A training / paddle day at Wivenhoe Dam. This is a day trip. We will be based at one point within the recreation area to practise paddling and staying ‘upright’ in racing kayaks.
Date: Sunday, 9th December 2012
Grade: 1
Getting there and put in point
The destination is approximately 50 mins to 1 hour drive from Brisbane or further if you are coming from the east or southern sides of Brisbane. Generally you would leave Brisbane and follow the Ipswich Motorway (signposted to Warwick/ Ipswich/ Toowoomba). You will then turn off this motorway to the Warrego Highway (this is the road to Toowoomba NOT Ipswich or Warwick). You will follow this road till you see the turn off to Esk (the Brisbane Valley Highway). You will follow this road out to Esk (last place to get supplies!) then on to Wivenhoe Dam. You will cross over the Dam wall and continue on as advised above.
We will be arriving at the public use area at the Logan’s Complex on the western shores of Wivenhoe Dam at 9am and we will be setting up a position on the bank, hopefully under a shady tree. Linked is a brochure about the Dam which includes a Map on the last page. You will note that the turn off from the Brisbane Valley Highway to Logan’s Complex is about 5km after you have crossed the Dam wall. Then you need to travel to the public use area NOT one of the two camping areas that are in the vicinity. This is well sign posted. There are BBQ facilities, sheltered picnic tables, toilets and showers here.
We will be based at this location for the day so there is no need to bring dry bags. Your car can be left nearby. This part of the Dam is protected from wind and is a beautiful setting to practise and try a range of TK1’s and a K1. It is obviously a fresh water dam and there are limited hazards in the water. It is a ‘friendly environment’ to fall out of kayaks!!
We intend to bring a range of TK’s and K1’s so that everybody can have a go and hopefully we will be able to go for a short paddle once we have acquired some skills.
Camping option
I may be camping up there for Saturday night as the stars are amazing away from the City lights so anyone is welcome to join me. There is a camp fee of $7/person/night.
Gear and things to bring
We will bring kayaks, pfds, paddles and required safety gear as appropriate for the activity. You will need to bring water, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, hat and sunsmart clothes. It is likely to be hot and a spare change of clothes is essential as you will be getting wet. Depending on the proximity/ availability of shade trees we may set up a shelter/ tarp to provide shade beside the bank.
There is no formal finish time. We co ordinate a lift for people who do not have a car as the time approaches so you will need to register and advise your transport arrangements (i.e. whether you have a car or need a lift). The usual ‘ware & tear’ contribution applies and money should be deposited in the tin in the shed.
There is a participant limit on this trip so please reserve your place early.
Meeting time: 7.30am at the UQ Canoe Club shed (departing at 8AM) or as alternatively agreed for a 9am start at Logan Day Use Area at Wivenhoe Dam.
Meet: At the UQCC shed as advised above or alternatively at the put in place (i.e. Logan’s Complex)
Duration: 9am to 2pm (or later)
Distance: N/a for this trip
Tides: N/a
Required equipment: As per Club Grade 1 requirements
Recommended equipment
- Minimum 2 litres water
- Footwear suitable for paddling, and swimming
- Food / Nourishment for the duration of the trip including lunch
Paddlers should have an appropriate level of fitness. Individuals must self assess their, and their equipment’s, ability to participate in this level club event and should consult the trip leader if any aspect of their suitability requires clarification. As mentioned this is not a long paddle trip. You will be in and out of kayaks for limited periods during the day so it is not going to be a strenuous activity.
Alternate course and take out points: N/a – adjacent to bank at all times.
Risks: boat traffic, sunburn, hypothermia, dehydration, paddle related injuries
Risk minimisation: Dress for the outdoors, sunscreen, hats, long sleeved shirts, shoes, water. Advise trip leader of any medical conditions
Emergency contacts: No formal on water rescue body operates on the DAM. All activity will be carried out in visual sight of other participants. In an emergency the leader and other senior Club members will call 000 Police.
- Emergencies Only – Ambulance, Police, Fire 000
- Lowood Police 5426 1108
- Seqwater Duty Officer – Catchment Services 3035 5776
Communications: Mobile phone, whistle
Safety equipment: repair kit, tow line, first aid kit.
Check of other equipment: suitability of craft, PFD, bailing device, medication, water, footwear, floatation
Map: see linked brochure
A brochure about Wivenhoe dam is here.
Participants must register their interest prior to the event. There is a participant limit on this trip so please reserve your place early.
Register by: Friday 7th December 2012
Register with: John Simmons (obtain email address from the linked page)
Leader: John Simmons (AC Sea Guide)