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Coffin Bay– 24-28 February 2025

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Berny, Steve and Rebecca joined Anne and Simon to paddle the coast of the Coffin Bay National Park. We met at the Caravan Park on the Sunday evening and enjoyed dinner at the Yacht Club before retiring to finalise preparations for the trip.

Day 1

We were all so organised that we left early and enjoyed a bit more of the outgoing tide and a gentle tail wind as we left the town behind. The Brothers Islands made a good landmark as we crossed the main boating channel. Steve, Rebecca and Berny went one side and saw seals basking, and one that came out to visit their kayaks. Anne and Simon paddled the other and only saw the cormorants. After lunch on a small beach we continued to Black Springs where we set up camp for the evening and enjoyed a swim. This was Steve and Rebecca’s first expedition in their new kayak so they were very pleased that everything fitted. The great conditions and beautiful scenery gave us all the feeling of ‘I’m on holidays’!

Day 2

This was another great day. We started with a slight side wind resulting in the occasional wave coming over the front deck but we were soon in the sheltered waters of the oyster beds (Coffin Bay’s famous industry). We stopped on Point Long Nose for a short break, congratulating ourselves on judging the tide and not running aground on its shallows. Our next stop was the whale skull, stranded quite high up on the beach. By now the slight breeze had completely dropped and we had glassy calm water as we paddled along the sand hills of Seven Mile Beach. Their colours and shapes make this section of the paddle very scenic.

At lunch time the water was so inviting we had a swim and saw a few very unusual jellyfish as well as lots of small fish swimming in an immense long line near the shore.  With the glassy conditions it was easy to look down into the water at the myriad of starfish and crabs and the coloured seaweeds as we paddled over a small rocky reef. Morgan’s Landing was our destination and after initially stopping a bit short we eventually found the campsite and set up for the next two nights.

Day 3

The sun rise today was magical, glassy calm water reflecting the pink sky. On the way north Rebecca tried some modifications to her seat backrest, foot pegs (again) and the seat cushion. At the end of the day she was so pleased with the new arrangement – comfort for a long paddle at last.

There is a reef just off the point of Sea Sick Bay where a couple of seals were swimming. Even though Simon and Berny were well away from them the smaller one charged over with a leaping display and tail-slapped the bow of Berny’s kayak! Luckily the hit was not enough to upend Berny but it made for a great video. As we rounded Point Sir Isaac we came into a medium swell and saw some very large waves breaking so stayed well out away from them.

The views further along the coast looked very rugged so we returned to Sea Sick Bay for morning tea, where we saw a large sting ray cruse in the shallows near us. At lunch time further down the coast towards our camp Simon and Berny did some snorkelling. This was our first trip in which the weather made snorkelling appealing and Berny and Simon reported that it was well worthwhile. After lunch we had a head wind but nothing we couldn’t manage and we were soon back at camp and enjoying another swim.

Day 4

The day started near perfect, and then the wind dropped further and again we had glassy calm, crystal clear water. The reefs part way along Seven Mile Beach called for another snorkel, rewarding us with lots of different fish. There was a large pod of dolphins feeding near us as we continued along the coast. It was time for lunch when we reached Point Long Nose but we had to eat standing up because the tide was coming in quickly covering the sand. Back in our kayaks the tide rushed us around the point then we headed back through the oyster beds.

Once in the open water again, heading towards Black Springs camp, another pod of dolphins visited; swimming between the kayaks. There was time for a swim then Rebecca, Steve and Anne did the walk across the peninsular to Avoid Bay. This year the Osprey nest was unoccupied, but it still looked magnificent. On the way back a very big goanna crossed our path and hid, almost out of sight, in the short scrub.

Day 5

After hugging the cliffs for the first stretch of our paddle back we headed towards the Brothers Islands into a medium head wind. The shelter of the islands gave us a rest and a good view of a couple of big male seals. Luckily they were not interested in us. We timed our return to Coffin Bay township for the incoming tide so even though we still had a head wind we made very good time. After a much appreciated shower our day concluded with dinner at the Yacht Club again.

