The 3 Dams Camp
Dates:- Arrive Sunday May 19th 2024
Depart Friday May 24th 2024
First Paddle will be Monday 20th May 2024.
Accommodation:- Lake Moogerah Caravan Park,
1 Muller Park Road
Moogerah 4309
Bookings:- On-line through web page
Phone 554505600
Camp Lunch:- Thursday 23rd May, 12 noon
Scenic Rim Brewery & Cafe
898 Reckumpilla Street
Mount Alford Q 4310
(The Scenic Rim brewery is 10 minutes (7.5km) from the Caravan Park)
The camp will consist of paddles on Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam.
The camp lunch will be held after a morning paddle/activity. We shall need to finalise numbers for lunch a week beforehand. For this reason could you please notify us if you are attending the camp and subsequent lunch.
Cheers
Margaret & Derek Heap
Camp Co-ordinators
Hi to all club members,
Yes here in November already. Time to prepare for our Christmas Lunch and pay our membership fees for the coming year.
This year’s Christmas Lunch will not only be a reflection of 2023 but also a celebration of the 30th years of the club.
You and your partner are invited to join in this reflection and celebration.
Please find the invitation attached. Please reply as soon as possible as I have a deadline for final numbers and payment with the Tavern.
If you are planning on attending, please advise me at margaret.heap.ssrkc@gmail.com and please pay Jim, our treasurer, via the bank details on the invitation.
I would also like to remind you that our membership fees of $60.00 pp will be due on 30th November 2023. You can pay this fee when you pay for your lunch.
Also please note, on the invitations, details of arrival and seating times.
Looking forward to seeing you at lunch.
Cheers
Margaret
SUNCOAST SENIORS RECREATIONAL KAYAKING CLUB
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
You are cordially invited to join us for our 30 Year Anniversary Christmas Lunch.
Venue:- Buderim Tavern
Date:- Thursday 14th December 2023,
Time:- 11.00 am for BYO drinks and 12 noon for lunch.
Cost:- $32.00 per person
Who:- All Members and Partners
Payment:- By 30th November 2023 by cheque to Jim or direct deposit into the Club Account.
BSB 484-799 Account Number 033787320
Please identify with name for reference.
RSVP:- By 30th November to Margaret – margaret.heap.ssrkc@gmail.com
(All emails will be acknowledged)
Please be aware of the following requests:
All to be seated at 12 noon for the meal.
If you are running late, please ring Margaret on 0438653674
I must advise final numbers to the Tavern on 7th December 2023.
CHRISTMAS MENU
ENTRÉE: – Bread Roll with Butter
MAINS: – (Served alternatively)
Honey baked ham, roasted potatoes, cauliflower- 3 cheese bake, broccolini, lashes of rosemary & thyme gravy.
Grilled barramundi served with roasted chat potatoes, lemon beurre.
DESSERT (Served alternatively)
Christmas Pudding, brandy custard & berry coulis.
Pavlova, served with berry compote & cream.
Please let Margaret know if you have any special dietary requirements.
Next Tuesday 31st surf play paddle will be at Noosa river mouth. I think it’s the most flexible option to cover different conditions. There is an incoming tide for safety and should be able to find a rideable wave somewhere depending on surf size. No heroics. If you want to have a go at surfing, please come along. Flat water launch at the “dog beach” and you can bite off as much as you want from a ripple to a decent wave depending on surf size. Safety in numbers. At this stage the forecast looks favourable. I will check it Monday arv and post again Monday night if conditions deteriorate to preclude paddling. Launch is 7 am at the last car park on the left on Claude Batten Drive (turn at the toilets)
Any questions feel free to ring me 0419780748
Brian Batch.
UPDATE: 20/11/2023
Paddlers,
My sincere apologies but we have had another change of venue for our Safety Day – Ayliffe Park, Caloundra.
After an on-site inspection, it was clear that water levels at Currimundi Lake were too low to successfully accommodate our Safety Day drills. There was also concern that paddlers may be reluctant to enter the water for rescue practice because of poor water quality.
In consultation with Dean Haspell, I have made the decision to move Safety Day to Ayliffe Park – there’ll be a high tide on that morning delivering vast quantities of clean sea water.
Safety Day will begin at 8am with a presentation from Maritime Safety Queensland officers, followed by a briefing by vice president Marion Head on the roles and responsibilities of paddle coordinators, paddle leaders and tail end charlies.
We’ll then hit the water to practice assisted and self rescues under Dean Haspell’s guidance. We will also learn how to tow other kayaks, and if time permits we may perform a couple of scenarios that might involve the club’s new defibrillator.
To round out the day, we will do a debrief around a BBQ – Paul Watt is organising the sausages, and tea and coffee.
UPDATE: 30/9/2023
Following a meeting of the executive the following changes to 2023 Safety Week have been made:
The Safety Week which is the week starting Nov 27 will now only be the Wednesday at Ayliffe Park Caloundra
As a result the following changes to the weekly paddling schedule have been made:
Monday Nov 27 – CRUMMUNDA PARK, Jenni Rodley co-ordinating.
Thursday Nov 30 – BOREEN POINT, Dave Hill co-ordinating
Events page now reflects these changes
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
UPDATE 30/9/2023
“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 Ken know. To pay for your meal, our club’s account is SSRKC, BSB 484-799 Acc 033787320 and mark it as Yakfest Lunch.
I need to confirm numbers and you will need to advise me of your menu selection as we are required to pre-order meals. this needs to be completed 1 week prior to the event.
I shall contact you with your orders.
I shall also have the menu selection sheet at the Borumba camp next week.
Thanks Ken
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