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Sandgate Canoe Club
Newsletter
April 2015
Images from the Upper Noosa River March 2015
Welcome
Happy Easter and welcome to the April newsletter, all sections of the club have been busy
over the last month, there seems to be something happening for everyone, as well as lots of
fun on and off the water.
Welcome to our newest members: Chris Robert, Umi McKenzie, Deb Roth - we hope you
enjoy our club activities.
The SCC racers are doing well in their racing series and practice for the Hawkesbury is
ongoing.
Our Wetland Wander Race is coming up, the intention is to have lots of racers as well as
volunteers from our Club, see Sue's appeal for volunteers, this is a great opportunity to
support your club.
We had another successful SARP day with those attending learning new skills, many of the
practice ideas were inspired from the clubs safety videos that are now available to all
members, contact Cheryl if you would like to borrow one.
Trip reports this month include, a visit to the Queen Mary II, Toorbul, Scarborough to
Beachmere and the Camp at Elanda Point which was a great success; with paddles
organised by Graham Moorhread, lots of fun and many tales told. For those who missed out
on this camp Richard Womack is organising a camp and paddle to Camp Site 3 on the Upper
Noosa River, a truly beautiful part of Queensland. Thanks again to all our roving reporters.
First aid and Safety are priorities for the Management Committee - contact Barry for details
Mark Otter continues his informative safety articles and a reminder that the updated
Brisbane River Code of Conduct has been published, a copy will be available on the SCC
Resources webpage.
The paddle planning Committee have paddles planned for the next three months remember
to contact the trip leader prior to an away paddle. The Annual Pumicestone Passage paddle
is planned for August; numbers are limited so contact Cheryl if you are interested.
Enjoy your paddling
Kaye Watson
Editor
Basic Skills
The next Basic Skills Course will be held on Saturday May 2nd at VMR - Allpass Pde,
Shorncliffe, from 7am. Approximately 5hr duration.
Contact John Blackley for details m 0438690958 or email john@johnblackley.com.au
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From the President's Deckchair
Bruce Pilcher
20th Anniversary Commemorative Publication.
Copies are available from Committee members, and I am very
keen to have as many past members as possible have a copy.
Please tell them about it.
This colour magazine has taken a lot of effort to put together and
will be a record to look back on with pride in another 20 years’
time.
We have tried to include items about as many past members as
possible, and the Committee particularly thanks John Blackley
who volunteered to take on the editor’s task.
Skills Training Day 7th March
Sandgate Canoe Club members again benefitted from a well
planned morning.
These events help all of us develop the confidence required to
move on to more demanding paddles under often unexpected
conditions.
Pushing the boundaries when properly prepared adds to the
enjoyment of this popular pastime.
Notes for your Diary
Wetland Wander - Sunday 17th May 2015
Sue Gollagher has recently emailed members. Our Big Day for 2015, and we need
Volunteers to make it happen!
First Aid/CPR Courses
The life you learn to save could be your partner, family
member, best mate or a complete stranger!
Contact Barry for upcoming courses - 0417 733 889
Subscription Renewal Day - Saturday 6th June 2015
Annual General Meeting - Saturday 4th July 2015
Happy Paddling
Bruce Pilcher
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2015: First Aid Safety on the Water Barry Renaud
As you may have seen and recall, the Club recently was provided with a $7,500 grant for two
purposes:
1. Purchase 5 Club radios for use in paddles in our various waterways and Bays, and
managing communications in events such as the upcoming Wetland Wander,
2. $5,000 for investment in first aid training for paddlers on the water.
The Management Committee has now finalised the budget and are pleased to announce
that the majority of the funds will be directed to increasing the number wishing to
undertake a first aid course and improving first aid safety on the water. In summary the
budget is:
 Offering first aid training for up to 15 members at this stage who have neither ever
completed a first aid course, or it has been a while since you last completed a course.
This will be free for the course itself valued at $120, however the Club will not be
committing to pay for any renewal costs after the course. Nominally offered on a first
come, first in basis, however priority if the interest is high will be given to those Club
members who provide a leadership role in Club activities – eg Trip Leaders for sea
kayaks, Racing event co-ordinators.
 Ensuring our appointed guides and instructors who need to be qualified in first aid have
their CPR renewals paid for as well as the main 3 year accreditation by this time next
year.
 Offering up to 10 members the chance to substantially improve their swimming
capability and confidence with a training session in a pool. As you would be aware, it is
a requirement for all Club members to be able to swim 50 metres. While most will know
that you can, this training is for those who seek a few more tips from a qualified swim
instructor to build your confidence.
 Finally in our Rescue Training Days later in the year, some further tips from a qualified
surf lifesaving instructor about how to swim 50 metres in open water, getting into your
pfd in deep water, tips about rescuing a paddler who cannot get back into the kayak,
and much more.
 Monthly newsletter tips on first aid by a qualified instructor. These tips will be aligned to
our trip planning and briefing sheet, and the inherent risks we assess as detailed in the
Operational Policy document.
In all an exciting year and I would encourage all of you to take advantage of the offers we
have to improve your first aid safety knowledge on the water.
What do you need to do? ACT!
