Grade 1 Event – This Section is under Development

Paddling in rivers, estuaries, dams and sheltered inshore water.

Examples:

  • Maroochy River.
  • Pumicestone Passage.
  • Lake Cootharaba.
  • Lake MacDonald.

Waters up to 0.5m, no surf, with safe launching/landing points.

Distance covered up to 20km per day, if more than 20km trip coordinators should show in their planning/trip briefing that they have taken the distance into consideration.

If wind is over 15 knots, trip leaders should show in their planning/trip briefing that they have taken the wind into consideration.

Max distance of 1.5NM (2.8km) from shore.

This event is open to members and visitors at Trip Coordinator’s discretion.

Vessel Prerequisites

There are various vessel types that are capable of paddling a Grade 1 event.

Club members mostly favour sit-in style, Estuary or Sea Kayaks.

 

Your vessel should:

  • Be able to float if capsized – It should be well maintained with bulkheads or additional flotation to generate buoyancy.
  • Have watertight hatches.
  • Be able to keep up with the group – Cruise at a speed up to 4 KPH.
  • Be able to assist fellow paddlers – Tow and rescue.
  • Be able to carry your kit – Water, food, clothing etc.
  • Be able to manage small waves – Although we paddle in sheltered waters, winds may reach 20 knots with waves to 0.5 m.
  • Be equipped with a Painter – A short length of rope tied to the bow. This allows your kayak to be secured and is handy for an emergency tow line.
  • Carry a sponge / bailer – To remove water from your cockpit.

Paddler’s Prerequisites

Paddlers should:

  • Possess an appropriate level of fitness, which will enable them to safely paddle the distance specified in the trip plan.
  • Self-assess their ability to participate in this level Club Event.
  • Wear an Australian Standards approved Personal Flotation Device – PFD Type 2, of the appropriate size.
  • Be capable of swimming 10m wearing a PFD.
  • Carry a loud whistle attached by lanyard to the PFD.
  • Carry clothing to suit expected conditions – All stored items to be accessible from the cockpit.
  • Wear footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and walking on rocks.
  • Carry drinking water supply to suit expected conditions.
  • Carry nourishment for duration of trip.
  • Possess a skills level as per Club Minimum Skills Requirements. SSRKC – Minimum Skills – 2011_V2

Group Prerequisites

The group should carry the following items:

  • First Aid Kit.
  • Spare Paddle.
  • EPIRB.
  • Tow Rope.

Trip Coordinator’s Prerequisites

As per Club Policy for Paddle Coordinators. POLICY DOCUMENT – Duties of Paddle