Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/10/2023
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Categories
Objective
This paddle is a single location paddle. There may be some short trips across Simpson’s bay or around to Bundeena or Jibbon beaches. Paddlers will have the opportunity to practice paddle techniques and rescue skills that may be a little rusty after the cold water, winter season. Above all this is intended to be a fun, social paddle.
The session is suitable all members. The detailed program will be determined based on weather conditions and paddler capabilities. A spray deck will be needed for some activities.
Why Bonnievale/Simpson’s Bay
Bonnievale is a beachside reserve within the Royal National Park popular with young families (park fees apply). It has good parking, toilets and BBQ’s. It is a great location to spend a day including for any non-paddling family members. The beach at Bonnievale faces onto Simpson’s Bay. This bay is sheltered and shallow with a large sandbar. Close to shore it will be possible to practice paddle strokes, exits and rescue techniques.
There are several areas across the bay that, in the right conditions, offer a nice wave to paddle through and surf. These range from very small waves to a moderate sized and long wave on the far side of the bay. Most, if any, capsizes will be in shallow water and often adjacent to the sandbar for easy re-entry.
Behind Bonnievale is the Cabbage Tree Basin, a large shallow tidal pool of warm water with a narrow entrance. This paddle is being held on a large tidal drop from 1.7m at 10:21am down to 0.1m in the late afternoon. That will produce a fast flow at the basin’s entrance that spills into a sandy bottomed pool. This will provide paddlers practice in flowing water and for swift water throw bag rescues. Cabbage tree basin is also an excellent location to practice general rescue techniques in warm water.
Who Should Come?
All club members are invited to attend. Everyone benefits from practice, but this is especially useful for people wanting to expand their distance and to paddle beyond flat calm water into rivers or lakes, tidal estuaries, and open waters. Members are encouraged to attend this and other skills sessions.
Note: Bonnievale has a camping area for anyone wishing to camp overnight. This must be booked and is subject to availability (it’s on the October long weekend).
To come along to this event please register via Eventbright – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/river-canoe-club-28111898381