Berri Kayaking Group
The Berri Kayaking Group is underway for the 2019 2020 Season, from October to April. Who is feeling keen?
Who are we?
Berri Kayaking Group (organized by Canoe Adventures – Riverland) is a bunch of friendly people who enjoy getting out on the water to enjoy the scenery and get a bit of casual exercise.
When does Berri Kayaking Group meet?
We hold paddling trips
• weekly during term time, during daylight savings, on Thursdays at 5:25pm, getting off the water at approximately 7pm.
• irregularly during non-daylight savings at different times on the weekend.
How fit do I need to be?
We can accommodate any fitness level. Faster people, who want to push themselves harder than everyone else can simply kayak past the exit point and then return to the exit point at the designated time. If your aim is more for a leisurely trip, that’s fine too. Our routes are selected so that they can be completed in an hour and a half by a person of slightly-below-average fitness
Do I need my own kayak?
Most of our participants hire kayaks from us at the special rate of $35 for a single kayak or $25.00 for a seat in a double kayak – and you don’t need to supply the other person for the double – there’s always someone willing to team up. (prices correct at 22/2/23)
OR you can bring your own kayak. $10 covers co-ordination and logistics, such as getting you and your kayak reunited with your car, at the end of our one-way trips.
How do I get involved in the Berri Kayaking Group?
Give Kym a ring on 04211 676 45 and he’ll set you up on our text message booking system. We’ll text you a reminder each week, telling you where to meet (as it changes frequently throughout the season.) It is important that all bookings or cancellations are texted in before 3pm as we don’t want to either not have enough kayaks, OR have too many, and have to leave them unguarded on the riverbank.
There is a facebook page for the group called “Berri Kayaking Group” This just gives a bit of extra information. Please note that it is NOT necessary to join the Berri Kayaking Group facebook group, and please don’t communicate bookings through facebook.
What does the Berri Kayaking Group run?
We meet at the texted location at 5:25pm sharp, and finish at 7pm.
The route varies week by week: Sometimes we start at the meeting location and paddle to somewhere else and then transport you back to your car; sometimes we transport you to somewhere else and then paddle back to our cars; sometimes we start and finish at the same spot. Weather (mainly wind) plays a part in the decision of where to paddle.
Once we’re at the beginning of the trip we collect payment (correct change is appreciated, if possible), fit PFDs (Personal flotation devices – or “life jackets” – though technically they’re not life jackets) make sure your footrests are on the right setting for you, give a safety briefing and quick,basic instruction to first-timers, let you know where we’re headed, and set off.
People generally go at their own speed, spread out along the right-hand side of the river – with the option of going on further than the end, and then making sure you head back to the end by 7pm.
We aim to always have one confident paddler at the end of the string of paddlers. Unfortunately we’re not mind-readers, so if you’re wanting more detailed instruction, or wanting the confidence of having our qualified kayaking instructor Kym next to you, PLEASE let us know.
I am larger than average. Will I fit in a canoe and life jacket?
Our lifejackets are sized up to XXXL with kayaks/canoes to match. If you have special needs, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Will I get wet?
Our kayaks have been selected because they are all very stable. Capsizing is a rare event, but is possible.
Also – some people’s unique paddling styles do splash enough water to get clothing wet. On cooler days we recommend having a change of clothes in your car, just in case. Please make sure that any valuables (phones, car keys etc) are stored in waterproof bags AND secured to the kayak. We have dry bags available for purchase.
What should I wear?
We suggest beach shoes and sun-smart styles. Synthetic fabrics are best for cooler weather. Keep the natural fibres for the heat. Don’t forget your sunnies, hat and sunscreen.