Rebecca described this trip as the best adventure ever and Steve said ‘I’ll be back’. We all enjoyed the convivial time together, the calm conditions and scenic National Park make this a great paddling destination. Add to this the frequent sightings of dolphins, seals, the snorkelling in clear water it was a magnificent trip.

Port Wakefield to Port Clinton Gulf Crossing — Sunday 9 February 2025

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WEATHER:  Dodge tide, low tide at Port Wakefield at 12.40. Winds forecast SSE 12-15 kn in morning and building to 20kn in the afternoon.

Groupmembers:  Rebecca and Steve Hampton (Mirage 600), Abelardo Pardo (Delta 17) , Mark Loram (Prijon) and Hugh Stewart (Mirage 580).

Preparing

Abelardo and I did the car shuffle and arrived back at the Port Wakefield boat ramp at 8.45.  We were packed and sitting on the water in the channel by 0930. Te bottom of the boat ramp was very slippery but it is quite a protected area to launch boats.  Good public toilets nearby.

Windy but manageable

We set off out the channel and followed the channel markers out into the gulf.  We set off on a heading of 250M from the last channel marker and could see Port Clinton quite plainly.  The wind was blowing at 15 kn pushing choppy wind waves under our Port side beam but it was quite manageable.  The sea was the colour of an old flat white coffee with sea weed drifting by and the occasional large clumps giving a little distraction in the water.  There were numerous white caps out on our port side with the occasional half a metre wave coming through causing the boats to yaw and buck a bit but nothing serious.

Abelardo lead the first hour and when we stopped for a break the houses of Port Clinton were quite visible.  Interesting Port Wakefield was much less so from 7.5 km out.  We could make out the channel markers and some of the antennas but the houses were hidden by mangroves and the murky conditions. Steve and Rebecca took the lead to practice their navigation skills. We reached the clearer, shallower and calmer water near Port Clinton within a half hour.  The approach was camouflaged with mangroves. We could see clearer water to the south of the town so we headed that way and found some channel markers leading in to the beach in front of the Caravan Park where we had left Abelardo’s car.

The Walk

It was nearly Low tide and the water was very low as we came up to the ramp.  The give away sign was the yellow tractor 500 m from the High Tide mark standing out in the bay in 200mm of water.  It was a long carry up the track to the beach.  (Note to self – try to arrange for a High Tide if we do it again, Or bring a trolley.)

Interestingly the wind did not reach the forecast high and proceeded to drop for the rest of the afternoon.  Given better forecasts it would have been a simple return paddle.

Overall statistics (Link point to GPX track file)

Port Wakefield — Port Clinton: 13.35Km

Wedge Island Kayaking Expedition – 23-25 January 2025

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Day 0 – Arrival & Preparation

A number of participants travelled together to Pondalowie Bay, with several kayaks transported via the group trailer. Upon arrival at Pondalowie Campsite, the group set up for the night and held a detailed briefing to go over the trip logistics, safety measures, and anticipated conditions for the crossing. The excitement was high as discussions covered navigation, weather expectations, and contingency plans.

Group briefing & Pondalowie Bush Camp Site

However, the reminder that not all risks are water-based came early, as one participant had an unfortunate run-in with a large limestone rock in the dark. The resulting injury required a trip to Yorketown Hospital the next day, and further X-rays upon return to Adelaide confirmed a broken arm. Despite this setback, the group rallied and prepared for the adventure ahead.
A special thanks to Frances G. She acted as our emergency land contact, coordinating National Park vehicle access, and providing first aid support.

Day 1 – Departure & Island Exploration

The group packed up early, drove to Pondalowie Beach for unloading, and conducted final launch discussions. With a slight outgoing tide and near-perfect conditions, the expedition set off smoothly.

Although the wind made a few weak attempts at a sea breeze, it remained still throughout the day, creating an ideal paddling environment. On-water breaks provided opportunities to check GPS tracking, revealing some minor course deviations. About an hour from the planned route, the group opted to detour south towards the smaller islands at the southeast corner of Wedge Island.

