Sea Kayaking
overview
Avondale Outdoors can run sea-kayaking programs of a duration and difficulty to suit your needs. Programs are typically run on Lake Macquarie. Participants can learn skills ranging from basic paddling to self-rescue in deep water.
See below for a sample program.
All paddling gear is provided. Please contact us for more information.
photos
Click on a photo to see an enlarged version.
what to bring
Important note: this list is just a general overview - check the specific program information provided to you for any extra requirements for your program.
For a day (not overnight) paddle, you will need:
- Swimmers - board shorts, swimsuit, etc. If you bring clothing such as a shirt and socks for the water, we advise against cotton, as it dries slowly and saps body heat when wet
- Wetsuit if the weather is cold
- Towel
- Dry clothing for the shore
- 1L of water - more if the weather is hot
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Food, suitably waterproofed
For longer paddles you may also need a rainjacket, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a torch, and eating utensils.
sample program
A typical half-day program run on Lake Macquarie might start at the mouth of Dora Creek, paddle to Shingle Splitters for lunch or a snack, paddle around Pulbah Island, up to Wangi Wangi, and then around to Wangi Tourist Park to finish. To see a map of this route, click on the thumbnail above.
Lunches might be catered or participants might bring their own food. The guides take care to ensure that participants stay hydrated and have adequate rest- and snack- breaks.
Paddlers would be supplied with single or double sea-kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, and PFDs (lifevests). At the mouth of Dora Creek the guides would take the group through warm-up activities and stretches, give a safety briefing, and instruct participants in basic paddling technique. Once on the water, the group would practice some of these skills before setting out.
The guides are trained in deep-water rescue skills and have lifesavers certification. Guides always carry marine radios, first-aid kits, spare paddles, and kayak repair materials.
