Black Ned’s Bay at Swansea is a picturesque place to go for a paddle. The  wind was stiff from the east and no beaches were worth a look for a surf but, a paddle out here on a SUP, or anything that paddles can make up for that. It is  quiet, beautiful, protected and there is lots to look at. Best go at high tide as the bottom has some sharp oyster shells on the Mangrove roots.  I had a  paddle here a month or so ago and a pelican came flying toward me, landed not 10  foot from me and grabbed a fish, I though – I wish I had a camera on me so I  came prepared today.

Black Ned’s Bay entrance from Swansea Channel

Black Neds Bay entrance 27-10-11

Black Neds Bay Boats 27-10-11

There are lots of islands to explore. Black Neds Bay Islands 27-10-11

The mangrove trees reflect into the glassy water

Black Neds Bay Mangrove reflections 27-10-11

A Ski paddler comes the other way, a smile and a wave is common place

Black Neds Bay Ski Paddler 27-10-11

There are lots of pelicans here as the bottom is shallow and they can see  their dinner

Black Neds Bay Pelican 27-10-11

The shallow water has some sharp oyster clusters to beware of. I suggest you  don’t jump in, maybe wear booties in case

Black Neds Bay the sharp things on the bottom  27-10-11

Another spreading Mangrove tree with its reflection in the water

Black Neds Bay Big Mangrove 27-10-11

 

I took a  run under the Swansea Bridge and I noticed a bloke looking  over with interest. I recognised it was Kevin Harman – the Lake  Macquarie areas master of all things to do on water and a great bloke, I  stopped for a chat. Kevin is an icon in our area having built and ridden  surfboards in the 60?s, windsurfed in the 80?s then became the World Champ  Masters ski paddler as well as winning Aussie State and Branch titles.

Kevin Harman at Swansea Bridge 27-10-11