kayak TOURS in melbourne and victoria: School outdoor education
Sea kayaking is a unique aquatic activity that is well suited to years 8 to 10 outdoor education programs, VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies, VET Certificate in Outdoor Recreation or the Duke of Edinburgh award. Whether it be day trips or 8 day expeditions, the choice is yours!
The experience
Students undertaking a sea kayaking expedition will experience a physical and emotional journey through the natural environment. Because students are undertaking a water based activity, the ecology of the area will be seen from a different perspective. Sea eagles, dolphins, seals, wallabies and many other creatures may be observed at close range.
There are important group dynamics and processes for students to experience and learn from which are occurring continuously throughout the trip. These include issues such as weather suitability, group speed and morale, group combinations, daily destination goals, management of water and food, etc.
At the end of the day, the group disembarks from their kayaks and sets up camp at remote and beautiful places. There is normally time to relax here, discuss the day or explore the hinterland.
Our expeditions provide an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of their relationship with the land, including indigenous cultures. Environmental impacts, changing perceptions of what is a “resource” and ecological sustainability may also be explored.
Students may also gain a greater understanding of themselves and others.
The kayak
The ocean going high performance double sea kayak (the Pittarak) forms the basis of our fleet. This elegantly crafted sea kayak is designed by Larry Gray to provide a fast, responsive kayak for paddlers of all skill levels. Its high bow slices cleanly through rough seas while its low profile in the water provides excellent stability and control in a wide variety of sea conditions. The distance between the cockpits allow for effective control when in wild windy conditions. The rear paddler can easily reach the main vantage points of the kayak for over all control. The front paddler is positioned to allow maximum control of the bow. The double is famous for its stability in rough conditions and the ability to roll up if capsized. Uncompromised strength in construction provides long term durability and confidence in extreme conditions. Innovative deck and cockpit configuration provides comfort and functionality for the paddlers on extended journeys.
PITTARAK DOUBLE SPECIFICATIONS Length (with rudder): 6600mm Beam (midway between the cockpits): 650mm Weight (complete fit out): 38kg Height to bow: 505mm Hatch type: Highest grade “Valley” rubber hatches Front hatch (size and capacity): Round—18.5mm and 60L Day hatch (size and capacity): Round—18.5mm and 24L Rear hatch (size and capacity): Oval—410mm x 225mm and 95L
Pittarak double sea kayaks have been deliberately chosen to promote team work and to allow for different levels of fitness and ability to be spread throughout the group, ensuring optimum stability and speed.
There are single “Penguin” or “Tasman Express” sea kayaks for the teachers.
Trip development
Sea Kayak Australia has been operating all year round with schools for the last ten years. As weather and safety are the two main concerns when working on the sea, we believe in kayaking only in areas that offer good weather options or that can utilize the conditions to enhance the experience. If an open ocean area is chosen for a school expedition, there is a slight chance that the trip may need to be modified or cancelled due to poor weather. In the event of SKA canceling a trip, all monies will be refunded.
SKA offers a range of services from introductory days through to month long expeditions. When developing a school program, we work closely with the school to determine the following:
1. What does the school require?
2. What are the desired main learning outcomes?
3. Which body of water is most suitable for the group and time of year?
At SKA we believe that learning is most effective in a safe, enjoyable and challenging environment.
Docklands and Yarra River Historically, the Yarra River was the lifeblood of the city of Melbourne. The old docks, boats and bridges as seen from a kayak...more
Novice
years 9 to 12
9:30am to 3:00pm
12
All kayak equipment and kayak guide
$70
per student
St Kilda to Port Melbourne St Kilda is protected from most wind directions and thus is ideal for skill development and as a starting point... more
Novice years 9 to 12
9.30am to 3:00pm
12
All kayak equipment and kayak guide
$70
per student
Sorrento to Portsea Sorrento and Portsea are both historical seaside holiday resorts endowed with maritime and early settlement history... more
Glenelg River This river winds 400km to the sea through a huge variety of flora and fauna. In the area kayaked it has carved out caves to explore... more
Lake Tyers The area kayaked is from Nowa Nowa township, down the Nowa Arm and into Lake Tyers and the sea. Part of Lake Tyers is an ... more
Novice
years 9 to 12
3 days
12
All kayak equipment, camp fees and kayak guide
$70
per student
per day
Sapphire Coast (Eden) This journey is a stunner! This section of coast offers warm water with superb scenary, abundant aquatic life... more
Intermediate years 10 to 12
5-7 days
12
All kayak equipment, camp fees and kayak guide
$90
per student
per day
Whitsunday Islands The two islands that are mostly paddled by sea kayak are the Whitsunday and Hook. These islands are paradise! Thre are reefs... more
WHAT IS THE EXPEDITION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?
