Sutherland Bushwalkers provides kayaking trips ranging from day trips to overnight and extended paddles with camping from kayaks. The Club also offers week long kayaking trips from a fixed base camp at caravan parks. All trips are slow paced and are for enjoying the outdoors. All equipment and craft are the responsibility of the member involved. The Club does not have any kayaking equipment for loan. Please note that visitors cannot participate in multiday activities.
Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) must be used and participants should be good swimmers.
GRADES OF KAYAKING TRIPS
Kayaking trips are graded from 1 – 4, with 4 being hardest. A grade 3 kayaking trip is medium grade and can be undertaken by any fit person. The distance covered on a grade 3 trip is approximately 12 – 15 kms daily, depending on conditions.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
Equipment for kayaking will depend on river conditions and weather. Air and water temperatures are important factors that should be considered. A kayaking gear checklist is provided as a basic guide on items to take on easy – medium one day paddles.
KAYAKING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Equipment for canoeing/kayaking will depend on river conditions and weather. Air and water temperatures are important factors that should be considered.The checklist below is provided as a basic guide on items to take on easy medium one day paddles.
| Gear | Description |
| Kayak | Suitable for conditions (+ paddle) |
| Stowage | Drums or dual plastic bags, must be waterproof |
| Clothing | Synthetic clothing ( including thermal wear) that will readily disperse water Shorts (or swimmers), shirt, hat.(Cotton material not recommended) |
| Safe Gear | Life jacket PFD/PLB/Mobile phone |
| Wet Gear | Short light weight waterproof jacket |
| Footwear | Volleys, joggers,sandals or diving booties |
| Warm Gear | Wetsuit, thermals, beanie |
| First aid kit | Compact and functional |
| Drying towel | Small and effective |
| Personal bits | Medication, sun cream, insect lotion, sunglasses |
| Auxiliary bits | Whistle, rubbish bag, small torch |
| Food | Biscuits, sandwiches, fruit + spare amount of extras for emergencies |
| Repair kit | To suit craft and structure |