 

Upon approach, the awe-inspiring weathered cliff faces and cavernous sea caves immediately caught the attention of the paddlers. The underlying 1.2m swell created surges along the rock shelves, giving a dramatic effect to the crystal-clear deep waters below. Some members enthusiastically explored the caves, taking in the raw, untouched beauty of the island’s coastline.

Wildlife sightings were plentiful. Pods of dolphins accompanied the group. A sea eagle soared overhead, and yellow-footed rock wallabies peered down curiously from the cliffs.
Continuing north along the coastline, the group landed inside the eastern headland on the main beach. As the afternoon heat set in, many took the opportunity to relax, chat, and even take a well-earned nap. Others explored the expansive beach on foot, soaking in the remote beauty of Wedge Island.

 

An unexpected sighting in the afternoon was a police helicopter and AMSA jet circling low over the eastern end of the island. Tuning into the VHF radio revealed that a small fishing boat had deployed an EPIRB. Authorities quickly confirmed that the crew was safe.
Limited mobile reception was discovered on a small rise behind the beach camp, allowing for a quick weather check and land contact update.

 

Day 2 – The Return Paddle

The forecast easterly breeze and small fetch arrived as expected in the morning. It created a shimmering reflection on the water as the sun rose behind the paddlers. For the first stretch of the crossing, Yorke Peninsula was not visible, requiring navigation by compass. The morning’s conditions were peaceful, with frequent visits from pods of dolphins, shearwaters, and storm petrels, providing incredible moments along the way.

 

As the easterly winds eased, they gradually shifted southeast and freshened throughout the afternoon. Slowly, the coastline of Yorke Peninsula and the distinctive West Cape features emerged on the horizon. They offered fresh perspectives of the rugged landscape and nearby Althorpe Island. A unique sight on the return journey was a large industrial pylon rig being towed by a tugboat. From a distance, it was difficult to determine what it was, creating an unusual contrast against the open ocean backdrop.

After a solid and steady paddle, the group landed safely back at Pondalowie Boat Ramp, marking the successful completion of an unforgettable journey. Kayaks were loaded, and the team parted ways—some heading straight home, while others opted to extend their adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Wildlife encounters: Multiple pods of dolphins, sealions, a sea eagle, yellow-footed rock wallabies, and three 1m tuna following one kayak, White-faced storm petrel, Shearwaters, Gannets.
  • Island exploration: The southeast cliffs and sea caves of Wedge Island provided breathtaking scenery and an adventurous detour.
  • Challenging but rewarding conditions: Navigation, distance, some tidal flows, self-sufficiency and weather made for a true expedition-style experience.
  • Unforgettable moments: From the glassy waters on the crossing to the spectacular cliffs.

The Wedge Island expedition proved to be a wonderful journey, combining adventure, endurance, and the raw beauty of South Australia’s remote coastline. A fantastic experience for all involved!

Karl Meyer

Overall statistics (Links point to GPX track files)

Pondalowie Bay – Wedge Island return: 70.9 Km

 

Eildon White Water trip – 14 – 17 January 2025

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The annual ACC trip to Eildon lived up to expectations. This year eight club members drove to the caravan park on the Goulbourn white water course to experience something lacking in South Australia; white water. Charlie, Marina, Leigh, Berny, Steve C, Steve W, Anne and Simon were this year’s participants.

Setting up camp

We set up tents at the caravan park Monday evening. The fun started the next day with the traditional swim down the moving water, getting used to white water and practicing our throw-bag techniques. It became apparent that some of us indeed needed practice; others were spot-on with their throws.

We then got into boats. Some of the members went straight into playing around the ‘pumpkins’. (The round artificial rocks that make up the white-water course were once painted bright orange, hence ‘pumpkins’.) Others paddled further upstream to the mild eddies to rehearse break-in and break-out before attempting the real thing.

The two groups then joined and tackled the pumpkins together – breaking in and out and surfing the small waves.

