These are the current trips available. To be able to register for trips you must be logged in and a financial member. To register click here
Lake Yarrunga Explorer- overnight kayak camping trip, 2 or 3 Days
April 12 to 14, 2013
Paddle grade 0 and up
Lake Yarrunga is created by Tallowa Dam and extends up the Kangaroo River and Shoalhaven River. The scenery is breathtaking, the lake being lined by rocky shorelines and having narrow arms surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. Early wakers can enjoy the dawn chorus heralding in a new day. In April the water will not have lost much of its summer heat and views of early morning mist are a possibility.
You will need kayaks to club standards, preferably grade 2, a spare paddle if you have one. You will also need overnight camping gear packed to pack into your sea kayak (tent, stove, food, sleeping gear etc). There are many primitive campsites along the lake foreshore, most have a pit toilet. Lake water should be treated prior to drinking so packing in a supply of fresh water for the weekend is a good idea.
The trip will start on Friday afternoon with a Saturday start option starting and ending at Tallowa Dam. The Friday group will return to Tallowa Dam to meet with Saturday starters. A possible itinery is on Friday we will head up the Shoalhaven Gorge to near the rapids and camp up the Shoalhaven arm. We will then paddle back to meet up with paddlers starting Saturday morning at Tallowa Dam. The rest of Saturday we will continue up the Kangaroo River arm exploring flooded river tributaries. There are many different campsites options for the night, some may not have pit toilet so be prepared.
The trip will be conducted by Sea Guide Dirk Stuber and Sea leader Megan Pryke. If you have any questions please contact megan.r.pryke ( @) gmail.com.au (reformat address). The trip is currently FULL however you may wish to register your interest in case someone pulls out.
Rescue Training Session
Saturday 23 February
Watsons Bay (Gibsons Beach)
Meet 8.00a.m. for 8.30a.m. start; approx 3 hours
Instructors: Peter Osman and Dee Ratcliffe
Covering both assisted and self-rescues, this is a day for beginners, who wish to practice a range of techniques, and ‘old-hands’, who wish to refresh what they have learned before, or perhaps learn some new rescue techniques.
We will stay within the bay.
For any ungraded club members, we can meet earlier to cover wet exit and 50m swim.
NOTE: session is weather and water-quality dependent
Essential Equipment
- well maintained sea kayak
- fitted deck lines, paddle and paddle leash, spray skirt
- sponge, bailer and pump (hand, foot or electric)
- Helmet
- Australian or NZ Standards approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with a suitable whistle attached by a lanyard
- cag or paddle jacket, lots of warm clothing, sun-protective clothing, hat
- sunscreen, food and water footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and walking on rocks,
- current weather forecast
Optional
- Paddle float
- Rescue stirrup
Please register through the club website.
Any enquires to Dee email: deeratcliffe[at]tpg.com.au
If session is marked ‘full’, contact Dee as we can maintain a waiting list.
Broughton Island - a pre-Rock and Roll Special: Grade 3
Thursday March 14 to Friday March 15
Paddler grade 3, if you have not attained AC sea skills please do not register. You may still register your interest, attendance will be subject to having a sea guide along. It is also subject to NPWS camping permit availability, weather and your qualifications.
Starting from Jimmys Beach and finishing in time Friday's Rock and Roll kick off. Potentially leaving on Wednesday evening or very early on Thursday with a possibility of starting and or ending at Seal Rocks.
This is an overnight ocean trip so expect to paddle distances up to 30 kms, have sufficient paddling fitness to paddle in rough open water conditions, willing to be rescued or participate in rescue if needed in open ocean conditions, carry a helmet, all supplies including water and camping gear for the trip.
Plenty of marine and other wildlife is usually experienced, rocky shorelines, sandy beaches plus the knowledge of being on an island. Alternative trips maybe around Nelson Bay or Sea Rocks.
Trip leader will be Sea Leader Megan Pryke. Any questions contact Megan on megan.r.pryke( @ ) gmail.com (remove brackets and spaces).
Assessment for Australian Canoeing Sea Skills Award
Sunday 24 February, Broken Bay and adjacent coast
This full-day session is for Grade 2 Club members who wish to be assessed for the Australian Canoeing Sea Skills Award.
The Sea Skills Award assesses both the candidate’s knowledge and practical skills and includes a written assignment. A summary of the assessment criteria can be found on page 43 of the Australian Canoeing Award Scheme handbook (http://canoe.org.au/site/canoeing/ac/downloads/Education/ACAS/ASH_20121220.pdf).
Adrian Clayton will be running a Sea Skills “primer” on Broken Bay on Sunday 3 February. Attendance at the “primer” is not a prerequisite for Sea Skills assessment, however those who attend will have a clear understanding of what is required, as well as the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the assessment criteria. There will also be the opportunity for some on-water skills practice.
The assessment will be conducted by Steve Bell. Details will be emailed to candidates soon after they register for the assessment. Spaces are limited.
Northern beaches touring Grade 3
Saturday 23/2/13 (previously the 9th)
Starting at Bonging Bay (the little bay north of Monavale Beach) we will paddle following the coast. North or South will depend on wind direction or we may even organize a car shuffle. We will try to surf in to stretch the legs (potential targets are North Palm Beach and North Dee Why) and surf out to paddle back, although that will depend on conditions and people on the beach.
Distance will be under 20 km and around 4 hours.
Helmets are mandatory and be ready to get wet and punch a few waves.
Contact me at ferkayaking[at]gmail.com even if full as there may be a wait list and I may repeat the ‘trip’ soon.
La Perouse to Boat Harbour, Grade3, Sunday 3 Feb
Meet at 8.30am to launch at 9am
Endeavour Ave, opposite the sea food cafes.
We'll cross Botany Bay and round Cape Solander to land for lunch at either northern Wanda beach or Boat Harbour depending on conditions.
The trip will be led by Rae Duffy supervised by Sea Leader Fernando Charnis.
All kayaks to grade 3 specs. Please bring lunch and drink for the day.
Please register through the club website. Any other enquires to Rae email: rlduffy( @ )optusnet.com.au (remove brackets and spaces).
Ettalong to Maitland Bay and Return Grade 3
ETTALONG TO MAITLAND BAY and RETURN – Grade 3
Sunday 3 February
Come join us on a pleasant paddle to a lovely destination.
Leaving from Ettalong boat ramp, we will follow the coast north to Maitland Bay and return. Time and tide permitting we may venture around Lion Island and surf permitting have a wave or two at Little Box Head.
This paddle is open to Grade 3s. Grade 2s with some ocean experience (min 25km’s and can self rescue) if you’d like to join please email Tony (tmurphy[at]cochlear.com) with details of your recent paddling BEFORE registering.
Start Time will be 9am on water, so arrival time is 8.30am.
Helmets are mandatory and be prepared to be on the water all day.
Your trip leader will be Bruce McNaughton (Sea Leader in training) under the Guidance of Tony Murphy (Sea Guide).
To Register please click the register button and also e-mail me at blm56[at]optusnet.com.au