East & North Coasts of Wilsons Prom

• Leader: Richard Rawling (plus Assistant Leader: Sue Collins)
• Maximum number: 12 (including Trip Leaders)
• Paddle grading:  Intro To Sea Skills & above (Confident SKB by application only)
• Trip Planning: Mandatory Zoom hook up for all registrants prior to paddle ( to workshop and learn about trip planning in tide & swell affected locations)
• Launch: 30 October (Friday);  Return 3 November (Tuesday), 2026
• Meet: Port Welshpool 09:00 TBC ( Just East of the general store)
• Paddle distance:  15 - 25 km per day
• Sea Environment: Enclosed & Open Sea (if we can head south past Entrance Point)
• Learning Lab: As we encounter different conditions and requirements we will actively explore decision making options to develop trip planning skills
• Launch time: 10:30 TBC (or earlier)

Want to get out of the City for the Melbourne Cup weekend?   Want to get the spring/summer paddling season off to a great start? The aim of this paddle is to explore the eastern and potentially northern coasts of Wilsons Prom and surrounds. Want to learn more and develop skills in planning and running multi day trips in tide and swell affected waters, then this is a great opportunity!

The primary goal is to get to Johnny Souey Cove (JSC) and camp there for at least  2 nights, but if the weather conspires against us, we will most likely head for Tin Mine Cove (TMC) and/or Snake Island (somewhere).   It is gorgeous coast and country and superb paddling. If we can get to JSC then we will explore the surrounding areas including Rabbit Island, etc.  Depending on where we go, the biggest day will likely be 25 kms, otherwise 20 kms. Confidence at doing these distances in swell affected sea is a must. As well, surf landings & launches will be required at JSC and adjacent beaches (so helmets will be required).

We will start the trip at Port Welshpool on Friday and head over to the  Prom on the outgoing tide aiming for JSC, or TMC.  On following days  we will explore the local area where we camp depending on weather. If need be we will move camp to balance distances and time the tides, so we will plan the trip as we go. That said, I am keen to stay for at least 2 nights at one campsite.   On Tuesday we will return to Port Welshpool  which may involve some paddling against an outgoing tide. The tides are forecast to be exceptionally low during the trip.  You will need all food, water and kit for the multi-day trip. Further trip planning details will be provided closer to the paddle. No fires are permitted on the Prom. Tides are all important in this area so being punctual is really important.

Any questions - you can contact me on rrawling@bigpond.net.au or 0419 340 851.

IMPORTANT: Confident Sea Kayak Basics holders and anyone wishing to register who has NOT paddled with me before  should register then must contact me by phone to confirm attendance.