Wednesday 1 January 2025 Bermagui River: A family paddle

 After a string of windy days the kayaking god came through and aligned the tide and weather to provide near perfect conditions for a paddle with the younger generations.

To avoid the potential boating chaos around the bridge we put in a kilometre upstream at the end of S River Road at the edge of the Saltmarsh.

A quick pause for a family photo, then around 8.45 we were ready to take to the water.

The high tide having not reached our launch site we floated the boats to the edge of the river and then climbed aboard and paddled across the river before heading upstream.

A few tips from L and the girls were paddling well and I.F was handling R's dagger with ease.

Halfway up and everyone is still smiling - a good sign.

We stopped for a 10 to 15min leg stretch at the old campground. Having worked out the kinks and being revived with a Caramelo Koala everyone was keen to continue our journey up river to the confluence of Coolagolite and Nutleys Creeks. After paddling up the long straight we turned the corner to see in the distance the little beach at the confluence full of campers and so pulled in at the corner for an early lunch.

Lunch eaten; N dozed in the sun, the kids swam, L and I lolled in the shade and Mum kept an eye on us all.

Another family pic and it was time to pack up and head for home.

A breeze had sprung up and for awhile it was hard to tell if the tide had turned.

Our worries that the kids might be getting tired were quickly allayed when the breeze died down and the chase was on for J, in Big Red now helmed by Mum, to reclaim her polaroid sunglasses from I.F in R's blue Dagger. Back and forth they went, zigzagging down the river, J paddling hard whilst simultaneously screaming for more effort from Mum. L and I were not only highly entertained, we were impressed a) by the paddling skills they had so quickly developed and b) by their stamina - tho' I did hold some fear for how Mum might feel later that night :) The chase went on sporadically for about a kilometre before the glasses were finally surrendered.

After a quick side trip into the hidden lagoon we paddled back down to the edge of the Saltmarsh to find it drained of water.  L having prepared for this walked back to the car and soon reappeared with some kayak trolleys and whilst the rest of use took the gear back he got 3 of the boats onto trolleys with the Dagger sitting on top of the Tarpon. All that remained was L's 17' Chinook which was carried all the way back by Mum and the girls. 

With everyone pitching in we soon had the boats loaded and tied down and then it was back to G&R's to unload R's gear and to sit on the verandah with a coffee and Panetone for a lovely chat and relax whilst soaking in the view.

Here is the Go Pro footage. Not my best effort, as L said during editing "you kept turning it off just when you should have been turning it on". Too true, plus half the time I couldn't catch up with the little blighters so for most of their appearances they are mere specs in the distance. Next time I'll endeavour for more concentration and better footage.

A big thank you to R for offering the use of of her paddling gear.

Trip Notes:

High Tide at Entrance: 9.51am 1.9m

Put In Take/Out: End of S. River Road

10.6km