been out for a ride in a while because I start pacing the kitchen, hovering nearby and she knows that I’m waiting for her to suggest I pop out for a quick spin.
‘Well, if you insist, see you in an hour.’
Living in Canberra, cycling is the perfect hobby.
I can ride out of the back door and be in a nature reserve 1km later. Ride 40km and I’ve either left the territory or am deep in the hills, not a soul in sight. Strap a tent and some food to my bike and I could ride all the way to Melbourne (or back as I did on the Hunt 1000 last year).
I’ve been so focused on riding lately, that I often get referred to as ‘the bike guy’.
But, and this is a big but, I actually also like doing other things. It’s just that I’ve kind of forgotten and now I’m trying to remember.
Tuesday
As part of trying to break the cycle (!) of spending all my time riding, I’m in the midst of two days hiking on the South Coast when I receive an email from Sian at We Are Explorers.
It’s like she’d read my mind. It goes a little something like this;
‘Hey Mattie, you spend all your time riding bikes hey! Well we’ve got a project that’s perfect for you. We want to help someone who just does one hobby all the time expand their horizons by trying something different. Interested?’
Wednesday
I’m back from my hike, I’ve chatted with my wife and have been given the all clear. I free up two days next week and am up for anything.
‘Sian, I’m in.’
Thursday
I hop online and look at the varied and exciting range of adventures offered by Adrenaline. With a few days to play with, I narrow my options down to the Blue Mountains or the NSW South Coast.
I sit patiently and wait to see what Sian comes back with.
Friday
Phone call from Sian.
Sian: ‘Hey Mattie, I’ve got some adventures lined up for you.’
Me: ‘Awesome, I’m up for anything.’
Sian: ‘Great, how about tandem paragliding?’
Me: *long pause, heartbeat increasing, cold sweats*
Sian: ‘Mattie?’
Me: *deep breath* ‘So perhaps I’m not quite up for anything…’
Very kindly Sian lets me off the hook, my heart rate calms and the sweating stops. We agree on a couple of water-based adventures, sea kayaking and surfing, and I’m good to go. With bookings made through Adrenaline, I’m all set for next week.
Saturday
Today’s a beautiful family day, cycling to a local oval with the kids, cycling into town for burgers, cycling home again. Followed by a 50km afternoon gravel ride with some mates, then Matildas soccer on TV in the evening. Does it get any better?
Sunday
I pop down the coast with the fam and some friends in our Kombi, Myrtle. I’ve brought the surfboard, which has been gathering dust in the shed, to see if I can still ride it. One hour in the water and barely one wave later, turns out my surfing’s as rusty as an unlubed chain that’s been left in the rain too long.
Monday
It’s a bit rainy in Canberra, but I still cycle the kids to school. A few chores at home and then I pack the car for the next two days’ of multisport adventuring.
Packing only took five minutes as the tour operators are providing all the gear I need. I’m tempted to put the bike on the roof racks…but leave it behind.
I drive down to my mate’s place on the South Coast.
Tuesday – Morning
I park up by the bridge in Batemans Bay, ready for my first adventure: two hours sea kayaking. I haven’t sat in a kayak for over five years, but I used to absolutely love it when I was a kid. I’m hoping it all comes back to me. What’s the expression? It’s just like riding a bike!
My kayaking guide, Josh, pulls into the car park towing a trailer full of kayaks. I’m looking forward to this!
Josh kits me out in a life vest, splash jacket, and spray skirt and hooks me up with everything else I need.
I feel like a bit of a goose sitting in the kayak on dry land as I get a paddling demonstration from Josh, but it was actually super useful to run through the basics again.
It reassures me that I hopefully won’t capsize as soon as we begin. A short safety briefing later and I’m in the boat on the launch ramp as Josh pushes me, nose-first, into the water.
After a few tentative wobbles I’m floating happily, Josh paddles over and we’re ready to head up the river. Josh gives me a few extra tips on paddling technique and then I’m working hard to keep up with him as he casually glides up the River Clyde.
I’m definitely not feeling like a natural, but the peace, quiet, and beauty of the river helps me relax into it. Josh tells me all about the oyster farming that’s happening along the river, including some of the history of the Yuin People.