Commit to participating, and:
1. Advise if you wish to undertake the first aid training – an 8 hour day plus pre-work,
2. Advise if you wish to be considered for the swimming session to improve your
confidence – about 2 hours,
3. Advise if you are up for a radio training session. Pre-work plus 4 hours.
Dates will be determined once we have sufficient interest to run the first
course(s).
Email back to Barry Renaud on renoclan@bigpond.net.au, or call 0417733889
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Racing News
Paul Lange
Varsity lakes
Sandgate Canoe Club had another good showing at the second race of the season put on
by Varsity Lakes Paddlers Club. We had 10 competitors place themselves on the line and I
would like to congratulate Cameron Mason, Lawrie Fagan, Lachlan Carkeet, Colleen
Hobdell, Tina Effeney, Greg Litherland, Trent Litherland, Rob Litherland and Sue Gollagher
for helping to get SCC into 6th place out of 18 clubs on the club rankings. With the Wetland
Wander fast approaching, there is an opportunity for SCC to move up the rankings if the
club is willing to support their race.
The 5.30am Tuesday and Thursday training group is still going very well with between 8
and 10 people attending on a regular basis. The speed and fitness of this group is
improving as evidenced by some of the results at Varsity Lakes. In keeping with this theme
Saturday the 28 March is devoted to filming the training group with a view to providing
helpful tips on technique.
Wetland Wander Expressions of Interest
Sue Gollagher
On May 17, we are once again holding our biggest annual event, the Wetland Wander.
If you are new to the club, the Wetland Wander is a race which we run from the mouth of
Cabbage Tree Creek up Nundah Creek. It is part of the QC race series and the Northern
Marathon series and is open to all paddlers in all craft. Last year we had record participation
of nearly 180 paddlers. We have a good reputation for running a well organised event, and
that reputation is all down to you, our members.
As always, we need people on the day and beforehand. I have attached a list of the different
positions to fill and it would be tremendous if you could help us out.
A couple of points:
 Some positions are crucial and we are not allowed to run without them: eg: first aid
officers, safety boats
 We always need help with handling registrations and money on the day. If this is
done efficiently, the day is so much smoother!
 Last year, our catering was outstanding, so it'd be great if we could match that.
 I have always done the publicity (eg: contacting the Bayside Star, flyers in shops,
communicating with other waterway users such as QCYC etc). I would like to hand
this over because I live too far away to do it all now.
Have a look at the list, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me.
Every year, we have a Volunteer of the Day prize draw to thank you for your efforts!
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Finally, Lawrie and I have been organising the Wetland Wander as a team for some time
now, but it is not healthy for the club to have so much experience concentrated in the hands
of two people. It would be terrific if some of the racing members could become involved in
the organisation side of things.
Contact Sue: suegollagher@gmail.com
Volunteer Positions
Position
Volunteer
Position
Chief Official
Sue Gollagher
Safety kayak x 3
Technical director
Lawrie Fagan
Safety tinny x 2
QC & Maritime Safety
applications
Sue Gollagher
First Aid x 3
Registration x 4
Sue Gollagher,
Gophers x 2
Data Entry x 2
Ann-Maree Whish
Pre-race dinner bookings
Safety Officer
Lawrie Fagan
Catering organiser
Briefing and prize giving
Sue Gollagher
Food/drink sales x 3
Scrutineer x 2
Sausage Cooks x 3
Boat marshall
Baked goods chef
Starter
Lawrie Fagan
Boat numbers helper
Lawrie Fagan
Boat Spotters x 2
Time runners x 2
Marco Sassetto,
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Prize/ sponsor organiser
Publicity (eg: Bayside
Star)
Time keepers x 2
Buoy judges x 4
Volunteer
Set up
Clean up
Processing early
registrations (Saturday) x
2
Sue Gollagher,
Sea Kayaking News and Trip Reports
SCOTTS POINT TRAINING DAY 7TH MARCH Gary Bergman
Yes the full moon brings them out, and a Training Day is no
exception.
This session started with a safety briefing , and a Yoga
session so tightly co-ordinated esplanade heads were
spinning. Kaye had participants stretching and limbering
into finely tuned athletes.
Captain Clontarf dropped in for surprise visit to put us all at ease on
our first aid equipment , then flew off to another appointment?
*Note : full moon.
Fortunately Selwyn reappeared and with Bruce and new member
Caroline ran a tight beach patrol unit for the water activities.
Gary and Kaye based the session on rescue and assistance to injured
or fatigued paddlers. We started with single towing then V towing
implementing the “Highwayman's Hitch”. This knot was to
demonstrate a quick tow knot with safety release for the towee.
Single rafting up to the fatigued person was next. In an opposite direction the rescuee could
hug the front deck and assist by edging their hull plus lifting rudder. The rescuer could then
paddle both kayaks out of harm's way.
In groups of three, in water scoop
rescues were carried out. This
allowed the rescuee to access
their edged kayak and to be rolled
upright by two rafted rescuers.
Next was High and Low bracing practice then paddling with a
cockpit full of water to test the balance of all. It might be
added, conditions were picture perfect and water
temperature delightful.
After kayaks were retrieved, Kaye called a Debrief for a run
down on results. If you missed these techniques, DVDs are
available soon from Cheryl .
