Kunena Site Syndication http://www.bgcc.org.au Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:59:05 +1000 Kunena 1.0.10 http://www.bgcc.org.au/components/com_kunena/template/default_ex/images/english/emoticons/rss.gif http://www.bgcc.org.au Kunena Site Syndication http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,13/func,view/id,165/#165 Following on from the recent Level 1 Coaching Course, a few would be Coaches are heading down to Merimbula on the weekend 9/10 Oct to do some supervised coaching and assessments. This provides an ideal opportunity for members who are looking for some help with their paddling technique to get it in comfortable surroundings with much cleaner and warmer water than Lake BG is ever likely to be. All members are welcome to join in but, my beds are already spoken for so you will need to arrange your own accommodation. Except for the peak in January and the June long weekend there is always accommodation available somewhere in Merimbula. I’m no expert on whats best but, people have previously stayed and been happy at Tween Waters Caravan Park and the Black Dolphin Motel. The program will follow the tried and proven ski/surf weekend schedule of turn up, paddle, have a BBQ, go to bed, get up and paddle again. As always, a smile and a relaxed attitude will be welcome. I’d like to but cannot guarantee the weather. You come and take your chances. Timings are meet on Beach St at 9AM on the Saturday and we’ll work out everything else from there. This is not a dedicated surfing or skiing weekend. It is a Coaches and Instructors get together that provides a chance for paddlers seeking help with technique to get it and put in some practice in somewhat more comfortable surroundings than LBG. As the weekend is 2 weeks B4 the Hawkesbury, any coaching will probably be too little too late for that event but, you could practice in the channel and after the BBQ do a night paddle. If you are interested, keep your eyes on this Forum as I’ll post updates as the weekend gets closer or grab me, Margi or one of the others at a timetrial. I’ll be away at the Avon until mid August. Regards Tom Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:31:05 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,2/func,view/id,164/#164 If you'd like to see a platypus in the wild your chances are good at this time of the year as they forage for food over a wider range. I've seen them in a number of areas in the Molonglo River but the best spot seems to be between the 2 bridges east of the club house. I've seen them in this area on most of my training days recently, generally late in the afternoon. While they are timid they often surface within 10m of the kayak. The Australian water rats are also likely to be moving around at this time of the day and I've noticed an increase in their activity in a number of sections of our time trial loop. John Preston Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:16:03 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,9/func,view/id,160/#163 Ah cool, I didn't know you stocked them! Much better if you can see before you buy. I wont be there on Tues, I'll be somewhere in the Pyrenees. Don't forget to take your ice axe. :D Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:13:25 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,9/func,view/id,160/#162 Hey Danielle Just thought I would let you know that we have very similar foam blocks ($45 for club members) at the shop and we also stock all the same gear that you will find on the website plus a ton more (at better prices for club members).We also have it here so you can touch it and try it on. Hope to get out on tuesday with you and the seakayak crew as I need to get back on the water. It's been a lazy winter so far. Thanks Scotty :) Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:43:21 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,11/func,view/id,155/#161 Awesome report and pictures guys. Looks like everything went brilliantly. Thanks for taking the time to share. Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:21:31 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,9/func,view/id,160/#160 Hey everyone, One of the adventure racing on-line store have new roof race mounts they claim can be st up on different car roofs and are really quick to get on. Their website is www.area51.net.au Unfortuately I can't get a link straight to the item but it's under 'paddling' then 'accessories'. Cheap at $49.95 too! Kayak Roof Rack Mount SAVE $5 NEW - Removeable Kayak Racks Tested by ARea 51: The new foam kayak mounts are a great alternative to the other bulky, expensive kayak roof rack mounts currently on the market. With this product you can quickly set them up on different car roof racks, thereby not being restricted to using the one vehicle. They take only seconds to install and remove and without permanently mounted holders on your car, your fuel economy may also benefit. Features:•Two 8" foam blocks protect kayak (even high end composite boats) by cushioning the kayak so that it does not rest directly on the cross bar •Blocks allow boat to stay in place and not slip during