Category: Events

The 2022 Sea Kayak Festival organisers are Sea Kayak Club WA’s, Steve Haddon, Pel Turner, Mark Stallbaum, Lexi Adamson, Shantha David and Peter Fall, along with Paddle WA’s, Rosalie Evans. You can contact them via; email – fest@seakayakwa.asn.au and develop@paddlewa.asn.au.

Organising Team SKCWA

Steve Haddon

I started paddling about 25 years ago at Swan Canoe Club.  I was instantly hooked even with the frustration of trying to paddle in a straight line in a slalom boat. Paddling was totally absorbing and was a fantastic stress relief at the time.  I soon got into the adrenaline (read aaahhh) of white water and participated in a few Avon Descents.  Other commitments have come and gone so my time for paddling has also come and gone over the years.

I have been paddling in a sea kayak for about 7 years now. I am constantly amazed by the ocean with the variability of colours, waves, animals, rocks and reef.  From calm glassy water to breaking waves that appear out of nowhere.  Paddling gives a different perspective to the power and beauty of the ocean. Can’t wait to be on the water again.

Pel Turner

I grew up in the Busselton area and loved being in the ocean surfing and diving and progressed to paddling when I moved to Perth 16 years ago, first on skis but got sick of falling off in rough seas and then discovered sea kayaks and the SKCWA.
I have been a club member 14 years and enjoyed the comradeship and learning new ocean skills. I have been on many great trips away around the state and overseas with the club and am looking forward to more.

Shantha David

I started sea kayaking in British Columbia in my mid-20’s largely because I couldn’t paddle a river kayak straight and absolutely hated trekking with a backpack! I was lucky enough at the time to be able to do several expeditions over many summers exploring the protected east coast of Vancouver Island. Needless to say, I fell in love with sea kayaking as the ultimate way to explore the outdoors. Despite taking a 20+ year break – not a very child-friendly sport – my enthusiasm was re-kindled with a return to BC in 2018 with my husband, followed by Scotland, Tasmania and Ningaloo. Most recently I’m thrilled to have become a member of several amazing groups of kayakers – the Swan Canoe Club, WA Sea Kayaking Club and last but not least our Wild Old Women on Water (WOWOW) group. Over the past 2 years, I have definitely felt like I don’t need to go anywhere else at all – it’s just right at my doorstep! Oh, and my favourite paddle? Always the most recent one…

Lexy Adamson

I love the great outdoors  and used to do a bit of flat water paddling around Albany on a sit-on-top before I saw a FaceBook post to try sea kayaking.  That was just over 12 months ago.

Being so new to kayaking, the majority of my paddling has been in the Great Southern. What a beautiful place we live in. We are so fortunate to have some of the best paddling right here on our doorstep. 

The experience, dedication and passion our instructors  bring to the sport to help and encourage us newbies is truly inspiring. I can’t thank them enough. 

I enjoy getting out on the water and hope to continue to build on the skills I’ve learnt to become a more competent paddler and see where paddling takes me.

Mark Stallbaum

After paddling surf-skis and sit-on-top kayaks in North Queensland for 5 years, a family move to WA 3 years ago prompted a change to sea kayaks. As much as I liked paddling the coast north of Cairns, I really enjoy paddling with SKCWA club members around the Perth coastal areas and particularly the South-West of WA. Such a contrast of scenery and wildlife, and it’s nice to experience 4 seasons.

Peter Fall

I retired to Albany in 2015 and sold my yacht, but still wanted to engage somehow in my love of the sea. The idea of sea kayaking popped into my head and I reached out to the Albany Sea Kayak Club, even before I returned to Australia. The club was hugely supportive and I have been paddling regularly since then as well as taking up whatever training was offered. I still have many skills to develop, but the sea offers boundless opportunities and friends are always close by when I overstep the mark and need assistance. One of my favourite paddles is Emu point to Gull Rock Beach (aka Boiler Bay) – the beach always seems so peaceful and welcoming after the rebound along the Mt Martin coastline.

Organising Team Paddle WA

Rosalie Evans

Sea Leaders

Les Allen

I’m a PA Senior Instructor and Assessor and have paddled most of the WA and East coast as well as Tasmania. I was one of the founding members of the Sea Kayak Club and started the Paddle Fest 10 years ago. Which now makes me an old man who still loves kayaking.

