UQ Canoe Club

QC Adventure in the Bay

2012-09-07

Queensland Canoeing is running an orienteering competition on Moreton Bay. Enter teams and test your sea kayak skills. Adventure in the Bay is on again.

Queensland Canoeing is holding this event twice in 2012.
Events are planned for 21st April and the 8th September 2012.

The event starts and finishes at Jacobs Well. The event is in a Rogaine (navigation) style on water. In teams of 3 or 4 you will be given a map at registration on the morning of the event 1 hour prior to the start time. Your team will then have until the start time to plan their strategy to visit as many markers as possible and gain maximum points and return to the finish line before the finish time of 4pm. The markers will be placed throughout the bay and will be worth different points as shown on the map. Along with the map showing all markers you will also be given a marker description and clue card. This will give the finer details of each marker so that you are able to locate them. (They are not all close to the water and not always on land) At each marker there will be a clicker that you mark your score card provided with to prove you have visited this marker.

Note that this is an event run by Queensland Canoeing and not UQCC. Therefore it is possible to enter teams that include non-club members (provided of course that non-members do not use any club gear). They can hire gear from various hire companies.

An entry form is on the QC website.

If you are interested in forming a team, please contact Martin or Greg ]]>

QC Adventure in the Bay

2012-04-20

Queensland Canoeing is running an orienteering competition on Moreton Bay. Enter teams and test your sea kayak skills. Adventure in the Bay is on again in 2012

Queensland Canoeing is holding this event twice in 2012.
Events are planned for 21st April and the 8th September 2012.

Entries are now open for the 21st April event. So get in fast as team numbers will be limited.

Entry form is on the QC website.

If you are interested in forming a team, please contact Martin or Greg ]]>

Market day stall 2012

2012-02-21

The club has a display in the Great Court on Wednesday 22 Feb 2012 as part of the UQ orientation week's Market Day.]]> Great court (map) between 10AM and 3PM.

Any prospective members, and indeed anyone with even a small interest in kayaking, are invited to come along and meet some of the current members and find out a little about the club and what it offers.

Club members - please come along and encourage others to join the club, you are MOST welcome!! Pop in anytime to say 'Hi'.

Wed Paddles End

2011-11-15

Organised Wednesday paddles have come to an end for the Semester. This doesn't mean you have to stop, it just means that you will have to organise a key to the shed yourselves.]]>

North Stradbroke Island weekend

2011-10-28

Rescheduled: A weekend trip across Moreton Bay camping at Blakesley's Anchorage on North Stradbroke Island.]]> This trip was originally planned for 1st-2nd October, but was postponed due to wind. It now has a new date. Please register or re-register.

PLEASE REGISTER BY TUESDAY 25th OCTOBER

A trip from Redland bay to Karragarra island for some lunch, and then across to Blakesley's Anchorage (~8 km south of Dunwich) on North Stradbroke island either via Macleay and Lamb islands or via Russell island (depending on conditions). We'll spend the night in tents. On Sunday we will paddle back stopping at Pott's Point on Macleay island for something to eat, and then back to Redland bay via the "secret passage" next to Garden Island.

Yellow line (Sat), Red line (Sun), fine yellow line (option if significant SE winds - also an option for the return trip if S/SE winds). Click on the map for Google maps.

Distance: 15 - 17 km (Sat) and 13 - 17 km (Sunday depending on conditions).
Meet time 1 : A week before hand (date/time TBA) for a trip pre-brief and to work out food groups
Meet time 2 : Friday 30 Sept 5PM - some members meet to pack boats & gear.
Meet time 3: Sat morning at club shed: Time TBA (early)

Paddler Requirements: Participants must be able to paddle a loaded sea kayak up to 20 km at a rate of at least 4 km / hr with stops. Please check your abilities while paddling on the river using the local distances as an estimate. Paddlers must be confident in performing wet exits and T-rescues, and should not have major difficulty with citycat waves when in a sea kayak. They must be able to turn, steer, and otherwise handle a sea kayak adequately.

