Port Stephens Weekend Paddle

Weekend 30-31 January 2021

Grade 1-2

Please note that this trip has been advertised now to provide advanced notice, but is subject to no further COVID restrictions within NSW.

Another opportunity for a weekend to enjoy two days kayaking around Port Stephens.  Trips will be around 15-20km each day and aimed at grade 1-2 paddlers who are looking to have fun on the water and develop a few skills at the same time.  

Accommodation for the weekend will be at Mark Fuller's place in North Arm Cove.  Space is available for up to eight people and we will plan to have a communal dinner on Saturday night.  You are welcome to arrive on Friday night.  Please bring a sleeping bag and food for breakfast lunches and on-water snacks.  

There are plenty of options for trips each day depending on the forecast, including heading south to Soldiers Point east to Corrie Island or west towards Karuah.  We may also do a car shuttle paddle from Tea Gardens on one of the days.

Please use the Club’s online registration system if you wish to join in. Also, please note the Club's COVID guidelines below.

Any queries to Richard Hackett (trip leader) via richardhackett[at]tpg.com.au

STANDARD COVID GUIDELINES – NSW SEA KAYAK CLUB, as at 31 August 2020

Before the Club Trip

• Are you feeling fit and well?  Just don’t come if you have ANY of the symptoms, or have had close contact with someone else that does
• Don’t share cars with others unless you are in the same household
• Be prepared and self-contained – no sharing of sunscreen, hand-pump, etc.  Do you have something like a neck buff to use as a mask on the water if required?  Do you have your own hand sanitiser?
• Greet fellow paddlers from a distance
• Good time to use that sanitiser after helping others unload and move kayaks to the beach

During the Club Trip

• Observe social distancing – especially whilst waiting to launch and during briefings and breaks
• How good is your self-rescue?  If ever there was a time to practice your rolling or other forms of self-rescue now is it
• If you are required to be part of an assisted rescue think it through and try to maintain the 1.5m distancing as best you can.  Also consider PPE that can be used at the time – neck buff as a mask, and sunglasses.  Sanitiser available for when the rescue is complete
• No spitting or nose clearing on or off the water
• Don’t share food or drink

After the Club Trip

• Be prepared and self-contained – washing stools, buckets, towels etc
• Remember the social distancing – including when washing kayaks
• Good time to use that hand sanitiser after assisting others with kayak carries and car loading