UPDATE DATED 18/9/2023
Tassie 5-26 Feb Trip Overview
Paul and I have put together some potential paddles for the five sites, bearing in mind that all this will be subject to weather conditions and the sea state. As we saw from the Whitsundays camp it will be necessary to be flexible and really only make our exact paddle plans the night before. As this is a very long camp there is no expectation on anyone to do all the paddles, or even be at every location. There may also be other paddles that some wish to do, and we would also encourage that to happen. The first Tassie Camp the club undertook several paddlers did some overnight camping trips for one and two nights, whilst we haven’t planned this there is no reason that it can’t happen this time, all dependant on conditions. So if keen let Paul or me know and we can add this as an option.
It will be cold, it is recommended that you have a paddle jacket to keep out the wind and water, needs to be breathable. Also full fingered gloves and if you feel the cold a pair of pogies would help. Long waterproof pants and booties or wetsuit socks and lots of treats to keep your energy levels up.
Southport (3 paddle days 6,7 &8 Feb)
We will conviene in the Southport Hotel Bar at 5:00pm (or earlier to get a good seat) on Monday 5th Feb for a briefing for the paddle planned for Tuesday. The following are potential paddles:
- Southport to Southport Bluff
- Lune River (somewhat sheltered if we need it)
- Cockle Creek & Rocky Bay (34km drive includes dirt road, 48minutes)
- Port Esperance (23km drive, 27 minutes)
9 Feb is a travel day, heading for Bruney Island (144km plus a Ferry is estimated to be 2 hours 40mins), as we will be driving along the Huon River there may be an opportunity for a paddle, however this will make it a long day, we will discuss this at Southport and see if anyone is keen.
Bruney Island (3 paddle days 10,11 & 12 Feb)
We will likely meetup at the Camp Kitchen at 5:00pm on the 9th for a briefing for the following day’s paddle. The potentials include:
- Adventure Bay
- Little Taylors Bay
- Alonnah and Bruney Hotel Lunch
- Penguin Island
- Cloudy Bay Lagoon (Sheltered paddle if required)
13 Feb is a travel day and it is 176km to White Beach, google says it’s 3 hours.
White Beach (3 possible paddle days 14,15 &16 Feb)
Again we will meet up at the camp kitchen at 5:00pm on the 13th for a briefing on the following day’s paddle plan. The potentials include:
- Wedge Bay & Wedge Island
- Port Arthur
- Fortescue Bay
- Eaglehawk Bay
- Norfolk Bay
17 Feb is a travel day and Coles Bay is 210km google is saying 3hours.
Coles Bay (3 potential Paddle days 18,19 and 20 Feb)
We will meet up at 5pm at the camp kitchen on the 17th and review the paddle options, and there are also some great hikes in the National Park if the weather isn’t cooperating or you are sick of the sight of your kayak by now. A couple of the paddle options include:
- Coles Bay and into Promise Bay with a 2km walk to Wineglass Bay
- King Bay and Moulting lagoon (sheltered paddle if we need it)
21 Feb is a travel day and it is 1hour and 40 minutes to the Bay of Fires
Bay of Fires (4 paddle days 22-25)
We may all be spread out in various accommodations so we will review prior to arriving where to get together for the 5pm briefing. Some of the paddle options include:
- Paddle North along the beach
- Georges Bay, somewhat sheltered
- Launch at the Gardens and paddle north to Ansons Bay (may need a shuffle)
17/8/23
Hi
The management at the above park have provided us with a booking number and is holding a number of spots for us. I am aware that we do not usually do this but it was his suggestion to try to keep the group together.
He currently is holding 1 cabin and 12 powered sites.
Shortly he will release them from ‘hold’. This of course will not be a problem but we could then be spread all over the site.
The booking number is 207921.
The bookings can be made by phone 54845196 or
on line info@borumbadeerpark.com.au
If you are planning to attend I encourage you to book.
Cheers
Margaret
The Sep 12 bouncy water paddle will be at Noosa, coordinated by Brian Batch. We will try again to get across the Noosa Bar and into Laguna Bay, out to Noosa Head, and back in.
