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Returning to Paddling

Finally we are able to return to paddling!

It’s been a tough year with Covid peaking in Queensland, followed by significant floods. The shed flooded and some boats were lost, although most were saved. The insurers and UQ Sport took over the shed while assessments were made, cleaning was completed, and UQ’s Properties and Facilities division worked to repair the building. This has taken some time.

We have only recently regained access again to the shed. Thanks very much to the members who helped do a final cleanup of boats and preparation for a return to paddling. Unfortunately we were immediately faced with more heavy rain and minor flooding. This didn’t affect us directly, but it did delay reopening as it made the river unsafe to use.

The Club pontoon is out of action, but we are able to paddle on the river by using the rowing club pontoon (please be considerate of other users as we are guests!).

The UQ pool is still out of action, so there is no canoe polo at this stage.

Swim tests (400m and treading water) is can be completed at another swim centre. A formal letter from the public swimming pool is needed for UQ Sport to accept this.

It will take as a little longer to re-organise club trips as these take time to plan and have approved.

Membership will email you shed access details if you have joined/renewed for 2022.

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Temporary Halt to Paddling due to Floods

Logo

The club shed was flooded during the recent floods. It is currently closed to members while insurance is sorted out and the shed is cleaned. There were a number of boats damaged, but most are fine and it is not nearly as bad as 2011. Many boats will be available for use once things are restored.

The pontoon is damaged and we are investigating potential access to the rowing club’s pontoon once it is confirmed to still be serviceable and the rowing club agrees.

The pool was also affected, but we don’t know the extent of damage. We will be able to return to polo once the pool reopens.

Swim tests need to be completed at any external pool, but you will need a signed letter from the Pool staff there. Once you supply this to the club, we will arrange a UQ Sport certificate with UQ Sport.

Any questions, please contact the club committee.

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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.

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August 2021 Lockdown

A South East Queensland Lockdown is in progress. Many of the exposure sites are in this local area (The University, St. Lucia, Indooroopilly, Taringa, Toowong). Please take the time to check the latest exposure sites (one or two were relatively close to the shed).

There is no access to the shed or any paddle activities (including solo paddling or borrowing) during this time. The university of Queensland is under level 4 restrictions (highest) so you should avoid the St. Lucia campus too. This will continue until the lockdown is lifted (see Queensland Health and UQ advice).

All planned club activities are cancelled. These may be rescheduled to a later date.

Once we restart, please use the Qld Government QR code to scan in when visiting the shed (located outside the shed door).

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Rescheduled Sem 2 events

A technical issue with the access to the club shed resulted in a number of activities and events being rescheduled (typically a week later than originally planned).

Apologies for the changes, but the website should now be updated.

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Lockdown Lifted

The lockdown has been lifted and the club is returning to normal operations. Please wear masks while the state government directives are in place and adhere to the club’s Covid safe procedures. This includes booking shed space for solo paddling and club activities and shed access.

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Paddling Suspended during the Lockdown

In accordance with UQ and UQ Sport directions, all club activities are suspended due to the lockdown of Greater Brisbane. This will continue until lifted by UQ Sport (at least until the end of Friday 2nd July).

Solo paddling is also shut down for this period.

Time out to watch some kayaking videos online instead.
Starting here…

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