By John Price
 

With thanks to the Australian Water Ski and Wakeboard Federation (AWWF) and Darwin Water Ski Club, Giz and I were given the opportunity to coach at a 2 day ‘Come and Try’ event for all divisions of AWWF. Barefoot, tournament, wakeboard and disabled all participated on the 29th to 30th May.

Giz and I decided to fly to Darwin earlier as we had never been to the Top End (Northern Territory) before and experience the natural beauty of the place.

Day 1 – Tuesday 26 May 2009

All packed with a few items of clothes, wetsuit, handles and shoe skis then off to Brisbane airport for a 9.05am flight. Weather was cool and raining (we’ve only just started to see a reduction in flood waters). With luck on our side we were upgraded to Business class for our 3 hour and 15 min flight direct to Darwin. I normally don’t get too excited about travelling but this trip was different. We were embarking on an adventure. As we flew into Darwin we could see islands, harbour, beautiful bays, emerald colored water and clear blue sky. On landing the air temperature was 33 degrees C with 60% humidity, we were back in summer.

Darwin has a constant temperature range between 28-35 degrees C but the humidity changes from 60% to 105% depending on the season. After landing we grabbed our bags picked up the hire car and headed to our hotel, which was located in the centre of town, just a 15min drive away. We checked in to a room on the 16th floor so we had a great view west to Fannie Bay. After settling in it was time to explore Darwin city by foot. We walked through the city and harbor foreshore which was bombed by the Japanese in 1941. Many ships where sunk in the harbour and there are memorial walks and monuments throughout Darwin and surrounding areas. From the Survivor’s Lookout we made our way to the newly built Convention Centre, wave pool, harbour break walls and wharfs. Next stop was a short walk to the historical Oil Storage Tunnels built into the side of the harbour escarpment. There were lots of historical photos on display in these tunnels and a must to see.

We concluded the three hour walk by following the edge of the harbour around to Fannie Bay reading historic plaques and memorials along the way. Once back at the hotel a bottle of wine and nibbles on the balcony to watch the much talked about Darwin sunset. It didn’t disappoint us.

Day 2 – Kakadu National Park

Wake up call at 5.30am for a 6.15am pick-up on a 20 seater bus trip to the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Our driver and guide informed us that a three and a half hour drive was ahead of us to get to Kakadu, luckily a fuel and toilet stop helped break the journey. We stopped at The Corroboree Caravan Park and Tavern where a 4.5 metre saltwater crocodile called Brutus was resident along side a 2 metre freshwater crocodile, in separate pond enclosures. We were hopeful of seeing some crocodiles in the wild before the end of the day.

Some 250km down the track we arrive at Nourlangie Rock. There were historic Aboriginal hand paintings at the base, traditional Aboriginal campsites, wildlife and beautiful scenery. We spent nearly two hours walking up to the lookout from which we could see The Escarpment which separates Kakadu National Park from Arnhem Land. Back on the bus for a short drive to the next stop, the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The exhibits in the centre tell the story of Australia’s Indigenous culture and history specific to the Kakadu area. Next stop is lunch at a commercial resort and caravan park. Every tourist bus and many individual travelers in Kakadu seemed to appear from nowhere for a feed. There was the choice of a buffet lunch or just a simple snack with a drink from the bar of course.

The group returned to the bus at 2pm and it was time for our 2 hour boat trip on Yellow Water Billabong which forms part of the Kakadu wetlands. The one thing I wanted to see was a saltwater crocodile in the wild – will this be my chance to get a glimpse? Whilst waiting for our boat and local guide we took a walk along the boardwalk which was constructed just above the wetlands waterline. We saw a variety of fish, birds and flowers wondering if there were any crocs out there watching us. Soon enough it was time to board our river cruise boat and within minutes I got my wish. We saw a 2.1 metre salty croc and then another 4.2 metre in length, what an awesome sight? The wildlife was amazing and included lots of birds such as the King Fisher, Whistling Kite, Sea Eagle, storks, ducks and the Jesus bird nicknamed so because it appears to ‘walk on water’ with it’s light frame and big feet. We saw many forms of wildlife, an experience which will stay with us a long time. Back on the bus at 4.45pm for the long trip back to Darwin. It was a long day arriving back at 8pm but what a great day it was.

Day 3 – Exploring Darwin

We had decided to sleep in and have a slow start to the day before exploring Darwin a little more. But before we got started our hotel had other ideas. The building evacuation alarm sounded at 7am and we joined all the other guests, half dressed, walking down 16 floors via the fire stairs. Fortunately, it was only someone burning their toast and a false alarm. We headed back up to our room to pack our bags as we needed to change hotels for the rest of our stay and meet up with the other coaches that night. After unloading our bags we restarted our Darwin sightseeing from where we finished on the first day, but this time with the hire car. We followed Fannie Bay around to East Point to a beautiful view back to Darwin. East Point has a military museum located there and we learned a lot about Darwin during WWII. The Japanese bombed Darwin with 64 air raids between February 1941 and 1943. The museum included military weapons, vehicles, video footage and lots of memorabilia. I would highly recommend a visit.