Gary then announced the treasured award process. Akin to the Eurovision song contest, no
one understood the rules, but eventually there was a deserving recipient. * Note full moon.
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Queen Mary 2 Visits Brisbane 14th March
Cheryl Christensen
Queen Mary 2, Tangalooma Flyer and Lady Brisbane, what a contrast. Our local boats could
hardly be seen passing by 'Her Majesty'. Our Tuesday paddle mimicked our Saturday paddle;
we had 15 on the water and met up with 2 friends. We looked on in awe. Could we be seen
from the top deck? who knows.
So we had a great view and a great paddle, coming home with the sails up.
Who was Queen Mary?
She was the consort of King George V, Mary of Teck.
=====================================
Overheard on Camp
"I think the second half of that bottle of port was off; the first half was OK but
the second half made me feel a bit sick"
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Toorbul 14th March
12 Paddlers Out - How Many Came Back? Charmaine Renaud
Twelve adventurous people turned up at
Toorbul on 14 March to enjoy a morning
of paddling, led by our fearless leader
Selwyn. The original plan was to go
Gilligan's Island but the wind was to get
to 20 knots from the south therefore the
paddle plan needed to be altered. Due to
protection in the passage as long as we
stayed near the islands we paddled south
into the wind to Bribie VMR. We were all
asked to stay together but somehow the
pod did get split up as we headed into the
wind. In this area you always need to be
conscious of the sand bars especially during low tide.
Once we arrived at the VMR there was talk to paddle around the corner but poking our
heads out into the wind was not a pretty sight and besides it was hard work just to get to
this point. Now it was time for our morning tea break and to refresh before tackling the
wind on our backs to go home.
After our refresh it was time to get back onto the water, due to the wind and people putting
up sail we grouped together into pods of 3 to look after each other. I was in the all-girl team
of Cheryl Kaye and myself. Once we started with our sails up it was no stopping we all flew
home very quickly and excitingly with the strong winds and waves hitting our boats. It was
challenging but fun you needed to keep your eyes forward and focused because one
mistake anyone of the paddlers would have been in the drink. Actually there was one who
did go in!
A great exciting challenging paddle but those who stayed in bed missed a great morning of
fun and friendship.
==================================================
Found on the Sea-kayaking Forum
"Life truly lived is full of risk.
To fence out risk is to fence out life".
Owen W (re-printed with permission)
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SCARBOROUGH - BEACHMERE PADDLE, TUESDAY 24TH
MARCH - by Phil Plant
Paddlers: Cheryl Christensen, Janelle Ellwood, Kaye Watson, Richard Sharpe, Ian McDade,
Rob Nelson, Phil Plant)
It was a case of "Queensland, beautiful one day, perfect the next", a rarity this Summer after
what seems to have been an endless succession of hot, humid, wet and windy days. After a
bit of confusion as to which boat ramp we were leaving from (yes, there are two boat ramps
at Scarborough Marina, we ended up with a split group and launched from both!) seven
lucky paddlers set off across Deception Bay on a glorious morning heading for the small
township of Beachmere. Alas it was almost a case of too perfect a day as the Easterly wind
refused to kick in meaning it was paddle power all the way there and back.
This was a bit of a disappointment to the writer who was testing his brand new kayak sail for
the first time and hoping for a few more knots of breeze! Nevermind, we all (other than
Rob) hoisted our sails anyway although it was probably more for show! At least the bright
green top of my sail got plenty of comments about how visible it was from a distance which
is a relief if I ever get stranded!
Did you know? - Deception Bay was named in 1823 by Lt John Oxley. He originally thought it
was a river due to its shallowness and named it Pumice Stone River. He later renamed it
Deception Bay after discovering his mistake! And us paddlers nearly made the mistake of
leaving our yaks too close to the waters edge during morning tea break on an in-coming
tide. Yes the tides rise and fall quickly in the Bay, deceptive indeed but luckily we relocated
them before having to undertake any embarrassing rescues of kayaks adrift!
Despite the lack of wind, the views across to Bribie and Moreton Islands were spectacular
and make you realise what a stunning part of the world this is. All up it was a very enjoyable
19km trip which, with the heat and still conditions meant we all got a decent workout and
fully deserved our coffee in the Sea, Salt & Vine cafe in Scarborough afterwards.
Calling all Sea Kayak Trip Leaders Barry Renaud
Briefing Sheets
As a Trip Leader of paddles in the Bay or major rivers, you now
most likely have a healthy stock of filled in sheets stacked
hopefully in a safe place. In the past we have discussed as a
Club what to do with these with Phil doing an interim scanning
process. To solve the issue once and for all, the Management
Committee have decided what to do with them.
1. Hand them “as is” to our Club Secretary Michael Locke,
2. Post them “as is” to the Club’s PO box at Sandgate,
3. Scan them and send to the Club’s email address
sandgate@canoe.org.au
From there the committee will arrange storage for the long term. Once you get the back log
of items over to Michael, then doing this regularly at the end of a trip should be less
onerous.
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Lake Cootharaba Elanda Point March 18 - 22 (for some) Selwyn Gray
Hmm well where do I start, now - oh yes we were – yeah but can’t talk about that, but we
did do – better not talk about that either the editor will cut it out.