Gear: A general gear list to get you started is here

Tides: Saturday - Low ~ 5:24 AM (4:39AM @ BB) + 45 , high ~11:39PM (11:09@BB) + 30, low ~6:35PM (5:50 PM @BB) | Sunday - low ~6:05 AM (5:20AM@BB), high ~12:42PM (11:57PM@BB)
Moon: new moon +2

How to get to the put in point

Drive towards Cleveland (Old Cleveland road). Take the turnoff south along the Cleveland-Redland Bay Road. Then take Gordon road (left), and follow it through two roundabouts and a curve to the left. Then follow it straight until it almost becomes Moores road. Take Moores road and turn left onto the Esplanade when you get to the water. Follow this a short distance until you reach the small bit of park and a boat ramp on your right just before the road curves to the left.

The Put in Point Boat Ramp

Facilities at Blakesley's: some rubbish bins (nothing else). All tents, water, food, and gear must be brought in and taken out via sea kayak.

Risks: Sunburn, cold/hypothermia, rain, marine and terrestrial animals, boat traffic, wind, fatigue, weather changes, paddle injuries, capsize, sea sickness.
Risk reduction: We will keep out of the main channels and follow standard kayak practices when crossing boating channels (tight group / direct route / active lookout). All participants must have demonstrated a wet exit and T-rescue previously. Trip leaders trained in towing and rescues/self-rescues & have current remote first aid and CPR. Require 3L of fresh water per day per person. Warm clothing required while paddling (in case of immersion), and separate dry warm gear required while camping. Clear trip plan with alternate routes. Local knowledge. Extra equipment. Emergency numbers. PFDs mandatory.
Extra equipment (group): spare paddles, marine flares, V-sheet, VHF radio, phone, whistle, PLB, first aid kit, paddle float, compass, extra sunscreen, extra insect repellent, repair kit, tow lines, signal mirror, torch/glow stick.
Alternate routes: Take out points at Macleay and Karragarra islands - if needed members can catch a ferry from these points to the mainland.
Emergency contacts: Coast Guard Redland Bay 07 3206 7777; VMR Dunwich 3409 9160; VHF 21, 63, 67, 73, 77, 81, 16 (emergency only)

Costs: Petrol money, boat wear and tear contribution for two days. No camping fees. You will need to bring your own food & paddle snacks (and/or sort it out with other participants).

Registration and Contact: Martin. Please indicate if you are able to provide transport (if so how many spaces), and if you are able to transport kayaks (if so how many). If you need camping gear, please book book this as well.

If you have not previously demonstrated rescue techniques please email as soon as you can so this can be arranged well before the trip.

Fourth National Sea Kayak Symposium

2011-10-21

Queensland Canoeing is holding the fourth National Sea kayak symposium at the Gold Coast over the weekend (starts Friday evening). This Symposium includes a variety of talks covering sea kayak skills and equipment, great displays and discounts by kayak companies, and interesting talks from the more adventurous. This year there are also some grade 1 and grade 2 trips on offer. Many on the water activities are also available to help build skills, experience, and test out other boats.

Dates: Friday (evening) Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd, and Sunday 23rd of October 2011
Duration: 2 to 2.5 days

Details and registration: See the Symposium website. Ignore the form - early bird registrations ($150) have been extended to October 24th.

If you register, please also contact Martin.

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Gold coast training day - whitewater

2011-10-07

A day on the Gold Coast developing your skills in white water boats.

This page will be updated. Check back closer to the date for additional information

Meet: Club shed, Saturday 8th October 2011 at 7AM
Destination: Tallebudgera or possibly Currumbin (to be decided). We will take white water boats, safety gear, and a few balls for some polo skills.
Meet time: 7:00 AM
Depart: 7.30-8ish
You will need: warm dry clothes, towel, swimming gear (you will get wet), wet paddling gear. Lunch. Hat, sunglasses, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen.
Costs: petrol contribution (including a bit extra to whoever takes the trailer if it is taken), boat/gear wear and tear contribution ($10), some extra dollars for potential coffee stops etc.

Tides (Tallebudgera beach): moon is four days before full moon.

