Pumicestone Passage Weekend

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, or Caloundra at the northern end (depending on tides), camp for the night at Mission Point and then proceed to the other end 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.

Grade: 1+ (note the longer than normal distance on Sunday)
Safety: Long sections without habitation. Strong tides
Emergency Contact: VMR Bribie Island 07 34087596 and VMR Caloundra 07 54913533
Date: Saturday, 18th September to Sunday 19th September 2010
Paddle type: Sea kayaking
Duration: 2 days
Distance: day 1 about 15 km; day 2 about 20 km

Meet: Saturday 18th Sept 2010. Meet at clubhouse at 6am. Depart 7 AM. Drive to Bribie bridge to drop kayaks. A long car shuttle will be necessary to Caloundra. We will aim to leave Bribie Bridge at 12 midday (low tide) and arrive at Mission Point during the late afternoon. High tide at Bribie bridge is around 6,30pm. Mission point about 2-3 hours later.

Departure Time from Mission Point on Sunday 17th is soon after 8 am in order to do the first bit with the incoming tide and then catch the change an hour later. High tide at Mission point will be about 9 am and low tide at Caloundra about 1pm. There should be time to visit the beaches on the other side of Bribie Island for a swim.

Tides: Low tide at Bribie Bridge on Saturday 18th is at 12 midday and high tide at Mission point about 8-9pm. High tide at Mission Point on Sunday 19th is approximately 9 am. Low tide at Caloundra is approx 12-1pm. The point where the tide changes at the middle of the passage is at the narrows half way between Mission Point and the entrance to Coochin Creek.

Map: Google maps
Requirements

• Basic fitness - Because tide 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 should have basic skills and 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 & mats, stoves., mug, plates etc. Bring one evening meal, one breakfast, two picnic lunch, snacks, at least 6L WATER, sunscreen , 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.

Accomodation: Camping - If you need camping gear, the club may be able to supply some (please ask).
Basic Costs: Camping fee $5.15 per person. Cancelled places, if not filled, still pay this. Petrol contribution,and a donation towards kayak upkeep is expected.

Contact & registration : Please register your interest with the leader by email (first come first in line). 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.
Email: Michael (treasurer)