SPLASH. November Cowan Creek Paddle. Magazine of the River Canoe Club

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1 SPLASH Magazine of the River Canoe Club November 2014 Cowan Creek Paddle Contents Committee Members..2 Thoughts from the President s Chair.3 Reminder about renewing membership.4 Christmas Party Info News and Gossip..6 Duck Trophy Suggestions 7 Hawksbury Classic 8 Cowan Creek by Tony Mylrea River Canoe Club - Calendar...13 Prices for use of RCC Equipment.16

2 Committee Members President Tracy Hudson Vice President George Cowan Secretary Dee Taylor Treasurer Scott Button Social Secretary Krisnani Suhartonon Webmaster John Larsen Splash Editor Deborah Doherty House Officer Alex Palm Safety/Training Convenor Lynn Parker Whitewater Convenor Deb Cunneen Flatwater Convenor Gary Luke Openwater Convenor Andy Singh Club Enquiries New Member Contact Tracy Hudson General Enquiries For non-membership related enquiries please send an to CLUB MEETINGS held roughly monthly on a Saturday evening either at the Clubhouse, situated at Richardson Crescent Marrickville (opposite Tempe Railway Station and next to the Concordia Club), or depending on trips away by a river somewhere. Check calendar for the dates & venue. This Magazine is copyright to River Canoe Club. No part may be reproduced without permission. Non-profit canoeing clubs may reproduce any article without permission, as long as the source and copyright is acknowledged. Splash is published monthly without any spelling or grammar mistakes [they are randomly introduced inconsistencies]. Next Splash Deadline: 27th December

3 Thoughts from the President s Chair One of the things I do is respond to enquiries regarding the Club and membership received via our enquires address on the website. This address also gets regular s offering us, often in mangled English, franchises for canoe motors or seeking orders for coffee mugs, t-shirts or the like. Then there are the occasional gems!! One of these I received a few days ago from the children of Albert Bussell, a member and president in the early 1940s, who are interested in getting details about two special trips he did. Apparently one was down the Shoalhaven and the other on the Macleay. We ll try to help them as much as we can and have already sent some information from that era. The thing is this makes one realise what a long history Rivers has and how it is so deep in the community; whether influencing a current or past member or someone such as Albert Bussell s children. Then there are other s we receive which show Rivers is known far and wide. This one was to Dee in response to our Christmas Party reminder: Hi Dee, We are moving to Australia from Colorado US in January, so will not be able to make the Christmas party. We are looking forward to meeting everyone and exploring the coast and rivers of Australia. The rivers here are icing over already. Gary Powers. Another thing I have been doing is looking at our membership for this year and, when compared with last year, I noted that a number of members have not yet re-joined. It is probably redundant to write this but you do need to renew your membership to be able to participate in all our events. This includes flatwater trips, whitewater trips, our annual safaris and all our all social events. Moreover, your membership fees go toward maintaining the club house, purchases of paddling gear and boats for use by members, offsetting many of our trip costs and your insurance. So how about renewing now and helping to ensure that Rivers stays strong and we continue to build on our long history! All you need to do is go to That s it for now see you on the water. Tracy Hudson 3

4 HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN? IT IS TIME TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! By renewing your membership of River Canoe Club (RCC) you are able to participate in all our events. This includes flatwater trips, whitewater trips, Penrith Whitewater Paddling (most weekends), our annual safaris and all our all social events. Your membership fees go toward maintaining the club house, purchases of paddling gear and boats, offsetting many of our trip costs and your insurance. Members can also hire out a range of paddling gear (including kayaks) at a discounted rate. River Canoe Club (RCC) is a member of PaddleNSW. PaddleNSW provide the insurance required when you paddle with us. This means, you must first become a member of PaddleNSW. A hassle, I know, but it only takes a few minutes to complete, you'll be fully insured and it's a pretty straight forward to complete. To renew go to 4

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6 NEWS AND GOSSIP Hi all, I am selling a M/L orange sweet rocker helmet, it has never been worn (My brother managed to order the wrong size for himself). I would like $ for it. Regards._,_. Posted by: Johannes Hendriks johannes.n.hendriks@gmail.com NEW MEMBER Gary Powers I did not know if this is news worthy. I recently joined the club and am looking forward to paddling with everyone there. My family and I are moving to Woolgoolga in January from Colorado USA. We will be living there for one year as part of a teacher exchange. My wife, Susan is the teacher, we also have to children ages,colton ten and Owen, who will be attending school there. I will be what they call a traveling spouse, which means my wife has a job and I do not. (awesome). This means besides house work and maybe a part time job I will have plenty of time for paddling. We are looking forward to meeting people in the club and learning about sea kayaking since it some thing we do not get to do here, we live pretty far from the ocean. I have done a lot of white water paddling both canoe and kayak. As a family we do mostly canoeing and a lot of camping. We are very excited about exploring Australia both by boat and foot. Looking forward to meeting all of you. Thanks, Gary Powers 6