5:42 AM high
11:44 AM low
17:55 high

Plan
We will do training on the water near the put-in point
Morning session: 2-2.5 hour
Lunch
Afternoon session: 2-2.5 hour

Rough training program:

Whitewater paddling
strokes
edging/railing
rolling

White water rescue skills

difficult entry/exit to bank/ladder/wall
basic towing (slings possibly cowtails if we have any)
barrel rolls
t rescues
wet re-entry
assisted ferry/ rafting up
rope skills over lunch 2:1 and 3:1/z drags (off water)

Polo

catching/throwing
drills/games
hand roll

This is a rough plan, and it will evolve on the day according to the interests and skills of the participants.

Please register ASAP by sending an email to James AND Cora.
Please include a contact phone number (time is short and we may need to call you), and also if you need transport or can provide some. If you can bring a car, please indicate if you have roof racks & how many other people and whitewater boats you can carry.

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Saturday paddle sessions move to 7:30 AM

2011-10-05

With the club pontoon nearing completion and becoming available for use, the Saturday morning paddle sessions are changing back to their original meeting time at 7:30 AM. The club would like to thank the UQ boat club (the rowing club) for allowing us to use their pontoon while ours was under repair. We thank them too for their patience.

Saturday paddle session information is found here.]]>

Switch from TKs to Ks

2011-10-05

Upgrade your skill level. Switch from a TK1 to a K1. Help is available. Wei has offered to help anyone interested in moving into K1 paddling. This is a chance to build your skills and get help from an experienced K1 paddler. If you are currently comfortable in TK kayaks, don't miss it!

Details are here.

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Club pontoon mostly available for use

2011-10-05

The contractors have given us permission to use the club pontoon. We will not be able to access it when they are working on it. The pontoon will be closed on the following dates when additional work will be undertaken.

Until the repairs are complete, please take care when using the pontoon. In particular, be careful not to scrape boats (or limbs) on the various sharp edges and corners on the pontoon. They will be fixed soon.

Pontoon work items and dates

Item: Aluminium tracks to be installed beneath the rollers on the pontoon platform
Will be installed on the 11/010/11

Item: A second ladder to be installed
Will be installed on the 11/10/11

Item: Carpet to be extended over the current 'super-fender', for protection of the speed boats using the pontoon
Will be installed the week of the 17/10/11

Item: Pillows to be installed to level the pontoon as discussed on inspection
Will be installed on the 11/10/11

Item: Protection to be installed at the edging leading onto the canoe/kayak launching platforms - the middle and outer joins of the platforms to the pontoon itself, are to be included also
Will be installed on the 11/10/11.

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Wednesday afternoon paddle sessions commence

2011-10-04

The regular weekly morning paddles sessions have moved to Wednesday afternoon. Meet at 4:30-4:45 PM. The Tuesday and Wednesday morning paddle sessions have stopped for the semester.

Instead, a regular weekly afternoon paddle session is organised. Meet at the shed between 4:30 & 4:45 PM. Be on the water by 5 PM.

Details are here.]]>

Reports for Training and Noosa trips

2011-09-19

Trip reports and pictures are now posted for the recent training and Noosa river trips.

Changes in weekly paddle sessions

2011-09-19

Weekly paddle sessions have changed. The Wednesday morning sessions and Thursday night sessions have stopped. Tuesday mornings sessions continue at 6:30 AM.

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Noosa Everglades weekend trip

2011-09-02

A weekend trip up the beautiful Noosa river in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park.

TRIP REPORT

Lake Cootharaba before the wind started

With six people and three cars, we made an early start and were on the water at Elanda Point, Lake Cootharaba, soon after 9 AM. Strong winds forecast arrived soon after. We had a rough passage across the lake with breaking waves over the kayaks. Everyone got wet, but no one went over.

Between the islands

We recovered at the Kinaba Visitors Centre, then paddled between the islands, past Kin Kin Creek, and entered the sheltered Everglades at Fig Tree Point.

Sheltered water lillies

Noosa river from campsite 3

We made good time through the picturesque everglades with its reeds, paper-bark trees, banksia and many waterbirds including darter, cormorants, kingfishers and raptors. There was enough of a breeze to ruffle the reflections in the tannin stained water, for which the Everglades are famous. We lunched at Harry's hut camp where we were visited by a large lace monitor. Then on to Camp 3 where we set up our tents.