Playing around the pumpkins

The next day saw us resuming play around the pumpkins; interrupted by a lightning storm. After lunch we packed boats onto the cars and took them to a launch point just below the dam. We paddled down the river, stopping to play on small waves and to harvest ripe blackberries.

After this, a few of the more adventurous souls went down to the ‘sump’ (a somewhat fiercer grade 2-3 wave at the end of the course). No one felt like trying the big wave itself, so we practiced ferry glides and crossings.

Paddling down the sump

Next day was very much a repeat. Playing on the pumpkins; paddling down from the dam wall; paddling down to the ‘sump’. Our previous practice had made a marked improvement on our skills, with people surfing waves they had previously found difficult on the dam wall run, and everyone bombing through the sump. (Although some rolling was needed.) Leigh surfed the sump wave. Some of the other club members made attempts with varying success. (More rolling practice and a couple of out-of-boat rescues ensued.)

The day ended with a pleasant tea at the Thornton Pub.

The next day saw tired paddlers hit the water. We paddled the top pumpkins until morning tea. The energy expenditure of the previous days resulted in morning tea extending into lunch before anyone returned to the water. After some more playing in the sump, and a final play on the pumpkins the trip was over for most participants.

Returning home

Nearly all club members set off for home the following day, but Charlie and Marina still had energy for one last paddle. They organised for their car to be dropped off at Alexandria boat ramp. And so, while most of us drove home, they set off for a scenic day trip to Alexandria via the moving water of the Goulburn.

White water is a rarity in South Australia, so the annual trip to Eildon is a great way for club members to develop new skills.

Lake Alexandrina Crossing — 4-5 Janunary 2025

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A stunning way to spend a weekend paddling waters less paddled. Nine Adelaide Canoe Club members, under the guidance of their trip leader Matthew Eldred, gathered at Wellington Boat Ramp, preparing for a warm 30km paddle across Lake Alexandrina to camp at Narrung.

Day 1

With almost perfect conditions, the group enjoyed the serene views offered by the glassy water. At times, landmarks disappeared behind mirages, sparking conversations about this fascinating phenomenon as we paddled closer to them.

During a break halfway across the lake, Berny decided to take the opportunity to cool off with a swim, giving Matt a chance to practice his skills in helping Berny back into the boat.

The group arrived at the Narrows Campground and set up camp near the water’s edge. We discussed the reasons for the inaccuracies of deck compasses and took the ferry to visit Australia’s only inland lighthouse.

Day 2

The next day, the weather forecast predicted winds of up to 16 knots, but the reality was even more challenging, with winds exceeding 20 knots hitting the sides of our boats throughout the day. Despite the tough conditions, the paddlers handled them with expert skills, making for an exhilarating paddle across the rest of the lake. We travelled from the Narrows to Point Sturt for lunch and then from Point

Sturt to Milang. The 27km paddle on Sunday concluded our three crossings of Lake Alexandrina.

Fun Facts about Lake Alexandrina

Lake Alexandrina is named after Princess Alexandrina, who later became Queen Victoria. The lake is part of the Murray-Darling Basin, which is one of the largest river systems in the world. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Murray Cod and the rare Southern Bell Frog.

Overall statistics (Links point to GPX track files)

Saturday 4/January/2025 —  Wellington — Narrung Campground: 30.16Km

Sunday 5/January/2025 — Narrung — Sturt — Milang: 27.14Km

 

KI Crossing to Antechamber Bay — 14-15 December 2024

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WOW what a weekend paddle to Antechamber Bay on Kangaroo Island we had. It gave us a bit of everything sea kayaking has to offer.

Preparations

The weather forecast looked very good for the crossing. Saturday was going to be a bit of a bash into the wind and waves but quite achievable and Sunday was just perfect. The group assembled at 7.30am on Saturday morning to beautiful blue skies and very calm conditions in close to Cape Jervis. Further out the whitecaps were building. The pre-launch briefing mentioned several topics such as a check that the group was carrying all of the mandated equipment to go this far from the shore, on water group “rules”, etc. But the main message was to expect the conditions in the middle to be wet and wild. Prepare for waves to wash over the deck!