Seriously, if you haven’t or are unable to do a camp out of the kayak with us this place is just
fantastic, some great fun and good paddles with lots of laughs with great mates – do it next
time.
For some of the lucky ones who went up on the
Wednesday being four in number we met at our
favourite coffee shop in Pomona before heading into
meet our friendly campsite host and, after some
discussions on cost set up the tarp over camp central
before putting on the water to cross Lake Cootharaba.
We headed toward the old Teewah jetty and you
beauty picked up the winds for the last section and
return journey. As we returned to the shallows we
asked a couple if they had seen the ‘Cootharaba
crocodile’ – "what! are you kidding?" was the exclamation. – Now would I kid about that?
more of this later .
On Thursday more members arrived and we headed for the water and back over to the jetty
but this time returning via a paddle to Boreen Point,a stop for lunch, including hot chips
before heading back to camp where more arrive and we finish the day trying to cook dinner
in the dark.
Friday morning the team grew; we are up early as usual getting breakfast and one of us (me)
cooking bacon in a very hot pan when from my peripheral vision I saw a bird flying in but
thought it was just going to set down like the super cute but annoyingly friendly ducks, but
oh no it was the camps resident vulture kookaburra and in one swoop picked up my biggest
slice of hot bacon and into the trees where he tried to kill it more before eating with all the
smashed off bits creating havoc among all the birds .
After that early trauma we put on the water this time heading
toward the Upper Noosa River and Harry’s Hut, first a stop at
the Kinaba information centre set in the picturesque setting
amongst the reeds on the NW side of the lake where we
arrived about the same time as an Everglades boat arrived
with a load of overseas visitors, now this bunch were a year or
two younger than us – alright maybe a decade or so, anyway
back to the story – they were all off loaded and shown the
canoes and with no guide many had no idea what to do, one even asked our resident expert
‘R’, which way round do you paddle the canoe? So whilst we experienced paddlers watched
the group of about 20 organise, get in and prepare for the day by reversing the way we
dress for a very sunny hot day by exposing themselves to get that very important tan and I
think we even heard someone from the upper balcony offer to be the official ‘suntan
applicator’. Now the fun, as they tried to start off and not far up the river we came across
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one canoe smacking the bow against both sides of the banks until some assistance on how
to navigate a straight line came from our group.
It was very hot as we reached the ramp at Harry’s so after
getting the boats ashore we headed back to the cool very
dark water to cool off for a while before having lunch on
the jetty. . After a walk down to see and read the story
about Harry’s hut back to the boats got them off the racks
and on the water again for the return trip, now for those
that haven’t paddle the river there is one section where
you move through spectacular vast expanse of beautiful
blue water lilies. It is and we are now very hot so a stop at
the Information Centre to hop out of the boats for a float and play in the water as an
Everglades boat swings around the markers into the river entrance and as the visitors all get
their cameras out to capture a shot of these strange things frolicking in the shallows so we
offer a wave to prove we are humans, breeze is up and back to camp for the day
On Saturday our numbers again increased so ‘our
section’ of the camp site became a real community;
busy preparing for the day and the important breakfast.
We assembled on the beach for a briefing we are 15
this time heading south of the lake past Boreen Point to
Cooloothin Creek. On the way a few rolled or assisted
roll to cool off until we got to some tree cover, we
stopped at a ramp to take a break, we were just getting
the final boats off the water when we were invaded by
a mass of – you guessed it – canoes full of those
international visitors a year or so younger than our crew so we made some space for them
to place their boats and chatted to some while we all had morning tea. After a slick
demonstration of how to get a fleet of kayaks and their paddlers on the water we said
farewell to the canoe mob and headed for Boreen Point and sure enough the word went out
chips from the shop were necessary and consumed as we had a couple of days earlier. As
we were a big group we broke into two pods for the return to the campsite one following
the shoreline sheltering from the winds and the other go out to get some wind in their sails
for a fun run home. Back on the beach get the boats out and some were back in the water
again floating around with a cold drink in the hand
Two of the group picked up their paddle boards and went for a bit of fun – now remember
we mentioned earlier about the infamous ‘Cootharaba crocodile’ – see the shot of the fin on
Cheryl’s board.
We were given instructions about the need for several cars and non-drinking drivers to be
available by 5.45pm to take 17 to the great old pub for dinner, well we found this huge big
old table was allocated to us but the warning of a major storm approaching got us to
rearrange a whole section of the balcony to our group well as usual the dinner conversation
was rather boisterous if not loud, all great fun before the run back to camp for a final drink
and discussions on the day – oh no what’s that all have headed for the tents but for those
who seem to have found a strange bottle of something an old English sailor must have
dropped overboard ship, the story goes the bottle had to be emptied before 11.55pm
before they all turned into Cinderellas – well one at least
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Sunday morning was a hive of activity as some were getting ready to leave while others
were looking forward to their second day of paddling while others were thinking this is my
fifth day – can I do this. Well they padded past the information centre to Kin Kin Creek and
while trepid explorer went on a up the creek
What a great weekend (extended for some) shared with our mates
Shark? Cootharabar Crocodile? or Hungry Ducks?
