Thomson overnight whitewater trip

*Number of participants is limited based on leader availability and transport capacity*
**Trip is dependent on weather conditions and getting the peak of the environmental flow**

Trip Difficulty: Beginner rafting, intermediate kayaking
Trip location: Thomson River
Trip time: Depart Friday evening, return Sunday evening
Estimated trip cost: about $100-160 (including gear hire - depends on how expensive fuel gets)
Participant pre-requisites:

• All participants - you must be able to swim 50m in strong currents
• Kayaking specifically - have completed an intro to kayaking session, and be pretty independent on grade 2 rapids already

There is usually an environmental flow on the Thomson River around the ANZAC day weekend. Provided that the release occurs, and at a suitable level, we can do an overnight paddle down the Thomson River, which is one of the more remote rivers in Victoria, where there are several grade 2 and 3 rapids.  along the stretch, and lots of wilderness to enjoy.

The plan is that we will drive up to Bruntons Bridge on Friday evening to camp. We will then paddle down the river on Saturday and Sunday, before returning on Sunday evening. 

The camp on Saturday night is a rough bush camp on the sandbar on the riverbank, so please be aware of that if you want to sign up.

Car pooling will be arranged by the trip leader, you will be notified of this a few days before the trip.

Please be aware that as we will be camping out of the boats space will be limited, so you will need to pack lightweight hiking style gear, not bulky car camping gear, and there is a fair bit of gear that is needed, including

Paddling gear

• PFD
• CAG
• Wetsuit
• Helmet
• Raft and rafting gear will be provided - if you are kayaking then you will need to organise that gear yourself.

Camping gear

• tent - for friday night only (we will be using tarps on Saturday night)
• sleeping bag, mat and liner (will need to be waterproofed for the paddle)

Personal gear:

• thermals if you feel the cold - 2 sets is best
• wetsuit boots or old shoes to wear in the water  (closed toed full coverage) 
• a full change of clothes for in camp on Saturday night (needs to be waterproofed)
• a separate bag with a full change of clothes, shoes and towel to leave at the take out
• Water Bottle - river water can be boiled and used
• food for 2 days on the river (main meals and plenty of snacks) - dehydrated options are great
• stove and stove (shared where possible)
• garbage bags for camping gear and clothes prior to going into dry bags/barrels
• personal toiletries and medications

If you have any queries then please get in touch, and more info will be sent out closer to the trip.