The leg to KI

And so it was…and for a short time conditions were above the forecast 12Knts, probably up to 15 with even some 18Knt gusts. These conditions challenged some of the group and progress was at times quite slow with Ryan suitably tested as leader in keeping the group together. As Backstairs Passage is a commercial shipping lane, kayakers need to stay in a tight grouping and less than 50m apart. This also applied to the mandated equipment the group required for such a paddle. We were in “unprotected waters” where for every 5 paddlers an EPIRB, flares, VHF and other equipment was required and the group must be within 50m of each other and such equipment.

I was particularly interested in the effect of the tide on our course. The weekend was selected as it was a spring tide with plenty of water on the move. I expected to get some assistance from the easterly ebb tide. The GPS track does show evidence of easterly drift on each stop we had but it really did not feel we were being assisted. I think it would have been a much greater slog into the wind if the tide was not giving considerable assistance. The two balanced each other out.

Chapman River Campground

On arriving at the landing site, the mouth of the Chapman River, little surf was encountered and a hassle free landing was made. The crossing took just under four hours. A portage over the sand bar to re-launch into the river made for an easy paddle up to the campsite. In there  the group busied themselves setting up tents and scoffing down some lunch. I spent the afternoon resting and chatting about the events of the day and just how good it was to have such amazing places to camp and explore. Others explored by foot as the area is spectacular.

Back to Cape Jervis

Next morning provided a beautiful sunrise and the promise of perfect paddling conditions. We weren’t disappointed! The plan was to launch at 930am to travel along the north coast making for Cuttlefish Bay. From here I wanted to try a navigation technique called “splitting the tide” where we would paddle for half the crossing in the ebb tide and the other in the flood tide. The net result would be a straight path to Cape Jervis. I was first introduced to this idea by the Tasmanians as a good way to cross the notorious Banks Strait- the last challenge in getting to Tassie when doing Bass Strait from Victoria .

We definitely felt the tide pushing us to the east in the first part of the crossing and had a significant boost in the latter parts when heading to Cape Jervis. Close to Lands End we were achieving 12km/hr with little effort!

On the way across we split into two smaller groups. This decision was based on the fact that we had a diversity of sea kayaks in the group. Some very quick and others just quick. I believe all paddlers would have been working their bodies just as hard. It was just a fact that some of the kayaks travelled at a higher speed due to design. At the other side there was only about a 30minute difference in the time to complete the crossing.

Carb Replacement Therapy

It was a quick pack up with most of the group wanting to head for the bakery and some yummy lunch and carb replacement therapy! The Cape Jervis ramp was the busiest I have ever experienced. Lots of water craft getting out there to escape the heat. On the water it was pleasant but when getting out of the car at Yankallila it was like stepping into a blast furnace. This summer is forecast to be a hot one so sea kayaking might just be the best place to be except for being in front of the air conditioner. Sea kayaking will however be better for the body and have less of an impact on global warming!

Overall statistics (Links point to GPX track files)

Saturday 14/December/2024 — Cape Jervis – Antechamber Bay – Chapman River Campground – 21.7 Km

Sunday 15/December/2024 — Antechamber Bay – Cuttlefish Bay – Cape Jervis – 24.6Km

Canoe Polo at Tintinara — 9 November 2024

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Thanks to the Tintinara Action Club, the annual Tintinara Canoe Polo competition was held on Saturday 9 Nov. Four teams, The Darns, Huskies, Pirates and Sharkzilla enjoyed the games as they fought for the trophy and honour of cutting the winner’s cake. In the end the Huskies took out the trophy. The mascot, Toohey The Huskey was very interested in the trophy and proximity to the BBQ.

Besides the main trophy, awards were given to Andrew and Fred who tied for the ‘Highest Goal Scorer’, David for being the ‘Best Blocker’, Andrew for the most ‘Massive Misses’, Nicki for the most ‘Rolls in games’ and the ‘Super Swimmer’ award was tied between Berny, Wojtek and Scott.