Jenni Harrison

Jenni Harrison has been paddling the south coast of WA for over 10 years, and following a recent 3 year exploration of the east coast and Tasmania decided it really is some of the best sea kayaking country in Australia. But don’t tell anyone. Jenni loves paddling Albany’s remote granite cliff lines which remind her of Tassie and long distance exploratory expeditions camping on isolated beaches. She is constantly getting better at ‘dancing with her kayak’ and enjoys a bouncy paddle more than anything.

Ann Smithson

I have always been a passionately keen outdoorsy girl, and started kayaking regularly when I moved to Western Australia 10 years ago.  I particularly enjoy kayak expeditioning, and succeeded in my aim to lead remote kayaking trips in WA.  I also enjoy passing on my kayaking skills, and have been involved in instruction both through UWA and SKCWA. I am proud to have completed an Avon Descent, and am an enthusiastic and very competitive rogainer. Professionally, I am an ecologist and conservation biologist. After many years in academia in the UK lecturing in conservation biology, my move to sunny Western Australia lead to working in the science section at Kings Park researching our native plants.  I am now an independent ecological and botanical consultant, and enjoy bringing my passion for understanding wildlife to a wider audience.

Steve Haddon – See profile in ‘Organising Committee’ above.

Damon Haddon

While I’ve grown up in and around kayaks, it wasn’t until four years ago that I joined the Sea Kayak Club and start paddling more seriously. In 2021 I completed my Sea Instructor qualification and continue to develop my skills with both the Sea Kayak Club and the UWA Outdoor Club.

When I’m not instructing with either club, I try and get out around WA as much as possible, whether that involves sea or whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, or anything else that strikes my fancy.  

Andrew Munyard

Having enjoyed whitewater kayaking as a teenager, and having been a sailor for many years,I returned to kayaking nine years ago, but this time I wanted to combine kayaking with my sailing experience  and sea kayaking was a great way to do this.

I have gained my PA Sea Instructor qualification and enjoy transferring sea kayaking skills to others.

I love interpreting the ocean environment, weather and geography to create exciting and enjoyable paddles. I enjoy multi day trips and have done some along the south coast, Shark Bay and paddled Bass Strait in 2020.

I enjoy tinkering with kayaks, both building and modifying. Adapting them  to ensure I get the most out of them in the ocean environment.

Bruce Pilgrim

Did a bit of kayaking in my home built PBK when I was a scout in NZ. After arriving in WA got involved with Scouts again and was in the Scout Paddling Team teaching canoe skills. We were donated some Sea Kayaks so took the opportunity to develop my Sea Kayaking skills and then introduced Sea Kayaking to WA Scouts. Now that I have my Sea Kayak instructors award I am able to help other paddlers in the Scouts and Sea Kayak club  to improve their skills. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to organise car pooling/sharing to get to the event?

Can non paddlers attend the event?

What’s included in the registration fee?

Can I cancel my registration?

Do I need to be an experienced or advanced paddler to attend and enjoy the event?

How do I determine what level paddler I am for the Registration?

What catering is included? What food or drink do I need to bring?

What gear should I bring?

Can I bring a sit-on kayak?

As I am travelling from afar, is it possible to hire a kayak and equipment?

Things to do if you get there early.

Things to do for Non-Paddlers.

Is there a way to organise car pooling/sharing to get to the event?

We very much encourage car pooling for travelling to and from the event. The best way to do this is to post a message on our Facebook page to make contact with fellow paddlers.

Can non paddlers attend the event?

Yes, Non-paddlers e.g. family members can attend the event. Please refer to the Registration page for details.

What’s included in the registration fee?

Please see the details on the Registration page of what is and what is not included in the entry fee.

Can I cancel my registration?

If you need to cancel your registration, you must let the event organisers know in writing. Please email us at develop@paddlewa.asn.au

Entry fee will be refunded for cancellations less an administration fee ($50) for cancellations before 30^th February 2022. Thereafter no refunds shall be provided.

Do I need to be an experienced or advanced paddler to attend and enjoy the event?

The Sea Kayak Fest will include activities and paddles to suit all levels of paddlers from the advanced paddler to the beginner paddler.

There will also be a wide range on land activities as well as on water activities for all levels of participants.

How do I determine what level paddler I am for the Registration?

Beginner – you are learning to paddle your kayak more efficiently and developing skills in self and buddy rescues. You usually paddle in calm conditions and areas with low swell or are developing skills to paddle in the ocean conditions.

Intro to Sea Skills – you can paddle your kayak efficiently, competently participate in self and buddy rescues, launch and land in surf to 0.5m. You can paddle in conditions up to 17knots including areas of exposed coastline and up to 2NM offshore. You may not yet have a reliable eskimo roll.

