Night Paddle in the Bay – Redcliffe Festival Fireworks

A leisurely paddle from Scarborough Beach tracking along the shore down to the Redcliffe Jetty/ Harbour to view the fireworks show associated with the Redcliffe Festival. This paddle will be set against the back drop of the Redcliffe Peninsular festival lights and an almost full moon.

Date Sunday 6th September 2014
Trip Leader(s) Martin Wynne
Description

We intend to depart from the beach at Scarborough (Scarborough Beach) at and paddle down (south) towards the Redcliffe Jetty and Harbour to view the planned fireworks, which are part of the Redcliffe Festival festivities that span the weekend.

The entire Redcliffe foreshore is intended to be lit up with the fireworks scheduled for 8pm within the confines of the Harbour and on the outer rock wall. We will keep at sea to these fireworks and view then against the back drop of the Redcliffe City lights.
After the fireworks display we will return to the same location (Scarborough Beach) that we left from.

This will be a leisurely social paddle over a total distance of about 7km return. We would anticipate returning to the Scarborough beach at about 9 PM. The tide is full at 7.25 PM so these will be minimal current either way.

The usual paddle equipment will be required for a grade 1 trip with the mandatory requirement for lighting of your kayak. The acceptable form of lighting is a 360 degree white light. However, we recommend a head lamp facing forward and a white light on the back deck and/or back of the head, and a chemical glow stick attached to the PFD. This is very important as there is likely to be other boat traffic.

This will be a concurrent trip with the QSKC (Qld Sea Kayak Club) so there should be about 15 to 18 paddlers.

We will need to keep in a close group for this activity due to be being at night so please be aware that you will need to ‘buddy up’ and keep in a group at all times.
Please consider leaving a bit earlier as the traffic to and on the Redcliffe Peninsular may be heavier due to the Redcliffe Festival and the Kite Fest on the weekend. I would recommend keeping to the main roads away from the foreshore as much as possible. You should bring torches to assist with unloading and loading the kayaks on your vehicle as well as for on water activity.

Paddle type Sea kayaking (bay)
Grade 1
Duration Afternoon/evening – about 2.5 hrs on water with stops to view the night lights and fireworks at 8 PM
Distance ~7 km
Tides Ebbing tide: Low 12.55pm (.31M) High 19.25/ 7.25pm (2.35M). We will be paddling around a full ‘slack tide’ so there will be minimal tidal current.
Moon Nearing full moon
Sunset 5:37 PM
Put in point
Scarborough Park. On Landsborough Avenue, at the carpark about half way between Bunton St and Rock St (see map)
258-redcliffe_night_paddle_put_in_point.jpg
Take out point Same as put in point
Alt. Take out points and routes Redcliffe beaches along the route
Facilities There are toilets at this park although not sure if they are open after dark (but bring enough water for the full trip!). There is fresh water available at the park to wash kayaks if required but you will need to bring a bucket etc
Personal Gear See participant gear list (contact leader). A full multiday gear checklist is here as well (use common sense in choosing from it as you will not need all of it). Make sure you have warm windproof clothes for the water, and a dry set of warm clothes for afterwards.
Required Equipment
  • *As per Club Grade 1 requirements
  • Spray deck
  • Hand pump – req. 1 per 2 kayaks
  • Paddle Float – req. 1 per 2 kayaks
  • Paddle
  • Kayak
  • Paddle Tie
  • Bailer & sponge
  • Two white lights (front and back and/or 360 degree white light) – these can be found cheaply – (about $6 – $20). Red bike lights are NOT okay
  • Glow stick (we’ll have some extras – cheap ones are available at Kmart for $2-3 for 10 – in the party section)
  • Warm paddle clothes
  • Medication as necessary
Recommended Equipment
  • Minimum 3 litres of water
  • Footwear suitable for paddling and swimming (please NO thongs (ie no flipflops)!)
  • Food / Nourishment for the duration of the trip (eg snack bars)
Check Equipment Suitable craft, spray deck, PFD, paddle, paddle leash, bailing device, medication, water, footwear
Paddler Requirements Paddlers should have an appropriate level of fitness and should be able to paddle at least 4 km/hr. The Bay can be calm but can also change dramatically with winds and tides also playing a factor. Individuals must self-assess their, and their equipment’s, ability to participate in this level club event and should consult the trip leader if any aspect of their suitability requires clarification.

Participants must be familiar with, and have demonstrated, a wet exit and T-rescue (in sea kayaks) while a member of the club.

Meet Meet at the UQ shed at 4 PM to load the trailer. Depart UQ between 5 and 5:30 PM.
Meet time at Put in point We will be leaving the beach (on water) at 7pm so please aim to meet at Scarborough Beach at 6.20pm.
Risks and Hazards Fatigue, hypothermia, dehydration, Sea sickness, cuts and bruises, Boat capsize, Boat traffic, Rough seas, Paddle related injuries, wind and current (weather), group separation, land and sea fauna, paddling in the dark.
Steps to reduce risk Dress for the outdoors, Bring wind/ rain proof cag. Advise trip leader of any medical conditions beforehand. Make participants aware of boat traffic. Safety, communication, and emergency gear. Ensure all safety equipment is accessible and basic knowledge is imparted on its use. Group to stay in close configuration and use the buddy system. Front and rear white lights to be used as well as chemical glow sticks attached to the PFD.
Safety Gear Spare paddle, tow ropes, paddle float, compass, PFD, bailer, sea kayak with deck lines and sealed compartments, hand pumps, First aid kit, compass, map, torch, light stick.
Communications Mobile phone(s), VHF radio, PLB, whistles, flares, V sheet,
Emergency Contact(s) VMR 403 Redcliffe 3203 5522 (m: 0417 009 265) Channels 16, 21, 67, 73, 81 (closes at 21:00). Police/Ambulance 000
Medical Conditions Please advise leaders if you have health issues or injuries that may affect participation. Ensure medication is carried and is accessible.
Medical Centre Redcliffe Hospital, Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe – Phone: 3883 7777

Scarborough Majellan Medical Centre (107 Landsborough Avenue, Scarborough QLD 4020 (07) 3880 1444)

Map of Paddle Route
259-redcliffe_night_paddle_route.jpg
Register info

(required prior to the event)

Please register your interest with Martin Wynne by email (first come first served).
Please indicate –

  • your mobile phone number
  • whether you have transport (and how many people you can transport if so)
  • whether you have roof racks for kayaks (and how many kayaks you can carry if so)
  • if you can tow a trailer
  • if you have previously demonstrated a wet exit and/or T-rescue (in sea kayaks) while a member of this club
  • what your skills level is to assist planning (have you been paddling on the river much and if so, how far?). It will not be fun if you are not up to it.
  • wether you have paddled at night before
Register by 4th September. Places are limited. Participants must register their interest prior to the event.
Costs
  • Wear and tear contribution for club gear used.
  • Petrol money for your driver.
  • Contribution to the trailer tower for extra petrol.
  • A few extra dollars for a donation to the cause, and in case of coffee stop, or unplanned expenses.