I'm planning to do the Phillip Island crossing this Wednesday (July 23)..The high should be straight over us and it should be fine and calm.

I was hoping JB could join me but he has work comitments..I'm happy to do it alone but just thought I'd ask if anyone would like to join me.

I still plan to do a big group paddle with everyone but I just thought I'd suss things out first..See how long it takes..and see how much room there is on the ferry.

Fingers crossed..

DJ

Hi Jonathan...At this stage my plan is to be Stony Point by 7.30am to catch the 8am ferry across to Cowes..I think it's low tide at 930am so we have the current to our favor..and doing it Wed will mean a light southerly (tail wind)..Waiting till Thur/Fri will mean a possible North wind (head wind).

Once at Cowes maybe wait for things to warm up a little and grab some breaky and then head off about 9.30-10am..I'm thinking a few hours max paddling time..Maybe four hours..of so breaking it up into two two hour sessions would be better...I really don't know how long it will take that's why I want to do it before we do it as a big group..That way people will know what they're in for.

My plan was to paddle across to French Island going past Tortoise Head..and then along the shore on French island to the Tankerton pier..and maybe rest there for 10-15 minutes before paddling straight across to Stony Point.

Doing it this way would mean paddling across the channel twice..So maybe (depending on the weather and wind) going straight across to Sandy Point then along the coast would be ok.

Both ways would be about the same total distance but the second may be safer..I'm also not sure about the prohibited area on sandy Point so we may not be able to have that half way rest stop doing it that way.

It would be great if you could join me because if I get taken by a great white someone needs to be able to tell the story..

If you want to come I'm flexible to fit in with you..I've taken the day off work to do it.

DJ

I think you're right Oliver..Going straight across to Sandy Point will send us across the bomies..

Sandy Point is a restricted area I don't think they will have barbed wire or land mines on the beach to stop us going ashore..

DJ

I was going to..but I think you're right.

It will be a very early start to get down to Stony Point by 730am.

I think we should pass on tomorrow nights paddle and get an early night.

DJ

Hey just curious... how far offshore will you be going?
Did you know its illegal to go more than 400m offshore without the proper safety gear?
Miller and I have already been stopped by the marine nazi's. We were over 2km offshore but they only stopped us within the 400m from the coast. They were going to give us a $300 fine each.
They told us we need to have a type A (I think) life jacket, An onshore and offshore flair kit (Thats 4 flairs) and an anchor. If you dont have any of these you need a support boat.
I tried googling it but couldnt find much info.
Anyway just though Id give you a heads up. Its may be different over there?

It turns out that I can't make it tomorrow. Bummer. Look forward to seeing the pics. Please make sure your camera battery is charged up DJ. Let's do the night paddle next week, if the weather looks ok.

Guys, check this out, it's the Marine Safety Victoria site, specifying the minimum safety equipment. Scroll down to the 'Kayak, canoe, raft and rowing boat' section.

transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety

For enclosed bays and estuaries, it looks like all you need are a type 1, 2 or 3 lifejacket, and a bailer or bilge pump. I think you can safely forget about the bailer or bilge pump!
I think a kayaking lifejacket is a good idea. Mine has handy pockets for munchies etc, and holds a water bladder.

For more than 2kms offshore coastal, you need a lot more gear - flares epirbs, compass etc.
Hope this helps.

I wonder what the definition of a 'raft' is, and whether it includes surfboards? I also wonder if there's a special category for Oliver's 'inflatable whore'.

They tried to say it was a surfboard and under this category its a no no
If it was me Id be taking a phone in an AquaPac just for safety. Who knows if one of you has a heart attack, or any other sickness out of the blue? Or God forbid a shark attack! Thats a long way offshore with no contact to the mainland. Good luck, stay safe and have fun. Wish I could come

Whatever you are doing tomorrow - it's going to be fun so there is no way it's going to be legal.

Greeny.... I was just looking at Rottnest Island - how far is that from the mainland - that could be a very good trip in the right conditions?

Rotto is about 19kms offshore.
Here is a video taken off the west end of Rotto

It's 6am on D day and I'm just about to head off..

It's freezing cold and the middle of Winter

DJ

Havent heard from him yet?

nice work gentlemen

DavidJohn said...

The waves at Pt Leo.

"WHATS THAT!? I WANNA RIDE THAT!" (quote from Jack McCoys SIKJOY vid)

Session said...

Well done guy's ,

What an adventure.....might have to join you all next trip.
Hey DJ how's your knee recovered ??
any more pics of your surf at Pt Leo , that wave looks perfect !

Rich

Thanks Rich...You'd love it..Would you use your Naish 10'6"? ..Next time we'll go over to French Island and explore there..I'll try and post the rest of my pictures today.

My knee is fine..Thanks for asking..Even after all this time it is still a bit sore when I'm trying to sleep on my side and my knees touch..It's right on that one spot.

I guess that's getting old for ya..

I can't wait to get out in the waves on my new Naish 11'4"..It looks beeeuuuteeefuuul..

DJ