Cheryl's Paddle Board had a mysterious accident - the full story is still emerging.
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Coming Events
Noosa River Camp 24-25th April Richard Womack
Having consulted with a few of you and looking at the Camp availability, I have nailed down
a plan for the upper Noosa River Camp. I have booked Camp Site 3 for the nights of 24 &
25th April. We have a nominal booking, which I can amend with additional people provided I
do this by the 9th April. So please consider if you want to come and let me know, so I can
pay for you. The cost for the two nights is a huge $11.50 (total), so it won’t break the bank!
It is 21km from Elanda Point to Camp site 3. As it is
an easy flat water paddle, that is about 3 hours
paddling, plus an hour or so to stop at Kinaba Ranger
station and Harry’s Hut. We thus don’t need to rush
to get on the water, I will probably aim for 9-10am.
Camp site 3 has toilets and picnic tables, so whilst not
as bush as the other camps, it is a bit more civilised! It
is great place to go from here to the sandpatch, a
12km return walk. On Saturday I plan to paddle to
the end of the Noosa river (13km) and further
investigate Teewah creek near Camp site 15, which is
lovely
On either Friday or Saturday night I plan to go for a short night paddle on the river and
enjoy the magnificent night sky (clouds permitting). Last year we had some singing Angels, I
can’t guarantee that this year! On Sunday we can have a leisurely return to Elanda point
and get home at a reasonable time. The only fly in the ointment is the weather, rain and
wind. Hopefully the rain will restrict itself to Easter, so that should be OK. High winds are
the biggest problem as the paddle to and from Elanda Point to Kinaba is across Lake
Cootharaba, which in strong winds can be very rough. We will have to consider this before
leaving for the weekend.
For those of you that can’t take Friday off, an option would be to drive to Harry’s hut on
Friday night and then paddle to camp site 3 or alternatively stay at Harry’s hut and use a flat
water kayak. I will be happy to meet you at Harry’s Hut on Friday night and paddle back
with you to Camp site 3, a distance of 9km (could be the night paddle). The other option is
to come up on Saturday and join us for the day paddle on the Noosa River.
As I noted above, I need to know by 9th April. I look forward to hearing from you. The upper
Noosa River is a wonderful place, so this is a good opportunity to enjoy it with friends.
Cheers
Richard Womack
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Useful Information
New Code of Conduct, Brisbane River Barry Renaud
Maritime Services Queensland have just released a new Code of Conduct for the Brisbane
River and it is applicable to water craft of all types that use the River. At 26 pages long, it is
an easy read with practical tips and drawings to assist those in charge of the water craft, or
Trip Leaders in our Club.
As the Club is a regular user of the Brisbane River for its own events, or as guests of other
Clubs that use the river, it is mandatory reading. A copy of the document will be placed on
our Club Web site under Resources for access by all.
If you are a trip leader, it is required reading and certainly for use in planning an excursion
down the river. Download a copy today.
New DVD's for Library
Contact Cheryl Christensen for details and copies of these new DVD's or ask about other
books and DVDs see the list at the back of the newsletter.
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Water Safety Tips Mark Otter
This is the second article from Mark relating to Safety on the
water.
Sharks – should we be worried about them as we venture onto the
ocean?
While this article is swimming-related, kayakers are sometimes swimmers, whether by
design or accident.
Despite my frequent jokes that sharks do not pose a problem for swimmers because I have
never been taken by one is, of course and like all jokes, something of an exaggeration. Yes,
we should be concerned (but not worried) because – of course – the ocean is where sharks
live and their presence there is a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. While it would be
foolish of me to give an iron-clad guarantee that you will never be bothered by sharks, so
long as you take a few sensible precautions, your chances of mishap are extraordinarily low
– much lower than driving a car. And, by taking into account a few precautions, you will see
that being in the open water, whether swimming or kayaking, is just sooooo good.
First of all, some statistics. On average over the past 120 years, there has been one death
from shark attack per year in Australia – and most of them have been in notorious high
shark population areas and usually because swimmers had not taken adequate precautions.
See this graph comparing the incidence of deaths from rips and other natural events
including shark deaths.
A few more statistics. As Australia’s population has increased, so have shark encounters, but
only about half of those encounters have resulted in injury (i.e. bites). And only 20 percent
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of those injuries have been fatal. In fact, the number of fatal shark attacks has fallen from an
average of three a year in the 1930s to one a year since 2000.
So, what shark-related precautions should you take when swimming in the open sea?
Do not swim at dawn or dusk – that is when sharks feed
Do not swim in overcast conditions or in murky waters – sharks have poor eyesight
and may mistake you for something more delectable (other animals swimming in the
sea are more preferred shark prey than humans)
Do not swim in areas of known high shark concentrations – we often hear about
incidents in some high concentration parts of South Australia and Western Australia
for example
Do not swim near people fishing – they are trying to attract little fish which, in turn,
attract big fish. Also fishers do not want you around to scare fish and you do not
want to get snared on their hooks
If you are spear fishing, do not keep your catch on you, attached to a belt or
anywhere else
If you are bleeding, or the fish you have speared are bleeding, get out of the water
Swim in company and stay together. Sharks tend to seek out the lone swimmer, or a
straggler from a group
Sharks rarely venture into shallow water; so stay within a reasonable distance of the
shore if possible
If at all possible, have someone in an accompanying boat, board or kayak, who is in
an elevated position, to keep a watch out for you
Finally, we really should do our ocean swims at patrolled beaches and in between
the flags. Lifesavers/lifeguards keep a watch out for sharks and will close the beach if
necessary.
