Expedition Kayaking - Sea Kayak Bass Strait - 5 Day Training Course

Sea Kayak Bass Strait from Victoria to Tasmania, over 320km paddling over Easter and in the Autumn season when the weather is at its most stable.

It is one of the most demanding kayak trips in the world and a life goal for many people - a great reason to take up kayaking.

Approximately 10-30 people undertake the journey every year - became one of those successful people - train with East Coast Kayaking and gain all the necessary skills and continue learning how to make the crossing safe and achievable. Most importantly, give you the knowledge to explain to others (your loved ones!) how crossing Bass Strait is safe. Thereby convincing them to let you undertake your dreams! - Education is the key!

Train with a Qualified and Experienced Team, East Coast Kayaking is you first stepping stone on your way crossing Bass Strait.

FITNESS, DEDICATION, EXCITEMENT, TEAM, LEARNING,
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, COMPETENT, SUCCESS

5 Day Training Program

Training with Experienced and Qualified Instructors, many of whom have undertaken the expedition themselves. You will have to paddle independently and create your expedition team, with other participants, to gain further experience and reach a high level of paddle fitness.

Part Two (3 days) - paddling in the Wilson’s Prom / Snake Island/ Corner Inlet area. This can include paddling the first half day / day of the Bass Strait expedition.

This course is held yearly, typically the time with the most settled weather for this expedition - usually April.

When:

26-27 April 2025 Sandringham at our Training Centre, 37 Jetty Road
28-30 April 2025 Wilson’s Prom/ Snake Island / Corner Inlet area, departing Port Welshpool

What is Included:

• 5 days instruction (2 days Sandringham & 3 days Wilson’s Prom / Snake Island/ Corner Inlet area) - theory, practical on water experience and plenty of time to practice skills

• Kayak (Current Designs Storm GT), paddle, PFD, spraydeck, pump & sponge (bailer)

You are welcome to bring your own kayak & kayaking gear - contact us to discuss

What to bring:

• Camping gear & kayak clothing - see Youtubes below. Hire of camping gear can be arranged.

• Food - self catering. We can supply some menu suggestions.

Any questions - feel free to Contact us

Bass Strait Training Program

• Basic and Advanced paddling strokes

• Self and Assisted Rescues - the eskimo roll

• Towing

• Understanding and negotiating surf zones

• Interpreting weather and tides

• Safety Equipment and Regulations

• Clothing

• Float Plan

• Navigation - Use charts/Maps/GPS, base plate and deck compass, Grid references

• Communication - Whistle, Paddle signals, VHF Marine radio, Satellite Phone, flares, mirror

• Group management

• Camping Craft - Shelter, Stoves

• Waterproofing equipment

• Loading a sea kayak

• Camp stoves and cooking

• Expedition Menu - self / group

Additional Qualifications you should consider (through external providers):

Provide First Aid & CPR
Remote Area First Aid Course (approx. $450 for 3 days)
VHF Marine Radio Licence

Kayak Fit Out

We can advise on purchase and fit out of your kayak for your expedition.

Expedition Gear

The type of gear you bring on your expedition will vary, dependng on a number of factors:

• Are you an individual or group gear camper?

• Light weight or Luxury / gourmet?

Of course the space in your kayak will influence this as well!

Starting with stoves, we are looking at the options for a range of gear, in a series of Youtubes.

Sleep systems - sea kayak touring & expedition kayaking:

How to load a sea kayak - Expedition Sea Kayaking Australia

Watershed - Ocoee Duffel: for valuable items that just can’t get wet. The best dry bag on the market..

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sacks - 3x 8L for rainwear, Helinox chair. and sleeping mat

Durable Dry Bags: SealLine Baja™ Dry Bag (2x 5L 2x10L)

eVent Compression Dry Sack - for Sleeping bags, Tents, puffer jackets, and Tarp shelters

Pelican 1120 Case - communications

See our Expedition Gear List