DONNYBROOK to ROYS ROAD – 12 July 2018

Published July 13, 2018 | By admin
Submitted by Richard Sharpe
Not having done this trip before i thought it was worthy of a trip report demonstrating how the Bribie hump tide assisted us both ways.
Fourteen of us met at Donnybrook in very overcast conditions which turned into fine weather within a short time of leaving.
This time we had plenty of water on the launch beach with HT at Donnybrook at 9.31 Winds were very light SW with no appreciable sail assist.
Don was the trip leader and he was well versed in the track we were taking as he had done an exploratory a short time before.

 

Below is a chart of the trip.
It displays speed, on the vertical axis, versus time, on the horizontal axis.
You can clearly see the impact of the tidal flow on the trip.

A .. on the chart

With the HT at 9.31 we had an initial run in tide from Bribie for the first hour at least and were travelling at between 8-9km/hr. Somewhere between Tripcony Bite and Hussey Creek we arrived at the hump and now the tide was running out towards Caloundra, consequently our speed remained the same as we now had a runout tide.
We got to Roys Rd a distance of 12.5km in 1hr 41mins at an average speed of 7.5km/hr including the drink stops.
You can clearly see from the graph how our speed remained the same all the way to Roys.

B .. on the chart

For the first few km coming back we were pushing against the tide which was now running strongly with Don taking us on a route past Coochin and Hussey Creeks before we joined the main channel near Lime Pocket.

C .. on the chart

Again the hump was somewhere south of Hussey Creek and from then on we had a runout tide for an easy paddle home.
Again looking at the graph you can see how our speed gradually increased all the time after the hump.
Some of us stopped at Mission Pt for a break while the rest headed straight home.
Trip distance was 26.4km, but with the tidal assist for the majority of the trip it didn’t feel like we had covered that distance.
Those that made the effort to drive down to Donnybrook were rewarded with a most enjoyable paddle.

Richard

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TASMANIA 2019 – Proposed

Published May 23, 2018 | By admin

The club is proposing a camp in Tasmania.

Tuesday Feb 12th – Wed Feb 27th, 2019.

Trip duration will be 16 days and run along similar lines to our 2012 trip.

Jim Blyth is again busily obtaining Quotes etc for the trip.
We are asking for an expression of interest from members and partners who choose to attend.
A deposit will be required when/if airline tickets and other items are booked by the club.
Members may choose to travel and stay separately from the main group, costs will be adjusted accordingly.


Venues
    Hobart – Paddle from Sandy Bay to Constitution Dock and return.
    Bruny Island – 3 days paddling.
    Port Arthur – 3 days paddling.
    Coles Bay -3 days paddling around Freycinet Peninsula.
As we will be travelling as a group, all costs, except for personal items, are included.
Estimated Cost is approx $2000 pp.
Inclusions.
    Return Air fares.
    Shared accommodation in caravan park cabins.
    Meals and snacks ( prepared by trip members ).
    Kayak hire ( mainly doubles).
    Bus hire in Tasmania.
    National Park fees.

Sue and Chris - Touring in Tassie. Image by Brian Martin.

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BRUNSWICH HEADS 2018

Published May 23, 2018 | By admin

Wed 21st Nov – Tues 27th November 2018.

Camp Coordinator – Richard Sharpe

Location here …

Accommodation

MASSEY GREENE HOLIDAY PARK.
Phone (02) 6685 1329

Click here for park layout …

Clarrie Hall Dam - Brian Martin Image

Cabins
Tents and Caravan Sites.
Powered and Unpowered Sites.

  • Cabins from $182 per night for 2.
  • De Luxe Cabins from $204.
  • Waterfront sites from $61.
  • Powered sites from $47.

 

Make your own bookings and mention you are with the Club.

Paddling.

  • Marshalls Creek.
  • Clarrie Hall Dam.
  • Brunswick River.
  • Simpsons Creek.

 

Possible Itinerary.

Wednesday 21st
Arrive and set up camp with possible afternoon paddle to explore in the near vicinity.
Thursday 22nd
Marshalls Creek to Billinudgel.
Friday 23rd
Clarrie Hall Dam.
Saturday 24th
Brunswick River to Mullumbimby.
Sunday 25th
Lay Day .. some may wish to climb Mt Warning.
Monday 26th
Simpsons Creek.
Tuesday 27th
Return home.
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PADDLE LEASH

Published November 27, 2017 | By admin
A paddle leash is currently only a vessel prerequisite for Grade 2 Waters.
However, the committee members recommend that it be fitted to all vessels.
A paddle leash is a means of securing your paddle and freeing you hands.
They need not be expensive.
Check out the equipment used by other members before you part with your cash.
Here is a simple unit. It is made from bungee cord and a cord stop, sourced from Whitworths … only cost a few dollars.

Paddle Leash

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EMERGENCY BEACON

Published November 27, 2017 | By admin

MARTIME SAFETY QUEENSLAND

Distress Signals, Flares and EPIRBS.

Sea Kayaks are grouped by QLD Maritime Safety as Personal Water Craft – PWC.

