LAKE MACQUARIE PADDLE GROUP
Update of contact details
We would like to ensure that all persons interested in participating in our Paddle Group outings receive emails about forthcoming paddles.Please email us with all your relevant info and we shall ensure that the list is updated. This can be done from our CONTACT page.
How we started
Some of our customers have made enquiries about if there where social kayaking and canoe clubs are in the area that catered for family recreational outings. So in response to this we have set up a recreational Lake Macquarie Paddle Group.This is not a club and has no membership as such. No FEES. It is just a group of like minded people who want to enjoy their activities in the company of others. We are blessed with a good climate and excellent waterways; to be able to explore these waterways with someone who has local knowledge must be an advantage.
Ideal for those who are thinking of getting into kayaking and what to give it a try, for families that want to do an activity together or for visitors to our area that want to see view it from a different perspective.
Participants in the paddle group can bring their own kayak along or may be able to hire kayaks from our hire fleet. Hire numbers are limited so advance bookings are recomended.
SEE PHOTOS OF PADDLE GROUP ADVENTURES
SEE VIDEOS
If you are interested in participating please email us your details and we will place you on the list. If you would like to arrange a paddle group day please let us know the details.
Kayak safety and paddling instruction
Consideration is currently being give to having an authorised instructor attend and give some informal coaching on kayak safety, paddling techniques etc.Numbers will be limited to allow for a personal approach from the instructors so we are getting in early to guage the interest as it will be first in best served.
Paddlers who have participated in our Paddle Group are being offered first option.
Cost is not known at this stage and may well depend on the amount of interest shown.
NEXT OUTING
12 September – Morisset Hospital - to Duck Hole Creek and Bardens Bay.
Venue: Morisset Hospital grounds, Corner of Eucalyptus Drive and Palm Way. Meeting at the old swimming baths.
Directions: Entry to Morisset Hospital is from Dora Street/Macquarie Street, Morisset just south of the rail bridge onto Acacia Avenue. Follow the road taking the second fork on the right after the Aministration building down to the water, Palm Way. From Palm Way, turn right on to Eucalyptus Drive then first left to the swimming baths.
Time: Arrive from 9.15 a.m. for 9.30 a.m. paddle off.
Facilities: Venue has good parking, amenities, and easy access to the shore.
Itinerary: Plan is to head to Duck Hole Creek around to Trinity Point and Bardens Bay / Lake Petite and return.
Kayak hire is available if needed.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Regards,
April.
Proposed Outings
To be advised
DEADWOODS More people are asking about a Paddle Group outing to Deadwoods.
Thinking about Sunday the 19th of September but open to suggestions. Please let me know.
10 October – Morpeth Boat Ramp (heading either up the Hunter or down & branch off into the Paterson River or continue along the Hunter)
7 November – Acadia Vale – Ilford Ave (depending on the wind we could do the other side of Wangi peninsula or head toward Fishing Point)
12 December – Pulbah Island Christmas lunch paddle.
AUGUST REPORTS
Wednesday 18th August - Morisset Hospital to Deadwoods and return
Total distance 11.5Kms Time 3 Hours
Another glorious winters day, light northerly in bright sunshine, greated us on the waterfront at Morisset Hospital at the old baths site. Memories flood back about how this place used to be when I worked there many moons ago. Its a sad sorry sight now but at least the Kangaroos like it, plenty of them too. If you ever get the chance come out and have a look and dont forget some bread as a peace offerring to the roos, its an amazing thing to be hand feeding them.Departure point S 33:07:966 E 151:31:109
April, Andrew and myself are out on the water heading down past Wyee Point with a little bit of wave action from the northerly. Down past the Marina and to the pipes. Very shallow approach and the rudder was dragging in the mud.
The channel leading up to the pipes is deepest on the eastern side.
Distance from starting point to Ruttleys Road and the pipes 4Kms
Through the pipes and out into the span of water known as Mannering Bay. Accross the bay heading for a green shed on the opposite bank towards an opening into Wyee Creek. Again very shallow approach to the creek with the best channel on the western side of the approach.
Once in the creek it was very peacefull as we glided along listening to the birds in the trees. Under a conveyor belt, which thankfully was not running at the time, and further upstream till we reached Deadwoods.
Deadwoods S 33:09:950 E :151:30:071
A small pit stop on the bank outside of the enterance to Deadwoods, April and Andrew removed their Mirrage Drives from the Hobies to avoid any damage from the inevitable submerged logs and tree stumps.
