Rolling at black sand beach

Yesterday we decided to take the sea kayaks for a spin, literally. Pooley had a practice run last week and was keen to consolidate. The chosen spot was Aganoa Beach, a black sand beach on the South Coast of Upolu, about 45 minutes from home. Getting there can be an epic of its own, involving river crossings, mud and cutting wayward vines with the bush knife to make sure the kayaks stay on the roofracks. We timed it perfectly, arriving at high tide on a glassy afternoon. What a perfect spot to learn how to fall out of your kayak - a sheltered bay at a break in the reef, surrounded by coconut palms and banana trees, not a soul on the beach and no clouds (and no waves!) in sight. After practising emergency exits underwater, Pooley tried a couple of rolls, to no avail. However he did manage a few assisted rolls, where he used my bow to support himself. I was excused from this exercise, on account of being a wimp. We finished our day at the beach with a swim out to the buoy and back - Pooley wants to brush up on his swimming before attempting a surf out on the reef. It was an exhilarating swim out through crystal clear water about 7 metres deep, looking straight at the sandy bottom of the bay. Mercifully, no creatures of the deep down there looking for an afternoon snack.