This looks like a fun 10km paddle.
Phill, is there any maratime issues with this... ??? It would be clear of the naval facility on Swan Island.
You have the makings of a couple of cracking flat water paddles right there. However wind is going to mess with you big time when you get outside of Swan Bay. Inside Swan Bay you also have to contend with the tidal flow as well, bearing in mind that the bay empties in and out of two relatively narrow openings. The paddle from the Swan Bay Yacht Club, as opposed to the Cruising Yacht Club, is my summer seabreeze special. Really sheltered and just a really pleasant run. Depending on the tidal direction one leg of the run down to the Ferry Terminal or back is going to be against the tide and will be a slog. Havent paddled back towards St Leanords from Queenscliff but again in light conditions it would be perfectly doable.
Being a Lonny boy I have paddled from the Point to Queenscliff any number of times but always as a flat water run. Not equipped for a downwinder, but from the Heads back down the bay on a humping southerly with a decent swell and a flood tide would be an absolute bobsled ride. Massive unbroken swells slingshotting through the Rip and then marching off down the bay. Easy access from the Lonny Pier Beach, head for Portsea and turn left once you clear the Lonny Bombie. Shouldnt be to difficult to stay out of the shipping channel, just make sure you bring your safety gear and get your tides right, otherwise you will head for Tassie through the Heads backwards!
Cheers
Sparx
Hey Simon,
I would initially say no go based on the following:
I believe the current in the Shortland Bluff and outer Swan Island area would make the run difficult if not impossible.
The commercial and recreational boat traffic in the river is pretty hectic at times and the current is so strong outside slack i doubt you could paddle against it. Slack only lasts 20 = 30 mins.
The timing would have to miss the ferry timetable as well.
I will ask a mate of mine Mark who is based on Swan Island about defence getting the knickers in a knot, I think they would be ok unless you land then you would get a very quick visit.
I also think parts of Swan Bay are protected habitat and you cannot touch the bottom. I was refused a permit to do SUP lessons in Swan Bay for this reason.
May I suggest with Water Support and a good plan we could do this one though!
If we left Queenscliff on the flood tide we could drift down past the seals at Chinmans Hat and then on to South Channel Island. I think I can still get the keys to explore the underground tunnels have a bit of a BBQ while waiting for the tide to turn then make the run back.
Would be a great summers afternoon jaunt.
Phill
Sparks idea for the Lonny to Queenscliff Run sounds like fun on the flood for sure, same principal as my idea to South Channel Island.
We used to do commercial tide dives the same way using a drifting buoy line, just hang on and let the current take you.
As long as you word up the coast guard etc and they know whats happening you wouldnt get hasseled it would be a hoot.
Phill
Then of course there is the infamous corsair rock..
Agree about the queenscliff cut, it runs at 8knots
both directions with only a short break. Scary enough
in a big boat. actually further north around st leonards etc.
would be o.k. with current running towards queenscliff
IMO.
South Channel back to Queenscliff in a summer easterly would be very good. The problem with paddling both ways is the potential for a head wind in either direction.
Or vice versa in a winter WNW.
Thanks for even more ideas !
Unless someone offers to take you in their boat
against the wind.
But with all this talk you do realise these are shipping channels
and big ships too...........
Simon if we pick the right day we can just use the tide.
If the wind comes up thats what the water support is for.
or half the crew paddles drifts down and the other half paddles drifts back
about 12ks each way.
Phill