The free camping available next to the lake provided players with great accommodation over the weekend.

Katarapko / Eckert Creek / The Splash – 18 – 20 October 2024

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Trouble to get there

Eleven paddlers headed off to the Riverland for a 3 day / 2 night relaxing car-camping exploration of the creeks around Katarapko. Berny arrived there first, but found the access road blocked due to flooding. After a frantic phone call with the Parks Board, a different route was recommended, which was quickly passed on the rest of the group, which was still on the way. Everybody eventually got to the campsite by assorted routes, and we set up camp and had a relaxing lunch

Paddle in the arvo

That afternoon we had a short paddle down Katarapto Creek to check out the regulator at the bottom of The Splash, which, to our alarm, was closed. This would mean a nasty portage in the coming days. We all retreated back to the campsite to discuss options around the campfire with a glass of wine.

Saturday

Saturday morning everybody was keen and on the water before 9.30. We paddled up the Murray to Lock 4, where we rounded up the lock master to let us through. After that we took a scenic shortcut via the Ajax-Achilles Lakes to avoid the current in the main channel of the Murray, and then continued up to the entrance to Eckert Creek where we portaged easily over the regulator and had a morning break. It was then an easy paddle with the current all the way down Eckert Creek, until we got to a ‘T’ junction. The recommended route was to the left, the right hand route was marked ‘Beware strong currents’, naturally we took the right one! All went well till the first corner, when we encountered the first of many fallen trees blocking the channel.

After a much dragging of kayaks over, under and around logs, we eventually got to clear water where the creek widened out into a horseshoe lake, which abounded with pelicans and other birds.

We meandered downstream, enjoying the wildlife, until we got to the entrance to Sawmill creek, which was our shortcut back to the Murray and our camp. After an easy paddle down the creek, one short portage, and one last limbo under a fallen log, we arrived back at camp.

Sunday

Sunday morning we headed off in the other direction, down Katarapko creek. Everyone had fun running the short white-water section over the weir, and we let the current take us down to the massive regulator at the end of The Splash. This is normally open to paddle through, but the Parks Board had closed it off to create an artificial flooding event upstream.  This meant a strenuous portage over the weir, luckily everyone was still fresh and the kayaks were unladen. The regulators are good for the river, but I wish they would consider the kayakers and give us some good access points.

On the positive side the creek on the other side was spectacular, with the water overflowing the creek banks and spreading out onto the flood plain. We paddled leisurely upstream, following the tree line to try and stay with the creek, and not get lost in the many channels that branched off.

Waikerie Bakery

We eventually got to the road bridge near the entrance to Sawmill creek which, due the flooding event, was too low to get under, although some of us did try. Most people portaged over and then headed back down Sawmill creek back to camp at about 1 PM. After loading kayaks and packing up, we headed off to the Waikerie Bakery for a well-deserved pie and coffee.

Overall statistics (Links point to GPX track files)

Friday 18/October/2024 – Causeway – Katarapko Creek – return 6.75 Km

Saturday 19/October/2024 – Causeway Campground – Murray River – Eckert Creek – 18.83 Km

Sunday 20/October/2024 – Causeway Campground – The Splash – 11.97 Km

Torrens Island Race — 13 October 2024

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Registering prior to the briefing at Garden Island

At 10am on Oct 13, Anne and Simon Langsford started 8 boats from the makeshift start/finish line between the beach and a yellow channel marker near  the Garden Island Boat Ramp.  The course was anti clockwise heading up Barker Inlet to the cutting and then out onto Port River and through the North Arm back to the boat ramp.  The distance was about 16.5km depending on how close you paddled to the mangroves.