On into Deadwoods and a drift around enjoying the specticle of the place at all times being aware of all the submerged timber.
After being peacefully sedate in there for about 1/2 an hour it was time to head back.
The return journey is just a retrace of the way in but enjoyable none the less.
Back through the pipes and out into the lake.
Out near Wyee Point the waves had really picked up, it was not uncomfortable or hard work, more like a bit of fun as the kayak rode over one wave and ducked under the next.
We made it back to the Hospital without incident although a little bit damper than when we left.
A terrific mornings outing.
PHOTOS posted start on P3 pics 6&7 then P4, P5 & P6
Sunshine 15th August
Total distance 8.1Kms
11 Kayaks departed from Sunshine boat ramp (S 33.06.593 E 151.33.841) in what one could only call ideal conditions.The lake was glassy and not a breath of wind.
The objective was to reach Lake Petite in Bardens Bay. Unfortunatly a storm was brewing that would alter those plans.
As we ventured in and around moored boats in Sugar Bay the wind started to build and the water became choppy.
We stopped at a park in Bardens Bay for a rest stop and it was decided that the conditions did not look like getting any better so the decision was made to head back.
Wendy decided soon after we started our way back that it was time to practice deep water rescue. I am sure she really did not plan to take a swim in the cold water. However the rescue was succesful and a very damp Wendy bravely paddled on.
As we rounded the last point off Sunshine the waves on the lake were being whipped up by the wind making progress a little difficult.
We reached the boat ramp as in the distance the rumble of thunder was sounding out.
Packing up and a small debreif allowed enough time that as we drove off a few rain drops were starting to fall.
It turned out that our decision to turn around in Bardens Bay was well timed.
It was a good paddle as the photos will tell. Check them out. SEE PHOTOS
Brian Lemin in Lake Eraring and Muddy Lake
Sunday Aug 1stSee the photos.
I decided that I would like to explore Muddy Lake, after all I pass it frequently on the road to Newcastle and environs. Small, but interesting.
I did not Google Earth it before I went (mistake as I would not have gone!) But plowed my bow into the unknown. The entrance off Eraring lake was shallow but ok. I had been paddling in the shallows a lot today in Eraring. I really did not know what to expect.
Firstly I saw the water outlet, gushing water out from a wide concrete, half-pipe thingo! Then through a concrete canal which I now believe goes over the Earring water inlet view Dora Creek. It was a very few meters (say 50) before I was surrounded by heavy, bushy, water growth. I looked this way and that and had no idea which way to chose, so, as I was alone I decided that I would not venture to try and find a way through it.
Those of you who went out would agree it was a beautiful day. There were some blustery winds that raised some chop from time to time and I had to push on my paddles. I just had a good time.
Being a Pomme! Though I have lived here more than 30 years I still can not believe how high the sky is, how blue it is and how wise I was to come to Australia! :)
JULY REPORT
Dora Creek
Date: Sunday 18 JulyDeparted from the Dora Creek bridge boat ramp on Baker Street and headed up stream towards the Swinging Bridge.
It was one of those days, no wind, clear skies and although a chilly start you just knew it was going to be a good one.
14 kayaks on the move upstream made a colourful specticle. Thank you to all who attended.
As planned we stopped for lunch and to stretch the legs at the Swinging Bridge.
Some of us decided to wonder further upstream and as we meandered amongst the snags enjoying the scenery one could imagine that we were in an untouched wilderness.
We ventured on until the first real obsticle, a fallen tree. We decided that this was far enough and no one wanted to risk damage to their kayak or be stuck by a falling tide, so it was about face and return back to the Swinging Bridge.
Some of the paddlers had already departed so the call was made the be on our way.
A nice steady cruise back the Dora Creek in the glorious sunshine brought our outing to an end.
Thank you April for once again putting the outing forward and managing to be able to choose days that are just made for paddling. Well done.
Looking for Ideas
Please let us know if you have another trip to suggest.One idea is for a womans only day on the water.
Other possibilities; Wyong River, Cockle Creek, Deadwoods, Dora Creek and Stockton Creek.
Further afield we have the Hunter and Williams Rivers, Myall River, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water, Hawkesbury River and so much more.
Contact AusKayaks
Mobile phone: 0417 143268
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