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The Pontoon is back with Canoe Launching Platforms

The new pontoon is in operation. There are lower kayak launching platforms on the inside of the pontoon.

When you take boats up or down the ramp, please rest and slide them over the end of the pontoon at the bottom the ramp. Sit the end in the water as you manoeuvre the boat around and onto the pontoon.

There is no need to lift boats over the ramp railing (it is awkward). If you are doing this, you are doing it wrong 🙂 . If unsure, please ask experienced members to show you.

Warning
The bottom end of the ramp moves backwards and forwards when waves pass under the pontoon (eg when boats go past).
Never stand near the end of the pontoon!

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No Access to the River from the Club Shed (Jun-Aug 2023)

Work is commencing on the new rowing club pontoon from that start of June. The current pontoon is in bad need of repair and this is part of a much broader improvement plan. It is envisaged that this will take up to three months to complete the new pontoon (?mid / end of Aug). We are also hoping that after this work may commence on our club’s pontoon and get it back into action.

We will look to organise other paddling events over this period, so keep an eye out. Also come along to the UQ Pool on Monday nights to keep up some paddle skills (eg polo).

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No Access to UQ Pontoons

The club pontoon has been out of action since the floods and we have been using the adjacent Rowing Club pontoon. UQ Sport has now informed us that the rowing club pontoon is currently unavailable for use as it has developed a structural issue.

This means there is currently no access to the river from the shed, and this affects all clubs that use them. We are hoping to hear more from UQ Sport soon as to how long we will not have direct river access and what alternatives may become available.

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Temporary Halt to River Paddling

There are currently major Wivenhoe dam releases underway. This effects the river downstream and the conditions are not currently safe for normal club river paddling such as flatwater.

The club has temporary stopped river paddling from the shed until further notice (ie until we are satisfied the river releases and their downstream effects have subsided).

UQ sport will not provide keys to you. If you have any issues, please contact the club committee.

Downstream effects during these dam releases and strong flows include –

  • Strong, continuous, outgoing current – there is the potential that flatwater paddlers will not be able to paddle against this current, or may be swept into overhanging branches and pontoons where there is no longer any clearance (strainers). They could become pinned (the water pushes them and the boat against something and pins them there. Especially if they capsize (which is much more likely).
  • Higher than normal water levels – tree branches and pontoon ramps mayno longer have clearance and become strainers for paddlers
  • Debris – there is a large amount of fast moving debris in the water. Not just a large amount of of branches, but also there are entire trees and some pontoons as well as other rubbish. Sewers have been known to overflow into parks and creeks and ultimately the river during these kinds of events.
  • Eddies – The fast flow results in large eddies (water flowing the other way) in places along the side of the river. This generates eddy lines (and small whirlpools) which can be difficult to navigate – especially for the inexperienced or those in very tippy boats.

Club grade 1 and 2 white water activities are an invaluable means of learning about moving water and for building the experience to recognise, avoid, handle, and even enjoy it. You’ll become familiar with rapids, eddies, strainers, pinning, etc. This is all something you can encounter at a lower level if you come across moving water while paddling flatwater boats and sea kayaking.