The Start

The race started in overcast conditions with a light Easterly wind blowing enough to make a slight chop on the starboard beam as paddlers tried to find deep water near the channel markers heading up to the cutting.  Pavel had streaked ahead out of the starting blocks so he gave everyone something to aim for.  The rescue boat manned by Jim Murphy and Ian Hume stationed itself outside of the cutting and even with low tide still a half hour away it was a slog to paddle through the bar at the entrance to the cutting.  Once through and out the other side onto the Port River, paddlers had the advantage of the light breeze coming in behind them and soon the tide changed to give an extra boost.  Great racing conditions.

Tug Boats

Mark and Berny on the Port River

Half way along the Port River paddlers watched two tugs shepherd a huge grain ship out of the Port, a reminder that we were paddling on a working river.  The tug captains were very respectful and the leading tug even slowed a little as the lead boats approached it.  Most boats stuck to the left hand edge of the channel so while they were technically on the wrong side of the channel they weren’t in the channel so not hindering other traffic.  As the paddlers turned into the North arm the tide was giving a reasonable push to those out in the channel, until paddlers reached Swan Alley where the tide coming down Barker Inlet met the tide coming in the North arm and all assistance was negated. Paddlers had to paddle the last 1000m with no assistance apart from the adrenalin rush that seeing the finish line provided.

Mark and Berny in the North Arm

Finish Line

Pavel finished the race in 1 hour and 45 minutes followed closely by Hugh S and Hugh M in their sea kayaks and then Phil and Marina in their double not far behind.  Greg just managed to pip Charlie on the line and then Mark and Berny crossed together a few minutes later. All boats were back on the beach by 12.05 so all negotiated the race at good speed.

Once the paddlers  were changed and boats away, they gathered under the shelter and marquee provided by Paddle SA.  Simon had the BBQ going, effortlessly grilling sausages organised by Greg Adams and Phil provided the coffee.  Anne then presented her ‘medals’ which were delicious.  We finished the BBQ watching 3 dolphins cruising out in the passage.

Next Year

Pavel and Hugh at the finish line

Next year we hope to have the event integrated into the Paddle SA long distance race calendar and have a few more paddlers attending, but we agreed that the ‘inaugural’ Torrens Island Race was a worthwhile and fun event. Thanks go the race organisers Greg Adams, Phil Doddridge and Hugh Stewart, Starter Anne Langsford, Scrutineer Simon Langsford, rescue boaters Peter Drewry, Jim Murphy, Ian Hume and Mark Bulmer and all those who participated.

Race Results

Name Boat Time
Pavel Berdashkevich Stellar Ocean Ski 1hour 45m 05secs
Hugh Stewart Mirage 580 Sea Kayak 1: 45: 29
Hugh MacMillan Audax Sea Kayak 1 : 53: 00
Phil Doddridge and Marina Walker Mirage 730 Double Sea Kayak 1 :54:00
Greg Adams Audax Sea Kayak 1: 55:05
Charles Walker Petrel Sea Kayak 1:55:10
Mark Loram Prijon Sea Kayak 2:06:03
Berny Lohmann Ecohezhig Sea Kayak 2:06:14

Torrens Island circumnavigation — 16 June 2024

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The trip was listed as a leisurely paddle and that’s what we did. Anne, Simon, Peter C, Peter D, Phil, Abelardo and Mark set off from the Garden Island boat ramp around 10am to paddle around Torrens Island. The tide was suitable to paddle through the shallow cutting at the northern end of the island. Conditions were nearly perfect, and they improved as we paddled.
We looked though clear water to see razor fish, oysters and an eagle ray. Birds were also in abundance; swans, pelicans, ducks, ibis and, of course, cormorants and gulls.

With such fine weather we made extremely good time getting to The Cutting. So, being well ahead of schedule, we had a quick discussion and made a unanimous decision to lengthen our trip a little and go to Bird Island for lunch.

After a pleasant lunch on a sandy beach with view of swans, pelicans and mangroves (left) and distant container ships unloading (right) we returned to the boat ramp via the Port River. Frolicking dolphins in the river added to the pleasure of the day. Back at the boat ramp we loaded our boats. (And Mark had his healthful swim in the cold water.)

All agreed it was a great way to spend a Sunday.