 

If you attend a Club Event, you will not have to carry an Emergency Beacon! – Our events are held within Smooth or Partially Smooth Waters.
However, for those who venture further afield, then read on.

 

EMERGENCY BEACONS
What is an Emergency Beacon?
This is a small electronic device that, when activated in an emergency, can help search and rescue authorities pinpoint your position.
There are two types – EPIRBS and PLBs.
What is the difference between the two?
An EPIRB is registered to a vessel – in our case our Club.
A PLB is carried by an individual.
What should a Kayaker carry?
A PLB.
When should they be carried?
If you are operating beyond the limits of Smooth or Partially Smooth Water or more than 2 Nautical Miles from land.
Where should you carry it?
On your PFD where it is accessible – Do not carry it inside the hatches on your vessel.

 

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PREPARING FOR AN EXTENDED KAYAK TRIP

Published June 16, 2017 | By admin

Preparation Guidelines for an Extended Trip – George Reeman.

George heading for Sandy Cape, Fraser Island.

After you have decided where you are going and where you will be camping, check if camping permits are required and if there is water available.
Tide times are very important. This may determine when you go. The further north you go the bigger the tides, and the harder it is to paddle against it.

KAYAK

Make sure the seat and back rest are comfortable.
All hatch covers should fit well, be water tight, and are tied on.
Deck lines must be in good condition.
A painter, attached to the bow, is excellent if required for mooring.
The most common problem on extended trips are rudders. Make sure the rudder is securely attached and the foot pedals operate freely; rudder cables are not worn or frayed. If so, replace them.
Check your paddle and leash.
Make sure your spray skirt fits the cockpit, it does not leak and can be removed easily in the case of a roll-over.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)
Make sure it is comfortable. Pockets are important to carry other safety items. A large pocket in the back of the PFD to carry a hydration pack is a good idea.
Personal Locating Beacon (PLB)
This should be carried in a PFD pocket and secured to the PFD. Check if your PLB floats upright when activated. Some do not. The aerial must be upright to send the signal to the satellite.
VHF Radio
Good for communicating with each other. Select a channel that is not common with local stations to contact each other, switch to dual watch so you can listen to Channel 16, the Emergency channel. On dual watch, Channel 16 will tell you which channel to change to for the weather report. You should also have a direct button to Channel 16 on your radio for emergencies. Notify the local VMR that you are in the area, and for how long, and what channel they use. Also, if you return to that area, don’t forget to cancel the watch with VMR. Hand held VHF radios are only good for about 3kms or line of sight, depending on the power of the set.

Remember to make it as easy as possible for a rescue boat or helicopter to find you.

Other safety devices that can be carried in the pockets of your PFD are:
A whistle, mirror, flare, day or night space blanket, and sea dye. Any of these are good for attracting attention.
A short tether line to secure yourself to the kayak is also a good idea, if you are offshore.
Plus, a survival knife.

The above items should be carried on you, not stored in a hatch. Many very experienced paddlers have lost or almost lost their lives because their safety equipment was stored in a hatch or cockpit.

Other equipment to be carried should include:- spare paddle, stored on the deck; emergency tow rope in the throw bag; electric bilge pump, backed up by a hand pump; sponge or bailing bucket. In case of minor damage, it is a good idea to carry a small dry bag containing bits & pieces, such as – small fibreglass repair kit, Dynasteel bog for plugging holes, duct tape, electrical ties, spare cord and a multi-tool.
Navigation
You should always carry a map of the area. GPS is the common means of navigating these days, but a deck mounted compass is always an easy way of checking your heading. There is another device for informing people where you are, called SPOT. This small device acts like a satellite phone. It can be programmed into one or more home computers. If you press the transmit button it will show on the home computer exactly where you are. It also has a help button, if when pressed it will indicate on the home computer that you require help, and they can notify the authorities. There are many small power cells on the market these days that can be charged at home, and used to recharge radios, GPS, mobile phones, and other devices while on a trip. Also small Solar panels.

FOOD and CLOTHING

Most items i.e. food, clothing, camping gear, should be carried in dry bags. Always carry 2 days extra food in case you are held up by weather.
Other protective items are a hat or cap with back of the neck protection, sunscreen, insect repellant.

WATER

For carrying water I find a bag with carry strap, containing a 4lt wine bladder, can be hung in a tree for use. Depending on the length of the trip, additional 4lt wine bladders are ideal. They pack in better than 10l water bags. Always pack your water in the bottom of the kayak. A good place to carry water is in front of the rudder pedals. Don’t end up with your kayak bow -heavy when it is packed.
Carry straps:- For a loaded kayak, you require 2 carry straps. These can be made from seat belt webbing, with a loop sewn on each end approx 130cm. The straps should be threaded under the deck lines at each end, to prevent slipping off. If you have 6 people, you can use a third strap under the cockpit. This doesn’t need loops. This is useful if you need to carry any distance.

The above information is a guide only.

Cheers, George.

End of the Day - Fraser Island.

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RECIPES

Published August 14, 2015 | By admin

FAY’S FABULOUS BISCUITS

Fay’s Fabulous Biscuits

COLLEEN’S FRUIT MUSELI SLICE

Colleen’s Fruit Museli

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