loading and strap down •Blocks conform to round, square or factory oval cross bars Specifications:•Capacity: 70 to 80 lb kayak •Dimensions: 4" x 8" EVA closed cell foam blocks Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:22:01 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,16/func,view/id,159/#159 Hi all, Here is a visual guide to the 5 types of kayak rolls. This tool will allow you to identify the type of kayak roll your are currently practicing and allow you to implement the necessary corrections should your technique require it. Go to the following website http://www.exchile.com/KayakSchoolRollIdentifier.htm Download the clips and we will see you in the pool. Regards Nobby :) Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:11:44 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,11/func,view/id,158/#158 It's now been and gone. Numbers were down and it was very cosy for the 18 of us having a BBQ at my place indoors because it was so cold but, as usual, everyone had a great weekend and improved some aspect of their skills. I worked out why I kept falling off when I turned right off a wave - simple really I was bracing on the Left and my blade would grab and in I'd go once I realised that, things got better in truth a bit more practice is needed but I'm still learning. Sadly it was Cold and Windy on Saturday and Sunday such that the wind would grab the bow as you crested a wave and push you 20-30 degrees off course and you'd come to a crashing halt as the bow hit the water. Even the Dolphins were staying underwater and didn't want to play with us. With the wind, waves and tide all coming from different directions, we headed to Pambula where it was more sheltered for some fun on smaller waves. Monday was a different story with no wind and a totally blue sky. The swell was up off Merimbula and my allocated hour stretched out to just short of 3 causing me to be not only blue but late home and totally exhausted. Just one more I said more than once and then my last wave of the weekend came. I saw it coming and accelerated hard but this was big, steep and fast. It physically hit me like a freight train thrusting the ski into the air and for the first time, my bow dug in. I had spray flying over my head so I couldn't see a thing I leant right back on the deck and when the bow finally lifted so I could see again I was doing something like Warp 4 - as fast as I've ever gone and I got close to 400 metres off it. Whilst the majority of us were on skis, this trip we had a greater variety of boats with WW play boats, sea kayaks and a rec boat all having a go. There are some good skills lesson to be picked up in a challenging but relatively benign environment with support at hand on these sorts of weekends. I highly reccomend them to people who are comfortable and wish to stretch themselves. There were some cameras there and hopefully someone will post some pics soon. There was a bit of interest in doing it again but details at this stage haven't been worked out. I'd be thinking early October before the Hawkesbury might be a good time. Whatever is decided will be published on the forum so check it occasionally or talk to me at a timetrial. Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:08:33 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,13/func,view/id,107/limit,10/limitstart,10/#157 Hope you all have a great time - I will be somewhere just a bit more exotic - Katherine (did I tell you?) 32 - 15 degrees .....7 days of paddling, swimming, sleeping out under the stars, all meals cooked.....sounds wonderful - except for the crocs! Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:05:01 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,11/func,view/id,155/#156 Re the Durras trip - check out the photos in the Photo Gallery Patricia Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:00:04 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,11/func,view/id,155/#155 Well, a great time was had by all. Patricia picked a great house for us all to bed down in each night. On arrival Saturday morning, Tom and I found everyone up and getting ready for the mornings paddle. After a cup of coffee and discussions on where we were paddling we headed off to Durras Lake. On arrival we sorted out the kayaks and headed out on to the lake. The lake was much higher than all had remarked about earlier over the breakfast table. For those that had paddled there previously the lake had been very low. At least this time we would not have to portage. After launching from the boat ramp we headed down to the beach entrance and found that the entrance was blocked. This explained why the water level was up. After paddling back to the boat ramp and leaving Warren and his wife in their sit-on-top and collecting Lyn into our pack we headed onto the lake proper. We saw Sea Eagles, other bird life and lots of jumping fish on this placid waterway. As the river was up we paddled between trees and into the marshlands. We stopped for morning tea on a small outcrop where most got out for a stretch. Tara didn't want to get her woollen socks wet so she remained in her Mirage. After paddling some more