In the afternoon it was a brisk six kilometre climb to the sand blow where we admired the magnificent views and took group photos.

The start of the walk to the sandblow

The walk to the sandblow passes through typical sandy heathland and dry eucalypt forest. These heathlands are a special feature of south east Queensland.

The sandblow is impressive in its own right. This is a part with views of the ocean

The view of the Everglades - through which we paddled - makes the walk to the sandblow worth it.

Well done all

We arrived back at the camp site after dark for our evening meal but were driven to our tents by rain at 8 PM. It rained hard for most of the night and we slept in.

Camping on the sand.
The Cooloola region was once a large sand island similar to Stradbroke, Moreton, and Bribie islands. It is also adjacent Fraser island in the north, and until relatively recent times connected Fraser to the mainland before Fraser became Australia's second biggest island (Tasmania is the biggest).

Paddling back

Morning dawned bright and sunny. Most went for a walk along the Noosa river while the tents dried out. By 10 AM we were back on the water paddling back the way we had come, making good time, with everyone comfortable at six km/hr. After Harry's hut, where we lunched, the weather closed in. By the time we reached the visitors centre it was raining again.

We donned spray skirts and cags then crossed the lake again in pouring rain and strong winds but not as wild as the day before, but continuing a long club tradition of wet and windy Lake Cootharaba crossings.

On the way home we stopped for coffee and refreshments, getting back to the shed after 6 PM.

Overall it was a good trip with enough sunshine to show off the scenery, but with the wind and rain providing excitement and challenge.

TRIP PLAN

This is one of the most scenic trips we do. Google Earth has many photos of the Everglades and the sand patch. They give a good idea of what it is like. This is a very beautiful paddle on an unspoilt river. Have a look at pictures from the report from previous trips in 2006 and earlier.

We will pack the kayaks on the trailer on Friday evening, 2nd, as we must make an early start if we are to climb to the sand patch and get back before dark.

We will meet at the shed at 5.40 AM on the Saturday 3rd morning to finalize packing with the intention of departing at 6 AM and being on the water at Elanda point by 9 AM.

Map to Elanda Point 3

We will kayak across Lake Coothariba to the Kinaba Visitors Centre (4.18 km) then on to Fig Tree Point (1.25 km). We will continue up the Noosa River to Harry's Hut (4.56km) and then to Camp 3 (6.34 km) where we will set up our tents and have lunch. Total distance 16.3 km so it is not too difficult, with 4 hours for the trip - including the stops.

Paddle Route to Campsite 3

Sand Patch
We will set up our camp and have lunch so that we can depart on the climb to the Sand blow by 2 PM. (see map) This is a 6 km steady climb, and we will walk fast as it will take the full 4 hrs to get there and back (12 kms) and still give us time to enjoy the fabulous views.

Walking route to Cooloola sand patch

Sunday
On Sunday 21st we will have an early morning paddle further up the river while the tents dry out. In the past it has been magical in the early morning mist with crystal clear reflections. We will have a late breakfast, pack up and return the way we came. We should get back late afternoon and have time to unload.

Packing Kayaks:- Friday 2nd at 5 pm - Three volunteers are needed to help load boats.
Departure: Meet 5.40 am Saturday 3rd at the shed. Depart 6 AM
Route: (See map) Go North via the Bruce Highway. Turn off to Pomona (Avoid going to Cooroy) and follow the signs to Boreen Point. Shortly before you get to Boreen Point there is a sign to Elanda Point. Just before you get to the Elanda Point Camp site turn right and drive down to the lake to an area where we can unload kayaks and leave the cars.
Info: Cooloolah National Park map where we will paddle, and general information about the QPWS Cooloolah National Park (Broad park map)
Extra info: Local map of the area, Satellite map, and General information for kayaking in the area
Time: Saturday 3rd to Sunday 4th of September 2011
Duration: 2 days (overnight)
Distance: 35 km kayaking - Sat: 16.5 km (3-4 hrs) and 12 km walk (4 hrs) and ~ 20 km paddling on Sunday (3-4 hrs)
Paddle type: Sea kayaking
Accommodation: Camping. If you lack some (or all) camping gear, please let the organiser know. The club may be able to supply you with some (be early and book it with the leader).
Basic Costs: QPWS camping fees ($5.30). Petrol money to whoever you get a lift with. A wear and tear contribution of $20 for those using club gear (if you are genuinely unable to afford this speak to the leader).

