Come and explore the Alum Cliffs State Reserve on a 3 day 2 night wilderness packrafting trip. Immerse yourself in wilderness as you packraft down the Mersey River through the Alum Cliffs State Reserve. Our white water instructor Abigail Nimui and guide will assist in safe scouting of the river. Abigail has lead many successful trips on the Franklin River and spent the last decade working in outdoor education and water based guiding and education. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to learn about safe scouting, paddle technique and overnight considerations for packrafting and river trips. However, you may just prefer to relax, paddle and take in the breath taking scenery. Start Time & Venue: October Friday 25th 2024. Meet at Elizabeth Town Cafe (ETC) on the Bass Hwy in Elizabeth Town at 9am. See Google Maps: -41.464111601534945, 146.56187014141486 Please meet the group at 9am in the lower carpark as we will organise gear and the shuttle vehicles/arrangements there. The intention is to then drive to the take-out at Kelly Cage Road and drop off a number of vehicles (or at least one) before proceeding to the start of the river journey at the Union Road Bridge. If any last-minute issues with meeting the group contact the course organiser, Abigail Nimui on 0499883454. Finish Time & Venue: It is expected that the trip will fully conclude by 4pm (or earlier) on Monday 11th March. It is approximately one hour’s drive from the finish near Mole Creek to the Launceston Airport. EQUIPMENT - personal & group safety/rescue gear
- repair items for packrafts
- multi-day camping equipment considerations
- load distribution and attachment of gear on packrafts
All participants need to be comfortable with being self-sufficient and organising themselves with gear and food for a 3-day trip.
Food/Water: Bring all food for the river journey (3 lunches, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners plus snacks/energy food). It is participants’ choice as to whether they drink the river water straight or filter it or else choose to carry drinking water. There are a couple of good streams that usually provide non-farmland water along the way but bring the capacity to carry 3-4 litres of water if aiming to utilise these. Waste: TP, hand sanitiser, poo tube, poo bags {cornstratch dog poop bags work well}, if you haven't used theses before, please get in touch and we can inform you where to get one. Guides will show you how to use them Accommodation: The first night is on good open grassland however the second night may well be on rock ledges within the gorge section. As such a compact freestanding tent or tarp and/or bivvy bag may be the best option. Tents that require lots of good peg placements are not ideal. Clothing/Gear: Due to the steep sides of the Alum Cliffs Gorge the river does not see a lot of sun and consequently this section of river can be chilly, particularly outside of summer. Warm clothes for camp are definitely needed and participants should consider their river clothing carefully. Decent wetsuits or dry suits are recommended as you need to dress for potential swims. Decent footwear is also a must as we will be portaging a number of rapids. Equipment Required: Participants need to attend with the following: - suitable packraft with inflation bag &/or pump
- appropriate whitewater kayak/packraft paddle
- whitewater paddling helmet (Please do not bring climbing or bike helmets)
- whitewater PFD that fits you well
- wetsuit and cag/paddling jacket or drysuit
- water shoes that you can comfortably walk around on rocks in (note that old runners/volleys with wetsuit socks may actually work better than lightweight wetsuit booties which are often uncomfortable to walk in, particularly on rough and slippery rocks)
- personal repair kit for packraft (e.g. Aquaseal tube & tape)
- personal medications, sunscreen & personal first aid items
- free-standing tent or possibly a tarp &/or bivvy bag
- warm sleeping bag & a decent/thick sleeping mat that can cope with being on rock!
- stove and fuel
- water filter or ability to carry 3-4 litres of water
- rain jacket plus warm clothes for camp including beanie and neck-warmer
If you have them: - throw bag & river knife
- sling (2m-4m) & 2 screw gate carabiners
- any other safety gear you generally paddle with
Equipment Provided by Instructors: - group first aid kit
- PLB
- maps
- group packraft repair kit
- spare paddle & improvised paddle options
- several spare throw ropes will also be available
COVID & Refund Policy: PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms! If you are suddenly unable to attend the course due to a situation around COVID or if the course has to be cancelled you will receive a full refund. FURTHER INFORMATION: For information about Registration, Payments & Refunds or COVID policies please contact the Jen Cooper (Paddle Tasmania Education and Training Officer) via: education.tas@paddle.org.au For information about the course itself please contact Abigail Nimui abigail.nature.love@gmail.com Looking forward to paddling with you. |