— Determine expedition goals
— Determine student numbers
— Assess student’s skill level
— Determine expedition days
— Determine expedition location
— Determine teacher’s kayaking skills
— Schedule training day
— Schedule briefing session (if no separate training day)
— Pay deposit
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE SEA KAYAK BRIEFING SESSION?
— The briefing session takes place about 1-2 weeks before the actual expedition.
— The briefing goes for about 45-60 minutes.
— A double sea kayak is brought for students to sit in and inspect.
— Students are shown how to pack. Download our fact sheet for more information.
— The student’s checklist of things to bring is discussed.
— The trip route is discussed.
— What to expect and what might be seen is discussed.
DO YOU HAVE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Yes, SKA has cover for up to 10 million from QBE Insurance and a copy can be provided on request.
DO PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF PARTICIPATING STUDENTS HAVE TO COMPLETE AN INDEMNITY FORM?
Yes, as a requirement of Sea Kayak Australia’s insurance obligations, an indemnity form must be signed by the parent/guardian of the participating student.
DO YOU HAVE A SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN?
Yes, SKA has a safety management plan and that can be made available on request.
WHAT SAFETY EQUIPMENT DO SKA STAFF CARRY?
— First aid kit
— EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
— Flares
— 27 Meg or VHF radio
— Mobile phone and spare batteries
— Tool kit
— Torch
— Tow line
— Break down paddle
— Spare clothes and food
IS THE EQUIPMENT MAINTAINED?
All equipment is checked at the completion of each trip and fixed before the commencement of the next trip. A logbook records all items to be repaired and date repairs completed. At the start of each season all equipment is overhauled and, if necessary, replaced. SKA staff carries a repair kit on all expeditions.
HOW ARE DAY AND EXPEDITIONS ROUTES SELECTED?
All expedition locations and routes have been selected as they have been proven to be and good mix of adventure, environmental learning and safety. Trips can, however, be modified to suit.
SHOULD THE SCHOOL UNDERTAKE A TRAINING DAY BEFORE THE EXPEDITION?
It is strongly advised that students undertake a pre expedition. This will ensure that students are mentally and physically prepared for the forthcoming trip. This also ensures that students get away on the first day rather than camp at the starting point where there may be distractions.
WHERE ARE TRAINING DAYS HELD AND ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES? Training days are held on the Yarra, St Kilda or Phillip Island. Other locations will be considered such as lakes and rivers for schools in a more rural location.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE TIDE OR WEATHER IS UNFAVOURABLE?
Occasionally starting points may be altered due to tide or wind constraints. The new starting point will however be located in the expedition area. This will occur one to two days warning prior to the commencement of the expedition.
DOES THE SCHOOL TEACHER NEED TO BE COMPETENT AT KAYAKING?
If the teacher is to be included as part of the student to kayaking staff ratio, they do need to be competent in kayaking. The teacher must be able to roll and, naturally, kayaking qualifications would be also be a bonus. SKA has the right to assess these teachers and either train them or to employ another kayak specialist with these costs being passed onto the school.
SHOULD THE TEACHER BE RESTED BEFORE DRIVING BACK TO HOME?
Travelling back from an expedition should be undertaken by a rested teacher or commercial bus driver.
HOW IS THE CAR OR BUS SHUTTLE ARRANGED?
At times the schools bus (12 or 22 seater) may be used in the car shuttle to ensure the kayak trailer and student transport is situated at the end point (e.g. Gippsland Lake, Westernport, Port Phillip and Croajingolong expeditions). The school bus must have tow ball and a 12-volt battery. People employed in the bus shuffle will always have a heavy vehicle driver’s license.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD STUDENTS BRING?
Please see our equipment list.
SHOULD THE STUDENT’S EQUIPMENT BE CHECKED?
For longer expeditions, it is essential that the teacher sight all equipment on the equipment list. Despite the relatively mild weather conditions on the east coast, the combination of wind and wet can chill quickly. The most important items to check are the waterproofs and warm clothing. To keep equipment dry, a roll of garbage bags per boat is advisable.
DOES THE EQUIPMENT LIST VARY IN A WARMER CLIMATE?
The checklist supplied to the students is adequate for long and short expeditions. For tropical trips, a long-sleeved cotton shirt is a good idea.
WILL STUDENTS GET SEASICK?
This is not to be underestimated! If participants are not experienced ocean travellers it is almost essential for them to bring some form of anti seasickness preparation for the early part of the trip.When planning food, it would be advisable to pack relatively light and bland breakfasts. Small snacks to munch along the way are also helpful.