We have been in Darwin 48 hours now and still haven’t made it to the Darwin Ski Club, located right on the beach at Fannie Bay. So we made an effort to find the Club complete with restaurant, bar and harbour views before going to the airport to pick up Geoff Davis, our Barefoot Delegate for AWWF (Australian Water Ski and Wakeboard Federation). We head into Darwin to have a late lunch and catch up with a fellow barefooter from South Australia, who now calls Darwin home, Jackie Crofton. Next we drive out to the man-made lakes at Berry Springs 60km South of Darwin where we will be holding the AWWF and Darwin Ski Club combined Come and Try event.

It doesn’t take long to get there with a speed limit of 130km. As you enter the Lakes Resort and Caravan Park reception and the restaurant is on your right and a huge water slide on the left. We continue along a dirt road and come to two 900m long lakes joined at one end creating a U shape, purposely built for water skiing. There are a couple of cabins to the left on the waters edge and then a two storey building which serves as a boat and storage shed. The top floor is an undercover viewing platform 30metres by 8 metres. Both lakes are lined with paperbark gum trees, reeds and other shrubs, providing excellent wind protection and minimal backwash. Ideal for any barefooter but you can’t help but think how ideal it would be for a freshwater crocodile also.

When we arrived there was a Gilflite 190 Shorline and a couple of jetskis in the water plus a Camero 2000 Stride with 225 Johnson outboard on the back. Two people were busy being busy, Doug (the owner) and his mate Ted. They were preparing for the following days onslaught of skiers. Doug is a true Northern Territorian, having lived there all his life and his father built the lakes in 1978-79. Doug made us feel at home and like family within minutes, he is a true skier at heart. I feel he sensed that we wanted to test the lakes and so his next words were “do you want to have a ski?” – “bloody oath” we replied. For the next hour or so we put the Gilflite to the test and enjoyed footing in the wonderful surrounds.

Back to Darwin, more specifically to the Darwin Water Ski Club, to see the much talked about sunset from the club’s bar. With a wine in one hand and her camera in the other we hope Gizie’s photo does the scene justice for you. We met up with the rest of the crew and shared some cold beers before venturing to the Mindil Beach Markets for dinner.

I had commented earlier that there didn’t seem to be a lot of people about in Darwin – I take that back. The markets start at 5pm every Thursday night, we arrived at 8pm and there were thousands of people I mean about 10 000. It was awesome! There were all types of food stalls from Aussie BBQ, Chinese, Malayan, Pizza, Lebanese, seafood not to mention the Greek Souvlaki. Almost every food type you could ask for. Geoff tested the seafood with a dozen oysters Kilpatrick and I followed with the prawn cocktail. Giz tried almost every kebab on offer from garlic prawn, chicken satay, Mongolian lamb and BBQ vegetables on a skewer. There were healthy options as well with fruit smoothies, yoghurts and vegetarian wraps but the other was more appealing. We ate and walked around to all the other trader stalls not to mention stopping to listen to some great bands playing at opposite ends of the markets. One bad in particular featured the didgeridoo and really added some dimension to the beat with their sound equipment.

Day 4 – Lake Side

We woke to a beautiful 27 degrees C day with blue skies and a slight breeze. On our drive to the Lakes we took notice of a couple of WWII airstrips, preserved in memory of the war. Some cute aircraft plaques are displayed which can be clearly seem from the highway. These airstrips run parallel with the highway and are untouched as a mark of respect. Also along the way we meet some Northern Territory road trains, unlike any you would see elsewhere in Australia. They are trucks with 92 wheels, 4 trailers or 50m long travelling 130kmph between Darwin and Adelaide causing a gust of high wind as they pass.

We arrive at the lake to be met by Darwin Ski Club President Kelly and Sports Coordinator Kylie, who were busy setting up for the day. Soon enough it was 9am and out onto the water we go. Giz and I on the main lake teaching barefooters and Brian Wooley on Lake 2 with the slalom course set up for tournament coaching. Skiers were cross dressing today and having a go at everything. Our first candidate was Rob, a NT policeman when not out skiing. Sue, Doug’s sister was next, followed by the rest of the family Gareth (12 years) and Megan (14 years). It was a great session with all skiers having two sets and improving in leaps and bounds. Lunch was next – a true NT BBQ with the best burger meat I’ve tasted in a long time.

