The Before Work paddles are a 5 week series of paddles where we meet on the same day each week for a 1 hour paddle (normally 6:30 to 7:30 am *). The first session is mostly instruction and after that we aim to paddle to a different location each week. We start out with shorter distances and increase it slightly each week. The group is limited to 8 people. We paddle in double (two person) sea kayaks.
The next series will start Thursday, January 11th 2018.
Please email Patrick if you are interested
It is $180 per person for the 5 week series.
Please supply a mobile number if possible. Any additional details can be entered in the "Message To Natural Wanders" link on the Payment confirmation page.
Here's a gallery of photos from a recent series.
We either paddle routes heading east or west from Lavender Bay. The routes heading west are generally easier so groups that are mostly new paddlers will do those routes. With experienced groups we might do the paddles heading east from Lavender Bay. Sometimes we do a mixture of the two if weather conditions mean it's better to change the route.
When we paddle west from Lavender Bay the plan is:
| 1) Nearly all instruction with a short paddle |
(1.5 km) |
| 2) Berrys Bay |
(5.5 km) |
| 3) Balls Head Bay |
(6.5 km) |
| 4) Gore Cove |
(7.0 km) |
| 5) Mort Bay, Balmain and Snails Bay, Birchgrove |
(7.6 km) |
|
When we do the paddles east from Lavender Bay the plan is:
| 1) Nearly all instruction with a short paddle |
(1.5 km) |
| 2) Careening Cove |
(5.7 km) |
| 3) Neutral Bay |
(5.8 km) |
| 4) Shell Cove |
(6.6 km) |
| 5) Mosman Bay |
(7.8 km) |
|
We more or less follow this plan so distances gradually increase. Sometimes we might leave a little earlier for the longer paddles so it's an easier pace. Sometimes we might take it a bit easier if that's what suits the group on the day.
After the first session which is mostly instruction we try to meet 6:20am so we are on the water at 6:30am. We aim to finish our paddles at 7:30am that can be a little later sometimes but it shouldn't be later than 7:45am.
If you've already done the instruction on a previous series then you can skip the first instructional session and the first of your five paddles will start from the following week.
I usually take pictures on each paddle and email these to everyone within a day.
We meet at the beach next to the boat ramp. We have a boat shed nearby. You can leave your belongings in our storage (locked) if you like. There's parking nearby in Lavender Crescent. There are public toilets near the wharf.
Sorry there are no refunds if you miss a trip however if we have a spare spot on the alternate day then we'll try and fit you in if possible.
If you have any further questions or want to double check availability before booking please email Patrick