7 SWIMMING DUCK TROPHY What is this some of you may ask and how it came about. It happened on a club trip inland from Coffs Harbour one Easter break. Known to some as the Summer Safari, a white water trip for this out going member of this club. A member of a group led by David Batlow and Andrew Love. The following member James Bond 007, Controller and Dunny with one of these persons was given and christened SWIMMING DUCK, or due to the type of boat he had. Plus the number of miss rolls that occurred. Or the swim at Karl Rock that won the true award means, only time would tell the story! Have the time to look at the trophy to see the past winners. Glen (Controller) Birkett: Andrew Love: won this from Dunny with an over the top rolling action of logs and stone that won the day. was the winner with an over top action on a surf ski on open water that how many time in trying to roll this was not on. (winner 2013) This person showed his skill in roping and knot tiring while in K1W1 land. So who is going to be this years winner, a few names have appeared or been passed on by word of mouth, or been passed on by an or SMS. To win the trophy it s only open to about beginner s level. The Real Swimming Duck Dunny 7

8 HAWKESBURY CLASSIC - TEAM RIVERS You may have seen Dee s about her and Andy having made a verbal commitment to enter the 39th Hawkesbury Canoe Classic in October. It is a 111km overnight paddle from Windsor to Brooklyn which raises money for charity. Additionally, it is aimed to give participants blisters, cramps, hypothermia and doubt of any decision they will ever make again. They are also looking for other members who would like to join them in this effort. This could be on-water as a competitor or as land crew supporting them. So if you think you are up to it why not join Dee and Andy and form TEAM RIVERS. You ll be following in the tradition of the original Rivers 100 Miler from Penrith to Brooklyn from the 50s and 60s and members such as Richard Barnes who paddled a Necky Jive (yes that s correct; Richard paddled the 111km in a 2.5 metre playboat!) or David Lucas who has completed numerous Classics. To help those wanting to paddle the Classic Andy will be putting on training paddles throughout the year and Dee might run a remedial massage course for land crew so they can soothe the cramped paddlers. For more information have a look at the following link: If you are interested in either capacity please send an to either: Dee Taylor, Secretary - dehtaylor@hotmail.com or Andy Singh, Openwater Convenor - openwater@rivercanoeclub.org 8

9 Cowan Creek Paddle Sunday 23 November 2014 Cowan Creek Trip with Gary, Scott, Tony, Miriam and Angela. We met at Apple Tree Bay in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on a morning when the temperature was forecast to be about 38 degrees. Gary was our guide and after introductions we unloaded the kayaks. Having just joined the group I found that one of the small advantages of paddling in a group is that there two people to lift each kayak which is very social and civilised. Gary presented each of us with a double sided laminated map of the area and explained the planned route. There were five of us and after setting up we launched and paddled in a northerly direction on the eastern side of Cowan Creek. It was not too hot on the water as there was a gentle breeze blowing. We turned into Houseboat Bay and paddled past three kayak fishermen trying their luck on the edge of some mangroves. The tide was high and at the end of the bay was a rock overhang making a cave that could be paddled into. We then continued on an explored Cotton Tree Bay. This is a very scenic bay with crystal clear water with small fish and the sandy bottom of the bay visible as we paddled along. Cowan Creek and it s bays are surrounded by the trees and sandstone country typical of the north of Sydney. Grass trees are a prominent feature in the landscape. The breeze had picked up by the time we headed further north and we had a longer paddle into a cooling headwind before turning south east into Cowan Water and Stingray Bay. True to its name a small stingray was sighted in this bay by the party. We pressed on to the end of the bay and found a small sandy beach where we stopped for a leisurely lunch under the trees and cooled off in the water afterwards. On the return back to Apple Tree Bay we made good time as we had a tail wind to help us home. The return trek was enjoyable but not quite as much as it had been heading in the other direction as by this time many more power boats and jet skis were out in the main channel. For myself, spending time in and exploring the quieter bays was the most enjoyable part of the trip. As Gary advised when I first contacted him about coming along on this trip, it is not about just going from A to B and back again but taking the time to explore and enjoy. Once back on land, after packing up we walked across the road to the Café for refreshments. This is where the day met with its first hick up and disappointment for some as the coffee machine was out of action. Not to worry there was a plan B, which was a short drive to the café at Bobbin head where we regathered, had our drinks before heading home. Tony 9

