Bongaree to Welsby Day trip

A day trip in windy weather along the side of Bribie island. Alternative weather trip for the Stradbroke Weekend.

A day spent paddling along the inside of Bribie island. We aim to take advantage of the wind and swell generated by 15 -20 knot S, SE, ESE forecast winds. We will do a bit of sailing and with luck surf the swells.

We will travel to a take out point north (downwind) of the put in point and use a car shuttle to return to the start. If time and interest there is the option to repeat all or part of the paddle

This is a trip to challenge grade 1s and gain exposure to grade 2 conditions. We will put in at Bongaree and paddle with the wind and swell to an downwind take out point on the shore of Bribie where we will leave a car. This will be White Patch, Welsby, or Gallaghers day area, depending on access.

If conditions are sheltered and wind is not a significant issue we may paddle to Gallaghers day area and then paddle back to the take out point.

285-Bongaree to Gallaghers map.jpg

Date: Sept 20th, 2015
Discipline: Sea kayaking
Water: Bay – smooth waters
Distance: Bongaree to White Patch 6km; Bongaree to Welsby 7.5km; Bongaree to Gallaghers Day Use area (10 km). The paddle will have tidal assistance and there are neap tides.
Grade: 1+

Although the wind puts this trip as grade 2, this is a more challenging grade one trip because

  • there is easterly in the wind so we will obtain some shelter if needed close to the island
  • we are paddling with the wind
  • we will paddle against the wind only as a training exercise and to build paddler experience. It is not necessary to paddle against the wind to the take out point.
  • If paddlers are blown across the passage they will be blow toward shallower waters and land where there are take out points.

Load kayaks: Sun Morning 7 AM
Meet time: 7:00 AM at the shed (sharp). Depart St. Lucia 8:00 AM.
Depart point: Bongaree. Arrive 9:00AM. Depart 10:00 – 10:30 AM

Paddle duration10:30 AM to 3:00 PM depending on interest
Return to shed : ~4-5PM

Tides:Sun – Low 7:14 AM (0.56m), High 1:49 PM (1.94m) (low is 15 mins earlier at Bongaree)
Moon phase: Approaching first quarter (Sat 32%, Sun 41%). Rise/Set Sat – 9:11 AM/10:45PM, Sun – 9:55 AM / 11:38 PM
Sunrise/set: 5:40AM/5:42 PM

Schedule

  • 7:00 Meet UQ shed and load gear
  • 8:00 Depart UQ
  • 9:00 Arrive Bribie island and do car shuttle.
  • 9:30 Unpack boats
  • 10:30 Depart
  • Paddle down side of island and return to start by car. Repeat if time. If there is an opportunity undertake training activities in windy conditions.
  • 15:00 Pack boats
  • 15:30 Return to Brisbane
  • 16:30 Arrive shed.
  • 17:00 Leave shed

Food: Lunches – Bring your own, or we will buy locally. Snacks when paddling and morning tea. Water!

Costs: Wear and tear contribution for club gear ~$10/day. Petrol money to your driver (~$10), Bring some extra dollars for coffee etc

Ability: 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. All participants must have demonstrated a wet exit and a sea kayak T-rescue, contact the leader ASAP if you have not done this so it can be arranged.

Risks: Boat traffic; fatigue; sunburn, hypothermia; dehydration; paddle related injuries; cuts,sprains and strains; getting separated from group; sea sickness; enter/exit boat; separation from boat; sinking boat; broken paddle; rough seas; drowning; dehydration; Major/minor injury from animal/plant; capsize; carrying boats; ineffective rudder; tripping while walking; medical conditions; bad weather/weather change; equipment failure
Risk minimisation: Keep group together during channel crossings. Periodic rest stops. Dress for the outdoors, Bring food/water/wind/ spray proof cag/ jacket and fleece to change into for lunch. Advise trip leader of any medical conditions beforehand. Safety equipment and paddler equipment. Check weather forecasts. See UQ risk assessments #45934 and #57960 for more detail.
Alternate course & take out points: There are many potential stopping and take out points along the shore of Bribie if needed.
Emergency contact: VMR Bribie island (3408 7596). VHF 16, 73

Safety Equipment: mobile, VHF radio, signal mirror, flares, spare paddle, tow line, repair kit, first aid kit.
Paddler equipment: Safe craft, spray deck, PFD, paddle leash, bailing device, medication, whistle, sunscreen, hat, long sleeved shirt/jacket/cag, minimum three litres water per day. Footwear suitable for paddling, swimming and bush walking. Food / nourishment for the duration of the trip, including lunch. Warm gear in case the wind gets up (eg thermal and spray jacket are good). Warm gear while having lunch.

Leader: Martin Wynne

Event ID: 1509019S2

Put in point
Cnr Welsby Parade and Fifth Avenue. On the south side of Shirley creek next to the parking.
286-Bongaree put in point.png