Cast your mind back a couple of years – back to August 2007 – and Australian paddler Dean Gardiner had an idea. He wanted to return to his native Western Australia, and specifically to Norwegian Bay – half way up the Western Australian coast at Ningaloo reef. This was where his old man had worked on the whaling boats in the 50’s, and where Dean himself had spent many of his formative years driving fishing boats.
The idea was to paddle the length of the reef over 12 days – some 50km+ every day – with some of the world’s best paddlers. Paddling from south to north (Carnarvon to Exmouth), they would film it, specifically with the aim of highlighting the plight and beauty of the whales themselves. The result was a 1 hour television show (already shown overseas) called “Ningaloo Dreaming”, and we’ve included a trailer here for your enjoyment.
Not content with the short route, they actually paddled straight out towards Africa, 60km to Bernier Island, before turning north and rejoining the coast at the start of one of the most pristine reef systems in the world. Joining Dean was Trevor Hendy, Barton Lynch, Daryl Bartho, Ash Nesbitt, Brett Tyack, a willing support crew (including a marine biologist), an aeroplane and 3 cameras.
So what was the highlight ? “The whole lot,” Dean answers emphatically, “Tons and tons of whales,” he adds before continuing, “The surf wsa just amazing, this part of the coast is spectacular.”
We hope you enjoy the short preview. If you wish to purchase a copy visit our on line shop.
