A flatwater training weekend at Wivenhoe dam mainly for those getting into TK and K boats.
This is a (optional overnight) training trip that will help members move into TK1 and K types of boats (and also help work out who may be ready for the flatwater coaching course later in semester). It is possible to come for the day on Sat or Sun or come for both days, and potentially camp overnight. We will be based at one camp point within the recreation area to practise paddling and staying ‘upright’ in racing kayaks.
We will also have a limited range and number of sea kayaks for those who wish to practise their skills in SKs.
How to get there
The destination is approximately 50 mins to 1 hour drive from Brisbane or further is you are coming from the east or southern sides of Brisbane.
- follow the Ipswich Motorway (signposted to Warwick/ Ipswich/ Toowoomba).
- turn off this motorway to the Warrego Highway (this is the road to Toowoomba NOT
- Ipswich or Warwick).
- after 15 km turn right to Esk (the Brisbane Valley Highway).
- proceed to Fernvale (15 Km) then on cross Wivenhoe damn wall and spillway (9km).
- after 6 km turn right into Hay Rd (sign to Logan Inlet) then after 1 km left into Logan Inlet Rd
- after 2.5 km the road forks right to camp site and left to ≠Day use areas (0.5 km) on the western shores of the dam
We will be arriving at the camping area 9 to 10am and we will be setting up a position on the bank, hopefully under a shady tree. Below is a link to a brochure about the Dam which includes a Map on the last page. Go to CAPTAIN LOGAN CAMP GROUND (not the public use area as on previous occasions). This is well sign posted and there is mobile phone coverage although can be patchy depending on your carrier. There are BBQ facilities, sheltered picnic tables, toilets and showers (hot and cold). Drinking water is available.
There is a camp fee and you should make a booking on the SEQ ‘Booking and Enquiries’ No 54264729. I have already booked two sites numbers 26 & 28 so if you are booking try to get sites that are close to these. There is a camp fee of $7/person/night and there is a Ranger Office on site at the Public Day Use Area where you may be able to purchase a camping permit, but pre booking via the phone number supplied above is recommended. Other information is available on the SEQWATER’s website www.previous.seqwater.com.au.
I am camping there for Saturday night as the stars are amazing away from the City lights so anyone is welcome to join me. If you are unable to make it for both days you are welcome to attend for one day, but please advise of your plans as we have to ensure that we have enough kayaks and people to carry them to and from the UQ Shed.
We will be based at this camp location for the two days so there is no need to bring dry bags. Your car can be left nearby. This part of the Dam is protected from wind and is a beautiful setting to practise and try a range of TK1’s and a K1. It is a fresh water dam and there are limited hazards in the water. It is a ‘friendly environment’ to fall out of kayaks!!
We intend to bring a range of TK’s and K1’s so that everybody can have a go and hopefully we will be able to go for a short paddle once we have acquired some skills. We will also be taking some sea kayaks for those that wish to just paddle these but the weekend is predominantly about training people in the TK1s and K1s. We will bring kayaks, PFDs, paddles and required safety gear as appropriate for the activity. You will need to bring water (although drinking water is readily available at the camp site), lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat and sunsmart clothes. It is likely to be hot and a spare change of clothes is essential as you will be getting wet. Bring camping equipment if you intend to camp the night. There is a limited amount of camping equipment available from the Club and you should consult the information on the front and back cover of the borrowing book in the shed for borrowing arrangements (book camping gear early so you don’t miss out).
There is no formal finish time but suspect it will be early on Sunday afternoon. We can coordinate a lift for people who do not have a car as the time approaches. Please advise your transport arrangements (i.e. whether you have a car or need a lift) when you register for the trip.
The usual ‘waer & tear’ fee applies and money should be deposit in the donations box in the shed.
There is a participant limit on this trip so please reserve your place early.
I also intend to go for a mountain bike ride on the Sunday morning if anyone is interested in joining me. Not sure where to go there but should be able to find a local ride.
Grade: 1
Environment: Dam
Accommodation: camping if staying overnight at CAPTAIN LOGAN CAMP GROUND
Date: Sat and/or Sunday 16th and/or 17th March
Location: Wivenhoe Dam
Information: Download this brochure about Wivenhoe and camping (includes maps)
Meeting time: 7.30am at the UQ Canoe Club shed or as alternatively agreed for a 9am plus start at Wivenhoe Dam.
Meeting place: At the UQCC shed as advised above or alternatively at the camping area (Wivenhoe Dam)
Departure: 7.30am at the UQCC shed
Duration: From 7.30am Saturday (UQCC Shed) to about 2pm on Sunday (leaving Wivenhoe Dam)
Distance: N/a for this trip
Equipment: as per grade 1 paddling
Recommended equipment
- Minimum 2 litres water (although water is available)
- Footwear suitable for paddling, and swimming
- Food / Nourishment for the duration of the trip including lunch or for the entire weekend if camping.
- Sunsmart gear
- Dry change of clothes
- Swimming gear + towel
- Tent, torch, cooking, and sleeping gear if camping
Paddlers Requirements: Paddlers should have an appropriate level of fitness. 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. As mentioned this is not a long paddle trip. You will be in and out of kayaks for limited periods during the day so it is not going to be a strenuous activity.
Alternate takeout points: n/a – adjacent to bank at all times.
Risks: Hypothermia, boat traffic, dehydration, sunburn, capsize, paddle related injuries
Risk management: Dress for the outdoors, Advise trip leader of any medical conditions.
Emergency contacts: No formal on water rescue body operates on the Dam. All activity will be carried out in visual sight of other participants. In an emergency the leader and other senior Club members will call Police. Emergencies Only – Ambulance, Police, Fire: 000; Lowood Police: 5426 1108; Seqwater Duty Officer – Catchment Services : 3035 5776
Communication: mobile phone, whistle
Safety equipment: first aid kit, tow line, repair kit
Check of equipment: PFD, footwear, water, suitability of craft, bailer, medication
Map: See brochure
Registration: John Simmons (AC sea Guide)
Participants must register their interest prior to the event. There is a participant limit on this trip so please reserve your place early.
