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Each year in May, East Coast Kayaking leads a crossing of Port Phillip Bay. This is an all-day event that gives paddlers with some experience a fantastic opportunity to practise trip planning, teamwork and group management skills.
Paddling As a Pod means we paddle as fast as our slowest paddler, and you may be required to tow or be towed. With the TEAM, together everyone achieves more… IT IS NOT A RACE! It is a fantastic opportunity to paddle, enjoy the Port Phillip Bay and undertake your first extended and exposed paddle in a safe and supportive environment.
It is however, not a paddle for a beginner sea kayaker - you should have completed at least the Sea Starter Course as this will ensure all participants are competent in self and assisted rescues, as well as basic paddling skills, making for a safe and enjoyable day. You will be sitting in your kayak for around 7 hours, perhaps as long as 8 hours!
The proposed paddle is from Hampton Pier to Portarlington Pier, or vice versa depending on wind direction. The paddle will be postponed if the weather report forecasts winds of more than 22 knots. Alternative routes will be planned and considered depending on the weather forecasts. You will have to arrange your own Shuttle Bunnies. Let us know your intentions as we can help you organise car pools.
Participants will meet at a designated point at 5:30am for that early morning start and exciting sunrise paddle!
The maximum number of paddlers this year will be 10, so put in your entry now to make sure you are part of the Pod!
If you have elected to hire a kayak for this event you must come to the shop to be fitted for a kayak during the week before the event - it is a long time to sit in a kayak that does not fit you properly!
MINIMUM GEAR REQUIREMENTS (linked items can be purchased through our online store)
Clothing
Clothing should be SunSmart but also protect from the cold and be highly visible
Food
Kayak & paddling gear
Posted by andrew kitson on 2nd Apr 2015
I paddled across the bay in a day two years ago - it was awesome. We left Port Arlington early on Sunday morning and arrived at Hampton about 7 hours later. We travelled as a pod with regular rest breaks had a following sea all the way. A great and safe way to explore the bay and see the city of Melbourne which was within sight most of the way. It was so good I'm back for my second crossing on 17 May.
Andrew