Limits and requirements
Numbers: will be limited by the number of cars and sea kayaks available
Skills: Have demonstrated ability to do wet exits and T-rescues in a sea kayak (attend training day on 21st August - or contact the leader about it early so that something else can be arranged)
Fitness: Able to maintain a speed of 4 km/hr in a sea kayak for over an hour without a rest. Generally this means you can paddle from the club pontoon to 6 mile rocks and back in under 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternately, from the club pontoon to the radio mast at Long Pocket one way in 1 hour 8 min or both ways in under 2 hrs 15 minutes. Most beginners will attain this easily if they attend some of the training sessions, and paddle 2 -3 times a week trying to do these distances each time.

Bring: You will need a small tent (share if you can), a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag. We are not guaranteed good weather and it can be cold in September so bring something warm if the weather gets bad - something warm to kayak in that can get wet and something warm (and dry) for afterwards. Bring something waterproof in case it rains.

Sea kayaks are not totally watertight. You will need to put everything that should not get wet into dry bags. The club has a limited number of bags, tents and mats. If you don't have what you need then book them with the leader well ahead and consider how much you can get into them and the kayak (quite a lot) when packing. It has to be small enough to get through the hatches.

There are no fires so bring a camping stove of some sort, or arrange to share with someone else. Trangia's or gas stoves are usual. Bring a plate, mug and utensils. Also hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant etc. You will need light at night so bring torches/lamps etc.

Food
Bring one breakfast (Sunday), one evening meal (Saturday), two picnic lunches, and a supply of snacks to eat along the way. Prepared evening meals which only need heating are good. People usually group up to bring meals and share between them. Most of us bring something tasty to share around during stops, before dinner, or after coffee. A beer or a glass of wine on Saturday evening is great after all the exercise. If you have more than this you won't be on future trips!

Water: There is no water. We will need 2L per person per day for kayaking and walking and at least one extra litre for cooking and other matters. So bring between 6 and 8 L water each.

Kayaking gear: Lake Cathooraba is shallow and when the wind comes up in the afternoon or if there is a storm then it can get choppy and rough. For this reason we will wear PFDs, and take skirts and paddle leashes even if we don't use them (they have been used here before).

Risk Assessment: Lake Coothariba is shallow and except for small areas can be walked out of.

Leader (also register with) : Michael Wynne (email: treasurer)
Deputy leader: Cora Skaien (Email president)

Register, as early as you can, by email with the leader. We need to book camp sites soon. Places and equipment will generally be on a first come first serve basis.

Please indicate whether you are able to bring a car, how many you can take, whether you can carry a kayak on roof racks, and whether you can tow a trailer.

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Training weekend

2011-08-19

A weekend away to Tweed Heads, northern NSW to learn skills important for various kayak disciplines including sea kayaking, flatwater, and whitewater.

TRIP REPORT

Packed trailers. Thanks particularly to Queensland Canoeing who lent us the large trailer.

The club reopened in July after recovering from the January floods. We organised a training weekend for flatwater, whitewater and sea kayaking, so that new members would get a feel for the different types of kayaking and have a chance to learn new skills (and practice old ones). We took over 30 kayaks on three trailers and several roof racks down to the Tweed. There were 18 participants although not everyone came for both days.

Heavy rain overnight

The weekend was marred by cold weather, heavy rain at times, and very strong winds forcing us into sheltered coves and the camp site harbor. The well placed and picturesque camp site was managed by its owner with multiple regulations and rules. These, the confused staff struggled to apply, without much consideration for the enjoyment or convenience of its patrons. As a consequence we would not advise it for future trips.

On Saturday morning Dani Wallace (flatwater rep) helped participants get their strokes right. Keen participants soon tried out increasingly tippy TK1s and K1s until they fell in. Dani and Wei demonstrated safe kayak rescues.