Now, taking on board those few points, keep in mind that shark attacks are rare and random
events, so get out there and swim in nature.
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General Paddle Information
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All Paddles shown in the newsletter or amendments otherwise issued are Sanctioned.
All paddles start at 8am on the water on Saturdays and Tuesdays unless otherwise
specified.
All Distances are return.
All paddles are for everyone subject to self-assessment in accordance with the club
paddle grading system.
Please contact the trip leader to verify numbers or possible venue change.
If the trip leader is not available contact one of the paddle committee members.
'In House' training is peer supported training with experienced club members.
We want to make paddling as interesting and enjoyable as possible, if you have any
ideas for a paddle contact one of the paddle committee members.
Race Training paddles –most mornings –paddle from Yundah St. ( see racing paddlers for
times )
Sandgate Handicap Time Trials
Every 2nd Saturday of the month Doubles Handicap Time Trial approx. 11.5km
Every 3rd Saturday of the month Single Handicap Time Trial approx. 11.5km

Tide consideration is important.
It is a requirement for all Club Paddles into the Bay or open waters to complete a risk
assessment (SCC Float Plan) prior to the paddle being started, assess the suitability of the
paddle given the conditions, appoint the key roles of Team Leader and experienced
paddlers, and ensure adequate equipment is being carried for the assessed conditions.
Available under the resources tab on the SCC website
The sign on sheet must also be completed
The following link will take you to the relevant website page.
Resources Tab
DISCLAIMER:
By its very nature sea kayaking is a dangerous sport. The obvious risks include exposure,
fatigue, physical trauma and drowning.
You participate in these activities entirely at your own risk on the understanding that you
are aware of these risks and voluntarily accept them and that you are also aware that no
one is liable in negligence for any harm that you may suffer as a result of engaging in them.
18
Paddle Plan
April 2015
April
2015
Fri 3rd
Tide
Ubd
Venue/Event
0853
2.22 H
111F9
Yundah St
Easter Paddle to see Bris
to Gladstone race start
Sat 4th
0926
2.21 H
111F9
Yundah St Easter
Tue 7th
Sat 11th
Tue 14th
Wed 15th
Sat 18th
Tue 21st
Sat 25th
1102
2.05 H
0822
0.79 L
91Q15
226Q18
0520
2.25 H
19.02
2.14 H
288A9
140E17
0901
2.38 H
63C1
1115
2.07 H
0858
0.81 L
Sat 25th
Sun 26th
Tue 28th
Wed 29th
1158
0.70 L
18.55
1.98 H
19
206N16
91F18
Cam
p
Cam
p
52P11
140E17
Monday Easter start
school holidays
Scotts Pt to Tincha
Tamba
Weinam Ck (South) -circumnavigate of
Coochie
Cabbage tree pt to
Tipplers
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to South
Bank
Bongaree to Donnybrook
Monday end of school
holidays
Point Halloran (opp
Orana St) – Blaksley
Pelican Pk to small Bch @
Scarborough
Upper reaches of Noosa
River
Upper reaches of Noosa
River
VMR Bribie to Skirmish
Pt via Gilligan’s Is
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to South
Bank
Distance
Km
15
Grade
Leader
Comments
all
Bring you spray deck.