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13 RIVER CANOE CLUB CALENDAR DECEMBER 2014 Updated 26 th November 2014 NOTE: Because of the unpredictability of river levels most whitewater trips are organised using the Yahoo group. Impromptu flat and moving water trips are also arranged via the Yahoo group. If you are not on this group you can subscribe via the Club s website ( Date Trip Contact Sun 30 th Nov 2014 Tues 2 nd Dec 2014 Sat 6 th Dec 2014 Sun 14 th / Mon 15 th Dec 2014 Tues 16 th Dec 2014 Late Dec 2014 Early Jan Nepean Gorge Come for a paddle on the Nepean River. We will start at Tench Reserve (under the Freeway Bridge) & paddle upstream into the gorge & through the Erskine Creek State Forest & the Blue Mountains National Park. A paddle with some stunning scenery that makes you forget just how close to Sydney you are! Estimated distance 10-14km. Touring kayaks of 4.0m or more. Novice (SO1 Flatwater). Midweek Social Paddle Come along for a fitness paddle or just a social and informal paddle. Club boats can be hired for $5 and non-members $10 for insurance. Meet at the Clubhouse at 5.45pm for 6pm on the water. Christmas Party This is a family day where partners & kids are welcome & there will be on-water activities for everyone: open & flatwater trips during the day, some kayak soccer (or the like) for whitewater paddlers & after dinner a moonlight paddle up Middle Harbour Creek & its estuaries. Santa may also make an appearance. Fully catered for members & their family so BYO drinks, plates & chairs only. Non-members a small donation to help cover their cost. Tallowa Dam This is an overnight flatwater trip suitable for all levels with a leisurely 3~4 hour paddle each day including breaks. Bring all you need in your kayak to camp in a secluded glen beside the river on Sunday night. Best to come down and stay in the camping (camping or van hire) area at Kangaroo Valley on Saturday night to ensure on-water by 9.00am. Touring kayaks of 4.0m or more & confident that can paddle 15kms each day. Novice (SO1 Flatwater). Midweek Social Paddle Come along for a fitness paddle or just a social and informal paddle. Club boats can be hired for $5 and non-members $10 for insurance. Meet at the Clubhouse at 5.45pm for 6pm on the water. Williams & Karuah Rivers & Others in the Region For those interested in a safari over the Christmas & New Year period here is your opportunity to get away. We are looking to camp & kayak around the districts of the Williams & Karuah Rivers, as well as possibly the Hunter River, Port Stephens & Myall Lakes, which offers scope for flat & open water paddling plus possibly some moving water on the upper Williams & Karuah.Possible dates are between Sunday 21 st Dec & Sunday 4 th Jan although it depends on when interested members would like to come. If interested contact Gary to talk about when you can come along. Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org Nell Graham, nellaham@oz .com.au Tracy Hudson, christmasparty@rivercanoeclub.org Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org Nell Graham, nellaham@oz .com.au Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org 13