Launch will be at 07:00. Park in the last car park on Claude Batten Drive (end of Hastings Street towards river mouth). The launch spot is signposted as Dog Beach. There is plenty of parking at that time of day, and toilets.
Click here for Google maps location
Bouncy water paddles are open to all club members, but paddlers are expected to come with the skills and equipment to stay upright in bouncy water. We all help each other, but this is a bouncy water paddle, not a coaching session.
If you have questions, please contact Brian Batch. 0419 780 748
G’day Paddlers,
With the Whitsunday camp now behind us, it’s time to look to the next big event on our calendar – Yakfest.
Yakfest is the centerpiece of our 30th Anniversary Celebrations and we’ve put together what we think is a pretty exciting itinerary.
The highlights will be a mass mock rescue with the Coast Guard on Thursday, instruction on how to use our new Defibrillator, a lunch on Friday with paramedic and helicopter rescue extraordinaire Scott Reeman (and yes none other than George and Carol’s son) at Pelican Waters Tavern and on Saturday, a Come Try Day,
Paddlers can choose to either camp for the three days at the Big Four Park in Caloundra or simply come to Caloundra each day from home.
Unlike some of our camps, we do need to know if you are coming to some of the events – in particular the Coast Guard Mock Rescue on Thursday October 19, the lunch at Pelican Waters Tavern on Friday ($25 for two course meal including tea and coffee – $5 extra if you want a steak) and whether you would be happy to share your kayak for the Come Try Day on Saturday.
Email support@ssrkc.org. au to let me know. To pay for your meal, our club’s account is SSRKC, BSB 484-799 Acc 033787320 and mark it as Yakfest Lunch.
There are sites still available at Big Four. Go online to book in a site and I am advised by the managers, that if the website says camp sites are not available, you should ring and they’ll make room.
The website is BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park | Book Direct & Save With BIG4 .
Please see below the proposed itinerary. Be aware that the fine details may change as we get closer to the date.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
YAKFEST
Thursday October 19:
Coast Guard Mock Mass Rescue
0800: Ayliffe Park Caloundra
0900: Pre Rescue Briefing
09.30 – 11am : On water rescue scenarios with three Coast Guard vessels in attendance
11am – 12pm : Ayliffe Park – pack up kayaks and return to Coast Guard for BBQ lunch. (please park at Short Street)
12.30pm – Combined bbq with Coast Guard and kayakers
2pm: Launch of new defib machine with demonstrations on how it can used.
3.30pm – Pack up and go home
Friday October 20:
0800 – 1100 : Whale watching kayak (weather and tide conditions permitting) and gentler option for Pumicestone Passage.
12.30pm : Yakfest Lunch at Pelican Waters Tavern featuring an address by Paramedic Scott Reeman.
Optional: Sunset Cruise: I’ll be driving Caloundra Cruise’s boat for a sunset cruise. You are welcome to join me – and I’ll try to negotiate a cheaper rate
Saturday October 21:
0730 – 1000 Come Try Day: Ayliffe Park open to club members wanting to try out each other’s kayaks and to members of the public who may be interested in taking up kayaking.
2nd September 2023
Hi paddlers,
Just letting you know the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has closed Outrigger Park until February to facilitate the construction of a new boat ramp and facilities.
After consultation with paddle schedulers Rob Woolaston and Henriette Cronje, we have decided to move the venue for the September 6 and 25th paddles to just around the corner at Mooloolah Drive Park between Murrindi and Bangalow Street. Rob advises there’s plenty of parking, a picnic table, shady trees, sandy beach and not too far to carry kayaks. Check it out here:
https://goo.gl/maps/dTGeNdadm2GbgB8W6
Rob and Henriette will revise the October-December paddle plan to reflect the proposed change in venue.
Also a gentle reminder folks, if you have been nominated to coordinate a paddle and for whatever reason, cannot do so, it is your responsibility to arrange for someone else to do it on your behalf. If you are really stuck, give me “Ken” a call and we will sort something out.
Kind regards
Ken
This is the fourth Camps update and I hope you all have enough to choose from, a couple of new camps have been added as I know most of you like a one year horizon going so that your other plans can mesh in with the Kayak Camping schedule.
We have locked in Lake Awoonga as the November Camp and Heather Quinn will be leading. The Tasmania camp has currently 29 confirmed and if you are planning on coming the best thing to do is book the ferry as early as you can and let me or Paul know that you are coming along. We have added the 3 Dams camp for 19-25 May 2024 exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim, Marg & Derek will be leading this camp. Possible Yamba camp for Winter 24 has been floated as an idea, however the dates are yet to be confirmed, and we need a volunteer to coordinate (please let me know if you are interested).
Whitsundays & Airlie Beach
14-28 August
Camp Leaders; Chris Roberts & Rob Plenderleith
Where: Tasman Holiday Park, Cnr Jubilee Pocket Road and Shute Harbour Rds.
The van park selected is in a central location , friendly staff, pet friendly and an ideal booking and cancellation policy .There will be day paddles arranged based on the weather.
Chris will be leading a group for a 4 night camp on South Molle, at this stage departing Wednesday 16th from Shute Harbour, but this may move around a little based on wind.
Rob will be coordinating the Airlie based paddlers whilst Chris is camping on South Molle.
Borumba Dam (micro camp)
19-22 September (CHANGED TO 3rd to 6th OCTOBER 2023)
Camp Leader: TBA
Where: Borumba Deer Park – Camping, Caravans, Cabins (call 5484-5196 or book on-line via their web site)
This is the little camp that we did a couple of years ago, great camping facilities, and close to the dam. The Wednesday and Thursday paddles in the paddle plan have called out Borumba for both days, so come for the day or a couple of days or all three nights.
Yak Fest
The Club’s 30th Birthday Caloundra
18-21 October
Where: Big 4 Holiday Park Caloundra
The centrepiece of our 30th Anniversary celebrations will be a four day YakFest starting on Wednesday October 18th at Caloundra.
The Yakfest will include a mock mass rescue of kayaks by the Coast Guard using their three rescue vessels, a Come Try Day where potential members can try out a kayak and learn more about our club, (and it will include the opportunity for club members to try each others boats), and of course social paddles which will include an offshore route for the adventurous.
The collaboration with the Coast Guard should be a lot of fun and a real spectacle – a great awareness exercise in the lead up to Come Try Day.
Camping will also be available at the Big Four Caravan Park – right next door to the Coast Guard on the Caloundra waterfront. So in essence, members will have the choice of camping for the three nights, or to come from home each day.
Lake Awoonga – Beneraby
13-17 November
Camp Leader: Heather Quinn
Where: Lake Awoonga Caravan Park 4975 0155 or email ask@lakeawoonga.com
The lake will host a couple of paddles and it’s likely we will get an ocean paddle as well during the camp. Get it in your diaries. There is camping, on-site powered sites, and cabins so something for everyone.
Heather is arranging a Club Dinner at the Park so get your sites booked so that the planning can be finalised.
Tasmania
5-26 February 2024
Camp Leaders: David Hill & Paul Watt
The following is a snap shot of the current planned itinerary, with phone numbers, websites and other good contact stuff, the planned paddles will be weather dependant and Paul and I will be working up the options over the next couple of months, if you have some favourites let us know and we will try to work them into the plan. Currently there are 22 paddlers confirmed for this trip and it’s shaping up to be an absolute ripper.
