Grade 1 Event
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 must show in their planning/trip briefing that they have taken the distance into consideration.
If wind is over 15 knots, trip leaders must show in their planning/trip briefing that they have taken the wind into consideration.
Max distance of 1.5NM (2.8km) from shore.
Maintain a cruising speed of up to 4km/hour.
This event is open to members and visitors at Trip Co-ordinator’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 above 4 klm/hr.
- Be able to assist fellow paddlers – Stop, turn, tow and rescue.
- Be able to carry your kit – Water, food, clothing etc.
- Be seaworthy – Although we paddle in sheltered waters, winds may reach 20 knots with waves to 0.5 m.
Your vessel must:
- 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:
- Be capable of swimming 10m wearing a PFD.
- Possess a skills level as per Club Minimum Skills Requirements. SSRKC – Minimum Skills – 2011_V2
- 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.
Paddlers must:
- Wear an Australian or NZ Standards approved Personal Flotation Device – PFD Type 2 – with a suitable whistle attached by lanyard.
- 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.
Group Prerequisites
The group must 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 Coordinators