Whitewater skills session

In the afternoon James Rae, visiting us from New Zealand, taught basic white water techniques and rolling, with the assistance of Cora Skaien. The two available skirts (flood replacements had not yet arrived) became five thanks to Brenton, and then two more were hired so there were seven on the water.

Getting ready for another session

Sunday's sea kayak training was delayed because of drenching rain overnight. Matt Rowland had borrowed skirts for the sea kayaks, and once the camp was packed up Matt, assisted by Breck Felsman, went through all the basics. Sixteen participants practiced wet exits and rescues. Some tried their rolling skills. After a hard paddle against the wind, we came off the water to warm up, hitched up the trailers and headed home.

Sea kayak training

Despite the weather, most enjoyed the training sessions and everyone thought that they had benefited.

- Michael

TRIP PLAN

PLEASE REGISTER by this Tuesday 16th so that we can make bookings (time is short)
See registration details at the bottom of the page

Destination: Tweed River (Boyd's Bay campsite), NSW
Date: Sat 20th August and Sun 21st August, 2011
Duration: 1 or 2 days (you can come both or just one day depending on your transport)
Accommodation: Overnight camping (car camping) is optional (but much more fun), or people can choose to come for only one of the days.

More details, including pictures and a map are available as a PDF download.

Training sessions
There will be flatwater (morning) and some whitewater (afternoon) training on the Saturday. On Sunday there will be Sea Kayak Training.

If you are not attending a training session, you will be able to use left over kayaks to paddle on the river. We will try to organize paddlers into suitable groups to do so. Some of the sea kayaks should be free on the Saturday, and the whitewater kayaks on the Sunday.

Members will be able to register for either or both days and to camp overnight. We will book camping at a camp site somewhere near but some members may prefer to take a cabin or return to Brisbane overnight. We will barbecue at the camp site.

Experienced paddlers are encouraged to come along, help the instructors in your sections, meet up and get to know each other and then enjoy paddling on the river during other sessions. This is also a social trip

Don't miss the opportunity to get into better and faster kayaks in a place where you can fall out without worrying too much. This is your chance to upgrade your skills so that you can join the early morning paddlers. It is also a chance to learn the basic safety skills you must demonstrate before you join any sea kayak (and some flatwater) trips.

Venue
Boyd's Island is on Terranora Creek near the mouth of the Tweed River. This is a delightful camp site with good facilities. The spacious tent area beyond the caravans is close to the BBQ. It is well grassed and close to a small creek so we can paddle the kayaks almost to our tents. There is a deep camp harbour and sandy beaches nearby. The creek leads up to Terranora and Cobaki Broadwaters, shallow lakes that can be paddled when the tide is in, providing over 12 km of paddling water. The Tweed river is only a km away.

Schedule

Friday19th evening: Pack the trailer - meet at 5 PM at the shed. Five volunteers are needed.
Sat 20th - Meet at shed at 5.40 AM (don't be late - we will not wait!)
Depart shed:- 6 AM
On the water:- 9 AM
Sunday 20th afternoon: Return in time to unpack trailer.

Other: Those returning or coming other times should make own arrangements, but please be aware that if there is not enough transport, then some people may miss out.

Flatwater - Leader Danielle Wallace (Flat water Rep)
Dani will be instructing people in basic paddling techniques (fundamental to all kayaking success) and helping people move up to TKs or into K1s.

Dani is prepared to give instruction in advanced paddling techniques and in racing tactics for those who are interested.

Come prepared to get wet (and warm and dry afterwards!). You can (and probably will) fall in often as you learn different skills. Unlike the Brisbane river, it will be easy to empty kayaks out safely. Sea kayak and Rosco paddlers can look at moving into TK1s. For TK1 paddlers, this is your chance to move into K1s. Current K1 paddlers please come and help Dani - and have some fun!

White Water - Leaders: Cora Skaien (club president) assisted by James Rae (an experienced whitewater kayaker). Also Breck Felsman (White Water Rep) if he is able to come.