areas of the lake we stopped for lunch in the sun and out of the breeze. Although the wind was not strong it still had a chill to it. On completion of lunch it was time to head back to the boat ramp once again for the next phase of the day. Back at the boat ramp we decided to head to the southern end of Durras beach near the resort. Some had had enough paddling for the day and considered a walk along the beach to be more pleasant. At the beach Patricia, Tom, Adrian, David, Rae and myself put in and paddled north along the coast just outside the breaking waves. After paddling to the north point and taking some photos it was time for the run home with the swell across the bay. Adrian, Rae and Tom had departed the group earlier and returned to the southern end. Patricia, David and myself had a good run back south and on arrival at the beach watched Adrian carry out some rolling practice. We came off the water at the right time as it was starting to cool down. Back to the house for hot showers and work out dinner arrangements. Some stayed and cooked whilst others headed into Batemans Bay for Fish and Chips. Having somewhere comfortable to relax after a days paddling was wonderful. The next days forecast was for clouds. The BOM was wrong again and the day was picture perfect. Not a cloud in sight. Patricia had planned for us to head north to Burrill Lake launching from Kings Point. After a good breakfast of fresh eggs and baked beans on toast we loaded into the vehicles and headed north in a convoy. On arriving at Kings Point we discovered that to use the parking area and boat ramp there was a cost involved. As fruigal paddlers we found another launching site nearby and put to launching onto the lake. Burrill Lake had lots of water in it so the high tide mark was above the mud. After launching the kayaks and ski onto the lake we headed inland to find Stony Creek. Along the way we saw more bird life and copious fish jumping as if to say "catch me". Whilst paddling along we were joined by a black kelpie who swam out onto the lake and kept tabs with us up and down the bank. We found Stony Creek and paddled up its girth until finally coming to the end. Although it did continue we could not get any kayaks up there. Even a creek boat would find it a little too dry to paddle. It was a good time to break out for lunch. On the surrounding rocks we gathered for our feast along with our new companion. Unfortunately the dog had found more than grass to roll in and needed coaxing to keep away at least while we tried to eat. After lunch we launched our kayaks delicately in amongst the rocks and headed back onto the lake for the journey home. Everyone had a good pace for the return journey and we left our four legged friend about the same place we picked him up from. After loading the kayaks onto the cars some headed into Ulladulla for a pie and some headed back to the house for showers. After a bit of cleaning and emptying the house it was time to depart for Canberra. After saying our goodbyes to all we went our seperate ways. Thanks to Patricia for organising another great weekend away and to all that shared our companionship. Looking forward to the next adventure. :) Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:57:20 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,13/func,view/id,107/limit,10/limitstart,10/#154 I'll be measuring up tonight to see if I can fit the Sea Kayak on the roof and the SUP in the caravan with the Surf Kayak. I may end up taking the DRR down as well to get some rolling practice in it. The water temp on LBG and the river is not helping my proficiency in the boat. Hopefully leaving work early and once Mikki is home from school departing home for Merrimbula. Once caravan is set up and dinner finished will head over to Toms. See you there Nobby :) Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:44:25 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,13/func,view/id,107/#153 Mate, I'm pumped!!! I've had heaps on with end of fnancial year so no time to really think about it. Now that's all dealt with....... bing it on!!! If anyone's interested, the Sea Breeze web site is usually pretty good for coast weather from a couple of days out. Follow this link and see Merimbula about half way down. http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs sw5.asp Is anyone else surfing a sea kayak? I know there are a lot of skis coming and some white water boats but from what i can gather not many sea kayaks. It's going to be awesome. I can't wait! Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:14:56 +1000 http://www.bgcc.org.au/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,73/catid,13/func,view/id,107/#152 I've just checked the forecasts - there are a few. So I'm guessing its going to be something like Air Temps 5-15 Wind SW to about 20 Knots No rain and The water should be in the high teens Not exactly tropical but Luxury for anyone whos been swimming in LBG lately Bring your warnm gear. BBQ on Sat night at my place followed by a consensus choice of movie. I'll be there from 7 Friday night C U Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:48:27 +1000