Southport Hotel and Caravan Park (03 6298 3144)
In 5 Feb out 9 Feb
Bruny Island, Captain Cook Holiday Park, Adventure Bay (03 6293 1128)
in 9 Feb out 13 Feb
White Beach Tourist Park, White Beach (03 6250 2142)
in 13 Feb out 17Feb
Coles Bay, Iiuka Big4 Holiday Park Freycinet (03 6257 0115)
in 17Feb out 21Feb
Bay of Fires (parks.tas.gov.au)
in 21 Feb out 26 Feb
stay at Binalong Bay (cabin options) or Cosy Corner (non-powered camping on the beach)
27 Feb head home or elsewhere in Tassie, Tomahawk, Birdport, George Town, Port Sorell, Penguin……and many many more.
Three Dams Camp (Gold Coast Hinterland & Scenic Rim)
19-25 May 2024
Camp Leaders: Marg & Derek Heap
Get a place holder for these dates into your diaries and more information will be coming out soon.
Winter Camp ’24 Yamba?
Dates are TBA
Hi paddlers,
I want to share some exciting news. Terri has been asked to be a panelist on the popular SBS television program Insight. This particular episode will be looking at Longevity – and I think we would all agree Terri is a worthy expert on that subject.
SBS is sending a television crew to the Sunshine Coast on May 24 to film Terri paddling with her club mates at Crummunda Park and we are hoping that as many of you as possible will attend.
To achieve this, we will be moving the scheduled paddle at Ewan Maddock Dam to Crummunda and this event will start at 10am rather than the usual time of 8am. It’ll also be a bit different because we won’t head off on our usual route, instead we will be paddling where the film crew wants us to paddle. In other words, we are just like the extras in a mini film.
We will still go ahead with our plans for the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea and the Committee meeting. So after the crew has finished filming on water activities, we will have morning tea and the crew will film Terri mingling with the rest of us. So remember to bring along your $5 donation for the Cancer Council and food to share for morning tea.
You are also invited to the Committee meeting that day. We are having an open forum to kick off the meeting, so bring along your ideas and suggestions for the committee. You are welcome to stay for as long as you like .
So to recap:
– the Wednesday May 24 paddle at Ewan Maddock Dam will be moved to Lake Crummunda and will start at 10am, not 8am and it’ll be filmed by SBS
– the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea will be held after the paddle and:
– you are invited to the Committee meeting after the Morning Tea.
If you have any questions, please send me an email.
Kind regards
Ken
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CLASSES 2023
** IMPORTANT NOTICE **
Updated: 19/5/23
Rob and Dean are back from the Tathra Camp and the Skills Development program is restarting on May 23rd at Cotton Tree, Maroochydore.
23rd May will be Surf Play at Cotton Tree on a rising tide.
30th May (May is a 5-Friday month) will be Skills Development at Cotton Tree
6th June – Skills will be replaced by Pimp Your Kayak Day at Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba (see separate notice)
From 13th June until the water gets too cold – we will follow the published Skills program, unless otherwise advised.
Please contact Rob Plenderleith if there any questions.
Tuesday paddles – skills, surf, and ocean paddles
The Tuesday skills programme, unless otherwise advised, is:
First and Third Tue – skills development at Cotton Tree (flat water, bumpy water, and surf options)
Second Tue – “ocean paddle” (could be offshore, or high wind sailing, or playing in swell, etc)
Fourth Tue – surf play at Cotton Tree, Mooloolaba, etc, depending on conditions.
Fifth Tue (if there is one) – either surf play or an ocean paddle.
It is time to place orders for our Club Shirts !
We need an order of 20 or more to keep them at the previous price of $60.00.
Less than 20 shirts will cost $65.00 each.
So all orders will be much appreciated !
Orders need to be placed and paid for by 1st May, 2023.
Deposit payment online into :
SSRKC
BSB : 484799
Acc. : 033787320
PLEASE REMEMBER TO : Add your name to the deposit, and for Club Shirt 2023
If we do not receive 20 orders, we may extend the order deadline.
Please note : This will be your only opportunity this year to place an order !
We also have the opportunity this time when ordering to have the sleeve length extended 4 cm on men’s shirts. Please let me know when ordering if you want this. If any women would like extra sleeve length, please let me know.
You can place orders with me in person or by phone or text on 0422493093.
But don’t forget, I can not submit the order without payment made first.
Attached is a size chart, PLEASE measure yourself twice 😀 and follow the size chart.
Cheers Heather