The water will be very flat and the number of whitewater kayaks may be limited, but we will try to give you some grounding in paddling techniques for white water kayaking, as well as training on how to do eskimo rolls, T-rescues, etc. If you are a more experienced white water paddler, please inform us when you register as we will be having a more advanced safety session on the Saturday morning for a limited number of interested people

Sea Kayaking Leader: Matt Rowland assisted by Greg O'Keeffe (sea kayak rep if available)
Matt will teach people the core skills for paddling in sea kayaks, and strategies needed for safe sea kayaking in choppy water and over longer distances - including various rescue methods.

Matt will do some more advanced stuff for those who have more past experience. He is not going to teach rolling, but James Rae who is a skilled instructor will teach rolling in whitewater kayaks on Saturday. Once you have mastered the technique you can practice converting this to sea kayaks. James may be around Sunday to help but talk to him about times.

The club requires that everyone coming on sea kayaking trips has demonstrated the ability to do a proper wet exit, and T-rescue and knows how to be rescued. It is much nicer doing it here than in the Brisbane river (the alternative if you miss this trip!). Those wanting to come on sea kayak trips, particularly the trip to the Everglades on 3rd and 4th September should try to attend. If you genuinely can't come on the Sunday but can make the Saturday, someone will go through in a brief sea kayak wet exit and T- rescue session for you. Contact Michael about this (see below).

River trips
These will depend on numbers, availability of kayaks and on tides. They will be sorted out on the days.

Costs
Camping fees:- Probably around $12. Kayak wear and tear contribution:- $7 per day. Petrol contribution:- Arrange with your driver if you are not driving.

Camping
You will need to bring a tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag as well as plenty of kayaking gear as everyone will get wet - probably on both days. We will barbecue on the barbecue spot at the campsite on Saturday night, so bring something to cook (or whatever you prefer), and also some plates and utensils. You will also need one breakfast, two packed lunches and plenty of snacks (muesli bars etc). Bring something nice to share around. A beer or a glass of wine is fine - but in moderation please.

You will need warm gear, including wet gear that keeps you warm. A cag or wind-proof jacket that you can get wet will help a LOT. Thermals are great (eg. a polypro top for paddling that you can get wet, a dry pair for when you are on land, and maybe an extra third set to sleep in or in case the dry pair gets rained on or isn't warm enough! - keep an eye out for the sales at outdoor stores.

The club will have three new two-person tents, five new sleeping bags and some new sleeping mats, and one cooking stove (Trangia). So if you don't have camping gear and can't borrow any, then link up with someone you like and reserve what you want before supplies run out. We will ask you to make a small contribution towards their use.

Pictures and maps of the campsite

Overview of the campsite surrounds

Immediate area of the campsite

The boat ramp at the campsite (opposite side to the tent camping). There is a barbecue in the grassy area

Shallow play area next to ramp

Put in spot next to camping area

Camping area next to the put in spot. The more expensive powered sites are closest (little shade). In the distance is the covered tables and barbecue for the camping area.

A more shaded camping area. The covered tables and barbecue are behind the photographer. The put in spot is in the distance.

A sandy area near the mouth of Terranora Creek and the Tweed river (about a kilometer away)

Register by email with Michael

To register you need to supply the following information (Copy into your email)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Name:
I want to register for
     Saturday:
     Sunday:
     Camping overnight:
     Club camping gear you want to reserve):

Main interest (if any) - flatwater, sea kayaking, whitewater, basics:

Skill level (advanced paddlers please indicate where you might help):

Can you bring a car ?:
If so -
     How many can you take including yourself:
     Do you have a roof rack - also do you have cradles:
     How many kayaks can you take and are you bringing your own:
     Do you have a tow bar and can you pull a trailer?

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Please remember that all the leaders, helpers, and organisers are club members just like you, who are volunteering to help you, so please be helpful, patient, and considerate. Please don't make things difficult by heading off for a paddle on your own or with your buddy. We don't want to have to send others to go searching for you.

Once you have read this page and registered, please do a bit of homework and explore this great animated site that demonstrates various paddle strokes, rescues, and techniques. Familiarise yourself with what you already know, and the next few steps. Think about what you want to practice.

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