Visiting Australia - Kit, Kayaks and things to do.

Hi All,

I am visiting Australia for the first time this Christmas and New Year and will be spending 4 days in Perth, then heading up to Shark Bay for the rest of the three weeks.

Can anyone help me with the following:

1. Where are the good/ are there any "Ski"/ Kayaking shops in Perth?

2. Where are the best places to go in Perth in General?

3. If I buy kit in Oz can I get it shipped pretty cheaply abroad or is it worth me bringing less stuff in my luggage and transporting things home (to Brunei) in my hold luggage? (obviously this would depend on what I want to buy)

4. I am in the market for a Epic V10 boat bag for my ski (as I have now been told they are the best fit for my kind of boat), A paddle leash, an ankle strap and perhaps a few other toys... Is Perth the place to buy these things or should I buy these online and get them delivered to my Address in Oz?


5. A few of the other Expats over here have been asking about my kind of boat and have asked me to have a look around/ cost up Skis whilst I am in Oz. Where do you think is good to buy Skis? Is there a good online forum/ shop?

Thanks for your help with this information.

After reading a number of the posts in this forum I saw that a number of you are Australian and therfore I thought it would make sense to ask.

Kind Regards

Will

Here is a post calculator which could help you decide if it is cheaper than airline excess baggage charges.
auspost.com.au/apps/international-parcel.html

Epic lists a Hong Kong dealer, have you looked into that? HK is closer and its postage/shipping rates kill everything else so it may be cheaper to just order from there direct to your home in Brunei.

I imagine it is easier to get a ski shipped between South China Sea neighbours than it is from Australia? Probably lots of little private cargo boats going back and forward, compared to the bulk container ships crossing the ocean to Aus?

Canoeing Down Under in Bassendean are the local Epic dealer for Perth. You can check out there web site for details, very friendly and helpful staff.

Happy to entertain you around town, whatever paddles and adventures you're in for.

Also sister-in-law and young family just spent 3 yrs Brunei so if interested will pass on her contact for some insider info.

Re Perth paddling - plenty on. Also it's a pretty small town and people tend not to crap in their own nest. All store owners / dealers I've dealt with which is most of below are genuine paddling folk committed both to their products and the sport. I paddle a Stellar and am well looked after by dealer Peter Latham and James, but Terry Bolland (Epic) as posted above is a paddling legend and totally committed to every aspect of the sport. Ash Nesbitt of Fenn also goes way back in paddling and still races; James of GoPaddle seriously long term involvement and Adam Fahey new Think dealer in Mandurah nice guy. In2kayaks helpful (whole range of boats) plus Mainpeak which has specialist paddle shop.


Visit sites or contact those below for info. Personally I contribute what I can locally and if can find better product will shop online. Padding Centre South Africa is good against our dollar with some great products. Love the calf and waist leashes.

In no special order:
www.in2kayaks.com.au/racing-fitness/4553025256

Fenn: My Ocean, Ash Nesbit, Perth Ph: 0413 177 927 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Brad Cuff (south of the river) Ph: 0417633873 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In2Kayaks, Mindarie Ph: 08 9408 5874

(Stellar, Spirit and PRS) www.gopaddlesports.com.au/

Think - m.facebook.com/ThinkKayakWA?id=198275270...w.google.com%2F&_rdr

Terry Bolland wide range boats including Epic www.canoeingdownunder.com.au/

Mainpeak paddle site embarrassing but shop worth checking out in Cottesloe.
www.mainpeak.com.au/

All that on my phone, battery low. Contact me if chasing a paddle or help around town.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
0420 998 166

Brunei Paddler wrote:

5. A few of the other Expats over here have been asking about my kind of boat and have asked me to have a look around/ cost up Skis whilst I am in Oz. Where do you think is good to buy Skis? Is there a good online shop

Kind Regards

Will

Gidday Will, Watto has done a great job with his information but there is one other online shop for you to check out that is based in Perth. Kevin White (a South African with vast paddling experience) runs a Webstore called Www.canoesonline.com.au where you will find ski gear and South African brands of skis such as Carbonology.

Enjoy your stay in WA over summer.

Thanks for all your advice guys.

I will take it all on board!

Thanks

Will