After lunch, a quick demo for the small crowd. Gizie strutted her stuff then Geoff thought we was Andre DeVilliers and attempted to jump off the back of the boat – it was a big wake up call and he ate it big time. I decided it was safer on the long line when it was my turn. It was then Kelly’s turn to learn to water ski. We were horrified to know that Kelly is the President of the club but has not tried to ski before. So now Kelly can stand on skis and can relate to what all the fuss is about.

Scott Wintle was next on the water. He is a disabled skier from Brisbane and a member of the Australian Disabled Water Ski Team. He is awesome to watch on his sit-ski and the Darwin Ski Club had rallied a number of disabled wheelchair basketball players to give water skiing a go and we were expecting them the next day.

Around 5pm we packed up after a successful day on the water and had a drink with Doug in his bar before heading to the Darwin Ski Club for dinner. On the way Giz had us stop for another photo opportunity – this time with a 4m high termite mound. They are everywhere in the Top End and solid as a rock - you would not want to run off the road and hit one in your car. Now back to dinner and I can highly recommend a meal at the Darwin Ski Club. I had a huge T bone steak which covered my plate topped with garlic prawns. Finish it off with a couple of drinks from the bar and I ask you - is there a better way to end a day of skiing?

Day 5 – Another day Lake Side

Another glorious day at the Top End and more people expected at the lakes with the wakeboard riders and disabled skiers getting their share of the water. Giz and I took a break from coaching barefoot and took on the role of driver and helper for the disabled skiers. What an experience and what great fun. We had two paraplegic candidates and one amputee keen to give it a go. Scott who is also a paraplegic provided his sit-ski and great coaching skill. Liana and Cain followed Scott’s lead and left their wheelchairs behind. Both were basketball players so they were in reasonable shape. It took them no time to master the sit-ski. Liam had only one leg so we had him on the boom with a normal single ski. Liam had a smile on his face from the moment he got up til we said good bye at the end of the day. He succeeded in his second attempt and no words could describe that vibrant smile of his. Scott was amazed at the success rate – all thanks to the coaching team which included Dave and Ted on the jetski following behind. Time for a quick barefoot – we got Gareth up long line aged 12 with size 10 feet and flat out at 45km. Well done Gareth!

After another magnificent lunch John Henson, the wakeboard coach from the Gold Coast QLD, gave a demo and continued to coach those that only came to ride. Brian, the slalom coach from tournament was just finishing up so we headed to Lake 2 with a crew of barefooters. The crew wanted to see how it was done, so I started on the boom with some basic tricks forward and backward. I knew I had to ski my best as Gizie was going to follow. Out she jumped on the boom with turns, tumbles and toe turns. She ate it on the toe front and the crew thought ‘that has got to hurt’ but completely unfazed Giz gets up again in the line step position this time for a feet-to-feet line step turn. The majority of the boat crew had not seen anyone do turns before and they were most certainly motivated after seeing what is possible on your feet. We had a star studded boat crew including Bren and Kylie (ex show skiers), Craig (the owner of the Malibu Response we were using) and the Barton crew (Doug, Sue, Gareth and Megan). The crew had a great afternoon, footing until dark and down to the last drop of fuel.

The sun setting marked the end of another great day of skiing provided by the AWWF and Darwin Water Ski Club Come and Try event.  We packed up the car to head to – you guessed it – the Darwin Ski Club for dinner. Brian, Giz and I all agreed the event was a great success and hoped we would be invited back next year. Too late to catch the sunset, but in time for another fantastic dinner before the kitchen closed at the club. Most skiers for the two day event were at the club to share a drink and stories of their successes.

Special thanks to Doug Barton and Berry Springs Lake Resort for a great time.

Day 6 – Time to go home

We were due to fly home at 1.35pm so we had some time up our sleeve for a slow start to the day, pack our bags and treat ourselves to a special cooked brunch (do you get the feeling we ate a lot?). Geoff, Neil Harris (Wakeboard delegate from AWWF), Giz and I went to the café at the Darwin Museum and Art Gallery for a late breakfast, which was recommended by the locals. The café was full and we were lucky to get a table and after you see the view and have a meal you can understand why. The Museum is located waterfront by Fannie Bay, just across the road from the Darwin Ski Club. The food was delicious – thanks for the tip guys.

After breakfast we headed into the Museum for a look and what a worthwhile visit it was. A must do whenever your in Darwin. Entry is free of charge and there is something of interest for everyone – even the kids. A highlight was the exhibition of Cyclone Tracy, which literally flattened Darwin on Christmas Eve in 1974. Our time was running out and we must return to reality (work), but not before one last photo out the front of the Darwin Ski Club across the road.

I would like to thank Gary Humphrey and Geoff Davis from AWWF for making this event happen and inviting us to take part. Thanks to the Darwin Ski Club President Kelly and Events Coordinator Kylie as well as all the club members we met for making this a trip to remember. Your hospitality was well received and appreciated. Finally thanks to all the skiers who attend the event.

John & Gizie