Beautiful beach, no boating activity

The East Coast Beach that was created in the 1970s by National Parks

The 185 hectare East Coast Park is the largest park in Singapore, and is built entirely on reclaimed land with a man-made beach, where swimming is possible. The beach is protected by breakwaters.

The park is a popular place for people to relax and unwind. The park has barbecue pits, chalets, food centres and amenities for various sports activities. Visitors can fish at Bedok Jetty (Area F). A cycling and inline skatingtrack runs along the perimeter of the park, which measures over 15 km long. It is connected to Changi Beach Park by the Coastal Park Connector Network, an 8 km park connector running along Changi Coast Road.

Overnight camping is permitted in East Coast Park, at Areas D and G. A Camping Permit is required and can be obtained from the National Parks website.

What is evidently missing is boats. Back in the early 70s, sampans were kept at no fewer than 5 boat parks. Today there's only one. 

Boat owners are expected to berth their crafts at any of the 5 Marinas or 2 Yacht Clubs in Singapore. Namely; Raffles Marina, RSYC, Marina at Keppel Bay, OneDeg15, Marina Country Club (formerly Ponggol Marina), SAF Yacht Club and Changi Sailing Club. Owning a boat is no longer cheap. My first boat was a $188 wooden 18 footer sampan. The 4hp Outboard was borrowed. Berthing was just over S100 a year paid directly to the MPA at the One Stop Documentation Centre at Tg Pagar.

I hope that with the growth of the new Greater Southern Water Front region, simple boating will make a come back to these waters.  

An Inflatable dinghy was so much fun in the 1970s

The first two inflatable boats I co-owned in 1976

We carried the inflatable canoes on the bus to Ponggol, inflated them and paddled to Coney Island

The inflatables doubled as seats and storage 

The was an old sign board at Coney Island where we pitched our shelter against

Paddling out towards the anchored ships off East Coast Park

These must have been the very few photographs that my buddies saved over the years. Back then cameras were rare and it costs quite a bit to have the negatives developed into photos.
Those fun filled days boating off the East Coast and Coney Island will always be my most cherished memories. I'm glad for those adventures. They represented the real me. Care-free, fun loving, adventurous and daring.
I must get back to those days of Innocent living soon. Today at 59 yrs old, my thoughts are filled with a desire to live unrestricted without worry, free from the tolls of responsibilities of being husband, father and provider. It's time to let my adult kids live their own lives, whatever way they choose.
Life goes on, no matter what, so I too must live my life to the fullest it will allow me and not miss what it has to offer. The world is my oyster.

Gratitude

Grateful to be alive and grateful to have lived a fabulous fun filled life. This picture was taken on a friend's boat off Port Blair (Andaman Islands) in 1999. I was technically bankrupt and was facing a mountain of debt as a result of the Asian Financial crisis. This fishing trip opened my mind. I became a salesman and made enough commissions selling health supplements to pay the bank and get my life back. I never though I would make it, but I did. I thought I was finished,but the end never came. Sometimes you just gotta forget all the troubles for a while and change the scenery. I did and I'm glad the outcome turned out well...... Today, 20 years later, I'm debt free and own my own home. I may never be "rich" but I'm grateful for the food on the table each day and a strong roof over my head. My family is happy and content.         

The Wim Hof Breathing Method

This gentleman Wim Hof, affectionately known as the Iceman has an incredible discovery leading to wellness and well-being.  Learning his breathing technique is a must if your'e interested in good health.

Advancements in Sea Rescue using technlogy

Modern innovations are amazing. They can turn everyday equipment into new and clever applications not though of before. Such is the power of creativity. Simpler being better. Take a look at the applications of the humble PWC, once associated with the young and reckless. It's now being used for good.    

I'm not a good angler

It always amazes me how local Anglers catch good size fish each and every time they go fishing. These experts hardly ever come back empty handed. Not so for me. I seldom catch big fish and often end up catching the smallest of fish namely; whip tail, 7 banded grouper (Arumugum) and Blueline grouper. These fish are not favored for the kitchen and hence seldom sold in wet markets. 

Whip Tail 

Seven Banded Grouper (Arumugum)

Blueline Grouper

However last week I finally landed the big one. Large enough to fill the length of the ice-box and good enough for the dinner plate. They were 1.5kg parrot fish. Sizable for local waters

WF with a 1.5kg Parrot fish caught off Bukom

Boon with a 2kg Parrot, caught off St Johns Island

Labrador Park Fishing Jetty re-opens

I ust found out that the long awaited re-opening of Labrador Fishing Jetty was reopened in Dec 2017. Many anglers mush have been waiting for this ever since they started  renovating the site. Must make the time to try fishing there soon.