The time flies by as we explore the mangroves of Pelican Island- the water is beautifully calm on this part of the river and I feel like I’m getting into my groove, gliding through the water with a big smile on my face.
I’m so glad that I picked sea kayaking as one of the Adrenaline adventures as it reminds me how much I love playing on the water. Before long we’re paddling over to the Oyster Shed where Josh organises coffee and cake.
All too soon our time is up and we’re back at the boat ramp, exiting the water, and loading the boats back onto the trailer.
This adventure may be over, but Josh has already planned my return visit – three days kayak camping with the fam. Perfect. If it’s been a while between paddles, I’d definitely recommend heading out with a guide to refresh your skills. Not only did Josh give me some great tips, but he also chose the best route based on the conditions of the day.
Read more: Remember to leave no trace
Tuesday – Afternoon
I’m driving a few hours up the coast, ready for tomorrow’s surf lesson in Gerroa. In the spirit of adventure, I stop for a short 4km hike in Ulladulla, walking the Coomee Nulunga walking trail to Warden Head Lighthouse, followed by the Gari Bagan Cultural trail. For such a short walk, it’s surprisingly beautiful. It’s also wet and muddy.
The day finishes at another mate’s place, this time near Gerroa.
Wednesday
I wake up pretty early today, with arms a bit sore from yesterday’s paddle, but otherwise feeling great. There are some dark clouds over the ocean that I’m hoping will clear.
My surf session starts at 9:30am so I have time for a slow morning and a couple of coffees at Jon’s place. Jon’s a photographer on the South Coast and says he’ll come to the beach with his long lens to take some surfing snaps. I assure him he’ll get a picture of me in the water, but no promises I’ll be standing up on a wave.
I meet Chico, my surf instructor, near Seven Mile Beach. It’s nice turning up with nothing but a towel and borrowing all of the gear. It definitely makes it easier to try new things without having to fork out for stuff I’m not sure I’ll use again – especially as he loans me a decent wetsuit!
Arriving on the sand, the conditions are actually looking pretty great. There aren’t many people in the water and there’s a bit of shape to the surf.
We spend some time stretching and warming up, and Chico gives me some on beach surf instruction, then we head out. I’m feeling a little apprehensive as we approach the water as the waves are bigger than I’ve tried surfing for a long time.
As we sit on our boards, my apprehension deepens as the waves continue to intimidate me a little. Chico does his best to reassure me, and the rational side of my brain knows there’s nothing to fear, but that doesn’t stop me from pulling out of a couple of attempts. Chico suggests we head closer to the beach to catch the broken waves, but I’m determined to fight through my fear and at least try and catch one of these bigger waves.
With Chico’s encouragement, I start genuinely attacking a few waves. A few near misses a couple of nose dives, and probably an hour of splashing around later and I finally get up on a decent wave and ride it for a few moments. Yes! I’m delighted. This success gives me a real burst of adrenaline and a couple more successful waves shortly follow.
I’m getting pretty tired, so we head to the beach for a quick drink and a bit more technique correction on the sand. We spend ten minutes catching some mellow whitewater waves near the shore, while passing the GoPro back and forth to get some ‘action shots’ and have a bit of a giggle.
We paddle out for a few more waves before calling it a day. I’m totally spent, especially in the arm department, but I manage to catch my ‘wave of the day’ before paddling in.
As I walk back up the beach, a wide grin is plastered across my face and by the time I towel off I’m already planning my next surf. It was great to have Chico out there to give me the encouragement and technique correction, but mostly for giving me the much-needed kick up the bum to get over my trepidation.
Am I giving up my wheels?
Driving back to Canberra I’m enjoying the heady sensation of a tired body that can only be achieved by a few days of physical exertion in the outdoors.
I reflect on why it’s taken me so long to retry activities that I used to froth, and now I remember that I still do love them.
While a lack of equipment in the shed is a bit of a barrier, it was so easy to book an adventure with Adrenaline that I’ll definitely be dipping my toes back into the salty water again real soon. Do I regret not adding paragliding to the weekend? Maybe a little. But at least now I know where it is if I change my mind.