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.
[divider height=”30″ style=”default” line=”default” themecolor=”1″]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 30th January 2021. 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 gourmet burgers 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):
- 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
- 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.
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 Shoal Bay & Frenchman Bay area
- Visit Albany’s historic whaling station, the National ANZAC Centre, and the various lookouts
Things to do for Non-Paddlers.
Check out the local tourist websites:
https://www.australia.com/en/places/perth-and-surrounds/guide-to-albany.html
https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destination/Albany/56b266bb2cbcbe7073ae06bd#/
https://www.australiassouthwest.com/business/services/albany-visitor-centre