Sea
Kayak/Tidemark/PFD
15
all
Decide
amongst
experienced
paddlers
Decide
amongst
experienced
paddlers
20
2
Gary Utz
21
2
Bruce
Pilcher
30
2
Kaye
Watson
Ian McDade
22
28
2
Ian McDade
24
2
Graham Bell
24
2
Gary
Bergman
Richard
Womark
Richard
Womark
Janelle
Ellwood
Ian McDade
24
22
2
First of the month all at
the creek
Beginners come and
paddle in the Bay off
Sandgate with the
experienced sea
kayakers. Bring you
spray deck. Sea
Kayak/Tidemark/PFD
Night Paddle 1800
START
See Richard Womack
for Details
Night Paddle 1800
START
May 2015
May
2015
Sat
2nd
Tide
Ubd
Venue/Event
08.15
2.09 H
111
-F9
Yundah St
Tue
5th
Sat
9th
Tue
12th
10.03
2.02 H
07.18
0.67 L
10.30
0.58 L
Thur
14th
18.43
2.23 H
Sat
16th
07.47
2.21 H
Tue
19th
10.11
2.02 H
63C1
91Q15
226
Q18
140
E17
185
P12
82B12
Sat
23rd
07.29
0.69 L
Tue
26th
10.02
0.74 L
Thur
28
18.13
1.97 H
Sat
30th
06.52
1.96 H
20
141
E20
52P11
140
E17
41M1
7
Distance
Km
15
Grad
e
all
Leader
Comments
Decide
amongst
experienced
paddlers
First of the month all
at the creek
Beginners come and
paddle in the Bay off
Sandgate with the
experienced sea
kayakers. Bring you
spray deck. Sea
Kayak/Tidemark/PFD
Bongaree to
Donnybrook
Scotts Pt to North Bch
Scarborough
Weinam Ck (South) -circumnavigate of
Coochie
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to South
Bank
Cleveland to Dunwich
28
2
18
2
Graham
Moorhead
Gary Utz
21
2
Graham Bell
28
Scarborough (Pirate
Pk) car park off
Kennedy St to Pelican
Pk
North shore Hamilton
to Whyte Is
VMR Bribie to
Skirmish Pt via
Gilligan’s Is
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to South
Bank
Toorbul to Skids
22
Ian McDade
Night Paddle 1800
START
2
Gary
Bergman
Masthead Drive
20
2
Janelle
Ellwood
20
2
John Taylor
24
2
Graham
Moorhead
22
27
Ian McDade
2
Bruce
Pilcher
Night Paddle 1800
START
June 2015
June
2015
Tue 2nd
Tide
Ubd
Venue/Event
09.00
1.97 H
06.25
0.53 L
165C10
111F9
Wellington Pt (South
Ramp) to Platypus Bay
Yundah St
09.03
0.52 L
06.27
2.04 H
09.08
1.93 H
06.18
0.59 L
08.10
0.67 L
21.02
0.93 L
141E20
308E9
141E20
91F18
63C1
140E17
Sat 27th
05.12
1.82 H
226Q18
Tue 30th
07.49
1.88 H
288A9
North shore Hamilton to
Whyte Is
Jacob’s Well to Sanctuary
Cove
North shore Hamilton to
Southbank
Pelican Pk to
Scarborough
Bongaree to Skirmish Pt
via Gilligan’s Is
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to Boat
Passage
Weinam Ck (South) -circumnavigate of
Coochie
Cabbage tree pt to
Tipplers
Sat 6th
Tue 9th
Sat 13th
Tue 16th
Sat 20th
Tue 23rd
Wed
24th
21
Distance
Km
30
Grade
Leader
2
15
all
Graham
Moorhead
Decide
amongst
experienced
paddlers
20
2
Bill Murray
34
2
Selwyn Gray
23
2
20
2
Graham
Moorhead
Gary Utz
16
2
22
Janelle
Ellwood
Ian McDade
21
2
Graham Bell
30
2
Kaye
Watson
Comments
First of the month all
at the creek
Beginners come and
paddle in the Bay off
Sandgate with the
experienced sea
kayakers. Bring you
spray deck. Sea
Kayak/Tidemark/PFD
Night Paddle 1800
START
July 2015
July
2015
Wed
1st
Tide
Ubd
Venue/Event
Distance
Km
22
Grad
e
21.20
2.52 H
140E17
Sat
4th
05.29
0.40 L
111F9
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to
South Bank
Yundah St
Tue
7th
Sat
11th
Tue
14th
07.47
0.41 L
05.02
1.89 H
08.08
1.84 H
91F18
288A9
226Q18
Sat
18th
Tue
21st
Sat
25th
10.51
1.86 H
06.46
0.55 L
09.49
0.62 L
143F1
111F9
143J16
Tue
28th
06.32
1.76 H
Wed
29th
20.15
2.44 H
41M1
7
140E17
Leader
Comments
Ian McDade
Night Paddle 1800
START
15
all
Decide
amongst
experienced
paddlers
First of the month all
at the creek
Beginners come and
paddle in the Bay off
Sandgate with the
experienced sea
kayakers. Bring you
spray deck. Sea
Kayak/Tidemark/PFD
Pelican Pk to
Scarborough
Cabbage tree pt to
Tipplers
Weinam Ck (South) –
via Garden Is passage
–South to Karragarra
Is then to Russell Is &
return
Whyte Is to St Helena
and Green Is
Yundah St to Dohles
Rocks
Oyster Pt (off Glenora
St Wynnum North ) to
exposed eastern
beach Mud Is
Toorbul to Bongaree
20
2
30
2
Mark
Mustchin
Selwyn Gray
22
2
Graham Bell
22
2
18
1
32
2
Gary
Bergman
Cheryl
Christensen
Selwyn Gray
19
2
Breakfast Ck opp
Beaumont St to
South Bank
22
Venue/Event
Distance
Km
Kaye
Watson
Ian McDade
Night Paddle 1800
START
Leader
Comments
See Cheryl
Christensen for
Details
See Cheryl
Christensen for
Details
August 2015
August
2015
Sat 1st
Tide
09.59
2.03 H
Toorbul to Caloundra
camp overnight
Cheryl
Sun
2nd
10.48
2.08 H
Caloundra to Toorbul
return
Cheryl
22
Ubd
Grad
e
The box of really useful stuff
Websites
Sandgate Canoe Club:
http://www.sandgate.canoe.org.au/
SCC Documents:
Policies and Procedures
Queensland Canoeing:
http://www.qld.canoe.org.au
Australian Canoeing:
http://www.canoe.org.au
Weather:
http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/qld.asp
http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/marine/wind/index.jsp
http://www.willyweather.com.au/
http://www.windguru.com/
Tides:
http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/MAPS/qld.shtml
Queensland Tides Table:
Beacon to Beacon:
Maritime Safety Queensland’s Beacon to Beacon Guides
Using your mobile phone in an emergency
Dial 112 instead of 000. While you can still use 000, there are a number of advantages in
using 112:
 your phone will connect to the nearest tower irrespective of who your supplier is
 you do not need to have credit on a pre-paid mobile, and
 your position may be able to be triangulated (depending on where you are).
