The BIG River Paddle Trip

Another week in September means another trip. This time we go to the Big River, eastern part of Victoria for a paddle. As the uni is about three hours drive away from most rivers, this is how we usually transport them for our trips. Captions (canoe) on the top, kayaks (mostly Daggers) in the centre and the rafts at the bottom. The whole trailer is towed by our mini-bus.


Chucky had the most comfortable place on the bus. Got his own bean bag on top of the engine compartment to keep him warm. If he wants fresh air, he just climb over me to get towards the window and I will have to open for him. First class treatment for one of the lecturer cum driver's dog.


We started rafting on the first day on the river to have a good feel how it runs before we hop into the kayaks. The Big river is about a grade two on the average.


All of us took turns to be the guide and this is my crew...the talk and with little output kind!


I decided to try out the caption after getting bored with the kayaks after the first day. It was good fun and tricky to manoeuvre down the rapids. It requires longer time for it to react to the turnings. I capsized when going down the next rapid after this photo was taken. Cold man! Water temperature was below 10 degrees but thanks to the hand me down dry top from Chee Mun and Nam Jin, it was bearable. Thanks guys!


With one of the third year guys bringing us around.


Got a chance to try out my lecturer's playboat. It got me all excited cos it reacts really well with the slightest movement or stroke. I even brought it up river to run through some of the rapids again with it. Nothing really big but good fun!


Another group photo for yet another trip. This was more of an introduction to river paddling kind of trip. It seems being able to roll is a big thing among the ang mohs...


My new bus buddy on the trip back.