Coast 2 Coast Whitewater Certification
30 & 31 July
Want to learn the art and skill of moving-water paddling, while gaining your Grade 2 Certification for the iconic Coast 2 Coast multisport champs in NZ? Then this two-day training clinic is a must.
What?
This two-day intensive whitewater training session on the Yarra and Thompson Rivers is ideal for people wishing to learn fundamental Grade 2 whitewater paddling skills and gain their Coast 2 Coast Multisport Certification, all while experiencing some beautiful and remote river environments.
Pre-requisites?
It is expected that you already have an intermediate level of experience paddling multisport-style sit-on-top kayaks, are familiar with the fundamentals of the forward kayak stroke, and basic self-rescue (how to get back on your craft if you fall out!)
What will I learn?
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Craft selection and set-up
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Preparation: nutrition, hydration and safety gear
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How to identify and respond appropriately to Grade 2 river features, such as eddylines, wave trains, holes, buffer waves, bluffs, side currents and boils.
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How to identify and negotiate safe and efficient lines.
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Efficient and effective forward paddling.
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Efficient and effective forward and reverse sweep strokes.
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Effective low brace.
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How to break in and out of eddies.
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How to ferry glide
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How to identify and understand hazards associated with whitewater kayaking, including broaching, strainers and foot entrapment.
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How to self-rescue with kayak and gear.
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How to be rescued with the aid of another craft.
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How to receive a throw bag as a swimmer.
Schedule
Day 1: Saturday 30 July, Yarra River (Mt Lofty Wonga Park to Warrandyte)
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9am: Meet at Warrandyte Bakery for car shuffle to start at Lower Homestead Rd, Mt Lofty Wonga Park
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10am: Begin paddle from Mt Lofty Wonga Park towards the village of Warrandyte (about 20km). Along the way, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of whitewater/moving-water paddling and practise on a number of grade 1 & 2 rapids.
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1:30pm: Finish at Warrandyte for bakery goodness!
Day 2: Sunday 31 July, Thompson River (Bruntons Bridge to Cowwarr Weir)
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Meet 7:30am Cowwarr Weir, Toongabbie (approx 2 hours from Melbourne) for car shuffle to start at Bruntons Bridge. (There will be four spots available in the Peak Adventure vehicle, which will leave Sandridge LSC Port Melbourne at 5:30am - please contact us if you'd like to take up this option.)
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8:30-9am: Begin paddle from Bruntons Bridge towards Cowwarr Weir (approx 28km). Today we will work on the skills we learnt yesterday, applying them to more complex rapids of Grades 2 & 3, as well as practise our rescue drills.
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3pm: Finish at Cowwarr Weir
Equipment
Multisport style sit-on-top kayaks (long plastic e.g. Finn Endorfinn, Finn Molokai, Epic V5, Epic V7, Spirit PRS etc.) are provided, along with paddles, PFDs and helmets, or you can bring your own gear. If you do bring your own gear, your craft MUST be of the multisport style listed above. Sorry, no whitewater playboats, downriver racers, K1s or TK1s - you must learn and train in the kind of boat you will be racing on at C2C. We also recommend only plastic boats for this clinic due to the rocky nature of the rivers.
Mandatory gear
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Wetsuit: As this is in the middle of winter and you will be getting wet, a sturdy wetsuit (3/2 mm minimum) is mandatory. Please do not wear a swimming/triathlon wetsuit as it WILL get ripped. We have a limited number of wetsuits available, so please contact us if you need to borrow one.
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Footwear: Thick-soled 4/3 mm river booties are ideal
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Windproof cag or jacket
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Beanie
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Spare thermal top and pants
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Space-blanket
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PFD and approved whitewater helmet if bringing your own gear
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Nutrition and hydration to last up to 7 hours of paddling e.g. energy bars, gels, trail mix, sandwiches, soup, instant noodles or tea/coffee in a thermos, at least 2 litres of water in hydration bladder.
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Small dry bag to store spare clothes, nutrition, keys, phone etc.
