Pumicestone Passage Weekend

Date: Sat & Sun 12th/13th July
The Passage Runs for 35 km between Bribie Island and the Mainland. At its narrowest it is only a few metres wide and at its widest up to 3 km. There are good views of the Glasshouse mountains

We will depart from Bribie Bridge at the southern end, camp for the night at Mission Point and then proceed to Golden Beach at Caloundra early on the Sunday morning. Because tides are strong it is essential that we kayak with them. The tide at the centre is about 3 hours later than at the ends so that we have that much less time on the outgoing tide on the second day. We will therefore adhere strictly to times and maintain a reasonable speed.

Emergency Contact: VMR Bribie Island 07 34087596 and VMR Caloundra 07 54913533 (enter them in your phones too!)
Grade: 1 (note the longer than normal distance on Sunday)
Departure Time: Saturday 12th July 2008. Meet at clubhouse at 6:45 AM. A car shuttle will be necessary to Caloundra. We will aim to leave Bribie Bridge at 10:30 to 11 am and arrive at Mission Point during the afternoon to set up camp and have an early night
Departure Time from Mission Point on Sunday 13th is at 6 am in order to reach Golden Beach soon after low tide at 10.06 am. There should then be time to visit the beaches on the other side of Bribie Island for a swim.

Duration: All weekend.
Distance: Day 1 about 15km. Day 2 about 20 km
Paddle type: Sea kayaking

Requirements:

• Basic fitness - Because times are critical basic fitness and skill are required. If you can kayak comfortably up river from the club to the radio mask and back at roughly 5 km/hr then you should manage.
• Basic skills. You must have already attended a basic skills session at the St Lucia Shed. you should be able to use a skirt, do a wet exit and perform an assisted rescue.
• Equipment: Sea kayaks, skirts, paddle leashes, bailers and PFDs. Tents, sleeping bags, stoves., mug, plates etc. Bring one evening meal, one breakfast, two picnic lunch, snacks, at least 6L WATER, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellant, money, hat, towel, warm gear, wind and rain proof top and change of clothing. Pack conservatively as it must all go in the kayak

Basic Costs: If you can afford it, a donation towards kayak upkeep.
Meet: 6 am on Saturday 12th at the UQ Canoe Club to load kayaks. Depart before 7am and do car shuttle. Aim to be on the water before 11am.
Tides: Low tide at Bribie Bridge on Saturday 12th is at 10.35 am
. High tide at Mission Point on Sunday 13th is approximately 6.30 am. Low tide at Caloundra is 10.30 am.

Registration: Please register your interest with the leader by email (first come first served). Please indicate whether you have transport and if you have roof racks for kayaks. If you have not kayaked with the leader before please give some indication of your skills level to assist planning.

Leader: Michael Wynne
Contact: "seakayaking" followed by "@uqcanoeclub.net"