SHOULD STUDENTS BRING A THERMOS?
A thermos full of your favourite hot drink per boat is a real lift for lunch at seas or when you first hit shore after a long day.
ARE MAPS PROVIDED?
Teachers and students leading will be provided a laminated map.
WILL MEDICAL FORMS BE CARRIED ON THE TRIP?
SKA staff will make themselves aware of any serious medical conditions a student may have and ensure the school teacher has a copy of all student medical forms while on the expedition.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IF STUDENTS NEED EVACUATING?
If a student should need to be sent home for any reason, SKA propose the following procedure;
a) Contact the school representative.
b) Our contact person would collect the student and liaise with the school representative to establish suitable flights/transport arrangements.
HOW MUCH WATER NEEDS TO BE CARRIED PER STUDENT?
This does depend on how many water collection points are on the expedition and the length of the expedition. However each participant needs to supply a minimum of 2 x 4 litre wine casks or plastic bottles. In addition 2 x 1 litre water bottles.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD SHOULD STUDENTS BRING?
Refer to attached
HOW DO I BOOK WITH SEA KAYAK AUSTRALIA?
Download the booking form here.
THE SECONDARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK
Should you want more details regarding our service to Secondary schools, please contact us and ask for the Sea Kayak Australia Secondary School Handbook.
HOW ARE STUDENTS CHARGED?
Students are charged per head per day. Teachers are not charged per head.
All teachers will be charged for the Whitsunday Island trip because kayaks are hired from a local operator and thus overhead costs need to be included.
CATERING COSTS
To minimize cost and develop the participants’ self reliance, food and general camping gear are not supplied.
KAYAK EQUIPMENT COSTS
— All kayaks and specialist paddling equipment are supplied by SKA and included in the cost.
— Spray jackets may be hired form SKA at a cost of $5 per student per day.
INSTRUCTION COSTS
All instruction and guiding is included in the cost.
BRIEFING SESSION COSTS
A 1 hour briefing session is included in the expedition cost however schools more than 100km from the centre of Melbourne will be charged $150.
CAPSIZE DRILL COSTS
If a pre expedition training day is not undertaken by the school then a compulsory capsize drill must be undertaken by the students at the ocean or pool closest to the school for a cost of $200 (2 hour session).
PERMITS AND FEES
All camping and permit fees are included in the cost unless specialised accommodation is required. “Base” camp caravan park fees are not included in the costing schedule.
ACCIDENTS, RESCUES AND FLY OUTS
All boat rescues, fly out costs, transport costs and medical/hospital fees associated with sickness, injury or misbehavior will be borne by the school/student.
TOUR COSTS (Cost are calculated on booked numbers and all prices are GST inclusive)
SKA staff are calculated at a ratio of 1 sea kayak guide to 6 double sea kayaks. The supporting school teacher(s) must be proficient at sea kayaking otherwise additional SKA staff will need to be employed and thus additional costs.
The costs below reflect the case when supporting teachers are proficient at sea kayaking.
— HALF DAYS (MELBOURNE METRO) Yarra: $45 per student, St Kilda: $50 (min 12 and max 24 participants)
— DAY TRIPS (MELBOURNE METRO): e.g. Port Melbourne to Williamstown, Docklands and Yarra River: $70 per student (min 12 and max 24 participants)
— DAY TRIPS (VICTORIAN COASTAL) : Sorrento, Phillip Island, Geelong, Corner Inlet: $80 per student (min 12 and maximum of 24 participants)
— EXPEDITIONS ON SHELTERED WATERS: $70 per student per day (min 12 and maximum of 24 participants)
— EXPEDITIONS ON OPEN WATERS:Wilsons Promontory East Coast: $85 per student per day, Sapphire Coast: $90 per student per day, and Whitsunday Islands: $100 per student per day. Based on a minimum of 12 participants.
WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCEDURE?
— Schools need to complete a booking form detailing; location, dates, number of students, etc (forms will be provided to schools).
— Fees will be charged according to the number of students booked rather than the actual attendance which could vary according to sickness, activity incompatibility, study commitments etc. It is the schools’ responsibility to fill vacancies.
— A booking is confirmed once a deposit of 30% of the total fee is received with the balance due at the completion of the expedition trip. For a day trip a booking is confirmed when 100% of the fee is received.
If a deposit is not received four months prior to an expedition departure it will be assumed that the booking has been cancelled. For day trips if the total fee is not received 2 month prior to the day of departure it will be assumed that the booking has been cancelled.