23
Club Officials
POSITION
Club patron
President
Vice president and QC Delegate
General secretary
Treasurer
Membership registrar
Basic skills co-ordinator
Basic Skills instructors
Paddle planning co-ordinator
Paddle Planning Committee
Newsletter editor
Librarian/Newsletter distribution
Club coach
Assistant Coach
Racing secretary
Boat booking officer
Equipment officer
Equipment maintenance
Website manager
Grievance officer
Clothing co-ordinator
Social co-ordinator
Social committee
Returning officer
Life Members
Victoria Newton
Bruce Pilcher
Barry Renaud
Michael Locke
Richard Womark
Ian McDade
John Blackley
John Blackley, Janelle Ellwood, Graham Moorhead,
Graham Bell.
Kayak LifeGuards: Selwyn Gray; Bill Young; Gary
Utz; Gary Bergman; Lyn Dean; John Taylor; Mark
Mustchin; Marc Pitot; Bruce Pilcher.
Graham Moorhead
Selwyn Grey, Janelle Ellwood, Cheryl Christensen,
Graham Bell, Richard Womack Phil Plant
Kaye Watson
Cheryl Christensen
Position Vacant
Melissa Bull
Unfilled - Sue G (assist with Wetland Wander)
Greg Litherland
Selwyn Gray
Paul Wilson
Michelle Fraser Kaye Watson
Selwyn Grey
Lynnette Dean
Selwyn Gray
Linda P, Jean D, Bruce P, Curly Lee, Sue G, John B
Lyn Dean
GaryHatcher, Laurie Fagan, David Massam, Linda
Parsons, Kay Smith, Jo Nott, Sue Gollagher
Acknowledgement
Sandgate Canoe Club would like to acknowledge and thank our Club Patron Councillor
Victoria Newton for her assistance in printing a number of copies of the newsletter for
distribution to our members.
24
SCC Library List
Canoeing and Kayaking
Path of the Paddle Bill Mason
An Introduction to Sea-kayaking in
Queensland
Gerard Effeney
Sea Kayaking
Johan Loots
First Aid and Safety
Fit to Paddle
Rocky Snyder
Safety Handbook - Qld
RecreationalBoating (Qld Transport)
Marine Operator's Handbook
DVDs
Marine VHF Radio Operators Handbook
The Complete Book of Kayaking Derek
Hutchinson
The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook
Shelley Johnson
Canoeing and Kayaking - Crowood Sports
Guide (Marcus Bailie)
Teach Yourself Canoeing Ray Row
Nigel Foster's Sea Kayaking Series
Sports Injuries and Stretches
Levy & Fuerst
Sports Injuries
Vivian Grisegono
1
Getting Started
2
Essential Strokes
3
Directional Control
Canoeing Down Under (Terry Bolland)
4
Rescues
Canoeing the Rivers and lakes of QLD and
Northern Territory (McLaughlin)
Complete Sea kayaking Touring Jonathan
Hanson
Keep Australia on Your Left
Eric Stiller
The Dreamtime Voyage
(Paul Caffryn)
Canoe Touring in Australia (Leigh
Hemmings)
5
Forward paddling
6
Rolling and Bracing
Places to Paddle (Gerard and Tina Efeney)
This is the Sea
Canoeing Safety and Rescue
Doug Mckown
Handbook of Safety
Alderson and
Pardy
SeaKayak Rescue
Schuman & Shrinen
Birds and Wldlife
Yoga for Padlers Andria Baldwin
Sea Kayak Rescues
Water
This is the Roll
et al
Extreme Kayaking
Soares & Powers
Contact Cheryl Christensen to borrow any of the above
North
Justine Curgenven
Justine Curgenven et al
Australian Birds - The Slater Field Guide
(Slater)
Field Guide to the Birds of Australia
Simpson & Day
Wild Guide to Moreton Bay (Qld Museum)
Wildlife of Greater Brisbane (Qld
Museum)
Living with the Environment in the Pine
Rivers Shire Pine Rivers Shire Council)
Watching Wildlife Australia Lonely Planet
Down amongst the Mangroves
Susan Quinnell
Trees Plants and Wildflowers
Australian Wildflowers -Field Guide
Denise Grieg
Trees and Shrubs Botanica Pocket
Weeds of Queensland Dept of Primary
Industries
Grow your own Wildlife
Johnston and Don
Greening your own Australia Johnston,
Waring & Gorrie
Dinkum Gardening Creating a Bushland
Garden in Brisbane Tim Low
Australian Rainforest Plants -I, II, IV V
N&H Nicholson
Poetry
Images of Bramble Bay Joan'sDesk Qld