Sea Skills – you have a reliable eskimo roll, can do a re-enter and roll, are able to execute a self-rescue, rescue others if required and execute towing systems. You are confident in surf to 1m, fresh conditions to 21knots and paddling on exposed sections of coastline including launching and landing in surf.

What catering is included? What food or drink do I need to bring?

Friday evening is planned as communal BBQ (BYO food and drinks) Please bring a salad/dessert/something to share.

Saturday evening is a spit roast and is included in your registration fee. Please advise dietary requirements at registration. Vegetarians will be catered for.

Sunday evening will be self-catered.

Breakfasts and lunches are self-catered. Kitchen area includes fridges and cooking facilities for meal preparation.

If you require any food or drink other than what we are providing on Saturday, then you will need to bring it – or there is supermarkets nearby if you need to buy additional snacks etc. as well as restaurants and take away options within short drive from the campsite.

Please note this is smoke free event.

What gear should I bring?

We suggest your gear list should include (but not be limited to):

• Face marks – It is likely masks will be mandatory for indoor activities
• Bring your full range of kayaking safety equipment including personal flotation device as you will not be allowed on the water without it. There are opportunities to go into a range of environments, so include lights and VHF radio if available.
• Helmet – this will be a requirement of several of the paddles
• Sea worthy Sit-in style Sea Kayak, Spray Skirt & Paddle
• Paddle float & Snorkel Mask – for Eskimo rolling classes
• Bring your kayaking clothes required for expected conditions in the region (e.g. hat, long sleeve rashy & warmer gear for immersion in water and wind)
• Spare warm clothes to carry in your kayak (e.g. thermal top, beanie & cag)
• Wet weather gear (hopefully we wont use it!)
• Camping, Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc as per accommodation details
• Bunk room, bring your own pillow, linen, sleeping bag and towels
• Cooking utensils – a camp kitchen is available
• Torch/ head torch
• Sunscreen and mozzie spray
• Water bottles/bag … min 2L water
• Thermos – if you wish to have a hot drink during the day sessions (as lunch may be held away from the camp)
• Paddling snacks, any other snacks or special food items you wish to bring
• Alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks – drinking water is available at the base camp
• Toilet Paper & Trowel (in case needed on longer paddles)
• Personal First Aid Kit & Medications
• Yoga Mat/Foam Mat and Beach Towel
• Enviro’ friendly shopping bags for any weekend purchases
• Keep Cup if you plan on take-away coffees: We aim to avoid disposable cups
• Remember to consider our “Paddle Lightly” theme when packing for the weekend.

Please refer to the WA Transport link with regards to safety equipment requirements. https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/marine/MAC-B-PaddleSafe.pdf

Can I bring a sit-on kayak?

Participants must have a sit-in kayak (sea kayak) with a spray deck to participate in group paddles as part of the Sea Kayak Fest. The kayak must have deck lines around the perimeter of the kayak.

As I am travelling from afar, is it possible to hire a kayak and equipment?

It is possible to hire a kayak from Rivergods in Perth. There are also other tour operators who may hire a kayak to experienced paddlers e.g. Capricorn Sea Kayaking. Please contact us if you are having trouble sourcing a boat.

Things to do if you get there early.

• Launch and go for a paddle in the beautiful Geographe Bay area

Things to do for Non-Paddlers.

Check out the local websites:

• https://www.margaretriver.com/towns/busselton/

• https://www.busselton.wa.gov.au/discover

Friday, March 3 – Monday, March 6

Rotary Club of Albany Youth Camp

The annual Festival is on again. There are experienced sea leaders supporting a range of paddling events catering for those who like more sedate explorations to those who want more challenging adventures. 

The camp address is 913 Frenchmans Bay Road, Big Grove, Albany, approximately 15kms from the town centre and is close to The Gap, The Blow Holes, Whale World and Frenchmans Bay.

Check out the beautiful campsite at https://www.albanyportrotary.com/youth/  There is a tenting area and separate gender dormitories.  The kitchen/dining area is large and contains a refrigerator, a deep freeze, and gas hot water.  There are gas barbecues in a large, covered area.

There will be an opportunity to sell your unwanted gear at a swap meet on Saturday afternoon.

The events schedule for the Fest has now been published, see – 2023 Events Schedule (PDF)

You can also register here – 2023 WA Sea Kayak Fest Registration

You can also download the welcome package here (PDF).

The Sea Kayak Fest will comply with Government requirements for the management of COVID 19. If in the unfortunate event that the organising committee cancels the event due to COVID 19 restrictions registered participants will receive a full refund.