14 Tues 13 th Jan Sat 17 th Jan Sat 24 th Jan Mon 26 th Jan Mon 26 th Jan Tues 27 th Jan Sat 31 st Jan Sun 1 st Feb Midweek Social Paddle Come along for a fitness paddle or just a social and informal paddle. Club boats can be hired for $5 and non-members $10 for insurance. Meet at the Clubhouse at 5.45pm for 6pm on the water. Minnamurra River Come for a joint paddle with Sutherland Shire Canoe Club on the Minnamurra River (about 90 minutes drive south of the clubhouse). This is a relaxed trip from Minnamurra Lagoon at Kiama with the river twisting & turning through the farmlands to the edge of the escarpment. Estimated distance 15km. Touring kayaks of 4.0m or more. Novice (SO1 Flatwater). Australia Day Weekend Trip Do you feel like getting away over the Australia Day long weekend? Well this is your chance we are looking to paddle to a campsite only accessible via water; Marramarra Creek or Gentlemen's Halt are two of the possible sites near Sydney. If interested contact Gary. Estimated distance 15-18km each day. Sea/touring kayaks of 4.5m or more. Experienced (SO2 Openwater). Australia Day The Willow Warriors have invited Rivers to join them on Australia Day. Jeff is planning to start from Goat Island & paddle over to Lavender Bay to watch the concert, which last year featured Jessica Mauboy & Iva Davies, from the water. After the concert there could be the chance to do some exploring on the Harbour s northern shore. Estimated distance 10-15km. Sea/touring kayaks of 4.5m or more. Experienced (SO2 Openwater). Midweek Social Paddle Come along for a fitness paddle or just a social and informal paddle. Club boats can be hired for $5 and non-members $10 for insurance. Meet at the Clubhouse at 5.45pm for 6pm on the water. Barrington or Murrumbidgee Rivers Never fear, the rains are a coming!! Rivers provide the best opportunity to learn what is meant by an "eddy", "edge the boat", "break in and out", and "keep paddling". Please review the resources on the RCC website and the information for paddling whitewater. No previous skills are necessary - but if you can - then step up and help us help others who can't. The Club can provide a range of whitewater boats and equipment but you will need to be self-sufficient for camping for a weekend. Club boat levy is $50 for the weekend and there are camping fees at the Barrington (north) or Cotter (Canberra) campsites. If you are keen, contact Lynn and she will answer all of your questions. DEADLINE for club boat use will be the prior MONDAY. Nell Graham, nellaham@oz .com.au Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org Jeff Cottrell jeffcottrell@optusnet.com.au Nell Graham, nellaham@oz .com.au Lynn Parker, training@rivercanoeclub.org Tues 3 rd Feb Sun 8 th Feb Midweek Social Paddle Come along for a fitness paddle or just a social and informal paddle. Club boats can be hired for $5 and non-members $10 for insurance. Meet at the Clubhouse at 5.45pm for 6pm on the water. Mullet Creek We will paddle from Brooklyn across the Hawkesbury & then into Mullet Creek heading up until we hit the rocks at its headwater, a high tide allowing exploration of the creek's upper reaches. On the way back we can possibly stop at the coffee shop on Dangar Island. Estimated distance 15km. Sea/touring kayaks of 4.5m or more. Experienced (SO2 Openwater). Nell Graham, nellaham@oz .com.au Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org 14

15 Tues 17 th Feb Sun 22 nd Feb early next year) Midweek Social Paddle Come along for a fitness paddle or just a social and informal paddle. Club boats can be hired for $5 and non-members $10 for insurance. Meet at the Clubhouse at 5.45pm for 6pm on the water. Come & Try Day Come and try your hand at kayak paddling before joining the club. comeandtry@riverconoeclub.org to get on the waiting list. We usually need to restrict the numbers for these popular tryout sessions. Murray River, Barmah Region Tocumwahl to Echuca The Canoeing Guide describes this as possibly the best part of the Murray for canoeing. So if you are interested in a week long paddling and camping trip sometime October please contact Gary to discuss equipment, logistics and possible dates. Nell Graham, nellaham@oz .com.au comeandtry@riverconoeclub.org Gary Luke, flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org Trips may be added to the calendar or be subject to change. Full details of all planned trips can be obtained from the Club s calendar. ( Due to weather or other considerations events may be changed close to or on the day. The trip leader will advise if you have registered with your contact details. For trips run by PaddleNSW; refer to their website ( Contacts to book in: Whitewater Openwater Flatwater Training & Safety Midweek Paddle Social Deb Cunneen Andy Singh Gary Luke Lynn Parker Nell Graham Khrisnani whitewater@rivercanoeclub.org openwater@rivercanoeclub.org flatwater@rivercanoeclub.org training@rivercanoeclub.org nellaham@oz .com.au social@rivercanoeclub.org

16 Prices for use of RCC Equipment Kayak Use Evening club paddle: $5 Club event for a single day: $30 Weekend club event: $50 Price includes the following items: boat PFD spray deck paddle Note: Club policy requires all members to provide their own helmet that fits comfortably and meets relevant standards. Helmets are required for whitewater and surf trips. Money is payable to the trip leader prior to club event (See note on EFT below). To make a booking for equipment phone the trip contact. Marquee Use (when not used by club; members only) $30 per day $50 per weekend Also payable, a $200 refundable deposit upon return To make a booking for the marquee, contact any committee member. Money is payable at the time of pickup (See note on EFT below). All money will go towards repair and replacement costs of equipment. *Available for use by RCC members during club events only Payment via Electronic Funds Transfer: If you wish to pay by EFT, advise the trip contact/committee member. Payments must include surname and reason eg: marqueesmith or boatsmith in the payment comment. RCC account details: Account Name: River Canoe Club of NSW Bank: St George BSB: Account No: