Obscured by waves

In late 1977, Paul Caffyn and Max Reynolds set out from the Waewae Bay to paddle around Fiordland. This southwest corner of New Zealand has a reputation for unpredictable weather, big seas and lots of sandflies. Surviving capsizes in surf at night, some huge swell days, not to mention the sandflies, they arrived at Jackson Bay 27 days later.
The first part of the book describes this trip, the magnificent fiords, the crayfishermen at work and play, the lighthouse keepers and the humorous antics of the paddlers’ support crew.

With Max unable to join him, Paul returned to Jackson Bay and set off solo to continue paddling around South Island. With a shore-based support crew following, Paul completed the first 1,550 miles kayak South Island circumnavigation bach at Waewae Bay in late April 1978.
The second half of the book describes this remarkable solo trip.

The story is a blend of narrative, early maritime history, insights into the life of lighthouse keepers and friendly coastal dwellers who took Paul into their homes and hearts, and some absolutely terrible puns.

Second edition.