Paddle the Peninsula

Develop your sea kayaking skills in coastal and enclosed sea environments on the beautiful southern Mornington Peninsula.

Spend 5 days with us base camped in a relaxing bush setting on the southern Mornington Peninsula and experience some of the best paddling locations close to Melbourne.

Locations and activities are weather dependant and may include, but are not limited to:

• Southern Port Phillip Bay - dealing with tidal currents

• Paddling near the Rip - Point Nepean

• Intro to Rolling clinics

• Coastal paddling Flinders - Cape Schanck*, Flinders - Balnarring

• Kayak control in confused seas

We will develop your skills, knowledge and experiences of:

• Paddling skills - including kayak control, surf zones and tidal currents

• Rescues, towing - managing rescue situations

• Navigation

• Weather interpretation

• Safety equipment for coastal and offshore paddling

• Expedition gear, kayak outfitting, waterproofing and packing a kayak

• Camp cooking - recipes, fresh / preserved foods, dehydrating

*dependent on conditions

Meet: 8.30am, location to be confirmed, on the Mornington Peninsula
Minimum numbers: 4 participants

Prerequisites: Completion of our Learn to Sea Kayak - Sea Starter Course (weekend or one-day Private Tuition) or equivalent experience (eg. PA Basic Skills). 

Equipment: Participants will need to bring their own kayak and personal kayaking equipment (including a helmet), dry bags, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, rain jacket, rain pants, cooking and eating equipment and 2 person tent. Hire of this equipment can be arranged at extra cost.

Accommodation: We will be camping on the Peninsula - location TBA- probably Balnarring Beach - you are welcome to join us there or organise your own luxury accommodation. Some theory sessions such as camp cooking may take place following the afternoon paddle..

Food: BYO food. We can offer some menu suggestions. Bring food with you - we will have a session on stoves and cooking as part of the program. There are opportunities to shop for anything you need while on the program and we will have a meal out one night so bring some extra cash.

The Program

• Consolidating basic kayaking skills and building your confidence and expertise

• Route planning to compensate for tidal influence and weather conditions

• How to negotiate protruding land masses, constriction, shipping channels, effects of wind, tide ferry gliding and negotiating surf zones – weather dependent

• Choosing a launching and landing site

• Leadership skills for group management

• Planning a kayaking adventure; knowledge of waterproofing equipment, loading a sea kayak,

• Understanding the clothing, equipment and provisions used in sea kayak expeditions

• Developing kayak camping skills - utilising principles of minimum impact camping and using tarpaulins to provide shelters in sun or rain

• Understanding the principles of food preparation, menu planning and using portable stoves.

Please be aware that we ask participants to make their vehicle available to assist with car shuttles if necessary.